Everyone Loves Grace

Our daughter loves to read.  But I remember that my son did not.  I had to fight with him just to get him to read the minimum required by the school for his homework.  I had to find books that he liked and even then, this was still a challenge that we continuously fought about.  

 

Thanks to Katy McQuaid.  My daughter received a review copy.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Since learning to read, this girl always has a book in her reach.  As she has gotten older, she is getting picky about the books she wants to read.  She is adventurous, so she definitely loves to read stories that take care on adventures.  The adventures take her to places she has never been to or sometimes places she has been to.  

If you can find a great book series, you can make a little reader very happy.  

My daughter loved going on this adventure with Grace.  She was so happy to find out that Grace was a dog.  Because of course, she loves animals.  She was excited to find out that Grace was traveling to Texas.  And the rest, you will have to read on your own.  No spoiler alerts.  I will tell you that this was a book that she did not put down.  She literally read it from start to finish.  And when she was finished, she loved talking about it.  She told me what she learned and wanted to find out what other adventures Grace was going on.  

Katy, the author of the “Everybody Loves Grace” illustrated book series aims to give kids hope and courage as they face life’s many challenges.  The books are based on true stories told from the perspective of Katy’s beloved Finnish Lapphund, Grace.  The inspiring lessons are written in a fun, light, and humorous tone while addressing some of the most challenging situations people encounter in life.

“In summary,” says Katy, “this book series is an acknowledgement that we need to treat each other well, and that we have the ability to have a profound impact on others’ lives with simple acts of kindness.”

2019 Kids Gift Guide

Christmas time is upon us.  Are your lists ready?  Do you know what to get your kiddos?  Everyone is always asking me what to get their kids.  I love shopping for kids.  I like looking for the perfect gifts that will make their eyes light up.  Do you?

Well if you are still looking for some gifts ideas, here are some of my recommendations:

1)  Sesame Street - 50 Years and Counting - Who does not love Sesame Street?  350 mins of fun and learning.  I love giving DVDs as stocking stuffers.  They make the perfect gifts because you can watch over and over.

Books are great gifts to give.  Winter break is the perfect time to grab a book and read.  

2)  Three Paws - This book encourages children to be bold, make new friends. It promotes the importance of both independence and inclusivity.

3)  Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog - On Christmas Eve, Ted and Brad snuggle by the fire as their father tells them the magical story of his encounter with Santa Frog.

4)  Disney The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: A Center Stage Pop-Up Book - The Ballerina of the Realms dances on every page of this magical book!  Follow the elegant Ballerina of the Realms as she dances center stage in this artistic pop-up book, celebrating each of the unique and picturesque Four Realms.

5)  Bright Lite -  Inspiring a “you CAN sit with us” mentality amongst their readers and creators, BRIGHT LITE is a one-of-a-kind publication that takes shape in the form of a small, bi-annual coffee-table book.

Who doesn't like toys?  STEM toys are even better.  I love to give gifts that call for learning.

6)  Stomp Rocket - Stomp Rocket's line-up of STEM toys provide hours of screen-free fun and make a perfect for all ages! Stomp Rocket is 100% kid-powered and easy for kids to set up with no batteries required! 

I hope you find the perfect gift for your kiddos.  I have lots of wrapping to do, how about you?

Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog

Does your child like to read?  Winter break is around the corner, what will your kids be doing the entire time?  My daughter loves to read.  My son was the total opposite.  He did not like books or reading.  I tried everything I could think of.  But I remember having a hard time with reading too.

Disclosure-Sample product was received for book review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Reading was not my thing.  But that is why I wanted my kids to like it.  Reading can take us places, teach us so much, and you can do it anywhere at any age.

My daughter received the book Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog.  The Ted the Friendly Frog books are great for kids.  Written with kids in mind by a parent trying to teach his kid how to read. 

In the book - Ted and his brother Brad are snuggled up by the fire on Christmas Eve, waiting to hear the story of Santa Frog.  Their father tells them an incredible tale of the time he met Santa Frog, and they can't believe their ears!  A frog in a red coat, flying a sleigh pulled by nine birds, leaving presents under Christmas trees; it almost sounds too good to be true.  When the story is done, Ted and Brad can't wait to see if Santa Frog comes again that night.  Will Ted get to meet Santa Frog this Christmas?

I like the story.  I like that the book rhymes and is an easy read.  I like the lesson in the story.  My daughter liked reading about Ted and following along the adventure as each page was turned.

  

Scott McCall began writing short stories to help his son learn to read.  Together they wrote some stories that rhymed.  It was from this experience that the idea of Ted the Friendly Frog evolved.  Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog is the third book in the series.

 For more information about the series and author, visit www.TedTheFriendlyFrog.com. 

***CLOSED***Giveaway - 100 WAYS TO BE THANKFUL

Tis the season to be thankful.  We have hit November, the month of Thanksgiving.  This year I have more to be thankful for than those in the past.  The last five years I have not been as thankful as I should have been.  I should really explain what I mean...

Disclosure-This giveaway is brought to you by National Geographic Kids.  Review copy was received.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal opinion.

This year has been eye-opening for me after my health scare and awakening.  But I am not alone in this, my family too has been affected.  We have been having a lot of open dialogue with my daughter and she has had several inquisitions.  As a parent, the changes I made were for our future as a family.  We learn from our mistakes and we should be thankful for them as they offer us a chance to grow.  For the past five years, without knowing, my attitude have been very ungrateful.  I should have been thankful for all the little things, the bigger messes, and the huge chaos in between.  Instead of looking at the negative, I should have found the positive in my situations.  Like I said, it was a good lesson to learn and to be able to teach my daughter in hoping that this helps her as she grows older.  Sometimes when we are in situations, we cannot look at the bright side.  I will give you an example:

Now I can be thankful for - the time my husband was able to spend with my daughter as a stay-at-home dad after he lost his lost for a year.  It was very unexpected.  I am not sure if I have talked about it here or not but I am ready to talk about it now.  My daughter was able to have time that no money can replace with her dad.  I am thankful that our family went back to the basics as we had to make due with what we had and stretch what we did not have.

These conversations are not easy to have with kids.  The lessons are there though.

In the month of November we are all taught to give thanks on one day, but we should be thankful all the time.  Do you go around the table on thanksgiving and say what you are thankful for?

National Geographic Kids Books has released 100 Ways to Be Thankful.  A book that features 100 creative ways to open up the conversations about gratitude in our life and help kiddos be able to identify it.

It is a great book that kids can pop open and open up their minds to the attitude of gratitude.  Each of the 100 ways has opened questions, suggestions, and most of all ideas in easy to read language for the entire family to get involved.

Like #41, practice random acts of kindness.  Simple and easy to do.

My life lesson from above is actually #62, look for a lesson in struggles.  The tips are great.  I could have used them a couple of years ago.

Are you curious read the rest?  Well, you can win your very own copy just in time for your Thanksgiving get together.

Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US only.  Fulfillment of prize will be done by sponsor.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  One winner will be randomly selected.  Good luck.

Summer Reading-Benji and the Giant Kite

My daughter was ready for school to be out this year.  She said she was ready for a break.  We have been doing a lot of fun things this summer but one thing that is always a constant is that we love to sit down and pop a book open.  I did the same thing when my son my little. 

Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Just because it is summer does not mean we stop learning.  We got to practice our reading skills.  Books are also good for teaching kids life lessons through the stories.    

BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE, Bestselling Author Alan C. Fox Focuses On Perseverence, Dreams, and Letting Go

For Benji that one thing is an enormous orange kite.  In BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE (Clavis Publishing; August 2018), bestselling author Alan C. Fox tells the enchanting story of a young boy who learns that possessing something is not quite as meaningful as letting it go.

Alan Fox explains that like all of his books, “BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE is based on a real-life incident.  This one happened when I was a child. I decided to tell the story, because I wanted to share the sense of achievement I felt by working hard to obtain something I really loved.  But once I saw the kite flying at the beach, I wanted to let it go.  My dream had been accomplished.  It was time move on to another, new experience.  You must always keep going to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.”

Add this book to your summer reading list today.  For more information, go visit Alan’s website: alancfox.com.

Little Free Library Scavenger Hunt

Do you know what a little library is?  It is a free book exchange.  Imagine books available all the time, all over the world.

Our local news station covered a story on little libraries.  A couple of months ago we happened to be invited to a birthday party at a park and we happen to come across a little library.  We found a book that was age appropriate for our daughter.  She loves this book.  Lil Bit is now in Kinder and our goal is for her to be reading by the end of this school year.  After Open House and meeting her teacher, we are so excited to support our daughter in achieving her educational goals this year.  So after learning about littlefreelibrary.org website, we decided to use the map locator to search our area for a nearby little library.

The first location, which was at a park, we came to had no children's book.  So that's when our impromptu scavenger hunt began.  We then headed to the next location that was not too far.  The little library was at someone's house.

It was kinda weird walking up to someone's driveway to look in but my daughter had no shame in her game.  She was ready to find a book.  She found Pete the Cat.  It is a My First I Can Read Book series.  My First is ideal for sharing with emergent readers which is perfect for my daughter.  We were given a list of 100 high frequency words she needs to know by January.  So were successful for my daughter but not for my son.  At this point, he was excited to find a book for himself.  So we were off to find the next little library.  I am so amazed at how many little libraries are available.

Guess, who found another book she just had to have?  This little library was running low on books.  Someone left a dictionary but nothing appeal my college student.  I am a proud parent when both of my kids want to find books to read.  Patting my back, pat-pat.

 Jackpot.  This little library was overflowing.  It was kid friendly with so many choices for all ages.  On our way home we noticed one more library at a local hospital.  What a great idea to have a little library in a hospital waiting area.  It was closed as it was Sunday.  But check it out, a phone booth.

It was such a fun experience.  Both of my kids found books that they wanted to read.  We will be grabbing books from our home library to sprinkle around into these little libraries.  Can't wait to see what we find next time.

Hop Into Easter! Personalized Books For Every Basket

Easter is around the corner.  Are you looking for the perfect gifts to fill you kids' Easter baskets with?

How about personalizing a book?  This is a gift that is a keepsake.  A story you can read to your kids' with a special character, your baby boy or girl. 

Celebrate your child by letting them know how they fill the world with love!  Personalize this book with your honey bunny’s name, photo, and sweet message on the dedication page.  You will also have the option to customize the pronoun in this book to become “I” or “We” Love You, Honey Bunny.  A darling tale with a loving message that will stay with your little one forever!

First of all, this is the cutest idea ever.  Thanks to Put Me In The Story for allowing me to personalize a book for my little honey bunny and sending her a free copy of the finished product.  This book has my daughter's name on the cover, which she recognized.  Inside the dedication page, I personalized it with a cute poem.  It also her picture in it.  It hard to choose one book because they have so many to choose from. 

I picked the book I Love You Honey Bunny.  The perfect Easter treat to add to your little “honey bunny’s” basket! I Love You Honey Bunny by Sandra Magsamen is a fun and heartfelt story to remind your little one just how much you love and cherish them.  Cuddle up close and enjoy something sweet together!

Personalizing the book is super easy.  When you are done, you get an email confirmation.  Your book shows up to your doorstep.

For Easter Delivery from Put Me In The Story…

· Order USPS Mail by March 9, 2016

· Order UPS ground by March 14,

· Order 2nd Day Air by March 17, 2016

Order Overnight Shipping by March 21, 2016

What are you waiting for?  Place your order so you can have it delivered just in time to put in your child's Easter basket.  Then on their search for eggs, what a surprise they will find.

Magazines-Redan Publishing

***Disclosure-I am a USFG blogger.  I will receive sample magazines for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Does your child like to read?  We have subscriptions to magazine and my daughter likes to go through them.  She does not know how to read yet but she likes for me to read to her.  She also likes to play I Spy in our magazines.  We have not found a magazine just for her....

Have you?

A Magazine For Every Child! Great Interactive Children's Magazines Each issue contains stories, a craft project, a collectible poster and a workbook full of fun educational activities that are designed to give your child a head start in developing their early learning skills with the help of their favorite characters. Your child will spend endless hours stimulating their imaginations and having fun not realizing they are learning!

Redan Publishing is offering Independentmami readers a special discounted offer plus a FREE bonus issue for ordering. These interactive magazines will make the perfect gift for all your little kiddos!

For more information or to place an order, go to http://www.redan.com/USFamilyGuide.htm and click on the magazine cover with your child's favorite character to order.

$5 Dr Seuss Products at Kohl's

Did you know that yesterday was January 23 - National Reading Day?  Reading is a big part of our life.  I loved reading when I was a little girl.  All the adventures I went on through those books I read, made me a big dreamer.  And those dream have kept me going and succeeding in life at all my achievements.  That is why we make reading a big part of our lives and with our kids.

Here are other dates you may not know existed?

March 1 - National Read Across America Day

March 2 - Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

March 7 - World Book Day

April 12 - National D.E.A.R. Day

April 14 - National Donate a Book Day

April 14 – 20 - National Library Week

This spring, Kohl’s offers exclusive hardcover editions of classic Dr. Seuss books including The Cat in The Hat, Horton Hears a Who!, Sleep Book, ABC’s and Happy Birthday to You! along with coordinating plush toys for just $5 each through the Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the Kohl’s Cares philanthropic program has raised more than $208 million for children’s health and education programs in local communities across the country.

 Kohl’s Cares Cause Merchandise for Kids

·         The Cat in The Hat and Cat in the Hat plush: Join Dick and Sally as they embark on an unexpected adventure with a giant cat wearing a hat, transforming a rainy day into a fun-filled afternoon. 

·         Horton Hears a Who! and Horton plush: Children adore the story of loveable Horton, an elephant who hears a cry for help from a tiny speck of dust and does his best to protect the tiny creatures who live on it from those who see them as insignificant.

·         Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book and Sleeps plush: The perfect bed time story that is sure to help everyone wind down from the hustle and bustle of the day – including the grown-ups!

·         Dr. Seuss’s ABC book and Alligator plush: A quick and colorful way to learn the alphabet with Dr. Seuss and his colorful friends.

·         ONLINE EXCLUSIVE - Happy Birthday to You!: Everyone loves their birthday and with Dr. Seuss’s joyous tale, readers will see firsthand the thrill of celebrating a birthday as it is done in Katroo.

·         ONLINE EXCLUSIVE - Dr. Seuss’s ABC book’s Rhino plush: Fun to snuggle and huggle this adorable Rhino plush, kiddos will have a new friend to read with.

Kohl’s Cares Cause Merchandise for Grown-Ups

·         Good Housekeeping Light & Healthy Cooking and Good Housekeeping Drop 5 Lbs: Spring into Healthy Eating with two great books! Following the treats and sweets from the holiday season, testing out new recipes from Good Housekeeping Light & Healthy Cooking and getting diet and healthy eating tips from Good Housekeeping Drop 5 Lbs is the perfect way to stay true to New Year resolutions.

·         Dr. Seuss All Occasion Note Cards: As a thank you note or just to connect with a friend or loved one, these delightful all occasion note cards are sure to bring smiles to the faces of recipients with their colorful and quirky illustrations. 

In addition to the merchandise program, Kohl's Caresâ features a scholarship program, which recognizes more than 2,200 young volunteers each year with scholarships and prizes; the Associates in Action program, which encourages associate volunteerism and has donated more than $61 to youth-focused nonprofit organizations to date; and fundraising gift cards for schools and youth-serving nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.kohlscorporation.com.

***Disclosure-Sample products received to review.  Any and all opinions stated are my own, honest opinions.

Baby Unplugged Books

Baby Unplugged books were written by pediatrician and father of three, Dr. John S. Hutton (he also owns a children’s bookstore), Baby Unplugged is a celebration of "old-school" experiences and icons of childhood; educational not as an overt means to some baby/toddler academic end, but as a natural byproduct of a child's desire to play and connect with people and the world.  They are an antidote to the legions of screen-based curricula and gadgets marketed to make children smarter, faster, often contrary to normal development, with no evidence of efficacy.  Illustrations by artist Andrea Kang.  To-date there are seven books in the series -Pets, Yard, and Blanket were the first three out, with Book, Box, Beach, and Ball all just released mid – June.  The series was a winner of a Mom's Choice Awards Gold Medal and was named a Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year.  In addition to the series, Dr. Hutton writes a supporting blog at www.babyunplugged.com. 

  What’s the best gift for a baby or young child?
Their answer: A box.
Developed by board-certified pediatrician and store owner, Dr. John S. Hutton and veteran art educator Kelli Gleiner, inspired by equal parts science and nostalgia, blue manatee boxes™ are custom gift boxes containing selections of hand-picked children’s books, addressing the developmental needs of kids under three. Everything about them is designed to spur togetherness and creative play, from the books, to the packaging, to the box itself.

blue manatee boxes™ invite customers to think as “outside of the box” as they wish, with boxes organized into popular themes – e.g. vehicles, classics, lullaby - a Build Your Own option, and plenty of help.  The books inside are best-of-breed, deserving a place on every child’s bookshelf and fun to read over and over.   They are easy to order and customize from the tranquility of home, with a fixed price for each of three sizes – 3, 6, or 9 books - including free shipping. 

Blue manatee boxes on Facebook or Twitter

Lil Bit received a blue manatee box and this is what was in it.  I love the concept.  It was so easy to go to online and order her box.  Once I ordered it.  I received a confirmation email.  And last night she got her box.  Inside the box was a big crayon, She really enjoyed playing with her box.  And then she sat on my lap as I read her the books.  I love the colors.  They were easy to follow.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample product received for review.