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Book Tour: A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean

Have you ever wanted to visit a town that was different from anywhere else? Welcome to TopSea: A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean. A new book by authors Kir Fox and M. Shelley Coats. I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

About A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean

Welcome to Topsea, the strangest place you’ll ever visit. In this town, the coves are bottomless and the pier has no end in sight. THere’s a high tide and a low tide … and a vanishing tide. Dogs are a myth, but mermaids are totally real. ANd whatever you do, don’t make eye contact with the rubber ducks!

New kid Davy definitely thinks Topsea is strange. His mom keeps saying they’ll get used to life in their new town – it’s just the way things are on the coast! But after his first day at Topsea School, Davy finds himself wondering: Why is his locker all the way at the bottom of the school swimming pool? Why can’t anyone remember his name? (It’s DAVY!) And why does everyone act like all of this is normal?!

About The Authors: Kir Fox and M. Shelley Coats

Kir Fox (Kirsten Hubbard) and M. Shelley Coats (Michelle Schusterman) are great friends, longtime critique partners, and ardent consumers of the strange and unusual.

Kirsten is the author of the middle-grade novels Watch the Sky and Race the Night (Disney-Hyperion), and the young adult novels Like Mandarin and Wanderlove (Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s Books). She lives in Los Angeles.

Michelle is the author of the middle-grade series I Heart Band and the Kat Sinclair Files (Grosset/Penguin), and the middle-grade novels Olive and the Backstage Ghost and the forthcoming Spell & Spindle (Random House Children’s Books). She is also the coauthor of the YA novel The Pros of Cons (Scholastic). She lives in New York City.

My Thoughts on A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean

Do you remember reading Sideways Stories of Wayside School as a kid? Well, get ready for more odd tales, weird mannerisms, and a town that thinks it’s all perfectly normal. I actually read Sideways Stories to my kids last year, and they thought it was a hoot. Now I can share a new book with them, following the same concept of short stories all taking place in the same abnormal – or is it? – town.

A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean is reminiscent of those days of childhood oddity. I was drawn originally by the title of this middle-grade novel. How can a town be almost always by an ocean? This book has not disappointed. I love that this book does have an underlying plot following new kid Davy as he tried to adjust to his new town.

Along with the short stories – news articles, PTA (picky troglodyte association) flyers, student surveys, and excerpts from other books are scattered between the chapters. This set up is enjoyable and a fun break to the stories, that only enhances the experience of the reader.

April 26, 2018
How To Turn Your Grown-Up Into A Robot and Other Coding Stories

How to Turn Your Grown-Up Into A Robot and Other Coding Stories will hook your kids on this book while familiarizing themselves with the language of coding. I received a copy of these coding stories in exchange for a post. All opinions are my own.

When I was a kid, our computer was a a bulky monitor that required ms-dos. A bit of coding language was required to go anywhere, and I even remember one game that was basically just a story of text. What we typed would determine what happened next. I remember getting a lot of errors as I wasn’t using the correct coding.

My kids never had anything like that. Instead they are surrounded by technology, where all the coding is done behind the screens. They push some ready made buttons, and know exactly what will happen. However, I still feel it’s important they learn about coding. As the world continues to become more technologically advanced, it seems it will be required for just about any job in the future.

From our phones to our homes, life is being run through coding, and while I fully support these advances, I still want my children to enjoy screen-free time and a chance to let their minds rest.

That being said, I absolutely love this book from CodeSpeak. It removes the screen from coding and gets back to good old paper learning.

I don’t know a single kid that wouldn’t love to control their parents – if even for just a little bit. Parents, get ready to engage and make your kids laugh out loud as you read How To Turn Your Grown-Up Into A Robot. The first of 3 stories in this book gets kids thinking about robots, how they’re made, and how they receive commands.

The second story brings screens to life as kids play with the Scratch Jr Kitten, and give him a friend. Through multiple options, kids create the scene for Scratch Jr. Kitten.

My favorite story, is Level 3: Do You love Cookies?

Maybe it’s because I love cookies. It’s probably because I love cookies.

In the last of the coding stories, kids see the code written out. They see how it affects change in a program. From building the cookie to eating the cookie, level 3 will familiarize kids with the language of coding.

For more coding fun beyond the book, check out CodeSpeak Labs. You’ll find how to bring more coding into your school, and kids can have fun with an Hour Of Code.

April 20, 2018
Winter Reads for the Whole Family from Disney

Winter is a wonderful time to cozy up in a warm blanket and break out some new books. These new titles from Disney caught my eye as there was a little something for our whole family. It’s time for some new winter reads! I received these winter reads from Disney in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click through and make a purchase.

William’s Winter Nap

Written by Linda Ashman, this story follows a young boy getting ready for a little nap. Every time he lays down, though, there’s a knock and an animal looking for a warm place to stay. This is such a heartwarming book that teaches the lesson of sharing – no matter who it is. Chuck Groenink’s artwork is dreamy and something to pay close attention to.

We have fallen in love with William’s Winter Nap. I could read it over and over to my kids and never get bored of the pictures or words. From our youngest to our oldest, this is a book that truly the whole family will enjoy.

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker

Everyone in Beatrice’s family is normal. They sit up straight, they are smart, and they do things by the rules. Everyone that is but Beatrice. Shelley Johannes has created a masterpiece for kids everywhere who think outside the box and do things their own way. We started reading this one as a family when we were early for a competition one day. The kids groaned when I told them we’d be sitting in the car while I read them this new book. It only took a page before my audience was captured and they wanted to skip the spelling competition and keep reading.

I can not recommend this book enough! It’s an easy read, perfect for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books with a scattering of line drawings throughout. Whenever my own Upside Down Thinker gets up to her antics, I remind myself that it’s OK, and join in her fun. However, I have drawn the line at climbing trees higher than the telephone wires.

Suspect Red

Wow.

What a read. While the style of writing by L.M. Elliott is focused for middle-grade readers, I would urge parents to read this one first. There is some language in it that I was not expecting from a Disney or middle-grade reader. However, it’s still a fabulous read, and I would encourage teen readers to pick up a copy this winter.

Full of intrigue, espionage, and 007 type work, Suspect Red puts McCarthyism in a spotlight that can’t be ignored. Each chapter begins with actual news clippings from the time period featuring people like McCarthy, Hoover, Truman, and the Rosenbergs. After reading Suspect Red, I took a long breath. Have we pushed such a time under the rug? Do we just glaze over McCarthyism in school? This is US history, albeit told from a fictional family’s point of view, the facts of the time are still there.

What’s on your Winter Reads list?

December 4, 2017
Truly Global by Anna N Schlegel

I received Truly Global in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Truly Global: The Theory and Practice of Bringing Your Company to International Markets

Today’s economy is increasingly borderless. Every company that seeks to grow beyond its national boundaries needs a globalization team to help develop, translate, adapt, and promote products to international markets. This team is vital to ensuring that customers receive product information and support in their own language in a personalized and seamless way. From a company’s website to product interfaces and documentation, to telephone and online support, providing this culturally specific experience is essential to building a brand across international borders with a solid enterprise approach.

Ideal for global corporate leaders, board members, employees, and students, Truly Global provides an insider’s look at how large companies move into international markets to successfully deliver their product to customers across different cultures and languages. It covers everything you need to know, to globalize your company from start to finish, including who to recruit as members of a globalization team, how to integrate globalization in each department, and how to use the team’s research to build your brand’s presence in new markets. This book will help your company succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy, and lay the foundation for your growth from a national company to an international household brand.

My thoughts on Truly Global

Truly Global by Anna N Schlegel came at the perfect time for me. I was head deep in my 3rd economics class for the year this past December – and the water was beginning to wash over my head. I love that I’m back in school. I love my chosen major – Marketing Management. Economics was killing me, though. I just want to play around with designs and stories that speak to people’s hearts. The making money and establishing all the stuff behind that, it gets confusing. I thought if I read Truly Global, I may come out of my last class – Global Business – with a better understanding of it all. While the book didn’t really help me in the class, it was a nice fresh perspective on the nitty-gritty business side of things.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to understand how to build an international business, in the middle of going global, or those just purely interested in what it takes to be a global business. The book is not long because while it can get complicated to go global, the steps themselves aren’t that complicated. Ms. Schlegel has put together an informative step by step guide book to get your company out in the world and leave the borders behind.

Are you ready to take your business global? But Truly Global on Amazon now!

January 23, 2017
Angels Above Cherished by Shannon Clark

I received an Angels Above product for review. All opinions are 100% my honest thoughts.

Our children are my world. Our faith is the basis of everything else we do. If I can teach my children that they are loved, more infinitely than just by me, as well as teach them to love others with all their hearts, that’s what I want to do.

We received the Angels Above Cherished Book, which is meant for the young and old. They also have Angels Above Blessed Baby for babies first book and angel. I wasn’t entirely sure my kids would be into the whole angel thing. We don’t believe angels have wings, but we do believe in heaven and our ancestors watching over us. The cotton angel was a great way to introduce this belief once again.

The book, however, quickly became dear to my heart. As it reinforces the notion to my kids that they are loved, and also that others are watching them. Are they making good choices? Are they being kind to friends in need? Angels Above is a cute story that takes the lessons I’ve been striving to instill in my children and brings them to life with the cotton plush angel that accompanies each book.

Lincoln attached himself to the angel more than I thought he would. With 3 older sisters, we have a lot of girl dolls and toys. He’s always trying to join in their play, but isn’t always fond of playing with the girl dolls. Having a little boy angel with removable wings has meant he can play with sisters without any fights from them on which doll he gets to be. It’s also allowed him a “friend” to play with when everyone else is at school and I’m working.

When you purchase an Angels Above book, 10 meals are provided to children around in need through the Children’s Hunger Fund and Story Changers. To me, this makes the Angels Above books worth so much more. I can give my child a book full of values while also giving to those less fortunate than myself.

November 15, 2016
The Chameleon by Merrick Rosenberg

I received The Chameleon for review from The Cadence Group. All opinions are 100% my own thoughts.

Do you have a personality? Do you know someone with a personality? It was the subtitle “Life-Changing Wisdom for anyone who has a personality or know someone who does” that got me to pick up The Chameleon by Merrick Rosenbeg.

About The Chameleon:

Laugh and learn through twenty-two entertaining fables that reflect the challenges you experience in your lifestory. Guided by an all-knowing chameleon, four unassuming birds play the roles of the personality styles. The insights gained from their interactions and struggles will lift you to new heights of understanding yourself.

Join an Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl in their enlightening journey as you learn to Capitalize on your strengths, deepen your most important relationships, enhance your career, and live a more fulfilling life.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened The Chameleon. I thought maybe it would be like reading about INFJ’s, etc, type personalities. Would I really learn more about myself, and be able to improve my own life through the book? I wasn’t sure, but everything is worth trying if it could improve ourselves.

So I started reading. The Chameleon is separated into 4 sections, differentiated by the 4 seasons. The fables of the birds were written simply, so anyone can understand and not miss the meaning. What I truly enjoyed in the book were the chapters following the fables. The Chameleon’s wisdom taken and applied to my actual life.

To my utter delight, I did find many useful bits of wisdom that have helped me lower my anxiety over situations I can’t control, and learn the language of my family so I can speak in ways they understand. Never did I identify with just one bird, though. Rather with each story, I found myself seeing qualities of each of the birds in my own personality. I’d almost say instead of the bird, I’m more like the chameleon – adjusting to my surroundings.

Check it out! What Bird personality will you identify more with?

November 2, 2016
Animal Planet Animal Bites Books + Book Bundle Giveaway

I received Animal Planet Polar Animals and Ocean Animals for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

You know you have a winner of a book when your kids who normally complain about reading come home from school and immediately curl up to read for the next 2 hours. What better way to celebrate Earth month than learning about the animals that live on it?

That’s exactly what happened with the new Animal Planet Books! Venice grabbed Animal Bites Ocean Animals, and Chloe hopped up next to her with Animal Bites Polar Animals. They sat like this for a good 30 minutes giggling and showing each other their favorite little bits of info.

Eventually, they moved to the floor so they could share the fun with Rosie and Lincoln who were begging to know what all the excitement was about.

Did you know that Powder Blue Surgeonfish lives in the Indian Ocean and can get up to 9inches long – the same size as a dinner plate? Neither did I, but I do now! We’re learning all kinds of fun little facts about animals, and you can too! Time Inc. created some fun activity sheets you can download.

My kids have really enjoyed putting posters up in their room these days too, so you can believe we’ll also be downloading Time Inc’s Animal Fact Posters as well.

Do you have an avid reader, or animal lover? One reader will win a book bundle of Animal Planet Ocean Animals and Polar Animals. Enter on the rafflecopter. Open to US 18+ ends 4/26/16

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April 19, 2016
Keeper of the Books by Asher Elliot

Last week I shared with you what I was reading this month. Keeper of the Books by Asher Elliot was top of that list. I fully admit to loving young adult novels. Stories that transport me to another time and place are my favorite way of relaxing.

There are some I can spend a few weeks to a month trying to get through, and there are some that pull me in so much, that I can’t put the book down. Keeper of the Books was one of the latter. Once I picked it up the story wouldn’t leave me. I turned into a kid again reading late into the night hoping that Mark wouldn’t be bothered by the light from my phone.

There were a couple parts of this book that stuck out to me the most. The first I’ll just quote for you – “Every man is capable of crime“. I thought that was so intriguing a thought. Am I capable of crime? Perhaps under the right circumstances, I would be. Would you?

So what is it all about?

Keeper of the Books Summary

Nathaniel Cole never thought things would end this way. This was supposed to be his last job as an outlaw. Now, he finds himself cornered by the most skilled bounty hunter in the West, Levi Thompson. Nate looks down at the mysterious book in his hands. The words scroll across the pages as if penned by some invisible author. It’s a magical book—a portal to another world. He knows he doesn’t have a choice. If he stays, he dies. When he finally takes the plunge, Nate finds himself in the land of Galamore—a place filled with outlaws worse than he, and dangers at every turn. But when he learns the bounty hunter has followed him there, Nate knows he either has to face Levi, or be the first to find his way back home. With the law on his trail, and an unfamiliar world before him, Nate must seek the help of wary strangers. On his journey through the mysterious land of Galamore, Nate discovers that getting back home won’t be so easy, and that he might be stuck in Galamore for a long time. Keeper of the Books blends a story of magical fantasy with the classic style of the Old West, creating a world that is both unique and full of adventure.

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April 12, 2016
April Books

Every home should have a personal library. It might only be a few books or a room full. I thought it would be fun to give you a little look into what I’m reading each month. We’re a good week into April, so let’s take a look see shall we. These are all the books I’m either in the middle of or hoping to start this month.

Clicking on the links will take you to Amazon, where you can purchase these books. These are affiliate links, and when you purchase through them I make a little bit, that helps keep this blog running. Thank you!

April Books

Keeper of the Books by Asher Elliot

Nathaniel Cole never thought things would end this way. This was supposed to be his last job as an outlaw. Now, he finds himself cornered by the most skilled bounty hunter in the West, Levi Thompson. Nate looks down at the mysterious book in his hands. The words scroll across the pages as if penned by some invisible author. It’s a magical book—a portal to another world. He knows he doesn’t have a choice. If he stays, he dies. When he finally takes the plunge, Nate finds himself in the land of Galamore—a place filled with outlaws worse than he, and dangers at every turn. But when he learns the bounty hunter has followed him there, Nate knows he either has to face Levi, or be the first to find his way back home. With the law on his trail, and an unfamiliar world before him, Nate must seek the help of wary strangers. On his journey through the mysterious land of Galamore, Nate discovers that getting back home won’t be so easy, and that he might be stuck in Galamore for a long time. Keeper of the Books blends a story of magical fantasy with the classic style of the Old West, creating a world that is both unique and full of adventure.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler

For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep her away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery – about her own identity, the mysterious father she’s never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water’s surface. With a sure sense of suspense and richly imaginative details, first-time author Liz Kessler lures us into a glorious undersea world where mermaids study shipwrecks at school and Neptune rules with an iron trident – an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the convention-defying power of love.

The Watchers Knight of Light by Deirdra Eden

“The Watchers” are supernatural beings in human form, charged with protecting mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, some of these Watchers go bad. In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity. Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.

Looking for something a little different? Check out the bookshelf, or The Book of the Month Club April Books.

What are you reading? Share your April Books with me in a comment?

April 8, 2016
Learn Baseball with Sports Illustrated for Kids + Book Bundle Giveaway

*I received these baseball books for review. All opinions are my own*

I LOVE baseball. Whenever the weather was nice enough, my family would head out to the local diamond to throw some pitches, and run the bases. With 6 kids, 2 parents, and an aunt, uncle and grandma all living under one roof, we had ample players for 2 teams. Or, at least, good enough to pitch, hit, catch, and tag.

I remember my first time going to a real ball game, sitting in the stands, trying to understand everything that was going, and figure out the scoreboard. There was way more to baseball than what we played on those perfect spring days. My parents were great, though, and always took the time to try and explain what everything meant when I’d ask questions. Questions like, “How are they going to get the ball from over the fence?” and “What is a foul ball?”

These questions and more are all answered in the My First Book of Baseball by Sports Illustrated for Kids.

I was so stoked to check out these two new books from Sports Illustrated for Kids. Baseball is my first love when it comes to sports, and will always hold a special place in my life. Whether it was playing with my family, going to a game, watching the Red Sox on TV, or playing softball that one year in elementary school.

My First Book of Baseball did not disappoint. With bright colors and witty commentary from the young kid guide, I felt truly immersed in the sport. Lincoln, who has a hard time sitting still for books, was completely into it as well. He especially liked the 7th inning stretch, placed in a timely spot for us to get up and stretch!

Baseball Then to WOW! is geared more towards kids who already have an interest in the sport. Perhaps they’re on a team, or just enjoying wathcing the game. There are more black-and-white photographs from the early days of baseball and a whole lot more reading to be done in this book.

That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, though. Because I did. Immensely. Many of the pictures reminded me of the cards I used to collect. I had a long white cardboard box, the perfect size for the cards. Allowance money always had a gum budget solely for the hope I’d get a rare player card and one I didn’t already own. Otherwise, it would mean an attempt at trading with my brothers who were just as possessive of their cards as myself.

Have a Baseball enthusiast in your life, and want to speak their language? Then enter the Giveaway! One will win both Sports Illustrated for Kids Baseball Books – My First Book of Baseball and Baseball Then to WOW! Open to US 18+ ends 4/11/16

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March 30, 2016