His Shoes Were Far Too Tight

Some will be familiar to even non-Lear scholars (“The Owl and the Pussycat”) while others will probably be a little less known (“The Pobble Who Has No Toes”). Whatever poem you decide to read when you open up this large-scale book will certainly bring nonsensical enjoyment to young and old alike.

(Check out mp3s of Daniel Pinkwater reading selections from this book on Chronicle Books’ website!)

You can order His Shoes Were Far Too Tight directly from ChronicleBooks.com for $16.99, or look for it wherever children’s books are sold!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above product from Chronicle Books at no cost per my review….but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Remember those “choose your own adventure” novels?

I read so many of those in middle school, I lost count. Whether it was about alien life forms or Saharan expeditions, the idea that I could make a book go the way I wanted it to go (while still having surprises pop up according to my choices) was super appealing to me!

Chronicle Books’ Worst-Case Scenario line has just released a similar format title: The Worst-Case Scenario Ultimate Adventure: Everest {You Decide How to Survive!}.

G and I have had a blast “trekking” through this book together! You truly become a part of the youngest team ever to attempt to summit Mt. Everest. Every decision you make will lead to a certain outcome. There are 23 different possible endings, not to mention a load of educational information about mountain climbing, culture, and geography.

The author, David Borgenicht, was guided by expert mountain climber David Morton (who has summited Mt. Everest five times) as he wrote this adventurous junior novel. Black-and-white comic-style illustrations dot every few pages, and the whole book looks and feels like an authentic trail guide as you hold it in your hands.

The Worst-Case Scenario Ultimate Adventure: Everest

Any young adventurer will enjoy the trip through The Worst-Case Scenario Ultimate Adventure: Everest (and perhaps also their nostalgic bookworm-ish parents)!

You can order it directly from Chronicle Books for $12.99 or look for it wherever books are sold (online and at stores near you).

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed product from Chronicle Books at no cost per my review, but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Joining 5 Minutes for Mom’s Ultimate Blog Party!

It’s a terrific way to meet new bloggers and visit new spots on the web! Plus, there’s neat prizes to boot! If you’d like to participate and join the fun, read how here.

It all starts April 1st!

Going to start party planning now….

Shh.

Did you know that there’s a big book of Cat Secrets?

And that, if you’re a cat, you can have access to and find out what’s in that book at any time?

Well, it’s true. And if you’re a cat, you’re welcome to read this book. Otherwise, scram.

(Or so the cats will tell you if they can clearly see you’re not a cat.)

Cat Secrets, written and illustrated by Jef Czekaj, is all about that super duper secret book, and whether or not YOU, the reader(s), will be able to peek inside its covers.

The cats aren’t too sure you’re a cat, too, though, and so they begin to give you a “are you a cat or aren’t you?” test.

(I must tell you, watching your kids meow, stretch, and purr like cats will be just as entertaining as the activity is for them!) Look carefully after each skill is performed and see what the feline book holders’ reactions are. You won’t be able to keep a straight face. (But watch out and don’t give it away — these guys know that cats don’t laugh!)

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You can purchase Cat Secrets, published by Balzer + Bray (a division of HarperCollins) from any of these fine online retailers or at bookstores near you.

Win it!

Courtesy of Harper Collins, one of you will win your own copy of Jef Czekaj’s Cat Secrets!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another Harper Collins title you’d love to read to your kids this year.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest on Monday, March 7th, 2011, at 11:59pm EST. US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #25, LadyJai!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed product at no cost per my review, but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Little did they know that that album would become a favorite, a mainstay in our home from that day after. I memorized every single word, even the order of the songs. I hummed the tunes while eating, playing, nodding off to sleep. I recited the chants while jump roping with my friends down the block. I absorbed that album, and I consider it a huge part of my musical development.

(Me, about age 6, in my room listening to records, how I could be found much of the time.)

Ella is affectionately known as “First Lady of Children’s Music,” and I couldn’t agree more. She has been singing, writing, and performing music for kids for decades. Her first album recorded in 1957, and she has been inspiring and enchanting young audiences ever since. A few years ago, Ella received the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award for a children’s music artist. Her 30+ albums all celebrate diversity, encourage pride in one’s own heritage, and bring fun and amusement to children all over the world.

On February 22nd, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings will release Ella Jenkins’ newest CD, A Life of Song.

This album is a musical celebration, filled with songs that meant the very most to her during her childhood and up. (Visit Smithsonian Folkways’ product information page for song titles and clips.)

I was recently able to have the extreme privilege of interviewing Ella Jenkins via telephone! She chatted with me from her home in Chicago and shared with me a host of stories. Here is just a summary from our interview that afternoon:

~ As a child, she enjoyed so many games with the other children in her neighborhood: Counting games, color games, shape games, playing school on the steps, jumping rope, hopscotch, marbles. All of these games were free, and her memories of them are vivid and fond.

~ Her uncle lived in Little Rock, Arkansas and would come up to visit family. He worked in a steel mill and played the harmonica in his free time. He played by ear, and Ella picked up on it. She remembered the day she received her very own harmonica; her mother worked extra hours to pay for her to have one. She wanted to show her uncle and took it with her in a taxi cab; when she got home she realized she’d left it on the seat of the cab.

~ She adores the minor key (as do I!). She bought some minor key harmonicas in Europe while touring through there. The minor key notes allow her to play music from the Middle East, Turkey, etc.

~ When her first album was made in New York, she had no idea how far her music would reach or how her musical paths would lead her. She is thankful for God for her ideas, melodies, and words.

Ella will celebrate her 86th birthday on August 6th of this year. Her new album “A Life of Song” is available for purchase or download from Smithsonian Folkways and other online and brick and mortar music retailers!

Win it!

Courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways and Sugar Mountain PR, one of you can win a copy of Ella Jenkins’ “A Life of Song!”

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, your favorite song off the album after listening to the sound clips.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011, at 11:59pm EST. US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #15, Sandy!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed product at no cost per my review, but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I don’t know what it is about bunnies, but my kids think all bunnies are hilarious.

These Rescue Bunnies sure are! Doreen Cronin’s new debut, Rescue Bunnies, is about a special rescue force of rabbits who go on missions to save other animals from danger.

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It’s like a special ops force for long-eared furry creatures. Newbie has passed all of the initiation and training tests….except one: The Field Test. Will she be able to prove herself in the field?

A call comes in. A giraffe is stuck in the mud! Hungry hyenas are closing in on the trapped victim. And Newbie is one of the first responders.

The book is written in a pseudo-serious tone, making it seem partly like a real military-esque operation journal….but there is humor throughout, things added in to make every child (and adult!) giggle. Rescue Bunnies is one unique tale, one unique book. We absolutely love it.

(Click here for a PDF of some Rescue Bunnies safety activities for kids!)

You can buy Doreen Cronin’s Rescue Bunnies directly from HarperCollins for $16.99, at any of these other online retailers, or at a local bookstore near you!

Win it! Courtesy of HarperCollins, one of you will win a copy of Rescue Bunnies!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another HarperCollins title you or your kids would love to read!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, September 29th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US and Canadian mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to the winner, #15, Nad!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this item at no cost per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have you ever stopped by and shopped at Tiny Prints?

They not only have a dazzling array of invites and announcements, they also have a special offer for teachers: Free teacher greeting cards!

To honor teachers everywhere who are preparing for their school year, Tiny Prints has designed greeting cards to meet their needs. They can send each student a personalized welcome greeting card, connect with their student’s parents with a thank you card and celebrate their students with award cards. In support of building a connection between teachers, students and parents, Tiny Prints is offering these personalized greeting cards for free starting Monday, August 2nd through October 31, 2010. Teachers will just need to apply the code: Apple2010 at checkout.

Teachers deserve a lot of appreciation and special treatment. I have many teachers in my past who helped to shape who I am today, but two stand out overall: Mrs. Daniels in 2nd grade, who prayed with us daily and had a morning sing-along with us (who I learned the song “Frog Went a Courtin’” from) — Mrs. Cuyar in 9th grade, my Spanish teacher who was unabashedly attached to her morals and who gave up a lucrative career possibility to be a teacher in the public schools.

Twitter party ahead: Join in at the Tiny Prints Teacher Greeting Card Twitter Party with the tag #makeitpersonal this Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET/1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT.

So teachers — Head over to Tiny Prints today to order these Teacher Greeting Cards!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received an entry into a gift card contest for posting this announcement, via Tiny Prints and Global Influence. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wendel is an eccentric little rodent who is an inventor by trade. Any inventions of his that “aren’t quite up to spec” are simply tossed outside into a gigantic trash heap. After a while, Wendel’s workshop began to pile up junk, as well.

So what does Wendel do? Invent a cleaning robot, of course! Using scrap parts lying around, he creates Clunk the robot. Clunk’s job is to tidy up Wendel’s workspace….but Clunk doesn’t exactly know what cleaning up really looks like.

So Wendel goes to work on a second robot: Tidy. Tidy cleans….oh, yes, but gets a little carried away. What happens when Wendel soon finds himself bound for the scrap heap? You’ll have to read to find out!

The pages are large and drawings are detailed. Any little inventor (and robot enthusiast) will find this book a joy to read and examine. Our son now counts Wendel’s Workshop as one of his all-time favorite books!

You can find Wendel’s Workshop wherever your favorite children’s books are sold, or order it directly from HarperCollins for $16.99.

Win it! Thanks to HarperCollins, one of you will win your own copy of Wendel’s Workshop by Chris Riddell!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Leave me a comment below telling me another HarperCollins Children’s book you think your kids would love.
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close this contest next Sunday, March 14th, 2010, at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter #34, Jamaise, the winner of this fun book!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Hoping your Christmas is wonderful…full of festivity, family, and fun. See you in a few days!

~ Meg

# 31 – Kiley Smith!

Congratulations, Kiley!
I’ll email you to tell you how to claim your prize.
Thanks to every one of you for participating!