Globe-Trotting Cats! Enter to win the Children’s Picture Book: KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands and the ENTIRE KeeKee's Big Adventures Series!

It is an immense pleasure to share Book Number Four in the KeeKee Adventure Series: KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The KeeKee "Big Adventures" series is a complete delight and I am honored to have reviewed each and every book in the series! Before I share KeeKee's latest book:KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands, let's take a trip with KeeKee and visit the other fabulous books in the series, shall we? C'mon!!

The first book I reviewed in the KeeKee Adventure Series was:

KeeKee's Big Adventures in Paris, France ,  followed by KeeKee's Big Adventures in Rome, Italy , (I had the enormous honor of having one of my quotes on the back cover praising the Paris book!)

KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Paris, France, was a Silver Winner in The Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book (Children’s/Young Adult) category at IBPA’s 2014 Benjamin Franklin Awards. Visit ibpa-online.org for more information.

Covers courtesy of http://www.keekeesbigadventures.com/

I was super excited for the release of KeeKee's Big Adventures in Athens, Greece  for a number of reasons, an important one is I have always been fascinated by the Greek culture. The food,  music, climate, history, architecture and so much more. I minored in Philosophy in college and majored in Rhetoric, (I intensely studied Greek Rhetorical theory), so I might have been just a tad biased about this book!

There is a formula to each of the books in the KeeKee's Big Adventure series  that makes the series a wonderful learning tool for children and adults alike:

1) KeeKee makes new friends

2) KeeKee learns new words in the language of the places that she is visting--in the back of each book is a handy guide that shows the proper way to pronounce the words that are featured.

3) KeeKee eats YUMMY food

4) KeeKee visits super cool places! There is always a super-cool map of all of the places that were visited in each book

I am now thrilled to present to you the latest book in the KeeKee's Big Adventure Series:

From Author Shannon Jones: This great adventure begain on a KLM Airlines flight in 2006 moving to the wonderful city of Amsterdam with the real-life KeeKee. Amsterdam was our home for four years, and our travels across Europe led us on the path to launching KeeKee's Big Adventures. We dedicate this book to those inspirations.

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: When I was a little one in about first grade, I was COMPLETELY obsessed with drawing windmills and tulips. Why? I have no clue, but a shrink would probably have a field day trying to figure that one out! Imagine my complete delight when opening KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands when the first things I saw were windmills and tulips! I felt myself returning to my childhood!

Adults will be drawn in to yet another KeeKee charmer, they will learn, along with their children things such as:

"Windmills are factories that turn wind into power" as explained by Jasper, a new friend that KeeKee made in the Netherlands.

Klompen means wooden shoes that are still worn today by gardeners, farmers, and road workers.

Fietsen means "bikes" there are more of them in Amsterdam than people! 

The Bloemenmarkt is the city's famous flower market. The stalls float in the canals!!

You will also learn that Kaas means cheese, thanks to Jasper taking KeeKee to the Kick & Faas Kaas shop.

"Did you know that Amsterdam has more canals than any other city in the world? The buildings along them are houses and shops." 

There is sooo much more that you will learn, but I don't want to ruin your journey by revealing the entire book! You have to see for yourself!

Well KeeKee, I want to thank you for yet another charming and educational journey!!! The illustrations are darling as always, and each book in the series is adorably written. It is a delight to read a book series that is not only entertaining, but is EDUCATIONAL to boot!!!

I can hardly wait to see where your travels take you next!

Author Shannon Jones discovered her passion for travel when she took her first international trip in the fifth grade. It opened her eyes and ears to the world. As a grownup, living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with her husband Paul and kitty KeeKee, the idea for KeeKee’s Big Adventures was born. After twenty years in the marketing field, Shannon is launched on her new adventures, following her passion for writing and excited to be helping kids in their quest for learning and discovery. She now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with Paul, KeeKee, and little sister kitty Luna.

Illustrator Casey Uhelski  graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration. As a little girl, she loved books, doodling, and daydreaming. She’s never outgrown these early enthusiasms, and has happily gone on to pursue a career as a children’s book illustrator. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Awards Won:

Foreword Review Indiefab Book Of the Year Finalist

Mom's Choice Award-Gold Recipient Medals

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards-Best First Book Silver Winner

GIVE-AWAY!!!!

Our generous friend KeeKee is offering:

THREE people will  in the GREAT prize (an autographed copy of the book)

ONE PERSON WILL WIN THE  ARTSY prize… which is a copy of the book + a “poster”

ONE PERSON WILL WIN THE  GRAND prize… which is a copy of all four books AND a poster

Because there will be multiple winners we are NOT using Rafflecopter this time around. If you would like to enter, simply leave a comment saying that you WISH TO BE ENTERED in the give-away. Easy-peasy! The give-away is open to everyone who is 18 and over. The give-away will end Sunday, October 23rd 2016 at 5pm EST. The winners will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on or about October 26th, 2016. GOOD LUCK!!

ISBN:978-0-9886341-9-0

All photos used in this review are courtesy of keekeesbigadventures.com

Published by CalithumpianPress.com

In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands in exchange for my always honest review. I am proud to be one of the original reviewers of the KeeKee's series!

Children's Book Review And Give-Away! A Friend For Macaroni by Terri DelNegro

It is not the norm to begin a book review with an author's bio, but in this case it is a most appropriate way to begin.

Copyright Terri DelNegro

During author Terri DelNegros' childhood, her mother was a photographer. Terri grew up in the camera's eye, posing for photos and even taking a "shot" (pun intended), at taking photos herself. The OLD way. Back in the days when photos were taken with REAL cameras, that required REAL FILM. Photos weren't shared then on social media, there WAS no social media. Photos didn't instantly appear (ok, I know about Polaroids, but those don't count). Back in the day, photos were created in what was called a dark room. For those unfamiliar, that was a room that, yes, was DARK and contained trays and trays of smelly chemicals. (I know this first hand, because in High School I took a photography class where we  developed our own photos. It always felt like magic to me watching a photo appear from beneath the chemicals).

Back to Terri... her first household pet that she considered to be HERS was her black cat, "Pepper." Terri, way ahead of her time used to "stage" moments with Pepper, using various props and took photos. Those photos were her first attempt at capturing animals in HUMAN situations. (Those reading who are bloggers can totally relate! We all know it is often NOT an easy task!) Today, Terri's studio, Pepper Kitt Studios,  is named in honor of her first cat.

"Pepper Takes a Seat"

Copyright Terri DelNegro

A few years later, for a school project, Terri created a book called "Animal Thoughts." She took her collection of photos and tried to imagine what the animals were thinking and added captions....(can you say those had to be the first memes EVER!!??)

From Terri DelNegro's website:

"I had forgotten about these early efforts until after I finished work on “A Friend for Macaroni”. I suddenly realized the book's style was similar to things I had created decades earlier. You just never know what influences from your childhood will resurface later in your lifetime." 

"When you unleash your imagination, who knows what wonders you'll find?

It is no surprise  that Terri's darling book:

is chock full of some of the most endearing, colorful, LIFE-LIKE and creative photos I have had the pleasure of viewing in a children's book. It is a PURR delight!! The text, narrated by Macaroni himself, is engaging, intriguing and will be sure to captivate not only the little ones, but the adults who have the pleasure of experiencing A Friend For Macaroni .

Macaroni is a simply purrfect,  ADORABLE ginger tabby who reminds me of our friends (Sammy,  Eric and Flynn).

Macaroni lives with Hannah, a little girl who loves him to the moon and back, and sings to him every night while cuddled under the warmth of her "fuzzy blanket."  Macaroni is an indoor cat who spends the day, as most cats do, sitting by the window watching "animals romping and playing." Oh how he wished he could go outside and make friends with them!

One day in autumn Macaroni's wish came true. A brisk breeze blew the door open and off he ran! Hannah was beside herself as she watched him run away and screamed, pleading with him to come back. Macaroni, thinking that he must "be in terrible trouble", just kept running.

Macaroni's  quest for "friendship and fun" had just begun, but "along the way, he finds that things aren't always as they seem."

Copyright Terri DelNegro

Some of the new "friends" that Macaroni meets are a bird, an owl, chipmunk and a fawn (just to name a few!) Each photo that features Macaroni's new "friends" is taken to appear as if Macaroni is REALLY sitting in the photo with that animal. The photos are so LIFE-LIKE and so professionally created, that if I didn't know there is no way Macaroni would be sitting and chatting with a raccoon who offered him an apple, I would believe they were REAL. They are THAT GOOD.

 "Will he ever find that one true friend

 he so desperately seeks?"

The answer is YES, and as is usually the case, that friend happens to be NOT in "his own backyard", but in his OWN HOUSE....his TRUE FRIEND is Hannah. Hannah, the one who loves him more than any of his new "friends." ever could!


Many of my readers will leave comments saying they don't have little ones in their homes to gift a children's book to. PAY IT FORWARD. A Friend for Macaroni by Terri DelNego, is one of the most charming and delightful books I have read, (and those of you who have been reading my blog for some time KNOW that  I have read MANY!!) Gift it to your local library, a pediatrician's office, a children's ward in the hospital, your local elementary school, a nephew, niece, a woman's shelter. GIVE THE GIFT OF READING to a little one whether you have a child in your household or not.

NOT JUST FOR CHILDREN! 
 Although A Friend For Macaroni  is certainly a "children's book",  Terri mentioned that she  did sell a copy to someone for her mother who has Alzheimer's, one to a special needs counselor who will use it to talk about feelings and  another copy to a lady who works at a home for seniors.

Terri's thinking is (and I couldn't agree more),  that because it is illustrated with photos, it appeals to a bigger audience than typical children's books. 

Copyright Terri DelNegro

A Friend for Macaroni is the size of a normal picture book,  which makes it ideal for bedtime reading. It has a few lessons that can be learned through the conversation that will surely arise while reading this delightful book. It is soft cover, which is probably my ONLY criticism. A book that contains as many delightful photos as this book, should be  in hardcover form. The photos are much too precious and beautifully created to be in soft cover form, but that is just my opinion. (My husband just paged through the book because I was sitting here raving about it, and he says it is too short to be in hardcover form. Purchase a copy for yourself and let me know what you think!!)

What a joy it was for me to see efforts from Terri's childhood come to fruition in this engaging and captivating book, purchase a copy, (it is available on Amazon),  and experience Macaroni's adventure for yourself!

IF YOU VISIT TERRI'S WEBSITE there is a "FUN STUFF" section where one can join their little ones and help them "unleash THEIR imagination" with some fun activities!  When the children complete the activities, they can submit them to Terri and they just might be featured on her site!

GIVE-AWAY!!!
Terri has generously offered one of my readers who resides in the U.S. the chance to win a copy of A Friend For Macaroni. DO NOT PASS THIS BY!! As I said above, PAY IT FORWARD and give the gift of reading to a little one who doesn't have to be YOUR child or in YOUR family. Entering is easy! Simply enter on the Rafflecopter below, (there is only ONE MANDATORY ENTRY REQUIREMENT) and GOOD LUCK!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway







In full disclosure, I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of A Friend For Macaroni by Terri DelNegro in exchange for my always honest review.

Terri's current cat "Buckley"
who bears a huge resemblance
to her first cat "Pepper"

Copyright Terri DelNegro

Mice offer sage advice in "I Wish I Had A Pet" a new picture book by Maggie Rudy-Enter to Win

When I was a child, I had an incredibly  vivid imagination. While  putting my feet into slippers or shoes, I pretended that they were going into their homes. Sitting under the picnic table with a cloth thrown over it, was my make-shift fort,  a haven where I would let my imagination take me to secret places. With lush emerald blades of grass as my cushion, I would become intoxicated by it's summery scent, my eyes occasionally catching a glimpse of an ant or a lady bug, would be the catalyst for my imagining that it lived in a grassy city of sorts,  full of  adventure.

Watching squirrels scampering up trees, I was certain that they retired to homes resplendent with acorn bowls used for eating, and that mouse holes were in reality, secret little hide-outs that contained miniature beds, pretty frocks and other treasures that made their houses cozy abodes that I was too large to crawl into and enjoy with them.

"Potato Forest" photo courtesy of Maggie Rudy

As I "matured", I never lost that child-like sense of wonder, and still believe that faeries, gnomes, mice and other miniature creatures live in magical places.

There are few authors I have reached out to whose books I desperately wanted to review. Maggie Rudy's I Wish I Had A Pet was one of them.

Book cover courtesy of Simon & Schuster

You never know what riches you will uncover when you read comments on blogs that you follow. I don't remember the exact chain of events, but I first discovered Maggie Rudy's blog: MousesHouses through reading a comment left on a blog that I follow.  Following the link, I was smitten:

"Reunion" photo courtesy of Maggie Rudy

I was transported to a magical place from  my childhood, where mice live, laugh and play with abandon. They are wearing adorable clothes, have amazing adventures, and frolic and thrive, just as I always knew they did.

Maggie Rudy, also known as the Empress of Mouseland, has been making mice with felt for twenty years and has been living in Mouseland for so long that she is starting to grow whiskers.

"Ice skating" Photo Courtesy of Maggie Rudy

"Deluxe accommodations" Photo Courtesy of Maggie Rudy

Maggie's Mice are made out of felt, pipe cleaners, cotton, nylon thread and black glass beads. They are pieced, sewn and glued. Maggie uses ALL that are made for her book illustrations.

Photo Courtesy of Maggie Rudy

I have a veritable pin-fest whenever I visit Maggie's blog.  I seem to never be able to visit her blog without pinning her images on a variety of my boards.

"Latkes" Photo Courtesy of Maggie Rudy

"Redhead" Photo Courtesy of Maggie Rudy

When I read her blog and found out that she had published a new book, my inner stalker detective kicked in! I HAD to know more about this gifted woman, and I desperately wanted a chance to review her book.

It is my honor to have been granted that opportunity!

Five-year-old-ME
was entranced by the digital photographs, which are scenes composed of objects in combination with handmade elements by Maggie Rudy.

Maggie Rudy photographing her mice! Photo Courtesy of Maggie Rudy

I Wish I Had A Pet enables you to follow a young mouse as she searches for a pet that is just right for her. It is a hard-cover, glorious picture book, (an ebook edition is also available, but in my opinion this is one you will want to HOLD and treasure in your hands, the way a book SHOULD be read).
I Wish I Had A Pet is a feast for the eyes and imagination of children, and those who embrace their inner child, as I do, while sharing an important message.

  I Wish I Had A Pet lovingly teaches children that while it is wonderful to WANT a pet, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration  before deciding on the pet that they want.

Big or small,
scruffy or smooth,
frisky or quiet-
there are so many pets
to choose from!

Which pet is just right 
for YOU?

Children will learn that pets  come with responsibilities, such as, "when your pet makes a mess, clean up after it....every time."

I Wish I Had A Pet touches on how not all pets like the same things, ie, some pets do not wish to  be dressed, and some might not enjoy play dates. How could you NOT bring a pet into your home when your child learns that the pet will become a  life-long friend, "who is wishing for YOU!"

There is SO MUCH TO SEE in the images in this book. The mice have "pets" of their own, lady bugs, caterpillars, etc. One of my favorite images in the book features two mice pushing baby strollers which were crafted out of walnut shells, tucked lovingly into the shells are none other than what I believe to be LOBSTERS!

I Wish I Had A Pet would be a gift that a child will cherish. It can be read as a bed-time story, for quiet time, in a children's reading group, as well as a classroom setting. The topic of what should be taken into consideration when deciding on a pet, and the detailed images, will plant seeds that will lead to HOURS of discussion!

Often, when I review a children's book I pass the book on to one of a number of children I am fortunate to know in my life. Not the case with this book. I am going to be selfish and keep it. I will keep it in my office where it will be an important reminder of the imagination that brought me so much joy as a child. I will share the book with little ones who might happen to visit, but ultimately, this one is going to be mine,  delightfully mine. I will share it when I feel like taking a much-needed respite into the joys of  child-like wonder, and I will continue to be awed by Maggie Rudy's talent, whenever I take that journey.

Beach Lane Books
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 978-1-4424-5332-6
Available wherever books are sold

MAGGIE RUDY is often spotted in Portland, Oregon, where she has a studio. You can see more of her mice on her blog: MousesHouses, follow Maggie on Tumblr and Twitter.




GIVE-AWAY!!!  I MAY NOT BE SHARING MY COPY OF I WISH I HAD A PET, (a $16.00 value), BUT MAGGIE RUDY HAS OFFERED A COPY FOR ONE OF MY READERS. IF YOU RESIDE IN THE U.S. YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN BY ENTERING ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW!! (My apologies to my International readers).  GOOD LUCK!

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Book Review:Bedtime in the Jungle By John Butler

If you know a little one who is between the ages of 2-6 you must check out this stunningly illustrated and endearingly written rhyming bedtime counting book by John Butler.

The book begins:

"It was sunset
in the jungle,


And the sky was
 streaked with red.


The animals
were calling.


It was nearly
time for bed..."



From the Publisher:
 Mother animals and their babies settle down for the night in this endearing homage to "Over in the Meadow."

This delightful book will take your little one on a mini tour of various animals in the Jungle, a rhino, baby leopards and a wolf, just to name a few.

Each animal that is gorgeously illustrated in this book represents a number from 1 through 10. It is a counting book, but your little one won't realize that they are counting and learning because they will be mesmerized by the captivating illustrations.

This is a children's picture book that is visual perfection and should have just the right calming effect to settle down even the most active tot.

When the animals in this book settle down for the night your little one will want to snuggle up and drift off to slumber with them.

It is the perfect read-aloud book  that will create a wonderful bedtime bonding and learning experience for any child that you may know.

And...when they reach the number 10....there is a SURPRISE!

• Bedtime in the Jungle
• Written & Illustrated by John Butler
• Age 2-6

• Hardcover: $16.95
• ISBN: 978-1-56145-486-0
• Total Pages: 32
• Size: 9 7/8 x 9 7/8
• Language: English

There really are no cats in this book other than baby Tigers and Leopards but the children will enjoy it just the same! I thought it was worthy of featuring when I received it because it is so adorable. I received no compensation for this review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JOHN BUTLER is the acclaimed illustrator of numerous children's books, several of which have featured animals in their natural habitats. Butler lives in England. Visit his website at: www.johnbutlerart.com