Book Review : When Amma was a Little Girl - Ganesha's Birthday in Columbus

When Amma was a Little Girl - Ganesha's Birthday in Columbus

Siri Katragadda

Description

Ganesh Chaturdhi is a special holiday celebrated throughout India with humble prayers, colorful decorations and tasty food. Akshar and Saharsh live in city of Columbus, which is far far away from their Mom’s ancestral home in India. They learn about this fun celebration from Mom and want to be a part of this joyful event.
How do they make their very own Ganesha?
How do they welcome Ganesha to their house?
How do they plan the decoration?
How can they take part in Ganesha’s outdoor celebration? “Ganesha's Birthday in Columbus” has all those answers.

A fun educational ride introducing Ganesha, The Elephant-Headed Hindu God and his pompous birthday celebration. And how fellow Indians staying abroad, cherish our culture and religion by celebrating Indian festivals with great enthusiasm in a foreign land.

My Review -

5 stars

Awesome! Ganpati Bappa Morya in Columbus!

Ever wondered how indians staying abroad celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? Well, this book has all the answers! A enjoyable read about two children, Akshar and Saharsh, living in Columbus and how they celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with their mom's help. This book also has cool steps to create a Ganesha of your own.

Available in ebook and print on Amazon. 

Buy Paperback here - https://store.pothi.com/book/siri-katragadda-when-amma-was-little-girl-ganeshas-birthday-columbus

Book Review : Sweet Dreaming

Sweet Dreaming

Julia Rawlinson
Pictures by Nicole Wong


Price- $12.59

My review-

Little Molly is not able to sleep. Her mom comes up with an idea to help her.
What I liked about the book is, instead of "Let me tell you a story", her mother encourages her to use her own imagination and create her own story.

She gives her characters she can play and imagine and eventually fall asleep.
But every time Molly finds it unsuitable, no problem though her mom has more characters.

This book is definitely sweet and cute. It encourages the kid to run their own imaginations and build their own stories.
In a way, kids could remember what they've learned so far and use them in a story.

A very enjoyable and must read!

Thank you Netgalley for the copy!

Book Review: Pearls For Pearl

 

Aww... this book is so cute and is definitely the perfect gift for every little girl. The illustrations are equally pretty as the story.

 

And what's the cherry on the top, it has a positive message. Beautifully narrated, a tale of a little mermaid who is adopted by a little girl. How the mermaid finds a friend and tries to reach what she desires.

A must read bedtime tale.
Thank you Netgalley for the copy.

 

 

Description
Determined to reach a distant treasure, a little mermaid creates a bubbly new way to travel!

When a petite mermaid named Pearl is adopted, she finds herself in a world of exciting treasures. With the help of her friend and her wits, Pearl goes after her dreams.

Goal setting is difficult to teach, but a concept that is extremely important for preschoolers to learn. Heaton wonderfully illustrates how important it is to make goals that are just out of reach.  By brainstorming with her new friend, Peal finds a way to solve her problem and reach her goal.

Author Interview: Junior Ranger Aida Frey

 

Let’s Welcome Aida Frey

Thank you so much for having me!

Tell about yourself and your book.

My name is Aida Frey, I’ve been a Jr. Ranger for 7 years and I’ve visited 304 National Parks! My book, “America, Can I Have Your Autograph?” is a book about my adventures at the National Parks and how they inspired me to visit our country!

 

What does a Junior Ranger mean and what do they do?

A Junior Ranger is a person of any age who visits our wonderful National Parks and learns something at every visit! They tell others about the beautiful places you can visit and take care of the park itself.

When did you first thought about becoming a junior ranger?

My first national park was Effigy Mounds in Iowa and my Mom and Dad took me there when I was only 9 years old. Two very nice lady rangers came up to me and helped me fill out my first Jr. Ranger booklet so I could receive my badge, it was life changing!

Inspiration behind your love for wildlife?

When I was a kid, I used to carry this plush animal of a fox, and I think seeing the actual animal and having a little toy to go along with it was cool.

What reactions do you get from family, friends, teachers, etc?

I always get the best reactions; everyone is always asking me questions and is always really proud of me!

Who always accompanies you to the national parks?

Both of my parents, so mom and dad

Your favourite Animal/Bird?

I would say foxes or wolves, seeing them in the National Parks were always a treat!

Do you have pets? Which?

I don’t since I travel way too much to keep one, but maybe one day

Where do you plan to visit next?

We plan on visiting Southern California over the summer of 2018; we’re still planning the specifics.

How did you come up with the idea of publishing your amazing experience as a book?

When I first started visiting the parks, I always wrote down what happened at that park, what I did and who did I meet, so after a while, I had this big pile of notebooks filled with stories. I had the idea in 8^th Grade to publish my stories and encourage others!

Do you look at writing as a career?

I think writing more books would be awesome, but my main focus for a career would be becoming the National Park Director so I can make more parks to visit!

If yes, which genres would you also like to write in?

I am thinking of continuing the story and maybe publishing a second book

Can everyone join you as junior ranger?

Yes! There is no age limit and it’s very easy and fun!

Can adults also join?

Of course! Both of my parents are Jr. Rangers and so was my Grandma! We went to the Grand Canyon and she got her badge with me too!

A funny experience you had in a national park?

I’ve had a wild horse stick it’s head into my car and eat an apple out of my hand, the full story has its own chapter in my book!

A scary experience?

I went to Indiana Dunes National Park with two of my other friends and we hiked a trail late in the evening. We actually got lost and bats were flying all around us! It was pretty scary, but awesome because it was such a unique experience!

Your favourite celebrity and why?

My favourite celebrity is Harry Styles from One Direction. I think he’s not afraid to express his thoughts on things through music, which encouraged me to learn to play the guitar like him!

Writing, travelling and studies. How do you manage all three?

I wish that was all I had to deal with! I also play sports, the guitar and book signings in my area and always busy with my life. My friends are really helpful in helping me balance everything, but it’s difficult sometimes.

Subjects you enjoy in school?

I take two college courses at my high school, which is psychology and US History, and those are my favorite classes because it challenges me and I learn A LOT.

One animal you think, the earth would be bad without?

I think birds. We hear them every single day and it would be really weird looking at the sky and seeing nothing.

Your favourite Quotes, Books, Authors?

My favourite book is “How To Be A Bawse” by Lilly Singh, Her book is about being the best version of yourself and how to be productive in even the most stressful situations.

Your Hobbies?

Playing hockey with my friends, listening to music and playing the guitar.

Favourite food/ cuisine?

Anything that’s edible really. I LOVE trying new foods! I also have an unhealthy obsessions with humus J  

Are you health conscious? What do you do for your health?

Since I play lacrosse and hockey over the summer, I tend to lay off the cans of pop and junk food. Of course every once in a while, I might cheat, but I try my best!

If you become a Millionaire overnight, what would you do with the money?

I think I would publish my second book, save some money for college and

visit more national parks!

 Connect with the Author:

 Facebook

 Twitter

Blog/Website- http://www.aidafreyjuniorranger.com/

 Instagram

 Buy her Book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/aida-frey-and-dana-dorfman/america-can-i-have-your-autograph-the-story-of-junior-ranger-aida-frey/paperback/product-22648371.html

 Join junior ranger programmes- https://www.nps.gov/kids/jrRangers.cfm


Interviewed by Hemdiva dev

 

 

 

Thank you!

The Boy Who Swallows Flies

Click To Read

 

Michael F. Stewart

 

 

Jarrod is ill and nor does he or anyone else understand what the problem is.

He has his "moments" and everytime experiences things that seem unreasonable.

He's also the 'Bug-Boy' for he's very fond of bugs. All kinds of bugs. He has them in his room and can't resist noticing them in the school or anywhere he goes.

His moments continue occurring often affecting his health, his grades and his social life.

Until one day when he realises that what he sees or hears is real. And someone somewhere needs his desperate help.

And a super hero is born. And like every super hero, no one believes him or his powers but he tries his best to help.
He tells his best friend and even proves it.

Well he really does swallows flies. Because that is what his Super Power is about.

A very enjoyable read for kids, especially boys who love reading about super powers. For Jarrod has a very very unique power that no can even think of.

Thank you Netgalley for the copy.

About The Book

Jarrod can view the memories of any bug. He just has to eat it. It’s not the tastiest of superpowers and, let’s face it, fly memories aren’t all unicorns and rainbows. Eating insects also doesn’t net him many friends, but Jarrod’s ready to prove that he and his bugs are worth more than ridicule.

When he swallows a fly while biking, he’s in for a shock. The bug saw a room stacked full of sick dogs and puppies in crates. It’s a puppy mill, and Jarrod needs to save the animals. But the flight range of the common housefly is five miles. Even if the police believed him, with no evidence, they can’t help. It’s up to Jarrod.

Trained cockroaches survey neighborhood basements. A fly taped to a window makes an excellent sentry. Every ant, mosquito, caterpillar—don’t eat the fuzzy yellow ones—and beetle is his edible sidekick.

Will Jarrod save the dogs? Or is it all too much to swallow?
 

Author Interview : Michael F Stewart

Let’s welcome Michael F Stewart


Author on Twitter

Facebook

Website -http://michaelfstewart.com/

Author of 'The Boy Who Swallows Flies' 

Special question- How did you come up with idea of “Bug-Boy”?

I’ve always been fascinated by bugs. Bugs, if you think about it, all have little superpowers of their own. But I prefer superheroes that aren’t all that powerful and it struck me as a pretty funny superpower to be able to see bug memories. So … Bug-Boy.


Tell us about your books.

That’s a big question. I’ve written over twenty different books now in a whole variety of genres. I tend to write contemporary novels with some supernatural twist. So in The Boy Who Swallows Flies, Jarrod discovers why he’s been fainting all these years—he can see bug memories--and that kicks off a mystery to solve.

One super power you’d love to have yourself?

Super-fast reading. I’m a slowish reader. As a writer, this is a problem. I love to read. I read a ton, but I need to read more. Our imagination is only useful when well fed. I guess I’m going to want a better memory as well … Can I pick two superpowers?

Are your characters based on real-life people?

Well … they’re always bits and pieces of real people, right? I had an old friend who is pretty close to Jarrod’s bestie. He’s a certifiable genius.


Your favourite bugs, if any?

Crickets with some salt and pepper. Or did you mean favorite as in which are cool … ? Ants rule the world. But specifically, I’d have to say Histeridae—Clown Beetles. They’re pretty smart. Predators prefer live prey so by feigning death it gets them out of all sorts of trouble (spoiler: this doesn’t work as well for Jarrod).

Why did you choose this particular genre/s?

I believe genres choose themselves. If you're going to write a story about a kid that eats bugs and can see their memories, then you're going to have a middle grade mystery.


The day you decided you will be a writer?

It’s a process. Really. I decided when I was about eight while reading the Dragonlance Series. That was when I knew I wanted to write. But I needed to remind myself of this when I was eighteen, twenty-five, and finally I left my job on my 30^th birthday. Haven’t looked back.

What profession you’d choose if not an author?
I’d write code. Seriously, I think being able to build software of all sorts using code is the closest we can come to magic. It also allows you to innovate and be entrepreneurial.



Do you think it’s easy/ difficult to write for children?
Hard. You have to put yourself into the mind of a child, but then write like an adult. You can’t dumb anything down. You have to balance the craft elements with the crazed fun of a kid. Kids writing and humor go hand in hand and humor in writing is hard.


Would you ever go for traditional publishing? (If you’re a self published author or vice versa)

Sure! Some books make more sense to self pub, but I think traditional publishing has a lot of advantages when it comes to distribution and marketing access. I’ve done both. I tried to find a traditional publisher for this book. No luck.

Your favorite place on earth? Why?

Oh, boy, I’m blessed. I’d say it’s kayaking on a river. In the arms of my wife. (maybe I should put that one first?) Skiing an awesome trail. Diving a reef. It's a coffee shop with my laptop open.

Your thoughts on life? What helps you to deal with ups and downs of life?
Ha, wow, you go for the easy questions, huh? Life’s alternately frustrating and amazing, right? But you wouldn’t know what’s amazing without the frustration. So I try to suck it up.


Your favorite quote?
I recall Neil Gaiman talking in a video commencement speech about dandelion fluff and how you have to get your ideas, your fluff, out there, and that you never know where it’ll take seed. (that’s the opposite of paraphrasing, btw!) It’s always stuck with me.
 

Book Review: Everybody's Somewhere

Everybody's Somewhere


Cornelia Maude Spelman
Illustrated by
Alea Marley


This book is great to explain kids how everybody's
somewhere. Even if they are not present right here,
they're somwhere in the world.

They can be anywhere, doing something or the other.
Travelling, playimg, painting, sleeping, studying or flying.
Just like we're somewhere in the world.

Young kids wonder where people go when they're
not around and this book will help them understand
it in a simple way.
About the book

Everybody's somewhere, where are you?
I'm right here, I'm somebody, too.
Some are in the country, some are in the town.
Everybody's somewhere, up or down.

Everybody—moms, dads, grandpas, grandmas, friends, and people you've never met—is somewhere in the world, doing something right now, even if you can't see them.

Everybody's Somewhere is a fun, colorful introduction to the idea that everyone you've met, or haven't met, is somewhere. Written perfectly for young minds that might not fully comprehend how big the world is, or the number of people on it, this fun children's book will plant the seeds of the ideas in their minds.

With its playful, bouncy rhymes, Everybody’s Somewhere asks children to expand their perspective, and follows-up with fun illustrations. Award-winning author Cornelia Maude Spelman invites children to imagine other people in other places doing different things, to be delighted by new ideas, and to be reassured that everyone is important and sharing the same world.

Book Review: Is a Worry Worrying You?

 

Click To Read

 

Is a Worry Worrying You?

 

Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz

 

Illustrations by Marie Le Tourneau

 

 

This a great book to gift to adults kids who worry a lot.
It explains what is a worry, how it can bother anyone, anytime and anywhere. And how it can affect one in a
negative way.

 

 

Worry is like an ugly monster who will scare you if you allow him to.

 

 

The book states that what adults think as nothing could
be the biggest worry for kids.

And the book provides simple, effective and fun
solutions for every worry possible.

 

Worries steal one's happiness and makes one weak.

Worry gets it power through us, its nothing if we pay no attention to it.

 

About the book

Adults think of childhood as a carefree time, but the truth is that children worry, and worry a lot, especially in our highly pressurized era. This book addresses children's worries with humor and imagination, as hilarious scenarios teach kids the use of perspective and the art of creative problem-solving.

Book Review: The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold

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The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold

by Maureen Fergus

                   

 Cale Atkinson (Illustrator)  

 

         

 

I love this book!

Very cute and interesting!

 

We've always read about kids doubting if Santa is real or not, but here, it's Santa who is suspicious if kids, especially Harold, is real!

 

 And he wants proof!
 

 

Omg! the ending is really sweet and lovely.

 

A perfect if read you are bored of the monotonous Christmas tales and need a refreshment.

 

The illustrations are equally cute.

 

You'll fall in love with the book. A perfect Christmas gift!

 

Kudos to the author for coming up with such a great story!

And Merry Christmas in advance!!

  

 

Mr.Crum's Potato Predicament

Mr.Crum's Potato Predicament

Anne Renaud

Felieita Sala

Kids Can Press

For kids who love food, fun, stories and potatoes!

George crum opens his restaurant 'Crum's Place' because he loves to cook.

His customers thought of him as the best cook in the country.

One a customer orders for potatoes, only potatoes!

Mr.Crum serves him potato wedges but that are sent back.

So he cuts the potato even thin but again the customer complains that it's too thick and bland.

When this happens for the third time, Mr.Crum with his playful nature comes up with an amazing idea!

And  everyone absolutely loves his new invention.

About the book

When Filbert P. Horsefeathers walks into George Crum's restaurant, he tells the waitress, ?I have a hankering for a heaping helping of potatoes.? Fine cook that he is, George prepares a serving of his most scrumptious, succulent and sublime potato wedges, only to have Filbert send them back. ?Too thick,? he says. So, George makes thinner wedges. But his picky customer sends them back again. And again. Feeling a bit mischievous, George decides to use his sharpest knife to cut paper-thin potato slices, which he fries until they are crackling and then showers with salt. At last, Filbert is satisfied, proclaiming, ?Perfection!? Which they are. Because, quite by accident, George Crum has invented potato chips!

This fictional picture book tale by Anne Renaud is based on a real man named George Crum, a cook in Saratoga Springs, New York, in the 1850s, who is purported to have created the first potato chip in response to a demanding customer. Included at the back of the book is a historical note with a list of sources describing the legend and the remarkable and inspiring story of Crum, a trapper of mixed Native American and African American descent, who supplied restaurants with fresh game, then became a chef and successful restauranteur himself. 

Felicita Sala's gorgeous illustrations accurately portray the historical period but with a lighthearted touch. They work beautifully with Renaud's playful language and quirky characters for a lively and deliciously fun read-aloud. This book is an excellent choice for lessons on inventions and inventors, history, or why we eat the foods we do.

Barbie #2: "Big Dreams, Best Friends"

Click to read 

Sarah Kuhn

Papercutz Books

Barbie and her friends Whitney and Liz are fashion designers on tour with Christine and her band. 

But Barbie seems to be nervous, she has a Designer's Block!

Barbie's friends continuously try to cheer her up, she feels better.

During the rehearsal, Drea, the drummer, gets it all wrong.

Barbie and friends cheer Drea and in doing so Barbie finds her own confidence.

Click to read

A complete Barbie and Friends books. Where Best friends help you reach your Big Dreams!

For all the Barbie fans! This book is written in a comic style and it turns out good.

Book Review: Room Love 50 DIY projects

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Room Love: 50 DIY Projects to Design Your Space

Heather Wutschke

This is the best DIY book I've ever read! Very fresh and modern techniques to decorate your space.
 

Be it just a small touch up or a complete make-over, this book can help you with it all.

 

Recommended for girls who love DIY. 
 

With this book, you can make your own beautiful Dream Catcher, fancy dressing table and even decorate your walls the easy way.
 

A great book with easy and fun ideas!
 

Thank you Netgalley.

  Get five cozy mysteries for the price of one by picking up this boxed set.
Books included in this set are: Christmas Cookies with a Side of Murder, A Not So Merry Christmas Murder, Killer Holiday Office Party, The Last Frontier of Murder, and Deadpan Murder.
Christmas Cookies with a Side of Murder
Fun-filled parties. Beautiful decorations. Delicious food. Fantastic presents. Joyous family celebration. And murder.
This is shaping up to be a holiday season that Sabrina Daley will never forget.
But if she doesn't act fast, it will be for all the wrong reasons.
Can Sabrina bring a killer to justice before her Christmas is ruined?Click Image To Read

Book Review: Don't Dangle Your Participle

Don't Dangle Your Participle

Vanita Oelschlager

Art Mike Desantis

Grammar can be so boring when you try to study in school but not in this book.

It is awfully funny in this very book, every page will make you laugh.

And you'll also learn how to use the participle in the right way!

Strongly recommended.

Thank you Netgalley.

Book Review: The Prayer Box

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The Prayer Box

By Jennifer Berry

Illustrated By Josie Portillo

Rosetta is sweet little girl who enjoys everyday with her mom. Her teaches her many things and they also have fun together.

One day her mom tells her about the prayer box in which writes prayers. The girl is tempted to peek inside but is disappointed to find no prayers for her.

Her mom than explains her why.

That leads her to know how special she is and how special every kid is.

Sweet illustrations and perfect for mamma's girl to read.

Thank you Netgalley.

The Most Magnificent Thing

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The Most Magnificient Thing

Ashley Spires

4.5 stars

A simple story about a little girl who wants to create something magnificient.
While doing so she learns how difficult it is to bring to life what you have on mind, especially when people don't cheer or support you and you do everything by yourself.
Also, one should never give up untill success finds them.
The story also tells that one should have patience and keep trying.
A really good book for kids.

Thank you  Netgalley.

Book Review: Gaurdian of the Gauntlet

Gaurdian of the Gauntlet

Click the image to read on Amazon

Lenita Sheridan

Blurb- Camari and Mila are two sisters who are princesses and live in the kingdom of Harroway. One day they encounter Prince Denir from the kingdom of Thalon. He was given a special gauntlet that has special powers, but only when used by one who has a belief in a higher power. One day he turns Camari invisible. A problem occurs when Denir is called off to war and Camari is left invisible. There is an enchanted bog witch named Bogwina and a wicked magician named Mecandel who are conniving to steal the gauntlet. The journey takes Camari through the wetlands of Fremil after she meets Prince Isryk of Bredin who is her guide. She encounters many awful creatures along the way. In the end she discovers that she has been given a great gift by her higher power.

My Review- The book is about two sisters, Camari and Mila, who are princesses. The story is a great read! Interesting and I enjoyed reading it. I found the characters very engaging and relatable. 

Book Review: Freckle Stars

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Name - Freckle Stars

Author- Jackie Leduc

Clementine hates herself, especially because she looks different from others. Ugly is what she thinks of herself. 

She tries many things to cover up her flaws but fails. And is even more upset.

That's when her mummy tells her the truth behind the freckles on her face.

Clementine realizes how unique she is and feels proud to be herself.

She accepts herself as she is and is happier now.

A really nice book for any kid who isn't happy about how she/he is. I think all children, even adults, go through this time where they hate something about themselves.

Instead if they understand that, that very flaw is making them unique, life would be simply great.

Illustrations are really nice and cute. Great book, kids will love to re-read always.

Thank you Netgalley for the free copy!

Book Review: Maxwell The Monkey Barber

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 Maxwell The Monkey Barber

Author- Cale Atkinson

Owlkids Books

Maxwell, the monkey, owns a barbershop! He loves his job so much!

Many different animals come to him to get trim, chop or a special style for their hair.

And Maxwell is good at his work with his scissors, everyone is satisfied by the cuts.

Be it the lion or the bear or any other animal, there's no hair Maxwell can't fix. 

He even has solutions for the one without hair!

The illustrations are funny and out-standing!

Thank you Netgalley for the free copy!

Book Review: Almost A Full Moon

Almost a Full Moon

Hawksley Workman

Illustrations by Jensie Eckwall

Penguin Publication

This a poem that begins with grandma and her grandson, making a soup. Just like different ingredients blended together make a complete soup, different members coming together make a family.

It's winter and the soup's inviting everyone for dinner. Grandma has made enough for everyone. A poem that highlights the importance of family, love, sharing and care. Also equality and love for all.

The illustrations are simple yet stand out, just complimenting the poem.

Thank you netgalley for the copy!