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.”.

Christmas Celebrations Continue with a $300 Amazon Giveaway on Mom Loves 2 Read

Christmas 2013 was a wonderful time for family and friends to gather together, sharing food, love, conversation and just enjoying being together in one place.  For our family, Christmas Celebration begins with the Advent Services each Sunday leading up to Christmas.  Seeing the lighting of the Advent Candles at church gets my kids excited about lighting them in our own home each Sunday. 



They learn more about the events leading up to Christ's birth and the reasons why we Celebrate each year.  Although we love the beautifully decorated trees, seeing the lights on  many houses around town and finding lots of wrapped presents under the tree on Christmas Morning, we try to remember and Celebrate the Reason for Christmas each year with special traditions.



My children's favorite

tradition is opening gifts on Christmas Morning of course - lol.  But, before all that - 

we have our own tradition of putting up the artificial Christmas Tree (sorry, allergic to real ones) and decorating it after Thanksgiving.  Each child has his or her own box full of personal ornaments to hang on the tree.  Some were made at school or church - a few were made at home as fun craft projects - and some were given each year as gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to add to each child's precious collection.



This Christmas Eve - each of my children received another new ornament to hang on the Tree . . . 



My girls both love the movie "BRAVE" so I was excited when I finally found Merida ornaments for them this year.  

And my son loves to collect "STAR WARS" ornaments, and I was happy to
finally find a Yoda ornament for him to add to his collection.

Another fun tradition each year for our family is Celebrating Jesus' Birthday.  My Children remind me each and every year that we have to make a cake for Jesus' Birthday Party - we usually celebrate Jesus' Birthday either Christmas Eve at dinner or after lunch on Christmas Day with a birthday cake - yes, with candles - we sing Happy Birthday and the kids blow out the Candles.  There are usually gifts for Christ under the Tree each year and the kiddos will make cards and hearts to put inside them for Jesus.



I love how my children enjoy each of our family traditions and how excited they get when we celebrate each year.

For next year, I may have to find a new Christmas Tree as ours is held together in a few spots with duck tape - lol.  And, as a prelit tree - one area near the top has never lit up so our next tree will not be a prelit!  I am looking at www.kingofchristmas.com/ since they have a great SALE going on right now to see if they have any trees that might fit in my home - I really like the look of the Scarlet Fir - it looks just like a real tree!

King of Christmas has several artificial trees that look just like the real ones - and to showcase this great sale, they are sponsoring a nice After Christmas Giveaway!  Such a nice thing to do - check out the current sale at King of Christmas, then come back and enter the giveaway they have kindly sponsored.



The Prize is a $300 Amazon.com Giftcode and is open World Wide.

The Giveaway will run from Saturday 1/4 through Sunday 1/12 midnight MST

Entries will be validated before winner is chosen.  Entries are optional but must be completed honestly in order to win.  Must be 18 or older to enter/win.







a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure: Mom Loves 2 Read is partnering with other blogs to post and promote this
great giveaway.  Mom Loves 2 Read is not responsible for Prize,
Rafflecopter or any other information directly related to the giveaway. 
All questions should be directed to the sponsor or host blogger. All other personal information in the post above is mine alone. 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.”.

The Great PJ Elf Chase - Review on Mom Loves 2 Read

There’s a Christmas Eve tradition in the
Taylor household. While the boys take baths, Santa’s elves drop new pajamas
outside their bathroom door. The PJ elves are sly and quick, but this year
they’re in for a surprise—Ben and Jack are on a mission to catch one of them!
The traps the brothers set sure look promising, but the unexpected can happen
when you least expect it! 

The authors are sisters and former
teachers who wrote this rhyming children’s picture book to bring one of their very
own

family traditions to life. This book was just published about a month ago.
“The Great PJ Elf Chase” will have children, ages 3 to 10, laughing out loud
and looking in nooks and crannies for Santa’s Elves.  

My Review:

This is an absolutely adorable book about two precocious little boys who decide to try to catch one of Santa's Elves when they stop at their home to bring their gift of new pajamas.  These sneaky Elves usually visit each year while the boys are bathing to drop off new PJ's right outside the bathroom door - this year, they have a plan to catch one of those tricky Elves in action.  But as with all good plans made my mischievous little boys - something goes a bit haywire.



This book has adorable illustrations and a cute and funny story that has little boys running through the snow in only a towel to try to catch a Christmas Elf.  The characters are fun and little ones like my kiddos will enjoy the fun way these boys try to set up to catch themselves an Elf for Christmas -



In my home we do give new pajamas for Christmas most years but they are in with all the other gifts under the tree and do not have a special day or significance.  As I have read about other family's traditions, I am thinking that ones like this one could be fun to start next year with my own kiddos!  I know they will enjoy the fun - they may even decide to try to catch their own Elf!



So, check out the Great PJ Elf Chase and maybe you also will choose to pick up one of these books to read to your kids - so they can make their own Elf-Catching Plans!



You
can read more about the book on the website, www.TheGreatPJElfChase.com.  



And check out the fun Coloring and Activity book that goes with the story!

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.”.

Nativity Story App Review ~ Children can enjoy the Story of the Nativity on ipad or iphone

The Nativity Story App

Where will the Baby Jesus be born?  At the Market? At a restaurant? At the Inn?

Readers of this book app can follow Joseph and Mary on their search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. 

Along the way they encounter a variety of colorful local people and animals.

Great for kids 2-10

Watch a
video on The Nativity Story App: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtBhge8DWFA

Why Kids Love This
App

• It's like a vintage pop-up book, with classic
  woodcut-style illustrations
  




• By tapping and swiping, kids can help Joseph and
  Mary find a place to stay.
  




• Knock on doors... Pull on the rope... Ring the
  bell... Open windows... Make people talk...
  




• Create music! Help a band of angels play their
  instruments.
  




• Lots of characters to get to know: Innkeeper,
  Merchant, Shepherds, Chef, A Band of Actors, Neighbourhood Children, Mary's
  Donkey, Farm Animals and of course... Angels!
  




• Funny sound effects!

 

 

Why Parents & Grandparents Love
This App

• Nostalgia. It feels like a classic pop-up book,
  bringing back memories for parents and grandparents.
  


• Optional Narration: Listen to the old-timey
  narrator tell the story, or read the story yourself.
  


• EXTRA Feature: After the story, explore the
  original Bible text that tells the Nativity Story.
  


• Amazing Visual Quality: Support for retina
  display
  

How is This Christmas App
Different?

• Production Values - It is
  a work of art: a rich visual and sound experience.
  




• Interactive - We use the
  touch technology and animation to engage the reader in the story in an
  enchanting and educational way.
  




• Age approach - The
  classic Bible story is retold here with an original and creative approach that
  appeals to young kids as well as adults.
  




• Original - The app is
  designed like a vintage popup book and includes unique features such as
  interacting with a band of angels and playing instruments like trumpet and harp. 

Our Review:

This is a fun interactive app for kids to show the Nativity Story and help them see what Christmas is all about.  Children can follow along in the story as Mary & Joseph travel by donkey to find a place to stay so Mary can have her baby.  When all the rooms are full, what are they going to do?





Although the interactive app is fun for kids of all ages, it is not biblically correct, so as long as parents or grandparents don't expect the story to be told as the Scriptures tell it, this is a fun app for kids.  My youngest loves moving the donkey around on the page, nodding it's head, opening doors and windows and hearing the conversations of the people on each "page" of the "book."  The fun interactions are great for children to help keep their attention and show how fun it can be to read books even ebooks. 



I love that there are two choices - read it yourself - or "read to me" for children who can not yet read it themselves.  Such a great app for this Holiday Season. 

And Lydia says "I love this story, it is so much fun and the donkey moves all around.  It's great for kids like me."

Currently this app is priced at:

For the iPad
($3.99)

The Nativity Story - Popup DELUXE
Edition https://itunes.apple.com/app/id579941573

For the iPhone
($1.99)

The Nativity Story - Popup MINI
Edition https://itunes.apple.com/app/id681638132

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.”.

Snowing Santa Centerpiece Giveaway on Mom Loves 2 Read

Snowing Santa Giveaway
Nov 25 - Dec 1, 2013
Open to US

What are your Holiday family traditions?  Do you have special ornaments, decorations or items that you collect together each year? Have you ever felt like you wanted to start something different, unique or fun? Well, this Snowing Santa Centerpiece may urge you to! Such a cute way to celebrate the cold season.  A Colorful Santa centerpiece with snow right in the middle of your holiday feast.  Your family and friends will be amazed.

Bringing You Moments To Celebrate

Sponsored by BrylaneHome

Organized by Celebrate Woman Today

Whatever your traditions may be, we would like you to spend more time with those people you want in your life.

One of our fans would be delighted to receive this Snowing Santa to add more to the Holiday's conversations around this beautiful centerpiece.

Prize – Snowing Santa, $140 Value

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And Everything Nice Girl's Books ~ The gift that keeps on giving, Review & Giveaway - Holiday Gift Guide 2013

Why Laughing Giraffe Books?



When purchasing a book set for children through Laughing Giraffe Books you are instilling the love of reading in the child you are gifting the books to. Does the idea of a beautifully wrapped,
well-selected collection of books appeal to you? Do you find it
overwhelming trying to select the perfect books from among the myriad of
available titles? Then keep reading to learn more about why these carefully selected book sets for kids
are perfect for you, and why Laughing Giraffe Books is heads and
shoulders above their competitors.








Some great features that set them apart from the Competition:

• All of their collections are built around kid-friendly themes


• The books are hand selected by experts


• All of their collections arrive gift ready and ship for free!

With over 80 Different Book Sets, there is something for every reader in your family.  And, you can choose from one box full of individually wrapped books, OR a book sent each month as a new fun surprise to unwrap over and over! AND you get FREE shipping, FREE gift Wrap and a wonderful gift that keeps on giving - what more could you ask for?



 For this review, I chose the "and all things nice" set of books for my two girls:




About "AND ALL THINGS NICE"

This collection is
a great introduction to some of the most memorable heroines in
children's literature. Meet an energetic piglet, precocious
hotel-dweller, future presidential candidate, pink-loving youngster, and
brave seamstress' daughter among other. And All Things Nice is guaranteed to entertain and delight little girls everywhere.

THIS BOOK SET FEATURES:

♦ 6 high quality, hand-selected books

♦ Free gift wrapping and shipping

♦ A choice of gift set or book of the month delivery



INCLUDED BOOKS:

Olivia by Ian Falconer (Hardcover) • Brave Irene by William Steig (Paperback) • Eloise: A Book for Precocious Grown Ups by Kay Thompson (Hardcover) • A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams (Paperback) • Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann (Hardcover) • Madam President by Lane Smith (Hardcover)





My Review:

This is one of my favorite things to review - children's books!  I love seeing the joy on my kids' faces when a book they love arrives, and the excitement as I catch them reading quietly in their rooms instead of playing computer games, electronics or arguing with their siblings.  It makes for a peaceful time for me as Mom, but also I love that they are using their minds and imaginations as they travel to other worlds with the characters in books.

The books come individually wrapped like beautiful gifts

Each of my girls got to choose 

one wrapped book to open and keep

Alli ended up with "Brave Irene" a book she has never read before - so exciting!

 

 Lydia got "Olivia" - and is super excited

she saw this one in her school library and could not wait to start reading it!

My girls were super excited when they each got to open a new gift and found a fun new book to read!  They really loved getting to unwrap a surprise book.  I love how pretty the wrapping is, how fun it is to receive a new book as a gift, and the joy they each have when getting to read their new books.

Laughing Giraffe Books is a fun and fantastic website where parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or anyone can purchase a fun set of books to send as one large gift like for Christmas or Birthdays, or send a gift each month -  one that keeps giving all year long.



There is a large selection of book sets available for most children's reading levels - you can shop by age, gender, or even special occasions - books can be wrapped as baby shower gifts, back-to-school, birthday, holiday, or everyday - book sets start from under $60 and go up to over $200 depending on how many books you want and how you want them sent.



Check out this wonderful gift giving option for the coming Holiday Season!  And don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY - for a chance to win this exact same book set - valued at $90!  

Open to US residents only - must be 18 or older to enter/win.  

Winner will have 48 hours to reply from email sent (momloves2read@itv-3.com) - it is up to you to make sure you can receive emails from this address - check this post or your spam mail!  Giveaway runs 11/24 - 12/8 - winner will be notified on 11/9!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review from the sponsor - Laughing Giraffe Books. 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.”.

Coming Home for Christmas DVD family movie & Norman Rockwell Print - Review and GIVEAWAY ~ Holiday Gift Guide 2013

About the Movie:

Sisters Kate and Melanie haven't spoken to each other in years, since a hurtful scene at Melanie's wedding. Their parents, Wendy and Al, have let the pain of their daughters' absence drive a wedge between them, and their tensions have led to a separation.



Kate is determined to reunite the entire family for Christmas, and has the perfect spot . . . their old family home.  The only problem is there's someone else living there now.



"Home is Where the Heart Is"





Watch the Trailer:







My Review:

This is a TV special turned DVD type movie.  It is a heartwarming story of how a family can fall apart with misunderstandings, stress and hurt feelings.  After years of family strife, one young woman decides that she has had enough and her family needs to be together - for Christmas - in their old family  home.  Unfortunately that home is currently occupied by a handsome, single guy - Mike.  As Kate explains to Mike how she plans to get her family back together using their, uh . . . his house, the two start to get to know one another and sparks fly.

This movie is one that is safe and fun for the entire family to watch together.  My children enjoyed many parts of it and my husband and I had the opportunity to explain to them more about the importance of family, communication, forgiveness and love.  It is a wonderful Holiday DVD that will remain a new part of our Holiday Family Together Times.



This DVD also includes a limited edition Normal Rockwell Print - the perfect size to hang up with all the Christmas Cards!

Entry-Form

Does this sound like a movie you and your family might enjoy?  Then feel free to enter below for a chance to WIN a copy right here on Mom Loves 2 Read.  Open to US/Canada - must be 18 or older to enter/win.

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.”.

The Sparkle Box - A wonderful Children's Christmas Book with a new tradition for families - Review & Giveaway #thesparklebox

About The Sparkle Box - A Gift with the Power to Change
Christmas 

Sam
is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, looking
forward to holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift: a
sparkly box sitting on the mantel. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his
family participate in various acts of kindness to others. 

On Christmas morning,
when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record
the family's good deeds. Sam's mom explains that the things that they've been
doing are, in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for
those in need, we do for Him.

Website:  http://www.thesparklebox.com/buybook.aspx

Author
Video: https://vimeo.com/49763494

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks

#TheSparkleBox

Book Trailer:

 

THE SPARKLE BOX - Official Book Trailer from Ideals Books on Vimeo.

My Review:

This amazing story is one that will now be a new family tradition mixed with an existing tradition in our home.  My children have an empty giftbox that we keep under the Tree - they can make cards or notes to put inside for Jesus' birthday throughout the time from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve when we celebrate Jesus' birthday by reading the notes & cards and having a Birthday Cake for him - yes complete with candles and singing!



Now, we will use the Sparkle Box (included in the book) in place of the wrapped empty box - and will include this story along with our other favorites up through New Years' Day.  I love the idea of adding notes about every selfless act or word of kindness that my children do.  I love the theme of the Sparkle Box and my children have already asked if they can also put notes in when Mom and Dad do nice things too.  This is an amazing story - well written with wonderful illustrations.  I love the sparkles on the cover and the detail in each picture that coordinates perfectly with the story.  Another amazing book to add to our ever-growing bookshelves!

Author Bio

Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under
their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday. The
first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and
they felt a profound joy and peace. Jill hopes that The Sparkle
Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands
of lives.

Illustrator Bio

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and
bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the
University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to
take shape. She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a
charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.

Time for a Giveaway

Winner must be 18 yrs or older 

Open to US & Canada unless prohibited by law.

Entry-Form

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.”.

Choir of Angels Blog Tour and Review on Mom Loves 2 Read

This year’s Christmas pageant is going to be the best ever! And Riley is
prepared to be the greatest Joseph the pageant has ever seen. The only
person standing in his way is Sam, the class bully, but Riley knows he
can get the part. What he isn’t prepared for is a lesson in forgiveness
in this endearing story about sacrifice and love.

He was so ready for this moment he could barely breathe. If he won, he knew he’d be the best Joseph the pageant had ever seen.

Riley loves Christmas, and this year, he
wants something special: the chance to play Joseph in his school
pageant. Sam, the neighborhood bully and a talented singer, wants the
part too and is crushed when Riley lands the role. Riley doesn’t
care—until he learns the secret Sam has been keeping from everyone. Now
Riley has a choice to make, one that will change his view on Christmas
forever.



Told from the perspective of a
12-year-old boy, this charming tale reminds us that being like Christ is
the most important celebration of Christmas.




My Review:

Choir of Angels is a wonderful Christmas Story for children of all ages.  This story has a wonderful message of doing what is right even when it is a very hard thing to do.  I also love how Riley is shown that it is better to try to see people from a different perspective - that often times those who Bully others have something that is making them feel bad, so they take it out on others to get attention and try to make themselves feel better. 

Riley learns a hard lesson, and this story is a wonderful one for not just the Christmas Season but all year long.







Meet the Author:



Michele Mirabile enjoys a stunning view
of Mount Timpanogos from her home in Utah County, where she lives with
her devoted husband and their two spoiled cats. Besides juggling words
and delving into her imagination, she loves meeting new people and
visiting exotic ports. Her marriage and her beautiful daughter are the
greatest accomplishments of her life.



A veteran of the United States Army, Michele has authored travel
articles, short stories, and three books that include Your Mother Wears
Combat Boots: Humorous, Harrowing, and Heartwarming Stories of Military
Women; Dark Side of the Moon; and Choir of Angels.

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