Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz illustrated by Brian Floca [Review & Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

On sale March 28 2017 
ISBN: 9780763648220
Picture Book, 80 pages
Ages 4-8

My thoughts:  This is a fun book to read and children will thoroughly enjoy it. Just the right length for readers in grades three and four who are delving into the realm of early chapter books with a substantial amount of text and abundantly illustrated, the young reader will gleefully cheer the Princess on as she rebels the rigid scheduling of her life and escapes to explore the great out-of-doors on her own.

Her co-conspirator is the wickedly cute crocodile who changes places with her in exchange for some luscious cream puffs.

The illustrations will capture the attention and tickle the funnies out of every reader. Brian Floca is a Caldecott Medalist and it is easy to see why he has been so recognized because his art charms, captures the attention, entertains, and tells the story just as the author intended - with wit and clarity.

The story by Newberry Medalist author Laura Amy Schlitz is just the right length for young readers who are entering the chapter book realm. It is complete with a beginning, need, solution, and conclusion. It ends on a joyful note which is good for young readers who love (and perhaps need) a happily-ever-after story.

The problem Princess Cora faces is an over scheduled life where she doesn't have time to discover the world and life on her own. Each scheduled activity is truly good and desirable, but they leave no time for her to be a child and do what a child does so well - play and discover. It has been said, "Play is the work of children." And so it is in a child's play that the work of self-discovery, invention, adaptation, and originality come into being. The story has a lesson for parents as well as a bit of fun for children.

What I especially like:

• The wonderful illustrations done in strong pastels and with fascinating details.
• The part where Princess Cora is on her own exploring the out-of-doors - picking strawberries, making a bed/fort under the pines, etc.
• The wickedly funny crocodile.
• The facial expressions on the characters showing their reactions.

What I didn't care much for:

• Princess Cora calling something "stupid."
• Princess Cora rebelling against her parent's plans.
• Princess Cora being out 'n about on her own. (Of course, she was on the castle grounds, so this was probably o.k.)

I really think the book is superb and the author and artist have done a wonderful job of putting it together to create a charming story.

About the book: A Newbery Medalist and a Caldecott Medalist join forces to give an overscheduled princess a day off — and a deliciously wicked crocodile a day on.

Princess Cora is sick of boring lessons. She’s sick o  and of running in circles around the dungeon gym. She’s sick, sick, sick of taking three baths a day. And her parents won’t let her have a dog. But when she writes to her fairy godmother for help, she doesn’t expect that help to come in the form of a crocodile—a crocodile who does not behave properly. With perfectly paced dry comedy, children’s book luminaries Laura Amy Schlitz and Brian Floca send Princess Cora on a delightful outdoor adventure — climbing trees! getting dirty! having fun! — while her alter ego wreaks utter havoc inside the castle, obliging one pair of royal helicopter parents to reconsider their ways.

GIVEAWAY

TWO WINNERS EACH A COPY

Open to USA/CANADA - NO P.O.BOXES

Begins March 20

ENDS April 10 @ 12:01 EDT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

Rain by Sam Usher Templar Books, an imprint of Candlewick Press [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: The imagination of a child - well, an imaginative little boy - coupled with what you can experience on a raining day out in the rain is truly marvelous as author/artist Sam Usher has given us in his book Rain. The real winner and story teller of the book is the illustrations as they tell the story that words can't convey - a boy's imagation and desire to explore and enjoy.

It's raining. It keeps raining and the boy really wants to go explore the puddles, catch drops in his mouth, and envision and experience the imaginary as he splashes and dashes through the rain. Granddad is busy writing a letter and other things grandpops do until when finally the rain stops and he says, "let's go." 

The adventure begins. The illustrations capture ships, pirates, flags, and oh so  much more that runs through the mind of the boy as he enjoys his adventure.

A lovely hardcover book with  glorious shinny spot gloss drops on the cover and inside you’ll find the enchanting and lively illustrations by the talented Sam Usher. A sure winner.

Templar Books, an imprint of Candlewick Press

On sale March 28^th, 2017

ISBN: 9780763692964

Picture book, 40 pages

Ages 3-7

About the book: Sam and Granddad brave the rain and floods and have the best adventure ever!

Sam wants to go out, but it's pouring rain, so Granddad says they need to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Granddad does some paperwork. When Granddad needs to mail his letter, it’s time to go out—despite the rain and floods—and Sam and Granddad have a magical adventure. The follow-up to the acclaimed Snow, this is the second title in a four-book series based on the weather from creator Sam Usher.

GIVEAWAY ~ 2 WINNERS
Open to USA & CANADA
No P.O.Boxes
Begins March 19 
Ends April 9 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the pubilsher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated.

Our Very Own Dog: Taking Care of Your Very First Pet by Amanda McCardie illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino [Review & Giveaway US/CANADA - 2 winners]

ISBN: 9780763689483
Ages 3 - 7 Hardcover

My thoughts: This is a cute book with lively illustrations that convey the joy and excitement that comes from bringing a dog into the home and life of a child. When the little girl is four, her family brings a dog into the home. The fictional story is actually a "this is what you do" type of story where the young girl and her family go through important things to know and do in regard to having a dog in your home.

Along with the actual story (centered on the pages) there are tidbits of factual instruction in smaller print along the top, bottom and sides of the pages.

At the back of the book there is a short indexed list of key words and a short list of additional reading that might be helpful. This is probably a good book for families with young children to read through if they are interested in adopting, buying, or being given a dog of their very own. It will help in understanding the temperment and care of a dog.

I recommend for homes and libraries everywhere.

About the book: There’s nothing more exciting than getting a dog! Join Sophie’s new human family as they prepare their home for her and introduce her to life as a beloved pet. Follow along as they learn about bedding and bowls, treats and training, walks and washing—and even an unexpected dog show! Factual notes run alongside the simple story, offering tips that will help turn tentative dog adopters into doting experts.

GIVEAWAY
2 winners each receive a copy

Begins February 10

ENDS March 3 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA & CANADA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated. Giveaway copy is provided by Candlewick and sent by them directly to the winner.