Books for Adults

October 25, 2016

Mrs. G

The Art of Blissful Parenting + A Giveaway!

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for The Art of Blissful Parenting by Sharon Ballantine. The blast will run October 24 – October 26, 2016.

About the Book

Title: The Art of Blissful Parenting | Author: Sharon Ballantine | Genre: Parenting Number of Pages: 190 | Publisher: Balboa Press | Publication Date: November 24, 2015 Book Description: What if you had the ideal relationship with your children? This book is for every parent that wants to have a powerful bond with their kids. Parents have the opportunity for newfound freedom and joy when they teach their children about their Internal Guidance System. Tools and guidance are offered in this book for exacting the art of blissful parenting by practicing alignment. It’s fun and easy to work with the Universe and a short lesson in the Law of Attraction is part of this script. Parents-live and also teach your children how to manifest what they want by thinking in a more positive way and deliberately creating their lives.

Amazon | Balboa Press | Barnes & Noble

What others are saying… “This book is filled with amazing tools for any adult who wants to sharpen the innate gifts of the children in their lives and support them in developing and following their internal guidance. Beautifully and thoughtfully written with clear practical exercises to allow you to put into practice what you have read.” – Debbie (Amazon Reviewer)
“The Art of Blissful Parenting offers readers a refreshing, out-of-the-box approach to raising happy children. Sharon offers practical tools and tips for teaching kids how to thrive by using the law of attraction and following their internal guidance system.” – (Amazon Reviewer) “This is a fascinating book for anyone who wants to raise confident, independent children. The author presents her unique ideas in a thoughtful and insightful way” – Cheryl (Amazon Reviewer)

About the Author: Sharon Ballantine

Sharon Ballantine is a Parenting Coach and certified Law of Attraction Life Coach. She has successfully raised three children and is the author a new book “The Art of Blissful Parenting.” Sharon is the founder of “The Ballantine Parenting Institute,” her online parenting program. Ballantine is a sought after speaker, and was host to her own Internet TV Show with Conscious Evolution Media Network from 2013-2014. The platform of The Sharon Ballantine TV Show featured a conversation with passionate spiritually minded guests. Sharon also had her own column with Beliefnet.com “Parenting on Purpose.” Sharon was interviewed on TV, February 15, 2016 for her new book release, “The Art of Blissful Parenting” on KING 5 New Day Northwest, a live daytime talk show in Seattle. Ballantine has been interviewed on several radio shows including Blog Talk Radio in Los Angeles, Chat with Women radio show in Seattle and Conscious Evolution Media Internet TV in Denver. Her interview with Hay House Radio will air by summer ’16. Sharon’s website is SharonBallantine.com which features weekly teaching blogs, podcasts and slideshows. You can see her educational videos on her YouTube channel, Sharon Ballantine. Sharon lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Jay.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+

Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner’s choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Leave A Comment

children's books

October 1, 2016

Mrs. G

Freshtake Books: Hip Hop Inspired Board Books for Babies + A Giveaway!

Have you seen these adorable hip hop inspired baby board books by Freshtake Books yet? There are currently three books: Nighty Nite Problems (featuring Jay Bee), Sippin’ On Apple Juice (featuring Snoop Frog), and Piggie, Piggie, Piggie (featuring Odorous P.I.G.) based on the hit songs by Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, and the Notorious B.I.G. Written by Lily Bomar Owens, these adorable high-quality board books take three famous rap songs and spin the well-known choruses in a fun, kid-friendly way.

Snoop Frog is a hip-hoppin’ frog who likes to drink apple juice. Jay Bee is tired from too much buzzing around. He just wants to sleep, but he’s having fur problems. Fitting the typical stereotype of a pig, Odorous P.I.G.’s room is a mess, a real pigsty. And his momma’s not too happy about it. A fun and very cute gift idea for your hip hop or music lovin’ babies!

Our friends at Freshtake Books were gracious enough to sponsor this fun giveaway: 1 lucky US-based winner will win a copy of the book Piggie, Piggie, Piggie. Use the entry form below to enter for your chance to win. Good luck!

Freshtake Books Giveaway

Connect with Freshtake Books!
Website | Instagram

Leave A Comment

children's books

September 21, 2016

Mrs. G

Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO: Author Interview + A Giveaway!

Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO by Dr. Tamara Nicole Pizzoli, illustrated by Federico Fabiani

Publisher: The English Schoolhouse
Pages: 40
Format: Paperback
Available for Sale: September 19, 2016

Synopsis
Tallulah the Tooth Fairy is not only the founder and CEO of the largest teeth collecting organization on the planet, Teeth Titans, Incorporated, she’s a clever and wildly successful business woman with an affinity for all things dental. A natural innovator and problem solver, Tallulah finds herself unexpectedly stumped when six year-old Ballard Burchell leaves a note instead of his tooth under his pillow. What’s a Tooth Fairy to do when there’s no tooth to take?

Sneak peek inside the book Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO. photo credit @tamarapizzoli

Author Interview
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Tamara Nicole Pizzoli to talk about her latest book. Check it out!

Tell us about your latest book. How did you come up with the concept?

Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO came about after an exchange with my eldest son, Noah. He’s seven now but at the time I wrote the book he was six, and he’d just lost a tooth. I was pregnant with my third son, and Noah came home from school with his tooth in hand. I was so excited and told him he just needed to hold onto it until bedtime and that we’d put it under his pillow. Only God knows what happened to that tooth between the afternoon and when it was time for bed. I was really emotional (blame the pregnancy hormones) and once I realized he’d lost his lost tooth I asked him what in the world he was going to do with no tooth to leave for the tooth fairy. Noah has always been a very rational and easy-going child. His immediate response was, “It’s really no big deal. I’m just going to write her a note and explain what happened. I’m sure she’ll understand.” The thought really blew me away because somehow, his six year-old brain believed not only in the tooth fairy, but in the tooth fairy as a rational and merciful being. I put him and his brother Milo to bed by 8:30 or 9 that night, and by midnight the story was written. In my imagination, the tooth fairy is a mashup between two of my favorite Irises–Iris Peyando, a dear friend who is a Dominican-Italian actress here in Rome, and my life muse, Iris Apfel.

What message are you hoping little readers will grasp from this book?
I like taking classic stories and characters and flipping them on their heads. I like offering readers the possibility to consider other possibilities. Why wouldn’t The Tooth Fairy be a Black woman named Tallulah who rocks an afro and has a thing for fashion and teeth? I suppose I want young readers to change their minds and let their imaginations run wild.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I owe my eldest son Noah a lot. He’s just so quirky and funny and the way he reasons really is enchanting to me as a mother, teacher and a life-long learner. Milo, my second son, inspires me a great deal as well. Aside from the two of them, I try to act on anything that I deem to be a good and worthwhile idea. Last year I was on an alphabet kick, for example. How many ways have the ABC’s been done? Tons, for sure. But I’m sure I have published the only alphabet book for kids based on hairstyles (M is for Mohawk). As a general rule, if it’s something I would have wanted to read as a child, I try to write it and publish it.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I started writing The Ghanaian Goldilocks, my first book, when I was 30, but as a former Kindergarten teacher I can definitely say I’ve had a thing for quality children’s literature for a long, long time.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love hanging out at Elena Tommasi Ferroni’s art studio here in Rome. She’s illustrated an upcoming book of mine, Fatou and the Kora, and we have collaborated on an art exhibition together entitled #InNero: Fairytales and Histories Reimagined and Retold that depicts historical characters and fictional fairy tale protagonists as people of color. I delight in my family and friends and I live for happy hour and re-runs of The Jeffersons. When I’m not writing I’m constantly thinking of the next creative thing I want to bring into reality.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite if you had to choose one?
Tallulah The Tooth Fairy CEO is book number 7. If I had to choose one, I’d say The Ghanaian Goldilocks is my favorite, because it’s the first one and I really do think it’s a clever concept that readers of all ages and backgrounds would enjoy. Tallulah is a close second.

What are some future projects readers can expect from you?
Oh, I’ve got so much on the way. Some of my upcoming projects include a web series loosely based on my life as a Black woman living abroad entitled In Nero: Black Girls in Rome, part II of a documentary that bears the same name that highlights women of color living in the eternal city, the documentary In Nero: Black Men in Rome, an anthology of fairy tales with Black protagonists, at least three new books this year, audiobooks, West African fairy tales…all the good things.

If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
Ooooh, that’s a good question. If I weren’t an author I’d more than likely be a college professor. I enjoy spending time with people who want to learn stuff.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to fans of your work?
Yes, I’m eternally grateful for your love and support. I’m grateful for every share, every kind word, and every supportive thought. I’d like to add that they can follow me at @tamarapizzoli on Instagram or Tamara Pizzoli on Facebook and on Twitter. You can order a signed copy of the book at The English Schoolhouse or check it out on Amazon. Also, you can download a FREE copy of the book on Amazon Kindle until Friday, September 23, 2016.

The Giveaway!
Tamara was generous enough to sponsor an international giveaway! One (1) person will win an autographed copy of Tamara’s latest book Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO! Enter for your chance to win by Wednesday, September 28th at 11:59pm. Good luck! Open to everyone internationally!

Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO Book Giveaway

Leave A Comment

back to school books

August 23, 2016

Mrs. G

Back-to-School Giveaway with Brightly!

It’s no secret that I am a huge advocate of reading aloud and literacy. Over the fast few years I have watched my children develop a love of reading and literacy. I’ve also noticed their increased vocabulary and watched them make connections in the world through books. It’s truly amazing to see how far they have come in such a short period of time! That’s why I’m always thrilled when I get the opportunity to spread the word about reading, books and valuable resources like Brightly!

I first learned about Brightly two years ago when they emerged on the scene while doing an online search for children’s books. Naturally, I was immediately intrigued by heir content. Brightly is a site that helps parents raise kids who love to read. It’s is a wonderful resource from Penguin Random House that features book recommendations from all publishers for every age and stage, reading tips, author essays, and more.

Most recently, Brightly created a page on the site called, Back to School Essentials, which includes books for kids at every age level (Pre-K through High School), plus tips for parents to get back into the school groove. I’m sure you’ll agree, Brightly has a lot to offer when it comes to getting your family ready for back to school. Broken down by age and stage, our Back to School Essentials contains:

Book lists for every grade level from Pre-K and Kindergarten through High School.

Tips and advice to learn what your kids’ teacher wishes you’d do at home, survive the ‘learning to read’ phase, and manage the dinnertime craze.

Printables and fun learning activities.

Are you excited yet? Also, if you’re not already signed up to receive Brightly’s newsletter, I’d highly recommend that you do. They deliver book recommendations and reading tips right to your inbox!

The Giveaway!
I’ve teamed up with Brightly to let you know about this fantastic giveaway where you can enter to win a back-to-school prize pack for your kiddos! Contest ends Monday, August 29th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 30th!

The prize pack includes:

a Brightly tote bag
back to school printables pack
a book from the back to school roundups based on the age of the winner

Good luck!

Back-to-School Giveaway with Brightly!

Leave A Comment

Book Reviews

August 6, 2016

Mrs. G

The Bot That Scott Built + A Giveaway!

The Bot That Scott Built by Kim Norman, illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi

Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Available for Sale: August 16, 2016

Synopsis
When Scott builds a bot, a bippity-bot, sparks fly . . . and his entire classroom goes wild. Before long, fiery ants and carnivorous plants, a freaky frog, a big-bellied boa, and an exploding “volcano” have wreaked total havoc. Can Scott’s bot, which started it all, manage the mess?

Reflection
Are you familiar with the cumulative storytelling format? You know, when the previous sentence builds upon the next one? It’s the classic The House That Jack Built idea. I think reading these types of books are loads of fun and so do my kids. The pattern of these types of stories typically adds new characters or events so that the main character eventually arrives at a final situation or resolution.

I think this book is very pleasurable for little readers because there’s built in anticipation. It’s interesting to see what the next addition will be and how that will affect Scott and his bippity bot. This book does a great job building the accumulation of other characters and events which repeat as the story progresses. In the end, Scott’s robot saves the day and is regarded as a hero.

We love the hilarious chain reaction of events that take place in Scott’s classroom. Before long, there is a freaky frog and an exploding volcano. The kids seem to get a kick out of the teacher in the polka dot pants and when all of the fiery ants go flying. They always laugh out loud when looking at all of the funny facial expressions!

The bright and vivid pictures and the rhythm of the tongue-twisting text makes this action-packed book fun to read aloud with kids. A winning combination of clever writing and colorful illustrations. Overall, a wonderful book to teach children how one event can quickly spawn into other events and spiral out of control. Good thing Scott had his trustworthy bot to help save the day!

The Giveaway!
Our friends at Sterling Children’s Books were generous enough to sponsor this amazing giveaway! You can enter to win a copy of The Bot That Scott Built before it hits bookstores on August 16th! Only open to US residents age 18 and over…sorry international friends! Hurry, giveaway ends Friday, August 12th at 11:59pm Eastern time. Good luck!

The Bot That Scott Built

Your turn: Are you looking forward to checking this one out? What other cumulative storytelling books come to mind that you and your little readers have enjoyed?

Leave A Comment

Book Reviews

August 6, 2016

Mrs. G

Squash Boom Beet: A Healthy Alphabet Book for Kids + A Giveaway!

Squash Boom Beet: An Alphabet for Healthy, Adventurous Eaters
by Lisa Maxbauer Price

Publisher: Blue Bay Books, LLC
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 56

Synopsis
“Stomp your feet. Squash the ground. It’s time to explore all around. March to the garden. Listen to the beat. Get ready to find something wild to eat!” …. Tasting new vegetables can be an exciting adventure, especially when trying foods like dragon tongue beans, dinosaur kale, fairy tale eggplant and candy cane beets. Journey from A to Z in this fun story and enjoy beautiful photography of exciting farm foods-everything from awesome Asparagus to green tiger Zucchini! This is the book parents have been waiting for. Kids will want to be brave eaters if it means trying these fun veggies.

Reflection
As I’ve mentioned many times before, my kids love alphabet books although they are slowly starting to outgrow them now. The mission of alphabet books is simple – start at A, end at Z – reinforcing kids’ knowledge of the alphabet. This can be accomplished through pictures, rhyming sentences, and more.

This book, printed in the USA using environmentally friendly soy-oil inks, is gorgeous. It contains 56 pages of colorful photography featuring food grown at more than 50 local farms in the Grand Traverse, Michigan region. Traverse City has been lauded as a foodie paradise – with amazing farm-to-table restaurants. The author of this book is convinced that if kids can see the wild colors; study the amazing textures; and learn the crazy names of vegetables growing near their home, they will naturally become fans. I couldn’t agree more with this.

In this playful, rhyming book kids can explore bright and colorful images of different exotic vegetables like: dinosaur kale, dragon tongue beans, kohlrabi and watermelon radish just to name a few. I’ll be honest and say I’ve never of some of these vegetables so it was great to learn something new. Seeing all of these vegetables made me realize just how limited my knowledge of specific vegetables truly is. Have you ever seen rainbow carrots? I never knew carrots could be different colors besides orange. This book also made me more aware of all the healthy things you can find at a local farmer’s market.

Although this is a children’s book, I think it can easily appeal to all ages. It makes a beautiful coffee table book and can be used as a great conversation starter with adults. Kids will enjoy the rhyming text, colorful photographs and recognizing both the uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet.

About the Author
Lisa Maxbauer Price spent 10 years in New York City working as a magazine editor. Now that the fifth-generation Traverse City native is living back in Michigan, she continues to write for multiple national publications on health and nutrition. She has also blogged about parenting for The New York Times. She currently lives in Traverse City with her husband and three sons. Connect with Lisa on Twitter.

For more information about Squash Boom Beet, please visit squashboombeet.com or email info@bluebaybooks.com.

The Giveaway!

One (1) lucky winner will win a FREE copy of Squash Boom Beet: An Alphabet for Healthy, Adventurous Eaters. Open to all US residents age 18 and over. Good luck!

Squash Boom Beet

Your turn: Are your kids adventurous eaters? Feel free to share in the comments.

Leave A Comment

Book Reviews

July 27, 2016

Mrs. G

Bad Girls Throughout History by Ann Shen: A Review + Giveaway!

Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen

Publisher: Chronicle Books
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 222
Available for Sale: September 6, 2016

Synopsis (from Amazon)
Aphra Behn, first female professional writer. Sojourner Truth, activist and abolitionist. Ada Lovelace, first computer programmer. Marie Curie, first woman to win the Nobel Prize. Joan Jett, godmother of punk. The 100 revolutionary women highlighted in this gorgeously illustrated book were bad in the best sense of the word: they challenged the status quo and changed the rules for all who followed. From pirates to artists, warriors, daredevils, scientists, activists, and spies, the accomplishments of these incredible women vary as much as the eras and places in which they effected change.

Reflection
When I saw this book featured on Chronicle books Instagram page I knew I had to have it. An entire book dedicated to 100 remarkable badass women throughout history? Yes, please…sign me up! I don’t know about you, but I love the fact that the author added the word “bad” in the title to describe these women.

I mean, let’s face it, history is filled with bad boys who pushed the envelope and are remembered because of it, but you seldom hear about the girls. This book fills the void of the bad girls throughout history who defied boundaries and social conventions of their time.

As the introduction states, “This is a book about girls who had a ton of fear and personal flaws and faced insurmountable obstacles, but did amazing things anyway.” The author also mentions this book isn’t by any means an exhaustive list nor does it provide lots of detail of their personal stories. Instead, you’ll find short essays accompanied by the most beautiful watercolor illustrations you’ve ever seen! The essays are meant to whet your appetite for exploring more on your own if you want to dig deeper into these women’s lives.

From scientists and artists to writers and astronauts, this book highlights some of the most badass women who ever lived on planet Earth. Some of the featured women include: Oprah Winfrey, Marie Curie, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, Amelia Earhart, Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Beatrix Potter, Rosa Parks, Josephine Baker, Lucille Ball, Judy Blume, Marie Antoinette, Joan Jett, Julia Child, Susan B. Anthony, Dolly Parton, Jane Austen, Maya Angelou, Ada Lovelace, Harriet Tubman, Queen Elizabeth I, Helen Keller, Madam C.J. Walker, Malala Yousafzai and so many more! Granted, practically every woman surveyed about her top 100 leading ladies would differ drastically, but I think the author did a wonderful job with her selection. There are women of all different races, backgrounds and faiths represented throughout.

The book starts off introducing Lilith, the lesser-known first wife of Adam who was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. The remaining 99 women are introduced in chronological order from the before Christ (B.C.) period to present day. The last woman featured is Malala Yousafzai who at the age of 17 became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner ever for supporting girls’ education rights.

I’m so in LOVE with this stunning book! I took the time to read it from cover to cover over the course of two days. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also chock full of interesting tidbits and facts. There are so many women I never heard of before like Maria Mitchell (1818 – 1889), the first female American astronomer, Anna May Wong (1905 – 1961), the first Asian-American movie star and Amalia Eriksson (1824 – 1923) who invented peppermint stick candies. Who knew?

Reading this book made me realize just how grateful I am to be constantly surrounded by powerful and inspirational women in my own personal life as well as in the media. Women like Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Marie Forleo, and Sheryl Sandberg inspire me to do my part to change the world no matter how small it may be like posting book recommendations on Instagram or blogging. This book also made it crystal clear that powerful women have had a major impact on society since the beginning of time, they just haven’t been acknowledged as much as men have.

I believe this book does an amazing job communicating the fact that girl power is very much a force to be reckoned with. These 100 inspirations all prove that women run the world—whether they’re pirates, activists, warriors or dare I say, presidents. You’ll definitely want to prominently display this gem at the forefront of your book shelf. A winner!

I think this book also makes a great gift idea – pre-order one now for yourself or for one of the badass women in your squad. You can also try your luck at the giveaway listed below.

The Giveaway!
Our friends at Chronicle Books were gracious enough to sponsor a book giveaway for one (1) lucky winner! Yes, you can win a FREE copy of this book before it’s available for sale. Ends, Friday, August 12, 2016. Good luck!

Bad Girls Throughout History Book Giveaway

About the Author
Ann Shen is an illustrator and graphic designer whose bright, colorful style has been put to work on everything from young adult book covers to fashion doll packaging designs. Her illustrations have been featured in the New York Times, BUST, Grazia, The Huffington Post, and other productions. She lives in Los Angeles.

About Chronicle Books
Chronicle Books was founded in 1966 and is inspired by the enduring magic and importance of books.

Leave A Comment

children's books

July 27, 2016

Mrs. G

I’m a Pretty Princess Party Set + A Giveaway!

I’m always on the lookout for positive, self-esteem boosting products for kids, especially ones targeted for black girls and boys. My daughter will be turning 4 in September (where does the time go?) and she specifically told me she wants to have a princess themed party.

Princesses are a loved part of many American girls’ culture, but it’s no secret there is very little representation of different races and cultures. While I don’t restrict my kids to only play with certain toys or use specific products based on race, it is important for me to expose them to books, toys and products in which they can see themselves being represented. That’s why I ‘m so excited I came across this adorable princess princess party set from Crystal Swain-Bates. The party set is perfect for throwing a black princess party, birthday party, baby shower, or sleepover.

I initially mentioned Crystal on my blog last year when I mentioned her awesome coloring books for black kids in the holiday gift guide that went viral. Crystal is the author of seven fun black children’s books and the owner of Goldest Karat Publishing, LLC, a boutique publisher aiming to fill the ethnic diversity gap in traditional publishing.

Are you planning a celebration for your pretty black princess? Tired of all of the blond hair, blue eyed princesses that your daughter can’t relate to? Get this party in a box featuring a beautiful black princess named Makayla from the book I’m a Pretty Princess!

This set for 16 contains the following items: (16) 9 inch plates, (16) 7 inch dessert plates, (16) 9 inch cups, 16 pink and yellow balloons, 16 cupcake wrappers, and (1) pink tablecloth. Also available is the “Big Hair Don’t Care” party set which is just as cute!

This set for 16 also contains the following items: (16) 9 inch plates, (16) 7 inch dessert plates, (16) 9 inch cups, 16 pink and yellow balloons, and 16 napkins.

Remind your little black and brown girls of their sparkle by throwing them their very own princess party. Click here to order a party set or browse some of the other amazing items available on the website including: books, coloring books, magnets, t-shirts, tote bags and more! Use discount code “hereweeread” to get 10% off your purchases.

Connect with Crystal Swain-Bates!

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Giveaway!
Our friend Crystal was gracious enough to sponsor this fabulous giveaway for a “Big Hair Don’t Care” party set. Be sure to enter before the deadline. Good luck!

Big Hair Don’t Care Party Set

Leave A Comment

Book Reviews

July 13, 2016

Mrs. G

Wash Day by Christin Armstrong + A Giveaway!

Wash Day by Christin Armstrong

Publisher: Mocha Kid Publishing Co.
Published: June 12, 2016
Pages: 32

Synopsis
Every child can relate to the struggles that come along with wash day. Some parents can relate as well. Empathize with all of our wash day sentiments in this adorable book for your Mocha Kid.

Reflection
I’ve designated Sunday to be the day my daughter and I wash our hair. If we have plans on Sunday, our backup day is Friday evening. Our Sunday ritual was formed because I want my daughter’s hair to be fresh for school on Mondays.

I initially started wearing my hair in its natural state six and a half years ago. Back then, wash day was a breeze because I took the plunge and did the “big chop” aka cut all of my hair off. As my hair started to grow out, I found myself dedicating a whole day to the cleansing ritual of my hair. I must admit, it was quite daunting and downright exhausting. I felt a lot like the little girl does in the beginning of this adorable book. She says, “Is it washday again? Surely it can’t be! We just did this last week. Don’t do this to me!”
Inspired by the author’s daughter and YouTube sensation, Riley Armstrong, this book is one that little girls with natural hair (and their mothers) will easily relate to. The girl in this book starts off by having a tantrum because she doesn’t want to get her hair washed yet again. She doesn’t like getting her hair detangled nor does she like her eyes stinging from the “tear-free” shampoo. The girl has no choice but to oblige and let her mom start the hair washing and styling process. By the end of the book, the little girl is all smiles and she’s pleased with how good her hair looks.

The illustrations are so bright and cheerful – they make me smile. They show the little girl getting her hair washed, conditioned, detangled and finally all twisted up. Kids will be captivated by the rhyming text used throughout. I think this book does a good job showing just how intimidating wash day can be for little girls (and women) with a head full of natural hair like me and my daughter. Tangles and knots alone can turn a day meant to be about pampering to one of frustration. Luckily for me, I’ve found a regimen and hair washing process that works well for me and my daughter that doesn’t take all day to complete.

I think this book also shows just how beautiful the end result of wash day can be. I mean who doesn’t like the feeling of having your hair freshly washed and styled? For me, it’s an instant pick me up. When my hair looks good, it automatically boosts my confidence and makes me feel good just like this cute little girl. Check this book out and read it with your little mocha girl on wash day or any day!

About the Mocha Kid Magazine
Mocha Kid is an up-and-coming interactive magazine that is geared towards empowering, unleashing and glorifying the many physical shades of African American children. Their sole purpose is to equip parents with the necessary tools and insights that will nurture the needs and fashion of their little ones.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Giveaway!
Our friends over at Mocha Kid Magazine were kind enough to sponsor a giveaway to win 1 FREE copy of Wash Day! Use the entry form below to enter. Good luck!

Wash Day Book Giveaway!

Your turn: Wash day: Do you love it or hate it? What are your favorite wash day tips when washing your daughter’s hair? Feel free to share in the comments.

Leave A Comment

giveaways

July 8, 2016

Mrs. G

Just Like Me Box Plus a Giveaway!

I’ve featured several literary subscription boxes here on the blog before like Bookroo, My Lit Box, Heritage Box and The Story Box. Today, I’m introducing you to a new subscription box that was built on the foundation of exposing children of color to literature, characters, authors and stories that are reflective of them: Just Like Me Box.

After first-time mom, Tamara McNeil, grew frustrated with searching for books featuring black characters, she took matters into her own hands and created Just Like Me!. By day, Tamara is a public relations director for a national nonprofit, and by night, she’s juggling the role of wife, mother, and newly minted entrepreneur.

The mission of Just Like Me! is to spark a lifelong love of reading and self-discovery with every box they ship. Each month they will send you a perfectly curated box filled with 2-3 African-American children’s books and other educational tools. Before making their selections they consider the subject, authors, awards, and prices of each item. Each book is read and discussed by their team before it is included in any subscription box.

Just Like Me! has access to thousands African American themed books. From classic children’s books, board books, award winning literature to books written by new authors sharing exciting new adventures, Just Like Me! hand picks items for your child each month. Books are chosen based on educational value, merit, and awards. The Just Like Me! team will search and identify the books that are perfect additions to your child’s reading list each month.

Our friends at Just Like Me! were kind enough to send us a sample of one of their boxes. It came in a sturdy cardboard box and it was nicely packaged. The theme of their July box was “Black Excellence”. A beautifully designed pamphlet was included which contains a definition of what the word excellent means along with some inspirational words and tips that encourage children to achieve and maintain a high level of excellence.

Our box contained the following items:

1 copy of Sugar Plum Ballerinas Plum Fantastic by Whoopi Goldberg
1 copy of Marvelous Me by Lisa Bullard
1 copy of The Marley Adventures: Get to Know Marley by K. Alicia Bolton
1 copy of Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
1 copy of The Marley Adventures Activity Book

Just Like Me! is a simple subscription service with no strings attached. You are free to cancel anytime.

Cost: $25 per month plus tax with FREE shipping (includes 2-3 books and other educational tools)

Connect with Just Like Me Box!

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Giveaway!
Just Like Me! was generous enough to sponsor a giveaway to receive a FREE subscription box! Sorry international friends, this is only for US residents due to high shipping costs. Good luck to all who enter!

Just Like Me! Free 1-Month Subscription Box

Leave A Comment

Book Reviews

June 3, 2016

Mrs. G

The Positivity Kit: A Book Giveaway!

The Positivity Kit by Lisa Currie

Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
Publisher: TarcherPerigee/Penguin Random House
Available for Sale: June 7, 2016 | Pre-Order Link

Synopsis (from Amazon)
Brimming with engaging prompts that focus on the good things in life, this interactive book is guaranteed to cheer up even the grumpiest person on the rainiest day.

Prompts include:

Draw your dream home.
Make a grateful list.
Compile the perfect playlist.
Draw yourself a tattoo (on paper!).
List 30 great ways to spend a free hour.
Write a thank you note to a stranger.
A smell that reminds you of someone you love
Something you never congratulated yourself on, but should have

On the heels of Me, You, Us and The Scribble Diary, The Positivity Kit is illustrator Lisa Currie’s most personal, and most upbeat, book yet.

Reflection
Receiving this book was so timely for me since I’m currently on a mini break from posting on Instagram and decreasing my time spent on other social media platforms as well. Sometimes I find it gets to be too much “noise” and distractions from my everyday life. Right now, I’m practicing being more still, intentional and living in the present moment.

Think about it, how often do you actually pause and take notice of how beautiful the things you’re surrounded by everyday are? Yesterday I took notice of how beautiful of a day it was. Not a single cloud in the sky. I watched as the trees on the other side of the road slowly swayed back and forth in a cool Northeast breeze. I opened up the windows and took the moment of beauty in, completely understanding how often I take for granted amazing weather and a moment of stillness. I was so happy and content in that moment. After that I immediately opened The Positivity Kit and completed the first exercise which is to write yourself a message in the sky. Something that would make you smile if you saw it.

Each one of the exercises in this book literally fills me with happiness instantly – honestly! Studies have shown, just by doing something like creating anything almost instantly makes us feel better. How cool is that? This book is packed with jump-starter prompts and reminders of reasons the world is – even on the grayest days – a beautiful place.

I haven’t completed this entire book yet, but so far my favorite prompts are: filling a page with all the good things I’ve done in my life so far (big and little things), listing all of the places in the world I hope to visit one day, and creating my own ultimate happy song playlist. I’m seriously having a blast filling this book up with all of my happy thoughts. Can you see how doing these things will instantly make you feel good? I’ve never taken the time to actually write any of these things down so to have them all in one book instead of random vision boards or scrap pieces of paper is perfect!

Thanks to the publisher TarcherPerigee/Penguin Random House, I’m hosting a giveaway for one (1) copy of The Positivity Kit! Enter the giveaway below. Good luck!

The Positivity Kit by Lisa Currie

Leave A Comment

giveaways

May 2, 2016

Mrs. G

$100 Mother’s Day Cash Giveaway!

I really can’t believe Mother’s Day is right around the corner…where does the time go?

Although you should honor the mothers in your life and make them feel special every day, Mother’s Day is that one day out of the year to make moms feel extra special – a time to honor them, pamper them, thank them, and bless them.

So I’ve gotten together with a group of nine amazing bloggers in the hopes of blessing ONE lucky lady this Mother’s Day. We’ve come together to create a giveaway where we are giving away $100 in cash! Who couldn’t use an extra $100? I know I sure could!

To enter, just fill out the form below. I know that sometimes these giveaways may seem a little overwhelming with all of the entries, but I hope you’ll enter anyway. You never know, you may just win the grand prize! Please bear in mind we all put forth our own money for this prize in hopes of blessing one of you! You are blessing us in return by visiting our blogs and entering our giveaway. Good Luck!

Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!

Entry -Form

Your turn: If you win this giveaway, how would you spend the money? Feel free to share in the comments.

Leave A Comment

The Art of Blissful Parenting + A Giveaway!

About the Book

About the Author: Sharon Ballantine

Book Blast Giveaway

Freshtake Books: Hip Hop Inspired Board Books for Babies + A Giveaway!

Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO: Author Interview + A Giveaway!

Back-to-School Giveaway with Brightly!

The Bot That Scott Built + A Giveaway!

Squash Boom Beet: A Healthy Alphabet Book for Kids + A Giveaway!

Bad Girls Throughout History by Ann Shen: A Review + Giveaway!

I’m a Pretty Princess Party Set + A Giveaway!

Wash Day by Christin Armstrong + A Giveaway!

Just Like Me Box Plus a Giveaway!

The Positivity Kit: A Book Giveaway!

$100 Mother’s Day Cash Giveaway!

Quick Links

Categories

About the Book

About the Author: Sharon Ballantine

Book Blast Giveaway

DON’T MISS OUT!

Quick Links

Follow Along

Categories