Monday, May 29, 2023

Chipper Sends Sunshine Virtual Book Tour

 


Chipper Sends Sunshine Book Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK


Chipper Sends Sunshine

Written by Kimber Fox Morgan

Illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Creative, Simple Wonder Press | ISBN-13: 9781737038672

Publisher’s Synopsis: Chipper the Fox and his Arctic friends travel to summer camp for fun in the sun! After an amazing summer, how will they stay in touch with their new friends and keep their summer adventure going?

PURCHASE LINK


Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble


MY REVIEW


Chipper the Arctic fox and his pals make some great new friends at summer camp. They swim, compete in archery and tug-of-war, hang out in the sunshine, and find all sorts of fun activities to enjoy. When they return home, they want to maintain their connection to their new buddies, so they decide to write and send surprises. Their intentions are well meant, but not so well executed. One gets his friend’s address wrong. Another tries to send some snow, which melts and ruins the letter. Still other gifts go wrong as they are lost along the way or even wilt and start to stink up the package! When Chipper and his cold weather pals get together and try again, they have better luck the second time because they plan ahead. This story made me laugh as I recalled summer camp times of my own. I remember one summer I carefully collected the addresses of all my new friends, then was heartbroken when I arrived home and realized I had left the little notebook full of addresses at camp! So much for my plans to keep in touch. Chipper and the others realize that crafting a cute paper hug to send through the mail works much better than rocks, shells, and snow. And the friends who are missing them appreciate the affection shown in the gift. Young readers may want to create their own special surprises to send to someone, or they may begin a campaign to attend summer camp for themselves!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kimber Morgan is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kimber is a fun wife and imperfect mom of 3 crazy kiddos and two little lemon (problematic) dogs. She tries to live her strengths the best she can. Morgan is a homemade Halloween costume type of mom who lets her kids mix the Play-Doh. She bakes fun birthday cakes (cutely, but far from perfection) and loves a homemade Valentine and a school project.

Writing children’s books is an extension of her creative strength. She strives to create picture books that are beautiful, engaging, humorous, and with themes of acceptance and kindness. She hopes you love reading her works. Kimber is available for author visits and wants to connect with you.

Visit her on Instagram @kimbermorgan_writes and her website, kimberfoxmorgan.com.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

The Children’s Book Review

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Life Is What It’s Called

Author interview with Kimber Fox Morgan

Friday, May 19, 2023

The Momma Spot

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Monday, May 22, 2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine and Little Free Library Drop

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Confessions of a Book Addict

A book giveaway of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Thursday, May 25, 2023

My Reading Getaway

An article by Kimber Fox Morgan

Friday, May 26, 2023

Crafty Moms Share

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Monday, May 29, 2023

Cover Lover Book Review

An article by Kimber Fox Morgan

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

The Fairview Review

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Barbara Ann Mojica

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Me Two Books

A book activity paired with Chipper Sends Sunshine

Friday, June 2, 2023

Joanna’s Bookshelf

A book review of Chipper Sends Sunshine

Monday, June 5, 2023

Heart to Heart

Author interview with Kimber Fox Morgan

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

The Growing Readers Podcast

Author interview with Kimber Fox Morgan


This post is sponsored by Kimber Fox Morgan. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

Monday, May 22, 2023

Summer Reading 2023 We Still Belong

 


Wesley is excited about Indigenous Peoples' Day and about the school newspaper publishing the poem she wrote. Her language arts teacher has a policy of discussing articles written by class members and she is eager to hear what her peers have to say about the poem. But the entire class period goes by and he never brings it up. When she questions him about it, he says the poem was a missed opportunity and that she didn't really have a "clear thesis statement." As a friend points out to her later, the thesis statement is the title of the poem itself, "We Still Belong." What could be a clearer position to take about the continued existence and relevance of Indigenous people?

That isn't the only disappointment of the day. Like other middle school students, Wesley is figuring out who she is. She has friends, family, hobbies, and skills that make her unique. She is working up the nerve to ask a friend to a school dance, but hears through social media that he is unavailable. Her science teacher has rearranged the seating assignments, so that Wesley is now working with a new student who also seems to be having a hard day. Is anything going to go right?

But this is a resilient girl with a big heart. She makes unexpected friends by reaching out when she sees others in need. Her family and best friend Hanan, as well as others at school, praise her poem. There is an intertribal powwow to look forward to in the evening. And one of her favorite online gamers recognizes Indigenous Peoples' Day and gathers donations through a charity live stream event. Not everything has gone wrong after all.

Christine Day, herself a member of the Upper Skagit Tribe, has crafted another thoughtful and engaging story with believable characters that deal with situations that reflect real life. Perfect for readers who enjoy realistic fiction. Publication date is August 1; I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Summer Reading 2023 Heroes Ever Die (Ken Allen Super Sleuth Book 2)

 



Ken Allen made an incredibly bad movie about the superspy Jove Brand, and that was the end of his acting career. Eighteen years later he became an amateur detective to clear his own name when his successor was murdered. Now he is working on a new case that involves the deaths of several actors portraying superheroes in upcoming films. This time his oldest friend and special effects guru Ray Ford is suspected of causing the deaths. Ken knows it can't be true because Ray is dedicated to his craft and would never cut corners or do shoddy work.

Ken uses his contacts within the movie industry and the gadgets Ray supplies to investigate the circumstances of each casualty. The more he uncovers, the more he suspects that someone is setting Ray up to take the blame - and that they are not through with the attacks. High-powered producers, directors, and actors; suspicious police detectives; villainous henchmen; Ray and his daughter; the group of people involved is large and all have possible motives for sabotaging the movies.

This story pulls readers along in Ken's wake as he moves from mansions to movie lots to warehouses, fighting off attacks from thugs and threats from various interested parties. We begin to see why his own movie career was cut short (he cannot act or fake emotions). But we also get the enjoyment of seeing him put Ray's gadgets to use as he searches for clues. And we can root for an average guy who may be a great personal trainer, but needs to polish his skills as a gumshoe.

I won an e-galley of this book and had not read the first in the series, so I did not have some of the backstory that would have given me more context. Readers who enjoyed Jove Brand Is Near Death will have fun with Ken's new adventure. Those new to the series may wish to backtrack and read book 1 to get the full picture of how one man can go from big screen star to neophyte detective.

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Vivienne in Paris Virtual Book Tour

 


ABOUT THE BOOK

Vivienne in Paris

Written by Maria Castellucci Moore

Illustrated by Emanuela Mannello

Ages 4+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781637551431

Publisher’s Book Summary: Vivienne in Paris follows a young Parisian girl on a journey through Paris to find what makes her tick. Join Vivienne as she discovers the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the city that make her feel alive. What better place to explore, observe, and delight in her senses than Paris?

This book tells a story of mindfulness and insight into how the surrounding world can really move you. It unites curiosity, wonder, and marvel to enlighten, surprise, and tickle your deepest spirit. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that bring you the greatest joy.

MY REVIEW

Vivienne lives in Paris and takes readers along with her on a tour of places she loves. Her grandfather asks her to take a ride through Paris and “take notice of what your heart and body tell you.” So she hops on her bicycle and visits some of her favorite shops and the opera house. Each stop captivates one of her senses. The taste of freshly baked bread, the sound of violins, the smell of her favorite cheese, the texture of a new hat, and the sight and scent of flowers all ground her experiences in physical as well as emotional reactions. The illustrations show a vivacious girl in iconic Parisian locations. Flowers trail from marble urns in the Luxembourg Gardens with her grand-pere. The windows of a boulangerie patisserie and a fromagerie are filled with delights to tempt taste buds. Cobblestone streets, signs on shops and streets in French, sidewalk tables outside cafes, and the sweeping staircase in the entrance of the Palais Garnier all set the scene. Colored text helps phrases in French stand out on the page such as when the florist asks, “Comment puis-je vous aider aujourd'hui?” Young readers will have fun comparing their own favorite places around town with those of Vivienne’s story. Perhaps they will even be inspired to write their own version of a perfect Sunday afternoon.


PURCHASE LINKS


Amazon

Bookshop.org

Barnes and Noble


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Owner Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children. Maria Castellucci Moore strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures.

María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship, and later pursued studying at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, Maria founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts.

María resides in Saint Helena, California, with her husband and four young children. She enjoys writing; traveling; attending the opera, ballet, and symphony; flower arranging; winemaking; ballroom dancing; and playing tennis and the piano.

For more information, visit https://mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com/.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

The Children’s Book Review

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

The Momma Spot

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Me Two Books

A book activity paired with Vivienne in Paris

Friday, May 5, 2023

Life Is What It’s Called

Author interview with Maria Castellucci Moore

Monday, May 8, 2023

My Reading Getaway

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Barbara Ann Mojica

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Lisa’s Reading

A book activity paired with Vivienne in Paris

Friday, May 12, 2023

Twirling Book Princess

An article by Maria Castellucci Moore

Monday, May 15, 2023

Joanna’s Bookshelf

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

The Review Wire

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Heart to Heart

Author interview with Maria Castellucci Moore

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Crafty Moms Share

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Friday, May 19, 2023

The Fairview Review

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Monday, May 22, 2023

Cover Lover Book Review

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Because I Said So

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Thursday, May 25, 2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

A book review of Vivienne in Paris

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

The Growing Readers Podcast

Author interview with Maria Castellucci Moore


This post is sponsored by Maria Castellucci Moore. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.