#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine @NetGalley #AllWeEverWanted by @emilygiffin #BallantineBooks @randomhouse ‏

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ It started out as a typical Saturday night.

I am still thinking about this book, as it brought up a lot of emotions for me. I thought that I was over something that happened in college and this book brought it all rushing back. In addition to that, as a mother to two sons, this book has left a lasting impression. I want to talk to everyone who read this book and to discuss it at length. This is one of Giffin's most thought provoking books to date. This is is the kind of book that makes a great book club read because there is so much to discuss. Did the reader agree with how the parents dealt with the situation. Who did the reader believe as the book slowly unfolded and the truths came to light? Where did the readers allegiances lie? How would the reader react when facing the unthinkable that is highlighted in this book? There are so many other ethical dilemmas and emotions in this book. This book may change you and will cause you to take pause! All We Ever Wanted is a hard to put down and super important read for all.

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#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #TheSummerList by @amyldoan via #Partner @GraydonHouse

The Summer List by Amy Mason Doan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ The others were mad at her again.

Wow, this book was SO good. The minute I finished it I thought, "This needs to be a movie." It is so beautifully drawn out with a premise that is sweet, original and compelling. I feel in love with the setting and characters. I thought it was moving and thoughtful. I know that readers are going to adore this debut novel because it is filled with heart and depth in story! A great summer read and one I can almost promise you will want to see played out on the big screen!

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#MMBBR #Highlight #BookTrailer #AHomeForLeo by @vin_vogel via #Partner @barbfisch & @blueslipper

Leo grew up in the sea. He has a family of sea lions he loves. He’s happy, but he has always known he was different. Then Leo’s suddenly reunited with his human parents, and he finds he loves them too. But he still feels like a fish out of water. Being from two worlds and having two families isn’t so easy. Leo has a lot to figure out…

Splashed with humor and grounded in heart, this brightly illustrated story explores ideas of family, home, and belonging in a way that’s as relatable as it is unique.

Vin Vogel is the author-illustrator of The Thing About Yetis and Bedtime for Yeti and the illustrator of Bob and Joss Get Lost! and Bob and Joss Take a Hike! by Peter McCleery, Music Class Today by David Weinstone, and Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt, which won a Christopher Award. Vin grew up near the ocean and always wanted a sea lion as a pet. He also wanted to write a story about the idea of home and the feeling of being a fish out of water. When he heard about the sea lion population crisis in California, Vin knew this was the story he needed to write. After having lived for a time in New York City, Vin’s back in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he can be found with his two cats and his single-fin surfboards. Learn more about Vin at www.vinvogel.com.

Instagram: @vinvogel

#MMBBR #Giveaway #BlogTourHost #TheBeedpg by @TwoUmbrellasPls #reviewcopyprovided

Have you ever encountered something so fascinating that you had to tell everyone about it?

The Beedog introduces readers to an intriguing little insect that author Addie Broussard encountered while on a trip in Portugal.  

But this is no ordinary bug.  

Its uniqueness will capture the imagination of young ones while peaking their interest about science discovery.

About the book

Neighbors and schoolmates Cora and Manny travel to Carvalho Beach in Portugal for an exciting vacation.  Little do they know that they’re in for a day of discovery and surprises.

While building a unique sandcastle, Cora and Manny spot a rather curious little insect. Will they be able to figure out what it is and why it’s digging so furiously in the sand?

An adventure awaits little ones in this science discovery picture book for children aged 4-8.  The Beedog is perfect for STEM education and home-school projects or just curious little ones who love bugs.  

Book extras include fun printable activities related to scientific classification and research.

The book can be found on Amazon here http://bit.ly/bdbeedog2

The Beedog: An Insect Discovery in Portugal by Addie Broussard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great book that highlights making memories and discoveries. I loved how colorful and easy to understand the book was and how it encourages asking questions, doing research and understanding trail and error. I think this is a great book for all young readers and discoverers!

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About the author

Addie is an avid traveler, and once went on a solo journey to fifteen countries in one year. When she encounters something unique, she writes about it. Addie began her writing journey when she was just nine years old, with a book called Doggienauts. That book has been updated and is set for publication in 2018. Addie is originally from the United States and is currently a full-time traveler. Home is where her suitcase is.

Illustrator, Joyeeta Neogi

Joyeeta is a children’s book illustrator who has worked with international authors and publishers. Her engagement with worldwide clients and multicultural themes has allowed her to create captivating original animal and child characters. Her art captures the expressions, movements and vibrancy of life within simple compositions to bring the author’s story to life. In her free time, Joyeeta is busy with painting and music. She loves to paint in oil and acrylic and has also developed a passion for watercolor.

Giveaway info ~ enter here: 

https://kingsumo.com/g/ouf9pi/the-beedog-giveaway

#MMBBR #Highlight#FirstLine #CaliforniaSummer by @hughesanita via #partner @StMartinsPress #reviewcopyprovided

"The perfect beach read!" —Mary Alice Monroe, New York Timesbestselling author of Beach House Reunion.

"Tender and triumphant...California Summer made my heart sing." —Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of Between Me and You

Anita Hughes's California Summer is a charming and beautiful love story about a former Hollywood producer who trades her cast list in for cookbooks in the hopes of following her dreams and finding new love.

Ben and Rosie are Hollywood’s newest director/producer dream team. After hitting it big at Sundance, it seems that their ten years of love and hard work are finally paying off. Rosie is happy making independent films, but Ben wants the A-List celebrity package: a house in Beverly Hills, fancy cars in the driveway, and his name on the biggest blockbusters. He’s willing to do anything, even sleep with the most famous producer in town, to get them.

Rosie is devastated by Ben’s affair, and she decides to take a break from show business. She accepts her best friend's invitation to spend the summer at her parents' estate in Montecito. It's far away from L.A., the perfect place to start over.

In Montecito, Rosie meets a colorful cast of characters including Rachel, who owns a chocolate store, and Josh, a handsome local who splits his time between surfing and classic cars. Suddenly Rosie has new friends and a new purpose. She starts a business in the village, and her luck seems to be turning around. But Rosie knows all too well that success comes with a price, and the price might be losing love...again.

California Summer is a touching and romantic story about following your dreams but not letting them get in the way of love. 

#FirstLine ~ Rosie carried her overnight bag up the stairs and was greeted by the familiar mess of their kitchen. 

Anita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing program. She is the author of MONARCH BEACH, MARKET STREET, LAKE COMO, FRENCH COAST, ROME IN LOVE, ISLAND IN THE SEA, SANTORINI SUNSETS, CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA, EMERALD COAST, CHRISTMAS IN LONDON and CALIFORNIA SUMMER published by St. Martin's Press.

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #SwitchAndBait by @RickiSchultz via #Partner @GrandCentralPub #reviewcopyprovided

Switch and Bait by Ricki Schultz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ The girl sits.

Funny and smart, this book was a great summer read. I needed something that would make me laugh and be a fun read...this was the perfect book. I laughed out loud several times and buzzed through the book. It was so insightful and well written with a main character I adored because she was funny and sarcastic and really authentic. I think many readers will really relate to the struggles captured in the book and will appreciate the delivery of those struggles because they are not sugar coated!

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#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #DeadPretty by #DavidMark via #partner @penguinrandom #reviewcopyprovided

Dead Pretty by David  Mark

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ She's blonde, near enough.

Twisty, turny and unpredictable Dead Pretty was certainly a thrill. With a story that was quite absorbing and characters that kept me on my toes this read was one that will stay with me for some time. I loved that I never knew quite what was going to happen and was kept in suspense. A great read for those that want to escape into a story and to lose track of time!

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#MMBBR #BlogTour #Review #MissingPieces by @LauraPAuthor via #partner @PFDAgents and @AgoraBooksLDN

Missing Pieces by Laura  Pearson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ The coffin was too small.
This book will move you to the core. This book will make you ugly cry. This book may even change you in ways you cannot really understand. This book will become a new favorite. This book will be a book you read more than one time! I cannot really capture how good this book is without giving too much away. Missing Pieces is special because it is harsh and real. It captures life when it is broken. There is heartbreak and beauty within these pages and a story that will leave its mark on you, in the best possible way. A MUST READ!!!

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#MMBBR #Highlight #Argos The Story of Odysseus as Told By His Loyal Dog by @RalphHardy1 via @HarperCollins ‏

Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series will love Argos: The Story of Odysseus as Told By His Loyal Dog by Ralph Hardy (HarperCollins; 3/27/2018; ISBN: 978-0062396792; Paperback $6.99; Ages 8-12, 400 pages), a middle grade reimagining of Homer’s The Odyssey told from the point of view of Odysseus’s loyal dog, Argos.

Now available in paperback, this rousing story of devotion and determination is an original take on one of the most beloved myths of all time.

For twenty years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to home on Ithaka. He defeats monsters. He outsmarts the Cyclops. He battles the gods. He does whatever it takes to reunite with his family.

And what of that family—his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those twenty years, they wait, unsure whether they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master.

Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus’s epic voyage. These tales bring hope that one day his master will return. Meanwhile, Argos the loyal dog watches over his master’s family and protects them from the dangers that surround a throne without its king.will be swept away by this enchanting debut as they hurry to unlock the terrible truth of the Tombs.

About the Author: Ralph Hardy graduated from the University of North Carolina and received an MFA from Columbia College, Chicago. He now lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife and two children. He is also the author of "Lefty" and "The Cheetah Diaries".

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #ThisCouldChangeEverything by @JillMansell via #partner @sbkslandmark ‏who provided a #freecopy for review

This Could Change Everything by Jill Mansell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ What could be more glorious than sitting at a pavement cafe on a sunny afternoon in June, wearing a marvelous new hat and witnessing an imminent crime?

This book was such a delight. I was pulled in by that first line and held to the page the rest of the book. This Could Change Everything was so beautifully written. It was fleshed out perfectly and well plotted with themes that all readers can relate to. I have not read many books by Mansell and now I must read more. I can see her writing being turned into Hallmark movies because the books contain those elements that translate well to the small screen. There is drama, love, friendship and redemption that lends itself to a story that causes the reader to be pulled in and to become emotionally attached. A must read for book clubs and for those that want to escape.

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Praise for Jill Mansel

"Captivating, warm, lighthearted and funny!"

―What's Better Than Books for Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay

"Readers will hang on every word, falling in love with the story, its characters and its emotions."

―RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars for Three Amazing Things About You

"Vivid and enchanting."

―Kirkus Reviews for You and Me, Always

#MMBBR #Review #GoodbyeBringsHello by @diannewrites via #partner @barbfisch @blueslipper and #HMHBooksForYoungReaders

Like Bernie Waber's COURAGE and Davis' KINDERGARTEN ROCKS!, this inspiring, vibrantly illustrated gift book is perfect for celebrating life's milestones, both great and small—especially that first day of kindergarten.

There are many ways of letting go.
With each goodbye, a new hello.

From being pushed on a swing to learning how to pump your legs yourself, from riding a beloved trike to mastering your first bike ride, from leaving the comforts of home behind to venturing forth on that first day of school, milestones are exciting but hard. They mean having to say goodbye to one moment in order to welcome the next.

Honest and uplifting, this cheerfully illustrated ode to change gently empowers readers to brave life's milestones, both large and small. 

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Goodbye Brings Hello: A Book of Firsts by Dianne White My rating: 5 of 5 stars Loved this book! I cannot wait to give it to the kindergarten teacher at my kid's school. I know all the new incoming kids are going to relate to this book. I think kids will be able to ease into school a bit easier seeing how many changes and goodbyes they have had up to this point in their young lives. It is beautiful and illustrated with bright and vibrant colors. I love the rhyming text. Kids will love listeing and parents will love reading it, as will teachers. View all my reviews When she was five, Dianne White said goodbye to her house and her teacher, Mrs. Dunlap, and hello to a new school, and her newest favorite teacher, Mr. Loop. She has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is the award-winning author of Blue on Blue. She lives in Arizona, where she writes full-time. For more information, and to download a free activity kit, visit diannewrites.com. Twitter @diannewrites Daniel Wiseman remembers saying goodbye to the training wheels on his bike, and saying a great big hello to skinned knees and elbows. But the freedom of rolling on two wheels was well worth the bumps and bruises. He still rides his (slightly larger) bike almost every day. Daniel loves to draw, and has illustrated several books for children. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Visit him at danieldraws.com. Instagram @d_wiseman

Praise for Goodbye Brings Hello: A Book of Firsts

"White and Wiseman have created an engaging set of vignettes that will appeal to young listeners in the process of learning new skills."—Booklist

"This book will give courage to any child feeling a little nervous or scared to try something new."—Kirkus

"The brightly colored, naive-style illustrations add a cheerful positivity to the book."—School Library Journal

Check out the fun activities here: https://bit.ly/2s3WA40

Also from Dianne White: Who Eats Orange?, due August 2018.

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #LeahOnTheOffbeat #CreekwoodSeries #Book2 by @beckyalbertallim via #partner @BalzerandBray ‏@HarperCollins #reviewcopyprovided

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ I don't mean to be dramatic, but God save me from Morgan picking our set list.

I loved Leah, she was witty and honest and imperfectly awesome. Plus, she is so talented. I loved being along on the ride as she negotiated her life. She was so fun to read. I loved that no punches were held back and honesty prevailed in all its rawness. It captures so much about youth and coming of age; friendships, sexuality, love and so many other really important topics. It is done in a way that almost all readers will appreciate and relate to it. A read that will stay with me for quite some time and now I have to go back and read the first book in the series.

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#MMBBR #Review #Startalk #YoungReadersEdition by @neiltyson via #partner @NatGeo ‏#reviewcopyprovided

Startalk Young Readers Edition by Neil deGrasse Tyson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is one of the BEST I have seen! It is awesome how it is laid out!!! It is like a vision sensation! There is so much to look at and read! I am sure that you could read this over and over and over and learn something new. Here is a fun tidbit: The largest black hole that could have evaporated since the big bang would have to have been smaller than an atomic nucleus. Learn about this and so many more awesome and fascinating facts in this book! It is jam packed with things that I find fun, interesting and oh so interesting! My kids are going to love this book so much too over the summer. The sky is truly the limit in this book that contains everything you will need or want to know about space, the universe and so much more!!!

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#MMBBR #Review #BremnerAndTheParty #SharkeeAndTheTeddyBear by #CarrieBolin & #JessicaFirpi #JohnGraziano @Ripleys

Bremner  the Party by Ripley's Believe It or Not!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A cute book that helps create dialogue about being afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It allows a child to understand that being nervous is normal and totally OK because everyone feels nervous from time to time. A beautifully illustrated story that most kids will relate to and love!

ABOUT Bremner and the Party

Bremner the pufferfish is going to a party tonight. Gulp! When he’s nervous, he puffs up!

Children and parents alike will laugh their way through Bremner’s nervous dialogue as he goes off the deep end before joining the party.

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 Sharkee  the Teddy Bear by Ripley's Believe It or Not!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A cute story about a Teddy Bear falling into the ocean. What does a shark to do with a Teddy Bear? Only after it goes missing does Sharkee know what he wants to do with it. Will he find it? Make sure you read and find out! The illustrations are bright and beautiful, so engaging.

ABOUT Sharkee and the Teddy Bear

A teddy bear has fallen into the ocean, but where did it go?

Readers join Sharkee as he searches for the bear, stopping to ask all sorts of marine animals along the way. This bubbly story will have children giggling at Sharkee’s silly encounters.

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #HeavenAdjacent by @cryanhyde via #partner #LakeUnionPublishing @LUAuthors #reviewcopyprovided

Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ Roseanna was standing under the barely warm water in her tiny, cold makeshift shower hen the bell at the gate began to clang. 

MY REVIEW:

Are you living the best life you can? This book really made me think about this and many other things. about the life I am living. So brilliantly written and moving Heaven Adjacent was a story that will stick with me for a long time. Ryan Hyde writes stories that pull the readers in and makes them think about the world in a new, more significant way. Her characters are so real, honest and raw that you cannot help but be honored to witness their journey. A must read and a perfect book for book clubs!

About the book:

After the sudden death of her best friend and law partner, high-powered Manhattan attorney Roseanna makes the impulsive decision to abandon her cushy but unfulfilling city life and buy a tiny house upstate. She soon discovers a young mother and her daughter who have been squatting on the property, and although company is the last thing Roseanna wants, she decides to let them stay. And as Roseanna beings to accept a new reality free of material wealth, she discovers that she is rich in something that can’t be replaced: family.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is the award-winning author of more than 30 published books. Her bestselling 1999 novel, Pay It Forward, was adapted into a major Warner Bros. motion picture.

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#MMBBR #GuestReviewer #LessonsFromThePrairie by @MelissaAFrancis ‏via #partner @HachetteBooks ‏#reviewcopyprovided

ABOUT THE BOOK:

For fans of the beloved TV show Little House on the Prairie, a self-help book by Melissa Francis, bestselling author of Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter and child star of Little House, revealing important life lessons inspired by a childhood on set.

Melissa Francis was only eight years old when she won the role of a lifetime: playing Cassandra Cooper Ingalls on the world's most famous prime-time soap opera, Little House on the Prairie.

Now in Lessons from the Prairie, she shares behind-the-scenes stories from the set, and lessons learned from the show's dynamic creator, Michael Landon, that have echoed throughout Melissa's adult life. With novel insights on hard work, making mistakes, and even spirituality, Francis shares inspirational and practical life lessons that will appeal both to her current TV fans, and fans of one of the most adored TV shows of all time.

COLETTE'S REVIEW 

This book was not at all what I expected, but I loved everything about it. I was intrigued by the title, having been a huge Little House on the Prairie fan since I was a young girl. I have read all the LHOTP books twice (once as a YA and once about a year ago). Well, this book only refers to the show a few times, connecting the author to her work/life standards beginning at a young age. Beyond that, it's just a genuine look at adulting and being authentic, rather than faking it to be what society has you believing is right/wrong/attractive/etc.

Regardless of the slight letdown I had when I figured out this book wasn't about LHOTP at all, I was cracking up on nearly every page. The author has a genuine, conversational writing style that made it feel like we were just hanging out, sipping iced tea, and sharing life's little secrets. She is raw, candid, and real; laying it all out, telling it like it is.

There were several times when I found myself nodding, thinking, "YES!! THAT'S SO TRUE!!" One example was when she's talking about just accepting the wrinkles and not trying to hide the cellulite. An even better example was when she was discussing parenting. She said early in the book that motherhood isn't for sissies, then later, "I'm not pretending to be Superwoman. I'm not even a fan. And to be honest, I'm not sure Superwoman has very many friends," then goes on to say, "To Superwomen and wannabes everywhere, lose the cape. And if someone offers one to you, use the damn thing to clean up the next spill. Because when we constantly vow to look fabulous leaping tall buildings in a single bound, we stumble past the joy that's right in front of us, on level ground: the love, pleasure, and joy of the messy, imperfect life we already have." Seriously...who can argue with her on that?!?!

She touches on motherhood, marriage, pregnancy issues, surrogacy, Catholic school, a less-than-stellar mother figure. Her overall message is to be true, be authentic, be present in the moment, and connect with people around you. But her delivery is much more humorous and relate-able!! 

#MMBBR #Reviews #FathersDay #MyDadIsAmazing #BoardBook #WithMyDaddy #PictureBook @ABRAMSbooks

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My Dad Is Amazing by Hello!Lucky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is quite amazing! I loved it so much...bright, beautiful celebration of Dad's. There is nothing better than a book that showcases all the ways that Dad's strive to be everything they can to their children. It is so wonderful and the illustrations are amazing! A must have for ALL Dads.

I cannot wait to use this book in my classes next year for Father's Day. It is perfect. Also a great gift for any Dad's birthday!

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With My Daddy: A Book of Love and Family by Jo Witek

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am in love with this book. I adored it from cover to cover. As a Daddy's girl, this book tugs on my heartstrings. I loved the story and all the ways this book celebrates how we spend time with our Dads. It is a delightfully illustrated story that captures the highs and lows of being a little girl with a loving Dad. "With Dad, an ordinary day becomes extraordinary." Such a perfect book for Father's Day or for your Father's birthday.

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#MMBBR #Review #SnailMail by @BergerBooks via #partner @Running_Press @HachetteUS #reviewcopyprovided

Snail Mail by Samantha Berger

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is fantastic. The illustrations are darling and the premise of the book is amazing. I know as a kid I loved getting mail and as an adult I still love it. The journey a letter goes through to get to your mail box is quite remarkable. I know that all kids are going to take interest in writing and receiving letters after they read this book. I also love that there are numerous learning applications in this book and that it can be used both at home and in the classroom. A must for all.

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#MMBBR #Review #Almanac2019 by #partner @NGKids

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 by National Geographic Kids

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is quite speculator! Within this amazing book there are 500 photos of some of the coolest things to grab our attention for 2019. In addition to all the fabulous photos, there are facts and tidbits galore. While you peruse the book you can look through the chapters and read things that interest you the most. The chapters are: Your World 2019, Amazing Animals, Science and Technology, Going Green, Culture Connection, Space and Earth, Fun and Games, Awesome Exploration, Wonders of Nature, History Happens and Geography Rocks. When this book arrived my son was instantly reading it bouncing from topic to topic...all I heard was "Did you know that...." followed by some amazing factoids and "Wow, look at this..." followed by me looking at some crazy cool things. These are the type of books that capture the attention of young readers because they have amazing vibrant photos with fun facts, game, puzzles and digital extras. I love that I can trust that my child will be learning interesting and important facts and that their attention will be captured over the summer with this book. Every time you open it up you read you learn something new. This will be a staple read for my boys over the summer! 5 stars

Highlights of the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 (ages 8-12) include:

* What’s new and newsy in our world 

* Cool events to look forward to in 2019 like World Emoji Day in July ’19 and Scooby-Doo’s 50th birthday in September ‘19

* Hot movies coming in 2019

* Latest updates about animals like the new four-legged recruits in Brooklyn and Taipei that are currently in training to help their human friends in law enforcement and how a recent Tasmanian Devil baby boom is helping to 

                  ensure these marsupials are saved from extinction

* All About Animals — An entire section devoted to the wild and wonderful animal kingdom, including profiles of the awesome "Unicorns of the Sea," how dolphin’s brains work and the crazy antics of armadillos

* Science and Technology — Cool inventions, how the slinky came to be and which animals have the strongest sniffers — to name just a few

* Nature - Important and timely coverage of recent natural disasters, ideas for protecting our seas and examining wild weather and its impact

* 19 facts for 2019 feature in every chapter including 19 Amazing Facts About Vikings, Telescopes, Deserts, Big Cats and more

* Almanac Challenge 2019 — Lions Forever! 

* This year’s challenge encourages kids to get involved and make a difference. The focus is on highlighting the threats lions face and the importance of saving them.  Kids are encouraged to visit natgeokids.com/almanac to create a lion poster and send a message with their entry about why they feel lions must be saved.  Winner will receive a $500 cash prize!

* Crafts, Recipes and Activities

* Digital Extras (videos, games, and even how to set up a “Lion-Ade Stand!) at natgeokids.com/almanac 

Sized just right for backpacks, backseats and for reading under the covers, the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 is a summer reading slam dunk. Sample spreads can be viewed here. 

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#MMBBR #Review #WhatDoTheyDoWithAllThatPoo by @janekurtz via #Partner @barbfisch @blueslipper #BeachLaneBooks

What Do They Do with All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was pretty interesting. I loved learning all about the different kinds of poo. I know that sounds pretty strange, but it was quite fascinating. I never knew that Sloths creep down from trees to poo or that wombat's poo is cube-shaped. It was also cool to learn about what they do with all that poo at the zoo and how it can help the environment. It is a book that kids will find super funny and interesting at the same time. A great book for schools and home.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jane Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon (where she now lives), but when she was two years old, her parents decided to move to Ethiopia, where she spent most of her childhood. Jane speaks about being an author at schools and conferences—in all but eleven of the United States, so far, and such places as Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, France, Germany, Romania, Russia, Oman, England, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Japan. She helped start Ethiopia Reads (EthiopiaReads.org), a nonprofit that is planting libraries for children and printing some of the first easy-reader books in local languages in Ethiopia. She is the author of many books for children, including Water Hole Waiting and River Friendly River Wild, winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite award for picture book text. To learn more, visit her website: janekurtz.com.

Twitter: @janekurtz

#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #YouLuckyDog by #DebraFinerman via #Partner @annasacca #STEWARTSGROVEPRESS

You Lucky Dog by Debra Finerman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

#FirstLine ~ I can't believe I am dead.

A cute book that is original and fun. A lighthearted story that all dog lovers will enjoy. A premise that is quite fascinating to think about became a story that was sweet and funny. A nice quick read for the beach.

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#MMBBR #Review #FirstLine #WhatHappenedThatNight @block_sandra @TallPoppyWriter

What Happened That Night by Sandra  Block

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#FirstLine ~ It sucks me in.

Holy Man! This book is rock solid. Block has managed to tackle some very tough topics with such a genuine and authentic voice. She is not afraid to let the characters lead the story and share their own truths. Her brilliantly thrilling book left me memorized. It was paced perfectly and the characters were those that you could not help but be moved by. This book literally knocked my socks off. It will make a PERFECT book club pick!

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