Review: I Love You More....Than Chocolate by Melanie Milburn

Synopsis:
This book was originally a song, and inside the back cover, you have a CD of Melanie singing the song. When Melanie would tuck her children into bed at night, she made sure they knew how much they were loved. She told them she loved them more than anything even chocolate! Her children knew she was a chocoholic, so they had no doubt, they knew they were loved! Every child wants to know they are loved, and this book conveys what parents want their children to know in a way that speaks clearly and impressively to the child's mind and heart.

Review:
This is such a sweet book! I think I've read it almost 20 times to my kids after having it for about a week. It's got great illustrations to go along with the words and phrases. The pictures help kids recognize what's coming up in the story, and they can really get into following along.

A cd of the author singing the song that goes with the book is on the back cover. The song is word for word what is written in the book. It's all the things the mother tells her daughter before bed. I love you more than...chocolate. The song is great, and we've listened to it so much! Again, it's easy for kids to sing along with and really get into :-) I believe we listened to this song the whole 45 minute drive to my parents' house. Pretty catchy tune!

A great book (and song) that kids will want to hear again and again!

Publication Date: December 6, 2010
Genre: Children's Fiction/Picture Book
Source: Thanks to the author, Melanie Milburn, for my review copy!

Review and Giveaway: When Grandma's False Teeth Fly by Mary Lee

Synopsis:
Katie is not a little girl anymore—she is six years old! But some mean girls at school still tease her about her chipped baby tooth. Katie seeks advice from her grandma, who will tell her a hilarious story that encourages her to use humor instead of anger or sadness to solve her problems. Join Katie and Grandma for a touching, funny, and inspiring story about When Grandma's False Teeth Fly.

Review:
I have a special place in my heart for books I can read with my kids. When I told them the name of this book they were SO excited to read it (and I might have been excited too :-)

Let's face it. Kids can be really (REALLY) mean to each other, and a lot of times it's about something that can't be controlled. In this case, Katie has a cutie little chip in her tooth, and some girls at school make fun of her. Good ol' Grandma to the rescue. She helps her Katie understand that people can only make you feel bad if you let them. Plus, laughter is something that can cure even a chipped tooth.

I read this to my kids, and they loved it! Sometimes a children's book is touching and sweet to the adult reading it, but doesn't translate into something the child actually feels like reading. The illustrations are adorable and easy to follow. A great book to share with that special, little someone (or two . . . or three) in your life.

Ready for the 'Giveaway' part?

The author has been so generous as to provide FIVE copies of this darling book for me to give away!

How to enter:

Leave a comment about why you'd like the book, and don't forget to leave your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you. The winner will be chosen using Random.org.

Giveaway ends: December 27th

Good luck, everyone!

Blog Tour: Stanley Seagull by Cathy Mazur and Colleen Gedrich

Synopsis:
Meet a young seagull named Stanley. Follow him as he wanders far from home and tries to find his way back. Join Stanley on his journey as he learns how humans affect the balance of nature.

Review:

While reading this book I definitely had my children in mind. What parts would they like the most? What pictures would they want to look at just a little longer before turning to the next page? This is a sweet story with super cute illustrations.

Poor Stanley Seagull gets himself into a pickle by not listening or paying attention to what he is told. Luckily, with some help, he eventually finds his way back home. I felt so bad for Stanley getting stuck in the dirty, smelly landfill when all he really wants is to go back to the beautiful beaches and open skies he calls home.

This book presents a great opportunity to share time reading with very small kids and also to discuss some of the themes in the book with ones that are a bit older. It would be perfect to read together with your kids before bed.

And if you are wondering which picture my kids would like the most, it's probably the one where a hotdog gets snatched off the grill. :-)

To learn more about this book visit: http://www.stanleyseagull.com/

Author Cathy Mazur (left) and Illustrator Colleen Gedrich (right).

Publication Date: June 27, 2011

Genre: Children's Fiction, Picture Book

Source: Thank you to Tribute Books for letting me participate in this tour!