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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive Book Giveaway-3 Winners!

It’s your Time to Thrive with these 101 inspiring stories about growth, wisdom, and dreams!

It’s your time to thrive — and these stories show you how! In Chicken Soup for the Soul:Time to Thrive you’ll learn how to take charge of your life, make time for what’s important, and do what’s right for you! These stories, from regular people who have taken control of their lives, show you how to do it yourself. Find new purpose, try new things, and take care of yourself, all while improving your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.

CSFTS Time-To-Thrive
You’ll read  stories about:

•  Making your own needs important again
•  Carving out time for work–life balance
•  Thriving on your own path
•  Reinventing yourself
•  Embracing adventure
•  Pursuing your dreams
•  Making time for relationships
•  Taking time for your passions
•  Learning how to say no
•  Learning how to say yes to the things that will make you thrive!

 

Enter Our Giveaway!

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of Time to Thrive. Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Do You Know What Happens If You Give A Mouse A Cookie?

He will probably want a glass of milk to go with it. If you and the special children in your life like the “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” Book, you will love what I am going to share with you.  You can own the new DVD “If you Give A Mouse A Cookie” that features 4 Classic Episodes from the iconic Reading Rainbow series.  Just released on May 12th this DVD is the First Reading Rainbow DVD from PBS Distribution.

“Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high…” is the opening to the instantly recognizable theme song for the iconic series READING RAINBOW. PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing four episodes from READING RAINBOW on the new DVDIF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE.” Since 1983, this beloved children’s television series has been bringing stories to life.

Reading Rainbow DVD

 

READING RAINBOW: IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE

Run Time: Approximately 120 Minutes

Format: DVD

READING RAINBOW aired on PBS from 1983-2009. Hosted by LeVar Burton (“Roots,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Perception”) for its entire 26-year run, the program encouraged a love of literature in millions of children and garnered more than 200 awards, including 26 Emmys and a Peabody Award.

READING RAINBOW has helped children build lasting relationships with books at home and in the classroom. The four episodes and books, featured in this DVD are “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” read by Beth Howland, “Owen,” read by Matthew Broderick, “Two Old Potatoes and Me,” read by Jordan Puryear, and “Mr. George Baker,” read by Wayne Brady.

Reading Rainbow Logo

DVD Stories:

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” – Reader: Beth Howland

One thing leads to another in this episode, with LeVar in a bowling alley, showing how certain actions lead to consequences. Included is a piece on an expert at domino displays and domino art. Beth Howland reads “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” the tale of a little boy who offers a cookie to a mouse, and all the events that occur afterwards as a result.

 Owen” – Reader: Matthew Broderick

It’s easy to get flashbacks while watching READING RAINBOW. Now it’s LeVar’s turn, as he gets in touch with visions of “his boyhood.” Matthew Broderick reads “Owen,” about a little mouse who’s very attached to his security blanket and doesn’t want to give it up, even if it means he will be teased when he starts school.

 Two Old Potatoes and Me” – Reader: Jordan Puryear             

Jordan Puryear reads “Two Old Potatoes and Me,” about a girl who works with her father to recycle two old potatoes by replanting them using the sprouts to grow a whole new crop of potatoes. LeVar, working with his daughter, is inspired to make a potato dish from a recipe in the book.

 Mr. George Baker” – Reader: Wayne Brady

Wayne Brady narrates the story of an elderly man who decides to go back to school to learn to read, even though he is almost 100, and his relationship with his young neighbor as they wait for the bus every day.

 About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs.  Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films, documentaries from award-winning series such as NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN MASTERS, NATURE, and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, dramas from MASTERPIECE, as well as films from independent producers and popular children’s programming.

Enter The Giveaway:

PBS Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a READING RAINBOW: IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE DVD . Thank you PBS Kids for the review DVD and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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How Grateful Children Thank & Praise Their Moms

Mother’s Day is bittersweet for me because in 3 days it will mark 10 years that I lost my mother on that very day. While I enjoy celebrating my motherhood with my family, there is always a huge part that is missing.  I know my mother would never want me to be sad so I try to stay happy and positive about the day.

A great book that has heartwarming and entertaining stories  by grateful children all in praise of their mother is Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks to My Mom.  This new book is filled with stories to brighten any mother’s day and show that kids were truly paying attention to their mom after all.  The book features country singer Jo Dee Messina’s own story about her mom! You will also find stories about the other moms in your life, step-mothers, grandmothers, in-laws and more.

CSFTS Thanks To My Mom Front Cover

 

CSFTS Thanks To My Mom Back Cover

This book makes a great gift for moms or for yourself.  101 stories of love, learning and gratitude fill the pages to give mom the praise she deserves. Children of all ages share their words of thanks in these 101 stories of love, learning, and gratitude to the woman they couldn’t have done without!

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks to My Mom . Thank you to CSFTS Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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“Guess How Much I Love You” Celebrates 20 Years-Easter Giveaway-3 Winners

I don’t know who loves the Guess How Much I Love You books more, my husband, myself or our kids.  This is one of our absolutely favorite books and it can actually make me tear up at times.  It so perfectly explains a parent’s love for their child.  No matter how much they love us, we love them more.  The beautiful illustrations and simple but endearing story makes it a timeless classic.

Guess How Much I love you book

Guess How much I love you page

This anniversary edition book is perfect to put in your baby or child’s Easter basket. You can print out a special Guess How Much I Love You Easter card your child can make HERE. For more fun check out this PAGE for lots of Guess How Much I Love You theme crafts, activities and snacks!  To celebrate the 20 Year Anniversary of Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratneyCandlewick Press is graciously sponsoring a giveaway for 3 lucky blog readers!  Each winner will win the prize pack below! Thank you Candlewick Press for the review book and for sponsoring this beautiful giveaway!  To enter please use the Rafflecopter widget. Open to US residents.  Good Luck!!!

Giveaway Prize Pack:

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Guess How much I love you outstretched image

 

Guess How Much I Love You 20th Anniversary Prize Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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“Waggers” Book Blog Tour

Waggers_Blog_Tour

 

Waggers by Stacy Nyikos

Waggers is so lucky to be adopted by a great family.  He tries to behave and be good but he is just so excited all the time and when he gets excited he has a tail problem.  His tail goes crazy!  You might wonder what harm could sweet Waggers tail do, his family is about to find out.  In the kitchen, baking cookies, it just smells so good and Waggers tail goes crazy and the dough hits the ceiling.  Unfortunately that is not the only mishap.  When Waggers is helping the kids defeat the monster in the living room, the sofa does not escape unharmed.  Out in the garage it is not any better, Waggers excitable tail scrapes off the paint on te car!  Mom and Dad are starting to wonder if their home is the right place for such an excitable pup.  Is it the end of the line for Waggers or is there a way the family can stay together?  You will just need to pick up a copy and find out.
waggers

 

 

About Stacy Nyikos

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Stacy Nyikos is the award-winning author of many mischievous books for children. She’s not sure how that happened. She didn’t get into trouble as a child. Well, if you don’t count borrowing sandwiches from her dad. He wasn’t eating them anyway. Stacy holds an MFA in Writing for Children at Vermont College, which she didn’t borrow. They gave it to her. Really. Ask her kids. Or her dog. Just don’t ask her husband. He’s misplaced a few sandwiches. When she isn’t chasing stories—or sandwiches—Stacy can be found scribbling in the wilds of Oklahoma. She is currently working on a new adult novel about her grandfather’s adventure canoeing from Indiana to New Orleans – over 2,000 miles of paddling – in 1939.

 


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Chicken Soup for the Soul: “The Cat Did What?” Review & Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

csfts new logo

Cats some people love them and some people are not cat people or at least they don’t think they are until they become an accidental cat lover.  That’s just one of the 101 amazing stories  of magical moments, miracles and mischief in The Cat Did What?  from Chicken Soup for the  Soul.  The book is filled with stories of all kinds.  Stories that will make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye and have you shaking your head.  I loved the story of  how a new kitten rescued  to comfort a 12-year-old cat who was incredibly lonely after losing her long time feline companion.  The new kitten and then adult cat wanted nothing to do with the ailing cat but at the end of her life, this cat called Murray became a different cat and laid with the older cat, comforted her and stayed with her the whole day.  After she died he never showed that side of him again.  That was a very emotional story but there are stories to make you laugh and nod in agreement as well.

If you have a cat or animal lover on your holiday wish list you may wish to check out this book for them.  Mommy Ramblings is adding it to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.  

The Cat Did What

Our feline friends constantly surprise and charm us with their silly antics, their loving connections with our family members, and their surprising intelligence. You will enjoy reading all the 101 amazing and humorous stories in this collection about the mischief, miracles, and magic our cats bring to our lives. This collection will make you laugh and touch your heart and after reading these stories we know you’ll say, “The cat did what?”  You can purchase this book on Amazon.com.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Three lucky blog readers will win a copy of The Cat Did What?  Thanks to CSFTSP for the review book and for sponsoring this Purr-Fect giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US Residents.

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Draw-A-Saurus Drawing Book By James Silvani Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

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My seven-year-old loves drawing and he’s really becoming quite the artist.  He was thrilled to see Draw-A-Saurus arrive.  A quick scan of  the pages filled him with inspiration to create.  I have no doubt our home will be filled with his dinosaur drawings and I am sure his little brother will be trying his best to follow right along.  If you have a dino-loving artist in your home or on your gift list this holiday season, this book would be the perfect fit!  Mommy Ramblings is adding Draw-A-Saurus to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.  Keep reading to see how you can win a copy in our giveaway.

This in-depth yet accessible dinosaur drawing guide combines humor, creativity, and the latest dino research to show artists young and old how to breathe life into drawings of their prehistoric favorites. 

Draw A Saurus Book mR
Prehistoric Pencil Power!
Even though they lived some 65 million years ago, dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles continue to rule today. From movies to comics and cartoons, these ancient, giant beasts are everywhere you turn. Of course, who wants to just read about or watch these dinos when you can learn how to use pencils, pens, markers, and more to draw your very own?

Cartoonist James Silvani combines easy-to-follow art exercises with the latest, greatest dino-facts to help you create fun and cool dinosaur doodles all by yourself. With lessons on old favorites like T-rex and stegosaurus, as well as lesser-known (but still awesome) creatures like the massive argentinosaurus, Draw-a-Saurus has everything the dinosaur fan could ever ask for (outside of their very own pet dino!).

Of all the creatures to walk the earth, nothing captures the imagination and fascination of children (and children at heart) quite like dinosaurs. Even though they lived 65 million years ago, dinosaurs are morepresent than ever in movies, comics and cartoons. Draw-A-Saurus takes readers on a pre-historicadventure, giving expert lessons on drawing their favorite dinosaurs.An accomplished cartoonist that has worked for Disney, Marvel, and Dreamworks, James Silvaniknows how to break down these complex creatures into easy, step-by-step lessons that make drawingthese colossal creatures an accessible and fun activity.  Draw-A-Saurus is more than your average doodle book. Each dino-drawing lesson is accompanied by fun facts and the latest information on old favorites like T-rex and velociraptors, along with some less heard of (but equally awesome) dinosaurs like:
  • Struthiomius, who has a beak instead of teeth
  • Pteranodon, whose hands and fingers evolved into wings
  • Protoceratops, who was roughly the size of a sheep!
  • Argentinosaurus, the largest animal to ever walk the earth

With easy-to-follow art exercises that mix creativity with the latest dino-facts, Draw-A-Saurus has everything the dinosaur fan could ever ask for. 

JAMES SILVANI is an artist and illustrator and has drawn characters for Disney, Warner Bros.,Dreamworks, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Comics. Currently he is a comic book illustrator for titles likeDisney’s Mickey MouseDuckTalesDarkwing Duck, and The Muppets. Silvani has drawn dinosaursand other prehistoric beasts since childhood, and now puts those skills to use in art workshops atlibraries, schools, and comic book conventions. Silvani is a resident of Kihei, Hawaii.

Would you like to win a copy?  Random House is sponsoring a giveaway and one lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Draw-A-Saurus.  Thank you Random House for the review copy and for sponsoring this dino-riffic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Chicken Soup For The Soul: Reboot Your Life Book Review & Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

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Are you feeling a bit down, need something to change?  Do you want to go in a different direction?  We all fall into ruts at times, with our jobs, our relationships, our lives.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Reboot Your Life will inspire, invigorate, and empower you to break out of your rut. With its powerful stories of taking chances, positive life changes, and finding new paths to happiness, you will be inspired to find the courage to reboot your own life!  The book is packed with  101 inspiring personal stories of change that will motivate and encourage you to find your own new path to happiness.

csfts reboot your life book

Every chapter begins with a motivational quote about rebooting or changing what you don’t like in your life.  As you read the stories of people who began again even when most people would feel it is too late, you will be cheering for them and left with a healthy dose of inspiration for whatever course you wish to navigate.  You can purchase this book on Amazon.com and you can read the first several chapters there as well.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of Reboot Your Life!  Thank you to Chicken Soup for the Soul for sponsoring this great giveaway and for the review book.  Open to US residents.  Good Luck!!!

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: “The Dog Did What?” Book Review & Giveaway!!!

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Are you a dog person?  Do you have one or more family members with four legs?  Do their antics and abilities amaze you?  If so you will love The Dog Did What?  This new book from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing contains 101 Stories of Magical Moments, Miracles and Mayhem!  The book features a forward from Miranda Lambert.  You are sure to recognize your own dog(s) in this entertaining collection of stories about our best friends who save lives, help heal their human companions with an uncanny sense of intuition, goofy dogs and of course those bad, bad dogs!

CSFTS The-Dog-Did-What

The Dog Did What back cover

There is a special emphasis on the benefits and joys of adopting abandoned and rescue dogs!  The stories are sure to put a smile on your face, make you laugh out loud and even tear up a bit as you see your dog in a whole new light.  The royalties from this book support the American Humane Association.  Consider giving it as a gift to a dog lover and it truly becomes a gift that keep on giving to help dogs in need.  You can purchase on Amazon.com.

Chicken Soup for the Soul is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of The Dog Did What?  Thank you to Chicken Soup for the Soul for the review book and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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“NEST” By Esther Ehrlich–Book Giveaway!!!

                                                                             Pen ran

NEST by Esther Ehrlich

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Debut author Esther Ehrlich delivers a poignant and genuine middle-grade novel NEST (Wendy Lamb Books / On sale September 9, 2014 / $16.99 US / Ages 8–12), a memorable story about a girl, a tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship.

 

It is 1972. Home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein; her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes. Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.

 

Esther Ehrlich’s lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish NEST, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.  READ The first 59 pages of the book HERE by clicking Look Inside.image003

 

«A stunning debut, with lyrical prose and superbly developed characters, this novel is an emotional roller coaster that effectively conveys a family’s visceral tragedy.” —School Library Journal, Starred

 

«Ehrlich’s novel beautifully captures the fragile bond shared by Chirp and Joey and their growing trust for each other in a world filled with disappointments and misunderstandings.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred

 

«A poignant, insightful story of family crisis and the healing power of friendship.”Kirkus Reviews, Starred

 

Ehrlich writes beautifully, constructing scenes with grace and layers of telling detail and insight.”The Horn Book

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a copy of NEST!  Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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