"Escucha Means Listen" by Talia Aikens-Nuñez

REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Escucha Means Listen

by Talia Aikens-Nuñez

Escucha Means Listen, a bilingual children’s picture book by Talia Aikens-Nuñez, is currently on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The tour stops here today for my review, an excerpt, and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.

For more books by this author, please check out my blog post on OMG... I Did It Again?! and my blog post on Colors of the Sun and Moon.

Description

Take a journey through the world - just listening. Escucha Means Listen helps children discover sounds around them in both English and Spanish. A beautiful picture book with lyrical prose and delightful illustrations, from lawn mowing to the splish-splashing of rain puddles.

Excerpt

Buzz. Buzz. Qué oyes?
(What do you hear?)

Las abejas (the bees)
circling the flowers.

Praise for the Book

“I would have loved to have had this book when my kids and grandkids were small.” ~ Patricia aka Mamaw

“I love the concept behind this cute little picture book! I personally think it is a great idea to expose children to as many cultures and languages as possible when they are young and still little sponges welcoming in knowledge.” ~ Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf

“Eschucha Means Listen is lyrical, with a repetitive prose that will make it easy to read as your child grows.” ~ cheryl c malandrinos

“My 4 year old daughter loves the illustrations in Escucha Means Listen.” ~ Chantilly Patiño

“This is a great book for introducing children to a second language. It takes sounds that are familiar and presents the words for them in both English and Spanish.” ~ Teresa Kander

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

The little girl in this book takes us on an auditory walk around her neighborhood, teaching us Spanish at the same time. We hear the harsh sounds of the ambulance, the truck, men hammering on the roof, the neighbor mowing her lawn, the dogs barking at the cat, and the church bells ringing. Then comes the thunder, followed by the rain and the splashing of children in the puddles. When the sky clears, we hear the sounds of nature: the birds start singing, the squirrels run up the tree, the bees buzz around the flowers, the wind whistles by, and the leaves rustle in the trees.

This delightful book is full of the colors, sights, and sounds of humans and nature. As an added bonus, we learn key words in Spanish. The colorful illustrations by Dina Ashraf Helmi depict these words and bring the story to life. I love how the girl in the book looks like the author!

This book would make a lovely addition to any child’s library.

A list of the Spanish words introduced in the story would be useful at the end of the book. 

About the Author

Talia Aikens-Nuñez wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. She never thought she would be an author. It was the birth of her daughter that caused her to start writing. Raising a bilingual child inspired Talia to write multicultural children’s books.

Talia’s family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water. She and her family live in Connecticut with a little pond.

Giveaway

Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon/B&N gift card.

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"Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday" by Alysson Foti Bourque

REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday

by Alysson Foti Bourque

Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday is the fourth book in the Alycat series by Alysson Foti Bourque. Also available: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day! (read my blog post), Alycat and the Monday Blues (read my blog post), and Alycat and the Friendship Friday.

Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday is currently on tour with iRead BookTours. The tour stops here today for my review, a guest post by the author, and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.

Description

A “Mom’s Choice Award Winner”! Alycat’s brother, Bugsy, is playing in a golf tournament with some of his friends and wants to use his lucky ball to win the game. But when Alycat forgets his lucky ball at home, Bugsy learns what luck is really all about. Can Bugsy win the tournament without his lucky ball? Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday is part of the Alycat Series.

Book Video

Praise for the Book

“In Bourque's charming fourth picture book, ...returning Alycat fans will be happy to see more of their favorite heroine and her visually diverse cast of feline family and friends. The book is also a beginner's introduction to the sport of golf, with a helpful glossary in the back. Cat fans will be won over by the whimsical artwork and Bugsy's triumph. This sweet and beautifully illustrated story will capture young cat fanciers and parents who want to teach their children about self-reliance. Great for fans of Stan and Jan Berenstain, Janette Sebring Lowrey.” ~ BookLife Reviews

“This book provides an opportunity for parents to discuss the benefits of practice in every area of a child's life - from schoolwork, sports, or playing a musical instrument. Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, written by Alysson Foti Bourque, teaches an important life lesson to young readers. It is one book of a series that children will love!” ~ Readers' Favorite

“Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products, and services.” ~ Mom's Choice Awards®

“I think this is a wonderful book for families to share - especially those with preschool and young elementary aged students. Kids begin "competing" at such young ages-and this is a great book for parents to help children understand talent, perseverance--and confidence in their growing abilities. This is a fun, easy to read story that is perfect to open larger discussions for families about success in activities - and the psychological significance of those ‘lucky charms’ and ‘rituals’. This one even has a little glossary of golf terms so that readers can better understand the Bugsy's golf game! I love this series and would definitely recommend the series for young readers.” ~ Angela

“The illustrations are bright and eye catching to a young reader. The simple but engaging storyline keeps young readers attention. It was a joy to read to some of the young ones at my local library. They really enjoyed the captivating tale and lovely characters. The Alycat’s ABC’s of Golf is wonderful extension to the book. Which helps open ended questions about the game of golf with engaging vocabulary.” ~ Gwendalyn A

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

On Tournament Tuesday, Bugsy doesn’t have his lucky golf ball, so Alycat makes him a new one without his knowledge. Will Bugsy find out? Can he win without his lucky ball? After all, as Bugsy’s mother says, “It’s not luck that helps your golf game, it’s practice and hard work.” This is a great lesson for children to learn, and it applies to all aspects of life.

The illustrations by Chiara Civati bring these cute characters to life. I love the bits of color inserted into the text that correspond to things in the illustrations (for example, the characters’ names in colors that match their clothing so that we know who’s who). At the end of the book, you’ll find “Alycat’s ABCs of Golf”, a glossary of golfing terms. I just wish more of these terms were used in the story.

A fun, inspirational, and educational book for the kids.

Guest Post by the Author

How to be a Better Reader

I have been going into schools for author visits for over four years now, teaching students about the Alycat series and reading. When I give a presentation to students and parents, I have a slide that I present called “The MEOWS to Being a Better Reader”. The first letter of each item spells MEOWS.

1.     MARK IT UP

Allow readers to highlight and markup their favorite parts of the book.

2.     EYE MUSCLE MEMORY

Watch TV with closed caption on to train your eyes to look for words.

3.     OWNERSHIP

Bring readers to bookstores/libraries and let them choose ANY book/magazine they want.

4.     WRITE TO READ

To become a better writer, read. To become a better reader, write.

5.     SIMILARITIES

Introduce books with similar interests to reader.

So many times, children are forced to reader books that do not interest them. This will only bring resentment and a life-long hate of reading. I allow my own children to pick out their own books at the library or bookstores, regardless of the age range. However, they aren’t allowed to read books that are inappropriate for their age range. Sometimes my middle schoolers will pick up picture books, and that is OK! They are reading and using their imagination!

About the Author

Alysson Foti Bourque is the author of the award-winning Alycat series. Alysson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center.

After practicing law for six years, she traded in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books. Alysson enjoys public speaking opportunities at schools, conferences, and festivals nationwide. She hopes to inspire people of all ages to follow their dreams and believe in themselves wholeheartedly.

Giveaway

Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win one of two autographed copies of Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday by Alysson Foti Bourque (US only).

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"The Reading Parrot Named Darwin" by Mary Sage Nguyen

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY

The Reading Parrot Named Darwin

by Mary Sage Nguyen

The Reading Parrot Named Darwin by Mary Sage Nguyen is currently on tour with Bewitching BookTours. The tour stops here today for some excerpts and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.

Description

This is a Children's Picture Book for children ages 2-12.

Lana is a writer who is suffering from a case of writer’s block. She receives an African grey parrot from her elderly aunt. She later finds out this parrot is no ordinary bird, but one that can read. The parrot assists her with overcoming writer’s block. They become friends, and she learns that inspiration can come from anyone!

Book Video

Excerpt

Praise for the Book

“The Reading Parrot Named Darwin is a sweet picture book story that will give young readers a few chuckles and inspire them not only to read, but also to write their own stories. As Lana and Darwin bond in friendship and creativity, the two teach each other the strength of working together as a team. They also help each other realize their dreams and goals and to really believe in themselves - important concepts for young readers.” ~ Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

“An absolutely sweet children's book that is encouraging to young girls and women to over come challenges and find their muse and strength. I love Mary's writing. It is sophisticated and empowering. It is a great read to kids and the illustrations is so cute and colorful. Mary is a thoughtful writer and author that plans her story and illustrations.” ~ DJB

“I have a copy of this book and was impressed with the quality of the artwork...Its a very fun book..cant wait till my grandkids visit so I can read it to them.” ~ Perry Faulk

“Girls and women who aspire to literary success will find much to like about Lana's efforts and the surprising interruption that turns her life around, providing new changes that spark her creative impulse. The story moves in an unforeseen direction in a stimulating tale that is both fun for leisure readers and inspirational for would-be writers searching for their muses.” ~ Diane

About the Author

Mary Sage Nguyen is the youngest daughter of Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants. Vietnamese was the language spoken at home, so the only way she was able to learn English was through the public school system. Even though English was not spoken at home, Mary became an avid reader as a young child and always dreamed of being a writer someday.

Giveaway

Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a hardcover or paperback copy of The Reading Parrot Named Darwin by Mary Sage Nguyen (US only).

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"Moon" and "Sun" by Alison Oliver

REVIEW and EXCERPT

Moon and Sun

by Alison Oliver

Author-illustrator Alison Oliver stops by today to share excerpts from her children’s books Moon and Sun. You can also read my reviews of these beautiful books.

Moon

by Alison Oliver

Description

For the over-scheduled generation, the illustrator of the popular BabyLit books explores the joy found in wildness, following in the footsteps of beloved bestsellers The Night Gardener and Mr. Tiger Goes Wild. 

Like many children, Moon leads a busy life. School, homework, music lessons, sports, and the next day it begins again. She wonders if things could be different. Then, one night, she meets a wolf.

The wolf takes Moon deep into the dark, fantastical forest and there she learns to howl, how to hide, how to be still, and how to be wild. And in that, she learns what it’s like to be free.

This simply worded and stunningly illustrated story reveals the joy to be found in play, nature, and, most of all, embracing the wild in us all.

Excerpt

How to be still,
how to listen and feel.

Praise for the Book

“Oliver’s picture book debut channels Where the Wild Things Are ...” ~ The New York Times review

“Plenty of stories assure readers that nature is worth exploring; this one suggests that it has the power to change them.” ~ Publishers Weekly

“A paean to Where the Wild Things Are that reminds readers of the importance of play and of stillness in a busy world.” ~ Booklist

“Convincingly and sweetly told, Moon’s story is a striking authorial debut from illustrator Oliver.” ~ Kirkus

“An upbeat and howling-good read-aloud.” ~ School Library Journal

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

Moon is busy living a regimented life full of schoolwork and after-school activities. “What would it be like to be free?” she wonders. One night, she meets a wolf who teaches her its wolfy ways. And Moon is changed forever.

This is a delightful book about a girl searching for meaning in her life of drudgery. When she breaks free, she discovers the joys of play, nature, and even stillness, and sets about sharing her new wisdom with others. The gorgeous illustrations, also by the author, feature a palette of purple, blue, green, black, and white to simulate the night.

An important message for both children and their parents.

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Sun

by Alison Oliver

Description

Sun, a sporty boy, reconnects with his artistic side in this gorgeous, joyful celebration of creativity that offers an expanded and appealing model for boyhood. 

Sun loves everything about playing soccer: the cheers, the competition, the winning. But he feels as though something is missing. When he sees his younger brother spread out on the floor, creating a wondrous piece of art, he remembers how much he loves to make things. He goes to the beach to think, and it’s there that a magical encounter with a fox helps him reconnect with a long-forgotten source of happiness.

Simple words and stunning illustrations pair to show us there is more than one way to be a boy … and remind us of the deep satisfaction of creativity.

Excerpt

 And finally, an entire galaxy.

Praise for the Book

“Vibrantly colored mixed-media collage illustrations capture Sun’s adventure and invite readers to do some exploring of their own.” ~ Booklist

“[An] immensely appealing fantasy … boldly colourful ... A visual treat for the young imagination.” ~ Kirkus

“This companion to well-loved Moon is a fitting follow-up from author-illustrator Oliver and does not disappoint … A terrific storytime read-aloud or a one-on-one selection for a child struggling to find his or her bliss.” ~ School Library Journal

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

Sun plays soccer but feels like there’s something missing in his life. While wandering along the beach, he comes across a fox who creates art out of items washed up on the sand. And so, Sun discovers a new passion.

This is another delightful offering by author-illustrator Alison Oliver. This time, the illustrations feature bright orange, yellow, and blue to portray the warmth of the sun. The story conveys the message that boys can be artistic as well as sporty.

Another timely message for children and adults alike.

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About the Author

Alison Oliver is the author-illustrator of picture books Moon and Sun and the Be Bold, Baby! board book series, featuring biographies of strong, inspiring women. She’s also the illustrator of thirty BabyLit board books. She lives in New York City, where she runs a design studio called Sugar.

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