Wordless Wednesday: The Princess

Wordful Wednesday:

Meet my new Granddaughter, The Princess!
Now I have 3 grandsons and a new granddaughter. I am walking in the clouds!

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Friday 56: Lottie's Adventure-Review

My Thoughts:

Lottie's Adventure: A Kidnapping Unraveled is a must read. It is the perfect gift for preteens, parents, and grandmothers. The story is absolutely fascinating. I loved the book and easily finished it in one night. Lottie is a spunky young girl with beautiful curly hair who lives with her Hispanic working mother and elderly aunt. Lottie is fun and loving to all and is able to let others know exactly how she feels. Lottie melts the heart of Mrs. Harrolton, her wealthy grandmother who lives in a mansion. Lottie's friendship with Charles Ray unfolds as the story line develops with exciting chapters and dramatic ending. Teachers can use this fabulous book with a guide that Barbara provides. Her writings are wonderful and I look forward to reading more from the author. I highly recommend this one with 5 stars.

Lottie's Adventure: A Kidnapping Unraveled

About The Author:

Barbara is a grandmother of 8 . She also was an English and Theater Arts teacher for over 22 years. Barbara Frances decided to work with a reading specialist friend of hers to make the book not just a great adventure but also a learning experience. As part of that, they collaborated in creating a Teacher's Guide to help teachers use the book as a reading improvement tool in classrooms. They make the guide available as a free download right on the book's website at:
http://lottiesadventure.com

Lottie’s Adventure: A Kidnapping Unraveled

Product Description

Lottie's Adventure: A Kidnapping Unraveled, is a new, action-packed children's book written especially for ages 8 through 14. Children will enjoy this exciting read while also improving their reading skills. Twenty-nine chapters filled with twists and turns keep kids reading to discover the outcome. Lottie, a lively ten-year-old Hispanic girl, longs for something new and different in her life. Her summers up to this point have all been, more or less, the same. Then the arrival of a magical letter and a TV newscast transforms her vacation time in a high adventure. An adventure which involves trying to relate to a cold, estranged, yet very rich grandmother, freeing a kidnapped ten-year-old African American boy from a locked room, hiding him in a safe place, and then fleeing with him from a kidnapper who is always just a step or two behind.

Product Details

* Reading level: Young Adult

* Paperback: 180 pages

* Publisher: Positive Imaging, LLC (May 30, 2008)

* Language: English

· ISBN-10: 061516787X

Friday 56 Guide:

* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog Starting Fresh and to Storytime with Tonya and Friends
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

This a.m. I found the book that I had just finished reading beside me. It kind of made sense for me to post the sentence on page 56. Soon I'll be starting up another brand new book for reviewing. I just love new beginnings. But there is also something to be said about reporting in, posting a review and sharing with a blogging community a great treasure that you just read and recommending to friends that you read the book, too. Wouldn't you agree? I'd love to hear about your special book this week.

Here's mine:

" Lottie put up her hand, "Shh, he's coming. I'll find you. Don't give up."

From: Lottie's Adventure: A Kidnapping Unraveled.

Special thanks to Mr. Bill Benitez for providing this excellent book for review.

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday - Kentucky Wonder

Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans; those magical, wonderful green beans!

Wordful Wednesday:

I love green beans. Whether you steam, boil, bake or saute them, they are delicious. My daughter used to eat them raw for a very healthy, yummy treat. I'd love to hear how you fix those fabulous tasting green beans!

Happy WW,
-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Giveaway 2 Free Books

Book Giveaway offerings at Story Time For Me

STORY TIME FOR ME is a unique literary website designed specifically for toddlers and children in early elementary school, allowing them to read and listen to enjoyable, online interactive picture books. We also offer a one-of-a-kind animated personalized book.

My Thoughts/My Review:

As a grandmother of 3 grandsons all under the age of 4 , I was thrilled to find good quality educational storybooks online. This amazing website offers two free books to view so I started with Fern Meets Some Indian Animals. While the book was rapidly loading, I was pleasantly greeted with a simple sing-along, upbeat greeting. I loved it! First impressions are always good.

The narrative is highlighted to easily read along with while hearing a pleasant voice reading aloud around 10-12 pages or so with a running time of 2-5 minutes for each book. The brightly colored illustrations are so beautiful. In this special book, Fern learns about special animals from India. What a fun way to learn about different cultures online.

As a piano teacher, I especially loved seeing a marching band and hearing instrument sounds in the book, Fern's Parade Adventure. What a wonderful selection of books in their library to choose from, starting with animals, nature, seasons, friendship, entertainment, holidays, concepts, travel, adventure and more.

I highly recommend Story Time For Me. It's a must for all kids, parents and grandparents, too.
Enjoy quality time learning and reading together. I'm very impressed with this reading resource.

So, let all your friends and family know about getting up to 10 free online interactive children's storybooks. To Take advantage of this free offer, fill out the form below. You can skip the form and get 10 free books by going directly to the website and referring your friends. Details are in the form below. Thanks and enjoy your free books!

Important Note: You will receive an email confirmation from info@StoryTimeForMe.com with your redemption code. Please whitelist this address so you don't have to check your junk mail.

OR Get 10 Free Online Storybooks!

Get 10 free online story books (retail value $24) by visiting www.StoryTimeForMe.com/10.doc, and following these steps:

1. Save the Word document and fill it out.
2. Refer 10 unique friends (friends who do NOT already have an account with Story Time For Me)
3. Each friend that follows your referral will get 2 FREE books, and for 10 referrals, you will get 10 FREE storybooks.
4. You must contact your friends and ask them if they want to participate, and get email verification.

There's so much more. Go and explore and have fun! :)
Happy Reading!

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Friday 56: You Changed My Life

Pg. 56

"An estimated fifteen thousand girls were on sale."

From: You Changed My Life: Stories of Real People With Remarkable Hearts by Max Lucado

The above sentence was taken from the chapter "Rescued". Startling facts but an inspiring breakthrough about a woman who formed an anti-trafficking ministry of World Hope International and provided housing for the young girls who were rescued or escaped from the brothels and sales stations.

My Thoughts:

You Changed My Life is a beautiful collage of short stories that reveal ordinary people making an extraordinary difference in someone's life. These snippets of true stories will inspire you, move you to tears and cause you to soar amongst heroes.

From the moment you begin reading this delightful little inspirational book, you'll identify with a teacher of special needs children and reflect on folks you have met that are brave leaders and special caregivers. Perhaps you know of some sports dad's who have supported and rallied around their sons at a game time. Further along, Max Lucado shares a powerful seed that was planted in an all time champion's life. (Spurgeon's conversion). This little book that can easily be read in one sitting, revealing page after page of true character honoring one another and one small act of kindness affecting a larger-than-life change of events. 5 stars.

You Changed My Life: Stories of Real People With Remarkable Hearts

This book was provided by ThomasNelson for review.

I remember my 4th-grade teacher made a huge impact on my life, telling me what a great story writer I would become. And then there's my College English Professor who always told me how much she enjoyed my imagination in creating numerous stories that she enjoyed reading. My mother-in-law at 91 continues to be one of my heroes. She greets each new day with hope, joy and love. Do you have a hero in your life? I'd love to hear about it.

Product Description

If someone has changed your life for the good, now is the time to celebrate by letting them know how much they matter. Oftentimes true heroes of faith don't stand out in the world, but they have made a lasting difference in someone's life-they're a hero to someone. This gift book celebrates their story by first providing a dedication beginning with "You changed my life by___" to be written in detail by the giver to the recipient. To follow are stories told by Max about others who have answered the call of their convictions and took steps of faith (both big and small) resulting in lasting change in the lives around them. It's a message that honors the person who receives the book, and inspires us all to see that real people with remarkable hearts can change lives.

About the Author

Max Lucado is Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, TX. In a good week, he reads a good book, has a few dinners with his wife, and breaks 90 on the golf course. He usually settles for the first two.

Product Details

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 14, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1404187839
ISBN-13: 978-1404187832

Wordless Wednesday-Wordful Wednesday: Here Comes The Sun

The Hottest Song from The Beatles:

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Picture Book: Tom's Tree

Tom's Tree by Gillian Shields

When Tom plants a seed, he knows it will grow into a magical tree that is perfect for all his childhood adventures. But trees take long to grow. "I wish you'd hurry up," Tom says to his tree. As days turn into years, Tom has to wait for the passing seasons to do their work.
Tom plants a seed. When it grows, Tom knows it will be a magical tree, full of fruit and peacocks. "I wish you'd hurry up," Tom says to his tree, but all the wishing and whispering in the world won't make the seedling grow big and strong . Tom has to be patient and wait for the passing seasons to do their work.

An uplifting story about love, hope and patience through the generations.

Gillian Shields is a talented children's book author who draws writing inspiration from her experience as a drama teacher. She and her husband have two children.

About the author

Gillian Shields was born in Yorkshire and read English at Cambridge. After university, she studied acting in London. She then taught drama for several years. Having children gave Gillian her first motivation to write stories for them. She lives in East Sussex.

www.GoodBooks.com

Like the classic "The Giving Tree", this is an inspiring story of hope and love.
Glorious, imaginative illustrations by exciting new artistic talent. Illustrated by Gemma Raynor
Gemma Raynor only graduated from North Wales School of Art and Design in 2006, winning the ‘Young Designers’ illustration award in her final year. This will be her first book for Gullane Children’s Books. Gemma lives in Sheffield.

Product Details

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Good Books (May 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1561486639
ISBN-13: 978-1561486632

My Thoughts:

Simply a very sweet story about a boy with a dream and his older, doubting brother. An uplifting story about learning patience, and the passing on of ideals from generation to generation.

My grandson and I visited our local library and discovered this fine book together. What books about trees have you read before? I know, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn! :)

Happy Reading,
-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Children's Book Review: Chicken Big by Keith Graves

My Thoughts:

Chicken Big is a great read-aloud book for all ages. I love Chicken Big! I am impressed with the author's writing and storytelling. I think he is pure genius. Keith Graves mentioned that his grandpa read stories to him each night in his bio. First, I began reading this delightful children's book in one sitting and howled aloud. As a grandma, it was such pure delight to read this winning book to my grandson who giggled with glee and then my husband overheard the story and chuckled as well.

The story starts with the main character, a really big chicken called Chicken Big who was born from a hen egg. The story line moves along with other not-so-smart chicken character's being introduced from the chicken community who are trying to figure out just what this enormous someone really is. Perhaps he's an elephant. At any rate, Chicken Big is just too big to fit into their group so they boot him out.

Soon all the little chickens are clucking with excitement (you know how they get) and seem to be alarmed that all of their chicken eggs have been stolen by a sly red fox. No worries, this story has a very happy ending because Chicken Big saves the day and happily is accepted in the chicken community. There is definitely room for this big dude in their coop!

A charming book with great pictures and humor, plus a classic fable. It's great to laugh, too. 5 stars! I highly recommend Chicken Big to kindergarten-5th-grade teachers, parents of little ones and then to all precious grandparents who love those endless laughing moments of complete hysteria, entertainment with education, for sure with their grandchildren. (Makes a great gift book, too).

Book Description:

On a teeny little farm, in an itty-bitty coop, a very small hen laid a big, giant egg. And out of this egg came one big, humongous . . . something. "It's big!" clucked the little rooster. "It's enormous!" clucked the small chicken. "It's an elephant!" peeped the smallest chicken. "Run for your lives!" they cried. No matter how they try, these clueless chickens can't make sense of the gigantic new member of their family—until he saves the day. With wacky, laugh-out- loud humor and silliness to spare, this BIG twist on the classic Chicken Little story lends a whole new perspective to what it means to be chicken.
Keith Graves is Professor Emeritus at the Chicken School in Austin, Texas, where he teaches courses in chicken history. Strangely, he has the same name as another guy who wrote the book Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance, as well as some other ridiculous books, but we doubt he's the same guy.

Book Details:

Chicken Big

By Keith Graves
7-1/2 x 11 in; 40 pp ; full-color throughout, ages 4-8
Guided Reading Level: M
Hardcover
Published in August, 2010
ISBN 9780811872379
ISBN10 0811872378
$16.99

Author Keith Graves

Biography

Keith Graves is Professor Emeritus at the Chicken School in Austin, Texas, where he teaches courses in chicken history. Strangely, he has the same name as another guy who wrote the book Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance, as well as some other ridiculous books, but we doubt he's the same guy.

For more information, visit Keith's website:
http://www.keithgravesart.com/

Publishers Weekly

Compared to panicky Chicken Little, Chicken Big is unflappable. Born "on a teeny little farm, in an itty-bitty coop," this newborn towers over four fellow chickens, who decide he must be an elephant (his stature recalls the "Hyde and Go Tweet" Merrie Melodies cartoon featuring Tweety and Sylvester). When something drops on the smallest hen, she yelps, "The sky is falling!" Chicken Big calmly says, "It's only an acorn. They're actually quite tasty." He is equally placid and helpful when the ditsy chickens freak out over the rain and wind, revising their guesses about his identity--"Apparently, he is an umbrella!" When a fox steals their eggs and Chicken Big foils the crime, they finally figure it out: "Only one thing could be so smart, so kind, so warm, and so brave." Graves (Desert Rose and Her Highfalutin Hog) renders his fowl in a palette of gray-blue, taupe, and wheat yellow, with exuberant voice bubbles that highlight the ridiculousness of the smaller chickens' assertions. Graves has great fun at their expense--preserving the message that fools jump to hasty conclusions--and kids will, too. Ages 4 8. (Sept.)

Chicken Big was sent to me through the Chronicle Books’ Gold Review Panel program for review.

Chicken Big

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

Friday 56: Bambi

Cover of Bambi (2-Disc Special Platinum Edition) Happy Friday Dear Readers!

Yesterday, my grandson and I headed out to the local stores to look at fall decorations. O.k., I looked at all the homemade fall-colored items while my grandson looked at trucks, animals and books. Upon returning home, we opened up Felix Salten's famous classic, Bambi and I began reading the chapter book aloud while my grandson looked at his board book.

I look forward to Friday's to see what my friends are reading, you know, what book is closest to them. After all, I seem to place piles of books to review by my favorite chair, plus I'll find one or two that I've left in every room to be continued. How about you?

I'd love it if you'd join us on Fridays. If this meme is to your fancy, then here's what to do:

* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog Starting Fresh and to Storytime with Tonya and Friends
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

"It had become too much for her."

(In a moment Bambi darted after her. Gobo followed him. They flew around in a semi-circle, they turned tail and fell over each other.)

From: Bambi written by Felix Salten

Amazon Review:

Bambi comes into the world in a forest glade, loved by his mother, protected by a thicket. He grows up frolicking in the meadow, befriending butterflies and screech owls, and learning about the dark fear of all the woodland creatures: man. Over time, Bambi seeks out the wisdom of the prince of deer, a magnificent old stag who walks alone through the paths of the forest. Bambi is torn between his desire to be with his beloved mate, Faline, and his yearning for the knowledge and solitude the prince represents. He is also conflicted about his friend Gobo, who has returned to the forest after a winter living among humans. Gobo behaves unnaturally by strolling through the woods by day when other deer are sleeping, showing no fear of his natural mortal enemy. This 1926 classic has been stretched and squeezed into many forms over the years, but the Felix Salten original should not be missed. With the richer, more highly wrought language of his time, Salten crafts a story layered in meaning, weighty with its message. The sometimes cruel, often joyful cycle of life continues, in spite of those who try to defy nature's law.

So, I've read the book, saw the movie... cried and cried.

I'd love to hear your reaction and feelings to this one. Perhaps you have some favorite family memories of camping and spotting a deer in the woods. Maybe a trip to the petting zoo brought laughter and giggles for you. Do you have Bambi (book or DVD on your shelf?

Wonderful book covers I have seen... it's endless. Here's just a few: