Sunday, February 21, 2010

Candlewick Press books (review and 4 BIG giveaways)

I love reading books to my children, and we really enjoy this time to spend together soaking up stories. My kids and I recently had the opportunity to review a few books from Candlewick Press, and we really had a great time going through the stories. Here are the story books that we reviewed: The Patterson Puppies and the Rainy Day (by Leslie Patricelli), A Walk Down Sesame Street (pop-up book celebrating 40 years), Yummy: eight favorite fairy tales (by Lucy Cousins), The True Story of Goldilocks (by Agnese Baruzzi and Sandro Natalini) and Swan Lake Ballet Theater (by author Jean Mahoney and illustrator Viola Ann Seddon).

The Patterson Puppies and the Rainy Day is an adorable story about 4 little puppy siblings stuck indoors and needing something to do. Using their big imaginations the little puppies turn their living room into a beach with the ocean waters. Playing at the beach became so much fun! The music was playing, the pups were in their swim suits, and they even had a snack with water in their tea cups. With water spilling from the tea cups, one of the pups had a grand idea...let's add more water to make a real ocean! Well, you can imagine where this went...
The Patterson Puppies and the Rainy Day sparks the imagination and brought lots of giggles from my children as we read this story together. What was really comical about this book was the descriptions of the puppies very much resembled characteristics of my own four children. TOO FUNNY! I think your kids would enjoy this book! We sure did! $14.99 U.S./$17.50 Canada
Leslie Patricelli lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, their two children, and two kitties. She sketched out her first children’s book, YUMMY YUCKY, when her then one-year-old son was putting everything in his mouth. "After hearing myself say ‘yucky!’ or ‘yummy!’ for months on end, this book seemed to write itself," she says. "Talking to and watching my young children all day gave me a voice and inspiration for these books. I write down what I say to them and what they say to me."

A Walk Down Sesame Street Pop-Up book is a great pop-up and my kids really enjoyed seeing Bert and Ernie play their instruments in the laundry room and finding the matching socks in the dryers, slimy reusing an apple as a playhouse, counting the cookies on the tray, looking through Big Bird's "B" book, seeing Super Grover fly through the air to rescue a kitty, and hearing about the rhyming words on Zoe and Abby's pages. This is a great book full of learning letters, counting, rhyming and matching. Plus, Elmo greets everyone on the first page as a big pop-out! This is a new favorite.
Yummy is a book compiled of eight fairy tales. The stories are the original stories, and I was surprised about how a few turned out. Nonetheless, this is a cute book. Here are the stories in this book: Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Enormous Turnip (I had never heard this story before), Henny Penny, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Little Red Hen, The Three Little Pigs, and The Musicians of Bremen. $18.99 U.S./$22.00 Canada
Lucy Cousins is the author-illustrator of many books for children, like Maisy the mouse. Lucy Cousins lives in Hampshire, England.

Have you ever heard the True Story of Goldilocks? This book is about what happened before the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears came to be. The True Story of Goldilocks is about Goldilocks Papa Bear and Mama Bear loving Goldilocks, and Baby Bear not liking her, and in fact he was very impolite and naughty. After Goldilocks had enough of Baby Bear's tactics, Goldilocks taught him how to be GOOD. However, Goldilocks got tired of being good, so she let her hair down and sent a fake invitation to the bears tricking them into leaving so she could have the house to herself. Thus, the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears came to be. $14.99 U.S./ $17.50 Canada
Author-illustrators Agnese Baruzzi and Sandro Natalini met while studying in Urbino, Italy. They have gone on to create a number of children’s books, including THE TRUE STORY OF LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD.

The book, Swan Lake Ballet Theater, is an amazing story book where kids can be creative, anduse their imaginations to put on their own play with the props, people and stage settings all within this board book. The book can be transformed into a stage where you can take the included scenery and ballet characters to act out the play Swan Lake, plus an audio CD with the music from Swan Lake. Included is a full color book about the story and how you can put the play together. There are 9 dancing figures, scenery, back drops, and a supporting cast. My kids really enjoyed this book, but it isn't a book for littler ones to play with. However, telling them the story with the stage before them, is a fun way to do story time.
$24.99 U.S. /$29.00 Canada This book is geared toward ages 6 and up.

Jean Mahoney, the author of The Nutcracker Ballet Theater and The Sleeping Beauty Ballet Theater, says she finds the first moment of light and music in a performance to be an inspiration. She lives in Southampton, New York.
Viola Ann Seddon grew up surrounded by the performing arts, ballet, and opera. She is the illustrator of The Nutcracker Ballet Theater and The Sleeping Beauty Ballet Theater. She lives in London.

ENTER TO WIN!!
Candlewick Press has offered to sponsor a giveaway of an assortment of books, including the ones I reviewed. There will be FOUR winners in this giveaway!
This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States, and the contest is open until midnight March 4th, 2010.
To enter, go to the Candlewick Press website and check out all the books. Comment here about which ones sound interesting to you.

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about something you found over at Candlewick Press. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was provided from Candlewick Press. They have provided me with books to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer a giveaway for my readers through this review. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

98 comments:

KR said...

I teach kindergarten. These would be great.
I like Guess How Much I Love You and Always.

KR said...

I follow

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

KR said...

I follow on Twitter. sumrthyme

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

wendy wallach said...

judy moody looks adorable.

madamerkf at aol dot com

Kristie said...

My kids would enjoy 'Aunt Mary's Rose'.

khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Aileen said...

The Dress Maisy book with the reusable stickers looks very interesting. arobimom at gmail dot com.

Aileen said...

Follow on Twitter @monkeygrl59
arobimom at gmail dot com

Aileen said...

Fan on FB
arobimom at gmail dot com

Ellen C. said...

Polly's Pink Pajamas and The Dollhouse fairy sound cute. Thanks for the chance.

sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com

Ellen C. said...

I'm a google subscriber.

sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com

Steph said...

I liked What Color Is Caesar?

plhill2000 said...

My kids would love The Night Fairy.

debsweeps4 said...

I'd like the Brand New Readers Summer Fun Set and Caterpillar, Caterpillar. debsweeps4@yahoo.com

Andria said...

A Stone in My Hand sound really interesting.

J. Cannon said...

Polly's Pink Pajamas sound really cute.
jackieque@comcast.net

deb c said...

Judt Moody sounds like a real cute book.
missdeb1@earthlink.net

Aileen said...

My daughter also likes Judy Moody books in addition to the Maisy series. Daily entry 2/23.
arobimom at gmail dot com

Leenburke said...

The brand new readers, purple set, would be perfect for my learning to read kindergartner!

leenburke@yahoo.com

Aileen said...

Candlewick Press is owned and operated by its employees and is located in Somerville, MA.
arobimom at gmail dot com

Nicole C. said...

I think The Night Fairy sounds good.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Tracey said...

The Encyclopedia Mythologica: Fairies and Magical Creatures looks fun to read.
traymona[at]aol.com

McKim said...

I like the book A Visitor for Bear. The illustrations look adorable.

kdkdkd said...

What Color Is Caesar? looks cute, I know my boys would enjoy it

littlelatina said...

my son loves sesame street so this would be great

Aileen said...

My daughter loves pop-up books and Sesame Street so I think Candlewick Press book A Walk Down Sesame Street is a great idea.
arobimom at gmail dot com

wheatiesmomma said...

The Night Fairy
author: Laura Amy Schlitz

illustrator: Angela Barrett

I think this sounds like a fun story that older kids would enjoy. I wanted to read it instantly after reading the preview. There were so many great books to choose from, but I love fantasy books and this one was right up my alley!

mindy said...

the night fairy thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

justicecw said...

I like Finn Throws a Fit because it looks like a funny rendition of a toddler's tantrum! thanks, justicecw@hotmail.com

justicecw said...

I am a subscriber
justicecw@hotmail.com

justicecw said...

I am a facebook fan = Christine W
justicecw@hotmail.com

justicecw said...

Tweeted at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/9667846375
justicecw@hotmail.com

Aileen said...

You can sign up for a Candlewick Press newsletter on their website. There are different types of newsletters for librarians and teachers. arobimom at gmail dot com

J. Cannon said...

My daughter would love to have Polly's Pink Pajamas and The Dollhouse fairy.

Aileen said...

The Yummy book by Lucy Cousins is one of Candlewick Press' best selling books. arobimom at gmail dot com

Candie L said...

The night fairy sounds great. Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I think the book called "I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed" looks really cute.

hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

Unknown said...

I subscribe through Google reader.

Wehaf said...

I think "Almost Astronauts" and "Little Beauty" look wonderful.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Steph said...

A couple more I liked were Judy Moody and Finnikin of the Rock. Both looks like great kids books.

Tarah said...

I though Oceanology sounded like a good read.

Tarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com

Heather said...

A Visitor for Bear looks cute.

rsbryswrrl at gmail dot com

bkh61959 said...

Dress Maisy book with the reusable stickers would be a big hit at our home, I'm sure, and thanks

AEKZ2 said...

My daughter would like Big Kicks and Hello, Doggy.

annettekz2@yahoo.com

AEKZ2 said...

Subscriber.

annettekz2@yahoo.com

Aileen said...

You can invite costumed characters of Maisy, Little Nutbrown Hare, and Edward Tulane to your school or library. Look under the Resource section on the Candlewick Press website. arobimom at gmail dot com

Aileen said...

All sorts of downloadable activity kits under the "resources" tab on the Candlewick Press website.
arobimom at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

They have The Tale of Despereaux, that's a book the whole family wants to read together.

PaintedPony17@yahoo.com

Amy said...

this one sounds interesting: The Magician's Elephant - I love the description: In a highly awaited new novel, Kate DiCamillo conjures a haunting fable about trusting the unexpected -- and making the extraordinary come true.

Amy said...

I'm your fan on Facebook - amy leigh

amycreatingfire at gmail dot com

Aileen said...

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village. This book from Candlewick Press sounds fascinating. It's about life in an English village in 1255. It's also a Newberry Book award winner to boot.
arobimom at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Guess How Much I Love You All Year Round. No, not you dear reader...that is the name of the book! I think this would be perfect for my toddler.
marc74@inbox.com

Jodi said...

MY oldest would love How to be a Zombie, and my youngest I'm the Best

purehrt555(at)Yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

"Almost Astronauts" and "Oceanology"!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Benita said...

Judy Moody and Guess How much I love you look good.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I'm always looking for new books to read to my children. Oceanology sounds like something my oldest would really enjoy - adventure and the ocean, right up his alley!
greenlancer at comcast dot net

Anonymous said...

My daughter would like the Dress Maisy book!
shawnac68@hotmail.com

Brandy said...

"A stone in my hand" looks great!

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

I think we'd enjoy AlphaOops! H is for Halloween and Let's Save The Animals!

stormraven at gmail dot com

kerri69 said...

judy moody was moody is perfect I have a daughter like this at home

kerri69 said...

I subscribe thru googlr reader

Pamela S said...

I'd love the Tale of Despereaux. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

cman said...

Guess How Much I Love You All Year Round

Anonymous said...

Night Fairy looks like something my daughter would enjoy.

Thanks!

Tracyf2386@aol.com

dispatcher_kristy said...

Guess How Much I Love You,If I Could, and Charlie and Lola's I Will Never NOT EVER Eat a Tomato Pop-Up Book sound like they would be fun books

dispatcher_kristy@Hotmail.com

Dawn Reid said...

The Dress Maisy book with the reusable stickers

mightynaynay(at)cs.com

erma said...

The Night Fairy sounds interesting.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

~ Cee ~ said...

There are quite a few that sound lovely. I'd like to also see ...
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village

Kiss Good Night

My Very First Mother Goose

Owl Babies

and

One Duck Stuck

Thank you so much!
ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com

Jayfr said...

The Patterson Puppies and the Rainy Day sounds good. It's never bad to show kids they can have some imagination.

Roseann K. said...

Kiss Goodnight sounds wonderful for my son! Thanks! :0)

SolDucky said...

What Color is Ceasar? and Cloud Tea Monkeys look like books my daughter would love!

Kathy P said...

i like Finnikin of the Rock

Kathy P said...

http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/9978452068

SolDucky said...

google reader subscriber!

susan1215 said...

Finnikin of the Rock sounds like a good book my daughter would like

giggling kids said...

The night fairy!
heatherstamper09@aol.com

plhill2000 said...

I would love to have 31 Ways to Change the World. I love reading the ideas kids have to improve the world and passing them on to my kids.

Steph said...

What Color Is Caesar? looks like a good book with great illustrations.

Amanda S. said...

A Stone in My Hand and Henry Aaron's Dream sound really good! Thanks for the chance!

Tylerpants said...

You're All My Favorites and Bunny, My Honey looks like sweet books! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

I'm a subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Other books that sound like great reads are Aunt Mary's Rose and Take me With You. Thanks for the opportunity!

kr@roadrunner(dot)com

Daniel M said...

owl babies, tale of despereaux - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

demmi said...

A Stone in My Hand
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Miranda Ward said...

my Daughters would love The Dress Maisy book

Anonymous said...

"Creak!" Said the Bed sounds like a wonderful bedtime story! I would love to read it! Thank you!

lrlucky7@hotmail.com

Valeen said...

My daughter loves the Judy Moody series. "Guess How Much I love You" sounds like a wonderful book! I'm such a sucker for kids books!

sweepyhead at gmail dot com

Sarah G. said...

We are the Weather Makers sounds interesting.

Melanie said...

AlphaOops!: H Is for Halloween looks cute.



clarkmurdock@yahoo.com

fancyfeet48 said...

I would love to win this Thank You for this great giveaway fancyfeet45@earthlink.net

arla said...

Yummy And The Tale of Despereaux.

arla said...

Subscribed

trixx said...

My daughter would enjoy Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales and Count with Maisy!

trixx said...

I'm a subscriber

cdmarteny said...

how much i love you want these book for church nursery

Unknown said...

Big Kicks and Big Scary Monster sound interesting. garrettsambo@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Polly"s Pink pajamas AztecFeller@aol.com

lilyk said...

How the World Works sounds very interesting!

lilyk said...

I became your Facebook fan.