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ScheDADule by Alex May - Book Review by LAWonder10!

6/16/2020

0 Comments

 
JUST in TIME for FATHER'S DAY!
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ScheDADule (Best Dad & Daughter Week): Gift for Dad from Daughter. Poetry Kindle Edition by Alex May (Author), Nina Gvozdeva (Illustrator)
  • Publication Date: May 25, 2020 ~ 45 pages
  • BOOK BLURB: 
  •    Let's spend an unforgettable week with Dad and Daughter!
  •        One day my mom told me with a gentle smile,
            "Sweetie, I won't be here for a while.
           "But she noticed that I was a little sad.
           "Guess what? Your babysitter will be your dad."

          So this story begins, full of humor and joyful experiences.
         Mom leaves for a week on a business trip. Little girl, 7 years old, will spend this week with dad. Dad planned every day.
           My dad said, "Don't worry, honey, I've planned all week."
           He closed the door when he kissed my mom on the cheek.

          But as soon as mom left, the plans changed…
          This will be the cutest Father’s Day Gift for The Father of The Little Girl      The time that a child spends with dad remains in his memory for life. These memories are priceless for the child and the dad. This book is based on real events and is perfect for dads of daughters.
           With this book you will live 7 amazing days of adventures of a girl and her dad.
    This rhyming story is full of humor, love, and beautiful illustrations.
    Every page of this book has unique illustrations by talented artist Nina Gvozdeva.
         In addition to the most wonderful poetry, you will repeat the days of the week with your child. Every day in this book is a whole story.
           In the meantime, dad will spend time with the daughter reading this book to her, mom will be able to relax.
           My dad is the best model and pizza baker.
           He is the funniest pirate and a dollhouse maker.
           I was the best little assistant my father ever had.
           And this was the best week ever, thanks to my dad.

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
​This is a comical story of a mother leaving her daughter in the care of the Dad for a week. What first sounded like a boring day, soon became rollicking fun!

​In this book of the antics of a father babysitting, "holds true" for many. Hopefully, the "more refined" fathers won't feel offended.
It is usually true, however, that mothers and fathers have very different concepts of "childcare". 

There were a few phrases which felt incomplete, but most of the rhyming tale was done very well.

The illustrations by Nina Gvozdeva, were equally comical, colorful, and well-done.

I offer a Four Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review.
This is my honest review.

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About Alex MayAlex May was born in 1983.
   When she was a little girl, she spent much time in her mother's bookstore. Even then, she fell in love with the fabulous world of books.
      When her daughter was born in 2012, she began to introduce her to this beautiful world. And in the evenings, they invented magical stories together. Over time, Alex began to write them. And beautiful books were born.
      All the stories she creates are inspired by events from the life of her child. Her books for children are full of meaning and humor. Her beautiful illustrations and magical stories not only stimulate the imaginations of young children but also inspire and educate them.
      "In communication with my daughter, I adhere to the principle of 'don't learn, but play'. When a doll teaches a teddy bear the alphabet, the child learns much faster," Alex laughs.
       Alex May is dedicated to helping parents teach their children high values and life lessons in an easy to understand manner.

0 Comments

Guinevere, the Legend by Cheryl Carpinello Book Tour, Top Ten & $25. G.C. Giveaway! {Ends 5/3/20}

4/28/2020

1 Comment

 
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Their friendship put him in harm's way. Will it be enough to save him? 

Across the dark water to the land of ancient Gaul, renegades take Cedwyn and the littl'uns farther from home and rescue.

Led by her heart rather than her head and without any thought for her safety, fifteen-year-old Guinevere sets out alone to save Cedwyn. And if she fails…?

Eleven-year-old Cedwyn's trust in Guinevere is absolute. But will his sacrifice to save her and protect the littl'uns end with the loss of his own life?
​Buy Link: AMAZON 

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
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FAVORITE TOP TEN LIST
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A bit about me:
Serious:
* Retired HS English teacher
* Write Tales & Legends
* Love the Ancient & Medieval Worlds
* Sharing the Ancient & Medievals with kids
* For Adults: Read my books? I don’t tell if you don’t

Fun:
* Love margaritas and smothered burritos
* Las Vegas: one of my favorite cities
* A night owl
* Lover of music—I’m a binge listener!
* Most recent concert: Mumford & Sons and Elton John
* Will travel to almost anywhere, anytime

* Top trips: Egypt, England/Wales, & Iceland
* Top 5 concerts: Elton John, Mumford & Sons, Sting, Paul McCartney, & Celine Dion
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
      I’m a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Tales and Legends for Reluctant Readers set in these worlds—Ancient Egypt, Medieval Wales, and coming soon, a hair-raising adventure through ancient worlds in search of 5 rare Phoenix Feathers.
       All of my books come with Free study guides and/or extensive Back-of-the-Book materials.
     My husband and I love to travel. In 2008, we spent three weeks in Egypt traveling by local train from one end of the country to the other; in 2014, we spent three weeks in the UK driving over 1700 miles through England, Wales, and Scotland; and in 2016, we spent a week in Iceland. We’ve also traveled to Mexico, Jamaica, and Aruba. Our next big adventure will be to Greece and Italy.
       When I’m not writing or traveling, our 4 grandkids keep us busy.

~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~  Amazon ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~

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One Lucky WINNER will receive a $25. Gift Card.

To ENTER, Click on HERE!

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1 Comment

Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday by Alysson Foti Bourque Book Tour, Guest Post, & Giveaway! {Ends 4/13/20}

3/16/2020

1 Comment

 
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Book Details:
Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday by Alysson Foti Bourque
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  32 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book | Release date:   March 17, 2020
Publisher:  Mascot Books | Tour dates: March 17 to April 6, 2020


Book Description:
     A “Mom’s Choice Award Winner”! Alycat’s brother, Bugsy, is playing in a golf tournament with some of his friends, and wants to use his lucky ball to win the game. But when Alycat forgets his lucky ball at home, Bugsy learns what luck is really all about. Can Bugsy win the tournament without his lucky ball? Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday is part of the Alycat Series: alycatseries.com.
Buy the Book: Pre-Order Your Copy Today!
Scheduled release date is March 17, 2020! | 
Amazon.com


REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This was a very good tale teaching children to rely on diligently practicing and to value his/her own self over objects or superstitions.

The illustration by Chiara Civati was colorful, precise, and large, to aid in capturing the child's attention.

At the end of the book is a list of words and terms related to the game of Golf. It will aid in teaching the game of golf to young students and in expanding vocabulary and understanding.

I offer a Four Stars rating.
This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

​
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  GUEST POST
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Can you tell us the inspiration and accolades surrounding the new book, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, and the upcoming Book Launch Party event?
​

    The newest book of the Alycat series, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, will release on March 17, 2020. This book is the fourth installment of the Alycat series and has already won a Mom’s Choice Award and Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review. In Tournament Tuesday, Alycat is in charge of bringing Bugsy’s lucky ball to his golf tournament, but mistakenly picks up the wrong ball. She chooses to show Bugsy that he doesn’t luck after all and creates a “new” lucky ball. Bugsy learns that he doesn’t need luck after all. He just needs to rely on his past training and practice to achieve his goals.
   This story is inspired by my son, Carter, who has played in the US Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, NC at ages 6, 7, and 8. His drive, dedication, and determination to make his dreams come true inspired me to write a story about it to inspire little readers work hard and reach their goals.
      To celebrate the release, The Book Launch Party for Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday will take place on March 22nd at The Little Gym of Lafayette from 1:00-3:00 p.m. This event is free to public and everyone is invited. The community and other local businesses gather with activities, crafts, food, and drinks to celebrate the release and literature! The wonderful businesses that will be taking part in this fun event include The Frosted Apron, Lafayette Mom, Spavia, MC Photography, SmallCakes Carencro, Canes Chicken Fingers, The Music Box, Macaroni Kid, Animal Aid for Vermilion Area, and Donut Mix. There will also be door prizes, free play in The Little Gym, face painting, and much more! Even cat adoptions! 
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Meet the Author:
    Alysson Foti Bourque is the author of the award-winning Alycat series. Alysson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center.
    After practicing law for six years, she traded in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books. Alysson enjoys public speaking opportunities at schools, conferences, and festivals nationwide. She hopes to inspire people of all ages to follow their dreams and believe in themselves wholeheartedly.
AWARDS & HONORS
The Alycat Series has won several prestigious awards including:
Three Mom’s Choice Awards®
Benjamin Franklin Digital Award, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
Best Book Award Finalist
NY Big Book Award
Reviewed by Midwest Book Review
Southern Festival of Books Panelist
Louisiana Book Festival Featured Author

​Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~Pinterest

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Here is the tour schedule.
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Giveaway Details:​

Prizes: ​ Win 1 of 2 autographed copies Alysson Foti Bourque's ALYCAT AND THE TOURNAMENT TUESDAY (USA only) (2 winners) (ends Apr 13)
To Enter this Giveaway, by Clicking on HERE! 


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1 Comment

Merry Mazes for the Holidays by Clever Publishing - Review by LAWonder10!

12/19/2019

0 Comments

 
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Merry Mazes for the Holidays: Level 2 (Clever Mazes)by Clever Publishing  (Author), Inna Anikeeva (Illustrator)
  • Age Range: 5 - 9 years | Grade Level: Kindergarten and up
  • Series: Clever Mazes | Paperback: 48 pages
  • Publisher: Clever Publishing (October 22, 2019)
  • ISBN-10: 1949998231 | ISBN-13: 978-1949998238
  • SYNOPSIS:
  •       Filled with merry-making activities these colorful pages of MERRY MAZES FOR THE HOLIDAYS invite young readers to solve holiday-themed maze challenges
  •   Each activity features a fresh new scene and different things to discover
  • The mazes vary in difficulty levels so they challenge and entertain every reader
  • Children will sharpen their logical thinking skills as they explore the North Pole a Christmas tree lot and many more wintry surprises!

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
         These Mazes will challenge the minds of children ages 5 to 9 and older! Some are fairly simple to follow for younger ages, yet some others, of the over 35 mazes, may challenge some adults! 
        From "Santa" to the Rescue, traveler going through city avoiding obstacles, to "Pretty Patterns" on the ice, there are plenty of activities to keep a young mind occupied.
               At the end of the book are the diagrams of what the mazes, and other activities,  should look like.
            Illustrator, Inna Anikeeva, has lavishly created a colorful, and entertaining pictures, obstacles and pathways. However, to me, it is slightly too "busy".
              I offer a Four Stars rating for this book.
            Although this book was sent by the publisher, no request for a positive review was made. This is my honest review.

     
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 Be Sure to Enter the Blog Hop featuring Merry Mazes for the Holidays GIVEAWAY!

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About Clever Publishing     Introducing Clever Publishing!
    Clever Publishing is dedicated to creating a wonderful world of experiences for children and their families. The bright, colorful pages of our interactive formats introduce children to early learning skills in the most playful and entertaining ways. Learning has never been so enjoyable!
     OUR MISSION:
To create a wonderful world of books and ideas for children and their parents!
0 Comments

The Dog at the Gate by Sunny Weber Book Tour & Giveaway! {Ends 12/9/19}

11/20/2019

2 Comments

 
Fans of classics like Black Beauty, Thomasina, and Beautiful Joe, which feature redemptive bonds between animals and people, will find The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special offers a touching tale of love and triumph.
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Book Details:
The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special by Sunny Weber
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 246 pages
Genre:  animals/pets | 
Content Rating: G
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press | Release date:   Oct 6, 2017
Tour dates: Nov 11 to Dec 2, 2019

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
      Can a dog like Max go from years without a bath to unconditional love and acceptance?
           Or will his new family abandon him again?

        Puppy Max doesn’t have the easiest start in life. He faces hunger, living alone outside, a vicious dog next door, and menacing raccoons. Just when he thinks it can’t get any worse, he is abandoned at an animal shelter.
        Max is rescued and fostered in a home complete with canine companions - Miles, a benevolent fellow Australian Shepherd, and cantankerous, bossy little Muffin. He also lives with three cats, two parakeets, and one incredible mistress.

          
Buy the Book: Amazon.com | ~ Add to Goodreads

REVIEW BY LAWonder10:
Max lived in a comfortable home with his Mother. His siblings had all been taken aay somewhere. Now the was humans taking him away, too! 

The man didn't look or act nice toward him. The little boy and girl seemed nice enough. However, when he arrived at the house, they put him in a closed yard with an old blanket and that was all!

Many events happen in the first two years of his sad, lonely life, culminating with him bing taken to the animal shelter. Was he going to die?

After being very anxious and unable to eat or sleep, Max was saved!!

This is a bittersweet tale of one dogs life which is a partially, all too familiar, a tale of what happens to do many animals.

It, also, is a story one can relate to human experiences as well, making good discussion topics.
As with her other awesome books in the series, Sunny Weber has effectively captured her reader's undivided interest. This is a series which I highly recommend to all elementary, middle grade and teenaged students. I suggest to parents/educators to make this a part of family/group reading.

The characters are depicted in a very humanizing way and feel real.. The scenes are described in a way they are easily visualized.

The Book Cover Image and title are eye-catching and will appeal to "the browser".

I offer a Five Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.


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      PRAISE FOR THE BOOK!
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        The Dog at the Gate will help teach children to be kind to animals and learn that they have feelings.”
- Temple Grandin, PhD - CO State University, Professor of Animal Science
--Author of Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, and Autism

     “This touching narrative, with its colorful characters and humane messaging. . .conveys a resonant message of empathy for mistreated and abandoned animals.” - Kirkus Reviews

      “Weber’s writing is clear and poignant, and includes an engaging plot and compelling narrative.”
- Blue Ink Review

   “Author Sunny Weber writes with a clean, uncomplicated style. Every chapter has a charming illustration. . . an addictive and emotional adventure. . . I highly recommend it. . .”
      - Caitlin Lyle Farley,
 Five Star Review for Readers' Favorite /  Barnes & Noble Bookstores
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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES
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Meet the Author:

      Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.
      Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.
      Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.
      Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.
Connect with the author:    Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

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Giveaway Details:​

Win an autographed print copy of FROM WILD TO MILD by Sunny Weber (
USA & Canada)
(ends December 9, 2019)
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!
Here is the tour schedule.
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2 Comments

From Wild to Mild by Sunny Weber Book Tour& Giveaway! {Ends 12/9/19}

11/18/2019

3 Comments

 
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Book Details:
Hurricane Dog: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption & Change by Sunny Weber
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 221 pages
Genre:  animals/pets : 
Content Rating: G
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press | Release date:   Aug 8, 2019
Tour dates: Nov 11 to Dec 2, 2019

Book Description:
       Pit bull mix Gator and puppy mill survivor Magnolia are abandoned during a Louisiana hurricane. They suffer dehydration and starvation after rescuers take their people to safety but leave the pets behind.
      Saved from their flooded house, Gator and Magnolia recover but remain homeless. Nobody wants a pit bull. Gator’s resentment festers into intense hatred for Gavin, the boy who left them to die. He vows to never trust again.
        Transported to Colorado with other refugee pets, Gator and Magnolia face the uncertainty of a new life. Eventually they are fostered by a kind woman who seems mysteriously familiar. Both dogs relax in their new lives until upheaval again throws them into chaos.
       Overwhelmed by trauma, Gator and Magnolia cling to one another through change after change. Will they be separated? Will Gator forgive the Great Betrayal and love again?
       What will happen to pets and their people in the next natural disaster? Can Gavin change the rules of rescue? Will Gavin and Gator reunite?
Buy the Book: Amazon.com | ~ Add to Goodreads

Review by LAWonder10:
      This is another delightful tale by Sunny Weber of a Pit Bill adopted by a family for a young teenage son, who named him Gator. It is also a tale of another small dog, later named Magnolia, who was rescued from abuse. The family adopted her and the two very different dogs became best friends and developed a tight bond..
       When a severe hurricane hit Louisiana, the family had to be rescued but were forced to leave their dogs. The dogs became starved and dehydrated and barely living. They felt betrayed.
          Magnolia was listless and Gator was too weak to help...But what could he do anyway?
         The author very cleverly creates the story from the dogs point of view. It is very touching, yet inspirational.
         The readers will find this story to be captivating, intriguing and emotional. The adventures never cease. There are interesting "twists:".
        The characters are very realistically portrayed and the scenes easily visualized.
        The Book Cover and Title are very eye-catching and depicts the story well.
       I highly recommend this book and series for all children and adults, too. It is a great family  and book club reading series.
       I offer a Five Stars rating for this book.
      * This book was gifted me. I received no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.


         
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    OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

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**For some reason, although it showed on my computer, browsers outside of my computer couldn't pull up he Guest Post From my Posting of the 1st From Wild to Mild Book. For those who missed it, here it is…
​Dog in Two Worlds Blog Post #1: ~ Why I Wrote From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds

      Children are buffeted in overwhelming directions during their formative years. There are so many options and expectations from society that many children founder in trying to discern how grow up to be the best they can be.
      Coming-of-age books address emotional and social challenges that all children face, often beginning at the so-called “middle-grade” years (8-14). Despite supportive adults, most children learn to bury their insecurities under the inability to articulate discomfort. Children with unsupportive or absent adult leadership are even more hindered.
        My goal with all my books’ characters is to provide fictional animal friends who experience what children do, such as bullying, ridicule, rejection, insecurity, and the universal seeking of where to belong. Finding your true self is difficult work, even as an adult. Beginning on the journey of self-discovery as an emotionally developing young person can be daunting and confusing.  
      I wrote this book to address the main theme of the importance of searching for your true self, regardless of setbacks and roadblocks from situations and other people. Everyone has inborn talents and interests and one will be happier if those traits are discovered and adhered to. Being true to yourself is crucial to the development of higher character attributes.
      In DTW, protagonist Kaya, a dog who is raised by coyotes, struggles to figure out how to force herself to become a wild canid. But try as she might, she cannot take a life (she’s an Australian Shepherd—a herder whose instinct to kill has been bred out of her breed), and she can’t stay awake for night hunts (she’s a dog, after all). Kaya finds other ways to contribute and finds the value of mother love and sibling companionship.
      Her father, however, is an unscrupulous, bullying, meanie who constantly berates her. He nicknames her, “Worthless,” and is incapable of seeing beyond what he sees as her failures. Early on, Kaya recognizes that her father has no morals or integrity. Even if she can’t identify his faults cognitively, she emotionally senses he is not worthy of respect. For a while, she is conflicted—she knows she should revere him as her father, but his lack of admirable characteristics negates any attachment to him or his ways.
     Children who live with similar emotional and physical abuse by parents struggle as Kaya does to reconcile society’s push to honor thy father and mother, with the contradictory push to idolize positive role models in the adults around them.
      Such children either mimic the cruelty they see and experience—often turning to violent “acting out,” such as animal abuse; or collapse into “learned helplessness” and timidly accept bad treatment; or purposefully seek out alternative guidance and lifestyles opposite of the ones they have been imprisoned in.
      Animal abuse usually begins in frustrated, non-verbal, unsupported children in the middle-grade years, when children first discover their own power over those “below” them in the family food chain, which are often pets. Multiple studies have shown that without intervention, animal abuse always escalates into violence against people when these
troubled children become adolescents and adults.
       By utilizing “first paw” (person) telling, I strive to help young readers see the world through the protagonist dog’s eyes, mind, and heart—thereby tapping into inborn empathy, before the world teaches that child to bury his or her kindness. Having the dogs go through conflicts young human readers may experience first-hand, I hope that my audience can see there are other ways to deal with frustration, trauma, and betrayal. Like Max and Gator, the stars of my other children’s books (see www.sunnyweber.com), Kaya battles her own innate demons. Yet she wants to emulate her courageous and kind coyote mother, and reject her cruel, closed-minded father. I wanted to show children that just because you are born into certain circumstances, you do have choices in whom and what you ultimately become.
      Ultimately, Kaya must leave the family she can’t truly belong to and find her own way—utilizing her inborn talents and to learn skills that fit her nature. Just as children grow up and must leave home to strike out on their own, Kaya faces her future—sometimes with courage, sometimes with fear. But she knows there is no home to return to, until she finally finds she is at home within herself.
        Theme: Work to find your true self; then be true to yourself. (The Development of Integrity)
Messages:
                1) There are two sides to every story: learning to think analytically is important. Learn to think through what is right or wrong and then stick to what you think is right.
         2) Everyone has a “true nature,” although discovering inborn talents and personal interests can be difficult as one grows up, the search for “true self” is worth the struggle.
            3) One must have courage to remain true to oneself, despite push-back from authorities, parents, peers, etc. You must beware of leadership/governance/parenting based solely on bullying, propaganda, and overpowering dominance and the other’s desire for control of you.
               4) Disabilities can turn into abilities. Do not underestimate yourself or others.
           5) That people should EARN your respect, not just expect it, because they are parents, social leaders, work superiors, etc.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
     Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.
   Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In
​

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Giveaway Details:​
Win an autographed print copy of FROM WILD TO MILD by Sunny Weber
(USA & Canada)
(ends December 9, 2019)

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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!
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3 Comments

From Wild to Mild by Sunny Weber Book Tour, Guest Post + Giveaway! {Ends 12/9/19}

11/6/2019

2 Comments

 
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Book Details:
​
Book Title:  From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds by Sunny Weber
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 196 pages
Genre:  animals/pets | Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press
Release date:   August 23, 2019 | Tour dates: Nov 11 to Dec 2, 2019
Content Rating: G

Book Description:
   Eight-week-old Australian Shepherd Kaya is kidnapped by a nasty coyote to be food for his mate and puppies. Instead, the loving mother raises Kaya with her own pups. But as hard as she tries, Kaya can’t completely fit in—she can’t kill prey or stay awake for night hunts. Why can’t she make herself a true coyote? Constantly criticized by her coyote father, Kaya finds support in her new mother and siblings. She also figures out how to contribute through teamwork with her brother and sister. Trapped by a dog rescue, Kaya re-enters the human world and learns the differences between how dogs and coyotes live. When freed to roam again, does she return to her forest freedom—or remain with her farm family? Can Kaya forever straddle between the Wild and the Mild?

Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ Add to Goodreads

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
     
   From Wild to Mild is sure to become a highly sought after series!
        This is a story from an Australian Shepherd's view.
      Kaya was confused and scared. It was getting dark, she was in an enclosed yard, and some strange people had taken her away from the warmth and home of her mother. She see two eyes in the shrub. Can it be her mother? She slowly moves closer to see and an animal quickly grabs her by her neck and runs a long way. Kaya soon discovers, he want to eat her!
      Kaya discovers this is a coyote, but the mother, with her own two pups, refused to eat her. So Kaya crawled in the middle of the two pups to get warm. Thus, she must learn to survive in a new world, or die.
      This is an outstanding series, of acceptance, rejection, love, hate, adjustments, discovering own's self worth and place in life. I am excited to read the next in the series!
       Easy analogies can be made between the human and animal species. This book will surely inspire discussion
      Elementary aged children, young adults and adults alike, will find this series very entertaining. This is an ideal series for "Family-Time" reading, Summer Reading Programs, or just for personal enjoyment.
        The Cover of the Book is beautifully created and the Title is very "Fitting". This is sure to "catch the eye" of the "Browser".
       I offer a Five Stars rating for this book.
      *This book was a gift, with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
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                              PRAISE
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"Sunny Weber takes readers on a remarkable journey between two worlds as we follow the puppy, Kaya, struggle to live and grow with a family of coyotes, and then experience returning to her role as a dog living with people. In addition to exciting adventures, challenges, and drama experienced by Kaya, we also learn about the differences between the animals, and their very different relationships to people.
 
As a biologist that works with coyotes and dogs, I appreciate the creative way Sunny distinguishes the two animals in such an engaging story. Highly recommended for young readers interested in dogs, coyotes, and the world through their eyes." 

Stanley D. Gehrt
Professor of Wildlife Ecology
Extension Wildlife Specialist
School of Environment and Natural Resources
Ohio State University

"What a beautiful, heartwarming book!  Sunny incorporates the stories of abused and neglected farmed animals to bring attention to their plight.
 
Sunny does a wonderful job of telling the story of Kaya, a caring and compassionate dog who is forced to confront her values and make difficult decisions to follow her heart or to fit in. Kaya teaches us to have empathy for all animals, regardless of their species."

Chrissy Dinardo
Development Director
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary
Erie, CO
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  GUEST POST
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 Dog in Two Worlds Blog Post #1: ~ Why I Wrote From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds

      Children are buffeted in overwhelming directions during their formative years. There are so many options and expectations from society that many children founder in trying to discern how grow up to be the best they can be.
      Coming-of-age books address emotional and social challenges that all children face, often beginning at the so-called “middle-grade” years (8-14). Despite supportive adults, most children learn to bury their insecurities under the inability to articulate discomfort. Children with unsupportive or absent adult leadership are even more hindered.
      My goal with all my books’ characters is to provide fictional animal friends who experience what children do, such as bullying, ridicule, rejection, insecurity, and the universal seeking of where to belong. Finding your true self is difficult work, even as an adult. Beginning on the journey of self-discovery as an emotionally developing young person can be daunting and confusing.
      I wrote this book to address the main theme of the importance of searching for your true self, regardless of setbacks and roadblocks from situations and other people. Everyone has inborn talents and interests and one will be happier if those traits are discovered and adhered to. Being true to yourself is crucial to the development of higher character attributes.
      In DTW, protagonist Kaya, a dog who is raised by coyotes, struggles to figure out how to force herself to become a wild canid. But try as she might, she cannot take a life (she’s an Australian Shepherd—a herder whose instinct to kill has been bred out of her breed), and she can’t stay awake for night hunts (she’s a dog, after all). Kaya finds other ways to contribute and finds the value of mother love and sibling companionship.
      Her father, however, is an unscrupulous, bullying, meanie who constantly berates her. He nicknames her, “Worthless,” and is incapable of seeing beyond what he sees as her failures. Early on, Kaya recognizes that her father has no morals or integrity. Even if she can’t identify his faults cognitively, she emotionally senses he is not worthy of respect. For a while, she is conflicted—she knows she should revere him as her father, but his lack of admirable characteristics negates any attachment to him or his ways.
     Children who live with similar emotional and physical abuse by parents struggle as Kaya does to reconcile society’s push to honor thy father and mother, with the contradictory push to idolize positive role models in the adults around them.
      Such children either mimic the cruelty they see and experience—often turning to violent “acting out,” such as animal abuse; or collapse into “learned helplessness” and timidly accept bad treatment; or purposefully seek out alternative guidance and lifestyles opposite of the ones they have been imprisoned in.
      Animal abuse usually begins in frustrated, non-verbal, unsupported children in the middle-grade years, when children first discover their own power over those “below” them in the family food chain, which are often pets. Multiple studies have shown that without intervention, animal abuse always escalates into violence against people when these troubled children become adolescents and adults.
       By utilizing “first paw” (person) telling, I strive to help young readers see the world through the protagonist dog’s eyes, mind, and heart—thereby tapping into inborn empathy, before the world teaches that child to bury his or her kindness. Having the dogs go through conflicts young human readers may experience first-hand, I hope that my audience can see there are other ways to deal with frustration, trauma, and betrayal. Like Max and Gator, the stars of my other children’s books (see www.sunnyweber.com), Kaya battles her own innate demons. Yet she wants to emulate her courageous and kind coyote mother, and reject her cruel, closed-minded father. I wanted to show children that just because you are born into certain circumstances, you do have choices in whom and what you ultimately become.
      Ultimately, Kaya must leave the family she can’t truly belong to and find her own way—utilizing her inborn talents and to learn skills that fit her nature. Just as children grow up and must leave home to strike out on their own, Kaya faces her future—sometimes with courage, sometimes with fear. But she knows there is no home to return to, until she finally finds she is at home within herself.
        Theme: Work to find your true self; then be true to yourself. (The Development of Integrity)
Messages:
                1) There are two sides to every story: learning to think analytically is important. Learn to think through what is right or wrong and then stick to what you think is right.
         2) Everyone has a “true nature,” although discovering inborn talents and personal interests can be difficult as one grows up, the search for “true self” is worth the struggle.
            3) One must have courage to remain true to oneself, despite push-back from authorities, parents, peers, etc. You must beware of leadership/governance/parenting based solely on bullying, propaganda, and overpowering dominance and the other’s desire for control of you.
               4) Disabilities can turn into abilities. Do not underestimate yourself or others.
           5) That people should EARN your respect, not just expect it, because they are parents, social leaders, work superiors, etc.

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Meet the Author:

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

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Giveaway Details:​
Win an autographed print copy of FROM WILD TO MILD by Sunny Weber (USA & Canada)
​
(ends December 9, 2019)
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!

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2 Comments

Plans for a 2600 Mile Barefoot Bicycle Ride from Disneyland to Disneyworld Announced!

8/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Disneyland to Disneyworld announced ! 
    After living totally barefoot for over nine years, humanitarian, author and speaker Dr. Jeff Brodsky will be embarking on a journey no one has ever taken, for the sole purpose of bringing awareness to child trafficking
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For Immediate Release (Conifer, CO)—  Dr. Jeff Brodsky has proven over the years that he will do just about anything to bring awareness to important causes. For the past nine years, he has gone barefoot—all over the world, in any weather—to bring awareness to child sex trafficking. He has led ten, 101 mile walks across Death Valley, performed as Snuggles the Love Clown, and in 1983 rode a bicycle from California to New York City. Today, at 67 years of age and after two heart attacks, Brodsky has decided to take another bike ride. This time, he will be riding a bicycle barefoot from Disneyland in California to Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, there is no record of anyone attempting this before, and Brodsky says he had to get permission from four people to even consider it.

“First, my wife Gail had to approve,” says Brodsky, “then my family doctor, my cardiologist and my chiropractor. After being given several tests and seeing the entire plan of working with a Physical Trainer, they all gave the go-ahead. So, on April 1, 2020, I will be bicycling from Disneyland to Disneyworld barefoot. It will be over 2,600 miles and probably take me about two months. I chose Disneyland to Disneyworld because they are the happiest places on earth, and the children that are trafficked are in the most evil places on earth. They may never see a Disneyworld park in their lives or anything like it because so many of them will die young or commit suicide.”
Human trafficking has overtaken arms trafficking to become the second-largest black-market industry behind drug-running. It is also the fastest-growing global industry. According to a recent study funded by the Department of Justice, the average age of young girls forced into the sex trade in America is approximately sixteen years old. According to the FBI, girls that are trafficked for sex have an average lifespan of 5-7 years, typically dying of disease, suicide or murder.  It was these facts, along with an encounter at a garbage dump in Cambodia, that first motivated Brodsky to begin his barefoot journey which is chronicled both in his memoir, “The Least of These: One Man’s Remarkable Journey in the Fight Against Child Trafficking,” and in his new children’s book “Why Are You Barefoot?”
  
Brodsky and his team at JOY International have rescued thousands of children from sex trafficking—some as young as four-years-old— as well as conducted various undercover operations to aid law enforcement. The efforts of JOY International, along with their partners have helped to move Cambodia from a Tier 3 country (no efforts against trafficking) to a Tier 2. The U.S. is considered Tier 1 due to its aggressive laws and enforcement against trafficking. JOY International employs a Director of Global Police Training and Tactical Operations who has trained Special Forces Anti-Human Trafficking Police and SWAT teams. Their training techniques for airport personnel to spot potential human traffickers recently resulted in the rescue of a 9-year-old in the parking lot of an Alaskan airport. 

“On the one year anniversary of my decision to go barefoot, I was in my living room about to put on socks for the first time in twelve months,” says Brodsky. “But God wouldn’t let me do it. I mean, the sock would, literally, not go on my foot! I cried out to God and asked Him what He wanted from me after I went barefoot for an entire year. I heard Him speak these words to me— ‘Keep going, those children are still out there.’ I knew in that moment that as long as my going barefoot could motivate just one person a year to take action in a way that will help us rescue even one more child each year, I’ll go barefoot the rest of my life.”   

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                       To view a short video of Dr. Jeff, click this link
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About Dr. Jeff Brodsky:
        Dr. Jeff Brodsky is the founder of Joy International, a non-profit organization which exists to be involved in, or help to coordinate, the rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention of the commercial sexual exploitation of children, teens, and young women, both domestically and internationally. For over 37 years, to raise funds and awareness, he has performed as Snuggles the Clown, ridden a bicycle solo from California to New York City, led ten, 101-mile walks across Death Valley, and spoken in 50 nations. He and his wife, Gail, live in the foothills above Denver, Colorado and have three children and eight grandchildren. For more information...
​http://www.joy.org (or) http://www.thebarefootmile.org. 

0 Comments

Cowboy Joel and the Wild, Wild West by the Gagnon Family Book Tour & Duel Giveaway! {Ends 8/1/19}

6/24/2019

2 Comments

 
Joel Gagnon's real-life story of being bullied made national news. Now, he's helping teach kids how to deal with their own "El Matons."
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Book Details:
Book Title:  Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West
​Category:  Children | Release date:  June 4, 2019
Will send print books:  USA | 
Blog tour June 24—August 1, 2019
Page: 48 | Content Rating:  G

SYNOPSIS:
Cowboy Joel and Blackbeard find themselves face to face with El Maton, the most feared desperado in the West. When El Maton mocks him for the way he looks, Joel must confront his biggest fear; a tongue-slingin’ with the outlaw. Can Blackbeard convince Joel to do it? Will Joel find the courage? Note to Mom and Dad:  Cowboy Joel will teach your child that it’s not always about punching the bully. It’s about being confident in who God made them to be, and using those truths to fight the battle in their mind.
Links to buy the book:| Amazon | Author's Website

Review by LAWonder10:
Cowboy Joel and the Wild, Wild West is a fun, light-hearted story that many elementary school age kids will enjoy, especially young boys. It addresses the problems of bullying.

Even though it makes a few valid  points, it definitely isn't  solution. Not always does standing up to bullies stop the issue. This is a very complex problem, with all ages, in life. It requires a group effort in standing up to bullies. If the bullies never get the attention or fear, then only, do they cease bullying. 

The mixture of "critters" in humanized animation, will attract the younger elementary age child. It is  presented in a cartoon form.

This book, however, does adequately describe a bully and addresses one way of "facing up" to the bully. Bullies don't just "go away". They often have "deep set" personal problems of their own. Bullies often have been bullied throughout their lives.

The wording is simple or the elementary age child to read and understand. 

Seth Yoder had effectively illustrated this story. The illustrations are colorful, simple, yet well done.


I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review
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Click this link to view a book trailer, plus the Gagnons appearance on the Today Show!

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Endorsements  “I loved the message in the story about being brave.  Oftentimes children, as well as adults, do not realize the impact we are making when we stare at others that may ‘look’ different than we do, or use unkind words to mock and hurt them.  I look forward to reading this story to my kindergarten students and explaining to them that we are all the same, no matter what our differences are, and that we need to be kind and treat others the way we want to be treated.” --Lisa Fuller, B.S. Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten Teacher 
 
“Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West
 is a great book about overcoming the everyday fear of being different and of bullies. The great balance of wit and bravery displayed by Joel and his sidekick Blackbeard teaches kids that it is not only okay to be different, but everyone has something special that makes them an individual.” --Jessica Vocca, M.Ed Educational Administration, Principal, Dr. Daniel Bright School
 
"When a thrilling imagination meets the sturdy virtues of moral character, what you have is more than a book; you have a tool to shape and sharpen the next generation. Cowboy Joel
 provides the charm, intrigue, and spirit to capture any child's attention while subtly weaving in the principles needed to strengthen every heart."  --James Joiner, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Northern Arizona University 
 
“I liked the part where the lizard told Cowboy Joel he could be brave. It made me very happy. I want to be brave like Cowboy Joel.”— Kellen, age 6
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About the Gagnon family:
      The Gagnon family is an atypical, hodgepodge mix of humanity. The entire family enjoyed writing this book, with each one contributing their own input. Every child in the family has their own special story, and every one faces their own unique challenges. Stacey, the mom of this bunch, also has a blog called Ransom for Israel. She presents an honest assessment of the orphan crisis and the desperate need for families willing to adopt. After the adoption of their youngest daughter, the Gagnons started a non-profit called Lost Sparrows. Lost Sparrows is dedicated to improving the lives of orphans and those with special needs through education, proper medical care, and adoption. Their current focus is in areas of Eastern Europe and Bulgaria.
​Follow the Authors: | Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram

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 Tour-wide Giveaway!
1 Print Copy of Cowboy Joel and the Wild, Wild West (U.S. residents only)
Click on the Rafflecopter link below to enter this Giveaway.
​RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!

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An Additional Blog Site GIVEAWAY!
​

I Print Copy of Cowboy Joel and the Wild, Wild West (U.S./Can. residents only) To enter, just click on the link below.
                                                             RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!

                          Presented by The Adams Group
2 Comments

Why Are You Barefoot? by Dr. Jeff Brodsky Review & Giveaway! {Ends 5/6/19}

4/19/2019

1 Comment

 
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For Immediate Release (Conifer, CO)— Recent headlines have brought awareness to human trafficking, but Dr. Jeff Brodsky, founder of Joy International, has been living totally barefoot since July 2010 to do the same. Both domestically and internationally, Brodsky has gone barefoot in solidarity with impoverished and trafficked children. Most of the time, he speaks to adults about the staggering statistics of child sex trafficking, but in his first children's book entitled "Why Are You Barefoot?," Brodsky seeks to educate elementary children about the human trafficking epidemic. The book is based on an actual presentation Brodsky gave in person to a school full of children.  
 
Human trafficking has overtaken arms trafficking to become the second-largest black-market industry behind drug-running. It is also the fastest-growing global industry. According to a recent study funded by the Department of Justice, the average age of young girls forced into the sex trade in America is approximately sixteen years old. Though estimates vary, as many as 21,000 child sex slaves, or children who are trafficked, may exist in the United States alone. According to the FBI, girls that are trafficked for sex have an average lifespan of 5-7 years, typically dying of disease, suicide or murder.  It was these facts, along with an encounter at a garbage dump in Cambodia, that first motivated Brodsky to begin his barefoot journey which is chronicled in his memoir, “The Least of These: One Man’s Remarkable Journey in the Fight against Child Trafficking.”
 
Brodsky and his team have rescued thousands of children from sex trafficking—some as young as four-years-old— as well as conducted various undercover operations to aid law enforcement. The efforts of Joy International have helped to move Cambodia from a Tier 3 country (no efforts against trafficking) to a Tier 2. The U.S. is considered Tier 1 due to its aggressive laws and enforcement against trafficking. Joy International employs a Director of Global Police Training and Tactical Operations who was trained Special Forces Anti-Human Trafficking Police and SWAT teams. Their training techniques for airport personnel to spot potential human traffickers recently resulted in the rescue of a 9-year-old in the parking lot of an Alaskan airport. 

A few years ago, a youth group in Ohio where Brodsky spoke organized a fundraiser called The Barefoot Mile which has since been embraced by groups, churches and organizations around the globe. Brodsky says these events have offered communities a chance to stand with him in solidarity with victims of human trafficking.

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This Children's book is a well-illustrated story of a delicate subject matter. It is written very simply and delicately that all children can read or listen to it without becoming upset with the content.
This is a real problem in society and children need to be aware of the dangers in the world without becoming fearful. This approach has the impact of awareness, yet, is "mellowed down" so it won't upset a child.
This book, also, offers suggestions for all to be able to aid in this battle against the evils of human trafficking.  It is highly recommended for Summer reading programs, Book Clubs and to parents and educators to include in their curriculum. 
It seemed to end a little abruptly, but was very well-written.
I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating.
This was gifted me with no suggestion of a positive review. This is my honest review.
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About Dr. Jeff Brodsky:
Dr. Jeff Brodsky is the founder of Joy International, a non-profit organization which exists to be involved in, or help to coordinate, the rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention of the commercial sexual exploitation of children, teens, and young women, both domestically and internationally. For over 37 years, to raise funds and awareness, he has performed as Snuggles the Clown, ridden a bicycle solo from California to New York City, led ten, 101-mile walks across Death Valley, and spoken in 50 nations. He and his wife, Gail, live in the foothills above Denver, Colorado and have three children and eight grandchildren. For more information, visit http://www.joy.org or http://www.thebarefootmile.org. 

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Receive your own print copy, if you WIN, this Rafflecopter drawing!
(Print copy - U.S./Can. or e-copy outside the U.S./Can.)
​

a Rafflecopter giveaway
​                           Presented by the Adams Group
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Book Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway for THE ADVENTURES OF WILHELM: A RAT’S TALE by Maria Ritter! {Ends 4/5/19}

3/11/2019

2 Comments

 
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Book Details:
Book Title:  The Adventures of Wilhelm: A Rat’s Tale by Maria Ritter
Illustrator: Teri Rider

Category:  Middle-grade Fiction, 210 pages
Genre:  Children's Fantasy |Publisher:  PartnerPress
Release date:  August 2018
Format available for review:  print & ebook
Will send print books out:  USA

Tour dates: March 11 to 29, 2019
Content Rating: G (This is a clean children's book with no expletives, violence, sex or drugs.)

Book Description:
Young Wilhelm leaves home and travels the world. He not only discovers the value of different cultures and the importance of family and friendship, but he also overcomes obstacles with courage and cleverness. He returns home with deep respect for all creatures on this earth and a new sense of rat identity and purpose.
Buy the Book:  Amazon |  Add to Goodreads

 REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This is an enchanting story from a rat's view of the world - Much like Burgess Thornton's writings.
Wilbur wants to explore the world with his family's blessings of which he receives. This can be a very dangerous journey... one from which he may never return.
This is a fun way to enlighten older children and young teenagers to the wonderful diversity of cultures and traditions. It. also, gives interesting information on rats.
The brief illustrations, created by Teri Rider, are well done sketches, capturing the expressions and details of the characters is in various situations.
The Book Cover and Title could not have been chosen better.
This earns a Four Stars rating.
^This was gifted me with no requirement for a positive review. This is my honest review.
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GUEST POST:
The Adventures of Wilhelm – A Rat’s Tale. Why write about a “dirty” Rat?
Allow me to introduce my friend Wilhelm. He’s been a constant companion to me and in my thoughts for nearly four years now. I even took him on my travels to other parts of the world to explore garbage and customs (see below).
As many of you know I got the idea from watching a bunch of rats in our front yard making a mess, stealing ripe tangerines, sucking on scented lemon blossoms, picking up cheese cubes and digging tunnels next to our house walls for their lodging and for access to the garbage cans in the alley. Our dog, Penny, and I watched them from the kitchen door and, eventually, named one grey and pink rat, Wilhelm.
As time went by, I began thinking what it might be like if a creature that is such a pest, scary and repulsive to so many people, was to travel the world? How would such a creature be treated? What would a despised rat discover about history, other cultures, food and trash?  
That’s the adventure story. Most of us have a little Wilhelm in us. Some of us know a Wilhelm. All of us can help a Wilhelm. Here he is, the hero of our journey.
Come along,
Maria Ritter


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About the Author:

Maria Ritter is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in La Jolla, California. She is the author of Return to Dresden (2004), an autobiographical reflection on her childhood in Germany during and after World War II. It is a healing memoir that confronts national guilt for the Nazi past and weaves the broken pieces of loss and grief into a healing tapestry.

Connect with the author: Website 

Here is the tour schedule
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Prizes:
Win a copy of The Adventures of Wilhelm: A Rat's Tale by Maria Ritter - choice of print or ebook (5 winners total / open to USA only)
(ends April 5, 2019)



a Rafflecopter giveaway
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2 Comments

Anger Management Workbook for Kids by Samantha Snowden Ma - Review by LAWonder 10!

1/18/2019

3 Comments

 
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Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad by Samantha Snowden Ma, Andrew Hill (Foreword)
  • Age Range: 6 - 11 years |  Grade Level: 1 - 6 | Paperback: 160 pages
  • Publisher: Althea Press (November 27, 2018)
  • ISBN-10: 1641520922 } ISBN-13: 978-1641520928
SYNOPSIS:
     The Anger Management Workbook for Kids offers kid-friendly exercises and interactive activities to feel happier, calmer, and take control of anger. 
        
Everyone gets angry, but teaching kids how to respond to anger is what really matters. The Anger Management Workbook for Kids offers fun, interactive activities to help kids handle powerful emotions for a lifetime of healthy behavioral choices.
        From drawing a picture of what anger looks like to building a vocabulary for communicating feelings, the activities in this workbook give kids ages 6-12 the skills to understand and talk about anger habits and triggers. With this foundation, kids will learn positive and proactive strategies to deal with anger through gratitude, friendliness, and self-kindness.At home, school, or with friends, the Anger Management Workbook for Kids equips kids to take control of anger, with:
       
*    A close look at anger that helps kids and parents identify habits and triggers, and recognize how anger feels to                them.
      *     
Interactive exercises that provide a fun format for learning how to communicate feelings, needs, and wants to                   take control of angry outbursts.
  • Feel-good habits that help kids develop better responses to anger by cultivating self-kindness, joy, and appreciation.
Anger is a regular emotion just like joy, sadness, and fear―but sometimes anger acts bossy. Give your kids to the power to say STOP to anger with the Anger Management Workbook for Kids.

My Review:
This is a valuable workbook written especially for children ages 6 to 11, but I feel, even as adults, this can easily be adjusted to aid in our anger control, as well.
The synopsis really says it all! 
There are three parts with chapters in each, helping the individual to understand anger, identify it, the physiological effects, and what its cause is, then activities to manage it.
I recommend this workbook to all ages!
This rates Five Stars.
*This was gifted me with no stipulation for a positive review. This is my honest review.
3 Comments

Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia: 101 Games and Activities to Teach Your Child to Read by M.Ed Hannah Braun - Review by LAWonder10!

1/14/2019

1 Comment

 
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Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia: 101 Games and Activities to Teach Your Child to Read by 
M.Ed Hannah Braun
​
 Paperback
, 136 pages
Published October 30th 2018 by Zephyros Press
ISBN: 164152104X (ISBN13: 9781641521048)

Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia is the definitive activity workbook to improve phonemic awareness, dysgraphia, and auditory processing disorder (APD) for kids ages 7-12.
For kids with an official dyslexia diagnosis, or kids struggling with dyslexia related symptoms, learning to read can be challenging. Using a targeted approach to skill development, Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia applies the latest research-based learning methods to games and activities that strengthen auditory discrimination skills, support letter formation in writing, and most importantly―make reading fun.
Specifically designed for kids ages 7-12, these engaging activities offer children daily opportunities to practice and hone their reading skills, instead of more homework for your child or student. With icons that designate skill building in phonemic awareness, dysgraphia, and APD for each activity, this workbook allows parents and teachers to focus on strengthening specific areas that will help kids become lifelong readers.
From rhyme triangles to letter tracing mazes, Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia offers an entertaining and effective approach to reading with:
  • 101 illustrated games and activities that include word association, picture association, matching, coloring, listening, writing with sounds, and races
  • 6 research-based learning methods such as phonological awareness training, phonemic awareness training, multisensory instruction, overlearning, explicit phonics instruction, and more!
  • A flexible program that can be used one-on-one or in a small group
Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia makes reading enjoyable and rewarding with fun-filled games and activities that teach children how to read fluently and confidently.

 MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
    This workbook has a variety of wonderful activities to aid in the development of children who are distressed with Dyslexia. The activities are well thought out and mostly easy to follow. However, there are a few objects the child is asked to identify which are not clear to an adult, so a child may not ne able to identify the object, either .
There are no Answer Keys, so the adult has to just figure it out, along with the child.
    I still feel this would be mostly helpful to any child suffering with Dyslexia.
    The 117 page workbook is illustrated very nicely, with a large amount of activities. Thee are two pages of helpful instructions to aid Parents/Educators to best facilitate this book.
I offer a Four Stars rating
*This book was gifted me with no suggestion of a positive review. This is my honest review. 
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​About Hannah Braun M. Ed.Hannah Braun is a curriculum writer and former elementary school teacher. She has worked with diverse learners in whole-class and reading intervention settings. Hannah takes pride in helping parents and teachers bring about "light bulb" learning moments for children. Her lessons are easy to follow, fun, and use research-based strategies.

Hannah lives with her husband and two children in the Columbus area. She enjoys playing French horn, paper crafting, fitness classes, and painting.

You can find out more about her work at www.theclassroomkey.com

Follow her on Facebook or Instagram, both @theclassroomkey

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1 Comment

Astronomy for Kids by Dr. Bruce Betts - Review by LAWonder10!

10/27/2018

3 Comments

 
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Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes!
Astronomy for Kids is a fun, how-to-guide to explore outer space with binoculars, a telescope, or just your eyes!
One of the coolest things about outer space is that anyone can explore it. All you have to do is go outside and look up! Using plain sight, binoculars, or a small telescope, Astronomy for Kids shows stargazers how easy it is to explore space, just by stepping outside.
With this book as their guide to the northern hemisphere, kids will learn to find and name amazing objects in the night sky. Fully illustrated with fun facts throughout, kids can point out sights to friends and family, saying things like, “that’s Jupiter,” and, “those stars are the constellation Cygnus the Swan,” and maybe even, “that group of stars doesn’t have a name but I think it looks like my dog getting belly rubs.”
From the Milky Way Galaxy to Mars to the Moon’s craters and mountains―Astronomy for Kids helps young astronomers discover important parts of our solar system, with:
  • 30 sights for the naked eye (yes, 30!) objects to see without any equipment, including Orion’s Belt, the Big Dipper, Mars, and even the International Space Station.
  • 25 sights magnified with binoculars or a basic telescope to make objects in the sky easier to find and explore. Plus, buying tips and usage tricks to get the most out of astronomy equipment.
  • Clear illustrations that show kids where to look and what they can expect to see.
Like all big things, outer space is something you have to see to believe. Astronomy for Kids teaches kids that planets, shooting stars, constellations, and meteor showers are not only in books―but right in front of them.

MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
I enjoyed this book! Although it is directed at an older elementary age audience, it is simplified so even a person like me, who Is challenged in discovering the placement of constellations, can actually find them!
After the description of the item discussed is given, each one has added trivia about it.
Besides the constellations and planet information and illustrations, it also includes the Universe information.
This book discusses What one can see with one's bare eyes, what one needs binoculars to view and what s telescope is needed to view.
It concludes by offering resources one van get increased information from and a Glossary of key terms in astronomy.
Dr. Bruce Berrs as written this book in away it is organized and easy to understand.
I offer a Five Stars rating.
This was sent to me as a gift with no prodding for a positive review. This is my honest review.
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Dr. Bruce Betts is Director of Science and Technology for The Planetary Society, the world’s largest space interest group. Dr. Betts is a planetary scientist who earned a B.S. in physics and math and an M.S. in Applied Physics from Stanford and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science with a minor in Geology from Caltech. He spent several years with San Juan Institute/Planetary Science Institute as a Research Scientist, and later Senior Research Scientist. He studied planetary surfaces, including Mars, the Moon, and Jupiter’s moons, using infrared and other data, and published several scientific papers on these subjects. Dr. Betts spent three years at NASA headquarters managing planetary instrument development programs to design spacecraft science instruments.

At The Planetary Society, he has had copious project management experience, having managed a number of flight instrument (both science and public outreach) projects, including silica glass DVDs on the Mars Exploration Rovers and Phoenix lander carrying millions of names and Mars literature, and the LIFE biology experiment that flew on the Russian Phobos sample return mission. He is the Imaging Team Lead for The Planetary Society’s LightSail solar sail mission, and led a NASA grant studying microrovers assisting human exploration. He has also overseen or managed a number of additional projects designed to excite and involve the public in space exploration.

He regularly writes for The Planetary Society member magazine The Planetary Report, and on his blog on planetary.org. His twitter feed @RandomSpaceFact provides easy night sky astronomy and random space facts. He also co-hosts the "What's Up?" feature on the weekly Planetary Radio show (150 radio stations, XM/Sirius satellite radio, and podcast). He is a frequent guest on History Channel’s The Universe. Dr. Betts is an Adjunct Professor with California State University Dominguez Hills and his recent Introduction to Astronomy and Planetary Science course is available online. He is an Alumnus Senior Scientist with Planetary Science Institute.

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