Winter Reading 2020 When Kittens Go Viral

Most people have seen funny animal videos, and we all assume that the humans are catching their pets unaware. But what if communication were actually possible and the videos were the result of planning and cooperation between species? Darcy Pattison has conjured up a world where cats and humans can talk (thanks to a device similar to the dog collars in the movie "Up"). Now cats and their kittens can audition for parts in commercials and public service announcements, earning paychecks and being housed in apartments provided by the video cat companies in Kittywood. Angel and her siblings are determined to make it big in the videos so that they can win cash prizes and pay for their father's return flight home from France, but they have plenty of competition. And they must find their strength - are they comedic, charming, athletic, fashionable? The daily routine of the kittens is very similar to child actors - rehearsals, training, filming, costume fittings, etc.

This story of kitten video stars will be perfect for all those middle grade readers who enjoy animal stories with anthropomorphic characters.

Winter Reading 2020 Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four

Many of us learn about cases of injustice - a newspaper or magazine article, a news story on the TV or radio, or perhaps even a full-length book account. But how many of us actually get involved? Josh did. After reading about the Groveland Four in a college class, he actually began a campaign to have the accused men exonerated. His account of the process and the people he met along the way is an intriguing read. The details of his time with family members of the men, the many methods they used to spread the word of their efforts and garner support, and the reluctance by the governor's office to clear the men are all covered. The story will make you want to cheer for Josh and those willing to stick up for victims of injustice, and also want to give stubborn politicians a piece of your mind. The details of the original arrest will have you actually grinding your teeth in frustration and anger.

Those who become drawn in to the history of the Groveland Four may also want to read the book that originally inspired Josh, Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King. Mr. King was one of those who supported Josh in his quest for justice. If you would like to start the new year by finding inspiration in good deeds brought to fruition, then start with Accidental Activist.

I read a copy provided by the author for review purposes.

The Moon Show Giveaway Tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter for a chance to win Carmen Gloria’s The Moon Show!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of The Moon Show
• A Great Exploration 3-D Solar System set. Includes over 200 glow-in-the-dark planets and stars to hang from your ceiling

Two (2) winners receive:

• A paperback copy of The Moon Show

Giveaway begins January 8, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends February 8, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are eighteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.

Carmen Gloria  is responsible for prize fulfillment.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Moon Show

Written and Illustrated by Carmen Gloria

Publisher’s Synopsis: This is the very first children’s book that teaches kids about the moons to other planets in our solar system! Take a tour of our solar system with The Moon and meet his other moon friends on THE MOON SHOW. It also includes fun and positive messages for kids! Did you know that there are many other moons in our solar system besides our Moon? Perfect book for budding astronomy and space lovers! The first book in this Kid Astronomy series, Thank You Mercury!, is in the Best New Space Books 2019 list by Books Authority!

Ages 4+ | Uncommon Grammar | November 26, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1950767076

Available on Amazon https://amzn.to/2YlkKGq

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Carmen Gloria was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, now a veteran, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and International Politics from George Mason University. She was born in The Bronx, New York and moved to Puerto Rico at the age of ten. She is a member of SCBWI and is a writer, artist, award-winning actress, (experimental) short film writer/director, and even co-wrote two songs in the Billboard Dance and UK Pop charts (Emergency & Overload, as Carmen Perez). After moving to Norway in 2017, she decided to focus on creating art and writing/illustrating children’s books. She started with the Kid Astronomy Series, inspired by her love of space, and her mission to motivate kids to learn and empower them. The first book “Thank You, Mercury” made the Best New Space Books 2019 list by Book Authority.

OFFICIAL LINKS

www.carmengloriaperez.net | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR SCHEDULE

The Children's Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	January 8
A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com	January 8
Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/	January 8
Younger Family Fun	https://youngerfamilyfun.com	January 8
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	January 8
Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	January 8
Over Coffee Conversations	https://www.gmarciano.blogspot.com	January 9
Rosco's Reading Room	authorshanagorian.com	January 13
icefairy's Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	January 14
Barbara Ann Mojica's Blog	https://bamauthor.me	January 15
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	January 16

The Fairview Review is participating in this blog tour in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Carmen Gloria.

Winter Reading 2020 Near Prospect Park: A Mary Handley Mystery

Once again Mary Handley is back on the job. She never actually left,  just scaled back her investigations due to motherhood and caring for an infant. Her mother remains as caustic and annoying as ever, constantly pushing and dictating and getting on everyone's nerves. Her brother Sean is still on the police force and has recently become serious about a young woman, finally recovering enough from the grief of his murdered fiancee to move one with life. And Mary is trying to balance the confidentiality of her career with the closeness and trust needed for a healthy marriage.

As in all the mysteries featuring Mary, prominent historical figures and events play a role in the story as well as establishing the setting. Stanford White, Nikola Tesla, and W.S. Gilbert (of Gilbert & Sullivan fame) are just a few of the notables that turn up along the way. But there are themes that resonate with today's headlines as well.. #MeToo finds a place in the predicament of a young girl hired to jump out of a pie at a party for wealthy men, only to be assaulted and then dismissed afterward. The situation of wealthy and powerful men having carte blanche to take advantage of the poor and marginalized and the apathy of officials unwilling to take the part of their victim has not really changed over time.

Mary's feelings of determination, resolve to find the answers, and her ability to push on despite personal loss and the forces working against her are always admirable. Readers who have followed the series will be glad to see her again and cheer for her investigation to bring everyone the justice they deserve.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

Winter Reading 2020 Ghosters

Theresa Martinez's life has been through some changes lately. Her mother died in a car crash. Her father has writer's block and can't finish his next book - so he is having a hard time paying the bills. To solve part of the money problem, Mr. Martinez moves the family into the house his wife grew up in. But now Theresa and her brother have to get used to a new school, makes new friends, learn new routines - and that is a challenge for Joey, since he has Asperger's Syndrome.

When Theresa does make a new friend, it turns out that they both enjoy watching the TV show "Ghosters." Her friend Kerry also tells her that the house they have moved into is haunted. Could it be the ghost of Theresa's grandmother or grandfather, still hanging around their former home? Could it be her mother, trying to communicate? As the girls come up with a plan to get proof of the supernatural presence and win the large prize offered by the "Ghosters" show, more and more unexplained and spooky events occur. Can they make it to the final cut with their video submission  or have they stirred up something best left alone?

For middle grade readers who enjoy stories with a spooky element mixed in with real life issues such as a new school, making friends, or losing a parent - this is an entertaining read. Theresa is a very believable character with her attempts to help her father and her supportive relationship with her brother balanced by her small rebellions and resentments. Joey's character displays some of the behaviors children dealing with autism can present, but he is not a caricature and has a personality of his own. His adoption of some of Kerry's British slang such as "Crikey" adds some humor into the ghost hunt.

The end of the story leaves the characters at a point where they can continue their paranormal investigations and friendships, having learned a bit along the way about themselves and each other. A good introduction to the series, which continues with Ghosters 2: Revenge of the Library Ghost and Ghosters 3: Secrets of the Bloody Tower.

I read a copy provided by the author for review purposes.

The Most Anticipated Picture Book of 2020 - Don't Wake the Dragon

New bedtime book alert—preorder now to be among the first to snuggle up with a copy. Enjoy a good story at bedtime? Perhaps you have someone in your home who loves dragons? You need a copy of Don't Wake the Dragon. Written by an advocate for children's literature and family reading, the book draws readers in with its suspenseful page turns and the opportunity to snuggle together and enjoy the story. On this longest night of the year, look ahead to spring and a new bedtime tradition.

Don’t Wake the Dragon

Written by Bianca Schulze

Illustrated by Samara Hardy

Publisher’s Synopsis: Shhh! Be very quiet. The rascally dragon is finally asleep. But, when the page turned, the breeze blew the door shut with a BANG! Did it wake up the dragon? Create a fantastic bedtime experience by reading this interactive story featuring a reluctant-to-sleep dragon - a character that children will surely relate! Designed to be read aloud, parents will take pleasure in the playful text as much as children will enjoy hearing it. When the story finally comes to an end, and the gentle lullaby is repeated, the dragon - and your child! - are encouraged to drift off to sleep.

Ages 2-6 | Publisher: Clever Publishing | May 19, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1949998641

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

IndieBound

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bianca Schulze is the founder and editor of The Children's Books Review - a resource devoted to children's literature and literacy. Bianca is also the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up, an Amazon "Book of the Month" in 2016. She is a reader, reviewer, mother, and children's book lover. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Bianca now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

OFFICIAL LINKS

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biancaschulzewriter/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancaschulzewriter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/book_mommy

OFFICIAL LINKS FOR CLEVER PUBLISHING

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CleverbooksUS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleverbooks.us/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleverbooks.us/

Cats vs. Ai Pets Giveaway Tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Lian Sommer’s Cats vs. Ai Pets!

Six (6) winners receive:

• A copy of Cats vs. Ai Pets

Giveaway begins December 16, 2019, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends January 16, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

Open to legal international residents and legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are thirteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.

Lian Sommer is responsible for prize fulfillment.

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Cats vs. Ai Pets

Written by Lian Sommer

Publisher’s Synopsis: Anna is a normal girl living in 2087. She loves to play, she loves to learn, and she loves her Ai Pet, Ron. The only problem is that she loves the digital world, above all. Until one day, her parents surprise her with Celine, a real-life cat.

Follow Anna’s journey as she discovers how to balance her modern digital life with real-life experiences and learns to enjoy the moment and be present.

Ages 4+ | Salinya Uhde | 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-6164977082

Available Here: https://amzn.to/362Kl9C

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Born in Göttingen, Germany, Lian Sommer remembers spending a lot of his childhood outside, discovering the parks, streets, and playgrounds of the small city in which he resided. Raised as a free thinker, his parents sent him to schools that encouraged that. He loved the late 90s. Although he played many video games, he never lost touch with real life the way he did in recent years.

After graduating from communication design studies, he ended up working in a tech startup in Lisbon, Portugal. This took its toll as he looked more at screens than at people’s faces. It felt unnatural, so he quit and made this book. A book that should act as a reminder to you and your kids to find the right balance between having real experiences and the endless stream of distraction that technology offers.

OFFICIAL LINKS

Aipets.com

Twitter

 Instagram 

Facebook

TOUR SCHEDULE

The Children's Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	December 16
Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/	December 16
Over Coffee Conversations	https://www.gmarciano.blogspot.com	December 16
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	December 16
Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	December 16
Younger Family Fun	https://youngerfamilyfun.com	December 16
A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com	December 17
icefairy's Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	December 19
Rosco's Reading Room	https://authorshanagorian.com/	January 2
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	January 8
Mommy Ramblings	http://www.MommyRamblings.org	January 8

The Fairview Review is participating in the blog tour in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Lian Sommer.