Andres and His Rubik’s Cube Madness is the perfect book for these anxious days! If you and your child are stuck at home due to the coronavirus, get yourself a copy of this book and your own Rubik’s cube. Accept the challenge!
Much thanks to Mascot Books for sending a review copy. Happy book birthday, Andres and His Rubik’s Cube Madness (March 3, 2020).
I loved reading this book about Andres. Introduced to the Rubik’s Cube by a new neighbor, Andres was inspired and challenged to try to solve the cube. He eventually discovers that there are Rubik’s Cube competitions all over the world and decided he wanted to compete. Hard work, practice, and dedication helped Andres learn ways to solve the cube.
I was amazed at how FAST Andres and other competitors solve the cube. At the time of the printing, Andres had a personal best time of 8.33 seconds to solve the cube. That is seconds! I take longer to sneeze. Congratulations, Andres!
Why I Enjoyed This Book:
~ The story is wonderful! Based on a true story, the author (mother to Andres) shares how he decided to accept the Rubik’s Cube challenge.
~ I learned so much about Rubik’s Cubes. There is an entire community built around competing and solving the puzzle cubes.
~ Excellent illustrations perfectly match and enhance the story. The reader is engaged in the story and illustrations.
~ Information is included for readers to use as they learn the algorithms to solve the cube.
~ Good writing and great story telling!
Our state just closed ALL schools for 6 weeks. That’s a long time, friends. I think this book AND several Rubik’s cubes might just help us to fill the long, long hours.
Amazon Blurb:
When Andres saw the new kid in the neighborhood solve a Rubik’s cube super fast, he wondered if he could learn to solve one too. He tried twisting and turning the multicolored cube but it seemed impossible. With a little encouragement from his mom, Andres began to practice every day. And when he discovered a Rubik’s cube competition to qualify for the biggest championship, he knew he had to try!
Andres and His Rubik’s Cube Madness is based on the true story of Andres a boy who cleverly practiced hard and learned hundreds of algorithms to solve the Rubik’s cube in lightning speed. He was dedicated and persistent, but most importantly, he never gave up.
What happens when Mom finally gives up on the whining and lets her daughter eat all the candy she wants?
Yikes! Most can (correctly) predict the consequences of this sweet-tooth folly. Quick, make a list of what you think happens. I bet you’ve guessed at least one disastrous consequence!
Thank you, Mascot Books, for sending a review copy of Jessica Tandy, The Girl Who Loved Candy.
Why I Liked This Book:
~ Like Jessica, I love candy (though I rarely eat it due to the consequences of too much sugar)
~ Jessica, free to eat all the candy she wants, gorges herself, and then suffers overwhelming health issues
~ This book really lets readers know what will happen if too much sugar is in your diet (cavities, rotten teeth, poor health, grumpy attitude, sleepiness, general malaise)
~ The real consequences of eating straight sugar, even with brushing, are mouth and health issues; I’m glad this is included in the book
~ The book shares the path back to good health (and renewed friendships)
~ Love the importance of eating healthy, which was shared in ways I thought not too pushy
~ Great illustrations
~ I did want to shake the mom a bit (really? Jessica could eat ALL the candy she wanted??? But then, where would the story be?)
~ Fun and engaging, told in rhyme
Amazon Blurb:
Oh, how delicious it would certainly be If we could all eat what we wanted freely!
Join Jessica Tandy in this humorous tale as she learns a lesson the hard way, finding out that poor eating habits can lead to a lot more than just cavities.
What perfect timing for What is An American? by Matt Scott! After all, it is an election year and it’s bound to be spicy. To say the least. Thank you, Mascot Books, for sending a review copy of this patriotic book.
While What is An American? is not what I first expected, it is a picture book about the American dream, one of the foundations of being an American. It’s about being a dreamer, a believer, a keeper of others-potential with every breath.
Freedom, liberty, and justice for all. All.
What is An American? made me reflect on what it means to be to be an American.
Starting with young children, Matt Scott encourages readers to fuel up, dream big, and follow their dreams. A self-help book of sorts, What is An American? challenges readers to believe and reach for the stars, since Americans are free to follow their dreams.
What I Liked About This Book:
~ the exploration of the American dream
~ the reminders of our task of caring for the American dream, keeping it strong, and caring for America for ourselves and future generations
~ the nod of thanks for those who have established and preserve our freedoms
~ the patriotic theme and feel of the book
~ how the book helps readers see that they can dream; the “I can” mentality
~ the way this book will open discussions about what it is to be an American and what that means (past, present, and future)
~ colorful, patriotic illustrations
Amazon Blurb:
What is the American Dream?
It all starts with YOU… Saying and knowing and practicing discovered truths to life… no matter who you are, or where you are…
America was created to allow for these truths in Freedom and Liberty and Justice, for ALL!
It s time to teach what this means again.
Every child has that one special lovey, you know, the one where tragedy will strike if it goes missing. No sleep, no rest, no snuggles-but plenty of tears and agony (for both child and parents).
Just Bunny and the Great Fire Rescue is the story of such a lovey, Just Bunny, who is accidentally left behind when Francesca, her sister, and her mother hurriedly leave a restaurant due to a kitchen fire. Disaster strikes once Francesca realizes she does not have Just Bunny. After racing back to the scene of the fire, a firefighter is quick to recognize the loss and is able to save Just Bunny from certain doom.
In honor of the Fire Department of New York, and a certain Captain Anthony Matteo who rescued Just Bunny, a portion of the proceeds from sale of this book will be donated to the NYFF Burn Center Foundation. Jeanne LaSala Taylor wrote this book based on a true story.
Thank you, Mascot Books, for sending a review copy of Just Bunny and the Great Fire Rescue.
What I Love About This Book:
~ Just Bunny! I love that most every child has a favorite stuffed lovely. Just Bunny is perfect.
~ Francesca and her mom and sister are out playing at the park and decide to eat dinner out, enjoying a normal day.
~ This book honors firefighters who rescue others from disaster and put their lives in danger to help.
~ Fun, colorful illustrations
~ Big city New York life is on show in this picture book
~ Based on a real story
~ A portion of the proceeds will go to help burn victims
~ Fun rhyming tells the story
Amazon Blurb:
Just Bunny is Francesca’s right-hand stuffy who has been with her through thick and thin since day one.
Nothing can tear these two apart except, maybe, a fire! Thankfully, one of New York’s Bravest is on the scene to prove that selfless acts of kindness happen every day.
Doesn’t the name Princess Pudding Pie make you want to read about her adventures? I know it grabbed my attention. Thanks to Mascot Books for sending a review copy.
The Adventures of Princess Pudding Pie, written by Saureen Naik Desai, is the story of Princess Pudding Pie, a young girl who loves to travel, taste delicacies, and enjoy the different places she visits. With passport in hand, Princess Pudding Pie heads out to explore a variety of international locations.
What I Liked About This Book:
~ Princess Pudding Pie (I love that name)
~ Princess Pudding Pie has a pie (complete with pan, which frames her face) for her head. It’s not weird, but pretty cute.
~ Princess Pudding Pie tells how to say hello in the language of each place she visits (I was wishing for pronunciation on a few of them, but still loads of fun)
~ I love how Princess Pudding Pie wears a themed outfit for each country
~ Each spread for every country shows a famous landmark for that country
~ Told in rhyme, this book shares about delicious treats from international countries, but readers are encouraged to eat healthy foods first and then sample sweet desserts
Young readers will enjoy traveling with Princess Pudding Pie. I think it would be fun to choose a favorite treat and make that for the family. Yummy! Or, let’s dream big, travel to a favorite international location and taste the treats there!
Amazon Blurb:
Princess Pudding Pie is a smart, sassy, free spirited globetrotter! She loves visiting new countries and learning all about different cultures, traditions, and delicious delicacies. Princess Pudding Pie is excited to take you on an adventure around the world tasting new and interesting desserts, all while visiting symbolic landmarks, collecting neat souvenirs, and learning about traditional dress. She ll even teach you how to say hello in each country s native tongue. Join Princess Pudding Pie as she shows us how much beauty and elegance our world has to offer.
Happy Book Birthday to Oh, The Places You’ve Been! (February 4, 2020)
Thank you, Mascot Books, for this review copy of Oh, The Places You’ve Been.
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those people who will stoop to pick up a forgotten coin, no matter the value. Pennies seem to be the most popular coins to leave behind, most likely due to the low value. BUT only 99 more, and I will have a dollar.
The appearance of these dropped or discarded pennies does make one wonder. How did it get here? Why does it look like this? Where has it traveled?
Oh, The Places You’ve Been is told from the viewpoint of a lost penny. With great imagination, the penny tells a young girl about many of the places it has traveled, rested, stayed, and escaped. This story is told in rhyme.
BE SURE to READ all the way to the bottom for an INTERVIEW with Ben Everard.
What I Liked About This Book:
~ the imagination! I love considering where my coins have been.
~ the periods at the end of the sentences are tiny pennies! Very cute.
~ the story of the coin. I mean, if only we could have all of the same experiences, life would be grand.
~ the illustrations are mostly at the eye level of the penny
~ this story is told from the viewpoint of a penny. Now that is unique and fun!
~ lovely colors and a variety of illustrations
~ the ending page asks the reader to consider “Where has your penny been?” I love thinking about this. Great job!
Amazon Blurb:
Where has your penny been?Oh, the Places You’ve Been is a delightful picture book following the life of a small penny. From city sidewalks to snowy mountaintops, fields full of fireflies and all the way to the Moon, a young girl learns this little coin has traveled far and wide to end up in her pocket. But how can something so small have traveled so far? This playful rhyming tribute to Dr. Seuss explores how even small, long-forgotten things have amazing stories to tell.
Welcome, Ben Everard! Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois, went to college at the University of Miami, then attended law school at The George Washington University Law School. I met my wife, Mary, in college and we were married right after I graduated law school. I began my career as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in Los Angeles. After three years as a corporate litigator, I left the active practice of law to pursue a path producing films. I’ve been very fortunate to work on a few wonderful films, including LIGHTS OUT and THE LAUNDROMAT. Currently we are filming an upcoming movie called YES DAY with Jennifer Garner, which will be a Netflix original film. We are very excited by it! I have three beautiful children and live in Manhattan Beach, CA.
That’s exciting, Ben!
What was your inspiration for Oh, The Place You’ve Been?
Oh, The Places You’ve Been is inspired by a number of things. I have to give credit to my Grandmother, who taught me at a young age that finding a penny off the ground should be interpreted as someone you’ve lost in your life saying hello to you. Obviously it’s not a literal interpretation, but a metaphor that I think highly of. Because of that lesson, I’ve always picked pennies off the ground when I see them. I remember finding a penny that was from the 1940s one time, and it made me pause and think of all the places that penny must have been in its existence. Once I had children, I started reading children’s books regularly. I love the classics – Dr. Seuss’ Oh The Places You’ll Go is the first book I read to each of my children. And while I am a big fan of quality children’s books, I certainly came across a large number that I didn’t think had a great message and felt like noise more than anything else. Instead of complaining about that, I set out to see if I could do one myself. Whether or not I’ve succeeded others will decide, but it certainly was a more lengthy and complicated process than one might think. I also did it in part as a lesson to my children – if you set your mind on a goal or objective, work hard at it until you accomplish it. I was rejected by MANY publishers, but the book exists. Failure is a part of the journey.
That’s neat that your grandmother inspired this book. I totally agree with you about picking up pennies.
What was the writing journey you took as you wrote this book?
Hard work, editing, more editing, soliciting feedback, then rejection, rejection, rejection, and finally publication. It took well over a year.
Rejection. It’s a part of the process. You just have to keep going forward. And you did!
What special plans do you have to celebrate the birthday of Oh, The Places You’ve Been? (February 4, 2020)
I’d be thrilled to hear that a child or two enjoys the books.
That would be great news!
Surprise us! What else would you like to share?
YES DAY, our upcoming movie, comes from a children’s book by Amy Krause Rosenthal. I hope it helps bring more picture books to the big screen.
I’m very excited to hear this! Fantastic news!
Thank you, Ben, for visiting with us. Congratulations and best wishes with Oh The Places You’ve Been and YES DAY.
Thank you, Mascot Books, for this review copy of SKY DRAGON. I am delighted to read it and share it with you, friends. I love this story written in rhyme, the colorful illustrations, and the message to keep trying to do what you want (or need) to do in spite of the challenges you face.
Why I Like This Book:
~ Dragons! Drake is adorable. He’s young and must get out and play like any other human or animal youngster.
~ Fun telling of the story through rhyme
~ Age-appropriate actions by Drake. This book is geared towards 5-6 year-old readers, but I imagine younger and perhaps older readers will enjoy reading about Drake.
~ Colorful illustrations
~ Doing things a young dragon would normally do accidentally puts Drake in a challenging situation.
~ Despite being handicapped with a clipped wing, Drake enjoys his dragon life doing dragon things.
~ This book shows how perseverance and hard work will help you get what you need done or get where you need to go. It also builds empathy for others who are not the same as we are.
Amazon Blurb:
Drake the Dragon, born with a lame wing,
seeks to see what this new day will bring.
Through hapless adventure, where he dare not go,
Drake mistakenly tumbles into the world below.
How will he make it back to his home above?
Well, of course: through courage and bravery, and with lots of love.
Everything is Always Gonna be Alright, Durban Frankenshooze
Written by Jamie McHone
Illustrated by Walter Policelli
Mascot Books, November 5, 2019
Happy Book Birthday! Today is a special day for both Jamie and Walter as Everything is Always Gonna be Alright, Durban Frankenshooze is released to the world. Book birthdays are super important to book authors and illustrators. Cue the music, balloons, and confetti!
Chris Baker at Mascot Books sent me a review copy of Everything is Always Gonna be Alright, Durban Frankenshooze. I am happy to spread the word about this new release.
Book Blurb:
Durban is a bird with giant sneakers and wings so small he can’t fly. He’s tired of being made fun of by all the other flying birds, so he sets off on a journey to find out who he really is. Along the way, he meets Maudry, a smart and sassy female bird, and Wainwright, a grumpy worm with a short temper. Together, the unusual trio goes through thick and thin to discover what it really means to be yourself.
This zany tale of Durban Frankenshooze and his friends will help children begin dialogues about diversity, acceptance, and appreciation of differences, all while building vital language skills.
Southwest Virginia native Jamie McHone is delighted to share her very first children’s book with young readers everywhere! Although McHone enjoys animals, she does not have birds in her home in Blacksburg, Virginia. Instead, she has Rottweilers!
To set up an interview, reading, signing, or for information regarding Everything is Always Gonna be Alright, Durban Frankenshooze, please contact Chris Baker at chris@mascotbooks.com.
What I liked about this book:
~ The names are super creative and fit each character and the problems faced by the characters. Clever and fun!
~ The issue of feeling unlovable due to personal characteristics-be it tiny wings, huge feet, needing glasses, or having thick eyebrows-is universal to humans of any age. Young readers will discover how Durban, Maudry, and Wainwright form a unique friendship and head out to explore the world and solve their “challenges.” (Really, they have fun together and learn to enjoy life in spite of their perceived physical shortcomings.)
~The vocabulary is wide and varied. Readers will be exposed to different words, idioms, and sayings. Stopping to discuss new ideas and vocabulary will enrich the story and reading time.
~While the story is told in a longer format and might not work for a read-it-all-in-one-session, it would be easy to break the story into sections for multiple readings. Older readers will enjoy reading this as a chapter book.
~I love the friends aspect of this book. Despite their differences, all 3 main characters find commonalities and learn to enjoy time spent together. They also make new friends as they travel on their adventures.
For a fun read, check out Everything is Always Gonna be Alright, Durban Frankenshooze.
I love bird watching and travel with my falling-apart bird identification book at the ready to help me name the birds I see out car windows.
What about the birds I read about in books? Love, love, love birds!
Remembering Joseph Chickadee is a delightfully illustrated picture book telling the story of a bunch of birdy friends saying goodbye and remembering their friend, Joseph Chickadee.
It sounds sad, but it really isn’t. Instead, I enjoyed the stories of friends sharing happy memories of their friend. A Remembering Celebration was held in the woods where Joseph was a leader, helper, and friend to many feathered community members. The different birds told of their encounters with Joseph and all the ways he had helped them. As I read, I thought this picture book would be a perfect way to gently help young mourners as they face the loss of a loved one. And, of course, readers will learn about birds.
Why I Enjoyed this Book:
~ I loved the imagination in the story. A Remembering Celebration for a beloved community leader-grief and celebration in the bird world. Young readers will be able to put their imaginations to good use as they read Remembering Joseph Chickadee.
~ The illustrations are wonderful! I love the collage, watercolor, cut paper look of the different books. This book is very nicely done.
~ The availability of this book for use with grieving children is perfect. Readers can see how others grieve and remember, and perhaps, with gentle discussion, can apply the ideas to their own lives. Not that this book needs to be read only with grieving children, but all young readers can learn empathy as they hear about Joseph.
~ Birds! I learned new information about different birds. Maybe this book will spark an interest in readers to learn more about birds or encourage them to go outside and go for a bird walk.
I thoroughly enjoyed Remembering Joseph Chickadee. Thank you to Nancy Peck Youngdahl for writing this book for readers. Thank you to Mascot Books for my review copy, which I now get to share with the young readers in my family (we just focused on birds last week, one of our summer weekly themes). Thank you!
Book Blurb:
When wise and kind Joseph Chickadee passes away, other birds of the forest come together to remember him and celebrate all that he did as a leader and friend. Follow along in this story of love, loss, and grace and Joseph’s family and friends say goodbye.
KID KANDY:
Play Dough Nest
Materials: play dough, sticks, leaves, rocks
1. Go for a bird walk. Watch for birds and peek at their nests in trees and shrubs. If you don’t find any nests, look in picture books or online for pictures of nests.
2. Warm up the play dough by playing with it. Form a nest shape on a plate.
3. Decorate the nest with sticks, leaves, or rocks. Birds often add soft materials to the bottom of the nests to protect the eggs and new hatchlings. Find something soft to place in the bottom of the nests. Let your nest dry.
4. Keep watching for birds!
Khloe and her play dough bird nest (the rocks are eggs).
I received a review copy of Freedom’s Highest Flight from Mascot Books. Thank you!
Happy May 7, 2019, book birthday, Freedom’s Highest Flight!
I was attracted to Freedom’s Highest Flight because of the bald eagle and football connections. I’ve always been interested in birds of prey and football is on my list of favorite fall activities.
Written in rhyme, Freedom’s Highest Flight tells the tale of both Freedom, the bald eagle mascot for Georgia Southern, and Erk Russell, one of the most famous football coaches for that university.
I enjoyed the imaginative story telling by Erk as he shared Georgia Southern football history with Freedom. I learned more about football strategies, plays, and players. By the end of the book, I was proud of GSU and all of their championship accomplishments. Interesting backmatter is a great addition to the story. Freedom’s Highest Flight is a fun read!
For lovers of college football, team mascots, and football history, Freedom’s Highest Flight is the perfect book choice.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mascot Books PublishesFreedom’s Highest Flight
By Casey McCall Corbett
Herndon, VA, May 7, 2019: Mascot Books announces the release of Freedom’s Highest Flight by Casey McCall Corbett; Illustrated by Patrick Powell.
Fans of Georgia Southern University will love this tale about one of the most famous football coaches in school history, Erk Russell. Join Freedom the eagle and his pal Erk on a high-flying journey through history to recount the rise of GSU’s football program to winning multiple championships.
Growing up with a father as a football coach immersed Casey into the world of football at an early age. Several of her father’s high school athletes went on to play with Georgia Southern during its infancy of Erk Russell football, when the school was just a college and the program itself had very little funding. Little did she realize she was watching the history and legacy of Georgia Southern football develop and where it would lead her later on in her life.
Her affection for the outdoors and wildlife led Casey to a career as the education coordinator at the Center for Wildlife Education at Georgia Southern University in 2009. It was in this position while being trained to fly Freedom, and the other raptors, that ideas of a book about Georgia Southern Football began to form. The memories of her football past and growing up with a connection to Erk Russell football made her realize she had come full circle with an exciting story to tell.
To set up an interview, reading, signing, or for information regarding Freedom’s Highest Flight, please contact Chris Baker at chris@mascotbooks.com.
Freedom’s Highest Flight is registered with the American Wholesale Book Company, Baker & Taylor, Follett Library Resources, and Ingram, and available online with the following retailers:
Mascot Books is a full-service, multi-genre, independent book publisher and distributor. It is a hybrid publishing company headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. Co-founded in 2003 by Naren Aryal, Mascot has published more than 2,500 books in a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s, cookbooks, and coffee table books. Learn more at www.mascotbooks.com.
Love, Laughter, and Life 