Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner and Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Published by Chronicle Books
Pages: 44
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository
Publishers Summmary:

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow exists a secret kingdom of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals that live through the winter safe and warm, awake and busy, under the snow. Discover the wonder and activity that lies beneath winter’s snowy landscape in this magical book.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Did you know that there are tons and tons of animals that live under the snow? It’s so super cool! I only wish we lived near the snow so that I could look for all the holes and trails that go to the underground animals. I’d be like the super sneaky fox who listens and finds all of the other animal’s secret hiding places. It would also be fun to go snowboarding with my dad. He always talks about how much fun it is!

“You know what was even more fun about Over and Under the Snow? At the end of the book there are even more books to read! Yep! As soon as my mom started reading off the list of other books I told her we had to get more of them and I’m hoping that I’ll get some from Santa too. This is really a fun book if you love learning about really neat animals and love the snow, and I do! I think I’ll go ask my mom to read it again!”

Mom’s Two Cents: Snowy banks filled with hidden life hide within the pages of Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner. As a young girl and her father ski across the fields of packed snow she discovers that there’s more to the winter than simple white wintry landscapes. From bears to mice to bullfrogs the number of animals hiding beneath the surface are almost too many to count. Follow along on this young girl’s journey into a magically real world hiding just under your feet.

Over and Under the Snow has been a delightful story to share with not only the Turkeybird, but Littlebug as well. They both love discover the animals hidden beneath the layers of snow and then flipping to the back of the book to learn more about them in the animal guide listing. For the Turkeybird it’s definitely all about the learning aspect of it. He’s in a stage where he wants to soak up every little bit of knowledge he can about things and adding the magic of the snow made it even that much more interesting for him. As for Littlebug she just loves the fun of finding all the animals hidden in the snow. Now, if only we lived near the snow again!

Kate Messner clearly is an author who loves nature and sharing that love through brilliantly written books for children of all ages. In Over and Under the Snow Messner brings to life the hidden world resting just beneath our feet during the snowy wintry months. Begin sharing and teaching about these fantastic creatures at an early age by introducing the magical journey of a little girl and her father. Our family has loved discovering our “favorite” animals at winter time and thanks to Messner’s additional reading sources that are listed in the back of the book our discoveries will continue happening. Over and Under the Snow is an excellent addition to any young reader’s library and one that will be loved by the entire family!

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 to 9. Snowy goodness. Perfect for little readers who love a little bit of non-fiction learning mixed with a great story.

Over and Under the Snow

Find Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner and Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of Chronicle Books for our monthly feature “Book Publishers 101“. Make sure to stop by the Chronicle Books for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Also be sure to take a look at this month’s Book Publishers 101 feature giveaway as well, for your chance to win some fantastic books from Chronicle Books!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Chronicle Books, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

Family Storybook Treasury: Tales of Laughter, Curiosity, and Fun by Rey and others
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 304
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository
Publishers Summmary:

Family, friends, your favorite characters…bring them all together at story time! Share the book that is sure to entertain, delight, and make the whole gang laugh. The Family Storybook Treasury is a collection of your most well-loved picture books and poetry, now available in one beautiful keepsake volume with bonus audio CD! Includes eight complete picture books:
Curious George and the Firefighters by Margret and H. A. Rey
Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh
Lyle Walks the Dogs by Bernard Waber, illustrated by Paulis Waber
Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw, illustrated by Margo Apple
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
The Great Doughnut Parade by Rebecca Bond
Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
A beautiful treasure to give, receive, and pass down.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “This is such a fun book to pick! Sometimes I pick it for bedtime and try to get my dad to read all the stories in it because it’s still just one big book, but we usually just pick one or two at a time. My favorite is the story about the penguins. There’s a goofy penguin who gets to stop some bad guys from hurting his friends and it’s so funny! I also really like the monkey one because we always used to sing the monkeys jumping on the bed song.

“There are so many fun stories in this one, you don’t want to lose it! I love reading all of the stories and if I could talk my dad into it I’d read the whole thing every night.”

Mom’s Two Cents: Together in one entire book are many reader’s childhood favorite books from Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed to Martha Speaks. The Family Storybook Treasury has numerous books that will leave you feeling nostalgic and looking for a child to pass them along to. Enjoy an afternoon of reading with your favorite child as you turn the pages of this fantastic compilation.

Coming from someone who’s shelves are usually packed to the brim the Family Storybook Treasury was an easy book to add to our collection. Who can resist not only one picture book, but half a dozen put together into one very delightful compilation? I certainly couldn’t and Littlebug & the Turkeybird both have enjoyed reading this one. As Turkeybird mentioned already we do have a couple of favorites: Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Martha Speaks and Tacky the Penguin are our top three and the ones that get read over and over again. As a parent, though the size of the book is a daunting 300 pages, this is still a marvelous addition to our home library if for no other reason than the versatility it provides within one bound book. Not to mention the fact that it’s packed with magnificant authors and illustrators.

Family Storybook Treasury: Tales of Laughter, Curiosity, and Fun has been a delightful addition to our home library and one that I’m positive will be read again and again as it’s passed down from child to grandchild in the years to come. There’s no doubt there will be a favorite amidst the over half a dozen full picture books included within it’s pages, but regardless there will be numerous stories to be enjoyed by one and all. This has been a wonderful reading experience to have with both of my kiddos because not only are the authors and illustrators wonderful, but the versatility allows for hours of reading without losing the attention of those young readers. Definitely a picture book collection that should be added to everyone’s home library.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 2 and up. A versatile compilation of picture books and poems that will give both young readers and parents hours of reading enjoyment.

Find Family Storybook Treasury: Tales of Laughter, Curiosity, and Fun by Rey and others at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Giveaway!

Thanks to the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,I’m also offering two copies of to two There’s A Book readers. Thank you! Please fill out the form below and good luck!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, for providing a copy of this book for review and giveaway! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

Sea Monster’s First Day by Kate Messner and Illustrated by Andy Rash
Published by Chronicle Books
Pages: 36
Ages: 4-8
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository
Publishers Summmary:

Sea monster Ernest is starting his first day of school. But starting school is a big job! Fitting in when you’re a sea monster is tough enough, and there’s so much to learn and do—reading, singing, playing hide-and-seek with the fishermen, lunchtime in the algae patch….This funny, charming twist on the worries and joys of starting school will reassure and delight the smallest children and the largest sea monsters alike.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “So, did you know I’m getting ready to go to school soon? I’m so excited! I really can’t wait to make lots and lots of friends just like the monster in this story. I also think learning lots of new things would be super fun! I’ve even got a back pack already, just like Ernest in this book. My mom says that until I go to school I can keep reading all of my books to learn things and that we can keep practicing my writing too.

“What was really sad about this story was that some of the kids made fun of Ernest. I always get really sad for him, but then I get super happy because he finally finds some great friends to play with. One of his new friends even tells him super silly jokes which really crack me up! I’m so excited to go to school and learn lots of things just like Ernest in this book. Hopefully I’ll make lots of friends too!”

Mom’s Two Cents: There comes a time in every Sea Monsters life when he must go away from home to learn all about the world and attend school. For Ernest it’s his very first time ever going to school and he’s filled with feelings of excitement and trepidation, but with the urgings of his mother he’s off and ready to do his best. Doing as his mother taught him he introduces himself to everyone he meets, but quickly learns that it sometimes takes a bit of time to find just the right friends. With a little bit of time and creativity Ernest is off to great adventures, wonderful friendships and of course, lots of learning.

Sea Monster’s First Day by Kate Messner was an adorable picture book. Not only was it educational and encouraging, but it was perfect for the Turkeybird who is going to be starting school in the next couple of months. As this poor sea monster searches for new friends I could see the Turkeybird searching with him and hoping he’d quickly find them. Ernest is polite and always introduces himself, something that the Turkeybird is often weary of doing and so it was wonderful to be able to share with him the positive outcome of being outgoing.

Along the way you are able to see how Kate Messner incorporates little tidbits of knowledge through witty dialogue and situations that children can relate to. Often
the learning situations are found within a joke from one of the characters such as this…

“We hit it off right away. They said they were sturgeon, the biggest fish in the lake.” – Ernest
“Well, we used to be anyway…” – his new friend.
(Sea Monster’s First Day by Kate Messner, p. 27)

The way in which this new information is writing into the dialogue creates a memorable learning experience as well as a fun opportunity for discussion.

An absolute delight to read, Sea Monster’s First Day by Kate Messner with whimsical illustrations by Andy Rash, is the perfect book for a young child getting ready to start school. Quell fears of loneliness and help teach kiddos to be persistent & polite in their quest to find more friends and the perfect place to fit in. Ernest the Sea Monster has a kind heart and a powerful imagination that kids everywhere will relate to instantly and parents will be excited to read aloud.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 to 9. For kiddos starting school and those struggling to find just the right friends.

Find Sea Monster’s First Day by Kate Messner and Illustrated by Andy Rash at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of Chronicle Books for our monthly feature “Book Publishers 101“. Make sure to stop by the Chronicle Books for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Chronicle Books, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein and Illustrated by Mark Pett
Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Pages: 32
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository
Publishers Summmary:

Beatrice Bottomwell has NEVER (not once!) made a mistake…

Meet Beatrice Bottomwell: a nine-year-old girl who has never (not once!) made a mistake. She never forgets her math homework, she never wears mismatched socks, and she ALWAYS wins the yearly talent show at school. In fact, Beatrice holds the record of perfection in her hometown, where she is known as The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes. Life for Beatrice is sailing along pretty smoothly until she does the unthinkable–she makes her first mistake. And in a very public way!

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Whoa! This girl can do everything super super good. She even has a little brother who is always messing up all the time, just like I have Littlebug as a sister. Littlebug is always falling and running into things so her brother sounds a lot like my sister.

“My favorite part was the ending. All the times I read it I laugh and laugh. Being silly and making mistakes sounds way more fun than always doing everything right. I don’t think I want everyone watching me all the time like her anyway, that sounds boring. This book is so fun and my favorite part is the ending and her little brother who makes mistakes all the time.”

Mom’s Two Cents: What would it be like to be perfect everyday of your life? Beatrice Bottomwell knows exactly what it’s like and loves every minute of it. That is, until one day during class when she almost makes her first mistake. Having never thought about the possibility of making a mistake before she now lives in constant fear that her world is about to change for the worse. What happens when her fears come to fruition? Will she still be the carefree girl she’s always been and will she ever be happy again?

This is the first picture book that I’ve read that dealt head on with the issue of making mistakes and it was wonderful. Not only did I appreciate it as an adult who suffers from a bad case of perfectionism, but my son enjoyed it for many of the same reasons. Though the Turkeybird does make mistakes (quite often as he’s only four) he’s also prone to expecting to be able to do everything he sets his mind to and perfectly at that. He also is inclined to think it’s funny that his little sister is often found falling and tripping over her own feet. It’s never out of meanness mind you, just the sort of silliness to little kiddos have when playing and laughing together. But what I found with reading The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes with him was that it helped him to realize you never need to take anything so seriously that it ruins the fun of living and enjoying what you’re doing. Which was exactly what he needed since he often gets incredibly serious about certain tasks he’s set out to complete.

When perfection and being the very best is often at the forefront of people’s minds it’s good to remember that life can be just as fun with a few mistakes. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein is a fantastic book for children and adults who may suffer from a bit of perfectionism or who simply want to read a great new book. In our home, filled with perfectionists and one clumsy little adorable girl, it was just what we needed to have a good laugh and realize life is for living even if we make a few mistakes along the way. Fall in love with Beatrice Bottomwell and the story of how she became the girl who does make mistakes, happily.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 to 9. A lesson that children and adults alike can appreciate and will learn from; none of us are perfect, enjoy.

Find The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Thank you so much to the publisher, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, for providing a copy of this book for review! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

Giveaway!

As an added bonus the publisher, Sourcebooks, has provided me with one copy of The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes to giveaway to one There’s A Book reader! Please fill out the form below and good luck!

The Monster Who Did My Math by Danny Schnitzlein and Illustrated by Bill Mayer
Published by Peachtree Publishers
Pages: 32
Ages: 4-8
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository
Publishers Summmary:

A math-phobic boy faces another dreaded evening of multiplication when a monster suddenly appears in his room and offers him a deal he cannot refuse. After a quick signature on a contract, the boy’s problems are solved, and his homework is ready to turn in the next day.

At first, everything adds up perfectly. But when the boy’s math knowledge is tested at school, his troubles begin to multiply. What did the fine print on that contract read?

In paragraph seven of clause ninety-three,
“If you don’t learn anything, do not blame me!”

When the bill comes due, will our hero have the money—and the math skill—to subtract that wicked monster from his life once and for all?

The Turkeybird Adds It Up: “This kid needs a math helper! I think if this monster showed up at my house and said he’d do my math I’d tell him he was crazy! I’m a huge super fan of math! It’s the best! I love to add a lot. Maybe I could have helped him instead of the monster. I would have only charged him a chocolate bar and maybe some yogurt.

“The very best part is the end where he counts up all of his money and does all of his math homework. I can’t wait to be in school so I can do math homework too! By the end he shows that monster who’s boss and that’s the very best best thing ever!”

Mom’s Two Cents: All this young boy wants is to finish his math without agonizing over it for hours. When his fears and dread finally get the best of him he breaks down and signs a contract he shouldn’t have. As the monster who came to his rescue continues to “help” he finally discovers his love for adding and subtracting, but will it be too late? Not reading the fine print can get you into quite a bit of trouble, but knowing how to add things up may get this little boy out of hot water.

First of all, look at that cover! The illustrations by Bill Mayer in this picture book are fantastic! Bright and colorful and they simply pop off the page. Secondly, the story…who hasn’t wanted a “magic fairy” (or in this little boy’s case, a monster) to come and magically take care of whatever homework you can’t finish in a short amount of time? I know I had those days as a kid, even as an adult I’ll put things off that I’m dreading. Unfortunately for this little boy he signs a deal with a monster who’s out to make a little bit of extra money in a very sneaky way. Not only does the story teach children about the fun that can be had with math, but it also teaches them the importance of choices they make. I’m not positive that the Turkeybird at four years old completely grasps the concept yet, but he does love math as well as the book so I’ll keep sharing it with him in hopes he’ll catch on.

The Monster Who Did My Math by Danny Schnitzlein is not simply a story about the joy that can be found in addition and subtraction. This is a story that shows children the importance of our choices and those with whom we depend on. As children grow up it’s easy to make choices based on what “looks good” or “seems easier”, but it’s not always quite so clear and often it requires more thought. The Monster Who Did My Math is a story about a little boy getting in over his head and fortunately finding a way out through his careful addition. It’s a story that our family will be reading for years to come, not only because we love the illustrations and math but also because of the principles it teaches.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 4 to 9. Kiddos whether they are frightened of or love math will enjoy this monster math adventure. Share a story that will help children understand there are consequences to the choices we make.

Find The Monster Who Did My Math by Danny Schnitzlein and Illustrated by Bill Mayer at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | 9781599558936?p_isbn”>Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Thank you so much to the publisher, Peachtree Publishers, for providing a copy of this book for review and giveaway! Connect with them on Twitter, Facebook and on their Blog!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

Giveaway!

As an added bonus the publisher, Peachtree Publishers, has provided me with one copy of The Monster Who Did My Math to giveaway to one There’s A Book reader! Please fill out the form below and good luck!

Fall Pumpkins by Martha E. H. Rustad and Illustrated by Amanda Enright
Published by Millbrook Press (An imprint of Lerner Publishing Group)
Pages: 24
Ages: 5-8
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository
Publishers Summmary:

It’s time for a trip to the pumpkin patch! Find out how pumpkins grow. See the many things we do with pumpkins. Let’s carve a jack-o’-lantern. Spooky! What happens in fall? Find out in the Fall’s Here! series, part of the Cloverleaf Books™ collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun!

Turkeybird Passes to Littlebug: “I’m giving this off to Littlebug because she can’t stop talking…”

Littlebug: “But I love the pumpkins Turkeybird! Big big big big pumpkins!!! We even got our own pumpkins to make faces on this weekend and I am so happy for that! Did you know they grow on the ground? How neat! Turkeybird keeps talking about that, but it making faces sounds like a lot more fun that digging around in the dirt. The book says there’s these things inside that you can cook called seeds and our mom said they are super super yummy. I love cooking with our mom and that will be fun!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “Fall is here with it’s brightly colored leaves, golden and red and brown but one of the best things about Fall are the pumpkins. From the very small to the largest weighing nearly as large as a cow. Pumpkins bring the season to life and make the first holiday of the season one to remember.

“Say what you will, but next to the colors during this spectacular time of year, pumpkins are one of its most defining features. From Halloween to Thanksgiving and then Christmas pumpkins make an appearance in ever way imaginable. So what better than a children’s book all about these plentiful veggies?

“What was a treat for our family was that it wasn’t only appealing to one kiddo, but both because of it’s varied platform. Portions of the book were fictional with characters and a story that Littlebug could get excited over, especially with the brightly colored illustrations. The aspect that appealed most to the Turkeybird were the non-fiction elements about planting pumpkins, watching them grow and then the how-to’s of using the fully ripe pumpkin. As the Turkeybird gets older I see his interests veer toward more non-fiction, but he still enjoys a great picture book and it was nice to have this blend with Fall Pumpkins.

“Overall Fall Pumpkins by Martha E. H. Rustad was an enjoyable read that appeals to both fiction and non-fiction loving kiddos. Filled with adorable illustrations with the bright colors of Fall and diverse characters this will no doubt be a draw to young readers everywhere. Share the wonders of a staple of the Fall season, the pumpkin, with young readers and help them understand not only how pumpkins grow but what to do with them beyond carving faces into their shells. An adorable teaching picture book perfect for the Fall season at home or in school.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 2 to 6. A happy medium for families with fiction and non-fiction fans that shares the wonders of a favorite Fall staple.

Find Fall Pumpkins by Martha E. H. Rustad and Illustrated by Amanda Enright at the following spots:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | Goodreads

Like the sound of Fall Pumpkins by Martha E. H. Rustad and Illustrated by Amanda Enright then pick up the others in the series:

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of Lerner Publishing Group for our monthly feature “Book Publishers 101“. Make sure to stop by the Lerner Publishing Group Site for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Lerner Publishing Group, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.