Book Tour/Review: Lobo's Howliday (The Adventures of Lovable Lobo) by C. L. Murphy

About the Book ~ *Now Available on Amazon*

Title: Lobo’s Howliday (The Adventures of Lovable Lobo) | Author: C.L. Murphy | Original Publication Date: Dec. 1, 2013 | Publisher: Independent – Peanut Butter Prose |  Number of pages: 32 |  Recommended age: 3 to 7



 Summary:  It’s
almost Christmas and Santa finds himself in quite the predicament due
to unintended consequences as a result of trying

something new. Lobo,
and his raven sidekick, Roxy, travel to the North Pole to help the jolly
ole’ one and are guided by the Arctic animals. The colors of the season
delight along the way and make for a howling good holiday. Can you howl
Ho Ho Ho?

2014 Gold Medal Winner – eLit Awards

Amazon  iTunes Goodreads

My Review:

What an adorable book!  Lobo is such a sweet character.  Children of all ages will enjoy reading the fun story of Lobo and his friends helping out Santa.



With colorful and vibrant illustrations and fun wording, parents will enjoy reading Lobo's Howliday to their little ones over and over throughout the year.



Well written and fun to read.  A must-have book for any Christmas Collection.

About the Author: C.L. Murphy

While new to the children’s book writing and illustrating scene, C.L. Murphy
(Cathy) has been doodling her way through life since she won a school
wide poster contest in the third grade. She’s had the pleasure of
working as an artist in residence, creating cartoons and painting murals
with the children at local elementary schools. She adores the wonder
and curiosity of young children.

She feels that creating picture
books is something that she was destined to do, after years of filing
away so many ideas, while raising her two sons. She is a member of
SCBWI.

She lives amongst the wildlife in an enchanted forest in
the beautiful Oregon wilderness with her husband and menagerie. She has
always appreciated nature and animals have always played a major role in
her life. The inspiration for the Lovable Lobo character came from a
wolf that she raised for over 14 years.

Check out her book series and discover that you, too, will find Lobo lovable.

Book Website  Author Blog  Twitter  Facebook  Goodreads

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.”.

Book Tour/Review: An Uncommon Blue by R. C. Hancock ~ YA dystopian at it's finest

In Télesphore, the glowing color of a person’s palm determines their place in society, and touching hands with another mixes the colors permanently. When sixteen-year-old Bruno accidentally kills a royal soldier, he goes from favored to fugitive. Now Bruno's only chance at survival is to become someone else. That means a haircut, a change of wardrobe, and most important, getting rid of his once cherished Blue. Now he’s visiting

parts of town he never knew existed, and making friends with people he would've crossed the street to avoid only weeks ago. At the last minute, Bruno’s parents arrange a deal to clear his name and get his life back. All Bruno has to do is abandon those in the Red slums that look to him as a leader and let an innocent Green boy die in his place.



My Review:

What an intriguing story.  Bruno learns a hard lesson in this story.  One where people are really just people and not "classes" or "colors."  The true value of humanity, friendship and trust does not depend on wealth or the color of a person's palm.  It is a truly amazing story that this blogger, reviewer recommends for YA readers.

About the author:

RC (Really Cool) Hancock began his writing career with a story about a dead cat which his second grade teacher thought was brilliant. Convincing others of his literary genius has taken longer than expected, but along the road he has acquired a lovely wife, four entertaining ankle-biters (who, thankfully, look more like their mother), and a degree from BYU in Recreational Management & Youth Leadership (which means he’s really good at having fun.) An Uncommon Blue is his first novel.

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.”.

Demon's Heart by Emily Bates ~ Middle Grade or YA adventure #review

Author/Artist: Emily Bates

Format: Paperback

Release Date: 2014-12-01

ISBN/UPC: 9781462115150

Pages: 272

Young ruffian Rustav is determined to escape his abusive uncle and hated
homeland, even if it means braving the demon-infested forest. His
escape is halted, however, when a race of legendary beings reveal him to
be the country’s fabled

heir. As the people rally around him, Rustav
teeters precariously between raising his people from the dust—or
destroying them from the inside.



Review:

An interesting adventure that I believe middle grade to young adult readers would enjoy.  Escaping his abusive Uncle's clutches, Rustav heads to the forest full of Demon's yet get's sidetracked by his injuries and new friends.  The adventure continues as Rustav and his new friend Dantzel flee to the forest. But the forest hides a powerful secret, a secret that could cost Rustav and Dantzel their present, as well as, their pasts and their futures. Can they escape the forest before it is too late and Courei falls to the demons and those who would see the nation fall? And will Rustav discover the truth of who he truly is?



Demon's Heart is an engaging book, but one that I had a hard time getting into at first.  It took a few chapters for me to grasp the content enough to keep reading.  It is definitely the type of book that needs read over a few times to find all the information and clues that were missed the first time through.



Not my personal favorite but one that adventure, fantasy/sci-fi and mystery lovers might truly enjoy.  I would recommend this for ages 14 and up due to abusive situations.

I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review through Cedar Fort. 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.”.

Gift the Gift of Custom Fit this Holiday with Railtek Belts ~ #review @railtekbelts

 

 Railtek Belts do not have holes.  Instead there is a "rail" hidden on the underside of the belt that allows for small, micro adjustments that help the belt fit perfectly.  It is easy to adjust, you just flip the little lever.



The stylish appearance of the Railtek belt makes any look clean, neat and ready for any occasion!





The Railtek Belt that was sent for this review is perfect for my husband.  As he is losing weight and in need

of a new belt - Railtek arrived just in time!  It is easy to customize the belt size to the needs of the wearer. No matter how long the belt is, it can be custom fit to the perfect size. To do this you detach the buckle from the belt and trim the desired amount off and then reattach the buckle (instructions here).



This belt micro-adjusts 1/4 an inch in either direction by simply flipping the lever on the bottom of the buckle (instructions here). If the lever seems to be stuck, relieve the pressure by pushing the belt into the buckle as though tightening it, then the lever will flip easier.

My husband loves this new belt.  He says it fits better than any he as previously worn.  I had planned to get him another for Christmas - it would even fit in his stocking!   He loves how easy it was to cut it to the size he wanted - he even left room for weight changes since the track/rails allow micro adjustments.  What a perfect gift for the man or young men in your family this Holiday!  Check out more about Railtek belts:



www.RailtekBelts.com

www.instagram.com/railtekbelts

www.facebook.com/RailtekBelts

www.twitter.com/RailtekBelts

www.youtube.com/user/RailtekBelts

*PS - I would love to see Railtek come out with similar stylish belts for women as well!

GIVEAWAY

Want a chance to win a Railtek belt of your own?  Super!  Just enter below - must be 18 or older to enter/win.  US only please.  Prize will not arrive before Christmas. Prize will be sent out from sponsor - ML2R is not responsible for prizes.

(winner to be announced pending reply)

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.”.

Great Book Ideas for this Christmas Season @JKSLitPublicity

Check out these new and exciting books for the children in your life.  Just in time for Christmas - most available in print and ebook formats!

Marissa Moss - Mira's Diary: Bombs Over London - @CrestonBooks





In the third book of the popular time-travel series, Mira navigates her way through WWI London, meeting famous suffragists and writers like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Instructed by her time-traveling mother to steal a German spy's briefcase full of secrets and pass on the information to British Intelligence, Mira struggles with whether the changes she has been working for are the right thing
to do after all. How much control do we really want of history? When is it best to leave our fate in destiny's hands?

Marcia Goldman - Lola Goes to the Doctor @CrestonBooks





Children will identify with Lola as she nervously waits to be called into the doctor's office. Lola feels a little bit brave when the doctor looks into her ears, a little braver when he examines her teeth, and bravest of all when she gets a shot.

Darlene Beck Jacobsen - Wheels of Change @CrestonBooks





Racial intolerance, social change, and sweeping progress make 1908 Washington, D.C., a turbulent place to grow up in for 12-year-old Emily Soper. For Emily, life in Papa’s carriage barn is magic, and she's more at home hearing the symphony of the blacksmith’s hammer than trying to conform to the proper expectations of young ladies. When Papa’s livelihood is threatened by racist neighbors and horsepower of a different sort, Emily faces changes she'd never imagined. Finding courage and resolve she didn't know she had, Emily strives to save Papa’s business, even if it means going all the way to the White House.

Jeron Frame - Winter Candle @CrestonBooks



When each family at the diverse Juniper Court apartment complex needs something to light up the dark of winter, the stumpy, lumpy candle provides a glow brighter than the fanciest taper, revealing the true spirit of each holiday it illuminates.

Maureen Kanefield - The Magic of Maxwell and his Tail @mkanefield




Everyone has magic but sometimes you have to search to find out what it is. That’s what Maxwell 

Mouse had to do. And he discovered that what he thought was something very bad was actually 

something very good, indeed.



The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is more than just a charming, wonderfully illustrated story. With 

childlike innocence, it presents an inspiring motivational model for youngsters—especially gifted kids and those with special needs—to take another look at themselves and recognize their unique gifts. It shows them how to see beyond what appear to be limitations and appreciate them as positive attributes that will help them to soar.



Written by an educator with over 30 years in the trenches and based on sound educational principles acknowledging the various ways children learn (multiple intelligences), The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is a micro-guide to life. It will delight children as they celebrate Maxwell’s triumphs, and warm the hearts of parents as they watch their kids discover how perfectly special they are.



The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is the first in a series of books to entertain, educate, and encourage children to be their better selves.

The Galactic Academy of Science Series, which includes: - @Tumblehome


With time travel and mysteries that need solving, the Galactic Academy of Science (G.A.S.) series instructs readers on how to think like scientists. Under the guidance of a Dude or Dudette from the future, the middle school characters are faced with treacherous, present-day crimes that require a historical knowledge of science in order to be solved. From investigating problems to analyzing data and constructing explanations and solutions, this series blends elements of sci-fi with educational methods that distill the key thinking habits of scientists and engineers.

The Desperate Case of the Diamond Chip




When the Russian scientist Professor Gufov accuses Clinton of stealing his invention, all Mae and Clinton want to do is get away and work on their science project. But that’s before a Dudette from the future tells them about the Galactic Academy of Science and sends them on a mission back in time to beef up their scientific knowledge. Mae and Clinton meet Dmitri Mendeleev, Niels Bohr, John Bardeen, William Shockley, and Robert Noyce. They break up a séance, escape the Gestapo, jump from a plane, and return with enough understanding of how electronics work that they can tackle the mystery of the Russian scientist and search for the missing diamond chip.






The Furious Case of the Fraudulent Fossil




On a museum visit, Benson and Anita meet a famous paleontologist showing off his newest fossil find: a missing link between dinosaurs and birds. But something doesn't feel right. Then a Dude from the future sends them back in time to visit an ancient Chinese scientist, dig a huge sea monster out of a cliff, and outwit a fossil thief. Benson and Anita need to root out and expose a fraudulent fossil. 



More books in this series:

The Vicious Case of the Viral Vaccine




The Harrowing Case of the Hackensack Hacker




The Cryptic Case of the Coded Fair

Barnas G Monteith - Dinosaur Eggs and Blue Ribbons




A personal look at science fairs from the varied perspectives of a successful participant, judge, policymaker, and science fair organization leader



Dinosaur Eggs and Blue Ribbons takes young readers on a journey into adventure science as experienced by a young aspiring scientist who turned scientific inspiration into scientific success. The book is full of anecdotes and advice from the world of STEM education and contains practical advice about judging, display boards, and other preparations for the big science fair day. Throughout the text and appendix are examples of original, winning science fair materials as well as links to a wide variety of proprietary online resources which complement the text. In the end, the hardships are all worthwhile when you work alongside some of the top scientists in the field, make groundbreaking discoveries, and win big in the science fair and beyond!

Gift the GIFT of ART this Christmas #local #gift

REGISTRATION FOR JANUARY IS NOW OPEN...IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE HOLIDAY GIFT THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME! CHRISTMAS gift idea! The Huffington Post, a reputable site, claims that the Number 1 gift that you can give your children this year are ARTS’ classes! For only $120 (January is free!), your child can experience the BEST GIFT EVER from January- May! We will have gift wrapped CLASSES in the ARTS’ starting in December at the studio. Here is the link of our classes: Class Schedule | Inspired Arts Academy. Click here to register! REGISTER . Hurry- promo ends December 23rd! Huff post article Afternoon in the Arts What does your child do after school? Play video games, sit around on the couch, eat junk food? If you want to combat boredom and that crazy evening extracurricular schedule, sign your child up for an Afternoon in the Arts class! Each afternoon, we begin with an exploratory art class then move into gymnastics for fitness. Then, we offer an arts' class to further art education (Mondays are Movie Magic, Tuesdays are Music and Theatre, Wednesdays are Acting and Set design, Thursdays are Painting, Sculpting, Sketching and Fridays are Just Dancing!) RENTALS- Inspired Arts is available for your next birthday or other party event, but Winter dates are filling quickly....call today to get your event on our schedule. TEACHER of MONTH- Tyler Kern My name is Tyler Kern. I’ve been passionate about filmmaking ever since I can remember. But it wasn’t until my senior year at Morton High School when I enrolled in a television broadcasting class that I knew video production would be my career. After finding out that Morton no longer offers the broadcasting class that inspired my career, I decided to get involved with the Inspired Arts Academy. I have worked video production for over 1,500 live events for venues like Wrigley Field, Peoria Civic Center and U.S. Cellular Coliseum. I am currently the Director of Video Production at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum where I supervise and direct all live events for the Jumbo-tron. I also work as Director of Video Production at Normal Community High School, where I work with high school students to direct the entire production of home football and soccer games for their newly added Video Scoreboard. When I’m not working those jobs, I own and operate Totally Kreative Video LLC, a live event video production company. We are the official videographers for the Morton Pumpkin Festival, the Bloomington Thunder Professional Hockey Team and Bloomington Flex Professional Basketball Team. In my free time I enjoy writing screenplays and playing basketball. My students will learn the three phases of filmmaking – pre-production (writing) production (directing) and post-production (editing). We will write, direct, and edit music videos, television commercials, and work as a team on a feature length documentary film. Hannah’s Red Rocket Endowment Fund- Support at Eli’s this December! You love Eli’s and IAA and helping others? Stop by Eli’s coffee shop all month long and enjoy a Peppermint Mocha Truffle Latte and Eli’s will donate $1 to the Hannah’s Red Rocket Endowment Fund while IAA matches funds! This fund, established by the IAA Thompson family after the loss of their daughter to a brain tumor, provides accessible equipment for children who may be sick, or disabled in some way.  Learn more here: http://mortoncommunityfoundation.org/hannahs-red-rocket/ Giving back and remembering… what the Holiday season is all about. ARTS' partners- Morton Fine Arts Association presents Fall/Winter Monday night concert series! Enjoy bands like Harmonicas, Phil Dirt and the Dozers (rockin oldies), Four Freshman (vocal pop), Bankesters (country gospel), and the Cats Pajamas (accapella) . Tickets are $25 a piece or $75 for entire series! Purchase these as Christmas or Birthday gifts for parents and grandparents online at Morton Fine Arts Association.