Children's Book Review: Peep and Egg Series By Laura Gehl

PEEP AND EGG
I'm Not Hatching

By: Laura Gehl

Illustrated by: Joyce Wan

Published: February 9, 2016

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Format: Hardcover/Picture Book

Peep is just begging for Egg to hatch. There are so many fun things ahead for them to do together.  But Egg is too scared to hatch. No matter what Peep tells Egg they would do together like watching the sunrise, visiting the ducks at the pond, or playing hide-and-seek in the yard Egg is just too scared to hatch. Until Peep gets tired of waiting. Will Egg have the courage to hatch?

This is the first in the adventures of Peep and Egg. The story has a repetitive feature of Egg saying "I'm not hatching" which will encourage toddlers to read along. The illustrations are adorable and fill the pages. Peep and Egg are destined to have lots of fun together and your child will love waiting to see what adventures lie ahead for them.

PEEP AND EGG
I'm Not Trick-or-Treating

By: Laura Gehl

Illustrated by: Joyce Wan

Published: August 9, 2016

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Format: Hardcover Picture Book

Peep is super excited to go out trick-or-treating, but Egg (who is no longer an egg but a chick just like Peep) is too scared. Peep tries to convince Egg that they will have lots of fun by visiting the ducks and the cows, but Egg is too scared. Then Peep tells Egg some Halloween jokes and Egg starts to giggle. Peep decides to go to the barn without Egg to see everyone's costumes and Egg thinks maybe having fun on Halloween isn't so scary.

Children will enjoy seeing all the barn animals in various costumes. They will laugh at all the silly jokes that Peep told to try to get Egg to go trick-or-treating. If you have a young child who may be afraid to go out on Halloween night, this may be a good book to share with them.

PEEP AND EGG
I'm Not Taking A Bath

By: Laura Gehl

Illustrated by: Joyce Wan

Published: October 24, 2017

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Format: Hardcover Picture Book

The third in the Peep and Egg series continues with Egg not wanting to take a bath after Peep and Egg played in the mud. Peep offers lots of ideas for ways Egg can take a bath from using the sheep's special shampoo, or a dip in the dog's water bowl, or in the river. But, Egg has no interest in taking a bath...until there are bath toys involved. Egg will have so much fun taking a bath that getting Egg out of the bath will be the next problem.

Again, a super cute story with adorable illustrations of all the animals on the farm. Joyce Wan is also the talented illustrator in the PUG AND PIG books.

Young children will love this series. It helps them not be afraid and sometimes just getting started is the hardest part. Peep is an encouraging friend and this sweet story of friendship is one children will want to read again and again.

The newest addition to the series is PEEP AND EGG I'm Not Using the Potty.

Laura Gehl - source

Laura Gehl is the author of the Peep and Egg books and several other picture books, including ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR. Laura has four children. She and her family live in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Find out more at LauraGehl.com.

To purchase the Peep and Egg books, click the photos below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Thanks to the publisher for providing copies of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.

Book Review: Granted By Angela Correll

GRANTED
May Hollow Trilogy #3

By: Angela Correll

Published: November 22, 2017

Publisher: Koehler Books

Fiction/Women's Fiction/Christian Fiction



I first became familiar with Angela Correll's writing back in 2013 with her first book in this May Hollow series, GROUNDED. In that story, we met Annie, a flight attendant who went back to Kentucky after losing her job due to an airline buyout and a bad breakup. Annie returns to Kentucky to take care of her grandmother who needs help after surgery. The story continues in the second addition to the series, GUARDED. At this point, Annie has begun a new life in Kentucky and finds a stack of letters in the old farmhouse that leads her on a new adventure she never would have expected.

In GRANTED, readers pick up right where GUARDED left off with Annie preparing for her wedding to her childhood friend, Jake. Her grandma, Beulah, is doing well and Annie and Jake are preparing to move into the old farmhouse after renovations are complete. Things get a bit stressful when Annie's new job isn't what she imagined and Beulah's friend has a heart attack. Wedding plans seem to be a low priority with everything going on until Jake has a great idea and Annie's Italian family has the perfect setting for a wedding. 

Even though this book stands alone and gives you enough background information from the previous books, I think readers would benefit from reading the whole series. Correll takes great care in developing her characters in this small community in Kentucky so that the readers feel a part of the community as well. Correll feels strongly about her faith and makes that a part of all her novels. Correll also has a passion for sustainable farming and especially in Granted, it becomes a new focus for Annie and Jake.  

This addition to the May Hollow series is just as delightful as the previous ones. You are more invested in the characters in GRANTED and care when they are hurting and struggling. When Annie and Jake finally get married, you feel as proud and happy as Beulah and the other family members attending. Correll's addition of Annie's father adds a story of forgiveness that can be inspiring to those who have been hurt or disappointed by someone they love.

If you need a feel-good story that is realistic, yet inspiring, check out the May Hollow series of books. I'm a fan of Correll's writing but, she isn't just a fantastic author. Correll is the owner of several businesses. Someday, I'm hoping to stop by Stanford, Kentucky to visit her shop, cafe, and bed and breakfast. To see all of her projects, be sure to visit her website, HERE.

Angela Correll 

Angela Correll lives on a farm in Central Kentucky with her husband, Jess. Her novels are Amazon bestsellers and have been adapted to the stage for sold-out audiences at the Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater. She loves canning vegetables from her garden, exploring the Tuscan countryside, and spending time with her family.

To purchase all the books in May Hollow Trilogy, click the photos below:









Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase any book through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Oh Susannah Series By Carole P. Roman

OH SUSANNAH: IT'S IN THE BAG

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: April 3, 2017

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Fiction

The first in the OH SUSANNAH series introduces readers to Susannah, a third grader who needs some help dealing with things she has been putting off. This chapter book shares how Susannah becomes overwhelmed with math homework, an uneaten banana, a sleepover invitation, and a test. By shoving them all in her bag, she tries to ignore them until her bag gets too heavy and "bursts". She thinks her parents are too busy to talk to about her fears until they finally come out in a nightmare.

I think this story is realistic for elementary readers who can easily feel overwhelmed with homework and anxieties they may be having about friendships, homework, and things they are afraid of. Instead of talking to someone, these fears keep building up over time until they eventually explode. This story teaches a lesson on talking about your fears and making sure you handle things as they happen and not letting them build up over time.

OH SUSANNAH: THINGS THAT GO BUMP

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: July 11, 2017

Publisher: Chelshire, Inc

Fiction

The next book in the series picks up right where Susannah left off in the previous story. Susannah has learned how to handle things that overwhelm her, but she still hasn't told her parents about being afraid of the sleepover at Lola's house. Lola lives in a big, older home that makes weird noises and has dark rooms. Lola's brother also told Susannah that a ghost lives there and walks around carrying heavy chains. So, Susannah is afraid to go to Lola's and stay overnight. Rather than talking about her fears, she lets them run wild in her mind. Finally, the day of the sleepover has arrived and she doesn't want to let her friend down, but she is too scared to go.

Again, Susannah has to learn to talk about her fears with her parents and see that what she thinks is scary really is just her mind playing tricks on her. When she finally goes to the sleepover, she gets the biggest surprise of all.

This series by Roman includes short chapters that can be read by parents to young-elementary-aged children or alone by upper-elementary-aged children. I think the fears and anxieties that Susannah is feeling are realistic for children today. Parents and children often have extremely busy lives and once a couple assignments build up, kids can be afraid to let parents know they are feeling overwhelmed. Kids see how busy their parents are and don't want to bother them. Roman has created a series that is relatable to children with fun stories that offer lessons on how to handle concerns many kids face.

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. She writes both fiction and non-fiction for a wide range of ages. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children.  She has co-authored a self-help book for beginning authors. OH SUSANNAH is her first Early Reader Chapter book series. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren. To see all my reviews of Roman's books, click HERE. You can also visit Roman's website, HERE.


To purchase a copy of either OH SUSANNAH book, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Thanks to the publisher for sending a these books for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.  

Children's Book Review: Duck and Hippo Lost and Found by Jonathan London

DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND

By: Jonathan London

Illustrated by: Andrew Joyner

Published: August 15, 2017

Publisher: Two Lions

I am thrilled to introduce you to another adventure with Duck and Hippo. The first book, DUCK AND HIPPO IN THE RAINSTORM was a delightful story of an unlikely friendship and I've been anxiously waiting for the new adventure to arrive.

Hippo and Duck are the best of friends even though they may not be the most likely pair. They want to celebrate the end of summer and decide to have a picnic with all of their friends. Everyone arrives at the pond with their favorite goodies and just when they are about to eat, Hippo realizes he forgot to bring food to share. Not willing to partake without contributing, he sets off to find some berries in the woods. Unfortunately, as the title suggests, Hippo gets lost...or does he? It's another silly adventure with Duck, Hippo, and their friends that your child will get a kick out of reading.

I adore the colors, the expressions, and the large letters to help children identify the words to read on the pages. Elephant's surprised face or Hippo's joyful "Hello" is sure to engage the kids and get them excited to read the story along with their parents. I also appreciated how all of Hippo's friends wanted to wait to eat until he got back and then still put off their eating to go and find Hippo. The party wasn't going to happen without Hippo and teaches children about enduring friendships as well as manners.

I think these characters could get into lots of silly adventures and keep your children interested for years to come! There are also some fun activity pages to go along with the book. You can download those, HERE.

This Giveaway is now closed. Annette was the lucky winner! Thanks to all who entered! 

Two Lions is generously giving away a set of the Duck and Hippo books--DUCK AND HIPPO IN THE RAINSTORM and DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND--to one lucky US resident. Check out the rules below and enter to win by completing the form below.

Jonathan London - source

Jonathan London has written more than one hundred children's books, including the bestselling Froggy series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. He is the author of the popular Duck and Hippo series, illustrated by Andrew Joyner. Many of his books explore nature, among them Flamingo Sunset, illustrated by Kristina Rodanas, and Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica, illustrated by Julie Olson. He is also the author of the Aaron's Wilderness middle-grade series, illustrated by his son Sean London. Jonathan lives in Graton, California. Learn more online at www.jonathan-london.net.

Andrew Joyner - source

Andrew Joyner is an illustrator, author, and cartoonist based in South Australia. He has illustrated a number of picture books, and he wrote and illustrated a chapter book series about a warthog named Boris. He is the illustrator of the popular Duck and Hippo series, written by Jonathan London. He has also illustrated for newspapers and magazines, including the Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, and Rolling Stone magazine, among others. Learn more online at www.andrewjoyner.com.au.

To purchase a copy of DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.

Book Reviews and Author Interview of Coach Ryan Sloth

IOWA STATE CYCLONES FOOTBALL A TO Z

By: Coach Sloth

Illustrated by: Adam Schartup

Published: February 7, 2017

Publisher: Mascot Books

Non-Fiction

After seeing a book on Ohio State, Ryan Sloth contacted the publisher to see if they had any similar books about Iowa State. When they said no, he agreed to write one. Sloth’s IOWA STATE CYCLONES FOOTBALL A TO Z took him two and a half years to write, mostly because it took a while to get all the logos approved. It was quite the ordeal, but now that he has gone through it once, he is more knowledgeable on the process.

Sloth uses every letter of the alphabet to share part of the Iowa State Football excitement. As a former player and coach he used his own experiences to fill the pages with football knowledge. Whether he is telling readers about the mascot, Cy, for the letter “C” or telling Hawkeye jokes on the “R” for Rivalry page, children and adult fans will really enjoy looking through the pages. Each page offers realistic illustrations and kids can enjoy looking for Cy hiding on every page.  Side boxes on each page including history of Cyclone football, facts on the game, or stats on well-known players will keep adults interested and maybe even reminiscing on their favorite seasons.

This hardcover book would make a great gift for your favorite Cyclone Fan, young or old. 

SAMMY SLOTH AND THE IOWA STATE CYCLONES

By: Coach Sloth

Published: January 6, 2015

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Fiction

Sammy Sloth makes a wish for his birthday that the Iowa State Cyclones win their football game against their archrivals this week. Every week Sammy and his dad attend the Cyclones's game starting with tailgating outside of the stadium to watching the team warm-up on the field. This week is the big game against their biggest in-state rivalry and Sammy is super excited. Will the Cyclones win?

Coach Sloth's SAMMY SLOTH series shows kids how to be positive role models, have confidence in themselves, and to find a way to be active. But, this book shares Sammy's love of Iowa State Cyclone football by sharing a day at a Cyclone football game. Football fans and Cyclone fans will be thrilled with the play-by-play of the game and all the characters that will remind them of their favorite players.

Ryan Sloth

Former Iowa State Cyclone football player, Ryan Sloth, is living the dream as a children’s author. He grew up near Belmond, Iowa and has always been a Cyclone fan. Sloth started as a freshman walk-on at Iowa State in the late 1990’s. By his senior year, he was a starting defensive back and was part of the team that led Iowa State to win their first bowl game. He majored in sports management and also received a Master’s in high education. After college, he spent some time playing and coaching in arena football, including playing and coaching for the Iowa Barnstormers.

About ten years ago, while reading a football story to his son Tucker, he realized the author knew nothing about football and the story was so awful that he threw it away. It reminded him of a story he had written in high school as part of an English assignment with the character he created called, Sammy Sloth, a play on his last name. He called his mom and luckily, she still had the story he had written and illustrated. After making a few revisions and adding some new characters, including his family, he sent it out to a few publishers. About a month later, a publisher called and Sammy Sloth was a reality.

Sammy Sloth loves sports but because he is so slow, he has a hard time playing basketball and baseball. Sammy keeps searching and doesn’t give up finding the right sport for him. Eventually he finds golf and when he is told to take a “nice slow back swing” he knows it’s the sport for him. Sloth states, “Sammy makes the team and finds out golf is his sport.” Sloth creates each Sammy book to teach a lesson such as never giving up, believing in yourself, or having patience. He even co-authored one of his books with his son and one with his daughter.

Since Sloth’s time was flexible during the off-season, he began taking his books into the classrooms. Reading has always been important to him. Sloth states, “Growing up on a farm near in the 80’s, we had story time every night because there was nothing else to do. Mom would read a few chapters a night from The Little House on the Prairie books. As I got older, I wasn’t a huge reader, and then mom introduced me to the Matt Christopher series of sports themed books. I had no idea they made books about football and that got me interested in reading again.” It’s important for him to share the importance of literacy, showing kids that reading can be fun and there is a book out there for everyone.

Sloth has plenty of other exciting things on the horizon. Due to his connections with the arena football league, he has been able to appear in several movies with football related scenes including “We are Marshall” and “Leatherheads” as well as “The Dark Knight Rises”. After publishing eight books, his ninth is nearly published. Right now Sloth is spending his time reading chapter books with his son for research on writing his own chapter book for young readers. He is also writing a novel based on the real story of one of his fellow arena football teammates dying on the field. He wants to tell the story of his team and coaches and how they overcame the tragedy. Sloth states, “It’s a ‘We are Marshall’ type of story that I hope will eventually be made into a movie.”  

In the meantime, Sloth continues to tour elementary classrooms all over the state. He wants to share the message that literacy is important, finding books that you like make reading fun, and that reading can take you anywhere. For more on Coach Sloth or to schedule a visit at your school, you can check out his website, www.CoachSloth.com. If you purchase books from there, he will autograph them before sending them out. 

To purchase a copy of IOWA STATE CYCLONES FOOTBALL A TO Z, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Thanks to Coach Sloth for taking the time to chat with me and for sending copies of his books. If you choose to purchase a book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Duck and Hippo in a Rainstorm

DUCK AND HIPPO IN THE RAINSTORM

By: Johnathan London

Illustrated by: Andrew Joyner

Published: March 1, 2017

Publisher: Two Lions

Fiction

We loved the Froggy series when our kids were little. The author, Johnathan London, is back with a new series including adorable characters that are the best of friends. Duck and Hippo are friends even though their size differences sometimes get in the way. When Duck shows up at Hippo's house to ask him to go for a walk in the rain, Hippo realizes it isn't easy for both of them to fit under Duck's umbrella. But, he finds ways to make it work because they are friends.

Children will love the silly antics of both Duck and Hippo. They will love the illustrations and expressions of their faces. They will learn about problem-solving and finding adjustments to make something work. I just love the color scheme of the illustrations and how adorable Joyner has created the characters. This is a new series with the next book in the series, DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND coming out in August 2017.

Duck and Hippo are true friends despite their differences. This new series about friendship will create a whole new group of fans of the author, Jonathan London. For more fun, check out the activity sheets for DUCK AND HIPPO, HERE.

Johnathan London - source

Jonathan London is the author of more than one hundred children's books, including the bestselling Froggy series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. Many of his books explore nature, among them Flamingo Sunset, illustrated by Kristina Rodanas, and Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica, illustrated by Julie Olson. He is currently writing a middle-grade series, which started with Desolation Canyon, illustrated by his son Sean London. Jonathan lives in Graton, California. Learn more online at www.jonathan-london.net.

Andrew Joyner - source

Andrew Joyner is an illustrator, author, and cartoonist based in South Australia. He has illustrated a number of picture books, and he wrote and illustrated a chapter book series about a warthog named Boris. He has also illustrated for newspapers and magazines, including the Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, and Rolling Stone magazine, among others. Learn more online at www.andrewjoyner.com.au.


To purchase a copy of DUCK AND HIPPO IN THE RAINSTORM, click the photo below:




To preorder a copy of DUCK AND HIPPO LOST AND FOUND, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this books for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.