Armchair BEA: Approaching Publishers and Authors

In honour of Armchair BEA and the Book Blogger Convention that I wasn't able to go to, I present a post on approaching publishers and authors yourself when you see a book or a bunch of books you'd like to review.

I review for a LOT of different publishers, authors and publicists and not all of them contacted me first. I approached more publishers than approached me. It can be a little scary at first, especially if you haven't been reviewing for others that much yet. My first few times I felt like I was sending an email to the Prime Minister/President, especially for the bigger publishers.

First of all realize you will not be corresponding with the head of the company. Requests for book reviews go to publicity/public relations.

To Approach Publishers

Step 1: Find the website for the publisher you want to approach. (NOTE: For some of the bigger publishers, make sure you are contacting the proper one for where you live. If you live in Canada, you should be contacting Random House Canada or Harper Collins Canada.)

Step 2: Look around, usually near the bottom of the page, but not always, for a contact section, or Media section.

Step 3: Usually there are different emails for many different people in the company. If one says for book review requests (media only) than that's the one you want. If nothing says that, then look for the title of Publicity or Public Relations (PR.) If there is only one contact email, use that one. If you still can't figure it out, try the most basic email such as info@publisher.net or inquiries@publisher.net.
NOTE: It may say for media only or accredited only or something similar. Don't let this scare you away. Most publishers work with bloggers and you are going to clearly state that you are such. If they don't want to work with you, they will say so, no harm done. 

Step 4: Open up your email and make the subject line something like these:

If you are requesting a certain book
"Review Request: Book Title and Book Author (ISBN)"

If you are requesting to work with them in general
"Interested in a possible blogger-publisher relationship"
"Book Reviewer looking to work with [Publisher name]"

Step 5: Make your email fairly professional and to the point. Don't ramble. If possible, address the PR person by name. Try one of these:

Dear [PR Name],
To the Publicity Department (use if being sent to generic email address)
To Whom it May Concern (last resort)

I usually open my email by saying:

"I am an Independent Book Reviewer at http://smsbookreviews.blogspot.com and I often review books for other publishers, publicists and authors."

Obviously if you are new to reviewing, you will have to word yours a little differently.

Then say something nice about the publisher and why you want to review for them (but keep it truthful) such as:

"Looking through your catalogues I see many books I own/have read and enjoyed in the past."
"Some of my favourite books are from [Publisher Name]"
"I'm always looking to support publishers from [Country Name]"
"I just came across your website but already see quite a few books that catch my eye."

Continue stating something about how you would love to review some of their books which would help generate public interest. Direct them to your review policy and state why your blog would be a good fit.

End with something like:

"Thank you for taking the time to consider this matter"
"Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you."
"I realize you are very busy but when you get a chance, I'd love to hear your thoughts."

Step 6: Read over your message again, check for spelling and grammar and check AGAIN. Make sure it sounds right and it's to the correct email. If you are requesting a specific book, include your mailing address so that if they decide to send it to you, they don't have to email you back and wait again for your address. If you are requesting to work with them in general, I wouldn't include your address. Send!

I've received a response in as little as the next day and as long as 3 months later and some never responded at all so you may want to send a message to a bunch of different publishers. The ones that didn't respond were smaller publishers and this was when working with bloggers was new so they may have said to themselves, "A blogger is not media and not eligible for review copies" and ignored me. Things may change if I approached them again now.

To Approach Authors

First of all realize that very few authors have enough copies of their book to send to you. Most authors I've approached forwarded my email to their publisher who sent me the book. I have received books straight from authors too though. I usually approach authors after seeing their book on TV or in a magazine and it spikes my interest. If I can easily find the publisher, I contact them but sometimes it's a small publisher or I can't find a way to contact them.  Also the author is usually more gung ho at the idea of having me review their book and it's usually a yes when I approach them.

The Following ADDED June 1, 2010
For Twitter Users

Ruth reminded me in the comments about contacting publishers or publicists through twitter.I've done this a few times. One time the publisher was offering a review copy to any book blogger who followed them, just be DMing your address. Another time I saw a conversation between a publisher and another book blogger, offering her a review copy. So I contacted and said I've love to review the book too and they said yes. One or two other times I saw a publisher tweeting about a new book so I replied back saying I'd love to review said book on my blog. I got a review copy each time I contacted someone on twitter. Take a chance!

Armchair BEA: Interview with Felicia of Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Armchair BEA is for those of us who can't attend BEA (Book Expo America) or BBC (Book Blogger Convention) for real.

In honour of Armchair BEA, I go to interview a fellow book blogger. I interviewed Felicia of Geeky Blogger's Book Blog.


Can you tell me a little bit about what your home life is like? Significant Other? Kids? House? Apartment? Urban? Rural? 

My name is Felicia, 38 years old (young), single, and have 2 very lovable yet exact opposite of each other dogs.  I live right outside of a metropolitan area in the "burbs".  It is a nice quiet community and I love my house just because of the huge backyard! Most of my life revolves around my family, friends, and dogs.

When you are not blogging, what are you doing? 

Oh gosh so very little of my life is actually blogging (though I love it)!  Most of the time, I am reading, playing WOW (world of warcraft), going to book signings, attending meetups from meetup.com, hanging with friends, or watching TV (which I do a lot of---my friends and family call me a walking IMDB-Internet Movie Database).

I see you review a lot of Paranormal Romance. I personally don't read that genre so I'm curious, what do you like about it? If you were trying to sell me the genre, what would you say?  

I probably wouldn't try to sell anyone on any genre.  That is the fantastic thing about the wide range of books offered these days, everyone can find at least one that speaks to them.  Most of them overlapping with others, so you are never limited in your reading options.  As with most readers though, I tend to read several different genres and often at once.  My main is PNR but I also read quite a bit of non-fiction, historical romance, and mystery/thrillers.  I think what I like (LOVE) about PNR is it combines all my favorite fiction genres: romance, mystery/thriller, and paranormal settings.  However, if there is a good story, I will read it.  

How did you choose the name Geeky Blogger? Why do you consider yourself a geek?  

I am a professional geek!  I actually work in the information technology field, play World of Warcraft in my spare time, can wax on and on about most things Microsoft (hey it is what pays my bills), and even way back in high school competed in UIL events such as Math Studies and Journalism.  I love and embrace the fact that I am geek, nerd, "insert whatever you want to call it here".  My other nickname is The History Chic (which is also geeky) but I have used that for years in the history groups I belong too (yep I go to Renaissance Faires and even dress up when I attend).

How do you like your Kindle? How long have you had it? Do you use it more often than reading regular books? 

I *heart* my Kindle. I got it about this time last year (May 2009).  I could go on and on about how it has enhanced my reading experience for hours.  Basically, for me, it is a fantastic way to keep my library with me most of the time. Since I am a multi-reader, I always have choices without lugging around 4 to 5 books at a time.  Even when I don't have my Kindle with me (which is rare), I have a Kindle app on my phone and they sync with each other.  I basically bought one because I don't have a lot of storage space for books and needed a workable solution to that problem.  I am one of those people that "re-read" books, so not keeping them was not an option.  The kindle made it easy for me to keep all my favorite series.  Of course, it created a "it is to easy to buy books" problem but I am working on that.  As far as reading "regular" books--I mostly don't unless I win them or they are not offered on Kindle.  I do still by "paper" books when I want to collect them, want them signed, or want the hardback version of them.  I don't really buy that many paperbacks anymore though.

I've never read any Jane Austen and have no intention to do so. What made you pick up one of her books? What do you like about her style? 

I grew up in a really small town with a really limited library.  This was the 70's and early 80's so most of the books were very strong male role models with women filling the "supportive" roles.  Austen was the first author I read (assigned in school or picked up in the library-can't remember which came first) that had strong, opinionated, forceful women that did not play a supportive roles in their own lives.  They could have romances, take a stand, push for what they wanted, and still have rich fulfilling relationships with people in their lives. I have since read many books that have strong female characters but she is the one I hold near and dear to my heart.

I see from your Good Reads that you read a lot of books at once like me. Do you have certain types of books that you only read before bed, or a book that is only for when you are out and about or anything like that? Or do you just sit down to read and pick a random book from your reading pile? 

I am very random!  I always have several books started at once because I read what I am in the mood for.  I have audiobooks to listen to while at work, 2 to 3 different books going on my kindle, and then if someone mentions a book that I think I might be interested in, I could read the first few chapters.  I have always read like that since I was young.  With the rare exception, I very seldom sit down and read a book cover to cover unless it is one that have been waiting to come out or it just "hooks" me. 

Tell me about your dogs. 

My dogs are my children.  I have a 13 (almost 14) year old pug who was a rescue from a puppy mill.  She has been a part of my life for 12 years and is just the best snobby brat on the planet.  Tonks (yes named from Harry Potter) is a Lab/Pyrenees mix (120 pounds) and is the sweetest dog on the planet.  When I got her she was 7.7 pounds and then she just spurted up to a 120 while I was paying attention.  She is most like me--a little bit clumsy, very curious, and sometimes can be the laziest thing on the planet.  She loves her mom though :)

On one of your other blogs, Bits N Bytes of a Geeky Blogger , you do a weekly meme called Tasty Tuesdays. I've enjoyed the recipes although I haven't tried any yet. Do you like to cook? What are a few of your favorite meals? 

I love to cook and when I joined Weight Watchers, I found that I could eat more if I cooked it myself.  I am all about good food!  I am subscribed to a huge amount of magazines just for the recipes.  I love fish, chicken, beef, veggies, and learning to love fruits.  I also like simple meals though and find that you don't always have to spend large amounts of time in the kitchen to whip up a good meal :) My favorite meal is Talipia Fish Tacos with avocado and pico.  It is quick, filling, and good for you (though it tastes like it is a cheat meal)!  I love it!

How long have you been blogging and which blog did you start first? What made you want to start blogging? 

I started Bits N Bytes of a Geeky Blogger (previously named Confessions of a Geeky Blogger) in July of 2006, it was a way of dealing with a bunch of transitions going on in my life: a breakup, buying a house, transitions at my old job, and really trying to carve where I fit in the world.  My travel blog started after I went overseas the first time and everyone wanted to know what I was seeing.  This was a way to keep my family/friends up to date on my travels.  Then my book blog started in Jan 2009, the first time I signed up for the 100 book challenge.  I just needed a way to keep up with what I read and blogging is something I am very comfortable with :)  I am in the process of "branding" all my blogs though they are hobbies so I am not as stressed over that as maybe I should be.  I just like really cool layouts.  So far my book blog has been done and my personal blog is in the process of being re-done.  I am lucky I found a designer that gets me!

Thanks for the great questions!  I had a great time answering them.

Reading to Rabbits, Monsters Under the Bed and Chicken, Pig and Cow

How Do You Read to a Rabbit? by Andrea Wayne von Königslöw

Stars: *****

Annick Press (2010)
Picture Book
32 pages
Ages 2-5

Summary: How do you read to different animals? What would happen? This is explored with humour in this book.

This book is along the same lines as one of her other books, Toilet Tales.

Some Quotes:

"If you read a bedtime story to a hippopotamus, he might want to sit on your lap."


"And why can't you read a book to owls? Because they'll keep asking.... whooo????"

The book is really cute and can inspire talk about how other animals would react to being read to.  If you want you could even pass along the neat fact that dogs are great listeners and in fact lots of children do read to them. At the end of the book we see who the best people to read to is.

As I posted about before, there is a Annick Press contest to go along with this book. Click the link for details, it's for kids and you could win a signed, original sketch by the author/illustrator.

Links of Interest: Contest,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy How Do You Read to a Rabbit? at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Is There a Monster Over There? by Sally O. Lee

Stars: ***1/2

Create Space (2010)
Picture Book
36 pages


Summary: Mabel and her cat Tiffany are scared of monsters until Mabel wonders "what if monsters were just like us?" So Mabel and Tiffany test out their theory and get to be friends with the monster.

I've reviewed many other picture books by Sally O. Lee: Stop It, Cake Thief, The Rabbit and the Snowman and The Tutu Ballet.

This one would be good for a child already scared of monsters but if they aren't scared of monsters, I wouldn't read it. The monster is kind of scary looking and you don't want to put that idea into their head. That really goes with any monster book.

Once Mabel isn't afraid anymore and finds the monster friendly, they play dress up which I think is a good way of making the monster not scary anymore.

Links of Interest: Lee Publishing,

Other Reviews: Lost in Books,

Buy Is There a Monster Over There? at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Purple Problem by Ruth Ohi

Stars: *****

Annick Press (2010)
Picture Book
32 pages
Ages 2-5

Summary: The third book in the Chicken, Pig, Cow series. Cow is fed up with having purple spots when all the other cows have brown or gray spots so she goes off on a quest to change her spots. It's a story of self-acceptance.

See Chicken, Pig, Cow and Chicken, Pig, Cow on the Move.

Cow is the focus of this book and he learns the important lesson of being happy with who you are. He leaves his friends to find a way to not be purple. He finds gray mud and brown dirt and even new shoes. Will his friends recognize him?

As with all the Chicken, Pig, Cow books, this is so cute. My kids love the series and I can't wait to see what's next.

Links of Interest: Ruth Ohi, Featured on Gisele's Big Backyard,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Purple Problem at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

* I received a copy of each of these books for review. All reviews are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the book.

Famous Figures of Ancient Times and Dinosaurs on the Move by Cathy Diez-Luckie

Stars: ***

Summary: Cut out, colour and assemble famous figures of ancient times with brass fasteners or brads and act out history! The first book in the Figures in Motion series.

Included are black and white (to be coloured) and full colour cut outs of Narmer, Khufu, Sargon the Great, Hammurabi, Moses, King David, Ashurbanipal, Nebuchadnezzar II, Cyrus the Great, A Greek Hoplite, Qin Shi Huangdi, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Hannibal's Elephant, Julius Caesar, Jesus, Constantine and Augustine.

After an introduction and the instructions, you'll find a paragraph explaining who each of the poeple were. It's a great idea for schools as the teacher could make the colour one and she could photocopy on cardstock the black and white ones for each student to colour in. I'm just not sure if students ages 6-12 actually learn about these historical figures. If anyone who knows more could enlighten me, I'd appreciate it.  I know Catholic schools would find some of them useful but I've never even heard of most of them. The few I do know, I didn't learn about in grade school.

I didn't make one because I am donating the book but it looks easy enough to understand. You match A Front to A Back and so on and you can attach them with brass fasteners or brads. You can see what the pages look like at Figures in Motion as well as see a page from the biography section.

Sidenote: Figures in Motion will be at BEA. See where at their news page.

Links of Interest: Figures in Motion,  Blog Talk Radio Interview with Author, Cathy Diez Luckie on Twitter, 


Other Reviews: Scrub a Dub Tub, 

Buy Figures of Ancient Times at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Stars: ****

Summary:  The second book in the Figures in Motion series is all about Dinosaurs! Cut, colour and assemble 10 different dinosaurs.

This one is smaller, featuring the Allosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Baryonyx, Brachiosaurus, Ouranosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Pteranodon, Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex.

There is a little information about each dinosaur at the front of the book including length, weight, habitat, diet, where fossils have been found and a short paragraph on it's features.

My kids like dinosaurs but I can see paper dinosaurs getting bent or lost so I haven't decided yet if we'll make some of them or pass the book on.

They are made the same way at the first book, by matching letters and using brass fasteners or brads. Perfect for teachers, homeschoolers or just dinosaur lovers.

Links of Interest: Figures in Motion,  Blog Talk Radio Interview with Author, Cathy Diez Luckie on Twitter, 

Other Reviews: For Immediate Release Reviews Kids,

Buy Dinosaurs on the Move at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

The next book in the Figures in Motion series will be Famous Figures of the United States, which should be out sometime this year. You can see the line up of future books planned. The website also has resources for history lessons and list of events.

* I received a copy of each of these books in exchange for a review. All reviews are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the book.

Mailbox Monday - May 17

This is the day when I highlight all the new books that have come into my house since the last time I participated. Mailbox Monday is hosted at The Printed Page. The books highlighted here came to me by author/publisher/publicist for review unless otherwise specified.

In the past 2 weeks:

C'mon Papa: Dispatches from a Dad in the Dark by Ryan Knighton
Knopf Canada/Random House - about a blind father!

The Invisible Gorilla: and Other Ways our Intuitions Deceive Us by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons
Crown/Random House - interesting studies of the human mind

U.N.I.Q.U.E.: Growing the Leader Within by Debra J. Slover AND U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS: Growing My Leadership Garden by Debra J. Slover
Set of two books, one for adult, one for child (8-12) about growing in to a leader

The Triumphant Child: Caring for your Newborn by Dr. Olson Huff and Nicole Rawson-Huff
Sixty-Second Parent - A guide for new parents

Melvin the Magnificent Molar by Julia Cook & Laura Jana, MD
National Center for Youth Issues - Cute picture book to help kids learn about their teeth

Alfred Zector Book Collector by Kelly DiPucchio
HarperCollins - picture book about a boy who collects books all his life but still feels empty and has to figure out why

Otto Grows Down by Michael Sussman
Otto makes a wish that his sister had never been born and then time starts moving backwards and Otto gets younger and younger!

Books Won:

Woman: An Intimate Geography by Natalie Angier.
 - I won this from Mrs. Q. Book Addict. It was my choice to have this book. I read it a long time ago and it's my favourite nonfiction book. I wanted to own a copy so I chose it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms by Erica Wells & Lorraine Regel
 - I won this through the #Survival4Mom twitter party in honour of the books release. It's by @rookiemommy and @momsurvival

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy + cinderella shoe bookmark
 - I won this during Blogmania from Reading Teen.

Havoc at The Hillside Market by Melissa Halas-Liang
 - Won for being one of the first 50 bloggers to post about SuperKids Nutrition from a SheBlogs offer.

Enter to win an E-reader at Bibliophilic's Book Blog

Enter to win an e-reader at Bibliohphilic's Book Blog (or $100 amazon GC)

You can win your choice of: Sony Pocket, RCA Reader, Aluratek Libre or a Kobo. It's open internationally but I don't know until when so hurry up and enter. You have to be a followers to enter and if she gets up to 1000 followers she'll add 4 $15 amazon GCs.

Be sure to tell them Callista from SMS Book Reviews told you about the contest when you enter!

God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World - and Why Their Differences Matter by Stephen Prothero

This review is part of a TLC Book Tour.

Stars: ****

HarperOne (2010)
Adult Nonfiction
388 pages

Summary: Stephen Prothero doesn't believe that all religions are paths to the same place like the popular idea of paths up a mountain is about. He talks about what he considers the 8 rival religions and explains them well. His main focus is that the religions aren't similar because each religion addresses a different problem and therefore has a different solution. 

The religions Prothero includes are Islam, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Yoruba Religion, Judaism and Daoism plus he includes a chapter on Atheism which is over and above the "Great Eight."

I'm not sure I agree with his choice of religions but he knows more than me on religions. He does state that:

"Much is missing here. Shinto is not covered. Neither is Jainism, Zorastrianism, Wicca or the Baha'i faith. Also neglected are new religious movements such as Rastafarianism and Scientology. But the religion I most regret excluding is Sikhism." - p. 15-16

As I said, he explains that each religion addresses a different human problem and therefore a different solution. For example:

In Islam, the problem is pride, the solution is submission.
In Christianity, the problem is sin, the solution is salvation.
In Judaism, the problem is exile, the solution is to return to God.

It's hard to review this book without talking about my religious views but I just want to say that I always believe that each religion was a path to the same end but Prothero does make a good point I never thought about with regards to the problem/solution idea.

Discussion of the God is not One theory though isn't the majority of the book. The majority is discussion of each of those eight religion which in general I found very interesting. For anyone interested in learning the basics about other religions, this would be a great read. I do wish he'd come out with another book which explains some of the religions that were omitted. I love learning about other religions and often can't find an explanation I can understand.

Links of Interest: Browse Inside the Book, God is Not One on YouTube, Stephen Prothero,

Other Reviews: Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, Knowing the Difference, Anchors and Masts,  Amy Reads,

Buy God is Not One at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All reviews are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the book.

Life is Too Short...

Lisa Quinn has a new book titled "Life's Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets: Your Ultimate Guide To Domestic Liberation". I've not read it yet but it looks just like the kind of book I'd like!

What else do I think life is too short for?

Domestic/Parenting

• Trying to keep your house spotless when your children are young.
• Comparing your children to other people's children
• Thank you cards - email or when you get the gift is sufficient

Not-Domestic

• To worry about what everyone else thinks of you. 
• By the same token, trying to please everyone.
• Spending time being angry at things you cannot change.

This post is an entry into a book giveaway at TwitterMoms.

I'm Getting my Wisdom Teeth Out! - UPDATE

Wisdom Teeth Photo from H4n0 on Flickr

I"m getting my Wisdom teeth out today so I won't be around if anyone tries to contact me but I have scheduled a few reviews to go up in my absence. Wish me luck!

UPDATE: There's been a complication and I can't have my wisdom teeth out right now. I'm going to have to have it done in the hospital. This is causing a lot of stress. 

Hailey Twitch is Not a Snitch by Lauren Barnholdt

Stars: ***

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (May 2010)
Children's Chapter Book
160 pages

Summary: Hailey has a secret friend named Maybelle, a sprite that only she can see and that has a problem. She tries to have fun but keeps getting Hailey into trouble. Will Hailey tell on Maybelle or will she keep the secret?

Although I do review lots of children's books, children's chapter books are probably the kind I read the least. The stories are fairly simple but there are not many illustrations. However I realize that just because I don't enjoy a book a lot doesn't mean that a child the age this book is made for wouldn't like it better. So I try to envision a new reader to see if it's a good book.

The story is cute and appealing to most young girls (fancy pencils and clothes, pink and purple, flying sprites.) It also carries the lesson of not "snitching" and keeping important secrets although I could see a child being a little confused about when it's okay to tell on someone that did something bad and when it's not.

It is listed for ages 9-12 which is probably the reading level. If it was read to them, it would appeal to girls 6-8.

Read an excerpt

Links of Interest: Lauren Barnholdt,

Other Reviews: KC Books, Cindy's Love of Books, Novel Novice, My Overstuffed Bookshelf,

Buy Hailey Twitch is Not a Snitch at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All reviews are honest and are not affected in any way by how I aquired the book.

A Birthday Cake Is No Ordinary Cake by Debra Frasier

Stars: ****

Harcourt Children's Books (2006)
Picture Book
40 pages
Ages 4-8

Summary: This book teaches the concept of how the Earth moves around the sun and each time it does that is one year. So to make your birthday cake - it takes all year and ingredients such as sunshine, snow, grass, leaves, sound of a red robin singing, etc.

By the author of On The Day Your Were Born, is this book about birthdays that focuses on something other than presents and parties. It's a science lesson and fun book all rolled into one.

Debra Frasier does her own illustrations and they are all made with bright bold colours which really captured my children's interests.

A quote:

"The Earth spins eastward toward the Sun to make morning, then spins away, making night. One complete spin equals one complete day! No spinning. No cake. So hold on, bakers! We're riding the Earth in a great spinning circle around the sun from your birthday to your NEXT birthday, because every circle around the sun equals one."

This would be a good book for a teacher or homeschooler and there are even science activities available online. 

Links of Interest: Debra Frasier,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy A Birthday Cake is No Ordinary Cake at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews
The book is currently on sale at amazon.com for only $5 (as of this writing - May 10/10)

*I got this book from the library

Book Giveaways at Yummy Mummy Club - Canadians Only

I just wanted to share some book giveaways at the Yummy Mummy Club. You have to be a member to enter but membership is free and they don't send you tons of emails or anything, just once in a while.

You must be Canadian to enter (and be a member) - You can join here

Win a $300 Prize Pack of your Favourite Books - Till May 9

Win a Sony E-book Reader - till May 23
You can enter this one once a day

Win a $100 Shopping Spree at Bookscene.ca - Till June 1

Monthly Review - (Jan - Apr 2010)

I've been slacking on doing monthly reviews of what I've read. So here is the first four months of the year:

Format:
Title by Author PageNumbers
(NOTE: I don't count picture books in my running total of pages read so they are marked as 0 pages.)
* means my favourite book of that month.

January
* The NDD Book by William Sears, MD 212
I am an Emotional Creature by Eve Ensler 176
Earth From Above for Young Readers by Yann Arthus-Bertrand 77
The Book of Rock Stars by Kathleen Krull 48
Happy Birthday To You by Margot Theis Raven 37
Too Many Books by Gilles Tibbo 0
Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind by Judy Finchler & Kevin O'Malley 0

Total Books: 7
Total Pages: 550

February
LOST's Buried Treasures by Lynnette Porter & David Lavery 306
How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman 170
* The Amanda Project: Invisible I by Stella Lennon 338

Total Books: 3
Total Pages: 814

March
Outrageously Alice by Phylllis Reynolds Naylor 133
The Little Black Book for Girlz by St. Stephen's Community House 208
The Man's Book by Thomas Fink 230
Straight Talk for Teenage Girls by Annette Fuson 125
* The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman 190
* I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali w. Delphine Minoui 190
Sewing a Friendship by Natalie Tinti 88

Total Books: 7
Total Pages: 1164

April (remember I did two readathons and an event this month)
* The Book of Knowledge by David Michael Slater 447
Finding Anyone, Anywhere, Anywhen by Noel Montgomery Elliot 322
Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Clark Venuti 242
Without Sin by J. Tomas 240
In Ecstasy by Kate McCaffrey 258
Nibbling on Einstein's Brain by   Diane Swanson 146
Wow: A Handbook for Living by Zen Ohashi, Zono Kurazono 157
Till Sex Do Us Part by Dr. Trina Read 231
* Nasty, Brutish and Short by Pat Senson 274
Sex, Drugs and Gefilte Fish Ed. by Shana Liebman 266
Sexaholics by Pynk 314
All of Me by Molly Bang 0
Oliver Has Something to Say by Pamela Edwards 0
Happy, Sad, Silly, Mad by John E. Mitchell and Jana Christy 0

Total Books: 14
Total Pages: 2897

For a running total of:
(F - fiction, NF - nonfiction)

Picture Books - 5
Adult NF - 10
Adult F - 1
Teen NF - 2
Teen F - 5
Children's NF - 3
Children's F - 4

Feelings, Speaking Up and Thanking My Body

Happy, Sad, Silly, Mad: My World Makes Me Feel by John E. Mitchell and Jana Christy

Stars:****

Accord Publishing (2009)
Picture Book
28 pages

Summary: A cute picture book about how certain things make you feel. You may not feel the same way as the child in the book but the idea is to get talking about feelings.

I read this book to my 3 and 4 year old. They enjoyed it although it's not like it was their new favourite book or anything. I really like it though. I think it would be good for a preschool or parent or Spark/Daisy leader who was teaching about feelings. As any good children's book does today, this book features children of all skin colours and abilities. In addition to happy, sad, silly and mad, the children also mention curious, excited, confused, brave, scared, embarrassed, proud, frustrated, surprised and loved. Well actually the book says Angry inside but Mad on the cover. A good teachable moment that they mean the same thing.

Links of Interest: Happy, Sad, Silly, Mad (close up of cover and a photo of one page spread.), John and Jana,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Happy, Sad, Silly, Mad at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Oliver Has Something to Say! by Pamela Edwards

Stars:*****

Lobster Press (2007)
Picture Book
Ages 4-8

Summary: Every time someone asks Oliver something, he goes to open his mouth and answer but someone else answers for him. Finally his teacher asks him a question and no one is around to answer for him. Can he use his words to say what he wants?

This is SUCH a cute book. It's a perfect reminder to parents who may think they know what their child is thinking but who should step back and let them speak for themselves. It's also a cute book for shy kids who don't speak much.

The illustrations by Louis Pilon are adorable, cartoon-like with expressive faces and mostly simple line drawings.

Links of Interest: NONE


Other Reviews: The Well-Read Child, The Literary Word,

Buy Oliver Has Something to Say! at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

All of Me!: A Book of Thanks by Molly Bang

Stars:*****

Blue Sky Press (2009)
Picture Book
40 Pages

Summary: A children's book all about being thankful for all parts of our bodies as well as understanding that we are part of a bigger universe.

This book is wonderful. In order to understand, you need some quotes:

"Look at my fine feet! Thank you, feet, for holding me up when I stand, and when I walk, and when I jump!"
"I smile and talk and sing with my ... mouth. My lips kiss Mommy and Daddy."
"And right now I also know that I am part of this whole world - this universe!"

By far the best part about this book is that the artwork is done in a unique way and the author shares how that's done at the end of the book. The artwork was created using crayons, paint and collage on paper bags. You can read more about how this book came to be and about the artwork at Molly Bang - All of Me.

Some other points of interest:

• This book pictures an interracial family (white dad, dark-skinned mom) - finally!
• There is no religion in this book, the boy is thankful but not to anyone in particular.
• The last line is a little weird "And this whole universe is inside - all of me! What a wonder."

Links of Interest: Molly Bang,

Other Reviews: Kids Lit,

Buy All Of Me at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

* I received a copy of all three of these books for review from the publishers. All reviews are honest and are not affected in any way by how I acquired the books.

Winter's Tail, Made You Look and Face Painting

I don't like writing mini-reviews and putting more than one book in a post but I am so behind I need to catch up somehow.

Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again by Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff and Craig Hatkoff

Stars: ****

Scholastic Press (2009)
Children's Nonfiction
Reading Level: 4-8 (I disagree, see below)

Summary: Winter, an Atlantic bottle nose dolphin was rescued when she was three months old with her tail so badly injured, it couldn't be saved. Winter amazingly survived but even more amazing is how she learned to swim a different way to compensate. The unusual way of swimming was causing spine problems so a team of prosthetic experts created the first prosthetic tail for a dolphin. This is the story of Winter.

This is an amazing story of an amazing dolphin. Complete with colour photos of Winter and the wonderful people who helped Winter. The prosthetic tail is so cool. It's explained how they first made it and how that didn't work well so they had to improve upon it.  The text is just right for a 9-12 year old, not a 4-8 year old. I think it's too much information for a 4-8 year old as well. They would enjoy a shorter version of the story and the photos but it's too much text for someone under 9.

The back of the book features some more in depth information about where Winter was rescued, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (where she lives), Dolphins in general, training dolphins and Kevin Carroll and Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics.

Winter's Tail is even a DS game now!

Links of Interest: Winter's Tail (Facts, blog, singalong, game, webcam, info and more.), YouTube Video about Winter, Scholastic Page for Winter's Tail,

Other Reviews: 5 Minutes for Books, Through the Looking Glass Book Reviews,

Buy Winter's Tail (book) or Winter's Tail (DS Game) at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Made You Look: A Book of Picture Puzzles Edited by Marilyn Green

Stars: ***1/2

Klutz (2009)
60 pages

Summary: Introducing the most eye-catching compendium of picture puzzles the world has ever seen. Made You Look is packed with every variety of visual amusement you can think of: hidden pictures, matching games, needle-in-a-haystack searches, what's wrong pictures, super close-up mystery photos, visual puns and more. - from Klutz

I like puzzles, but I prefer paper puzzles that I can write or draw on. These puzzles are mostly the kind you look at and figure out but a few are mazes which require you to trace with you fingers. There are some puzzles that require parts that come out of the book. There is a punch out "flashlight" that you use to go spelunking and a shiny viewer that you use for a certain page. There is a pocket inside the back cover of the book to hold your "attachments."

The back of the book has the answers which is good. Some of these puzzles are hard! Here's a sample Made You Look activity courtesy of the Klutz website (one of the easier ones.)

Links of Interest: Klutz Made You Look Site,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Made You Look at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

 

Face Painting by the editors of Klutz

Stars: ****

Klutz (2007)
Face Painting Kit (Book and Face Paint)

Summary: A starter kit for face painting including Wolfe Brothers Professional Face Paints and a book with ideas and steps. Also small cards to take with you with shorter/easier creations.

I had the chance to try this out last summer at a Girl Guide Camp. We painted the faces of all the girls (from 5-14) and they were all very happy. I am far from artistic but I was able to do a fairly good job with the help of this book.

First, the face paint. It's water-based and washable and easy to use. It came with a brush and sponge and 6 colours. I could have used more colours but all the basics were there and we mixed when we needed to. I've tried to use cheap face paint and this is not the cheap stuff.

The book starts off with a few lists, (what you get, stuff you'll need, other stuff you might want.)  Then a little bit on getting started with tips and hints and a guide to color mixing. Following that you'll see brush strokes 101 which is very helpful. I learned a few new techniques in this section. Then you'll find some sponge tips.

Finally you get to the art section. There are different sections: cheek art, fancy faces, not-on-the-face painting and finally, the party cards. The party cards are a set of 12 cards that you can tear out of the book and keep in the provided envelope to bring with you to parties and events. They are simple designs and each include four steps to creating the design. These are what we offered to the Girl Guides so we wouldn't be spending 20 minutes on each kid and since we were unsure of our face paint skills. Some of the face art includes dogs, cats, fairies, superheroes, pirates, witches, monsters and more

Links of Interest: Klutz Face Painting,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Face Painting at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews