Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Christmas Choir with #WW #Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect
Party Linky #171!

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.
Click on my photos to see them at their best!


Amanda in the school's Christmas choir

This is what Amanda wore.

View of the back

Amanda with her Christmas bear
and our humble Christmas tree

Winter Decorations at the School's
Christmas Concert

In case you didn't know, we live in South Africa.
This means that while many are celebrating a
winter Christmas, we are having summer.

*********************

Here's a peek at
My Latest Post
on 1camera1mom:

Tulbagh Wine Valley - Part 2


*********************

My Latest Book Review:
The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool
Join Exciting Princess Adventures &
Learn Life Lessons Along the Way!
Early Chapter Book for Ages 5 - 10




*********************

Book Blasts with Giveaways:

Goo and Spot in the
Do Not Wiggle Riddle

FREE eBooks
8 & 9 December only!
Goo and Spot in the
Do Not Wiggle Riddle 
and the
Great Zoo Escape




Lionel's Christmas Adventure
with a $25 Giveaway!




Princess Madeline Trilogy
with a $25 Giveaway!

The Princess Madeline Trilogy


*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) or any picture post
at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.
Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on
and
Follow on Bloglovin



Here are the easy rules:
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  • Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
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This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.



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Goo and Spot: Do Not Wiggle Riddle

Goo and Spot in the
Do Not Wiggle Riddle
by Elsa Takaoka
Fun-Filled Picture Book
Book Blast with $25 Giveaway!

freebook

Grab a copy of Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle and Goo and Spot in the Great Zoo Escape for FREE, December 8 and 9, 2015!

About the Book

Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle

Title: Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle | Author: Elsa Takaoka | Illustrator: Catherine Toennisson | Publication Date: February, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 38 | Ages: 3 to 8
Book Description:

4.4 out of 5 stars with over 100 customer reviews. Two time #1 Amazon Best Seller in Manners. Illustrated by former DreamWorks Big Idea storyboardist Catherine Toennisson.

Funny, silly and sweet, Goo and Spot teaches the importance of good listening skills. This amusing riddle educates without sounding like lessons and lectures. Instead, it has a fun and imaginative style. This book about Goo and Spot’s amazing and colorful adventures will definitely hit a child’s funny bone, with a valuable lesson learned along the way!

Get it Now Amazon button



My Review
Posted on 16 April 2015
Here's the link to the original post:

Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle is a delightful bedtime story for girls and boys. I read it to Amanda last night. She is 7 years old and enjoyed the book thoroughly. Her favorite parts were the "Now keep your ears open and your mouth closed up tight..." and the answer to the riddle at the end of the story.

I really appreciated the idea of this book, to encourage kids to listen and think. It's a feel-good bedtime story and the fun rhyming makes it even better. I highly recommend it for boys and girls ages 7 and under.

I previously did a review for another delightful rhyming book of Elsa's. You can check out that review at A Moat is Not a Goat.


Goo and Spot in the Great Zoo Escape


A NEW Goo and Spot Book Coming Soon!!
gooandspotorange copy


The Buzz About the Book

"How cute and clever was this book. It was like Dr. Seuss has found a friend." ~ Grafixsus, Amazon

"This would be the perfect book to read to a group of wriggly kindergartners. " ~ Anon, Anon, Amazon

"Both the text and the illustrations are rich and dynamic and evoke in both adults and children alike a desire to interact with the text and the images both creatively and consistently." ~ Margot V., Amazon

"The story makes my sons giggle with glee and they gave me a big hug at the ending. Thumbs up!" ~ Torres, Amazon

"The words come to life to young readers through the bright and fresh artwork making this a wonderful rhyming book that kids will want to read over and over!" ~ April M., Amazon

About the Author:
Elsa Takaoka
DSC_8068-Edit

Budding author Elsa Takaoka puts her pen to paper and creates a fun and heart-warming story. Spinning words with natural creativity, Elsa discovered her love of language at a very early age. She then pursued a career in Speech Language Pathology and English as a Second Language until the birth of her first daughter. Reading to her own little girls sparked her whimsical journey through children’s literature. Her dream to write and publish a picture book was achieved with Goo and Spot and The Do Not Wiggle Riddle, the first in the Goo and Spot book series.

Currently, Elsa lives in Fukuoka, Japan with her sources of inspiration- her loving husband and their two adorable little girls.


** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: December 20, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open to: Internationally

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

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



MDBR Book Promotion Services

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Saturday, December 5, 2015

Lionel's Christmas Adventure

Lionel's Christmas Adventure:
Lionel Learns the True Meaning of Christmas
by Paul Hewlett
Book Blast with $25 Giveaway!

christmas cover1a(1)

About the Book

Title: Lionel's Christmas Adventure: Lionel learns the true meaning of Christmas | Author: Paul R. Hewlett | Publication Date: November 10, 2012 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 40 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10

Book Description:

Have you ever wanted something you couldn't have? Meet Lionel, a loveable bully-magnet who desperately wants a new sled and will do anything to get it.This fun Christmas book follows Lionel from Larrystown to the North Pole. His magical Three-Toed-Potbellied Walbaun foot is back and is as unpredictable as ever. Whether Lionel's sledding, ice skating, or in a life-sized gingerbread village, it takes him on some grand adventures. Filled with great Christmas imagery, this book is perfect for young readers and family story time.

Get it Now Amazon button


The Buzz About the Book

"I loved reading about Lionel and his adventure. And I love a good Christmas story. I got both in this one amazing book! " ~ Susan S., Amazon

"Lionel's Christmas Adventure is a classic, reminds me of Charlie Brown in fact it would be super cute as a cartoon for kids during the holidays. Must Read!" ~ Lovely Reader, Amazon

"A great story for children with a sprinkling of magic... A book that will encourage children to think about what is really valuable in life. ~ Diane, Amazon

"The story is a great read, not just for the holiday, but all year as well." ~ Mysunshine510, Amazon

"Lionel’s character and thoughts are perfect for teaching younger ones the true spirit of the holidays, and ways that we as community members can give back to others and it doesn’t cost us anything but some time and kindness. Join Lionel in spreading some Christmas cheer!" ~ Charlie A., Amazon

About the Author:
Paul R. Hewlett

Paul Xmas


Paul R. Hewlett is the author of the Lionel’s Grand Adventure series. Lionel Goes to Camp is the third book in the series. In addition to writing the Lionel’s Grand Adventure books, Paul does freelance writing and co-authors a children’s/middle grade/young adult blog called Sher A. Hart: Written Art. You can learn more about Paul at paulrhewlett.weebly.com



** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: December 18, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open to: Internationally

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

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



MDBR Book Promotion Services

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Friday, December 4, 2015

Learning English Touching Lives

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -
Make My Saturday Sweet #155!

My blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.



The video below is a true story.
Breno came all the way from Brazil to
the YWAM English Language School
in South Africa to learn English,
but he learned so much more!

This is the same school where I teach.



*********************

My Latest Book Review:
The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool
Join Exciting Princess Adventures &
Learn Life Lessons Along the Way!
Early Chapter Book for Ages 5 - 10




*********************

Book Blasts with Giveaways:


Mice & Spiders & Webs... Oh My!
with a $25 Giveaway!




Princess Madeline Trilogy
with a $25 Giveaway!

The Princess Madeline Trilogy


*********************



Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
  • Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.
Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

Weekend Linky

This is a blog hop!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link parties I take part in.

Read More

Princess Madeline Trilogy

Princess Madeline Trilogy
by Kirstin Pulioff
Book Blast with $25 Giveaway!

The Princess Madeline Trilogy

Princess Madeline Trilogy


About the Books

The Princess Madeline Trilogy

Title: Princess Madeline Trilogy * Author: Kirstin Pulioff * Publication Date: March 1, 2015 * Publisher: Independent * Number of pages: 390 * Recommended age: 10

Summary: The complete Princess Madeline series in one book.


Get it Now Amazon button



The Escape
Book 1

Book 1: Madeline, princess of Soron, awakens on her sixteenth birthday to find that her father has already made preparations for her betrothal. When she disappears unexpectedly, her suitors and knight champion rush to the rescue. But all is not as it seems, and the errant princess’s flight has put the kingdom at stake…


Can Madeline find freedom or does it come with too high a price?

Get it Now Amazon button



The Battle
Book 2

Book 2: Princess Madeline rejected Prince Paulsen’s advances, but he’s not about to take it lying down. In the middle of Soron’s festival preparations, when his obsession jeopardizes the kingdom, mysterious figures from the kingdom’s past arrive. Can Madeline risk accepting their help or will their information about a family secret be too much for her to handle?


Can Madeline trust anyone or will saving the kingdom come down to her own bravery?

Get it Now Amazon button




The Dragon
Book 3

Book 3: Princess Madeline is ready to celebrate. With the foundation of her future in place, it seems nothing can hurt her. Then the return of a mysterious green dragon threatens her kingdom and king. Will this challenge prove to be too much for Princess Madeline and Prince Braden or will they find the answers they seek hidden in cryptic messages from the past?


Can Madeline save her kingdom from the dragon or is the real danger something else?

Get it Now Amazon button


My Reviews

The Escape of Princess Madeline is a wonderful coming of age adventure story for middle-grade readers. The descriptions are vivid without being boring and allow one to imagine the fairy tale world of Princess Madeline, which includes brave knights, mysterious wizards and the mention of dragons. The story moves quickly and takes a couple of unexpected turns. Even the Epilogue grabs the reader's imagination and makes one want to find out more.

The Battle for Princess Madeline has an exciting beginning and the plot thickens. I enjoyed finding out who Elias is. There was some suspense when Madeline was taken to see one of the towers in Soron for the first time. I also appreciated the author taking the time to express the change in Madeline when she had to learn boring history that seemed to be unrelated to her until she learned about something that was indeed a part of her future.

The Dragon and Princess Madeline is packed with many attributes that make a story great. The plot thickens from one book to the next and the third book keeps one's mind guessing and wondering. The puzzling pieces come into clarity as the story unfolds. There is adventure, magic, relationship difficulties, challenging moments that build character, and more. I would recommend the Princess Madeline books to kids around the ages of 9 to 14.

My original post:

The Buzz About the Books

Book 1: "Well-written, fast-paced, and entirely appropriate for its target audience (middle grade fantasy), this short but succinct novel (novella? It was maybe a little between a novella and a novel) tells a delightful tale of a naive princess who learns the real meaning of freedom. Kirsten gives her characters a sufficient amount of depth to make them genuinely likeable, and she leaves room for much, much more to come." ~ 5 Star Review, Ally, Amazon

Book 1: "An inspiring thought provoking, and wonderfully written fairy tale by an author who transports us to a time in our imagination where everything is magical and possibilities are real." ~ 5 Star Review, kathyls, Amazon

Book 2: "Fairy tales are filled with knights and princesses and castles and a special magical feel that takes the reader far, far, away into another world, another place, another time. The Battle for Princess Madeline fits the bill to a tee! Author Kirstin Pulioff has created a special feel to the tale of Princess Madeline with her own special talent for using words to paint pictures in our minds." ~ 5 Star Review, Dii, Amazon

Book 2: "The story is well developed and easy to follow. The vivid scenes will transport young readers into the magical world of fairy tales with thrilling characters that have come to life. Another splendid read for young readers! I can hardly wait for a new book, Princess Madeline and the Dragon. " ~ 5 Star Review, Mrs. D., Amazon

Book 3: "The story is engaging on many levels, as is Pulioff's writing, but on this occasion I was mostly drawn into the action and the mystery as how to prevent the worst from happening. This is great entertainment and should do well across a wider age range." ~ 5 Star Review,ChristophFischerBooks, Amazon

Book 3: "Kirstin Pulioff has saved the best for last. 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' is the final instalment in the 'Princess Madeline Trilogy'. I thought the first two books were finely wrought stories, but this novel surpasses its predecessors. Prophesies, family tragedies, magic and - of course - dragons, combine to produce a tale that is an instant classic. Written with a great deal of charm, 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' will not disappoint Ms Pulioff's young fans. I look forward to seeing where next her imagination will take this natural storyteller. " ~ 5 Star Review, Diogenes, Amazon


About the Author:
Kirstin Pulioff

Kirsten Pulioff

Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in the foothills of Colorado. When she’s not writing an adventure, she’s busy living one.





* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

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

Contest ends: December 17, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open: Internationally

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

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



MDBR Book Promotion Services


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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool

The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool
Book Review

The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool Cover


About the Book

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


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

Have you ever wanted to ride a dolphin or dreamed of playing on a rainbow as if it were a waterslide? How would you feel if someone tried to kidnap you, and you were forced to move to Hawai'i to hide and live with people you don't know? That happened to Harmonie. Come meet Harmonie, her new Mystic Princess friends, and find out what happens when her enemies, the Children of Ares, find her again.




My Review

I had a wonderful time reading to Amanda our latest adventure story, The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool. The story has everything a little girl enjoys. There are princesses with special powers who do neat things like ride dolphins and slide down rainbows. They have adventures as they practice their powers and they have to stay alert as a gang of teenagers (the children of Ares) are on a mission to capture Princess Harmonie.

Even though the story is really girly, that doesn't mean it's airy-fairy. There are several life lessons that are being taught in a fun and colorful way. And, the story is simply written, so I didn't have to stop and explain what was going on after each chapter.

Also, the chapters are short, which I prefer, because if Amanda was tired or it was getting too late, I could still squeeze in one chapter at bedtime. It was nice to see that she didn't want to miss a night. In fact, she and I are both hoping that we will get to review the second book in the series!

The Buzz About The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool

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

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

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

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

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


About the Author:
PJ LaRue
PJ LaRue


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

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




Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.


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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

A Birthday Boy with #WW #Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect
Party Linky #170!

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.
Click on my photos to see them at their best!

Thanksgiving Dinner in South Africa
We had turkey and gammon.





Our Son - the Birthday Boy
He turned 19 today!



Amanda and her Nana

Our 3 Girls and 1 Son

Amanda

Samantha and Jessica

Jeremiah

*********************

Here's a peek at
My Latest Post
on 1camera1mom:

Tulbagh Wine Valley - Part 1


*********************

Adventure Series
with a $25 Giveaway!



4th Book in My First Travel Books
with a $25 Giveaway!



with a $25 Giveaway!



The Quest Books
with a $25 Giveaway!




*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) or any picture post
at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.
Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on
and
Follow on Bloglovin



Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
  • Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
  • If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
  • Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.



Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.




Read More

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