The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool by PJ LaRue #tour #giveaway

Title: The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool | Author: PJ LaRue | Illustrator: Aristides Rodriguez | Publication Date: June 28, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 63 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10

Book Description: Join Exciting Princess Adventures and Learn Life Lessons Along the Way

Have you ever wanted to ride a dolphin or dreamed of playing on a rainbow as if it were a waterslide? How would you feel if someone tried to kidnap you, and you were forced to move to Hawai'i to hide and live with

people you don't know? That happened to Harmonie. Come meet Harmonie, her new Mystic Princess friends, and find out what happens when her enemies, the Children of Ares, find her again.

Purchase * Goodreads

 

The Buzz About the Book

"The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool has a delightful plot. P. J. LaRue uses mythological characters to tell a lively story of bravery and friendship. The book teaches important lessons on strengths and weaknesses, conservation and safety. This is the first book in the Mystic Princesses series, and I cannot wait for the next princesses' adventure to come. Young girls will love The Mystic Princesses adventure on their bedside table." ~ Kelly Santana, Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

"A lovely book for children with colourful pictures and any child who reads it will be looking for a sequel." ~ 5 Star Review, Diane, Amazon

"'The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool' is a confidence boosting book for children, giving them important information. It is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more about Harmonie and her friends." ~ 5 Star Review, Mary C., Goodreads

"This early chapter book is perfect for children ages six through ten. It does not portray wimpy princesses, but strong, respectful and independent female role models involved in many adventures in which they learn to overcome their weaknesses, act against bullying, and cooperate with friends and family to promote human welfare and peace. Short chapters interspersed with illustrations will maintain interest if the book is read aloud for younger children. Introduce your little princess to this one." ~ 5 Star Review, Barbara M., Amazon

"The short chapters would make this ideal for younger girls who are newer to reading Chapter Books. The colourful illustrations are excellent, and compliment this warm story nicely. A new series for girls, offering a fun way to learn valuable life lessons." ~ 5 Star Review, M.J. Kinsmen, Amazon

 

About the Author: PJ LaRue

PJ LaRue wrote poetry in high school, but she discovered writing children’s books and short stories later in life. Her writing inspirations are hiking, photography and environmental consciousness, but she links these interests to much larger social issues. A person very close to PJ was molested as a child, making PJ passionate about providing child safety tips. And, PJ was bullied in the third grade by girls much larger than she, who demanded that PJ give them her lunch money. As a result, PJ is committed to spreading the word that bullying must be stopped.

One of PJ’s goals is to help educate children, parents and caregivers, in a fun way, using her children’s book series, The Mystic Princesses. Because PJ loves to travel, the princesses will visit many locales, learning about environmental concerns along the way.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Pinterest | Google+ | Goodreads

 

About the Illustrator: Aristides Rodriguez

Aristides Rodriguez has worked with clients to create websites, social media graphics, print graphics, and logos. His print media projects include cards, posters and magazine ads. He is comfortable working with a team, but has also designed client projects independently. While in school, Aristides participated in job shadows to Central Florida design community members including Disney Event Group, Orlando, SeaWorld, Orlando, and large offset and digital printing companies. Currently, Aristides is a Winter Park Tech Advisory Board member.

Website

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

 

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: December 17, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

 



Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author PJ LaRue and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

A Year in the Life of the Secret Garden by Valarie Budayr #tour #giveaway

Title: A Year in the Life of the Secret Garden | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters | Publication Date: November, 2014 | Publisher: Audrey Press | Pages: 144 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 99


 



Book Description: Award-winning authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters have co-created A Year in the Secret Garden to introduce the beloved children’s classic, The Secret Garden to a new generation of families. This guide uses over two

hundred full color illustrations and photos to bring the magical story to life, with fascinating historical information, monthly gardening activities, easy-to-make recipes, and step-by-step crafts, designed to enchant readers of all ages. Each month your family will unlock the mysteries of a Secret Garden character, as well as have fun together creating the original crafts and activities based on the book.Over 140 pages, with 200 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room.

 

Great News!

You can purchase your very own copy of this gorgeous book for only $15 (a savings of $5) directly from Audrey Press between Dec. 1 and 7, 2014. PLUS, if you miss these dates, you can still purchase the book between December 8 and 31, 2014 for $15 using the code word "SECRETGARDEN".

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE BOOK NOW!!

Amazon * Audrey Press * Goodreads

 

Month by Month Guide

September

• Indian Style Chicken Curry


• Rangoli


• Magic Carpets


• Misselthwaite Manor


• Character Study: Mary Lennox


• Ploughman’s Lunch

 

October

• Cutouts of the Secret Garden Characters


• Planting Bulbs


• The English Garden


• Character Study: Mrs. Medlock

November

• Hot Oatcakes


• Jump Rope


• Plastic Bag Jump Rope


• Jump Rope Rhymes


• Shovel, Shovel, Spade


• Character Study: Ben Weatherstaff

December

• Bringing in the Evergreen


• Yorkshire Pudding Toad-in-a-Hole


• The Oak King vs. The Holly King


• The Story of Mistletoe


• Character Study: Martha Sowerby

January

• Parkin Cake


• Wutherin' Wind Flags


• Ice Disks


• Yorkshire Phrasebook


• Character Study: Dickon Sowerby


• Perfectly Good Porridge with Treacle

February

• Oaten Pipe


• Garden in a Jar


• Death in Victorian England


• Character Study: Archibald Craven

March

• Sticky Toffee Pudding


• Nest Building


• Seed Paper & Packets


• Grow-Me Seed Paper


• Seed Packets


• Class of Hunger


• Character Study: Colin Craven

April

• Robin Cake


• Dickon’s Felt Creatures


• The World of Mason Bees


• Making of a Mason Bee House


• British Money


• Old British Money


• Character Study: Dr. Craven

 

May

• Freezer Strawberry Jam


• Planting a Rose Bush


• Wheelbarrow Race


• Wheelbarrow


• Spot-Sitting


• Character Study: Lilias Craven

June

• A Midsummer Garden Tea Party


• Ladybug Sandwiches


• Rainbow Fruit Kabobs


• Simply Divine Lemon Cookies


• Daisy Chain Crowns


• Midsummer Dancing Ribbon Wreaths


• Flower Pressing


• Character Study: Victorian/Edwardian Family Life

July

• The Secret Meal


• Tin Foil Breakfast


• The Cooking Campfire


• Creating a Garden Journal


• Colin’s Exercises


• Blindfolded Garden Walk


• Colin’s Magic Chant and Affirmations


• Affirmation Stones


• Character Study: Susan Sowerby

August

• Scones and Ginger Tea


• A Taste of Summer


• Paper Garden Model


• Garden Games for Family and Friends


• Blind Man’s Bluff


• Red Rover


• Character Study: Frances Hodgson Burnett

 

About the Author: Valarie Budayr

Valarie Budayr loves reading and bringing books alive. Her popular website, www.jumpintoabook.com, inspires children and adults alike to experience their books through play, discovery, and adventure.

She is founder of Audrey Press, an independent publishing house, as well as an Amazon and iTunes best-selling author. She has written The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden and The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Valarie is passionate about making kid’s books come alive and encouraging families and schools to pull books off the shelves and stories off the pages.

 

Book Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Pinterest | Google+ | Goodreads

 

About the Illustrator: Marilyn Scott-Waters

Marilyn Scott-Waters loves making things out of paper. Her popular website, www.thetoymaker.com, receives 2,000 to 7,000 visitors each day, who have downloaded more than six million of her easy-to-make paper toys. Her goal is to help parents and children spend time together making things.

She is the creator of a paper toy craft book series The Toymaker’s Christmas: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling), and The Toymaker’s Workshop: Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself (Sterling). She is also the co-creator with J. H. Everett of the middle grade nonfiction series, Haunted Histories, (Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt Books for Young Readers). Ms. Scott-Waters illustrated The Search For Vile Things (Scholastic), and created paper engineering for Pop & Sniff Fruit (Piggy Toes Press).

Website | Facebook | Google+

 

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

 

 Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

 

Contest ends: December 31, 11:59 pm, 2014

 

Open: Internationally

 

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

 



Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

Sweet Christmas Wishes Giveaway Blast ~ Come Win a super Sweet Christimas Surprise! 12/4 - 12/15 #giveaway

Welcome to the  

Sweet Christmas Wishes

 Giveaway Blast

Hosted by Mom Loves 2 Read 

Sponsored by Get My Wish

A special thank you to all the wonderful bloggers who are participating in this event!

Christmas is coming fast, and to celebrate this exciting Holiday season Mom Loves 2 Read and Get My Wish have teamed up to bring you a SWEET

Giveaway!  A Santa's Sweet Shop of Chocolate Gift Basket! 



What do the elves do when they're not busy making toys? They fill
Santa's Sweet Shop with delicious holiday goodies, of course! Send all
the special people on your list this holiday gift basket filled with
delectable treats.



Gift Basket Includes: Raspberry chocolate cake, chocolate cream
peppermint candies, Almond Roca toffee, chocolate bridge mix, Claey's
old fashioned kettle fresh fudge, two Ghirardelli squares, Monbana
truffles, white frosted pretzels, Lindt chocolate ball, old fashioned
chocolate cream puffs, chocolate almonds, white chocolate cocoa,
chocolate supreme cappuccino, topped off with a holiday "HoHoHo" bow and
Santa himself

Basket measures 12.75" diameter and is 5" D and weighs 4 pounds



As a bonus this Gift Basket comes with a Charitable Donation - Every time you shop at The Animal Rescue Site store, you give the value
of bowls of food to animals in shelters and sanctuaries. Funds are
divided between The Fund for Animals and Humane Society of the United
States (HSUS), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and
Rescue Bank!



So not only do YOU get a sweet prize, but animals in need get something too!

With Get My Wish you can finally send and share
free personalized wish lists with your friends, family, and coworkers so
you can let them know what you really need or want for any special
occasion throughout the year—Birthdays, Christmas, Baby Showers,
Weddings, or any other special event.

Send a request to your friends so they can send you
their lists too! And voilà! Everybody is happy and there is no wasted
money or time.

The best part of all is that ALL their gifts GIVE BACK
to charities and support many causes because they are made by kids and
women in need. But if you are the kind of person who doesn’t need a gift
for your birthday like my husband who says “honey I don’t need
anything” just create a wish list with some causes to support and share
it with your friends and family so they can put that money into
something that you believe and support.

You can also try the FREE VIP Concierge that will help you find
special gifts and make selections depending on your taste and
preferences!  So if you are not sure what to get just try the Concierge for ideas! 

Now for the Giveaway Fun.  

Enter below using the Giveaway Tools form for a chance to win the Santa's Sweet Shop of Chocolate Gift Basket from Get My Wish!

Mandatory to create or have a Get My Wish registry. 

Mandatory to add at least 4 new items to your registry!

Open US only, must be 18+ to enter/win.  Giveaway ends 12:00 Noon CST on December 15th.  Entries will be validated.  Winner will have only 48 hours to claim prize - no reply after 48 hours will result in another winner being chosen.  No PO Boxes!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: Neither Mom Loves 2 Read nor this participating blog are responsible for prize distribution.  Sponsor: Get My Wish is responsible for sending prize to winner after validation.  This giveaway is in no way associated with any social media.  Mom Loves 2 Read did receive monetary compensation for setting up, organizing and running this giveaway on behalf of the sponsor.  ML2R is not associated in any other way with the sponsor of this event.