1000 Books for Children ~ Help Put A Book In A Child's Life This Christmas

Genre:  Children's Book

Early Bullying and Lessons of Kindness

What's So Special About Sarah?
 This little book is helping to lay a foundation for kindness and caring about others' feelings in schools.  Bullying is a serious problem in our school systems across the Country starting as early as Elementary School.  This one small book with its one clear meaning can help children see the special gifts kindness can bring in building good friends.

‘Sarah O’Hara ~ Gift of the Fairy Wings’ is an AMAZING book with AMAZING results!!!!! . . . I can see how this book really can begin to change the world, one child/family at a time. The content is interesting to children and easy to understand. It helps them to see that being kind in the real world is very important to making our world a better place to live. Thank you so much for this beautiful book!
~ Susan Basler, Director, Akron Head Start, Akron CO



What the Bookish Dame Asks:

I don't like the word "disadvantaged" when speaking of children.  Somehow it lessens them in the ears, and diminishes them automatically in the eyes of others.  I like to think of some children more as those who haven't had access to some of the things they need to achieve their personal best in life.  Those who haven't experienced the special feelings of owning a book of their own, for instance. All children have the ability and spirit in them for great things.  What all of them don't always have is a means to encourage that journey...a book for a lighthouse. Light in the darkness.

The very  kind author of "Sarah O'Hara..." and her children's health organization, whose focus is on giving them joy for the journey, asked me and I'm asking you, to lend a hand in making it possible to put books in the hands of promising children...those children who need the gift of a book to give them hope in their journey to greatness; to all they can be.

Most of us can vividly recall the day and moment that a book sparked magic for us; starting us on a voyage leading us through a life of joy, knowledge, clear direction and education.  Starting us on a life with the promise of having something that couldn't be taken from us or our memories.

Please take a couple of minutes and a minimal amount of money to invest in the lives of children who need you.

YOUR AVENUE OF KINDNESS :

By purchasing a copy of “Sarah O’Hara Gift of the Fairy Wings” you can put another copy into the hands of a homeless child or a kid who’s never had a brand new book.


From now through the Christmas season, for every hardcover or eBook sold, through Amazon.com*, a brand new Sarah O’Hara book will be donated to a local organization that will make sure a child has their very own signed copy to treasure.

The book is particularly relevant for parents, grandparents, educators, and caregivers who struggle with teaching their kids to be kind in an age where bullying begins in preschool.

“Sarah O’Hara ~ Gift of the Fairy Wings” has won three national awards. It’s brilliant colors and engaging illustrations make it a favorite of children preschool to eight or nine years old. Each book purchased from this site will be autographed, by the author, to your child, children or YOU if you write their first name in the note/comment section of your PayPal transaction.

Here's What Others Are Saying :


“Sarah O’Hara ~ Gift of the Fairy Wings” is adored by educators and children alike!

‘Sarah O’Hara ~ Gift of the Fairy Wings’ is an AMAZING book with AMAZING results!!!!! . . . I can see how this book really can begin to change the world, one child/family at a time. The content is interesting to children and easy to understand. It helps them to see that being kind in the real world is very important to making our world a better place to live. Thank you so much for this beautiful book!
~ Susan Basler, Director, Akron Head Start, Akron CO


“I had to email and tell you what a great response I had to your book. The kids were enthralled by the pictures and the story! Today when they came back to school, they couldn’t wait to look through the pictures. Several children wanted to hear the book again and some said they wanted it for Christmas!”
~ Betsy Mc H., Preschool Teacher and Author


Wow! The story is great, but as a former art teacher I must say I LOVE the illustrations! Ms. Crouthamel has to be one of the freshest new talents in book illustration to come along in years. The attention to detail, the color and the creation of these wonderful characters is extraordinary. This is truly a case of both words and illustrations coming together perfectly to teach a fine lesson. I hope to find more books written and illustrated by this pair of talented women!
~ Donna Wesley, former Art Teacher



BUY ONE GIFT ONE FREE:    

Note:  When "this site" is referred to in the text it refers to http://www.sarahohara.com/   or  http://sarahohara.com/blog/anti-bullying-blog/


From now, until year end, put a book into the hands of a homeless or disadvantaged child.

As stated above, for every hardcover or eBook sold, through Amazon.com*, a brand new Sarah O’Hara book will be donated to a local organization that will make sure a child has their very own signed copy to treasure. You will save 30% off the cover price (taken at checkout) get free shipping from a purchases on this site http://www.saraohara.com/ , and a child who may never have had a book of their own, will get a wonderfully illustrated, heartwarming story about how being kind rocks!


Just click on any one of the links to purchase your copy now!


Use coupon code ‘KIND’ Discount will be applied at check out.


Purchase EBOOK on Amazon.com


*purchases on Amazon must be made directly to Amazon.com, not an Amazon vendor.

Save 30% Plus get FREE SHIPPING*

(*30% discount/free shipping offer applies only to purchases checked out through this website:  http://sarahohara.com/blog/anti-bullying-blog )



Thanking you in advance for your joining us in this Christmastime gift of books for children!  I wish everyone in America a book for Christmas, especially our precious children.

Grammie Bee

"Stanley the Seagull"~ He's Adorable!

Book Summary :

Meet a young seagull named Stanley. Follow him as he wanders far from home and tries to find his way back. Join Stanley on his journey as he learns how humans affect the balance of nature.

Published by:  Tribute Books

Pages:  32 with pictures

Grammie's Message:

Dear Stanley is the cutest seagull ever!  His book is fun to read and has lots of pictures to keep young ones' imaginations going while you read to them.  I was even able to read "Stanley..." over Skype to my grandson, and he loved it!

The story of a kindly, but young seagull, "Stanley.." will warm the hearts of little ones while teaching (in a gentle way) the lessons of home and heeding the advice of others.  Stanley is caught up in a "situation" where his impulse to get what he wants; i. e., more food, overcomes his caution and the warning of his friend.  He grabs more food from a trash truck only to become trapped and carried off a long way from home--to a landfill before he knows it!  At the landfill he learns about how humans are affecting the environment.

Scared and very far from home, poor Stanley realizes his mistake in not listening to his friend's warning.  Or, put another way; he learns that for every action, there's a reaction...for bad or for worse, and in this case it's worse because he is not home; not near his beautiful beach!

A wise old seagull, Walter, helps Stanley, and from him Stanley learns how to get back home.  Dear Stanley recognizes that there really is no place like his home, and he learns others just might be able to share wise advice he could learn from.

I loved this little book.  It's just right for children who are learning impulse control, listening to teachers and parents for guidance, and understanding about our environment.  The pictures are so darling.  They visually support Stanley's feelings throughout.

All in all, "Stanley the Seagull" is a bright new book for children, one that is fun to read to them and one that has a  messages they might easily take in.

The other thing that impresses me about this book is that it is published by Tribute Books which is an up-and-coming small publishing house.  They have had much success with "Stanley the Seagull," and we should look for more success from them in the future as they choose interesting books and fine authors to support.

To read more about Stanley and his authors, please go to:

http://stanleyseagull.blogspot.com/

5 stars for a sweet book with important messages!

Grammie Bee

"Puppet Play: 20 Puppet Projects Made w/ Recycled Mittens, Towels, Socks.."~Lots of Stuff to Love!

Published by:  Andrews McMeel Publishing

Pages:  168

Genre:  Children's, Arts & Crafts, Home and Garden, YA



Book Information :

Have fun and go green with Diana Schoenbrun's Puppet Play: 20 Puppet Projects Made with Recycled Mittens, Towels, Socks, and More. A puppet builder, an illustrator, and an author, Schoenbrun presents 20 puppet projects made with recycled materials easily found around the house.
A lonely sock becomes a wizard puppet. A glove without a mate turns into five little pig puppets. And that tired dishtowel transforms into a lively banjo player puppet—all at very little cost. Diana Schoenbrun's easy-to-follow directions are accompanied by how-to illustrations. Also included are full-color photographs of puppets, as well as a chapter that guides children through creating and presenting their own puppet show. So, the next time the dryer eats a single sock, get crafty, go green, and go play with Puppet Play.


Grammie's Word on Puppets :

There's nothing that builds family memories more than making and playing with puppets!  I recall some little boys; a knight in shining armor, a dragon; and a big sister who was the damsel in distress!  They've never forgotten, either. 

This darling book will delight children and parents alike with its simple directions for making puppets with recycled toss-aways.  Socks are particularly fun with their mix of bold colors and crazy patterns.  Young ones can easily use markers, children's scissors and fancy ribbons tied on to decorate.

Teens will get some ideas for fun projects, as well.  This book offers everyone a chance to make darling puppets for fund-raisers and charity projects.


I say this is a great book for families and older children to use any time; it's also perfect for special occasions like Halloween, birthdays, Christmas, and rainy days.

Grammie Bee gives this book 4 bees for all around fun and flexibility.


*Do you have any good ideas to share about puppet-making?


Hugs,
Grammie Bee

Fancy Nancy "Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day" by Jane O'Connor & Robin Preiss Glasser

Published by:  Harper Collins Publishers

Ages:  4-7

Pages: 30

Dust Jacket & Fully Illustrated Book Cover

Grammie Bee's Buzz :

Ooh La La!  Nancy has gotten very fancy once again and has created a beauty spa for her mom to help celebrate her birthday.  Daddy is taking her mom out for dinner, so Nancy is going to help her become beautiful for their date.

In her own perfectly fancy way, Fancy Nancy goes over the top and has loads of fun with face masks, nail polishes, and hair products, etc...  All these to the delight of the darling girls in your lives, I feel sure!

My little grands Hadley and Ella are just the age for these little Fancy Nancy books.  Hadley loves them!  Since her mommy's birthday is in November, it's the perfect time to make sure Hadley gets a copy, too.

One thing that makes this book fun for moms as well as fancy little girls is that Ms's O'Connor and Glasser have included the nifftiest recipes and craft instructions for you.

These include a face mask recipe, fruit & yogurt parfait, how to make a braid and others.

Fun, fun!

Bring your little one to see the videos of Fancy Nancy and this book on my sidebar.  

And, please let us know if you have purchased this already for your little one, and how they like it.

Grammie gives 5 bees to this brilliant book!

Doggie Day Today! Grammie Bee's Dog, Clara...

Granpop and Clara

Where?  Key West, FL

As you can see, Clara's pretty much a "Daddy's Dog."  She and Granpop have a close relationship.  She tells him what to do and he's good about minding her.  In fact, he's pretty much attentive to her every need.  Every night she lets him know when it's 9:30PM, and it's time for her walk around the neighborhood to look for rabbits.  She's pretty much unrelenting until he gets up from his easy chair, puts down his tv control, hooks her harness up and follows her outside.

Clara has several tags and signs and "words" to let us know what she wants.  If we don't get her messages right the first time we question her, she'll just sit quietly.  If we hit the right word, she'll jump down, twirl around and look at us expectantly.  As I said, she's good at getting what she wants from us.

We've had Clara running our household for about 9 years now.  And, we love her so much! 

Recommendations if you're thinking of getting a Yorkie:

1)  They rule the roost, even if you have other dogs...and no matter how large those dogs are.

2)  They like treats, all day long!

3)  They're loyal and they're protective.

4)  They are hunters by genetics, so they will take after rabbits, squirrels, frogs, lizards, iguanas, and anything else small that moves relatively fast!  So, better be prepared with a harness and a good grip on it.

5)  Always use a harness-type leash.  The neck-type will crush their esophagus and will damage them.

6)  They demand attention at some part of the day, but will sleep quietly next to you if you're reading, blog writing or watching tv...or any other activity.

7)  They're social.  Love everyone who comes in the house, and want to be picked up, or at least recognized and petted...a little.

8)  Yorkies are great with children.

What's your dog?

Happy National Dog Day!!

Hugs,

Grammie Bee



Tween's Book Series~"The Magnificent 12" by Michael Grant



The Skinny :

Catch up on The Magnificent 12, best-selling author Michael Grant’s new series for middle grade readers, with a bundle including the first two books in this laugh-out-loud funny, action-packed fantasy series.
Sometimes one hero isn’t enough—sometimes you need a full dozen. Mack, armed with only his phobias and quick wit, sets out to gather a team of twelve children to defeat the Pale Queen and save the world.
Explore the wonderful world of The Magnificent 12 at the series’ rich interactive website at www.themag12.com.

Reviews :

“Grant’s brand of action and humor should satisfy both those readers who get down with fantasy and those who prefer to send it up.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A terrific start, with an elaborate website festooned with games and contests to ease the wait for sequels.”
— Booklist (starred review)

“The author keeps the story moving at a brisk pace with suspenseful action and laugh-out-loud humor. The juxtaposition of chapters that recount Grimluk’s ancient adventures in times when math wasn’t even invented against those when the young protagonist is equipped with an iPhone and receives text messages from his golem produces a lighter-than-usual fantasy action-adventure that is sure to win many fans and fly off the shelves.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Gram's Recommendation:


Tweens and teens love series books, especially those that are well written with engaging stories and characters.  This series just fits the bill.  In hard cover, these books with their exciting, beautiful covers are sure to cause your best loved boy or girl to be escaping you to their favorite book reading hideout.


Highly recommended!


Grammie Bee

"Junonia" ~ A Book for Keeps

Author:  Kevin Henkes

Publisher:  Greenwillow Books

Pages:  192

Ages:  Children 9-12  (Girls)

Purchase:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Other

See: http://www.amazon.com/ for a video of the author



Summary :

Returning to the beach cottage—a cottage named Scallop—where she has always celebrated her birthday is a special occasion for Alice Rice.
Who will see the first dolphin this time? The first pelican? What will have changed? Stayed the same? And will this be the year she finally finds a junonia shell?
Alice's friends are all returning, too. And she's certain her parents have the best party planned for her. Alice can't wait. If Alice is lucky, everything will be absolutely perfect. Will Alice be lucky?

Grammie's Review :

Every once in a while a book comes along that grown ups want in their library, 'though it's meant for children.  "Junonia" is just such a book.  It's meant for children ages 9-12, but while they may appreciate it...parents will, too.

This special little book is inviting from the cover.  A small girl's back calls us back to days when we were a child; watching the summer water, looking for adventure, finding special shells, spying birds and studying what they're doing, discovering sea creatures, and burning in the sun...  Like Alice of "Junonia" we were expecting adventure and magical things to happen, weren't we?

"Junonia" is a beautifully illustrated book inside and out.  This small volume reminds me of a book I've treasured all my adult life, and have given as a gift to many friends, "A Gift From the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.  While Mrs. Lindbergh's book is written from the perspective of a woman who's seeking solitude, peace of heart and wisdom that comes in the journey, Mr. Henkes brings us the same such journey from a child's heart.  His addition of Alice's birthday symbolizes this journey, too.

The secrets of a child's heart is one of the rare beauties of Mr. Henkes's book.  He shines in his ability to understand the longings and joys of a little girl's feelings.  His ability to tranlate those intimate emotions is a mark of his depth of sensitivity and talent.  This is an unusually sweet and heartfelt book.

I recommend "Junonia" to those who would like to give a special gift to grandchildren, family and friends.  I recommend it as a gift for yourself.  It would be a beautiful gift for a friend in need of comfort. 

It's a wonderful little book to keep close in the wintery days when we forget how warm and joyful sun and summer can be...how the search for a special shell can bring a sort of joy to our hearts no matter what age we are.

5 stars

Deborah/Grammie Bee !