REVIEWS and GIVEAWAY
Runaway Clothes and The Royal Palm
by Mrs. D.
Today we feature two new books by Mrs. D. for children ages 6 to 10: Runaway Clothes and The Royal Palm. This book blast and giveaway is brought to you by Mother Daughter Book Promotion Services.
For more books by this author, see my blog post about Mrs. D.'s picture books and my blog post about Mrs. D's chapter books.
Runaway Clothes
Description
An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn’t want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. "How easy it is to lose something you love so much." She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.
Book Trailer
Excerpt
Flying by the window, the wind brushed away the girl’s tears. Carrying the salty teardrops on his wings, the tricky wind quickly swished between the surprised trees and flew to the backyard. He dropped the tiny tears on the blue dress, which was hanging on the clothesline. The tears made wet spots on the silver ruffles.
Praise for the Book
"Runaway Clothes by Mrs. D is full of delightful imagery. The words flow in such a fanciful way that children are sure to be immediately engaged and pulled into the story. Its endearing quality teaches young ones the importance of taking care of their valued belongings in such a way that they will not realize they are learning a lesson in the proper care of one’s possessions. Excellently executed!" ~ 5 Star Review, HopefulSerenity, Amazon
"Runaway Clothes is a whimsical and charming tale that educates children on the importance of taking care of their belongings… The delightful illustrations add to the enjoyment of the story… I highly recommend picking up Runaway Clothes." ~ 5 Star Review, Stacie T. BeachBoundBooks, Amazon
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
Nika wakes up one morning to find all her clothes missing. Then the grumpy old wooden hanger tells her a few things she doesn't want to hear about how she's been treating her belongings. Will Nika change her lazy ways?
This is a cute story, but the ending is a bit contrived and predictable. I felt like I was being hammered over the head with the lesson the story was so obviously trying to teach. The author's writing style is beautiful, though a bit too old-fashioned for this modern tale. The subject matter would be better served by a simple picture book, with much less text.
Book Links
The Royal Palm
Description
A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the royal palm discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.
Book Trailer
Excerpt
Shortly, the furious ocean unleashed a growling hurricane. Spinning in a wild dance, the crazed storm began madly whirling, smashing everything in its path. The storm pulled the scared trees from the ground, heartlessly throwing them around the shore.
Praise for the Book
"As is the case with Mrs D’s other books, the language is lyrical and colorful… Mrs. D effectively employs the techniques of alliteration, personification and analogy to communicate her message… Mrs D addresses many of the difficult issues children face in dealing with their peers in a whimsical, charming tale. Highly recommended." ~ 5 Star Review, Barbara M., Amazon
"A meaningful children’s book by a fantastic writer Mrs. D! An unforgettable story that provides life lessons for our children! Mrs. D. is a very talented storyteller who knows how to convey magic into each of her stories. So far her magical books, full of delightful illustrations, never disappointed my children or I." ~ 5 Star Review, Olga G., Amazon
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
The Royal Palm is the only one of her kind on the island she shares with the plain palms. Growing up in their shadows, she has never felt like she belongs. As she grows more and more beautiful each day, she begins to snub her friendly cousins. Will they stand by her when a violent storm strikes the island and threatens to destroy her?
The author's old-fashioned, poetic writing suits this story perfectly. I felt like I was reading a classic fairytale. This story lends itself to being read out loud. But make sure the kids snuggle in close so they can see the beautiful illustrations by Chanoa, who imbues the trees, wind, and sun with human characteristics. And, of course, there is a valuable lesson to be learned.
This book is sure to become a modern classic.
Book Links
About the Author
Mrs. D. (Olga D’Agostino), an award-winning children’s author, was born in western Ukraine. She lived in the historical city of Lviv, where she studied business in Lviv Business College and worked in the food industry. In 1992, she immigrated to the USA with her two small daughters and for years worked in her own business. In 2011, she began her career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Two of her children’s books, The Trees Have Hearts and Good Morning, World!, won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013. She is a member of SCBWI and speaks a few languages fluently. She lives in the famous town of Smithville, New Jersey, with her husband Patrick and a meticulous old cat named Nyda.
Mrs. D. has published a number of children's books, including Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, The City Kittens and the Old House Cat, Good Morning, World!, Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse, The Little Girl Praying on the Hill, Runaway Clothes, and The Royal Palm.
She is presently working on her first novel, The Chinese Princess, and a short story, "A Taste of Bread".
Author Links
Giveaway
Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.
