PINKY GOT OUT! BLOG TOUR STOP (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Buy now from Amazon for only $12.32

I was excited to join this book blog tour for Michael's Portis' new book, "Pinky Got Out!" partly because I fan of the illustrator's work, but also because after reading about the book, I knew my girls would love to sit and enjoy it with m. Even though my girls have moved on to chapter books, they will still sit before bed on the couch, and have me read them a few picture books, or a couple chapters in a new chapter book. So, when I received this picture book the other day, I couldn't wait for night to come, so that I could get in a few extra snuggles on the couch to share this cute new picture book with them.  

The book is a cute read, and perfect for young children ages 3-7 years old.  As you read through the story, kids will have fun pointing out Pinky, the pink flamingo who tries to hide amongst the different animals in the zoo, as it plans it great escape to be Penny, a little girl who has come to tour the zoo with their class.  Pinky feels a connection to Penny, as if they are "birds of a feather," and this has Pinky following Penny and her class as they walk through the zoo, checking out the different animals. Not only is this a fun seek and find book, but kids will also learn fun animal facts along the way, which I really loved.  And, the illustrations done by Lori Richmond, are playful and fun and really make the story come to life. 

My girls really enjoyed this picture book, and had fun pointing out Pinky as we read through the pages.  They also loved all the animal facts they learned along the way.  And, now they want to plan a trip to the zoo check out the pink flamingos and other animals they saw and learned about in this cute new picture book.  If you are looking for a fun, new picture book to share with your kids, or are planning an upcoming trip to the zoo and want to make it extra special by reading a book in advance, then "Pinky Got Out! by Michael Portis, is a must read with your kids.  We have only had this book for a few days, but I have already read it handful of times with the girls, as they really enjoy it.  And, when we aren't reading it, the girls are grabbing it from the bookshelf to try drawing the different animals featured in the book.

More about the book:

Fans of Tad Hills and Jory John will love this hilarious picture book about Pinky, a flamingo at the zoo who sneakily slips out to join a group of kids on their zoo tour.

Pinky isn't your typical flamingo. He's a real escape artist! When he sees a young girl named Penny and her class touring the zoo, Pinky feels like they're birds of a feather and decides to make a break for it. Penny is the first to spot the flamingo hiding in plain sight. 

One by one, she lets her friends in on Pinky's antics as he tries to blend in with the seals, the meerkats, and even the pandas. Young readers will enjoy trying to find Pinky on every spread and will be curious to discover whether he can actually fly the coop!

Publishers Weekly rave that debut author Michael Portis, “moves the lighthearted story along while deftly incorporating facts about different animal species.”

Crown Books for Young Readers / Ages 3-7

HC: 978-1-101-93298-8 / $17.99 / $23.99 Can. / 40 pages

e-book: 978-1-101-93300-8 / $10.99 / $11.99

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About the Author:

MICHAEL PORTIS is a children's book author and illustrator from Studio City, California. He received his MFA in art at

UCLA and is an art director and children's book app designer. Pinky Got Out! is his debut picture book. You can visit him at michaelportis.com.

About the Illustrator:

LORI RICHMOND (@loririchmond) got out of her studio and explored the Bronx Zoo while making this book. She is the illustrator of several picture books and the author-illustrator of Pax and Blue and Bunny's Staycation. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. You can follow her at loridraws.com.

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Add the "Peep, Peep, Hooray!" Activity Book (Includes Puzzles, Stickers and Mini Posters) to Your Child's Easter Basket -- Available Now and Under $5! (Review

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Buy this paperback activity book now from Amazon for only $4.10

If your kids love PEEPS and activity books, then you will have to make a point to pick up the Peep, Peep, Hooray! full-color activity book, available for only $4.10 at Amazon right now.  Jam-packed with PEEPS puzzles, mini posters, stickers and so much, kids ages 3-7, will have a blast sitting down to complete the different activities that fill the pages of this activity book, long after Easter ends.

I recently surprised my girls with this activity book, and watched as they sat together, completing the different puzzles, dot to dots, mazes and more.  And, when they were done, they pulled out the full-color mini posters and ran to their bedrooms to add to their walls and doors.  

I can't believe that this activity book is under $5!  It is a steal if you ask me for all that you get with the book -- stickers, poster and lots of puzzles and activity pages to complete.  I ended up picking up a few more of these books to give to the girls' friends for Easter, and plan to pair them with a few PEEPS chick and bunny marshmallow treats.  Come on, it isn't Easter without a basket filled with these tasty treats. :-)

If you have a PEEPS fan and usually add PEEPS to your kids' Easter baskets, why not consider picking up this fun activity book to add to their basket.  Your kids will have so much fun, just like my girls did, doing the activities and finding just the right spot in their rooms for the super cute mini posters, not to mention the oh so fun stickers. 

About this book:

"This full-color activity book is jam-packed with PEEPS puzzles, PEEPS mini-posters, and PEEPS Chick and Bunny stickers! Boys and girls ages 3 to 7 will love this activity book—it’s great for Easter or anytime! PEEPS® is an iconic brand found in Easter baskets everywhere with a heritage spanning over 60 years. PEEPS can also be found in the every day candy aisle, and is seasonally relevant at Summer, Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day."

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Golden Books; Act Csm edition (January 3, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1524719099
• ISBN-13: 978-1524719098
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 0.1 x 10.9 inches

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Welcome in Spring with a Good Book: Hats Off to Mr. Pockles! by Sally Lloyd-Jones (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Buy now in hardcover from Amazon for only $11.84

If you follow my blog, then you know that I always mention that my oldest daughter is all about dogs.  From clothing to toys, to movies and books, she loves all things that have to do with man's best friend.  So, when she saw the "Hats Off to Mr. Pockles!" book arrive in the mail the other day, she was all smiles.  It didn't matter what the book was about, as she loved the cute dog on the front cover. :-)

But, then her sister was curious and asked to sit down with her on the couch and read it, and see what this book was about.  I listened from the kitchen as the girls took girls reading pages in this cute new picture book, which released back in January.  And, when they weren't reading the story to each other, they were giggling, or stopping to talk about the illustrations.  As the title mentions, this book is about Mr. Pockles' hats, and boy does he have a lot of them...too many to wear all at once, and hard to choose one to go out and about with.  

To have a predicament like this..."what hat to wear?"  My girls sat talking about the different hats and pointing to their favorites.  They also wondered what they would do if they had a collection of hats like Mr. Pockles.  It wasn't until near the end of the book that the girls had that "ah ha" moment, where they figured out how the story would end. And, when they got to the end of the book, they both turned to each other and said, "See, we guessed right!", almost in unison.  

Even though the girls figured out how the story would end, even before getting to the last page, they both enjoyed this book thoroughly.  They loved the story, and how it centered around friendship, helping others and giving without expecting anything in return.  Mr. Pockles sure did have a lot of hats, but when he saw someone in need of a hat, he knew what he had to do.  And, he get giving, so that the whole town was decked out like he likes to be in a hat, and that made for a wonderful ending to this cute picture book.  We have had this book for a short time, but it has become a favorite with my girls.  Either they ask me to read it to them at bedtime, or they will pull it from the shelf to read.  I have even found my girls drawing hats they see from the book, and coming up with their own unique hats that they feel would be great additions to Mr. Pockles hat collection.

If you are looking for a fun, new book to share with your child(ren) that also has positive messages they will pick up on as you read with/to them, then you will want to check out this book.  Both of my girls give it two thumbs up, and an extra thumbs up from my oldest because of the cute dog. :-)

More about this book:

"A New York Times bestselling author and a rising-star illustrator present an utterly hilarious, oh-so-silly tale about Mr. Pockles, an odd little dog with a big hat collection—and an even bigger heart.

For Mr. Pockles, going without a hat is as unthinkable as going around without any pants on. He has millions of hats, for every occasion—an Eating His Cornflakes hat, a Drinking Cups of Tea hat, and even an In the Bath hat—but for some reason, he doesn’t have any friends. One day, when Lady CoCo Fitz-Tulip—a Very Important Panda—finds that her hat has been gobbled up by some hungry bunnies, Mr. Pockles knows just how to help. Overflowing with silliness, here’s a charming celebration of friendship, inclusion, and the joy of sharing."

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (January 29, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399558152
• ISBN-13: 978-0399558153
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 0.4 x 11.5 inches

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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"ALL ARE WELCOME" is a Welcoming Picture Book Celebrating Diversity and Encouragement for Kids

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Buy now from Amazon for only $15.43

I love when I stumble upon a book that celebrates diversity and encourages kids to be kids and not to look at or judge others based on the color of their skin.   So, when I heard about a new children’s picture book, “All Are Welcome,” by Alexandra Penfold, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy to share with my girls, and share my thoughts in a post on my blog. 

As you know I homeschool my two girls.  But, we also go to classes outside the house, so they are around kids of all races, nationalities, etc.  And, being part Latina, my girls are now at the age that they notice their skin color is different from mine, as I have pale white skin, and they are lucky to have beautiful tan skin thanks to their Daddy who is from El Salvador.  The girls have asked why we look different, and I have talked with and even shared books about diversity with them, to help them truly understand how everyone  on this planet is different in some, and that shouldn’t be a reason to mistreat or judge them. 

This book is really well written, and is recommended for children ages 4-8 years old.  The pages are filled with vibrant colors that really help to bring the story of inclusion to life.  Children will be introduced to people from all walks of life who may look different or dress different from them, as they read through the pages of “All Are Welcome.”  They will see a school filled with kids wearing patkas, hijabs and even yarmulkes, who play side by side in the classroom and out at recess.  I really love how this book is written and how they include so many races, religions and backgrounds, while repeating one key phrase, “All are welcome.”  There is even a sign hanging outside the school that has this phrase, making it a welcoming school and story from the very start.

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About this book:

“A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids.

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yamulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year. All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school."

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My girls really enjoyed this book, and have even talked about it with their friends.  They have even shown interest in learning about the cultural differences and traditions of those they saw in the book, so that they can learn and appreciate the diverse world we live in.

I highly recommend this book for teachers looking for a book to share with their classrooms at the start of school, to remind children that even they their classmates may look different, that they shouldn’t be treated differently.  Children may have questions and wonder why their fellow classmates may be wearing clothing or a headpiece.  This book is great to share and open up the lines of discussion about diversity and need for inclusion of all.  With all the craziness in the world right now, it is nice to look to our children and see them open their arms and hearts to those who may be different. They don’t see color or religion…they just see an opportunity for a new friendship.  That is how it should be for all of all – welcoming everyone with open arms.  We should live the theme of this book – “All Are Welcome.”  Hopefully this book will be a reminder of this powerful message of inclusion, and have us thinking twice when we see someone who may be different than us, and be reminded that we should all be treated equal.

To learn more about this wonderful new children’s book, which hit stores shelves back on July 10^th, head on over to Random House Kids today.

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About the Author:

Alexandra Penfold is the author of Eat, Sleep, Poop (Knopf) and the picture books The Little Viking and Food Truck Fest!  She is also a literary agent at Upstart Crow, where one of her clients is Suzanne Kaufman!

About the Illustrator:

Suzanne Kaufman is an author, illustrator and animator.  Over the years she’s done everything from animating special effects for Universal Television and the Discovery Channel to animating award-winning video games for children.  She’s the illustrator of a number of books for children, including Samanthasaurus Rex by B.B. Mandell, Naughty Claudine’s Christmas by Patrick Jennings, 100 Bugs! by Kate Narita, and her own book, Confiscated! among others.  Learn more about Suzanne online at suzannekaufman.com.

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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New Licensed Character Books from Random House Kids You'll Want to Check Out! (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent review copies from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Last month brought some great new books from Random House Kids, that I wanted to share with you.  If you haven't checked out their website, you really must, as they have so many books that children of all ages will enjoy.  From licensed character books including ones from Disney, Nick Jr. and other popular children's animated series, you are bound to find a few (if not more) books to pick up and share with your child.  My girls are fans of the "Lift the Flap" books, or ones that come with fun stickers or magnets, so when asked which books I wanted to review from their 20+ new licensed book releases, I couldn't help but ask for the following -- which the girls still can't get enough of:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARBIE! by Mary Man-Kong; illustrated by Kellee Riley

Girls ages 3 to 7 will love to join Barbie^®’s sisters as they plan the perfect birthday party for Barbie^® in this full-color storybook—with over 30 stickers, press-out tiaras, invitations, and a birthday banner!

Random House | 978-0-385-37320-3 | 24 pages | $5.99 | $6.99 Can. | January 7, 2014

 

My Thoughts:

If you asked me between the girls, which was the "girly girl," I wouldn't hesitate to answer Bella.  From the very beginning, she was the one who liked to cuddle, carry around her dolls, or play dress up.  And, when she started taking note of the television, she would always request the Disney princess shows/movies or her personal favorite "Barbie."  I loved Barbie growing up, and can't wait to pass down my collection of Barbie dolls, clothes and accessories my mom had saved for my children.  But, in the meantime, I love having one-on-one time with Bella, where we read or watch one of her shows together.  

Since receiving this book, Bella has not gone a day without requesting it for bedtime.  Unfortunately, because it is a paperback book, it has seen better days.  Bella took it upon herself to fill the pages with the 30+ birthday themed stickers that are included in this book.  There was also a poster of Barbie and her friends, which Bella had me stick to the bedroom wall the first night.  And, so begins the years of posters for characters and then teeny boppers plastered all over the girls' wall.  Where did the first two years go when I had jungle themed or cute and cuddly animal art on their nursery walls.  Now, they are both in big girl beds and decorating their walls with their favorite character posters and art pieces.

In addition to the stickers and pull out poster, this paperback book also contains 8 party invitations you can pull out and use with your Barbie fan on their next birthday.  If only I had received this book earlier, they would have come in handy on Bella's 2nd birthday this past November, when it was all things Barbie.

The story itself is fun to read, and will be enjoyed by young Barbie fans.  Mixed in with the story are fun party game ideas and decorations that you can create with your kids.  The girls keep asking for me to make the pom pom flowers with them -- now to just get the supplies. :-)

JET SET! by Courtney Carbone; illustrated by RH Disney

Ready, jet set, go! Boys and girls ages 2 to 5 will love these four sturdy board books featuring Dusty and his airplane pals from Disney’s Planes. The colorful plastic handle makes this box set a perfect carry-on for little travelers!

Random House/Disney | 978-0-736-42990-0 | Box Set | 48 pages | $10.99 | $11.99 Can. | January 7, 2014

My Thoughts:

While Bella is the girly girl, Savannah on the other hand loves Disney Cars, Planes and even Thomas the Tank Engine.  It is funny how you walk from Bella's bedroom with dolls and princess toys into Savannah's room to find planes, cars, trucks and engines scattered all over the floor.  Yes, Savannah loves girly stuff like My Little Pony and Dora the Explorer, but if you took her to the toy store, she navigates to the boy's section -- ahh, my little Tom Boy. :-) 

So, when Savannah saw this four 4 book set based on some of her favorite Disney Planes characters, so was over the moon excited.  She quickly took out each of the books and had to do an Eenie-Meenie-Minie-Mo to decide which book to ask me to read first - even though she knew she would have me read all 4 to her in one sitting. :-)

Fans of the hit animated movie from Disney will go crazy for this new book set. Savannah loves the carrying case with plastic handle, as it makes taking this book set in the girl or to Nana and Papa's house that much easier. And, because they are board books, I don't have to worry about the pages ripping or the books seeing better days after continue use, as they are sturdy and oh so durable.  These books have become a favorite of Savannah's, and I have even caught her telling her own renditions of the stories to Bella, in hopes to get her excited about Disney Planes. :-)

TEAM LIGHTNING written and illustrated by RH Disney

Boys ages 2 to 5 will love lifting the sturdy flaps to reveal hidden surprises! Starring Lightning McQueen, Mater, and all their friends from Disney/Pixar’s Cars,this interactive board book features over 30 flaps!

Random House/Disney | 978-0-736-43052-4 | 12 pages | $5.99 | $6.99 Can/ | January 7, 2014

My Thoughts:

This was another favorite of Savannah's, as she loves Mater and Lightning McQueen.  While Bella is not keen on Disney Cars, she does love lift-the-flap books, so she always make a point to come around when I reading this book with Savannah, or Savannah pulls it from the shelf to turn each page and peak around the flap doors. 

Another board book, this is great for little ones, as it will rip as easily as a paperback.  But, you still want to be careful having them lift the flaps, as they tear easily.  I make a point to go through the pages first and lift the flaps, so that they are easier for the girls to lift up when it comes to reading this cute book about Lightning McQueen and all his friends.

BUBBLE GUPPIES MAGNET BOOK written and illustrated by Golden Books

Boys and girls ages 0 to 3 will be drawn to Nickelodeon’s Bubble Guppies with this interactive board book featuring magnetic play pieces that stick right to the page. 

Golden Books | 978-0-385-37527-6 | 8 pages | $8.99 | $9.99 Can. | January 7, 2014

My Thoughts:

I don't think the girls have put this book down since they got it.  And, with past experiences with magnet books, I am also surprised that they haven't lost any of the magnets yet.  I guess if you love this book as much as they do, you make a point to keep count of the 4 magnets that come with this book.  When the girls are not using the magnets, they store nicely in the holder at the top of the magnetized board book, and are held in place with the plastic covers that closes securely.

Like I said, the girls loved this book.  This was the first board book the girls had that they could stick the magnets directly to the pages and create their own scenes.  Each time we read this book, which only has a few sentences per page, the girls will place the magnets in a new way.  :-)

I love watching the girls pull this book from the shelf, and tell their own story as they rearrange some of their favorite Bubble Guppies friends to the different pages.  This is definitely one style of book I will be keeping an eye out for, and picking up for the girls, as it really does provide hours of fun.

THE BIG BOOK OF ENGINES by Rev. W. Awdry; illustrated by Golden Books

This handsomely illustrated, hardcover guidebook is just what every Thomas & Friends fan has been waiting for. Inside, boys ages 3 to 7 will discover fascinating facts about all the engines, trucks, buses, and cranes on Sodor. 

Golden Books | 978-0-307-93131-3 | $9.99 | $10.99 Can. | January 7, 2014

My Thoughts:

Fans of Thomas & Friends will go crazy for this book, as it is the encyclopedia of encyclopedia for everything Thomas & Friends.  From fascinating facts about the different engines of Sodor -- over 50 of them. While the book is intended for boys, Savannah loved it!  We have gone to Day out with Thomas for the past few years, and each year, I am happily surprised to see the increased number of girls who are fans of the blue engine.  Savannah is torn between between Thomas and his best friend, Percy, when it comes to asking her which of the engines is her favorite.  But, like so many other Thomas & Friends fans, she is able to ramble off the names of the different engines from the hit animated shows, and facts about trains and how they run.

If you have a Thomas & Friends fan in your house, this is one book worth picking up.  It would even make for a great Easter basket surprise, along with a few new die cast trains from the series. :-)

Disclosure:  I was sent review copies from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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