There's A Book

Giveaway: Matilda by Roald Dahl Turns 25!

the1stdaughter — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:38:02 +0000

Matilda is turning 25 this year! Kind of unbelievable, right? How can it already be 25 years since this wonderfully witty, intelligent five-year-old sprang onto the literary scene, inspiring all of us to read more and fight the man with our powers of telekinesis (Er, or just wish we had powers of telekinesis)? We’re celebrating this milestone with an epic 25-stop blog tour! Follow along to find out how your favorite bloggers feel about Matilda, and for a chance to win a Matilda prize pack at each and every stop!

Roald Dahl may have summed up the power of books to transport readers best in Matilda, where he wrote, “The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives. She went on olden-day sailing ships with Joseph Conrad. She went to Africa with Ernest Hemingway and to India with Rudyard Kipling. She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.” Every Tuesday, bloggers on the Matilda 25th Anniversary tour will write about how they use books as an escape from real life. Add how books help you escape in the comments!

Matilda definitely uses books as an escape from her horrible parents and Miss Trunchbull. When she reads books, she doesn’t have to think about anything bad in her life. How have books been an escape for you, like they are for Matilda?

Funny thing about Matilda is that my husband was the one to introduce me to this fantastic character. Matilda was actually one of his favorite books as a child and he’s mentioned it often with fondness since we’ve been married. It’s a book I know he’s eager to read to both of our children because of the message Matilda shares about being positive and diving into good books when you need an escape from everyday life.

For me personally books have long been a way for me to escape. I’m not one to read non-fiction or anything too serious because I’ve always relied on books as a way for me to travel far away to magical lands or as a way to work through the things going on in my life. From books that take me places I’ve never been before like Alison Croggon’s Pellinor series to books that help me work through life like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, each has brought a new outlook to my own life and helped me feel less alone in this big world. This among many other reasons is why I read. Books have the power to transform you from the inside out, to change the person you are and make you better for having picked them up. Books are life.

Giveaway!

Did you know Matilda is now a Tony Award-nominated Broadway Musical? The show opened in April and has already been nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical! Since not everyone can go to New York City to see the show in person, Penguin Teen is bringing the show to you with a Matilda the Musical prize pack giveaway! Enter to win a copy of the Matilda the Musical soundtrack, a Matilda the Musical poster, and a paperback copy of Matilda by Roald Dahl! (Open to US residents only. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.) You can buy tickets, see pictures, and listen to music from Matilda the Musical on their website: http://us.matildathemusical.com/

About Roald Dahl:
Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was born in Llandaff, South Wales, and went to Repton School in England. His parents were Norwegian, so holidays were spent in Norway. As he explains in Boy, he turned down the idea of university in favor of a job that would take him to “a wonderful faraway place.” In 1933 he joined the Shell Company, which sent him to Mombasa in East Africa. When World War II began in 1939 he became a fighter pilot and in 1942 was made assistant air attaché in Washington, where he started to write short stories. His first major success as a writer for children was in 1964. Thereafter his children’s books brought him increasing popularity, and when he died children mourned the world over. Matilda was published just two years before he died. Quentin Blake, the first Children’s Laureate of the United Kingdom, has illustrated most of Roald Dahl’s children’s books.

Matilda is a genius. Unfortunately, her family treats her like a dolt. Her crooked car-salesman father and loud, bingo-obsessed mother think Matilda’s only talent is as a scapegoat for everything that goes wrong in their miserable lives. But it’s not long before the sweet and sensitive child decides to fight back. Faced with practical jokes of sheer brilliance, her parents don’t stand a chance.
Matilda applies her untapped mental powers to rid the school of the evil, child-hating headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and restore her nice teacher, Miss Honey, to financial security.

Be sure to visit the Official Matilda Facebook page to keep up with all things Matilda! To find out more about Matilda the Musical on Broadway, visit their Facebook page!

For the next stop on the Matilda 25th Anniversary blog tour, head to GreenBeanTeenQueen tomorrow!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Penguin Teen, for providing a copy of this book for review and giveaway! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
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Original article: Giveaway: Matilda by Roald Dahl Turns 25!

Book Review and Signed Giveaway: Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo

the1stdaughter — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:24:32 +0000

Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo and Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Hyperion Books for Children
Pages: 32
Ages: 1-5
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | ISBN/ISBN-13: 1423142632/9781423142638
Publishers Summary:

Kito wants to be just like his papa, the protector of the pride. Throughout a day and night on the savanna, the cub imitates the way his father roars, swings his tail, shakes his head, and pounces. Kito may be too little to catch a wildebeest, but he is brave enough to succeed in his own hunt. Someday he will be King, just like Papa.

With its rhythmic text, dramatic moments on the African plain, and playful times for cub and papa, this book will make a perfect read-aloud for family sharing.

Turkeybird Roars: My dad doesn’t really roar like the big lion in this book, but he does like to play and have fun like the big lion does.

My favorite part of the whole story were all the neat pictures. I liked seeing the big lion King and the hunt they went on chasing the wildebeest pack. I do think it would be lots of fun to roar like Kito and his Papa do in the story though, maybe I’ll even scare my mom and sister doing it a few times.

Mom’s Two Cents: In Just Like My Papa, Toni Buzzeo’s follow-up to Stay Close to Mama, she follows a day in the life of the young cub Kito with his father the lion King. Chasing wagging tails, hunting down a pack of wildebeests and dreaming about the day he’ll be a lion King are all part of a typical day for the young Kito. Fathers, sons and readers of all ages will love following along with this fun day spent with the lion King and his cub Kito.

Much like Stay Close to Mama Toni Buzzeo again explores the relationship between parent and child through the eyes of wildlife. This time instead of giraffes she’s chosen lions for Just Like My Papa and accompanied with Mike Wohnoutka’s illustrations the story comes to life. Obviously some liberties were taken, most lion cubs spend the day with their mothers, but overall the story becomes one that young readers can certainly enjoy and appreciate. The lighthearted yet firm ways the lion King plays and disciplines his young son are very similar to the way a typical parent would be with their own son and I’m positive the connection will be made, as it was with my own kiddos.

Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo is a gorgeous follow-up to her picture book in a similar vein, Stay Close to Mama. It’s clear Buzzeo has a love for animals, nature and the relationships we all have with each other, especially that of parent and child. Through her passion Buzzeo writes stories that young readers are captivated by and easily connect with. Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo would be the perfect book to share with a father and son who love to read together as well as anyone who simply loves an enchanting picture book.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 1 to 8. Beautifully illustrated story about a father’s love for his son. Perfect for those young wildlife readers and fans.

Giveaway!

The wonderful folks at Hyperion Books for Children I am able to offer one signed copy of the book for giveaway! Thank you!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only and you must fill out the form below to enter. Comments will not count as entries. Also, no purchase is necessary to enter. So, be sure to fill out the form below and good luck!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Hyperion Books for Children, and author, Toni Buzzeo, for providing a copy of this book for review and giveaway! Connect with them on Twitter!
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Original article: Book Review and Signed Giveaway: Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo

Book Review and Giveaway: Zoe’s Room (No Sisters Allowed) by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

the1stdaughter — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:36:46 +0000

Zoe’s Room (No Sisters Allowed) by Bethanie Deeney Murguia
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books (An imprint of Scholastic)
Pages: 40
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository | ISBN/ISBN-13: 0545457815 / 9780545457811
Publishers Summary:

Zoe rules as Queen of the Universe — or at least, her room! — in this sweet, funny companion to Zoe Gets Ready.

Meet Zoe, Queen of the Universe.
Meet Addie, sister to the Queen of the Universe.

And when the Queen of the Universe has to share her room with her sister . . .
meet trouble!

The irrepressible Zoe returns for another adventure in this wonderful companion to Zoe Gets Ready.

Littlebug Stays Up Late: Zoe does so many super fun things at night! I have a flash light just like hers and I always have it at bedtime. It would be so much fun to have a little sister to share my room with because we could do all the things Zoe does with her little sister. I have lots of fun with my big brother, but we both have our own bedrooms. Sometimes I like to knock on the wall to say hi to him, but my mom and dad usually get upset and ask me to go to sleep just like Zoe’s mom and dad.

This is my second super fun Zoe book and I hope she has lots more books!

Mom’s Two Cents: Zoe loves her independence especially at bedtime. When mom and dad decide it’s time for her little sister to move into her room everything in her bedtime routine changes. Zoe can hardly believe bedtime will ever be the same until a sudden storm finds her snuggled up with her new roommate and little sister.

Our first experience reading Bethanie Deeney Murguia’s writing in Zoe Gets Ready was one Littlebug thoroughly enjoyed and this second book was no different. Bethanie writes exactly how a little girl feels and acts, full of imagination and elaborate tea parties. Not only that, but the illustrations are just what you’d imagine and the simple sweet art brings the story to life.

Zoe’s Room (No Sisters Allowed) by Bethanie Deeney Murguia is the second book in a series with Zoe Gets Ready being the first. Our family, Littlebug especially, has falling in love with Zoe and her big imagination. When confronted with the possibility of losing her freedom to explore and stay up with her imagination, she discovers that there may actually be more fun to be had with her sister along as well then playing alone. Zoe’s Room (No Sisters Allowed) is a fantastic follow-up to Zoe Gets Ready and is also the perfect story for little ones with siblings.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 to 8. The perfect follow-up to another fantastic story about imagination, siblings and loving being a kid.

Visit the Zoe’s Room website for more book info including activity sheets!

Giveaway!

Thanks to the publisher, Scholastic, I have one set of Zoe Gets Ready and Zoe’s Room (No Sisters Allowed) to giveaway to one lucky There’s A Book reader! Be sure to fill out the rafflecopter form below and good luck! Open to US residents only.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Scholastic, 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.

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Original article: Book Review and Giveaway: Zoe’s Room (No Sisters Allowed) by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

BEA, Armchair BEA, BEA Bloggers Conference and More

the1stdaughter — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:29:49 +0000

It’s that time of year, in fact the week is upon us! Book Expo America is this week along with the BEA Bloggers Conference and Armchair BEA. This year along with co-organizing Armchair BEA I’ll also be heading to BEA, speaking at the BEA Bloggers Conference and working as an agent on the floor at BEA. In case you haven’t seen or aren’t familiar with any of these things, here’s a quick run down of the week:

Armchair BEA – If you’re a book blogger who can’t attend Book Expo America and the Book Blogger Convention in New York this May, you don’t have to miss all the fun – this virtual convention is the place to be! There are daily blogging themes, discussions, live coverage from the floor of BEA, giveaways and more! We started this event with those of us who can’t make the trip to NY in mind and each year it’s grown even bigger.

BEA Bloggers Conference – This event is the conference to go to if you’re a book blogger from any genre. Last year I was able to go to about half of the day because my plane arrived late, but this year I’ll be there for the full event. I was also asked this year to serve as part of the Blogger Conference Advisory Board as well as speak on one of the panels. I feel honored to have been chosen for these and can’t wait to see how things come together on Wednesday.

In preparation for the panel I’m serving on with Cindy Minnich from the Nerdy Book Club, Kristina Radke from NetGalley and Thea James from The Book Smugglers I wrote up a post for Net Galley talking a little about my struggles and successes as a book blogger. NetGalley is also hosting a Wellness Challenge that I participated in a would encourage anyone who has ever used NetGalley to take a look!

Book Expo America – Each year book publishing professionals from book reviewers to book sellers, editors, publicists and more gather to talk about what’s to come for the future of publishing. The entire week is full to the brim with author signings and more. To be honest last year was a complete blur and I’m guessing that this week will be no different.

So, all in all I’m going to have one very busy week ahead of me! Fortunately my sister, soon-to-be co-blogger here at There’s A Book, is traveling with me to help out with all the fun Armchair BEA live coverage as well as to just have fun with. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. This is going to be a week to remember for certain!

If you happen to be stopping by for the first time after meeting at BEA feel free to take a look around and welcome! I review picture books to young adult children’s literature here with the help of my two kiddos. In “real life” I’m also an Associate Agent for Foreword Literary, to learn more about that head over to the Foreword website. Thanks so much for stopping by, things will be back to normal once I recover from this crazy week!

Original article: BEA, Armchair BEA, BEA Bloggers Conference and More

Exclusive Character Feature: The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy

the1stdaughter — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:48 +0000

My absolute favorite character from the Hero’s Guide/League of Princes series by Christopher Healy by far is Duncan. This adorable, slightly goofy, sometimes not-so bright but always kind prince is hard not to fall in love with. When I found out that my character feature during The Hero’s Guide Heroes Guide (Now With Villains!) Blog Tour was going to be Duncan I was over the moon!

Duncan
Occupation: Prince, author
Affiliation: Founding member, League of Princes
Kingdom of Origin: Sylvaria
Current Residence: Woodland Estate, Sylvaria
Parents: King King & Queen Apricotta
Siblings: Mavis & Marvella (twin princess, a.k.a., “the twincesses”)
Longtime Foe: J.P. McWiggins (a sneaky squirrel)
Likes: Naming animals, playing the flute, seeing what happens next
Dislikes: Mean people, sad things, The No-Princes-Allowed Club
Signature Move: The Throw-Me-at-Him
Quote: “One time, I thought I was scratching my own head, but I realized I couldn’t have been, because I had a chicken leg in each of my hands. So I didn’t know who could have been scratching my head. It turned out there was just a ferret under my hat. Its name was Long John Fuzzy. The ferret, not my hat.”
Little Known Fact: Once mistook a baby in a green hat for a leprechaun.

The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle Giveaway

All readers of this blog have exclusive access to a special giveaway for THE HERO’S GUIDE TO STORMING THE CASTLE. You will need this SECRET CODE to enter: PRINCE CHARMING. Click here to enter.

WHAT YOU WIN:

If you are one of the first three people to enter the giveaway TODAY, you will receive a signed copy of The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle. EVERYONE who enters the giveaway from 5/6 to 5/26 is eligible to win a $200 gift card to the bookstore of his or her choice.

Thank you to Walden Pond Press for coordinating this feature! Find Walden Pond Press on Twitter and Facebook!
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Original article: Exclusive Character Feature: The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy

Guest Post and Giveaway: Emily Dickinson – “The Face I Carry With Me”

the1stdaughter — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:52:27 +0000

Today I’m thrilled to welcome, Michaela MacColl, author of Prisoners in the Palace, Promise the Night and most recently, Nobody’s Secret. I’ve loved her writing and was so excited when the offer to have her guest post here at There’s A Book came up. So, without further hesitation on my part, Michaela MacColl…

Danielle, thanks so much for having me at There’s A Book. I tried hard to come up with a title for this blog post that’s as pithy as your blog name. It’s based on a poem of Emily’s.

Emily Dickininson. They called her the Myth of Amherst because as an adult she became a recluse, rarely leaving her house. In the few glimpses the townspeople caught she always wore a plain white house dress. And all the while she was secretly writing and revising thousands of poems. Poems that still speak to us today, 160 years later.

But who was she? I often write about famous women when they are teens. What was a fifteen year old Emily like? I always start with a picture – a photograph or a painting if its available.

We have a picture. In fact, it’s this daguerreotype is the only indisputable image of Emily. She’s about fifteen years old and very plainly dressed. Her hand is resting on a book and she’s holding a little posy of flowers. Ironically, her family all agreed that it didn’t look like her and she disliked it – but it’s the best we have.

Anyone with a Kindle has seen another picture of Emily – this one.

Ironically, this is the same image only completely photoshopped to make her seem more feminine. (For a great discussion of how awful this is, check out this blogpost from Moored at Sea.)

And more recently, there’s been a new portrait discovered. It’s been tentatively accepted by the experts and it shows Emily in her thirties. The Emily Dickinson Museum has an interesting discussion of the authentication process.

Ultimately, I find easiest to fall back on Emily’s self-portrait. It tells us everything we need to know – her shyness, her desire for anonymity and her sure command of metaphor. She wrote, “I had no portrait now, but am small like the wren; and my hair is bold, like the chestnut burr; and my eyes, like the sherry in the glass, that the guest leaves.”

My own version of Emily Dickinson has her solving a murder in Nobody’s Secret. I relied on her written portrait most and then wrote my own. Let me know what you think of my interpretation.

Michaela MacColl studied multi-disciplinary history at Vassar College and Yale University, which turns out to be the perfect degree for writing historical fiction. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and three extremely large cats in Connecticut.

One day, fifteen-year-old Emily Dickinson meets a mysterious, handsome young man. Surprisingly, he doesn’t seem to know who she or her family is. And even more surprisingly, he playfully refuses to divulge his name. Emily enjoys her secret flirtation with Mr. “Nobody” until he turns up dead in her family’s pond. She’s stricken with guilt. Only Emily can discover who this enigmatic stranger was before he’s condemned to be buried in an anonymous grave. Her investigation takes her deep into town secrets, blossoming romance, and deadly danger. Exquisitely written and meticulously researched, this novel celebrates Emily Dickinson’s intellect and spunk in a page-turner of a book that will excite fans of mystery, romance, and poetry alike.

The Nobody’s Secret Discussion Guide, including Common Core State Standards.(Opens directly to PDF.)

Giveaway!

Thanks to the publisher, Chronicle Books, I have one copy of to giveaway to one lucky There’s A Book reader! Be sure to fil out the rafflecopter form below and good luck! Open to US/Canadian residents only

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

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Original article: Guest Post and Giveaway: Emily Dickinson – “The Face I Carry With Me”