Book Publishers 101 is a new feature here at There’s A Book! Each month we will spend an entire month highlighting one of our favorite book publishers. What this means for you…a chance to get to know a publisher you may have not known before with a “behind the scenes” look, an opportunity to “link-up” posts you might have from the featured publisher, guest posts, author interviews, a look at their newest titles and of course a chance to win some great books! We know you will enjoy getting to know these amazing publishers and hope that you’ll learn something you may have not already known!

Our First Publisher 101 Featured for the month of October:

Tiger Tales Books

From the Tiger Tales Books site:

Tiger Tales is one of a kind.

Most children’s book publishers create books for children of all ages. At tiger tales we focus on picture books. From the perfect board book for a new baby to a laugh-out-loud tale for first graders, we create books that young children and grown-ups will want to read again and again.

How do we do it? We are a small (and we mean small), independent publishing company that is owned and operated by women who know what young children want to read. With a staff of only 5 we have over 75 years experience in the children’s book industry and have raised a total of 11 children (and assorted dogs, cats, cows and chickens).

The company was founded in 2000 by publishing industry veteran Elisabeth Prial. To establish her business quickly, Elisabeth purchased exclusive rights to publish children’s books from foreign companies in North America. Within the first year of her business, tiger tales had 50 books published with placements in key book retailers and wholesalers nationwide. Tiger Tales publishes unique original children’s books as well as select books created by publishers overseas. There are approximately 160 active titles in the tiger tales list and it grows by about 25 additional books a year.

This year, October 2010 to be exact, marks the 10th year Tiger Tales Books has been printing and publishing fantastic children’s books. Congratulations! We thought this would be the perfect month to feature not only some of our favorite books, but also celebrate the addition of their new website. With the addition of a book catalog, member log-in, member reviews, a blog and much more it’s quickly becoming one of our top publisher websites. Take a look at all they have to offer and make sure to start listing your reviews of Tiger Tales Books, so that everyone can learn more about these great children’s books!

Brand New Tiger Tales Books Website
Tiger Tales Books Blog
Tiger Tales Books Catalog and Reviews
Mytales Digital
Facebook Page
Twitter

Coming Up: During the month of October look for the following feature items:

• Tiger Tales Giveaway
• Author and Publisher “Insider” Guest Posts
• Recently and Newly Released Titles with a “Link-up” for your reviews!
• Reviews of the following titles:

Keep your eyes open for this spectacular month, highlighting Tiger Tales Books and enjoy the festivities!

Much of the publisher’s information was provided by the publisher or via their website. Thank you!

Are you a publisher interested in being featured? Please contact me via our contact page or email: the1stdaughter {at} gmail {dot} com to see your house is the right fit.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Animals Talk and Animals Go by Emily Bolam

Published by Tiger Tales Books

Pages:10

Publishers Summary from Indiebound for Animals Talk: Buzz, moo, and roar! The very young are introduced to animal sounds in this vibrantly illustrated board book that features an embossed bumpy texture on the cover. Full color.

Littlebug Speaks: “Yep, it’s me! I’m back and this time I’ve got a great read for you! I’ve been a bit more chatty recently and my mom hasn’t been able to get me to stop babbling some days. So, I’m sure she showed me these books for two reasons: one, I love animals (doggies are the absolute best!) and two, I love learning new words and how animals talk. Oh, and did I mention both the books are bumpy? It’s so neat!

“My favorite so far is the snapping crocodile! SNAP! SNAP! My mom always pretends to snap the book at me when we’re reading it and it is so funny! Hehe. My favorite one to say has to be the cow, MOO! We even went to see a cow the other day when grandma and grandpa were here and I said ‘Moooo’ to him. It was great! We also saw a peacock and I learned in the second book that they strut. It was so neat!

“These are great books and I know that if you have a littlebug like me, learning to chatter a bunch, they will love these books!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “Emily Bolam is a favorite author around our house. From the bright colors to the simple, but educational texts her books are perfect for little readers. Initially I purchased and reviewed Colors and Counting by Emily, so when the publisher offered these for review I jumped at the chance because I knew Littlebug would love them.

“Each page of these two great books is full of bright beautiful images enhanced with textures that make each picture come alive for a toddler. Also, with only one word per page the opportunity for teaching moments are endless. These are best read out loud with one or more children. To be completely honest, I should almost have the Turkeybird review these books as well, because every time I read either of them to Littlebug he’s right there enjoying every page; sometimes acting them out for her. It’s fantastic! By far one of the best series of beginning books for toddlers out there.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages Birth to 4 years (possibly higher depending on the child). Filled with textures, bright colors and beginning sounds, words and actions these books will have any toddler excited to open them every time.

For the comments: Do you enjoy reading out loud to others? Not necessarily just parents to children. I’d love to know!

This book was provided by the publisher, Tiger Tales Books, for review. Thank you! Make sure to check them out on Twitter, Facebook and their new homepage coming soon!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

The Three Horrid Little Pigs by Liz Pichon

Published by Tiger Tales Books

Pages: 32

Ages: 3-7 years

Publishers Summary: What happens when the three little pigs are so horrid they even drive their own mother crazy? She sends them away to make their own homes. The first little pig steals straw from the cows in the field to build his house and the second little pig takes the twigs from the birds to build his house. The third little pig is so lazy he just moves into a chicken coop and now the hens have nowhere to go. When each of the little pigs find themselves without sturdy homes of their own, along comes the big, friendly wolf (who just happens to be a builder) to help the three horrid little pigs see the error of their ways!

The Turkeybird Speaks: “It’s been awhile, but I’m so glad to make another appearance! Especially for Once Upon A Week! Fairy tales are supposed to be all about the girlie princesses with wands and glitter, well, not my choice. So there! Mine is all about the 3 little pigs, well, the Three Horrid Little Pigs to be exact. They’re so messy and rude. I mean, did you see the donut all over that guys face and the mo-hawk on the other one? They’re tough! Well, that is until their mom kicks them out on their own, because they destroy everything. My mom would never do that, right? (Mom interjecting…”No, Turkeybird, don’t worry!”)

“Well, it’s a good thing this great and really cool wolf comes along with the neatest tool belt and red tool box to fix them up. But they aren’t very smart and tell him to go away! Can you believe it? He was going to make them a great house! Finally though, the pigs figure out they can’t do it on their own and go to the wolf for help. He teaches them all about building and cleaning up and they are all friends in the end. This is a great book! It’s way better than any princess fairy tale and I know there are a lot of little boys that will be happy to hear that.”

Mom’s Two Cents: “I’m also very excited to share this great new take on an old fairy tale for Once Upon A Week! The Three Horrid Little Pigs is currently at the top of The Turkeybird’s reading list and for very good reason. In this rendition of the tale of the three little pigs instead of getting the mean old wolf blowing all the houses down, you get the three terrible and horrid little pigs with a very helpful wolf.

“The pigs, recently sent out into the world by their mother, have decided to make homes out of the most ridiculous items including: straw, twigs and even a chicken coop. When the wolf see’s each pig’s predicament he ventures out to help, but is met by nothing but rude behavior. In the end, they come to their senses and the wolf ends up helping them to be the great little independent cheery pigs their mother hoped they would be.

“The Three Horrid Little Pigs is truly a book any little boy or girl will love. It’s wonderful for teaching the benefits of being kind, helpful as well as resourceful. As a parent who really enjoyed the original version of The Three Little Pigs I actually care for this version a great deal more. It’s definitely more kid-friendly and the story as well as the illustrations are adorable. This is a must have for fans of fairy tales with little one’s in the home, you’ll love reading it over and over!”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 2 and up. This is a fantastic new take on an old fairy tale that little boys and girls will want to read over and over again! Perfect for teaching the benefits of being clean and helpful to others.

For the Comments: Which is your favorite fairy tale to tell your children or little ones in your life?

This book was provided by Tiger Tales Books for review. Thank you!  Make sure to follow them on Twitter here and check back soon for a special feature with this great children’s book publisher!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

(This review was posted in conjunction with the Once Upon A Week Event currently going on at Today’s Adventure.)

Colors & Counting by Emily Bolam

Published by Tiger Tales

Pages: 10

Ages: Baby-Preschool

Publishers Summary: Colors: A delightful introduction to colors for the very young springs to life in this vibrantly illustrated board book that features an embossed bumpy texture on the cover and throughout! Touch the textures to reinforce recognition, look at the pictures and words, and learn a rainbow of colors!
Counting: A delightful introduction to numbers for the very young springs to life in this vibrantly illustrated board book that features an embossed bumpy texture on the cover and throughout! Touch the textures to reinforce recognition, look at the pictures and words, and learn to count from one to five!

Littlebug Speaks: “These books are so much fun! I’m just starting to speak up and tell my mom exactly which books I want to read and these are always first on the list. My favorite pages are a bumpy read strawberry and the smiling giraffe with the number one next to him. Every page is so much fun to feel and I love all of the colors, they’re so bright! Even the outside cover of each of these books is covered in bumpy rising colors and numbers!

“My mom bought these for me because I’m definitely a touchy-feely kind of girl. I like to hold onto things and the more bumps and lumps the better! She still won’t let me get them in my mouth though, but I’m going to keep trying. These are great books and I highly recommend them!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “She’s right, I bought these books because my Littlebug (who’s not looking so little recently) loves textures and colors. Since she was a very small baby she enjoyed cuddling up with a soft cozy blanket and always had to have socks on her feet. The Turkeybird was/is quite different and definitely enjoys more technical analytical things. So, when I saw these books in the new Tiger Tales catalog, I knew I had to get them for her.

“Each of these books teach basic beginning concepts – colors and numbers – five in each. In the counting book it not only shows an actual numeral representation, but a physical representation ie. five fish. The colors book has pages the help even a little reader connect actual ‘real life’ images (an ocean with sailboats) with the words on the page. All of the pages are covered in textured goodness and beautiful colors. These books are for the kiddo in your life who loves touching, snuggling, smooshing, and just about anything tactile. Wonderful beginning books for beginning readers and learners!”

For the Comments: Do you have a favorite counting or ABC book from your youth? Or do you remember how you learned to count/say your ABC’s?

These books were purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

Recommend Me is a weekly event hosted by Kate at The Neverending Shelf. All you have to do to participate is share a book that you loved reading for whatever reason. It can be something you read yesterday or years ago.

Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway

Published by Tiger Tales

Pages: 16

Ages: 2-5

Summary: “A little fish is brimming with curiosity and so wriggly and giggly that his mom sends him out of their sea cave to swim…. With its vivid language, many rhyming and onomatopoetic words, brisk pace, and exclamatory style, the book is perfect for reading aloud.” -School Library Journal

Smiley Shark by Ruth Galloway

Published by Tiger Tales

Pages: 18

Ages: 2-5

Summary: Smiley Shark loves to smile, but everyone is afraid of his big, sharp, toothy grin. Catfish, Starfish, and Octopus all swim away from Smiley Shark as fast as they can. His teeth are too scary! When all the fish are caught in a net, though, they need Smiley Shark’s help. A big smile is just what is needed to save the day!

“The Turkeybird here! I’m recovering well and happy to say I’m back to my good old laughing self. To be honest, the dentist was fabulous! But I’ll save that for another day. Today, my mom is letting me take over and recommend some books I think are just perfect for that guy or girl in your life who love to laugh and read. My choices had to be Ruth Galloway’s Smiley Shark and Fidgety Fish!

“Both of these books are great! Fidgety Fish is great because not only does Tiddler, the main character, squirm and wiggle as much as I do he also loves to explore. I love seeing new things and trying out fun new activities and Tiddler does too! Tiddler also finds out that in the end, being at home with mom can sometimes be the best place in the world. In Smiley Shark the shark longs to have a friend to play with, but because his smile is just a bit too big he scares people away. Sometimes I can be a little to excited to meet new friends too, but in the end both Smiley Shark and myself end up with great friends.

“Both of these books are fabulous! I would highly recommend them to your nearest 3 or 4 year old, they will love all the wiggling, squirming, and teeth grinning.”

Other reviews:

Through The Looking Glass Children’s Reviews

5 Minutes for Books

Reading to Know

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

I’ve Seen Santa! by David Bedford Illustrated by Tim Warnes

Originally Published by Tiger Tales in 2006

32 pages

Ages: 3-7 years

Publishers Summary: It’s Christmas Eve and Little Bear can’t wait to see Santa! “Santa will come just as soon as you go to sleep,” Mommy Bear says. But Little Bear doesn’t want to go to sleep. He wants to see Santa! Suddenly. . . glug, glug, glug, glug! What’s that noise? Someone is downstairs! Will Little Bear really get to see Santa? Expertly capturing all of a child’s anticipation and excitement on Christmas Eve night, David Bedford’s cozy family tale is a joyful read-aloud for the holiday season.

The Turkeybird Speaks:

“Santa! Santa! This is such a good book! I can’t wait to finally stay up to see Santa this year and every night until Christmas I will be requesting this book just to get ready for that night. I’ve already asked mom if we can set out milk and pies. And I have my flashlight ready, but unlike Little Bear, I’m not going to fall asleep before I see Santa.”

Mom’s Two Cents:

“The Turkeybird absolutely loves this book and every night for the last two weeks he’s asked for it by name. Because he will only be 3 this next year this will be his first Christmas where actually “gets” the idea of Christmas. It’s wonderful because this book has playfully described the excitement of that great night and its magical guest. I know I’m now more excited just to see the Turkeybird’s expression when he sees the magic of Santa for the “first” time.”

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.