“Snow Takes the Checker” is the first story in the “Snow The Race Horse” series written by Demi Clark. “Snow” is a 10 year old horse that grew up in a family that races competitively. He has a close friend, a turtle named, “Tuga” who also races and is the fastest turtle on the East Coast!

Together, “Snow” and “Tuga” trained hard to compete in the hardest race of the year – the Animal 500. There is always a bad guy in the story, and his name is “Robbie the Race Raccoon” who tries very hard to thwart their efforts of winning!

However, in the end, the spirit of friendship rides high in this race and there is a feel-good end to it.

About the Author :

After a successful 5-year career with the company, leading teams & projects plus launching 60+ communities for the homebuilder, Demi Clark chose to venture out on her own in a “down economy.” She started her own woman-focused/based PR firm, Girl Friday. In its infancy, she already has five major clients (and no free time!) – with her first major clients in the motorsports arena. Always challenging the “girl power” banner, she has two “chicks” of her own at home who fuel her fire – Maizie, 5, and Willa, 3. Demi makes her home in Fort Mill, South Carolina – a suburb of Charlotte, NC and the heart of motorsports.

Buy it! : I especially liked the part where “Snow” and “Tuga” are determined not to retaliate against “Robbie” and display good sportsmanship throughout the race. My boys certainly love this book, as it reminds them of racing car competitions and the colorful illustrations. Check out and/or pre-order the future sequels to the “Snow the Race Horse” series here.

Here’s what our panel reviewers have to say about it :

Pookie and the Boys : I enjoyed the short story and the details that were added to help the story along. I would recommend it to children in the ages of 6-8 and who love the idea of racing.

The Sewing Mom : I thought this was pretty thoughtful on Snow’s part, but it also show Robbie in the background looking exhausted and losing the race. So, while Snow was quite polite during the race, she certainly didn’t do any favors for anyone other than her friend.

She Scribes :I thought this book was really cute and very easy to read, even for beginner readers. The pages are filled with large, colorful illustrations that make the story come to life.

Crunchy Green Mom : It is a great story to teach kids about sportsmanship and a supportive family.

Reviews & Reflections : If your family is into any type of racing (NASCAR, dirt-track racing, horse racing, etc.), this book will be a big hit!  Children will appreciate the cute storyline about Snow and Tuga, while enjoying the simple, yet colorful, illustrations.

Connie’s View : Snow Takes the Checker will keep your child’s attention easily. It’s as if you are hearing a sportscaster talk you through the twists and turns of a race. The illustrations are colorful and inviting.

The Plus Size Mommy : When the book Snow The Race Horse came in the mail, my near 2 yr. old daughter was so excited that a new book came for her. The pictures in the book are so cute, and my daughter just loves horses. This alone was enough to catch her attention.

Blogmania : This was also a book about friendship and working together. These are traits that all children learn through guidance and trial and error.

Ang’s Chicken Coop : This is a cute story about Snow the Racehorse. He isn’t a racehorse in the traditional sense. He is more like a mix between a race car and a race horse. That was a bit confusing for my daughter who understands horse racing.

One House Schoolroom Review : The story is delightful as we watch Snow and Tuga race against some tough competition.

Mom Start : The fun whimsical  pictures appeal to children like my own and that’s why she keeps asking me to read it to her.

Disclosure of Material Connection : http://cmp.ly/0

Author : Jay Tucker
Illustrations: D.E. West
ISBN-10: 1932690824
ISBN-13: 978-1932690828

First of all, I must say I love the shiny, vibrant colours and lovely illustrations used on the cover of book. This is a definite plus if you’re trying to attract a toddler’s attention. Ferdinand Uses The Potty tells the story of Ferdinand The Frog, who suddenly awakens one night to find  that his bed is wet. He is confused about the situation but fortunately, help is on hand. Ferdinand has a friend who had gone through the same experience and he encourages him to use the toilet. The big hurdle for Ferdinand was to overcome his fear of hearing the noise from the toilet flush. And this he ultimately did with much bravery.

Ferdinand Uses The Potty is a great book which encourages children to confront and overcome their fears about using the toilet.  I like that the pictures are big and vivid and the amount of wordings are also just perfect for a toddler’s attention. The story is short, easy to understand and though not perfect, the rhyming prose used by the author Jay Tucker, added some fun when you’re reading to a toddler. 

BUY IT : Ferdinand Uses The Potty is available for purchase at Amazon. You might also be interested to check out the FREE colouring pages available from the book’s website here.

And here’s a peek at what our panel of reviewers had to say about Ferdinand Uses The Potty:

Contests and Giveaways – All in all, it is a story worth reading to kids. I liked it, and more importantly, my daughter liked it. Ferdinand faced and conquered one of his fears – a very important lesson for kids! It is available for purchase at bookstores and at Amazon.com. Be sure to check it out!

Connie’s View – The rhyming, adorable character, Ferdinand and the bright, cherry illustrations make this a book that your child will want you to read again and again. My daughter had major fears of potty training and I wish that I had this for her. Seeing a frog go through it with the help of a child is a creative move. I recommend this to parents who are in the throes of potty training of going to give it a start.

 Happy Healthy Families – The story is humorous, gentle and fun. The dialogue between Ferdinand and his friend is written in a rhyming fashion, which made my boys enjoy the story even more. It will,I believe, help kids feel more reassured when it comes to their own thoughts and challenges with potty training.The only thing my 5 year old wondered about is whether or not Ferdinand continued to have any more “accidents” at night. Maybe we need a “Ferdinand Sequel??”

 Quiverfull Family – Written in rhyming prose, Ferdinand is a bold, enthusiastic exploration of overcoming bed-wetting and the commonly held fear about using the potty that can arise after children understand the basic concepts of potty-training. Ferdinand and his young friend don’t attempt to explain the basics of going to the potty, or even describe the event in much detail -– they rather focus in on being afraid of the toilet, and to some extent on wetting the bed.

Moomette’s Magnificents – Put this delightful, humorous book on your list of “must reads” or as a gift for any mom-to-be, daughter, daughter-in-law, daycare provider, homeschooling mom or friend who will be going through the challenge of potty training in the future!

 As They Grow Up – My son has been potty trained since he was 18 months old, but still has night time accidents. Deciding when and how to completely night potty train has been an issue that my husband and I are currently dealing with. Ferdinand The Frog Uses The Potty actually talks about one night when Ferdinand the Frog wakes up and realizes that he is all wet. The problem is, Ferdinand just can’t figure out why he is all wet. Luckily though he has a friend that explains to him to him what happened during the night and also there is nothing to be scared of when it comes to using the potty (Ferdinand the Frog was scared of the sound the toilet makes when it flushes). Finally at the end of the day Ferdinand realizes that using the potty isn’t so bad after all!

Rambling Moo – Generally, this book is a good start for those who wants to try to potty train their little kids. The story which is short and filled with colorful illustrations is perfect to hold a toddler’s short attention span.

Right Reads - Since the boy is toilet trained for the day, he can identify with the toilet, the word “pee pee” and having a tummy ache. However, the language used was slightly above his age level and also, the lack of descriptive words had him slightly puzzled…

Nevertheless, the storyline kept him hooked to the book from start to the end. For this, I think the author and illustator have down an excellent job.

Our Makiko – He loves the book so much -so much that after that first time, he asked for me to read it twice to him! And everytime, he never fails to laugh aloud on those parts I mentioned. And actually, the Ferdinand Uses the Potty book is on the table beside our bed as I type this post. So if my son’s reactions were bases to this review, then I would give a two-thumbs up for this book.

New Year Publishing recently gave 6 Parent Reviewers the opportunity to review “Quickly, The Magic Spatula”.

“Quickly, The Magic Spatula” is about a charming and nostalgic story about a handy kitchen utensil, the spatula. “Quickly” and Mommy ( who then became”Grandma Darling”) makes the best pancakes in this house, with its green handle and shiny flat surface. When “Grandma Darling” passes away, “Quickly” is boxed away and kept in an attic. When the grown-up kids rediscover “Quickly”, a rush of memories come flooding back and they went on to recreate the magic themselves!

I’m sure everyone has a special memory of their childhood and mine is pretty much similar to this story, only that it was a measuring cup called “Tala” that reminded me of my mom baking her wonderful cakes. The very image of this measuring cup, takes me back to a time when my mom would teach me everything about baking. I especially liked the part where I’d lick her spatula quickly (behind her back, because salmonella was quite prominent then). Ahh, how precious these memories are.

About the authors

Quickly the Magic Spatula is written by Jeryl Abelmann & Miriam Kronish and illustrated by Chason Matthams.

Jeryl Abelmann is a retired elementary school teacher and recipient of Teacher of the Year for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District in California. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Carmel Bach Festival. She loves the theater, loves to write, travels extensively, and is a member of Screen Actors Guild. She lives in Northern California with her husband and has two sons and three adorable grandchildren.

Miriam Kronish teaches at Lesley University and Cambridge College in Massachusetts. She is a retired principal from the Needham (MA) Public Schools. Her interests are music, math, brain compatible learning, accelerated learning, and multiple intelligences. She is the recipient of the National Distinguished Principal’s Award and is an honored Principal in the State of Massachusetts. She loves to write and is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Needham. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two cats.

Buy It! : Now, as a mom myself, I know creating these experiences for my kids will have a positive influence as they grow up. We have a ritual, whenever I start gardening, we all bring out our spades, forks and lil wheelbarrows out. I hope they too will remember these times, when they’ve all grown up into men. This book does inspire you to create memories for your kids to hold forever. It also has a section where your child can write down his/her favourite family story and even the mouth-watering yummy pancake recipe that Quickly whipped up!

“Quickly” has a rather quaint website too over here, so do check it out.  You can submit your favourite family recipes there and “Quickly The Magic Spatula” has also won the Moonbeam Spirit Awards 2009 given for dedication to children’s literacy and inspired writing, illustrating and publishing.

Here are our panel of reviewers who had a chance to read it and what they have to say:

Moody Mama Says : This story is such a touching story. It brought tears to my eyes. It makes me want to spend more time with my children in the kitchen (and less time at this computer). I love that the story is real and true to life.

Connie’s View : Quickly: The Magic Spatula is a heartwarming book that reminds adults of stories from our childhood and how important the little things in our family really are. For children, this book helps create memories and start discussions about family, love and imagination.

Idaho Jill : I just really loved the nostalgia, simplicity, and illustrations in this book.  The back of the book has pages to write down memories, and the authors want people to email them their special stories, too.  Such a great idea, don’t you think?  The book was completely believable, very heartwarming, and a must have children’s book.

5 Vinez Monkeys : My kids loved the book. And they have all decided not only to name the spatula in the kitchen drawer, (Flipper is the name of choice), but we now have an entire drawer full of named utensils. There’s Beater (the whisk), Smasher (the rolling pin), King Cut (the kitchen shears), and about a bazillion other names that the kids will remind me of every day from now on.

Loving Heart Mommy : I love that something as common as a spatula can spark childhood memories. How it takes me back to remembering something from my childhood that was truly magical in my eyes! This is a story for children of all ages, I enjoyed reading about Quickly and how he is brought to life, how memories were made and how the memories were continued to be preserved!

Thanks to New Year Publishing for giving us the opportunity to review them.

Disclosure of Material Connection : http://cmp.ly/0

“Giggles the Green Bean” was written by Lauren Davis and illustrated by Michael Vincent Fusco and the book teaches kids on ways to go green.

“Giggles” comes out of earth, onto a “Stinkytown”. What was once a thriving, lush and green surrounding, is now a big mess of litter, pollution and dying environment. “Giggles” goes on a mission to find a way to reverse this and meets with an wise old “Cabbage”. “Cabbage” shares with “Giggles’ 5 simple ways to help our earth : Recycle, Reuse, Save Water, Reduce Energy and Eat Healthily.

Will “Giggles” succeed in sharing these 5 simple steps with everyone in Stinkytown? Will Stinkytown ever be Greentown again?

Share this with your kids and re-create a dramatic but happy ending, which I’m sure the kids would appreciate.

About the Book :

“Giggles the Green Bean” was written by Lauren Davis and colorfully illustrated by Michael Vincent Fusco.

Lauren Davis became keenly aware that children needed to learn how to make a difference in keeping the environment clean. Inspired by her brother’s environmental activism, she penned her first children’s book, Giggles the Green Bean. Lauren has long been involved with children including working as a camp counselor and pre-school teacher. A former leadership development executive, Lauren currently lives in Portland with her family and dog, Lily.

Michael Vincent Fusco is the incredible illustrator for the Giggles the Green Bean series of books.  He is a creative force that brought to life the characters and concepts of the story.  Not only is Michael an accomplished children’s book illustrator, but he also does detailed paintings, drawings and music.

Buy it! : My kids were really enthusiastic when I was reading “Giggles” with them. They can identify with all 5 steps, because it has been drilled in their heads, not only by me, but also by their friends and teachers to practice these 5 simple steps every single day. My middle child, especially loved the illustrations of a happy “Giggles” and the various costumes “Giggles” dons at the end of the book. The message of this book is simple, if we all do a small part to help our environment every day, imagine, the whole world’s population doing their small part, imagine how big an effect that would be! So, go on.. get this book and start practicing those 5 simple steps and share it with everyone in your community about the underlying message of going green!

Giggles has his own (very cute!) website  and you can also purchase the book here and get some free goodies like free temporary tattoos, a packet of green bean seeds, and stickers of the star “Giggles”! You could even request for the author to autograph the book!

Here are three lucky Parent Reviewers who had a chance to review this book :

Mom Start :  The wise old cabbage teaches Giggles that you need to recycle, use water wisely, use fewer paper products, save energy, and eat healthy food. All of these concepts are presented with an example that children can understand.

As They Grow Up :  This book is a fantastic book when it comes to teaching young children about living a little “greener” and is suggested for ages 4 and up which makes sense.  My two year old loved the illustration and the story but as far as understanding everything that it was saying, he didn’t.  Of course over time as we read it more and more it would.

Happy Healthy Families : I loved reading about Giggles with my munchkin boys! Not only was the story a very important one in that it helped them understand about taking care of their environment, the illustrations are amazing! And with my kids, and I am sure with others, beautifully drawn colorful pictures always help them stay interested in a story.

Thanks to New Year Publishing for giving us the opportunity to review this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection : http://cmp.ly/0

The Suburban Outlaw : Tales from the Edge is snippets of Pam Sherman’s life and she shares it with her wit, poignancy and honesty. It doesn’t start from the beginning of her life. Rather, it goes from one significant event to another. There are about 21 of such events, and each and every one is guaranteed to bring a smile or a tear.

What is the “Edge”? According to Pam Sherman, it is about you, daring to dream, explore grow and excite. I’m sure everyone of us has a little bit of edge-ness, despite the many roles we play.

Pamela Sherman is by profession, a lawyer, actress, writer and a mom of 2 kids. Yes, being a mom is a profession too, y’know! I honestly, don’t know how she juggles all these ‘balls’ with her two hands, and still remain insanely funny! I think I’d be guzzling down lots and lots of pills by now!

There was one chapter on monthly hormones and honestly, that made me laugh so much, I ended up choking myself. And here I was thinking, I must be only crazy one screaming at everybody in the family. I mean, if you ever visited me in my neighbourhood, it’s pretty peaceful, until of course, I reach the red danger level of flamin’ hormonal balls.

Buy it! : Suburban Outlaw is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Well, here are reviews from other moms and why they’re loving it :

Idaho Jill of Contests & Giveaways : I thought the book was funny and easy to read.   I could really relate to a lot of the stories – even though I used to live in the suburbs and now live downtown.  Many of the stories were funny, many were touching.  All were very honest.  I recommend this book!

Sassy2 of Pookie and The Boys : I loved how I was drawn to each and every story. I laughed out loud and may have even shed a tear or two in a story of a friend whom she held dear until the end. The book is enlightening and warm and filled with quick wit and charm. I recommend it to anyone woman who may feel her life has been completely uprooted and she now feels out of place in her new community.

Blogmania : This collection of essays is inspiring. Sherman tells it like it is – no fluff, glossing over or embellishments. She humorously, eloquently and simply shares her perceptions through her experiences in life and love. Sherman brings her readers fresh perspective wrapped in intelligent and witty dialogue.

Deb of JAMTOT : Each of the chapters (columns) in The Suburban Outlaw covers a specific topic, from the author’s despair at losing her full-time, live-in nanny, to her husband’s so-called love affair with their bichon frise, Curley – and each chapter brings a humorous look at the everyday, mundane aspects of being a wife and mother. The chapters are fairly short – only a few pages each for the most part, and overall the book’s a quick read. I like that I could simply pick it up and read a chapter here or there as I had time and didn’t feel that I had to sit down and read the entire book all in one sitting. I liked reading the columns a few at a time and therefore spreading out the enjoyment of the book overall.

1Stop Mom : The book starts off giving the definition of what an Suburban Outlaw is exactly. That was helpful to me because I had no clue what it was. As soon as I started reading, the section titled “The Rebel Wears Sweater Sets” I found myself laughing. Actually I found myself laughing quite a few times while reading this book. The way Pam wrote made it so easy and enjoyable to read. It was fun to read about her nanny and how she took to living where it snowed, a lot. After reading The Suburban Outlaws I feel like I made a new friend. Someone who does not claim to be perfect and speaks her mind.

Housewifemom : I read Suburban Outlaw by Pam Sherman, about a month ago and have already loaned it out twice. First of all because it was laugh out loud funny and secondly beacuse it was a quick read that I knew several of my friends would enjoy. I love it when you read something that can be engagingly familiar without having to tug at heartstrings.

Happy Healthy Families – Pam relates her everyday life as she deals with the chaos of marriage, parenthood and family that made me feel like she was talking about my life at times. I think that is one of the best parts of this book: we as moms and wives can see so much of ourselves in Pam’s narratives, and laugh and cry as we read along. It is hysterical to read about Pam’s hairdresser woes, and poignant when she shares about losing a fellow Suburban Outlaw, Cherie, to cancer. I really found this book impossible to let go of once I started reading it.

Chefdruck Reviews – The Suburban Outlaw is a nice read, something that will keep you smiling as you duel with the other PTA moms for the best spot in the pick up line.

Disclosure of Material Connection : http://cmp.ly/0

This month, we were all very lucky to review three books from Loving Healing Press Inc.

The first book, I reviewed was, “Got an Angry Kid? We have a Solution. Parenting Spike : A Seriously Difficult Child” by Andrew D. Gibson, Ph.D. A seemingly picture perfect family of four, depicts a different view, when “Spike” grows more and more angry, hating everyone in the family. He only seems to love/value his dog, “Ruff”, who is a bulldog, filled with unconditional love for his human carers. His sister aggravates the situation by portraying herself as a studious, well-liked and well-mannered girl. His parents are at their wits’ end trying to keep “Spike” under their control and growing apart in their marriage as well. They go through a P.A.C.T (Parents with Angry Children and Teens) program, and find they have to work as individuals, and as a team, to establish good habits and get rid of all their old ones.

This book does not mince its’ words. If you are a parent who’s child has gone off tangent, that is to say, not exactly following your ideals of how he/she should grow up to be, and it’s frustrating you, then this is the book for you. I must say, this is not about the child anymore. It’s about you, the parent. It’s not an easy book to follow, I had to re-read it more than once, just to see how it made sense, but in the end, it did.

There are no easy parenting answers here. It’s one of those “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee, Folks…and it ain’t Arabica Coffee”. It is a no-nonsense, “will-help-your-kid-if-you-change-yourself” book.  The road to perfect parenting does not exist. Instead, this road leads us through self-doubt, insecurity and worries. This book, coupled with therapy aims to re-pave this road, and make it a smoother ride. But, there is always a lot of work and self-restraint, especially when it comes to our very own bad behaviour.

It also has a worksheet for both parents and child, on how they performed with their goals. Parents have 28 goals while the child has 9 goals. It really seems impossible to get rid of bad habits, but for the love of the child, we must.

If at the end of this long, tumultuous journey, you find your child, a happier and contented one, then this journey is definitely worth it. The key is to be proactive and respond accordingly. React, and you’re back to square one.

Here are a number of parents who have taken the brave plunge in reviewing this book, and what they have to say :

5 Vinez Monkeys : I’m not saying that this book will work miracles. You can’t buy a book to fix a flat tire and expect it to change the tire on your truck for you. You have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. This book is the same way. It’s not going to be easy. There are going to be fights, and you are going to fail. But if you give up, you’ll never have a successful relationship with your child.

Sasha’s Bla Bla Bla :The 28 goals mentioned in this book may seem too hard to achieve especially the first 2 goals. No shouting and no showing of anger. Tell me how many parent of a 3 yr old can do it? But as you read on, you will know that you CAN actually do it.

Jo Jo’s Place : Got An Angry Kid? has really given us some parenting tips and techniques that are working great for our family.  Our “Spike” (the angry kid from the book) is no longer unhappy.  And we have regained control of the once uncontrollable child.

Makiko’s : Ironically, although it focuses more on what a parent must NOT do, it is practically pulsating of positivity -which is the main reason why I developed immediate affinity to it. It asserts that we all have taught (and are still teaching) our kids on how to treat us and how they should treat others.

Mommy Goggles : We have tried everything from changing his diet (which, in my opinion is a complete waste of time and money), down to reading books, researching pediatric specialists and even medication. It all comes down to taking control back in your home, setting boundaries and working together. Why scream? Why yell? We do time out’s but even those don’t help, unless you get to the root of the problem. Why is he angry? This book did teach us so much!

The second book, I reviewed was “Billy had to Move” by Theresa Ann Fraser, CYW, B.A. I’ve never been in “Billy’s” shoes before, but I think it would be extremely terrifying for any child to be left alone/abandoned. As it is, when my kids lose sight of me in the mall for just 5 seconds, I can see how terrified they get. That feeling of abandonment was one I’ve felt before, when my dad accidentally left me alone in a hotel lobby.

“Billy’s” mom had disappeared and he was brought to his grandma’s home to live. But, with old age, the grandmother passes away and now, “Billy” is scared because he doesn’t know who will take care of him now. He even worries of his grandma’s cat, and wonders who will take care of it. This book is a good start for people who are thinking about being foster carers. To put themselves in “Billy’s” shoes. To understand, that for him to feel a sense of belongingness, it would take quite a fair bit of patience, love and good counselling/therapy. It’s never easy for the child or the foster carer in finding a way to make their puzzles match, but with effort from both ends, the end results can be very fulfilling.

Here are other parents who have reviewed this book, and what they have to say :

Connie’s View :  Billy Had To Move,  is helpful for children who are going into foster care for the first time or moving to a new foster home. It can also help a child who has experienced death of a loved one.

One House School Room Reviews : This book is a wonderful resource for children, written in a language that is very easy to understand, yet it fully describes the emotional struggle of this young boy. Written from his perspective, it delves deeply into the pain and uncertainty he is faced with as such a young age.

PNR Reviews : It is a compassionate book that honors the many complex, conflicting, and confusing emotions Billy experiences, while also ending with a spirit of hope.

The last book I reviewed was, “Annabelle’s Secret” by Amy Barth. The character, “Annabelle” was sexually abused by an older ‘friend’, when she was only 7. This 13 year old boy “Joel” tells Annabelle that she could join his special club, but she must not tell anyone what goes on there. As she is repeatedly sexually abused, she becomes more withdrawn. And refuses to play outside just to avoid ‘bumping’ into Joel. The character finally tells her mother, and her mother takes the appropriate actions.

This book conveys an important message to all parents, regardless of whether your child has been sexually abused or not. The creation of awareness of what’s appropriate and what’s not, and by whom, is very crucial for children to understand what it means to be sexually abused.

Being ashamed for something that has been done to you, and living in shame and guilt, is carried into our adult lives. It’s hard to function as a normal human being, if we don’t share what has happened to us. I strongly believe, that we should all teach our children to share any negative experiences they may have had, even if it is with a ‘loved‘ one.

Here’s one of our parents’ views on this book :

Maria’s Space : Recently I was offered an opportunity through Parent Reviewers to read a book by Amy Barth called Annabelle’s Secret. This is a book I wish was around to read when I was a child. As a child of sexual abuse there were no books that confirmed what I needed to know; that the abuse was not my fault!!

I’m Having Twins is based upon the real-life experiences of a little girl named Paris living in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Written by 9 year old author, Paris Morris, it comes in paperback and serves as a wonderful way to introduce older siblings to new baby twins!

I’m Having Twins is an inspirational children’s book about a 3-year-old girl named Paris who comes to terms with her parents adding twin siblings to their family mix. The story begins as Paris learns that she will soon have twin siblings and ends as the family leaves for the hospital to have “her twins”. The book takes Paris through the trials and tribulations of a twin pregnancy from the big sister’s perspective and shows her how they are really hers, too, easing her transition to Big Sisterhood.

BUY IT : I’m Having Twins is available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.

Let’s have a look at what our reviewers had to say:

Pookie and The Boys – The illustrations are full page color which makes it nice to study the page while you are reading to see the details. It isn’t too elaborate so it does keep your attention without being long and drawn out. I would recommend it to chidren who are at least 7 or older, younger children would like the pictures only.

Maria’s Space – The book is really cute. They are written by a 9 year old girl named Paris. The photos are adorable, colorful and full of detail. I love the idea behind the story from the prospective of a child who has been the center of her parents universe. What a great book idea for children no matter what age about to welcome siblings, especially twins.

Blogmania – The book is light, humorous and simple so young children can relate to and understand the story line. Paris accurately captured the psychological roller coaster that small children experience when their immediate family structure will soon drastically change.

Cheeks to Cheeks – My daughter absolutely loves this book because she could relate to all the events that are mentioned in the book. She would glee in delight about the Fourth of July Fireworks and Halloween Trick-or-Treating. A whole lot of it has to do with her experiences in these events and being in San Francisco Bay Area helps a bit. We share the same hood as Paris Morris–we also live near San Francisco, California.

Mommy Brain Reports – I’d definitely recommend this book to any parent for their children who are expecting more than one special blessing in their family! I think seeing another child around their age going through the same thoughts and feelings would help put their minds at ease a little more before their twins arrive.

Connie’s Views – The questions Paris asks, the wonderment she experiences and her way of describing them makes this book just adorable. The illustrations are colorful and kid-friendly.

Just A Mom’s Take On Things – I’m Having Twins is a cute, engaging story that kids can relate to – especially if they are about to become a big sister (or brother) themselves. And unlike a lot of other children’s books, this is one that I don’t mind reading (over and over and over…) as well. The text and the illustrations work together to make you feel like you are actually a part of the story and I’m looking forward to checking out the other books in the series with my daughter.

The Mud Bug – I loved the bright colors and the wonderful illustrations. My girls (4 and 6) had me read them this book at least a dozen times in the first few days since receiving it in the mail. I highly recommend this book for any child that is in a similar situation as Paris.

For the benefit of those who would like to celebrate mom on Mother’s Day with a gift of book, our team of reviewers were tasked to review three selected titles which we felt would appeal to many moms. You can check out the books and their corresponding reviews below:

The Middle Place is a  wonderful, heartwarming and beautifully written memoir by author Kelly Corrigan.  At thirty-six, she had a marriage that worked, two funny, active kids, and a weekly newspaper column. But even as a thriving adult, Kelly still saw herself as the daughter of garrulous Irish-American charmer George Corrigan. She was living deep within what she calls the Middle Place—“that sliver of time when parenthood and childhood overlap”—comfortably wedged between her adult duties and her parents’ care. But Kelly is abruptly shoved into coming-of-age when she finds a lump in her breast–and gets the diagnosis no one wants to hear. When George, too, learns that he has late-stage cancer, it is Kelly’s turn to take care of the man who had always taken care of her—and to show us a woman who finally takes the leap and grows up.

Red Sox Mommy – You would think a story about cancer would be depressing and dark, but this book is full of hope mixed with a little sadness and a whole lot of love. It’s not sugar coated though, you hear about the craptastic sides of cancer from the hair loss to the weird body functions, the burns from radiation and all the rest of it. But, this is by no means a whine fest. It’s just real, it’s touching and I can see it being a help to someone going through similar circumstances.

Why Are They Calling Me Mom? – From the moment I picked this book up and started reading the Prologue I was hooked, alone just for the fact that I fell in love with her father (Greenie, The Green Man or old Billy Goat). I also love that he calls his daughter (Kelly) Lovey. It made me smile each time he called her by the nickname, especially bringing me to tears as she discovers her breast cancer diagnosis and he rushes to her side.

Mommy Loves It – I enjoyed Kelly Corrigan’s writing style, except for the profanity, and thanks to her engaging descriptions, felt by the conclusion as though her family were some of my oldest friends. The author has a wonderful way of drawing the reader in and I found her conversational style to be full of honesty, warmth and humor. Although she relates several intense experiences about her past, her health and her family, there is always a positive undertone that I found refreshing and engaging.

Maria’s Space – I must admit that I did cry while reading this book. It is not a sad book! What I cried over was the relationship she has with her father. I adore her father George Corrigan. We should all have a George in our lives. Her dad is the main reason she is the women she is today. When George learns that he has another round of late-stage cancer, it is Kelly’s turn to take care of the man who always had her back.

Kelly is a wonderful writer. She gave this book a heart and it is actually palpable. Brilliant writer, beautiful memoir.

Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club is an uplifting, winning tale about the healing power of friendship and new beginnings. It’s a charming novel that will delight all passionate knitters–and win over befuddled, would-be knitters, too.

When her husband dies in a car crash—not long after announcing he wants a divorce—Jo Mackenzie packs up her two rowdy boys and moves from London to a dilapidated villa in her seaside hometown. There, she takes over her beloved Gran’s knitting shop—a quaint but out-of-date store in desperate need of a facelift. After a rough beginning, Jo soon finds comfort in a “Stitch and Bitch” group; a collection of quirky, lively women who share their stories, and their addiction to cake, with warmth and humor.

Happy Healthy Families -  I have to say, now that I have finished reading it, that I absolutely chose right! My expectations were met, and then some. The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club was so much fun to read… I reached for the book every free moment I could. It is the type of story that has characters that develop and grow and draw you into their lives along the way. The kind of story you wish wouldn’t end because you want to stay involved….see what happens next.

Always Alli – I really enjoyed the book, probably more than The Friday Night Knitting Club. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.

She Scribes – The book was just OK for me. I can’t say that I loved it, nor can I say that I hated it either. I did enjoy the story line and some of the characters. I was a bit turned off by the language that was used. I think if the bad language was omitted perhaps I would have enjoyed the book a bit more.

The Power of Housewife Word Of Mouth – This is a lovely read to pass the day, and you will find yourself rooting for Jo as she not only recovers from being recently widowed, but faces her uber-snobby in laws, and a few other scuffles. I recommend The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club. for anyone looking for an enjoyable read by the pool this summer. It will draw you in and keep you entertained. I look forward to reading another Gil McNeil novel soon.

Mom Start -  I think some people are disappointed that it’s not about yarn, and it’s a bit of a shallow read. What I mean by that is that there isn’t a lot of thought, not much plot, but there is friendship and family.  It is a sweet and funny story. The relationship and character development of Jo’s sons is very well written. The young children seem real and relatable as kids. Her relationship that develops with a movie star is an interesting part of the story as well.

Just A Mom’s Take On Things – Being an American, I had so much fun with all of the purely British phrases and expressions in this book. I think I’ll be referring to yarn as ‘wool’ in my head for quite a while and I’m still wondering exactly what ‘Weetabix’ is. This was really a book that I didn’t want to end, because I wanted to stay in Jo’s world for even just a little bit longer. Even the minor characters are so well developed, that I truly felt like I got to know them all right along with Jo.

Connie’s View -Although this is an emotional book, it is not overdone. I “got” the feelings, but I didn’t have to read through descriptions of each and every sad moment. The author, Gil McNeil, was able to present them through the character’s discussions and choices. Even though there were many characters, I was able to get to know them all. I wasn’t confused about who was who because each one was written as a real person.

Contests & Giveaways From Around The Web – This is a very light, funny, quick summer read-no deep hidden meanings, nothing that really makes you think, no really sad parts in the whole book. It was just plain funny and just about a year in a woman’s life. I can’t wait to read the sequel-I am hoping it will be as funny, and as light and quick of a read, as this one was.

Millions of Americans know and love Amy Dickinson from reading her syndicated advice column “Ask Amy” and from hearing her wit and wisdom weekly on National Public Radio. Amy’s audience loves her for her honesty, her small-town values, and the fact that her motto is “I make the mistakes so you don’t have to.” In The Mighty Queens of Freeville, Amy Dickinson shares those mistakes and her remarkable story. This is the tale of Amy and her daughter and the people who helped raise them after Amy found herself a reluctant single parent.

Mott’s Island – I like her observations and I love her strength, humor and writing style. I guess that’s why she’s very well-loved for her “Ask Amy” column. This is a superb and enjoyable read. Just don’t let the title fool you. Heh.

Short Pump Preppy – I could relate to a lot of feelings that Amy had as a single parent, but the book is a great read for anyone and her writing style pulls you in until the last word.

Jo-Jo’s Place – The Mighty Queens of Freeville A Mother, a Daughter, and the Town That Raised Them was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.  Author and syndicated advice columnist and NPR contributor, Amy Dickinson is the author.  This is her memoir and wow is it a great one.  Yes, this is “Ask Amy” for those of you who aren’t sure who Amy Dickinson is. 

Plus Size Mommy  -I really enjoyed this book. I came from a small town and I always have Aunts, my mom, and my sister and older cousins “raising me up” even though I am an adult. So my life is in some ways very similar to Freeville.

Every woman can use some Mighty Queens in their lives to be there for them and care for them love them and teach them. People you can lean on and can keep coming back to forever.

Sewing Mom – Amy shares her experiences as a child, adult, wife, single mother, daughter, niece, and friend, and does it in such a witty way that she draws the reader right into the stories she’s telling. Amy’s stories are touching, tearful, joyous and sometimes, downright humorous. I haven’t had so much fun reading a book in a very long time and I highly recommend anyone who enjoys reading, to pick up a copy of The Mighty Queens of Freeville for themselves.

Chefdruck Musings – My only complaint about the Mighty Queens of Freeville is that I didn’t get enough of the queens themselves. I would have loved to have read more anecdotes about these undoubtedly colorful women, the women Dickinson describes by saying, “These are the women of my world – the Mighty Queens of Freeville – who have led small lives of great consequence in the tiny place that we call home.”

Busy Mommy Product Review - You might know Amy Dickenson since she is the author of the syndicated column Ask Amy. This book is full of the same wit and common sense that she puts towards her column. There were parts that were just laugh out loud funny. And there were other parts where I would cry. The book is not about her career, but rather her life and the people who helped her to become who she is today.

My Three Wisemans – This memoir tells of her life, focusing on her raising her daughter, Emily, as a single mother.  She tells of the ups and downs of her life in this quick paced book.  Her story telling made me laugh out loud and wipe tears of sadness and joy.  This memoir is her life, as she lived it.  It could be any one’s life but what made it much more ordinary was her storytelling.  What I really enjoyed was the way that she was able to put her life story and her thoughts on paper in such an eloquent way. 

A Pregnant Pause – I have a friend who’s divorced with a kid – she’s a beautiful and intelligent woman, who like Amy, puts her kid first before dating men. I don’t think she’s found a man yet who can accept her on her own terms – I’d really love to give her this book and hope that she’ll find Amy’s story a hopeful, if not inspiring one.

Irreplaceable is author Stephen Lovely’s debut novel and tells the story of thirty year old archeologist, Alex Voormann, who attempts to move on after the death of his botanist wife, Isabel. The death of Isabel, an organ donor, had meant a life saved….the life of Janet Corcoran, a young, headstrong mother of two, an art teacher at an inner-city school in Chicago. While Janet’s family celebrates, Alex mourns this terrible tragedy.

Irreplaceable focuses on what happens after the transplant - particularly the effect of Janet’s effort to contact Isabel’s family to thank them.  Much to my surprise, Isabel’s mother, Bernice welcomes Janet with open arms but Alex was reluctant to embrace the woman who was now carrying his wife’s heart, which I thought was pretty justifiable.

I felt the earlier part of the novel dragged on for quite a bit but being a person who has already pledged to be an organ donor, I was intrigued by the story because it was told from both perspectives – the donor’s family as well as the recipient’s side. Irreplaceable also gives me a better understanding of the whole organ donation and transplant process, without going into too much details.

A point that readers may like to note - there are some profanity used in the book so, some of you may prefer to skip it. Otherwise,  as a debut novel, this  heart wrenching tale about love, loss and learning to live again will make a great addition to any home library.

Check out what the rest on our PR Team had to say about this novel:

Life Starring Ellie and Eve -  I am really glad I had the opportunity to read it since it is a well written, compelling, and an overall wonderful book. I mentioned that Lovely wrote the book from many different perspectives, and that did throw me off for a bit. It took some time to get use to that writing style, but once I did, it made the novel seem more real and helped me connect with the characters in a more personal fashion. The characters had the same emotions and feelings that I imagine a great many people do when faced with similar events; there are times when I wanted to tell them to “pull it together” or to “take a chance and embrace the opportunity” and there were other times when I just wanted to be able to offer support. A good writer knows how to make the reader want to interact with the characters he or she created, and Lovely did just that in Irreplaceable.

The Power of Housewife – Irreplaceable is a good book and the story line is not to complex. The characters are well-fleshed out and I really enjoy Janet. I recommend this book for those who are fans of Nicholas Sparks novels. You will not be disappointed with this book.

As They Grow Up – Irreplaceable is a book that is about Organ donation, the emotional obstacles that the surviving loved ones may feel and/or have to go through. The more I read this book, the better it go. Once I was able to start to feel connected with the characters.

Contests And Giveaways – I really enjoyed this book. I had tears in my eyes at times, and a smile on my face at other times. Mr. Lovely has a way of writing that I really liked-he pulls you in & you truly feel like you are part of the story. Every sentence made me think-what if that happened to me? Would I do the same thing or would I handle it differently? And almost always the answer was-I’d handle it like the characters in the book do…and that shows me that Mr. Lovely really understands human nature and the human condition.

Moms Take On Things – Irreplaceable is an emotional story, but a very moving and thought-provoking one. It’s one of those books that continues to occupy your mind even after you’ve finished it and truly makes you think hard about what you want to happen if this issue were to ever touch your life in any way.

Mott’s Island - Great read. Very nice if you have some spare quiet time and some nice hot tea/coffee by your side. The details make you want to read it word-for-word (I tend to speed read -ha ha! ), so, yes, a leisurely time is highly required.

She Scribes – This story broke my heart. I really felt the pain that Alex was feeling. I could not imagine (nor would I want to!) being in his shoes and having to deal with such a great loss.

I found the experience with the whole organ donation process addressed in the book very interesting too. I have signed my driver’s license to be an organ donor, and I have expressed that interest to my husband too. Even though it’s a selfless thing to do I never really thought about those left behind and how they feel knowing that their loved one is gone but others get to live thanks to the gift of life.

My Three Wiseman – This was a good book.  It was indeed a break from the books I read most of the time.  It did have some harsh language and I didn’t really like the way Christianity was addressed a few times.  But aside from that, over all it was a well written story that kept me wanting to turn the next page.

Three Different Directions – I personally was amazed at the understanding the author had for the heart recipient. The woman’s emotions, the way she deals with them, and interacts with those around her, were incredibly believable.

I was also surprised at the ability with which he incorporated humor into the story. The subject itself is one that does not invoke images of laughter, yet his ability to weave the light heartedness in with the sorrowful was seamless.

Jo Jo’s Place – This story was wonderfully written.  I loved knowing the emotions behind being a donor and what life is like for the ones that are the recipients.  Although Isabel’s emotions were not visible her husbands and mothers were.  You got to read two different sides, one being her husbands who didn’t enjoy the fact that his wife was a donor and her mother who kept joy in knowing that her daughters heart was out there in the world. 

All Because Two People Fell In Love – Irreplaceable is a very emotional story. This book truly leaves you with something to think about! A lot of people sign the back of their license to become an organ donor and don’t really think twice about it. This heart wrenching book explores how being an organ donor can impact the lives of many individuals. As I was reading the book I experienced many different emotions. With Lovely’s in-depth character analysis I was really able to relate to the characters in this novel.

Connie’s View – Irreplaceable taught me about how death changes people’s lives in so many ways, how people are brought together or torn apart, and how people react differently to it.

The characters are real. Their emotions are raw. I was able to feel and understand all of them. I may not have agreed with them, but the author Stephen Lovely portrayed them so that their voices were heard.

Sewing Mom – Irreplaceable is a touching story of how the death of a soul mate and best friend affects not only those who knew her, but also those who had never even met her. This story took me through every emotion imaginable including shock, sorrow, sadness, healing, love and the strength of family.

Sweet N Sassy Girls – It is basically a story about a heart transplant and everyone who was involved with it. At times it somewhat reminded me of the movie Return to Me, with Minnie Driver, but at others it was completely different.

Is It Bedtime Yet? -At first I thought that this book would be hard to read with the emotional content. It really isn’t. It wasn’t overly emotional although you can’t help but feel sympathy for the characters. The writer makes it very easy to understand all sides of the situation and all the feelings associated with it. It was easy to read and you can tell the author did his research. I came away with a greater respect for the families who donate a loved ones organs and also bigger happiness for the one on the receiving end.

Sassy Irish Lassie – Irreplaceable is impeccably written and provides true and honest emotions without being overly sappy. It is definitely a book worth reading! Put it on your nightstand today!

Rambling Moo – I found this a really interesting novel seeing the detailed perspective of the different characters and their emotions from both sides of the transplant. It is like I am watching a movie!

One House Schoolroom Reviews – Stephen Lovely brings life to the sterile, cold world of transplants as he thoughtfully weaves the tales of these two families together, forever connected in love and heartache and he truly captures the depth of emotions that spawn from the loss of one beautiful life allowing another the chance to live.

Lather.Rinse.Repeat – If you’re just starting from scratch, I did quite enjoy Lovely’s attention to character development and really exploring in detail the emotional journey the characters take in the story. He has taken something that seems so abstract to the rest of us who’ve never made a choice about organ donation and examined how it affects all parties. But in a way that pulls at the heart-strings…no pun intended.

Wesnlani – I cried a lot while reading this book. It was an emotional ride from cover to cover. It caused me to think a lot about what my choice of being an organ donor would do to my family and those I left behind. After reading this book I realized it’s not as simple and straight forward as you might think.

A Little Bliss – I found the author’s descriptive writing style and depth of characters to be excellent, and although I felt the excessive use of profanity and physical situations to be detracting, I enjoyed Lovely’s ability to build a personal connection between each character and the reader. The multi-faceted way in which the novel develops is handled with a seamless flow, never underscoring the constant theme that love, above all things, endures in many forms and that the beauty of life is rich, sweet, painful and irreplaceable.

Chefdruck Writes – Reading Irreplaceable has spurred me to act. Stephen Lovely’s novel, Irreplaceable, takes the reader deep into the aftermath of organ donation. The novel opens with a young woman enjoying a vigorous bike ride, looking forward to getting home to her husband. She never makes it home as she is run over by an SUV at the crest of a hill. Although she was only in the book for a few pages, her vitality as she pumps the pedals of the bike remained with me until the last page.

Happy Healthy Families – I absolutely loved this book. It delves into human nature in such an honest way. Believe me when I say that it is one of those books that you find very difficult to put down. You wil carry the characters with you in your thoughts throughout the day until you can pick it up again and continue reading. You will find yourself agreeing, questioning, and disagreeing with actions and thoughts of the characters.

Cutie Bootie Reviews – Although this book has moments of melancholy, I believe that the story was tastefully executed and was not overly melodramatic. This debut novel by Stephen Lovely is certainly worth reading. The intertwining lives of the characters will keep you engrossed in the story.

Short Pump Preppy – If your lives have ever been touched by organ donation, this novel will truly touch your heart. I remember the day I got the letter stating that transplanting my mother’s corneas gave sight to two people…and I cried. I can only imagine the power that donating a life saving organ would have on someone…forever.

Mommy Goggles – I will be honest and tell you that I am not finished reading, but with the position that I am at in the book, it has me intrigued as to what is going to happen in the end after an organ transplant, not only to Alex (husband of the donor) but also Janet (the organ recipient). We all take life lightly and this book, Irreplaceable, helps puts perspective back in to our hearts. An organ donor can put so much impact in ones’ life and this is just what Stephen Lovely brings out in his characters in this book.

A Pregnant Pause – Thank you, Stephen Lovely, for writing this beautiful novel. Reading your book has also helped me in the healing process of saying good bye to and remembering my dear father.

Mid Life Musings – Irreplaceable is well written, the characters are fully formed, very human, and the events are realistic, even in their unfathomableness. On the surface, it’s the story of an organ donor and what happens to her heart, but that short description doesn’t do the book justice. It is intensely emotional, and I cried when I read the last sentence: that’s just how they say hello.

Some of you may recall that we did a Blog Tour of Sikulu & Harambe By The Zambezi River in 2008 and the book received glowing reviews from most parents.

Well, once again, we are launching another Blog Tour to gauge the opinion and feedback from another group of reviewers from our PR Team. Check out how they felt about the book:

Momma Findings – The Illustrations: They were intriciately drawn, but colored in as if by a child. That really stood out to me because it really brought the story to my child’s level, helped them feel as if another child may have colored the pages in.

Little Kiwi – I would suggest the book Sikulu and Harambe to any parent trying to teach their children how helping can change the world. In Sikulu and Harambe I have learned that one small act can make a big difference. So if you want to make a difference in your child’s life, buy this book with great morals for them to learn.

Amanda – Sarah really enjoyed this story! I think that it is a perfect story to read to your children to help them overcome a fear and of course about being helpful and caring! After reading the story we discussed it together. Sam thought it was sad that the others didn’t want to help the old woman save her clothes, and was so excited to see Sikulu and Harambe help her. She also thought it was neat they received a reward for being so helpful.

My Three Wisemans – We would recommend this book for your family. The boys loved the colorful pictures.  They were very worried about the old woman getting her clothes back and were happy when Sikulu & Harambe jumped in to save them.  After reading the book the boys and I had a nice conversation about helping others.  I know that the moral of this story was received by all three of them.  I also like the facts in the back of the book.  Not only was the story a good moral lesson but the facts teach them about a different culture and about a few animals as well.

Production Not Reproduction – My three-year old really liked this book. We happen to have a spider and hippo in our stuffed animal collection, and bringing them out helped him connect to the story. He dubbed them Sikulu and Harambe and made sure the spider rode around hanging onto the hippo’s ears, just as Sikulu does in the pictures. He even carried both animals and the book to daycare to share with his friends. (His daycare provider gave the book a thumbs up.) Some of the book’s novelty has worn off now, but it is still in regular rotation and receives a warm reception.

Crunchy Green Mom – Issa loved the pictures while I was reading. She did the sounds for every animal and signed each animal as I read as well, each page was like a mini-adventure for her, full of exclamations and shouts out as we counted the animals on the page and/or saw something new.The back of the book even has a glossary of terms and throughout the book there is pronunciation assistance.

One House Schoolroom Reviews – The illustrations and colors used to bring this book to life are truly amazing. It truly help to share the beauty that is Africa’s greatest treasure. Sikulu and Harambe has quickly become a favorite in our family and I am sure we will be reading it for many, many years to come.

Moody Mama Says – The moral that I got from the story is that helping others is always rewarding in one way or another. My four year old liked the story and understood why the other animals who didn’t help were sad. He thought that they should have helped the woman. I loved that this story is not only entertaining but it also teaches a valuable lesson to young readers. The colors and illustrations are vibrant and kept my son’s attention throughout the book. He has had me read it to him again and again. I would recommend this book to any parent to read to their child or even for their child to read themselves. Everyone needs to learn the value of doing good deeds for others and this story certainly does a great job of teaching it! I can’t wait until the next tale about is published.

 A Little Bliss – As a parent I loved the message behind the story; that no matter what others may do, choosing to do the right thing always has it’s rewards. What a fabulous life lesson for our children to learn at any early age, and what better way to enjoy it than cuddling up on Mom or Dad’s lap? I also appreciated the additional section at the back of the book which details about life in Zambia. This section, along with the inclusion of Zambian culture throughout the story, gives families a peek into a new and interesting culture.

 5 Vinez Monkeys – When the book arrived, I couldn’t take my hands off of it. The illustrations were beautiful. I slowly flipped through every page just taking everything in. I couldn’t wait to read it to my kids.

My wait didn’t last long. The moment they saw the book, they immediately wanted to read it. So we did. And then we did again. And again. We read the book 4 times in a row. For the next 3 days, we did the exact same thing. Whenever I would ask them what book they wanted to read, “Sikulu & Harambe!” was the unanimous answer.

Blogmania -  My kids really enjoyed this book – what they loved most was the colorful pictures which were outlined in black and finely shaded in with colored pencil.   As a parent, I loved the message of helping and caring,  the opportunity to learn about a different culture and the educational section in the back for reference. 

Mom of 2 Dancers Reviews - Sikula & Harambe By the Zambezi River is a book you can feel proud of reading to your children. Your children will learn to help out a stranger in need, that it makes you feel good. They will also learn some African culture along the way. You can just read the book, or you can use this book as a tool for teaching your children. This would be a great book to add to a homeschool classroom.

All Because Two People Fell In Love – The illustrations in this book are amazing! We had to slowly look through the book just admiring the pictures before we even read any words! My kids and I really enjoyed learning the new words and understanding their meanings throughout this book. As a parent and teacher, I also appreciate books that has a good moral to them! Ethan really enjoyed the discussion questions in the book. He was really intrigued with the Zambia and the African animals in the book. I love how this book gave my kids a glimpse into another culture. This book is a touching tale of kindness that I recommend for everyone!

Wesnlani – We have read this book several times and spoke about how we can take the lesson and use it in our lives. Lani in not quite old enough to get the lesson in this story, but she loves the bright illustrations and all the animals.

Is It Bedtime Yet – Right away I could tell that the kids would love this book. And they did. Especially E. The images are very colorful and resemble coloring book pages. She picks this book over and over to flip through. The language is very easy to understand and for young readers, very easy to read. Some of the words are unfamiliar and under normal circumstances would be harder to read. This book helps you by giving you the correct pronunciation of the words. So when you come across the word Harambe, you know how to say it. P, who is 8, was able to pick up on this quickly.

Bargain Briana Buzz – In addition to learning a great moral story about helping other out, children also have the opportunity to explore Zambia through this book. As a parent, I love that it has the pronunciation of some of the unfamiliar words in the story. At the end of the book, there is a glossary of words names, and place as well as facts about Zambia. Kids will love the illustrations and fun story.

Maria’s Space – This book is a wonderful look into a different culture, with fantastic visuals and a moving morally good message. My children listened attentively, although mommy was a little tongue tied with some of the names. After my second time reading, things moved more fluidly. When I asked them reading comprehension questions when I was done, they both said, “it is good to help people.” If they get nothing else from this book, that statement makes it all worth it

Plus Size Mommy – As a mother and not only do I read to my children as much as possible, but I also encourage reading as much as possible in my home, I was also extremely pleased, to see that not only was I able to read this story to my children, but because there is a wonderful Glossary and more facts and information in the back, they were able to learn even more from this story than they usually do with a book.

Cutie Booty Reviews! – I was not disappointed. I loved the vivid colors in the book and the overall story. The African names reminded me of the time that I spent living in South Africa and my visits to Zimbabwe and Zambia. The moral of the story – helping out others when in need is timeless and this book is a wonderful way to teach children.

Mud Bug -  When we got this book my 5yo was totally amazed by it. She kept telling me ‘how beautiful it was’. This book is very easy to read and both girls easily understood it. This has become a nightly bedtime story. I love books that are not only interesting but also teach our kids something without them realizing it. This book taught my girls some things about Africa and now my 5yo tells everyone she knows what she knows from reading Sikulu & Harambe. I plan to purchase more from this author in the futre. I was very impressed!

Pajama Mom – There are wonderful elements of African culture and life weaved into the story.  Girl2004 was fascinated that people do their laundry in the river and at the same time they play hide-and-seek!  Books are a great way to take your kids to a far away land… Sikulu and Harambe are sure to become favorites so be sure to check out the plush animals available at the website.  The illustrations and writing, simpley put, is excellent!  The drawings are gentle and the story is simple but powerful making it a great choice for all children.

Mommy Googles – I really enjoyed the illustrations in Sikulu and Harambe, as well as did my kids. The overall story was fun! What, as a parent, that I liked was that the names: Sikulu and Harambe, were spelled out in pronunciation so that I could read it properly to my kids. There are not too many words on each page, so when I am reading the story to my little ones, I am able to read and point out things about the graphics that my kids can relate to and answer questions about.