Book Archives - MomStart

Penguins of America Children’s Book & $100 GC Giveaway

May 26, 2017 by Momstart 20 Comments

Jana at MerlotMommy.com has partnered with Little, Brown & Co. And we are partnering with her to bring you a fun little giveaway……..

Are you a mom of kids in sports? My son loves to play hard and is very active. I have to watch myself and not get involved with the other kids sometimes so I find what Jana has created helpful. She is a sports mom and understand “rules” of being a sports mom.

As a sports mom, we have all have our own list of dos and don’ts of being a sports mom we’ve developed over the years.

Jana at MerlotMommy.com started thinking about all the “rules” of being a sports mom after reading Penguins of America, a new illustrated book from James Patterson and his son Jack.

Be sure to check out her list of sports Dos and Don’ts.

Enter to win a copy of the Penguins of America and $100 Visa Gift Card

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win. U.S. entrants only, ages 18+. Ends 6/7/2017 at 11:59 pm PST. We’ve partnered with Little, Brown & Co. and Merlot Mommy to share this giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Penguins of America:

Penguins–are lovable, cute, flightless friends who are constantly dressed for a formal occasion–have always fascinated humans. As we shuffle through life one day at a time, it’s easy to take things far too seriously, but when we see penguins taking a walk in our shoes it’s impossible not to recognize how silly we can actually be. Featuring humorous illustrations with captions that show penguins in the day-to-day situations that we’ve all experienced–from a relaxing day at the beach to a stressful morning commute–PENGUINS OF AMERICA is a hilarious and charming send-up of daily life.

The Model Child: A Parents Guide to Child Modeling Industry

June 3, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I’m not sure if they saw that I posted about the fact that our kids are in acting classes or if they saw me mention that my daughter wants to be a model or if they just contacted me because I’m a well known blogger, but The Model Child asked me to review their book. I was quite grateful to receive the book because I have a lot of questions about the industry. I want to be safe and not taken advantage of and we may already have been. One key piece of advice is not to pay to be represented. We joined a school that sort of represents them as well. It’s a very expensive school and they have learned a lot but I’m still not sure it was a good decision. The book also talks about finding an agent, taking good photos and the behavior of your child and as a parent. Yep that’s right, if you’re a diva parent your child won’t be selected.

For many parents, a charismatic, energetic child with an adorable smile or big personality inspires dreams or plans of a career in the child modeling business. But entering and being part of the industry is hardly as simple as being discovered by an agent and appearing in magazines. For parents it can mean navigating everything from contracts and taxes, to pitching agencies and managing relationships. There are peak times of the year to work schedules around, in some cases travel, and of course, auditions. While the industry is highly professional, scams and other problems can be an issue for those who might be new or unfamiliar to the industry. Once your child has landed in the business, there is the next step of trying to sustain, grow and manage his or her career and work. The Model Child: A Parent’s Guide to the Child Modeling Industry provides parents of both aspiring and working child models of all ages the tools to understand the business and make the most of your child’s experience.

Insight and information from seasoned professionals in the industry, tips on how to work with agencies, and a realistic look into what to expect during agency meetings, auditions and jobs fill the pages of this useful guidebook. A glossary is included with familiar and common industry terms, anecdotes and helpful details to empower parents to understand the child modeling business, and ultimately benefit their child and his or her career.

In addition to being a resource for parents of child models of all ages and stages in their career, The Model Child also regularly hosts Open House online events on its Facebook page where parents can ask questions, gain insight, and other information from child model professionals. A photo contest is also held to give one lucky child the chance to gain exposure as The Model Child’s book cover model, which includes a chance of a lifetime trip to New York City including round trip airfare for the child and one parent or legal guardian, lodging, and meeting with top child model agents to gain a first-hand experience of the child modeling business. The contest’s $20 entry fee includes a 75% discount on the print copy of The Model Child book. Children age’s three to twelve that are not currently represented by a New York modeling agency are welcome to participate.

Minnie in Paris Review & Giveaway #MinnieinParis

May 22, 2014 by Momstart 49 Comments

Zoe loves Minnie Mouse when we were at Disneyland over spring break she had to have her picture taken with Minnie Mouse pretty much every time we saw her.

When I was offered the book Minnie in Paris I knew I had to say yes because she would love to read it. And she read it as soon as I handed it to her. It’s a colorful book made for fancy girls. And there is a little fancy in all girls.

Fashion is Minnie’s passion! Just like Zoe, my little girl has been a fashionista since she was 18 months old. I haven’t been allowed to pick out her clothes in years. And, as a result, Minnie’s been invited to show her bows on the runways of Paris!

At the airport, Minnie is so busy taking care of her nieces, Millie and Melody, that she accidentally switches suitcases with Penguini the magician–and finds that his suitcase is full of bunnies instead of bows! Minnie must round up the mischievous little bunnies, find Penguini, and make her bows in time for the show. Will she make it?

Readers are treated to a stunning tour of famous Parisian locations, from the Louvre to Tuilleries Gardens to the Eiffel tower, to a classic Parisian bistro—all in search of Penguini’s bunnies.

This charming hardcover picture book comes with a code to access the Minnie in Paris eBook.

Follow along socially:

· Visit the Minnie in Paris product page

· Follow Disney Publishing on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

#MinnieinParis

Enter to Win

Minnie Mouse Rolling Luggage

Pack-up your cares and forget them with Minnie’s pink polka-dotted rolling luggage! This glittering overnight case is topped with pretty bows, and has lots of room to pack her most glamorous travel essentials.

Minnie Mouse Plush

Our Minnie Plush is the pink of polka-dotted perfection. Disney’s soft-stuffed sweetheart is a perfect size for little arms to give great big hugs. Follow her to find laughter and learning at The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

and the book!

Travel with Minnie!

Officially…..One (1) winner receives a Minnie Mouse rolling suitcase, Minnie Mouse plush, and Minnie in Paris

Open to US addresses only

Prizing courtesy of Disney Press & The Disney Store

To Enter:

Tell me what you love about Minnie Mouse

Extra Entries:

use the rafflecopter

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Meeting Reading and Review: Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen

August 7, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

So many times when we are out shopping or looking for something new online it always seems to be for our children. Well, it does for me anyway. I’m on Amazon or at Target and I always gravitate toward the children’s section for new products or books.

Well one day when I walked into my local library I happened to look at the “librarian’s picks” before heading to the board-books where I saw “Her Royal Spyness” by Rhys Bowen. I picked it up. It looked like a decent length book, one I could read while sitting with my children. And I was RIGHT!

The story follows a fictitious minor royal heir, Lady Georgiana Rannoch during the 1930’s in England. At the start of the series she’s 34^th in line to the throne and the queen asks a favour of her. Georgie, as she is known to her friends, is flat broke. At that time all royal women seemed to be good for was going to a good finishing school and marrying a prince from a European family. She is trying to get some money together when stumbles across a murdered victim (I don’t want to give away too much). Georgie uses her smarts to help the local police solve the crime. It sounds rather grim, but Ms. Bowen has a fantastic way of making it light, you won’t feel bummed out reading it. Georgie, is quite clumsy so things always seem to be going wrong with her – There is one particular scene where is “modeling” clothes for a friend and she makes a bit of a blunder, I still laugh about it!

“Heirs and Graces” is now the 7^th book in the series and I have really enjoyed everyone. Ms. Bowen has done a great job keeping the story line similar enough that you feel a familiarity, but still allowing the main characters to develop. I would’ve liked to have heard more from Georgie’s grandfather, especially his cockney slang that I love to try and figure out!, but each book can not be (and thankfully isn’t!) the same. I like the other characters that she added for this story, each one has a bit of a background, but not too much that you feel bogged down with unnecessary information.

“Heirs and Graces” was released on August 6^th. If you’re looking for a new read to end the summer – Start this series, it has a bit of romance, mystery and some comedy!

I did get to opportunity to meet the authoress a few months back. She complimented me on my scarf and was a genuinely nice lady. She has two other series out too – Molly Murphy and Constable Evan Evans. And! You can follow her on facebook. 🙂

The Wig in the Window Child Led Interview

April 13, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

THE WIG IN THE WINDOW (June 18, Harper Children’s) is the first in a funny new mystery series for kids ages 8 – 12 that will appeal to precocious readers who enjoy humor, clever clues, and fun plot twists!
Best friends and seventh graders Sophie Young and Grace Yang have made a game out of spying on their neighbors. On one of their midnight stakeouts, they witness a terrifying, bloody scene at the home of their bizarre middle-school counselor Dr. Charlotte Agford (also known as Dr. Awkward).

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At least, they think they do. The truth is that Dr. Agford was only making her famous pickled beets! But when Dr. Agford begins acting even weirder than usual, Sophie and Grace become convinced that she’s hiding something—and they’re determined to find out what it is.
Soon the girls are breaking secret codes, being followed by a strange blue car, and tailing strangers with unibrows and Texas accents. But as their investigation heats up, Sophie and Grace start to crack under the pressure. But even if they solve the case, will their unlikely friendship survive?

Check out this interview with the author led by two children

For more information:

THE WIG IN THE WINDOW (Harper Children’s, 6/18/13)
http://kristenkittscher.com
Twitter
Facebook

Interview with Sara Jane Franklin Illustrating Her First Interactive Book, All Fixed Up

August 1, 2012 by Momstart 14 Comments

Sara Jane Franklin is the illustrator of All Fixed Up, a children’s book app for iPad that’s on Kickstarter until August 10. The book app is for kids whose parents travel a lot, including military parents. On Kickstarter, you’ll find exclusive project-related awards the general public will not be able to get when the campaign is over — so don’t miss out!

MomStart: When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?

Sara Jane Franklin: When I was very little, I got a pair of OshKosh B’gosh "painter" overalls covered in multi-colored silkscreened splatters of paint from my grandpa. Because the overalls were "pre-splattered," I felt free to make a big mess, which gave me a rush of excitement. I have the best memories of painting
outside with an easel in those overalls. I was always painting butterflies.

MS: When you first read All Fixed Up, what attracted you to the story? How did you know it was right for you?

Sara: I love how the story is so positive! It’s really nice to see such a strong bond between the child and parent, even though they can’t always be together … and to see that they’ve bonded over all sorts of things, fixing things small and large. It shows the scale of importance the parent has to the child (and vice versa), and that their importance to each other is not limited by time or space.

MS: You’ve never done an interactive children’s book before. Why now?

Sara: I’ve always loved interactive design. I was a Flash designer and a web designer for over 10 years. I’m excited about bringing to life the story an interactive level … the customization and personalization. It’s exciting to see things move and have multiple scenarios for the same screen. It’s just something
you just can’t accomplish in print.

MS: Were you concerned about working with a startup?

Sara: I met Tracy Hopcus Jordan, who’s on the Red Piggy Press team, back in school at CalArts, and I trust Tracy. And the company really seems to have its act together. I’m not working for free, I’m not giving up my rights to the work… the contract is solid. It’s also exciting to be able to work with Tracy and the founder
Shelly Bowen — a fantastic team! Besides, who wouldn’t want to work with a company named Red Piggy Press?

MS: What part of the children’s book app project has been a challenge for you?

Sara: The most challenging part so far was the bicycle scene. It was tough to imagine how the animation would work of the child on his (or her) bicycle moving through the street. I also worked hard to determine the right perspective to use for the street so that the child could cycle through it on an iPad. That really pushed my imagination and stretched me in a good way.

MS: As an artist, have you learned anything new during the process so far?
Sara: Yes! I’m always learning something new from my projects. I’ve learned to be more open with my process instead of wanting to just show finished work. Shelly and Tracy made it easy to share ideas and ask for feedback and feel comfortable with them. They have such a strong vision and I wanted to share all
my loose sketches along the way to make sure I was headed in the right direction. I also learned some nerdy stuff, like how to prepare files for interactivity with the iPad.

MS: What do you hope the book app will achieve for kids?
Sara: I hope All Fixed Up can help bridge the gap between family members when they are apart. I hope it reminds kids how important family is, and that those bonds are something to always treasure. I have family in the U.K., and staying close through letters, drawings, and calls has always been very important to me.
I really hope the book app shows kids know how much they are loved. I hope it makes them feel inspired to be creative and possibly pick up a paintbrush! I hope they have FUN with this app and imagine themselves lost in a whimsical world of watercolor, flying away in their own hot air balloon. Oh, but befriending an actual squirrel is not be recommended!

Children’s Book One Special Day a book for Big Brothers & Big Sisters

May 23, 2012 by Momstart 18 Comments

By Summer:

What has been that one special day in your life? Can you at least pinpoint the top three? How about for your child? I can tell you one such day for my 5YO was when his brother’s birth almost 3 years ago. For Spencer, it’s the same!

Everyday Spencer is boy who is as strong as a bear and as funny as a monkey, among other things. BUT his parents have left him with grandma and have returned soon making Spencer something he has never been before … a brother! This One Special Day is a great book for soon-to-be big brother and sisters. My sons (even the younger one) love to read this book over and over. My older can even read it to my younger; and to me it’s just sweet that they’re sharing THIS book in particular.

One Special Day: A Story For Big Brothers & Sisters is all about the specialness of your “bigger” child. The specialness is even echoed in the book’s inner cover starts with Spencer alone doing activities and if you flip to the back Spencer is with his younger sibling riding in a wheelbarrow, banging on pots, mimicking, eating popsicles, playing in the garden, and hugging. If you aren’t captivated yet, you soon will be …

This book is an interactive book giving your child a chance to “read” the book with you as not all of the text is provided. When Spencer is as strong as a bear he is really, “as strong as a” with a picture of a bear; your child is drawn to complete the sentence and read with you. As you can tell from the cover, Spencer is like a bear, horse, giraffe, elephant, monkey, tiger, pig, and bird until one special day!

I just can’t say enough about this book. This is a must own in any children’s library and especially those of soon-to-be siblings, but beyond that it’s a keeper! Just to get your children excited and reading on their own. Not only is One Special Day: A Story For Big Brothers & Sisters cute, it’s very original which is why it will survive the purge of other sibling books from your at-home library. As I said before, it’s a keeper!

One Special Day: A Story For Big Brothers & Sisters is available now at your favorite bookstore or on Amazon. Get it for yourself or add it to your baby registry for the big brother or big sister in your house.

My Mom Start Review Grade of the One Special Day: A Story For Big Brothers & Sisters Book: A+++++

In addition to this review, I’d also like to thank the distributor, Disney, for the extra copy which was donated to an under privileged school in my community.

DISCLAIMER: A book was provided for review, but all thoughts in this post are my own and not influenced by the author, publisher, or distributor.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Stephenie Meyer’s The Host In Theaters March 29, 2013

May 19, 2012 by Momstart 105 Comments

THE HOST is an enchanting and fateful story about the survival of love and the human spirit in a time of war. Our world is invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over, while their bodies remain intact. Most of humanity has succumbed.

Have you read this book? I read this book because I liked the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer so very much. The Host are the humans just as the synopsis stated above and there are a few humans that have remained safe and are in hiding coming out only for emergencies. The main character (Saoirse Ronan plays Melanie) is inhabited by one of these aliens (Wanda) and her personality is so strong that the alien can not take full control of her mind so they share the body. The humans don’t trust Melanie anymore being a host and the human part of her wants to be part of the humans more than anything. Why? LOVE Companionship all those things that humans live for.

Melanie is in love but he is disgusted because of the alien inside her. Of course a love triangle develops here, the alien falls in love with a different human. It will be interesting to see if the relationships are truly captured on the screen as they are in the book.

In anticipation of this movie coming out next summer we’re celebrating summer reading.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winners:

Kara L.

Tabathia B.

JF W.

Debbie C.

Idaho Jill

Please see the giveaway rules.

Children’s Book Cooper and Me By Monique & Alexa Peters Review

October 23, 2011 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Reviewed by Emily:

I have two little girls who are complete opposites when it comes to socializing. My oldest who is five, is an extrovert, a little social butterfly who adapts wonderfully and gets excited for play dates, preschool and now, kindergarten. My two year old on the other hand is the introvert and has clung to my side since day she was born. She plays wonderfully alone at home, but won’t explore in a group setting. As we begin to think about preschool for my youngest, I am a bit anxious for her since I’m afraid the transition will not be an easy one. In the meantime, I am trying my best to expose her to other kids at play dates and local activities. I am also trying to find reading material on the subject of separation at this age; not just for me, but with story books she understands as well. One book we’ve recently read, Cooper and Me, relates well to the fear and anxiety little kids experience with separation.

Through rhythmic verses, Cooper and Me tells the story of a young girl who is nervous as her first day of school approaches. She is frightened about leaving home and doesn’t want to go without her best friend, her dog Cooper. Fortunately her mother finds the perfect solution to help the little girl overcome her fears – a small replica of her beloved pet she can take to school with her. In Cooper and Me, the story of a child’s worries about starting school has evolved into a timeless tale about overcoming separation anxiety and trying new things – basic emotions all people experience throughout their lives – but this time, written by a child, for children.

Cooper and Me was illustrated by 11-year-old Alexa Peters and co-written with her mother, Monique Peters. The idea was inspired by Alexa’s own experiences on her first day of school. A talented young artist and writer, Alexa wanted to give back to others in a meaningful way through her art. Starting at a very young age, Alexa created illustrated stories about her daily experiences, and from the pages of her sketchbooks came the idea for her first book, Cooper and Me. Cooper and Me, is the first in a series of books that invite children to explore life the lovable Labrador Retriever, Cooper.

My older daughter thought it was pretty amazing that a young girl had created this book. She assumed all books were written by grown-ups and this opened up a nice bedtime discussion about all the things she can do even as a kid. Cooper and Me also includes some discussion tools at the end of the book to help relate the story with real life situations.

What I thought was great about the book was that in addition to helping young children gain emotional resilience and confidence through their books, Alexa and mom Monique wanted to go beyond that to help less fortunate kids. Their search for an organization to which they could donate a portion of the proceeds from the Cooper and Me book led to a charitable alliance with the Happy Hearts Fund. Happy Hearts improves children’s lives through education and sustainable programs in areas devastated by natural disasters.

My only negative review about the book is that the rhyming of the words didn’t quite flow smoothly. Each page had a different rhyme scheme which made it difficult for me to read the story aloud. But I don’t think my kids noticed at all, they both liked the story and the pictures even if Mom couldn’t make the rhymes flow correctly.

Cooper and Me is available for purchase at www.cooperandme.com. The book sells for $12.99 and includes a free download of the Cooper and Me theme song, which extends the fun and learning. For more information about the Cooper and Me brand, please visit the website at www.cooperandme.com.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Emily:

Emily is also very active in the local MOMS CLUB. She raises chickens and has 2 shih tzus. Her daughter Caitlyn attends Montessori school and she hates housecleaning, loves wine and enjoys dining out. She would love to find a cure for the depression and anxiety she has dealt with on and off over the past 10 years, just like me. She is an amazing mom and friend.

From Book To Movie: Interested in The Help?

June 23, 2011 by Momstart 8 Comments

I went to a very early screening of The Help and all I’m allowed to say at this point is that you need as many tissues as you can find. A whole box per person that attends this movie. No, not everyone at the screening cried, in fact the person sitting right next to me didn’t cry at all, but me, I was a fountain of waterworks. The movie The Help is based on the book The Help, and I haven’t read the book yet, my friends say I should read it, but if I’m going to cry that much I’m not sure about reading the book.

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed—even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.
Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.

Tell me, should I go get the book and read The Help?