Arbordale Publishing's Summer Reading Program

This summer Gianna and I have been participating in Arbordale Publishing's Summer Reading Program featuring 25 of their ebooks which they have provided to families to read this summer FREE of charge. She is enjoying reading the stories and I will let her pick the book she wants to read next. Usually she will pick the same one over and over and then I will pick one or two that I want to read. We've been reading the books on my phone and always get an error message that my phone screen is not compatible - but I can click on the OK and still read it aloud to her myself. The books feature animals, habitats and other nature things found around the world and many of the pictures have clickable sound links. Gianna has had a lot of fun touching the animals and listening to the sounds of the animals roaring, making unusual sounds like the clicking of a beetle or the purring of a Big Cat who wasn't made to roar (?!?). I had no idea that a zebra doesn't sound like a horse! and a Giraffe DOES make noise - I always thought they were silent!

They provide you with a Passport and Stamps that the kids (or you) can cut out and then the kids can paste them into their passport.  When your child has read all 25 books you can mail in their passport and your child will be sent a book of their very own to keep. 

So far we have read:
        

I also own several of these myself and it's been fun to listen to the noises and read them again!

It's NOT to late to join the Summer Reading Program: 
You can read them online or via their Book App. (See the note below)

*****NOTE*****

The Summer Reading Program takes a few clicks to find. You will click here and then you will click on the image that opens up. That will lead you to the Summer Reading Program.
Scroll down on the first page and you will find downloads for bingo, the passport and a link to crafts, etc on pinterest.

Who is Arbordale?
For those of you who aren't familiar with Arbordale - they publish fascinating storybooks (and ebooks) for kids 3+ that are based on the animal world and feature Math and Science concepts. Each book includes a 3-4 page bonus activity section at the end of the book and teachers, homeschoolers and parents with enquiring kids can find another 30 pages of FREE learning worksheets, activities and more online. I've worked with them for about 7-8 years and have we have loved all the books we've read. 

All of their books are completely vetted by teachers and all facts and information is accurate and up to date.

Linked up @:
  

Disclaimer: I wasn't asked to review this book nor compensated for the review. We read it as part of the Summer Reading Program that Arbordale offers. 

WIN 7 Fall Titles from Arbordale Publishing, 12/15, US

Welcome to the

'Tis The Season Giveaway Hop

Hosted by Planet Weidknecht

and LeahSay's Views!

From December 1-15, 2015, you can hop to each of the bloggers listed on the linky below and enter to win fabulous prizes on each blog. Prizes are worth a minimum of $25 each and if you're lucky enough, you could win them all!

I don't do many giveaways anymore and I'm very excited to be able to offer this AWESOME Prize during the Tis The Season Giveaway Hop! One very lucky winner will receive a FULL set of Arbordale's FALL Titles! That is 7 beautiful paperbacks with a delightful story as well as 4 pages of learning ideas in the back of each book and a full set of Teaching Aids online! You will receive:

Prize: 7 Fall Titles in Paperback from Arbordale Publishing, 

Value $69.65, Ends 12/15, US

Giveaway Rules: Please note - in order to be eligible to receive this prize if your name is drawn you must leave your full shipping address, phone number & email within the gadget on entry number 1. I and Arbordale are the only ones that will see this information and neither of us sell or use this information for anything except the delivery of your prize. If this information is not left in full on entry #1 then a new winner will be chosen. Thank you for understanding.

Entry-Form

Be sure to enter as many of these giveaways as you want. There are some good ones & like you I will be playing Musical Blogs for the next couple weeks! Good Luck!!!

Disclaimer: This giveaway has been sponsored by Arbordale Publishing for the Tis The Season Giveaway Hop and they are responsible for the delivery of the prize to the winner. Facebook and Twitter are not responsible and have nothing to do with this event. Thank you for reading and visiting GivingNSharing!

Linked up @ 
Friday Giveaway Linky
Thursday Tell All
Happy Winsday
Giveaways in Blog Land 
Giveaway Linky
Frugal & Fabulous (Tues)
Giveaway Linky by Country 
Contest Tuesday

6 weeks of Stocking Stuffers.... Week 2

Week 2 starts with a review of The Phoenix Files a book that is full of intrigue and mystery and kind of made me think of communes and teen angst and mischief. I'm not sure why....

The Phoenix Files: Contact (Book 1) 

by Chris Morphews

ISBN: 978-1610670913

$6.99 (paperback)

$6.99 (ebook)

About the book:

This electrifying, six-volume, alternating-narrator serial catapults the reader into a creepy, locked-down desert town, built by an all-powerful corporation whose plans threaten the future of the rest of the world.

Luke Hunter soon realizes that Phoenix is no ordinary town: no cars, no phone or Internet connection, and a private security firm on patrol. This is weird enough, but then he and his new friends learn that someone is plotting to wipe out the rest of the human race. The clock is ticking. Only 100 days until the end of the world.

My thoughts:

I've wanted to read this series ever since Usborne started carrying it. Many of you know I wasn't to crazy about the Conspiracy 365 series that came out a couple years ago. It's such a huge series to read - and I really like that that this series is complete in 5-6 novels. The perfect length for a series of books for the middle grade.

The Phoenix Files is a series of books based on 3 teens who (along with their parents) move to the brand new town of Phoenix. It's in Australia somewhere out in the bush (for you Americans it's in the middle of NOWHERE). The teens and families arrive in a military grade helicopter with the windows spray painted over so they couldn't see where they were going. They are encouraged to bring nothing but their suitcases - the Phoenix Group (their parents are working for) will supply everything else they will need. There is a Phoenix High School where our 3 new Teen Friends attend school (in matching grey pants, white shirt and red ties), the houses are all identical (including matching matching furniture all in shades of grey) and there are no motorized vehicles - that's right no cars, trucks (except the supply trucks) and guess what? There is no communication with the outside world - unfortunately Luke's Dad is part of the outside world after he and his mother divorce and it turns out Luke's family is the ONLY family unit without 2 parents.

So what happens when Luke and Jordan (the last 2 families to be chosen to arrive) each receive a USB with a cryptic label on it, meet a crazed man called Crazy Bill and start an investigation with their new pal Peter?

All I can say is that I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. The story gets kind of slow in the middle and I started wondering when the story was going to speed up some but the last few chapters of the book get very good and well, I finished this book sometime around 10 pm last night.

You can purchase this book and the other 4 books in this series by clicking on the following links. These links lead to a friend of mine's Usborne Books website & I know she would be happy to help you set up a Gift list or if you'd like to host a FB Book Party she can help you get lots of FREE books as well!

Book 1: Arrival
Book 2: Contact
Book 3: Mutation
Book 4: Underground
Book 5: FallOut
Book 6: Doomsday

Disclaimer: I was originally offered a copy of this book to read/review on CCB. This review is being moved to GivingNSharing and reposted for my readers here. I was not required to post a positive review and no $ exchanged hands. Thanks for reading GivingNSharing!

Linked up @:
Content in the Meantime

Classic Reading for Kids.... Stuart Little Review & Giveaway!

 

Stuart Little
by E.B. White (1899 - 1985)

Published by:

ISBN: 978-0064410922

Reading Level is Grade 4-6, 9-12 yrs, 131 pages

Purchase on Amazon for $5.99 here

About the book:

Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat. Though he's shy and thoughtful, he's also a true lover of adventure.

Stuart's greatest adventure comes when his best friend, a beautiful little bird named Margalo, disappears from her nest. Determined to track her down, Stuart ventures away from home for the very first time in his life. He finds adventure aplenty. But will he find his friend?

My thoughts: (note: links in this story are red/yellow)
It's not often a mouse is born into a house with a human mother, father and older brother. Nor can a mouse talk, brush his teeth, or drive a car. Stuart is a like-able character who seems to attract

Gypsy Knights Review & Giveaway for a Kindle Book!

Click above to follow the tour!

Gypsy Knights
by Two Brothers Metz
Kindle Price: $2.99 purchase
Published by LoudCloud Publishing

About the book:
Fourteen year old Durriken Brishen has lost his grandfather, his parents and though he doesn't know it, his culture's dangerous gift. Taken in and raised on the rails by a freight train engineer, Durriken has one remaining connection to his Gypsy roots, a small wooden box that hangs from the hammer loop of his overalls. The last gift he received from his grandfather, the box contains the world's first chess set. Gypsy Knights is the saga of Durriken Brishen and his quest to rediscover his past.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. It's fast paced, full of history and it was fun to "travel" with Durriken (Duri) and his friend Dilia. The book opens with the story of how Duri receives the chess set and the death of his parents. At first it's hard to know who everyone is because it jumps around some between years and individuals. You jump from his story, to

Don't Fret - here's your answer!

Important: I just found out that the comment form is not being made available to allow you to comment. I've gone in and manually changed my posts to allow comments on each post to the Seeds for Pups post which was marked to allow posts. Is anyone else having trouble with this? I've checked everything and even double checked my template to make sure that comments are allowed and it is.  Thoughts????




Do you have Tweens or kids who are quickly approaching their Tween years? If so you know how critical self esteem is at this tender age.

Unilever, the maker of Degree, Dove and Suave have put together some tips to help you help your little "stinker" along with a Facebook page that gives you expert advice, a "cool" product matchmaker to help you find the right deodorant or antiperspirant and more. Your kid will be Cool, Calm and Collected in no time!




Check out these helpful websites (click on the picture):
    

I was asked to post the above widget and links to this very helpful website and have been entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card through One2One Network. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Announcing Children's Book Week Event

Hi everyone - Mymcbooks and Family Literacy (my other blog) are putting together our very first real event together and we'd like to ask you to join us.... Even if you decide NOT to review a Children's or YA book would you consider helping us with advertising? We would  LOVE you forever if you do!

Please add this button and the link to your sidebar

(link to: http://ning.it/huxAjk)

1st Annual Children's Book Week Spotlight

Hosted by Mymcbooks & Co-host Family Literacy and You

Children’s Book Week – 2-8 May 2011

Each participating blog will host their giveaway. There is no requirement on the minimum or maximum value of your giveaway. It's up to you to decide. You can give away books or Amazon gift cards, or anything else you can think of that has to do with books. Your giveaway can be as simple or as elaborate as you want.

• All participating blogs will be linked up through a Giveaway linky. 
• We ask you to REVIEW and GIVEAWAY your favorite CHILDREN'S book or books (or a gift card to your favorite bookstore)

How can you sign up?

• The details and the linky are on my other blog .... Family Literacy and You

What can you do to help?

• Sign Up! and tell your friends!
• Post our handy little Children's Book Week button above on your sidebar in a prominent place.
• Tweet and share with your favorite Social Media program  =D

Here are some sample tweets....

• RT @familyliteracy Book Bloggers needed 4 #Children's #Book Week Spotlight May 2-8, Sign Up 4 Event @ http://ow.ly/4CbZC  

• RT @familyliteracy May 2-8, Children's Book Week Spotlight, #Giveaway #Meme, Sign Up 4 Event @ http://ow.ly/4CbZC 

• RT @familyliteracy May 2-8, #Giveaway Meme 4 Children's/YA Books, Sign Up 4 Event @ http://ow.ly/4CbZC  

Thanks so much for your help! I'll post some NEW Tweets next week for the actual event  =D

Monday Fun & Games:

  Welcome to my blog!
(Sorry the icon wasn't coming up correctly so it's not joining us today!)

1.  Do you eat Sushi?  NO!
2.  What kind of bath soap do you use?  I don't - use shower gel from Bath/Body Works
3.  How often do you talk to your Mom?  

     Maybe once a month, occasionally twice.  They're really hard to get ahold of.
4.  What TV shows do you watch on a regular basis?

     I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE - Criminal Minds, Blue Bloods, Numb3rs, & the Mentalist!
5.  Did you start Christmas shopping
     yet?  I'm more or less done.  I think I have a couple more and then I'm done.

How's that for short and quick?  LOL

Alright, I'm back.  I've been fighting this awful headache for almost 10 days and it really takes it out of me.  I think it's a sinus headache and most of it's gone - it's just sitting on my right side - ear, teeth and temple.  I've been taking this Pseudophedrine PE since Friday and it seems to do the trick for a couple hours at a time and then it all comes back.  BUT - it's not near as bad as Wed - Thursday.  According to the pharmacist at Wally-World something is going around and I think I caught it.

Other people here at work at getting the "something" that's going around too.  I think it's all John's fault! 

Anyway - the 12 Days of Christmas has officially started on my Holiday Traditions blog.  Don't miss out - if you sign up for my newsletter you get an extra entry for my Black Friday holiday kickoff!  Stop by in the morning and check out the FREE holiday music, children's books and the mega Holiday Sippers gift set I will be giving away that day. 

Giveaways you DON'T want to miss & some news too:

The Magic of Giving by Marc Dunston is a wonderful family book that teaches about compassion and sharing.  Drawing closes 11/19 around 10 pm.

Celebrate the Haul-idays with Chronicle Books!
Chronicle Books is giving away a $500 in Books to a lucky blogger and a matching set to their reader. I had so much FUN putting together a Family's Dream List of Books. Everything for kids of all ages and a few for me too! Drawing will take place 12/14 just in time for Christmas!

WIN a FREE Month of Kid-Friendly menu's! 11/19 - Low Entries as of now, you have a strong chance of winning this.  Actually everyone is a winner as the company is also donating a FREE week to everyone who requests it.  Ends 11/19 around 10 pm.

Thanks so much everyone for your wonderful support!  I've made some awesome friends in BloggyDom and have learned so much from you too!  See ya around!  Tina "The Book Lady"

Giveaway - Connectagons by Hearthsong.com

Our Winner is:  

 95 Debbie Following you on GFC

Debbie has been notified by email and has 48 hours to contact me back.  If I haven't heard back I will draw another winner.  Thanks for your patience!
________________________________________________

Hey everyone - it's Sunday and this weekend has gone WAY TO FAST!  But, I have a fun review and giveaway to share with you courtesy of Hearthsong!

Hearthsong sent a set of the original Connectagons which have 240 colorful octagonal wooden tiles which can be used to build up, out and around in a multitude of different shapes and designs using the 8 slits that are cut into the sides of the shapes.  They also sent me the Geometry Connectagons which are made up of 240 triangles, half circles and squares in bright pretty colors. Both sets have very bright colorful pieces and the designs the kids make are very beautiful.

There are many ways these could be used within the classroom for sorting, mapping, building, science and math skills.  You can work on patterning by designing rectangular cards and drawing around the pieces, an example would be:  square, circle (2 semi circles), triangle, square, circle, what comes next?  You can also use the original set and do the same with the various patterns on the pieces.  Be sure to have the kids match the actual pieces to the card - this helps them visually understand what they are doing.

For older kids who are interested in science, you can have them "design" different chemical patterns (gotta be creative and think outside the box here).  See if they can design different animals, etc.

This toy comes in a series of different themes:   Heart to Heart, Butterflies and Flowers,

The Connectagons come in a wooden box which is very hard to open.  There is an optional bag you can purchase if desired.  I'm planning on giving these to my niece Jenna (age 3 1/2 - 4 at Christmas) and nephew Brett (age 7).  I thought they would be a fun toy to play with on rainy days, sick days, times when it's necessary for a little quiet time (baby napping).  But I am planning on giving a rubbermaid container with the toys to store them in, the containers are just to difficult for kids to use - and I can't see the kids lining up the pieces so they all fit in.  The toy is for children 4+.

Wouldn't YOU love a set of these awesome toys for your home?  These would be a great gift for birthdays, your birthday closet, as a gift from Santa or Grandma and Grandpa.  There are a couple of ways you can get them!

1) Hearthsong has a great offer right now: Save $10.96! Connectagons Special includes Connectagons Set and Connectagons Geometry Set.  To order, click HERE

2) Hearthsong is giving away a set of the original Connectagons and the Geometry Connectagons.  Drawing will take place 9/19, US only please, 18 years and older.  Here are the details:

**Please do individual entries into the contest - if you get 2 entries, please put two individual comments**

Mandatory Entry:  (This MUST be done to enter the contest)
Go to Hearthsong's website and tell me something you learned about Hearthsong.  You can share their cancellation policy, a toy that you would love to own, etc.  Or if you've ordered from Hearthsong, give us a mini review of the toy/item you ordered.  1 entry

Options:
A) Follow Hearthsong on Facebook (1 entry=1comment)
B) Follow HearthsongToys on Twitter (1 entry=1comment)
C) Follow GivingNSharing on GFC, Networked Blogs (1 entry=1comment each)
D) Follow GivingNSharing on Twitter or Facebook  (leave your "handle" in your comment 1 entry=1comment each)
E) Tweet/post on Facebook one or both of these:
"I want to WIN a set of Connectagon's for my family! @ http://ning.it/a015pl, drawing on 9/19, US only"
"Connectagons are the perfect gift for kids! Giveaway at @ http://ning.it/a015pl, drawing on 9/19, US only"
 (Facebook - 5 entries, 1 time only / Twitter - 5 entries each time up to twice a day at least 4 hours apart)
 Please leave your tweet address - I do check before I email the winner!

Finally, check this out!

Enter Here

Disclosure: I received a set of the Connectagons and the Geometry Connectagons for review purposes. No other compensation was received, and opinions are completely my own.

Sneak Peek - your kids will NEVER forget this!

New release from Usborne Books and More Available September 15^th 

^{Host a Book Party in September and YOU can earn the NEW Twas The Night Before Christmas audio book FREE!  In addition, if you schedule and hold your show before September 30th, you get an extra $50 in books.  Minimums apply.}


Contact: Tina "The Book Lady" contact(dot)thebooklady(at)gmail.com

______________________________________________________

EasyLunchBoxes.com Review and Giveaway

*** Hi! I got the links for Easy Lunchbox fixed ***

This Giveaway is now closed!  9/6/10
Jamie #83 won our drawing:
Jamie will have 48 hours to respond or I will pick another.
Thank you Jamie!


I'd like to thank everyone for joining us.  It got a little competitive there at the end.  LOL =D

The Easy Lunchbox system is great for school, work, or travel.  The perfect size for kids and adults.  No BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead or vinyl and they are dishwasher and microwave safe.  The containers are very thick, light and the lids fit beautifully - great for Kindergarten teachers with 30 little kids asking her to open their lunches!  You can pack waste-free lunch boxes fast with our single-lid, 3-compartment, bento-style plastic food containers. These are affordable lunch box containers and cooler bags for work or school lunches. 


The Easy Lunchbox system is a Streamlined Solution for packing lunches, benefits adults who want to eat a healthy meal away from home, saves time!, is eco-friendly, saves space and the the cooler is so large you can fit up to 3 containers in it!  Perfect for clean eating, a day on the town or the park, or school.

What do you like to make for lunch?  

Here are some of our tasty meal ideas to inspire your culinary talents.  EasyLunchbox containers are perfect for packing yummy lunches for school, work, or travel. Pack up to 3 containers in one cooler for a day trip to the park or zoo!

Click on the photo to your left to get some great ideas for lunches or if you'd like other great ideas try the following links:

• Yummy Lunch Ideas
• Back to School Lunch Ideas - Print this chart out and post it for the kids to refer to for ideas.
• Snack Packs - now this is a great idea!
• Kid Friendly Snacks for Staycations or Vacations
• O'Boy Organic's Blog

The system comes in 2 parts: a set of lunch box containers (set of 4 w/ 4 different colored lids).  If you have 4 kids - each kid can have an assigned color so they always know which color box is theirs.

  

You will also want to use the specially designed cooler.  At $7.95 each, each child can have their own color - no more grabbing the wrong bag/lunch and then being disappointed about their lunch.  

Our vinyl-free insulated lunch bag (a roomy 9” x 6.5” x 6.5”) will easily hold your entire meal! Plenty of room for the container(s), a water bottle, ice block and an extra snack or two

There are 2 ways to get your HOT little hands on a Lunchbox System!  

Buy It: At $13.95 for these heavy duty, restaurant quality containers and $7.95 for your choice of 5 coolers ($22 for the set) this is a quality investment that will last you a long time and save you money in the long run.  Remember, they're dishwasher and microwave safe and perfect for everything from sandwiches to leftovers.

WIN It: EasyLunchbox.com has very kindly offered a set of lunch box containers and a cooler bag of your choice to one of my readers.  This is such a popular giveaway that I'm going to make you work a little for it.  The drawing will take place on September 5th at Midnight and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or I will draw another name.  To enter this giveaway be sure to do the Mandatory entry first - before you do any of the other entries - OH, and be sure to do individual entries - 3 entries=3 comments.  Thanks!

Mandatory Entries: (Both combined for 1 entry)
1.  Go to EasyLunchboxes.com and then come back and tell me something you learned.  Alternatively you can visit the Yummy Lunch Ideas and tell me what looks Yummy to you!
2.  Follow ME on GivingNSharing publicly on GFC (look on the right sidebar).  Thanks!


Optional entries:
{Go to Easy Lunchbox's blog and sign up for their newsletter.  It's packed with  recipe ideas, lunch making resources, product updates, and special offers for our valued customers! Come back and leave a comment that you have signed up.

{Follow Easy Lunchbox on Twitter. (Leave your twitter handle in your comment)
{Follow Easy Lunchbox on Facebook. (Leave your FB handle  in your comment)
{Follow Family Literacy on Facebook (family literacy).
{Follow Family Literacy on Twitter and leave this message.  (3 entries)      
" @familyliteracy WIN an Easy Lunchbox System at GivingNSharing, Ends 9/5, US only http://ning.it/9piPVx " (You can leave this up to 3 times daily for 3 entries each time)  Leave the link with your comment so I can track it.
{Follow GivingNSharing on Networked Blogs (look on the right sidebar).
{Tell me what color of cooler you would like if you win and who will use it.
{Add my button to your sidebar or my link to your blog roll - 5 entries! (right sidebar near the top)
{Add Easy Lunchboxes button to your sidebar and blog about this giveaway w/ a link to this page.  - 5 entries


Please note:

• Each entry requires a separate comment.
• Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.
• Giveaway ends on Sunday, September 5th, 2010.
• Winner will be selected by Random.org and contacted by email.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim your prize!
• Please do not enter this giveaway if you have won or received free product from Easy Lunch Boxes within the past 3 months.

Can't wait for the contest to end?  Click here to be re-directed to Easy Lunchboxes.com and order today.