Author: Cindy

(Review) ABC is For Circus

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TITLE: ABC is for Circus
AUTHOR: Patrick Hruby
PAGES: 56 (chunky board book)
PUBLISHER: AMMO Books
PUB DATE: November 15, 2010
SOURCE: I received an ARC of the book from NETGALLEY. I downloaded it onto my KOBO.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
ABC IS FOR CIRCUS celebrates the colorful and festive world of the circus through each letter of the alphabet. Young children will enjoy memorizing letters and words like A is for Acrobats, B is for Big Top, and C is for Calliope in this imaginative chunky board book. ABC IS FOR CIRCUS is an awesome addition to our artist-centric line of ABC books and is sure to delight an audience of children and adults alike

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Los Angeles-based illustrator Patrick Hruby grew up in a log cabin within an Idaho forest. As a young boy he dreamt of running away to join the circus and become a trapeze artist. Eventually, however, he grew up to study math and physics before attending the renowned Art Center College of Design and pursuing a career as an illustrator. His interest in the geometry of nature is central to his work. Influenced by artists and designers such as Charley Harper, Paul Rand, and Mary Blair, Hruby has gone on to develop his own stunning and modern aesthetic.

MY THOUGHTS:
When I saw this on Netgalley I just wanted to get it and share with Michael. Sadly the only one thing I don’t like about the book on the KOBO is that is black and white and this is a book you really need to see in color.

We went back to the computer and read the book. The illustrations are absolutely stunning in color. Michael thought that they were simple, colorful and attention grabbing. (his words)

What a great book for young kids who love the circus and want to learn the alphabet. I think the illustrations will draw them in.

I have to say that Michael is now reading on his own and I absolutely love listening to him read. While he was reading this one he did an amazing job.

Even though we are sort of passed the board book stage I think I would actually pick up this book to add to our collection.

This book is out today.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Author(s) Meet Up and Books Bought

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If you remember my post from yesterday saying that there was going to be an author event happening near me and that I was pretty sure I was going to go, well I did make it to the 2pm reading and signing.

Quite a few people turned up and I think there was more adults(6-7)then kids(3)who came to listen to Sheree read from her book Mabel Murple. I believe it originally came out in 1995. Then when Sheree was informed that the then publisher of the books would no longer be printing children books she got the rights back to her books and went shopping around for a new publisher. Thankfully Nimbus Publishing from the East Coast (Halifax) picked her up.

Mabel Murple got a new make over from the original book and I have to say that I really love this new version of the book so much better. The illustrations are perfect and suit the book to a tee. Of course I have to say that the man behind the illustrations is Sydney Smith (no relation to me) and he is a fellow East Coaster still living in Halifax.

Listening to Sheree read her book was so much fun she did it like a sing song way. The story was very catchy. I think this will be a new found favorite in our house. I know I have read it several times since I have been home.


(I found this video on Youtube and I thought I would share it with you.)Aren’t the illustrations awesome?

After the reading she signed everyone’s books. I picked up Mabel Murple and Sleeping Dragons All Around and got them signed to Michael. Michael wasn’t able to come with me because he was about two streets over at his curling lesson.

I want to thank Sheree for coming to Babar to do a reading and signing. I truly loved discovering a new author especially one from my original neck of the woods. I just wish I could have been there for here teen reading of Pluto’s Ghost at 3pm.

Thanks Sheree for graciously posing for this photo with me.

I am really looking forward to reading The Gravesavers and Pluto’s Ghost. I am currently reading them right now (yes both at the same time) and hopefully will have both of those reviews up this week. Also check back this week for my reviews of the two children books.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Local Happenings

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Yesterday while I was reading my local newspaper I came across this little ad in there for my local indie bookstore:

As any book blogger will say they love going to author events and I am no exception especially when they are super close to where I live.

I have to say that before this I have never heard of Sheree Fitch and I have to admit that I am a little ashamed since she is an East Coaster just like me. My Canadian readers will know what I am taking about when I say East Coasters, right guys? For everyone else its referred to as the Atlantic provinces. I grew up in New Brunswick and Sheree was raised in Miramichi (which is actually about 45 minutes to an hour from where I grew up), Moncton, Fredericton New Brunswick. Sheree now lives in Nova Scotia.

She is going to be at Babar promoting two of her books Mable Murple and Pluto’s Ghost. Sheree’s written two adult novels, three young adult books, several children’s books, and much more.

I will be going to the 2pm showing to hear her read Mable Murple because I will be in the village at that time and I am hoping to pick up a copy of Mable Murple and get it signed for Michael and hopefully I will be able to get my copies of Pluto’s Ghost and The Gravesavers signed as well along with some photos. Fingers crossed.

A children’s classic now back in print with new illustrations What if there was a purple planet with purple people on it? Sheree Fitch answers this question with a zany tongue-twister of a poem featuring Mabel Murple, a daredevil who rides a purple motorbike through purple puddles, skis on purple snow, and on her pancakes pours maple syrple. With a rich and vivid purple palette, Sydney Smith’s brand-new illustrations reflect the wild joy in this classic poem.Originally published in 1995, Mabel Murple won the Ann Connor Brimer award for children’s literature.

“Murderer. It’s one kick in the belly of a word isn’t it? Has a taste, too. It tastes like barbed wire and has wild hyena eyes. Murderer. Murder-her. Did he? Did I? That’s when I remember what I want to forget.”

Jake Upshore has loved Skye Derucci since before he can remember. Volatile, complex and frustrated (he’s got a label disorder from all the labels he’s been given) at the best of times, Jake’s on a desperate quest to find Skye before she aborts the baby he believes is his. As he hurtles headlong toward certain tragedy, Jake relives the fatal choices he’s made and the powerful forces that have led him to this to end. A gripping thriller and a heart-wrenching love story, Pluto’s Ghost is a raw and powerful novel about anger, escape, and redemptive love.

You can check out Sheree’s website by clicking on her name.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Review) A Scary Tale

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TITLE: RBI Fact or Fiction A Scary Tale
PAGES: 128
PUBLISHER: Ripley’s Books
PUB DATE: May 2010

SOURCE: I picked up a ARC of this book when I was at BEA in May/10.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mission: Believe it or not, sightings of a strange reptilian creature have been reported by witnesses in the Florida Everglades. Investigate the accuracy of these accounts and collect factual information for the Ripley database.

Location: Florida, USA

The Florida swamplands are home to hungry gators, wild electrical storms, and a most unusual creature. Sightings of a strange lizard-like animal reach Ripley High and the RBI are sent to investigate. During their search, the RBI agents find themselves in the middle of a high-speed air boat chase, a swarm of rats, a mysterious treasure hunt, and DUL agents in disguise. But then, that’s nothing unusual when you’re a member of the RBI!

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the first book in a ten book series. I think this would be a great series of books for the middle graders.

The main characters Kobe, Zia, Max, Kate, Alek, Li, and Jack all attend Ripley High which is a school for kids with special abilities as we discovery slowly in the books. In this first book A Scary Tale we see that three of the characters (Zia, Kobe and Jack) have special abilities which are talking to animals, and dealing with the weather. I think that the kids with the most powerful abilities are granted permission to take part in missions because at the beginning of the book Max is talking about wishing he was on another mission and Zia tells him to be quiet so no one will hear him.

In each of the books the kids will travel all over the world to investigate strange sightings.

In A Scary Tale, Zia, Kobe and Jack all travel to Florida to go to the Everglades to investigate a sighting of a lizard like creature. While there they encounter some problems with another school called the DUL (Department of Unbelievable Lies). They are out to show and prove that all the strange sightings are all lies.

Before the kids leave for their mission they research their location and get as much info as they can. One teacher will provide the geography and another will be their electronic expert providing them with night vision goggles and thermal imager. Once there they will ride an air boat. Its the only way into the Everglades.

Upon interviewing some witnesses they team realizes something isn’t right and quickly realize that DUL is behind it. Will they be able to find this lizard like creature before DUL can prove that there is nothing there?

I managed to read this book rather quickly because at the end of every chapter there was a little cliff hanger and for me it left me wanting to read more to find out what was going to happen next.

Another thing I loved about the book was through out the book there was a drawing of the R-phone and it gave strange facts along the way such as:

The Florida Everglades are home to over 1 million alligators! The longest recorded length for an alligator in that area is 17 feet 6 inches that as long as a giraffe is tall. It is estimated that there are also 500 rare American crocodiles living in the Everglades.

Lightening strikes Florida more than any other state in the US about 12 strikes per square kilometer per year. Of all the US recorded hurricanes 36% hit Florida.

At the end of the book there is a section called Enter the Strange World of Ripley’s and there is information about the Everglades and the real people behind the story. There is also some collector cards included. Which Michael loved.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Green Books Campaign: Canning & Preserving

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This review is part of the Green Books campaign.Today 200 bloggers take a stand to support books printed in an eco-friendly manner by simultaneously publishing reviews of 200 books printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using eco- friendly paper, we hope to raise the awareness of book buyers and encourage everyone to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.

The campaign is organized for the second time by Eco-Libris, a green company working to make reading more sustainable. We invite you to join the discussion on “green” books and support books printed in an eco-friendly manner! A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.


TITLE: Homemade Living Canning and Preserving: All you need to know to make Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Chutneys and more
AUTHOR: Ashley English
PUB DATE: April 2010
PAGES: 136

SOURCE: Sterling Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Yes, you CAN! More and more people have discovered what grandma always knew: canning and preserving supplies you with wholesome, tasty treats year round. And this Homemade Living guide provides all the practical, hold-your-hand basics along with plenty of step-by-step photos, and 20 unique seasonal recipes created by the author.

Learn about the necessary tools of the trade, crucial safety tips, and hot water bath processing and pressure canning. Discover the all-important science of salt and sugar, and how to select the best possible ingredients, favoring seasonal, organic, and local options. Three topic-specific primers cover pickles, relishes and chutneys; jams, jellies, butters and curds; and whole fruits and veggies—and each offers at least two “Canning Classic” recipes with variation ideas.

MY THOUGHTS:
This book is FSC Chain-of-Custody certified and has been printed and bound in a responsible manner using recycled materials and agri-based inks.

(While most inks are still petroleum-based, some ink manufacturers now substitute renewable and biodegradable resources (such as soy, linseed, and corn oils) for most or all of the petroleum. Vegetable oil replacement ink meets the same specifications as petroleum-based ink, and it does not release a significant volume of VOCs into the air when it dries. Agri-based inks are produced without toxins and biodegrade, effectively eliminating environmental, health and safety hazards.)

As a book blogger getting a list of 200 books to choose from is rather hard. What to choose? Scrolling the list my decision became easy once I spotted the Home Made Living Canning and Preserving book.

I love the idea of canning and preserving food. Sadly every year it seems like I say “Oh I really should start” but the farthest I get is pickling beets (our favorite). I have to admit though I think the reason I only get as far as the beets is because honestly I don’t know alot about canning and preserving. Growing up my mother attempted to can but they never turned out and I think I am afraid to put all the effort into it and it not turning out but I think after reading this book I am determined to do it next year.

I was extremely impressed with this book and its inspired me to want to can now. Not only does Ashley take the mystery out of canning but she explains everything so well and makes it easy to understand that it makes you want to run out and start canning.

Another great think about the book apart from the great photos is that she showcases Portraits of a Canner and they are every day people who can and come from all walks of life. You realize how diverse canning really is and how important it is.

In the first half of the book Ashley talks about equipment and the process of canning safely in detail. The second half of the book is filled with delicious recipes that are typical canning recipes like: strawberry jam, grape jelly, crushed tomatoes or pickles. There is also the seasonal recipe section which is interesting and contains recipes like: Strawberry and Vanilla Sauce, Cherry and Lemon Thyme Marmalade, Tomato Basil Sauce, and Cardamom Apple Cider Butter. I love that the recipes are easy to follow.

I think this is a great book for the first time or beginners who are interested in canning. I know personally for me since having a child I am more aware of the things that go into foods and honestly its a little scary when you can’t pronounce half of whats in them. I want a healthy alternative to that and I think canning and preserving the summer and fall harvest are the way to go.

You can check out Ashley’s blog by clicking on Small Measure.

I preserve beets every year and we love them. Do you can?

My Beet Recipe
-Wash beets and boil whole. Boil until soft. This could take up to two hours.
-Prepare mason jars and put two whole cloves in each jar.
-to make brine: In a pot boil 1 cup vinegar with 1 cup sugar and bring to a boil. Stirring constantly.
-When beets are cooked run under cold water and peel of the skin. Cut beets into chunks (or how ever you want to cut them)
-Pour the brine over the beets and seal.

Lids will pop when they are sealed.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

The 2010 Green Books Campaign

Posted on by Cindy

Last year Eco-Libris launched The Green Book Campaign and they sent out a call for bloggers to take part. For some reason I thought I had taken part but can’t find my post about it. So when I got the email this year I made it a point to join this worth while cause.

Today at 1pm I will part of the 200 bloggers who will take a stand to support books printed on environmental paper by simultaneously publishing reviews of 200 such books. This number is double from last year.

You can click on this LINK to find out more about the campaign and see the 200 bloggers who are taking part in this event and read their reviews.

This year Indigo Partners with Eco-Libris to Promote Green Books. I was pleasantly surprised when I do an advance search on the Indigo site that there is even a little box I can check off to find out if the book I want is Printed on FSC/Recycled Content. How cool is that?

So don’t forget to check back today at 1pm to see what book I will be reviewing for the Green Book Campaign.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Review) The Allegra Biscotti Collection

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TITLE: The Allegra Biscotti Collection book 1
AUTHOR: Olivia Bennett
PAGES: 256
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
PUB DATE: November 2010

SOURCE: I obtained an ARC of the book when I went on a tour of Sourcebooks. Thanks to Paul for putting this book in my hands.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Emma Rose is SO not a diva.

She doesn’t want her turn on the catwalk—she’d rather be behind the scenes creating fabulous outfits! So when a famous fashionista discovers Emma’s designs and offers her the opportunity of a lifetime—a feature in Madison magazine (squeal!)—Emma sort of, well, panics. She has only one option: to create a secret identity.

And so Allegra Biscotti is born.

Allegra is worldly, sophisticated, and bold—everything Emma is not. But the pressure is on. And Emma quickly discovers juggling school, a new crush, friends, and a secret identity might not be as glamorous as she thought.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the first book in a new series by Olivia Bennett. I am not sure how many books are planned for the series but I did find out that book two Allegra Biscotti: Who What Wear comes out in June 2011.

When I first got this book in August I wanted to read it right away because it sounded good but I managed to put it away so that I could read it closer to the release date.

I just have to say that my ARC cover is the same as the finished copy. I love the cover and it goes so very well with the book. Looking at it you see that its just like a sketch pad. Specking of sketching through out the book there is sketches and doodles on all the pages which I loved.

Well I picked up this book this morning and read it all today. I had a hard time to put it down.

I also loved that along with the chapters being numbered they were also titled so it gave you some what of an idea what the chapter would be about.

Okay about the book, Emma Rose is a grade eight student at a private school that her mother teaches at. Emma is like your typical girl who loves clothes and being unique and creative in what she wears but the thing that sets her apart is that one day she is hoping to make it big and become a designer. We learn right away that she has a game she plays every morning when she is on the subway to school and that is to design an outfit from the time she gets on the subway until her stop for school. She must take one item from people to make it an wow outfit. So Emma is always sketching.

At her father’s company Laceland she has a little studio set up where she puts her drawings into real pieces of clothing. One day Paige Young, who is a senior fashion editor of her favorite magazine, Madison, is in her father’s company looking at laces for her wedding dress. On her way out she spots Emma’s creations. She loves them and is curious to know the designer. A panicked Emma makes up a name and hopes that will be the end of it but its not Paige is intrigued by the pieces and wants to work with the designer.

What will Emma do? Can she pull of the scheme before its too late? What will happen when she is found out?

When Emma is not creating and designing she is at school. Struggling with her grades, a crush on a popular boy (Jackson) and loosing her best friend Holly to the popular girls known as the Ivana Bees. Will Emma be able to keep it all or will the secret identity and the secrets blow up?

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.