Susan Heim on Parenting

Good-Bye from Susan Heim on Parenting

2021-01-01T18:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

When I first started Susan Heim on Parenting in 2008, my twins were 4 years old, and my older boys were in their tweens and teens. I wrote several parenting books and was eager to share my knowledge with those who were also raising children. Susan Heim on Parenting was like a bonus child. I enjoyed nurturing its growth throughout the years, watching my followers grow and reviewing some wonderful products. I also picked up valuable new skills like HTML and social media marketing, which have been advantageous in other areas of my life.

Now, more than twelve years later, my twins have just celebrated their 17th birthday, and my older boys have been on their own for years. My parenting journey is nearing its end (although we never truly stop parenting and guiding our children), and I’m ready to take some time to explore new adventures. I work full-time at a library and do freelance editing, so my days and nights are already full, and it’s time to pass the blogging baton to others who are still in the trenches of parenting. Therefore, I have decided to shut down Susan Heim on Parenting. I will miss it -- and you -- greatly, but it just feels like time to close this chapter of my life.

I want to thank you so much for reading my words, entering my giveaways, and spreading the word about my blog. I hope that 2021 brings more love and light into your life and new adventures for you and your family.

Warm wishes,

RingMaster: Welcome to the Big Top ~ An Exciting New Card Game for Fun with Family and Friends

2020-12-23T19:53:00.000-05:00

Reviewed by D.T.

Looking for a new and exciting game to play with your family this year? I've got a great suggestion: RingMaster: Welcome to the Big Top. This quick card game has all sorts of surprises in store. It is recommended for 2-4 players, and should be easy to play for anyone who can read the cards.

Just like the circus it is inspired by, each card has wildly different effects. There are three types of cards: Attractions, Events, and Sideshows. Typically, Attractions are used to help win the game and are played in front of yourself. Events are quick effects that are immediately discarded after use and can change the game very quickly. Sideshows are the most flexible and can be played in front of anyone, for better or worse. On your turn, you draw a card, play a card, and can use any of the effects on the cards in front of you. Once you become familiar with the cards, some interesting and cunning strategies can line up if you build your circus correctly. However, luck also plays a large factor on whether you can find the right combination to win the game.

Altogether, it is a fun package, and its quickness and uniqueness will make it a good game to bring to any group of people. It is also very easy to learn, with only one small page of rules. The art on each of the cards is vivid and fun and reminiscent of an actual Big Top experience. Each of the characters is instantly recognizable, such as the Bearded Lady, the Lion Tamer, and of course the Ring Master. It also comes with a velvet bag that makes the game very convenient to slip in your pocket and bring anywhere. I, personally, will enjoy showing it off to many friends and family in the future.

With a price of only $10, RingMaster makes a great gift, too! Get your copy from Ultra PRO here.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample to facilitate this honest review.

Get Your Ugly Sweaters and Other Fun, Festive Clothing and Decorations from Joyin!

2020-12-13T11:52:00.000-05:00

I just found out on Friday that my office is having an Ugly Sweater Day this upcoming week, and I'm so excited because I have the perfect sweater from Joyin to wear!

I love this reindeer sweater! With his light-up nose and dangling scarf, he's sure to draw lots of attention from my co-workers. And the twinkly lights have 6 different modes from steady glowing to rapid flashing. This high-quality sweater has decorations all around, including festive sleeves and snow all around the back of the sweater.

And Joyin has plenty of other "ugly sweaters" to choose from. These are some of my favorites:

Looking for more Christmas apparel? Joyin has socks, hats and pajamas, too!

They also have plenty of Christmas decorations and knickknacks for the house. Who can resist decorating their bathroom for the holidays?

Now's the time to order from Joyin! They ship within 2-3 business days, and shipping is free when you spend $50+. Enter the code HOLIDAY at Joyin, you'll receive 15% off your purchase!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product sample to facilitate my honest review.

Bring Christmas Cheer to Your Home with Inflatables and Other Decorations from Joiedomi!

2020-12-12T16:26:00.001-05:00

This year, more than ever, we need to ramp up the Christmas cheer and bring some holiday spirit to our homes. And what says Christmas better than a giant inflatable in your front yard! Make a statement to your neighbors and those driving by that you're going to wrap up this year with happiness in your heart thanks to a big Christmas inflatable from Joiedomi. With more than 50 to choose from, your only problem will be making a choice. Check out some of my favorites:

I love the beautiful inflatable Christmas tree with presents that is in my yard. We may not have snow here in south Florida, but we definitely know how to decorate for the holidays! This is super easy to put up. Just plug it in and it inflates! I love how it lights up so everyone can see it at night.

Joiedomi has lots of other Christmas decorations, too, in addition to inflatables, such as wreaths, trees, lights, ornaments, and other yard decorations.

Now's the time to get your beautiful decorations from Joiedomi before they're all sold out and the holidays are over! Their prices are extremely affordable, and when you use the code HOLIDAY, you'll save 15%! Plus, shipping is free on orders over $60. Visit Joiedomi today.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample to facilitate my honest review.

Perfect Gift Ideas for Everyone from Endless Games

2020-12-12T10:06:00.000-05:00

There's not a lot of good we can say about the pandemic, but one silver lining has been the rise in pursuing old-fashioned entertainment together, such as card games, board games and jigsaw puzzles. That's good news for Endless Games because they have a fantastic selection of these items for your family's entertainment. And with the holidays approaching, they make a perfect gift for everyone you know!

Tweens and teens are notoriously difficult to buy for, but Endless Games has the perfect game: Camera Roll!

In this game, players draw a card with a subject or phrase on it. Then they search their phones for a photo that best matches the card. A point is awarded for everyone who finds a photo, and bonus points are scored for being first or having the best match. What fun!

Got a TV buff in your life? How about getting them a game based on the popular show, Card Sharks, hosted by Joel McHale?

Endless Games also has games based on the classic game shows: Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Password.

My parents love playing Mexican Train with their friends and at family gatherings, which is a dominos-based game for up to 8 players. They would love this set from Endless Games that comes in a sturdy metal tin, along with 9 train markers and a train station "hub."

Need a game for the kids? How about the Dropsy Card Game? Kids will be giggling endlessly as they struggle to hold their cards as directed: under their chin, on their head, inside their elbow, and other silly places!

Finally, jigsaw puzzles are popular with any age, from the young to the old. As an adult, I love the challenge of a 1,000-piece puzzle, and Endless Games just added two new 1,000-piece puzzles to their product line. I've been working all week on the Peace on Earth puzzle with beautiful artwork by artist Malcolm Watson. As you can see below, I'm almost done!

This puzzle has actually been quite challenging because the border all looks the same! Usually, I finish that part of the puzzle first, but this time, I still have some final sections to fill in. And I loved putting together the beautiful renderings of the animals.

As the holidays approach, it's time to finish up your shopping. Head on over to Endless Games and select items for family members, friends and co-workers. From classic games to new ones, from card games to puzzles, you'll find something for everyone on your list.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample to facilitate my honest review.

See “Buttons: A Christmas Tale” with Dick Van Dyke in Theaters on 12/17 ~ and Enter to Win the Music CD!

2020-12-06T19:48:00.000-05:00

This Christmas, I’d like to share a terrific gift for families -- the opportunity to watch a very special holiday movie!

Buttons: A Christmas Tale is the magical, musical story that shows believing can be the greatest gift of all. Follow the heartwarming journey of two orphan girls whose only wish is to find a home for Christmas. With a little help from their guardian angels (screen legends Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury), they discover that miracles really can happen when you find the power to believe.

From director Tim Janis, this inspiring holiday film for the whole family features an all-star cast, including Jane Seymour, Roma Downey and Abigail Spencer, and is narrated by Kate Winslet and Robert Redford, with a special song by Sir Paul McCartney.

Learn more about the movie here.

Watch the trailer:

I recently had the opportunity to view this very special film. Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury as angels were magical, and I loved the musical numbers with Dick Van Dyke. I was tickled to see Dick Van Dyke dancing with another penguin, reminiscent of his performance in Mary Poppins! This movie reminds us that life isn’t always easy. Two little girls in this film both had very difficult lives, but their guardian angels reminded them that there is always hope. This lesson is one that we can all use during this difficult year.

How can you watch Buttons?

Buttons will be in theaters for one night only, on December 17th! Get tickets here.

It will be also available for churches to host through December 31st on Faith Content Network, so be sure to share this news with your church leaders. Get more info here.

I hope you’ll join me this year in watching this heart-warming holiday movie!

Enjoy these scenes from the movie:

GIVEAWAY

The musical numbers in this movie were wonderful, so I’m pleased to be able to offer one lucky family the opportunity to win an “All is Bright…” CD from BUTTONS director and award-winning composer Tim Janis! Enter through the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends on Wednesday, December 16, at 11:59 PM EST.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Momentum Influencers in the last 30 days, from the same blog, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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Disclosure: Many thanks to Tim Janis for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Celebrate the Holidays in Style with Shinesty!

2020-12-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

Shinesty! The name alone makes me feel festive! At Shinesty, you can find fun and unique holiday clothing for the whole family! Pajamas, underwear, suits, sweaters, jumpsuits, turtlenecks, dresses ... you can find all these and more in Shinesty's Christmas shop! Check out some of the new items in their store:

I have been wearing my Shinesty duds to work to add some holiday cheer to our workplace! This Gingerbread Christmas Turtleneck is perfect for work or casual.

When you're out and about, make sure to pair it with a matching holiday mask! How about this Ninja Bread face mask? Check out Shinesty's whole line of Ninja Bread clothes.

I have this Turn Me On Christmas Lights Blazer, too. It's so colorful that there are endless combinations for outfits. I can pair it with all different shirts and pants for a new look every time I wear it.

When I'm relaxing at home, I put on these 50 Shades of Santa pajamas from Shinesty, which I love, love, love! They are super-soft and comfortable. I never want to take them off!

Head on over to Shinesty for your Christmas -- and Hanukkah -- clothes this year. They're guaranteed to be a big hit at the office, family gathering, or anywhere you're celebrating the holidays. Feeling blue this holiday season? Treat yourself to a festive wardrobe that will lift your spirits in no time!

Disclosure: I received complimentary product samples to facilitate my honest review.

Claris the Mouse Holiday Giveaway: 4-Book Children's Book Series Signed by Author Megan Hess

2020-11-26T13:10:00.002-05:00

A sweet little mouse takes on a cheeky cat burglar with holiday cheer! Can Claris and Monsieur save the day -- the New York way?

Join Claris on a holiday-themed adventure in Claris: Holiday Heist, part of the bestselling series by acclaimed fashion illustrator Megan Hess. With more than a million Claris books in print, the bestselling Claris series follows an adorable mouse who moves to Paris to follow her fashion dreams. For fans of Eloise and Olivia, this series is destined to delight fashion-obsessed readers of all ages!

Fashionable illustrations draw young readers into Claris’s glamorous life again and again, while budding designers delight in the characters’ detailed outfits. Rhyming text makes this story of friendship and following your dreams a fun read-aloud for both kids and parents. Claris is more than a story -- it’s a whole new world for children to explore as they follow the adorable mouse on each new adventure, from her move to Paris in The Chicest Mouse in Paris and the runways of Fashion Week in Fashion Show Fiasco, to the beaches of the French Riviera in Bonjour Riviera and now a winter romp through New York City in Holiday Heist.

Amazon | Bookshop | Claris Instagram | Claris Website

About the Author: Megan Hess is an acclaimed fashion illustrator who works with some of the most prestigious fashion designers and luxury brands around the world, such as Chanel, Dior, Cartier, Montblanc and Tiffany & Co. She is the official illustrator for Bloomingdales New York, and completed the cover artwork for all of Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell's books, as well as a private commission for Michelle Obama, and has collaborated with Gwyneth Paltrow for the 'Blo' Blow Dry Bar campaign. Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris is her first children's book series.

Author Website | Author Instagram

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will receive the complete 4-book Claris series with custom bookplates signed by author Megan Hess! Giveaway open to US/Canada residents only. Ends at 11:59 PM Eastern time on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Enter through the Giveaway Tools below.

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Make a Difference This Holiday Season: Sackcloth & Ashes' "Everyone Is Someone" Blankets and Books Comfort Children in Foster Care

2020-11-22T20:14:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love companies that strive to make a difference in the world. During this holiday season, when so many are in need, it's especially important to purchase from companies that give back to the community. Sackcloth & Ashes is one of those companies.

They just introduced a line of beautiful children's blankets that also come with a free Everyone Is Someone book. When you purchase one of these sets, Sackcloth & Ashes donates another blanket and book to a child in foster care. These gorgeous, high-quality blankets are 100% Italian-made, woven from recycled materials, and are a generous 47"x37" size. They are also dye-free, chemical-free, water-free and made from a wool blend that is certifiably eco-friendly, cruelty-free and good for the planet. They're available in 15 different designs, such as the ones below:

Aren't they lovely? Each blanket is packaged in a sturdy box that's perfect for gift-giving and shares a message that every kid needs to hear and will make them feel special:

As you can see, pets love these blankets, too! (Thanks to my cat model, Bella.)

Each blanket also comes with a wonderful hardcover book written by the founder of the company, Bob Dalton. In Everyone Is Someone, children learn that even though we all may be a little different or live in different places, everyone is someone special and deserving of love.

Bob Dalton founded Sackcloth & Ashes in 2014 with the goal to help the homeless when his single, hardworking mother found herself living on the streets. For every blanket sold, the company donates a blanket to a local homeless shelter in need. In 2018, Sackcloth launched Blanket the United States with the goal to donate 1 million blankets to homeless shelters by 2024.

For more information or to purchase a blanket, visit Sackcloth & Ashes online at sackclothandashes.com and on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Purchase a children's blanket and book to help foster kids at sackclothandashes.com/kids.

View all their beautiful blankets, including their full-sized 72"x60" blankets at sackclothandashes.com/pages/shop-all.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample to facilitate my honest review.

Battle Viruses with Smart Care Hand Sanitizers, Soaps and Wipes for the Whole Family! (GIVEAWAY)

2020-11-13T01:00:00.005-05:00

I wish I could say that we don't have to deal with COVID-19 anymore, but unfortunately I can't. Combine the pandemic with cold and flu season, and it's even more important now to focus on our health and halting the spread of disease. It's crucial to have a good supply of hand sanitizers, soaps and wipes for the whole family so that we can be safer, whether we're at home, school, work or travelling.

Fortunately, Smart Care has a large variety of products for that very purpose. I love their products for children, such as mini hand sanitizers featuring their favorite characters like Marvel superheroes, Trolls, and Thomas & Friends. Kids will love taking them to school, as well as Smart Care's antibacterial hand wipes featuring the Minions! My teenage son grabbed a pocket-sized hand sanitizer to carry in his backpack at school.

Adults will also find much to love from Smart Care, such as full-sized liquid hand soaps in a variety of wonderful scents such as Lavender and Ocean Breeze. If you prefer foaming hand soap, they have 5 scrumptious scents such as Orange Blossom & Vanilla and Pink Grapefruit. Plus, their prices are extremely affordable so you can stock up on multiple products.

Check out these tips from Smart Care on how to select the right sanitizer:

1. Be Sure About Alcohol Percentage

The amount of alcohol in the hand sanitizer is critically important, and the most effective hand sanitizers consist of 60-85% alcohol by volume, so be sure to check the alcohol percentage before purchasing.

2. Check Alcohol Type

Ethanol is proven to be more effective than isopropyl alcohol on its own against viruses. Be sure to check the type of alcohol to make sure you are purchasing the most effective hand sanitizer.

3. Additional Ingredients

Check out the extra ingredients in the hand sanitizers as ingredients like aloe, which is used in Smart Care hand sanitizers, help to smooth the skin upon application and reduce the dryness associated with alcohol.

4. Proper Application Is Important

In advance of application, make sure to clean all dirt and grease from your hands. Apply a small dab of hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand, then rub your hands together. Make sure the sanitizer has dried before wiping your hands.

5. Select a Brand with a Proven Reputation

Lastly, with the increasing number of brands on the market, make sure to select a brand that has an established reputation for delivering performance and efficacy ~ like Smart Care!

I hope you'll visit Smart Care today to pick up a wide assortment of products to help your family fight germs together.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will receive an assortment of hand sanitizers, soaps and wipes from Smart Care! The package will include:

1oz Hand Sanitizer, mixture of Marvel/Kids Licenses (2-3)

Smart Care Minions/Other License Antibacterial Wipes (1)
2oz Smart Care Sanitizer (1)
8oz Smart Care Sanitizer (1)
Smart Care Hand Soap (1)
Smart Care Foaming Hand Soap (1)
Smart Care Multipurpose Wipes (1)

Enter through the Giveaway Tools below. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Friday, November 27, 2020.

Entry -Form

Disclosure: I received complimentary product samples to facilitate my honest review.

Grow! Book Tour: Giveaway for a $15 Amazon Gift Card (1 Winner) and Bad Bananas eBooks (20 Winners)

2020-11-12T00:01:00.020-05:00

Grow! How We Get Food from Our Garden

Food Books for Kids, Book 3

by Karl Beckstrand

Genre: Children's Book

A black child and grandfather till, plant, and harvest fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and grains in a colorful picture book. This tongue twister for children ages 4–7 (preschool–2nd grade) includes online tips for starting your own garden.

Kids love to see things grow. Learn basic gardening and find the animals (revealed in online extras). 325 dyslexic-friendly words by award-winning author and media professor Karl Beckstrand (She Doesn’t Want the Worms: A Mystery [English-Spanish]).

Goodreads* Amazon

Media professor Karl Beckstrand is the bestselling and award-winning author/illustrator of 23 multicultural/multilingual books and more than 60 ebook titles (reviews by Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, The Horn Book, ForeWord Reviews). Raised in San Jose, CA, he has a B.A. in journalism from BYU, an M.A. in international relations from APU, and a broadcast/film certificate from Film A. Academy. Since 2004, he has run Premio Publishing. His survival western, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award. Beckstrand has presented to Taiwan's Global Leadership for Youth, city and state governments, festivals, and schools. His nationally lauded Y.A. stories, ebook mysteries, nonfiction, Spanish/bilingual/ESL, wordless, career, and STEM books feature ethnically diverse characters -- and usually end with a twist.

Website* Facebook * Twitter * Instagram* Bookbub* Amazon* Goodreads

Follow the tour HEREfor special content and a giveaway!

Prizes: $15 Amazon gift card – 1 winner,

ebook of Bad Bananas: A Story Cookbook for Kids - 20 winners!

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DVD Review and Giveaway: Charlie’s Christmas Wish (2 Winners) ~ a New Family Film from Lionsgate!

2020-11-09T23:30:00.005-05:00

Charlie's Christmas Wish has arrived on DVD, Digital, and On Demand from Lionsgate -- just in time for the holidays!

About the film:

In this heartwarming holiday film starring Aiden Turner (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), a troubled war vet’s family finds new hope from a scrappy little rescue dog. Discharged and sent home for the holidays, John (Turner) tries hard to adapt to civilian life -- and to son Jimmy’s new pet, a feisty terrier named Charlie. As the family meets other struggling local veterans, they know it’ll take a miracle to bring peace to them and to John. Good thing Charlie has a direct line to the Man Upstairs...

My thoughts:

This movie provides a stirring message about the challenges that veterans face when they return to civilian life. Not only does it affect John Turner, but many other people in his town, some of whom are homeless. As the town bands together to help them, they find the Christmas spirit -- and the veterans find healing through therapy, community assistance, and shared camaraderie. A cute kid and a rescue dog with a hotline to God add to the feel-good spirit of the film. Charlie's Christmas Wish is a great choice for the whole family during the holiday season and all year long!

Check out the trailer below.

GIVEAWAY

Two (2) lucky winners will receive a DVD copy of the new film from Lionsgate, Charlie’s Christmas Wish! Enter through the Giveaway Tools below. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, November 22, 2020.

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this DVD to facilitate my honest review. This post contains my Amazon affiliate link, and I will receive a small commission on items sold through this link.

Book Blitz: "Cleo Can Tie a Bow," by Sybrina Durant

2020-11-06T00:01:00.014-05:00

A Rabbit and Fox Story

Children's Picture Book

Date Published: September 2020

Publisher: Sybrina Publishing

Cleo loves bows. She wears her hair in a bow and decorates her room with bows. Cleo is bow crazy.

Learning to tie a bow is very difficult for some people but Cleo remembers how to do it from a cute story she once heard. It is about a little rabbit with very long ears and a very helpful fox who shows her what to do to keep them clean.

This is the story of how Cleo learns to tie a “bunny ear” bow. You can follow along with the rabbit and the fox to learn to tie a sash or even shoe laces.

Exercises in manual dexterity build self-esteem in children. Knowing how to tie shoe-strings, scarves and more into a bow is a useful and rewarding skill.

“Teach a child a useful skill. Build confidence and self-esteem that lasts a lifetime.”

About the Author

Sybrina Durant writes both factual and fanciful books. She is the author of the "Learn to Tie with the Rabbit and the Fox" series of books.

Contact Links

Purchase Links

Product Review: Codi the Robot by Pillar Learning

2020-10-31T14:49:00.004-04:00

Most families would probably admit that they’ve been relying a lot more on screen-oriented activities to entertain their kids during the pandemic. When you’re stuck inside for longer periods, it’s easy to turn on the TV, computer or smartphone to pass the time. The holidays are coming up, so why not get the kids something that’s fun and doesn’t rely on passively watching a screen? A toy that perfectly fits that description is a Codi robot from Pillar Learning! Plus, your kids just might learn a few things from Codi, too.

I was given the opportunity to review Codi, and he’s just adorable. (I refer to Codi as “he,” but if you ask him directly whether he’s a boy or girl, he will tell you that he’s a robot, and robots aren’t boys or girls!) Codi can do all kinds of things to entertain your family. For example:

He plays over 200 classic and original songs, as well as lullabies for helping kids to sleep. Codi will customize your playlist based on the “like” and “dislike” buttons your child presses.
Codi tells over 130 stories using all different voices.
Codi can teach your children new habits, like how to brush their teeth, clean up, and take a nap.
When you connect Codi to WiFi, you can ask him questions! Codi can currently answer more than 50 questions, which are viewable on the Pillar Learning website.
Use Codi with headphones for long car rides or places where quiet is needed.
There’s an app for parents so they can manage playlists through their smartphone.
Codi comes with an adorable blue snowsuit, and there are more outfits available for purchase. These outfits not only make Codi cute and easy to carry, but also protect him from harm when he falls.
You can record personalized messages to each other on Codi!
Codi has an 8-10-hour battery life for all-day entertainment.

Pillar Learning is continuously upgrading Codi, adding new stories and features. In fact, they just added new stories about how to celebrate the holidays!

I can’t quit saying it: Codi is adorable! I highly recommend Codi for your holiday gift-giving. Your children will love listening to Codi’s songs and stories, recording messages, dressing Codi, asking him questions, and much more. Visit www.pillarlearning.com to learn more and purchase Codi.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample to facilitate my honest review.

The Chimera's Apprentice Release Blitz: Giveaway for a Signed Paperback!

2020-10-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

Book One of a trilogy

(Upper) Middle Grade fantasy adventure

Date Published: October 15, 2020

Publisher: Rainscape Media Inc.

Walking talking rats aren’t real, right? After Kyra, 13, is transported from Earth to another world, Antiica, she’s thrust into her father’s war with the rat people, the Raturro, and must save her kidnapped mother. Kyra sets out on a dangerous journey to rescue her and is aided by Coyne, a teen who deserted the army and Mercy, a teen rat girl who was once Kyra’s childhood friend. But it’s Kyra’s new bond with the Chimera, a magical creature that travels through stone, which changes her life completely. The Chimera’s Apprentice is the story of a girl and her monster—and a desperate search for her family.

About the Author

Roslyn Muir is new to middle grade fiction fantasy but feels she comes by it honestly—“I still feel like a ten-year-old making up elaborate adventure stories in my head.” Born in Scotland and now living in Vancouver, Canada, she often uses the similar landscapes of both countries in her stories. Roslyn has another life as an award-winning screenwriter who writes YA stories, family drama and thrillers. She was a writer on the Global/CBS one-hour drama, Ransom, created by Frank Spotnitz (Man in the High Castle). Roslyn has also written several movies that have aired on TV around the world: Washed Away, Stranger in the House, and Reluctant Witness, to name a few. Roslyn also wrote and produced the dramatic feature film, The Birdwatcher, directed by Siobhan Devine. Her half-hour YA comedy, The Tutors, is in development with the CBC.

Contact Links

Purchase Link

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Children's Book Review: "When We Stayed Home," by Tara Fass, LMFT, and Judith A. Proffer

2020-10-10T16:58:00.000-04:00

There's no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone. How do parents explain to their children that they can't go to birthday parties or attend school because they might catch a disease? How do they convince them to wear a mask without scaring them? Fortunately, children's book authors are recognizing the need for stories that introduce children to this "new normal" in a way that they can handle. While reading When We Stayed Home, children learn that staying home more just opens up their world to new adventures. In the story, a little boy becomes a "super-helper" by making cookies for the neighbors and waving at friends walking their dog. He discovers new interests, like putting together puzzles and building forts. This book also acknowledges the not-so-good parts of staying home, like missing get-togethers with friends and getting hugs, but little readers learn in the end that while they may not have everything they want, they have everything they need. Best of all, they'll feel less alone when they realize that other kids are going through the same things they are.

About the book:

When COVID-19 traveled the globe, we were prompted to stay home, wash our hands frequently, socially distance and wear masks to remain safe and help the helpers. For children who don’t yet grasp the concept of time and haven’t weathered enough life to understand the art of endurance, it’s been a particularly complicated and sometimes trying time.

When We Stayed Home looks at one young boy’s pandemic journey and, through colorful illustrations and heartfelt prose, we see how he has used his trusty imagination and childlike creativity to navigate the trials of staying home day after day, becoming a super-helper in the process while missing family, friends, school and the "normal" life he once knew. From decorating adorable toilet paper-shaped sugar cookies, building forts, painting and doing puzzles to frequent screen dates and dance parties with family and friends, young children will relate to his joys and sadnesses, and how they too found connection and even serene moments of happiness while isolating. The book will comfort, entertain, and stir conversation about feelings and experiences the youngest stay-at-homers have experienced during these improbable times.

Tara Fass, LMFT

Written by Tara Fass, LMFT and Judith A. Proffer, the book was inspired by Proffer's five-year-old nephew, who continued to find big moments of mirth in home, nature, adventures and activities while at times tearfully longing for the virus to go far, far away. Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist Fass has worked with families during the pandemic to navigate its bumpy road with tools, optimism and hope. This is their second book collaboration.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate my honest review. This post contains my Amazon affiliate link, and I will receive a small commission on purchases made through this link.

A Back-to-School Giveaway from Prestel: Three Engaging Books that Encourage Imagination and Creative Play

2020-10-03T18:44:00.000-04:00

Prestel Publishing recently published three charming picture books that are a great way to keep kids engaged and learning whether at home or school this fall. Learn more below and then find out how you can enter for the chance to win all three books!

How to Spot an Artist by Danielle Krysa (9/1/2020; ISBN: 9783791374406; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 5+) is a vividly illustrated, funny, and endlessly encouraging picture book “about being an artist, even when someone tells you not to be."

With over 200,000 Instagram followers, Danielle Krysa has helped a lot of people overcome the fear that they "aren't creative," and in How to Spot an Artist, Krysa wants to reach readers as kids before their inner critics arrived on the scene, using her characteristic playfulness, lively illustrations, and humor to help kids overcome negativity about their artistic endeavors -- and to help them redefine what being an artist means. Every page delivers encouragement to the kid who thinks artists all live in cities, or that art has to look like something familiar, or that painting and drawing are the only way to make art. In a world that drastically undervalues creative freedom, Krysa's whimsical paintings and collages joyfully proclaim that art is essential and that artists are everywhere. Additionally, a page at the back of the book includes ideas for art projects -- because who wants fewer art projects? Nobody!

School by Britta Teckentrup (9/15/2020; ISBN: 9783791374420; Hardcover $19.95; Ages 8+) takes readers inside a busy school to follow different students through their day -- in class, during free time, at lunch, and through swimming lessons.

We come across a variety of faces and expressions that reflect the enormous range of emotions and experiences that each school day brings. There are arguments and hurt feelings, encouraging hugs and deeply felt smiles. The gentle text explores issues that we've all encountered -- bullying and loneliness as well as friendship and achievement. While the school in this book could exist anywhere, young readers will recognize themselves in this beautifully and compassionately wrought story by bestselling author Britta Teckentrup, whose warm and wonderfully detailed illustrations are a marvelous portal to feelings, facts, and fun.

This Thing Called Life by Christian Borstlap (10/6/2020; ISBN: 9783791374437; Hardcover $17.95; Ages 5+) shows the many shapes and forms life takes all around us, from the smallest specks of life to the largest creatures.

What is life? It's constantly moving, growing, reproducing, and dying. It's happening now, all the time, and it's everywhere around us. From little helicopter seed pods that float through the air to blue whales in the ocean, the world is filled with all different types of odd and familiar kinds of life. This whimsical picture book helps young readers see the connections between all living things. Author and illustrator Christian Borstlap's furry, feathery, smooth, and spiky creatures crawl, eat, growl, fly, and interact with one another. While most of his creations are imaginary animals, they all depict real things that organisms must do to survive and thrive. Bold and quirky illustrations tug at kids' imaginations and help demonstrate complex concepts that can be hard to put into words. The book leaves lots of room for discussion and for new discoveries with each reading.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will receive all three books from Prestel (ARV $54.85) featured above! Enter through the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents and ends at 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, October 18, 2020.

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Knucklehead Fred and the Principal's Challenge Book Tour: Giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card and eBooks

2020-09-23T19:04:00.000-04:00

Knucklehead Fred and the Principal's Challenge

Knucklehead Fred Series Book 2

by Arias Williams

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Knucklehead Fred is a whimsical, rhyming story about a fun-loving, energetic boy named Fred.

After struggling with behavior problems at school, Fred is presented with a challenge by his school principal, Mr. Boronstine. He promises Fred that if he can be a model student for one week, he will be presented with a special surprise.

Will Knucklehead Fred rise to the occasion and be the best he can be? Or will he fail to control himself and miss out on a special treat?

Find out in this second installment of this whimsical children’s book about a mischievous little boy who walks to the beat of his own drum.

The Principal’s Challenge is the second in the Knucklehead Fred series, a collection of stories about the troublemaker you can’t help but love.

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Knucklehead Fred
Knucklehead Fred Series Book 1

Knucklehead Fred is a whimsical, rhyming story about a fun-loving, energetic boy named Fred.

His parents just can’t figure out how to make him sit still and listen!

But when Fred finds himself in need of a favor, Mom and Dad use it as a perfect opportunity to teach him a thing or two about responsibility.

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Arias Williams is a creative based in Los Angeles, CA.

He is a father of two children, a husband, and currently teaches 7th Grade in South Los Angeles.

When he isn't working on Knucklehead Fred, Arias can be found in his home studio making beats, hanging with his family, or working to educate the future of Los Angeles.

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Follow the tour HEREfor special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon, eBook of both books – 1 winner each

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Release Blitz: "Summer of L.U.C.K.," a Middle-Grade Fantasy Novel by Laura Segal Stegman ~ Read an Excerpt!

2020-09-15T01:00:00.033-04:00

Middle-Grade Contemporary Fantasy

Published Date: 9-15-20

Publisher: INtense Publications LLC

Stuttering Darby is never perfect enough for her mother. Justin's been silent since his dad died. Naz is struggling to learn English. But after they meet at summer camp, mysterious calliope music from an abandoned warehouse grants them power to communicate without words. When they sneak inside, the dark, empty space bursts into a magical carnival. They're greeted by the ghost of Leroy Usher, who asks for their help convincing his family to restore the carnival to its former glory. In return, he promises to teach the kids how to find their voices. As Darby, Justin, and Naz are swept off on a series of midnight adventures via Mr. Usher's carnival rides, they discover they're capable of more than they ever imagined. With each challenge, their confidence in communicating -- and in themselves -- grows. Meanwhile, they scheme to persuade the Usher family to revive the carnival. But when Darby’s bunkmates trick her into starring in the camp talent show, her budding confidence falters. Can she risk being less than perfect by performing in the show and speaking up to Mr. Usher's resistant son? If not, she'll put the carnival in danger and sabotage her most important quest: to believe in herself, stutter and all.

Excerpt

Chattering blackbirds and blue jays pulled her back to her surroundings. The scent of wintergreen berries, bluebells, and wild sassafras from the bushes restored her resolve to continue by herself. She walked a bit faster up a steep incline, removing her official Camp Inch Sweatshirt and tying it around her thin waist.

At the hilltop, one sign pointing left read CAMP INCH VIA WHITE FALLS HIGHWAY: 1/4 MILE EAST. Another pointed right, cautioning PRIVATE PROPERTY! Her pulse quickened. She followed it past bushes and trees.

Below her, an orange football-field-sized building, dressed up with castle-like turrets at each corner, rose several stories high. Darby smiled with glee. I found it! Massive green letters spelling out "L.U.C.K." were painted on its side, glowing brighter than ever. A surrounding fieldstone wall led eastward toward camp.

She hurried down to a spot beside the immense wall where ten golden horseshoes sat lodged in concrete. Same as when Monica and I found them! The sun glinted on a colorless glass circle embedded above the horseshoes. Last time they'd rushed too much to notice the lines inscribed on it. Now, she knelt to read what they said.

All That We Give

Comes Back to Benefit Ourselves

With no time to figure that out, she placed her feet inside two of the horseshoes, like last year. Her heart pounding, she waited anxiously for the faint rumbling she and Monica had heard -- or possibly imagined.

Will it even work without her?

The ground trembled ever so slightly beneath her.

She shivered with relief. Yes, I feel it!

Last year, their counselor came after them to end the adventure before it began. This time, the rumbling got louder. Darby ducked to avoid the small rocks and dust that fell from the stone wall looming above her head. Grating and creaking accompanied deep vibrations inside the fieldstone. A Darby-size section swung out on hinges, exposing a latch chain fastened to an old wooden door. She tried to remember to breathe. Or how to breathe. Overcoming the urge to back away, she yanked the chain, pushed the door open, and strained to see.

For a few seconds, semi-darkness that lay beyond kept her cemented in place. Finally, anticipation conquered her apprehension. I can't stop now. Electrified, Darby squared her shoulders and stepped inside.

About the Author

Laura Segal Stegman grew up with parents who valued reading, and she still finds herself spellbound by middle-grade fiction. Some of her favorites, then and now, are The Diamond in the Window, Ellen Tebbits, All of a Kind Family, Wonder, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and The Miraculous. As a writer, her non-fiction credits include collaboration on the travel book, Only in New York, and her feature stories have appeared in Los Angeles Times and Westways Magazine, among others. A long-time publicist, she has represented numerous arts organizations. Summer of L.U.C.K. is her debut novel.

Contact Links

Website

Twitter: @LauraStegman

Instagram: laura_stegman

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DVD Giveaway: SEA LEVEL and SEA LEVEL 2: MAGIC ARCH ~ 5 Winners!

2020-09-14T01:00:00.006-04:00

Last month, I featured the trailer for the upcoming animated double feature, SEA LEVEL and the all-new SEA LEVEL 2: MAGIC ARCH. This month, I'm featuring a giveaway of this fun new title, which arrives on DVD, Digital, and On Demand from Lionsgate on September 29. These underwater adventures will be available on one disc for the suggested retail price $16.98.

ABOUT SEA LEVEL:

Pup, a bamboo shark, discovers egg sacs while playing around the ocean with his friends. When he sees human poachers stealing the eggs from his reef, Pup makes it his mission to save his family. As he leaves the sea and enters the beautiful, yet dangerous, world of humans, he will prove he isn’t too small to save his family.

ABOUT SEA LEVEL 2: MAGIC ARCH:

This thrilling, colorful comedy will take your family under the sea to a land of courage and adventure. One day, Dephi the dolphin discovers a magical archway that grants wishes to all who visit. But evil moray eels use the arch to become gigantic and menace peaceful Fish Town. Now, Delphi must summon his courage, master his “secret punch” fighting technique, and find his missing father to rescue his friends and win the love of pretty Mia. It’s time for this dolphin to get swimmin’!

GIVEAWAY

Five (5) lucky families will receive a DVD copy of SEA LEVEL and SEA LEVEL 2: MAGIC ARCH. Enter through the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends at 11:59 PM EST on September 28, 2020.

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Celebrate the Premiere of "Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs" with a Delicious Mini Apple Pies Recipe!

2020-09-10T19:57:00.003-04:00

Magic mirror on the wall, which apple pie recipe is the fairest of them all? Why, this one, of course! In celebration of Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs, premiering on Digital and On Demand September 18 and available to own on Blu-ray and DVD September 22, we're excited to share Snow White's magically delicious Mini Apple Pies recipe. Click on the banner below so you and your kids can eat dessert happily ever after! Be sure to scroll down to learn more about the movie and watch the trailer!

About the movie:

This outrageous fairy-tale spoof starts as Snow White steals a pair of red shoes that transform her into a princess. Meanwhile, a witch’s curse turns seven brave princes into dwarfs, forcing them to seek out the princess, hoping for a kiss to break their spell. Together, they must face Snow White’s wicked stepmother -- who will stop at nothing to get her precious shoes back -- and, along the way, learn that true beauty lies within!

Go behind the scenes of this must-own animated adventure with enchanting Blu-ray and DVD bonus features, including two “making-of” featurettes and two music videos featuring the all-new original songs! The Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.

Watch the trailer!

BLU-RAY / DVD / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES

“The Making of Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs” Featurette
“From Storyboard to Animation: Creating Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs” Featurette
“Start of Something Right” Music Video
“Something So Beautiful” Music Video

Disclosure: This post contains my Amazon affiliate link, and I will receive a small commission on purchases made through this link.

The Reluctant Wizard Book Tour: Giveaway for a $50 Amazon Gift Card

2020-09-10T00:01:00.018-04:00

The Reluctant Wizard

by A.A. Warne

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

By day, wizards rule the world. At night, warlocks seek to destroy it. Now, one boy will challenge them both.
Eli never wanted to be a rebel. All he wants is an end to the famine and war threatening his community. To save his mother and baby brother from marauding warlocks, Eli is forced to make a heartbreaking decision. He must travel to Terra Magicae, the mysterious land of the wizards, to study magic. In exchange, the wizards will protect his family, but this protection comes at a price: once Eli enters the Grand Wizardry Academy, he may never come home.

Full of lush landscapes and magical marvels, Terra Magicae is more wondrous than Eli ever imagined… and more dangerous. At first, Eli’s struggles to fit in at the Academy seem ordinary. But the more he questions the wizards, the more he suspects a sinister purpose behind their bizarre rules and tests. For a dark secret lies at the heart of this mystical land, one so terrible it threatens not only the students at the Academy but the lives of everyone Eli loves.

To save them all, Eli must step into the midst of the battle between the wizards and warlocks and defy both sides. He must become the rebel he was always meant to be.

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A.A. Warne writes elaborate, strange, dark and twisted stories. In other words, speculative fiction.

Located at the bottom of the Blue Mountains in Sydney, Australia, Amanda was born an artist and grew up a painter before deciding to study pottery.

But it wasn't until she found the art of the written word that her universe expanded.

A graduate of Western Sydney University in arts, Amanda now spends her time wrestling three kids and writing full-time.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads * Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card

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"Thomas and the Magic Railroad (20th Anniversary Edition)" Arrives on Blu-ray+DVD on September 29! Let's Celebrate with a Giveaway (2 Winners)!

2020-09-06T11:47:00.001-04:00

Are you and your family fans of Thomas the Tank Engine? Then I've got some great news for you! The beloved fan-favorite Thomas and the Magic Railroad (20th Anniversary Edition) is coming to Blu-ray + DVD on September 29 from Shout! Kids, marking the first time the film will be available in high definition. The release is packed with extensive special features, sure to thrill fans who have long clamored for the film’s deleted scenes to be released. The list of special features includes new interviews with the film’s stars Alec Baldwin, Mara Wilson, and Didi Conn, as well as the film’s composer Hummie Mann, a two-part documentary with writer / director / producer Britt Allcroft, a behind-the-scenes reel, and deleted storylines and lost scenes, including deleted scenes with Peter Fonda, Didi Conn, Russell Means, and Doug Lennox.

Starring Alec Baldwin (The Boss Baby, 30 Rock), Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda), Peter Fonda (Easy Rider, Ulee’s Gold), Didi Conn (Grease, Shining Time Station), Russell Means (Last of the Mohicans, Pocahontas), and, of course, Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas and the Magic Railroad is a longtime family-favorite.

About the show:
For as long as anyone can remember, the magical Island of Sodor has been the realm of enchantment, innocence, and talking train engines. Mr. Conductor (Alec Baldwin) is taking care of the whole railway whilst Sir Topham Hatt is away.

Mr. C comes from a family of miniature Conductors who travel between the Island of Sodor and Shining Time Station thanks to a supply of mysterious gold dust. However, Sodor’s steam engines suddenly find themselves heading for a load of trouble courtesy of the railroad baddie Diesel 10, whose plan is to destroy our hero Thomas and Mr. C, and then take over Sodor before Sir Topham Hatt’s return. Thomas and Mr. C must save the engines before his dwindling supply of gold dust runs out!

Lily (Mara Wilson) has a hunch that her grandfather (Peter Fonda), up in his workshop on Muffle Mountain, can be the one to crack the code that will save the Conductor family and bring back to life the Magic Railroad, which runs between Sodor and the beautiful Indian Valley surrounding Shining Time. Lily teams up with Mr. C and Thomas and sets out to get Sodor back on track in this beloved, full-length adventure starring the world’s #1 tank engine.

Watch the trailer!

SPECIAL FEATURES

· ”Return to Shining Time: Your Ticket to Thomas and the Magic Railroad” – Two-Part Documentary with Writer/Director/Producer Britt Allcroft
· “Hello Mr. Conductor” – Interview With Alec Baldwin
· “Finding Your Sparkle” – Interview With Mara Wilson
· “There’s Something About This Place” – Interview With Didi Conn
· “The Sounds of Sodor” – Interview with Composer Hummie Mann
· Behind-the-Scenes Reel
· Deleted Story Lines

GIVEAWAY

Two (2) lucky winners will receive a Blu-ray+DVD copy of Thomas and the Magic Railroad (20th Anniversary Edition)! Enter through the Giveaway Tools below. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends at 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, September 27, 2020.

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Children's Book Review: The Little Kitten, by Nicola Killen

2020-09-04T17:52:00.002-04:00

The Little Kittenby Nicola Killen
About the book:

From beloved author-illustrator Nicola Killen comes a charming autumnal story about a little girl who must return a lost kitten to its home, lovingly told and illustrated in limited color with lovely foil and interactive die-cut pages.

Ollie and her cat Pumpkin are out frolicking on a beautiful fall day when they come upon a tiny kitten shivering in a pile of fallen leaves. Ollie warms up the kitten, and the three become fast friends. But when Ollie sees “Lost Kitten” posters hanging on the trees in the forest, she knows she has to help her new friend get home. As Halloween draws nearer, magic is afoot, and Ollie’s good deed is rewarded in an unexpected way.

My review:

Fall begins this month, and what better way to celebrate than by reading a lovely autumn-themed picture book together! The Little Kitten, written and illustrated by Nicola Killen, is a charming tale of a little girl, Ollie, who helps a kitten find his way home. In the meantime, she loses track of her own cat, Pumpkin, and gets lost herself! Fortunately, Ollie keeps her cool, and Pumpkin shows up to lead the way home. This story even has a magical Halloween twist at the end, and young readers will notice that Ollie is wearing a kitty costume throughout the book. The pages are beautifully illustrated with sparkly orange leaves and a calming orange-and-gray color palette. The Little Kitten is sure to become a classic and enjoyed by children over and over again.

About the author and illustrator:

Nicola Killen has always loved drawing and still likes nothing better than taking her sketchbook to the zoo to draw her favorite animals: rhinos and penguins. She designed cards before starting an MA in children’s book illustration at Cambridge School of Art, and since then she has been working on her own books, including The Little Reindeer, which was called “an original and entertaining Christmas story with its own understated charm” in a starred review by Kirkus Reviews and “magical” by Publishers Weekly. The Little Reindeer was named a Horn Book Holiday High Note. Nicola Killen lives and works in Cambridge, England.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate my honest review. This post contains my Amazon affiliate link, and I will receive a small commission on purchases made through this link.

Charlie's Christmas Wish: Coming to DVD, Digital and On Demand November 10 ~ Watch the Trailer!

2020-09-03T20:15:00.002-04:00

Just in time for the holidays comes a feel-good family film with a lovable dog, Charlie’s Christmas Wish, unwrapping on DVD, Digital, and On Demand November 10 from Lionsgate. Awarded the Dove Seal of Approval for All Ages, Aiden Turner, Lindsey McKeon, Jay M. Brooks and Diane Ladd star in this heartwarming tale. The Charlie’s Christmas Wish DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.98. Check out the trailer below.

About the film:

Stay tuned because I'll have a review and giveaway of Charlie's Christmas Wish coming very soon!