Happy Thanksgiving from MOTHER BRUCE #FollowBruce

November 23, 2015 by Leave a Comment

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MOTHER BRUCE

by Ryan T. Higgins

In stores November 24

About the Book

Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he’s their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can’t seem to rid himself of his new companions. What’s a bear to do?

About the Author

Ryan T. Higgins is an author/illustrator residing in Southern Maine. He lives with his three dogs, three cats, two geckos, one tortoise, one son, one daughter, and one wife. He has wanted to be a cartoonist since as far back as he can remember. (Actually, that’s not entirely true—he wanted to be a tiger until he was three, but, sadly, that didn’t really pan out.) Ryan’s first picture book, Wilfred, was named a 2013 Wanda Gág Read Aloud Honor Book. Visit Ryan online at ryanthiggins.com.

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Kids’ Treats – Must have Book for moms

November 17, 2015 by Leave a Comment

kids treats cookbook

My girls and I absolutely love to cook and bake in the kitchen. With school back in session, it seems to be harder and harder for us to find the time to be able to do it. I for sure try to make sure we get a chance at least once a weekend to do it. With the Kids Treats cookbook, you will find an endless supply of ideas that are sure to please all the little ones in your household.

About Kids Treats Cookbook:

Katie Wyllie is the creator and editor-in-chief of the popular parenting, cooking, and craft blog, Made to be a Momma. She has contributed to Kitchen Daily, The Apron Blog for The Home Depot, and many others as a guest blogger. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons.

Nutter Butter Teddy Bears, Creamsicle Cupcakes with Umbrellas and Flip Flops. Jiggly Jello Popcorn. This imaginative cookbook encourages parents to grab their kids and head into the kitchen to make deliciously creative bites they’ll both enjoy. Featuring step-by-step instructions for 50 tasty treats, each page will guide them as they whip up everything rom wildly cute animal cupcakes to savory snacks inspired by their favorite toys. With kid-friendly recipes for every occasion, little ones will feel extra loved when making and devouring yummy, homemade treats like:

  • Oreo Frogs
  • Rainbow Coated Pretzels
  • Graham Cracker Airplanes
  • Watermelon Cupcakes
  • Snowman Marshmallows

Great recipes:

My girls and I have made a few different treats from this cookbook, but I must admit that we were so hands on and excited about the goodies that we made that I failed to remember to take pictures. So I do apologize and hope to add some pictures soon. Here are a few pictures of the next few treats that the girls have picked out for us to make together in the upcoming weeks!  I can’t wait!

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Purchase:

If you’re interested in purchasing a cookbook for yourself or the children in your life, Head on over to Amazon and get a copy!

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Operation ResCUTE Book & Plush Set – Gives Back to Pets @OpResCute

November 12, 2015 by 3 Comments

Have you heard of the inspirational non-profit called Operation ResCUTE™ ($29.99), packaged for young readers as a book-and-plush set. It stars the true-life-story of Jingles, a homeless puppy in New York City that gets to live happily ever after. Youngsters discover (as they snuggle with their plush pup) that shelters are full of friendly faces. With the purchase of this boxed set, they become a ResCUTER.

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It’s no wonder Operation ResCUTE is getting two paws up from animal lovers of all ages. The illustrated book is written from the dog’s point of view, in her own voice. After reading the storybook, kids will want to share the importance of being a ResCUTER, a solution to shelter dog adoption. Packaged in a cage-like gift box, the book and plush pal opens their eyes to the many four-legged friends locked away in cages, longing for a loving home. And it really happened to Jingles.

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We have our own adopted dog, and usually a foster dog as well, so we loved this story as well as the idea of ResCUTE.  Giving a gift that is not only cute and sweet but also gives back is one we can fully support.  Kids on your list and any animal lover would appreciate this adorable gift set.

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Like many happy-ending stories, this one began tragically when NYC marketing powerhouse Laurie Brown-Nagin spotted an Animal Control Officer carrying a puppy to a pro-bono veterinarian. The animal lover and mom fell in love with Jingles, the shelter pooch that desperately needed a warm, loving home. As a marketing researcher, Brown-Nagin discovered only 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters and rescue organizations. Worse, an estimated 2.7 million healthy pets remain in shelters each year! She started a non-profit, www.OperationRescute.com, and used her years of marketing prowess to package this inspiring boxed set for the next generation to read and feel empowered to make a difference.

During this season of giving, parents and grandparents can give a pawsitive present, with 100% of profits going directly toward helping shelter dogs get adopted. Brown-Nagin reports that profits will be used by shelters for marketing /outreach efforts for placement of dogs with families.

Operation ResCUTE Book & Plush Set • $29.99 • Ages 3+

Jingles the dog, the first in the Operation ResCUTE series, shows youngsters the value of opening their hearts and helping someone/something less fortunate. Each boxed set includes an illustrated book and huggable plush pup. Animal shelters give it two paws up! For sale at Amazon.com.

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PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: THE EXODUS HOLIDAY Book and DVD Gift Pack

November 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment

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PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: THE EXODUS, DIRECTORS CHOICE EDITION, (DVD) – Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney chronicles an in-depth archaeological investigation in Egypt and Israel as his team attempts to corroborate the biblical text. The film explores one fundamental question: Is there any evidence that the Exodus story actually happened? Twelve years in the making, this provocative documentary reveals new or rarely seen evidence regarding the Israelites’ descent into slavery, their Exodus from Egypt and their ultimate conquest of the Promised Land. The DVD highlights stunning animations and a cast including Narrator Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys), interviews with leading archaeologists such Israel Finkelstein, Kent Weeks, and David Rohl, and guest appearances by Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres. Extras feature never-before-seen elements including exclusive interviews, “Behind the Music,” “From Film to Book” and information about additional books and resources.

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PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: THE EXODUS (HARDCOVER BOOK) – companion book to the original motion picture is written by Filmmakers Timothy Mahoney and Steven Law. This book includes valuable insights and additional interviews not featured in the film. Filled with beautiful photography of Egypt and Israel, scenes from the biblical re-creations, maps, charts, and diagrams, it gives the reader an up-close and more in-depth look at the scholars and their positions (392 pages). *signed by Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: Thinking Man Films (www.shop.patternsofevidence.com)

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Win National Geographic Kid’s Books

October 28, 2015 by 11 Comments

National Geographic Kid’s Books Fall season is in full swing with several titles that are perfect for holiday gift giving as well as year round reading.   Long after the video games and toys have lost their allure, kids will keep coming back to big, bold, and beautiful books that catch their eye and capture their imagination. Below are a selection of topnotch books for kids of all ages — and also one great recommendation for a memorable and thoughtful teacher’s gift.

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Treasury of Norse Mythology:  Stories of Intrigue, Trickery, Love and Revenge by Donna Jo Napoli (ages 8-12, $24.99) — Kids are fascinated by Norse mythology and thanks to the blockbuster movie franchise The Avengers and Rick Riordan’s highly anticipated Norse mythology fiction series debuting this Fall, these ancient tales of Scandinavia have never been hotter. The Treasury of Norse Mythology  makes a great gift for fans to delve more into their favorite characters, like Thor, Loki and Odin. The classic tales come to life with page after page of beautiful illustrations featuring the gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters of Norse myths.
Ultimate Weird But True! 3 (ages 8-12, $19.99) — Have a fact-loving tween?  Over 1,000 of the weirdest facts coupled with amazing graphics and photos packaged in an oversized gift-giving-worthy format makes this book a slam dunk selection for avid readers, reluctant readers and boys and girls alike.
NG Kids Why?:  Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer (ages 8-12, $19.99 ) – The concept is simple. Got a question? Well now you have an answer! 1,111 of them, in fact. Want to know why your snot is yellow? Flip to the human body chapter. What’s on the inside of a turtle shell? The animal section’s got you covered. What’s in the deepest part of the ocean? Why doesn’t Earth just float off into space? Check, check, and check. With hundreds of topics ranging from silly to serious, this book has the expert information kids need in a fun and entertaining format that will keep them digging for answers.
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Ultimate Reptile-opedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever – (ages 7-10, $24.99) – Snakey, slimey, scaley, and sensational! Welcome to the amazing world of the most popular reptiles on Earth. With colorful photographs and fun facts, this easy-to-use encyclopedia profiles snakes, lizards, amphibians, turtles and tortoises, crocodilians, and tuatara. Profiles are accompanied by Did You Know? details and fast facts including scientific name, size, diet, and habitat.
STOCKING STUFFER – 100 Things to Make You Happy (ages 8-12, $9.99) – Sized perfectly to fit into a stocking, this cheerful and inspirational book will make kids go “WOW!” and “Awwww” in equal measure. It’s packed with adorable animal facts, heartwarming nuggets from history, snippets of cool new science, amazing photography, inspirational advice from Nat Geo explorers, and fascinating weird-but-true facts. Sprinkled throughout are expert tips, jokes, quotes, and exercises to boost kids’ dose of daily joy and get them actively involved in their own well-being.
GREAT FOR TEACHERS — National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (ages 4-8, pub date 10/13/15, $24.99) – Beloved former U.S. Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis curates a collection of over 200 poems celbrating the natural world, coupled with photographs that float, zoom and bloom!. From trickling streams to deafening thunderstorms to soaring mountains, discover majestic photography perfectly paired with contemporary (such as Billy Collins), classics (such as Robert Frost), and never-before-published works.
One of you can win these books.  Feel free to enter below using the RC form.  Good luck!  Ends Nov 23, 2015.

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Win Cute Kids Book – Dia De Los Muertos

October 14, 2015 by 19 Comments

As Halloween approaches, so does the Mexican holiday “Day of the Dead”.  In the cute children’s book “Dia de Los Muertos” author Roseanne Greenfield Thong weaves the story while illustrator Carles Ballesteros artfully bring characters and the holiday to life on the pages for children who know about this special day as well as those who are hearing about it for the first time.

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“It’s Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and children throughout the pueblo, or town, are getting ready to celebrate! They decorate with colored streamers, calaveras, or sugar skulls, and pan de muertos, or bread of the dead. There are altars draped in cloth and covered in marigolds and twinkling candles. Music fills the streets. Join the fun and festivities, learn about a different cultural tradition, and brush up on your Spanish vocabulary, as the town honors their dearly departed in a traditional, time-honored style.”

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My son enjoyed this book, particularly after we visited Mexico for this holiday last year.  It was a fun way for him to remember his trip and the holiday he learned about.  We plan on taking this book and reading it to his class this year, so that the kids can hear about the Day of the Dead as well.  While we might not all celebrate this colorful day, it’s fun to learn about other cultures and celebrations around the world.   You can pick up your copy at Barnes and Nobel, on Kindle, at Amazon, and more.

One of you can win a book as well- feel free to enter using the RC form below.  Good luck!  It ends Nov. 11, 2015.

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Shark Week Products to Help Fans Celebrate

July 12, 2015 by 4 Comments

Do you love Shark Week?  Even the sharks are getting caught up in it this year- have you seen how many shark news stories and videos there are this year?  One fun “fan” video even gives you her “safety tips” on staying safe this summer- if you haven’t seen it yet, you need to google it. (OK, just click here and make sure you have sound on, too funny!)

Discovery channel is gearing up for the 28th annual Shark Week, airing on Discovery Channel July 5th-11th, with a full lineup of Shark Week products that are sure to make a splash with fans this year.   We love Shark Week!  It makes me squirmy, not going to lie- those people who interact with the sharks take some crazy risks, it makes me crazy!  LOL. We just watched an episode where they were tracking Joan of Shark (really) and first a guy who lost an arm and leg to sharks wanted to go out in a kayak to attempt to clip a camera to a shark’s fin- until the shark tried to eat the kayak.  Yes.  Then a second guy allowed them to swing him out with this strange rope and pully system, and went right into the ocean- you know, where the sharks were swimming inches from him?  Arg!  Yeah, I jumped.  A lot.

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Every year Shark Week takes fascinated viewers on a journey to the depths of the sea uncovering the secrets of the ocean’s top predator. Discovery’s longest-running programming event thrills fans of all ages who are fascinated by the often misunderstood shark. More than just a week-long ratings bonanza, Shark Week has become a pop culture phenomenon with a massive buzz factor.

pic5What’s new this year?  From plush sharks (available at Toys R Us for $9.99) to Sharkopedia: The Complete Guide to Everything Sharks – a fun book that lets you learn everything there is to know about these awesome predators (available at: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and DiscoveryStore.com for $19.99) and even towels to dry off after your dip in the “shark’s house”, LOL (the ocean, if you didn’t watch the video yet) available for $10-$15 at Target, there is something for every Shark Week lover.

Don’t wait- grab your shark inspired goods and hit the beach!  Or, you know- the couch.  Whatever works.  Have fun this summer!

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When I’m Feeling Kind – Childrens Book

July 12, 2015 by 2 Comments

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By Trace Moroney

Helping people, listening to your friends, feeling good about yourself—feeling kind is all of these things and more. When I’m Feeling Kind (Insight Editions / $9.99 / March 2015) teaches young children about being kind and how to develop skills to identify and understand their feelings.

Each of the books in this series has been carefully designed to help children better understand their feelings, and in doing so, develop confidence and self-esteem as they grow. Talking about feelings teaches children that it is normal to feel sad or angry or scared at times. With greater tolerance of challenging feelings, children become free to enjoy their world, to feel secure in their abilities, and to be happy.

The When I’m Feeling series has been a worldwide success, translated into sixteen languages with more than 2 million copies sold. Each book includes notes for parents and caregivers explaining positive thinking and sharing simple examples of how to foster it.

About the Author:

Trace Moroney is an internationally acclaimed children’s author and illustrator. More than 3 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, and they are translated into 16 languages. Her best-selling When I’m Feeling series and the phenomenally successful The Things I Love About series have been met with extraordinary enthusiasm. Focused on creating “books with a conscience,” Trace Moroney embraces the principles of positive psychology. She lives in New Zealand.

About Insight Editions:

Insight Editions is a publisher focused on creating superlative illustrated books on photography, music, and popular culture. Lavishly produced and visually stimulating, every volume from Insight is dedicated to the skillful interplay of word and image. The books produced are unique works that combine the highest quality print production values with time-honored traditions of publishing and rich subject matter. Elegant and informative, books from Insight showcase the best of art and photography in exquisite presentations of the bookmaker’s craft. For more information, visit www.insighteditions.com.

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