Bounding for Books Blog Tour: Crash! By Mayra Calvani

Today our final author in the “Bounding for Books Blog Tour” is Mayra Calvani. She is a multi-published author in several different genres. “Crash!” is her latest children’s book. Before we get going here, let’s see where the rest of the authors are today.

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Jennifer Gladen visits with Mayra Calvani at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase Mayra’s Secret Bookcase.

Joy Delgado pops in to chat with Shari Soffe at “Out of My Mind” About Books for Children.

Shari Soffe and Margot Finke talk over at Margot’s blog.

Margot Finke can be found at Topsy Turvy Land with Donna Shepherd.

Donna Shepherd over at Daily News with Kim Chatel.

Kim Chatel chats with Jennifer Gladen at Jen’s Blog Jen’s Blog.

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Have you ever owned a puppy? Mayra’s book “Crash!” is all about getting your first puppy.
“Marcelo is thrilled when he gets a golden retriever puppy for his birthday, but now he faces one of the toughest jobs of his life, not only because owning a pet is a huge responsibility, but because he has to find the perfect name for it—and that’s hard!”

Mayra loves golden retrievers and it shows. She donates 50% of her royalties to the “Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary” where you can learn more about adopting or sponsoring a golden retriever in need. She also has links to many retriever sites on the Crash the puppy blog. One more thing, she runs the Pets and Their Authors blog.

Another of Mayra’s many talents, she’s the Latino Book Examiner over at Examiner.com. Speaking of that, Crash! Is now available in Spanish! I personally think it’s great when books are available in more than one language. More children can now enjoy Crash!

Let’s see how Mayra takes Crash! Beyond reading. Over at the Crash the puppy blog she has links to coloring pages, puzzles, games and more. Also, woven into the story are tips on naming and taking care of your puppy.



Where can you get your copy?
Guardian Angel Publishing

A special thanks goes out to Blazing Trailers for creating all the trailers featured in this blog tour. If you want to see them all again, you can over at the Blaizing Trailers website.

Monday I’ll announce our winner of the autographed copy of “Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa” book and activity book. So, leave a comment for a chance to win, and thank you for joining us on the book blog tour.

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

A Star in the Night by Jennifer Gladen

Today we are visiting with Jennifer Gladen and her book A Star in the Night as part of the “Bounding for Books Blog Tour.”

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Before we get started, let’s see where the rest of the gang is to today.

Mayra Calvani pops in to chat with Shari Soffe at “Out of My Mind” About Books for Children.

Joy Delgado and Margot Finke talk over at Margot’s blog.

Shari Soffe can be found at Topsy Turvy Land with Donna Shepherd.

Margot Finke over at Daily News with Kim Chatel.

Donna Shepherd chats with Jennifer Gladen at Jen’s Blog.

Kim Chatel visits with Mayra Calvani at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase.

* * * * *

Jennifer’s book, A Star in the Night has a very special beginning. In a time of great need, Jennifer saw how wonderful a community can be. Neighbors and friends came together and helped the Gladen family out, no strings attached.

Here is a peek into the story for you.

On a cold Christmas Eve night, David rushes from the mall to buy Mr. Rennetti’s special Christmas cookies. After visiting the store and buying the only two cookies left, David makes his way home. On the way, he has three encounters, which makes him rethink the meaning of Christmas. David faces challenges and tough decisions, even ones that Mom may not approve of. All the while a sparkling star seems to be following him. Join David on his adventurous way home.

Jennifer and Guardian Angel Publishing hope the book will be out by Christmas. So, put it on your list of ‘must buys’ for all those children on your list. You can check on it over at Guardian Angel Publishing. In the mean time, why not pop into Jennifer’s online Catholic Christian magazine, My Light Magazine? It’s full of stories, crafts and more.

So, let’s see how you can take this book beyond reading. How can you help out in your community? Below is a quick list. I’m sure you can come up with more.

Give Back to your Community

Help an elderly neighbor by:
* Taking their trash cans out each week
* Walking their dog for them when they’re sick
* Bringing them a get well card or a Happy Birthday card you made for them
* Just sit and talking with them
* Mow their lawn, rake up their leaves

When someone new moves in:
* Help your mom bake them cookies to take to them
* Get the other families/children on the block together for a welcoming party

Be a ‘big sister/brother’ to the new kid on the block:
* Show them around school
* Introduce them to your friends
* Invite them to go with you and your friends next time you go out together
* Show them around town

Bring your friend’s homework to them when they’re sick. They might not thank you, but you’ll be helping them not fall behind in their classes.

Go through your toys, books and clothes. Pick out the ones you don’t use or wear anymore that are still in decent condition. Donate them to a local shelter, either for homeless people or other cause.

There are many places you can volunteer in your community. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

* Serving at the local soup kitchen
* Helping out at the pet shelter
* Reading stories to younger children at the library
* Collecting cans for a local food drive

Okay, this list should get you started. Be creative and come up with your own ideas of how you can make a difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors by helping out.

See you back on Friday for a visit with Mayra Calvani and Crash!

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Donna Shepherd’s Dottys’ Topsy Tale

Today on the “Bounding for Books Blog Tour” trail, I have Donna Shepherd and her book Dottys’ Topsy Tale.

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Before we get started with Donna’s book, be sure to visit the rest of the tour today. Here’s where you can find them.
Jennifer Gladen and Margot Finke talk over at Margot’s blog.
Mayra Calvani can be found at Topsy Turvy Land with Donna Shepherd.
Joy Delgado over at Daily News with Kim Chatel.
Shari Soffe chats with Jennifer Gladen at Jen’s Blog.
Margot Finke visits with Mayra Calvani at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase.
Kim Chatel pops in to chat with Shari Soffe at “Out of My Mind” About Books for Children

* * * * *

Dottys’ Topsy Tale is the second Tospy Turvy tale to come out. First there was Chizzy's Topsy Tale. Kevin Collier illustrated both of these adorable rhyming stories. With Donna’s talent for story telling and Kevin’s imagination, the artwork is full of color and whimsy.

There are lots of places you can find Donna and her books. Here are a few of my favorites:
Topsy Tales
Dotty's Own Blog
Donna’s website
FaceBook Fan Club

So, how does Donna’s book go beyond reading? Here are two things to share today. First we have a coloring page. Copy it and have fun coloring.
Have you ever wondered how to draw a hippo? Watch as Kevin shows up how he drew Dotty.

You can purchase Dottys’ Topsy Tale at the following locations:
G.A.P.
Amazon

Donna has started a fan page on Facebook and she'shaving a drawing Wednesday, June 3. Drop by to enter.

Remember, comment to be entered to win stuff at all our blogs on this tour. Here you’ll win a pdf set of Zooprise Party/ Fiesta Zoorpresa. The picture book will be autographed and the activity book will be just plain fun.

See you all back here Monday when I host Kim Chatel. Have a great weekend!

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Rattlesnake Jam by Margot Finke

Today’s featured guest in the “Bounding for Books Blog Tour” is Margot Finke. Another multi-published author, her latest book Rattlesnake Jam is a great book for al those reluctant readers out there.

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Before we get into Margot’s book, be sure to visit the rest of the tour today. Here’s where you can find them.
Jennifer Gladen can be found at Topsy Turvy Land with Donna Shepherd.
Mayra Calvani is over at Daily News with Kim Chatel.
Joy Delgado chats with Jennifer Gladen at Jen’s Blog.
Shari Soffe visits with Mayra Calvani at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase.
Donna Shepherd pops in to chat with Shari Soffe at “Out of My Mind” About Books for Children.
Kim Chatel and Margot Finke talk over at Margot’s blog.
Remember to leave comments along the way. You might just win one of the prizes being offered.

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Okay, back to Rattlesnake Jam. Her are all the particulars.
Reading level: Ages 5 –10
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (G.A.P) - May 2008
** eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-24-5 -

(BUY - Fictionwise, G.A.P, Author's Website)
** Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-00-9 -
(BUY - Amazon, B&N, G.A.P, Author's Website )

A FREE Link to an AUDIO of Margot reading this book comes with every Autographed soft cover copy purchased from her website .

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Want to know what the book is about?
"Rattlesnake Jam" is a rhyming romp for reluctant readers - especially boys!
Pa hunts rattlers, and Gran cooks them up into her gooey green rattlesnake jam. Good for whatever ails you, Gran sells her concoction to folks near and far. However, Pa yearns for rattler over rice, or maybe rattlesnake pie: but can he persuade Gran to cook them for him?
Kevin Collier is the illustrator. He really knows how to make a book jump off the pages. You can smell and taste Gran’s rattlesnake jam just by looking at them.

* * * * *

So, how does Margot take this book beyond reading? She starts with a coloring page. Print it out and have fun coloring!

We also have a tasty treat for you. Skewered Rattler, yum? Check it out and maybe you can cook some up for dinner tonight.

If that’s not enough, go to Gran's Kitchen – for more ideas.

There's lots more information about Margot and her writing. You can visit her website for more inovative ideas. Also, follow her through this blog tour and remember to leave comments.

I hope you enjoyed reading about Rattlesnake Jam. Come back Friday when Donna Shepherd comes for a visit and we talk about Dotty and her friends.

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Nothing Stops Noah by Shari Lyle-Soffe

“Bounding for Books Blog Tour” is here and my first guest is Shari Lyle-Soffe. She is a multi-published author of four picture books. Her latest is Nothing Stops Noah.

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Nothing Stops Noah is a fun story. How many of us can remember helping out just to have everything seems to go wrong? Noah wants to buy a present for his mom, but he doesn’t have any money. He asks his grandpa if he can work in his pet store. When grandpa leaves him alone in the store and all the animals get out of their cages, see how Noah fixes the problem.

Kevin Collier’s illustrations are great. He has a way with facial expressions that really bring this story to life.

To help take this book beyond reading we have two things for you today. First is a coloring page. Right click on the coloring page to copy and print.

Noah likes to count. He can count to 10. How high can you count?

Let’s play a counting game with the cover of the book.
How many animals are there?
How many blue eyes do you see?
How many drops of water are there?
How many colors do you see on Noah?
How many feathers are flying?

Now, look around you. How many things do you see in your room that are the same colors as Noah’s shirt?
What other counting questions can you come up with? Share your ideas here, and who knows, you just might be our winner at the end of the tour.

* * * * *

I asked Shari to share a little bit about herself. Here’s what she said:

I live in Southern Oregon with my husband, one dog and one cat and a pond full of goldfish. My yard is frequented by raccoons, deer, oppossum, squirrels, skunks, and all sorts of birds. We has even been visited by bear and cougar.
When I was a child I loved the "Little House Books", "White Fang" and "The Bobbsey Twins" books.

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You can buy Nothing Stops Noah at the following locations:
Guardian Angel Publishing

Amazon

Want to see more of Shari’s work? You can find her at:

Nothing Stops Noah page

Rooter and Snuffle

A Horse of Course

Crafty Fun for Kids

Shari's Books

Shari's coloring pages

Watch the trailer for Nothing Stops Noah.

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Check out the rest of the tour. Here’s where you can find the Bounding for Books Blog Tour gang today.

Jennifer Gladen is over at Daily News with Kim Chatel.

Mayra Calvani chats with Jennifer Gladen at Jen’s Blog.

Joy Delgado visits with Mayra Calvani at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase
Margot Finke pops in to chat with Shari Soffe at “Out of My Mind” About Books for Children
Donna Shepherd and Margot Finke talk over at Margot’s blog.
Kim Chatel can be found at Topsy Turvy Land with Donna Shepherd.

Come back Wednesday when Margot Finke and I explore her book Rattlesnake Jam.

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Book of the Week: Sam Feels Better Now by Jill Osborne

This week’s book, “Sam Feels Better Now” is written by Jill Osborne and illustrated by Kevin Collier.

Sam is a young boy who has been scared by an awful thing. With the help of Ms. Carol, Sam learns how to handle his feelings about this awful thing that scared him and how to feel better.

Jill has done an outstanding job in relating to childhood traumas. With the use of this book, therapists can help children slowly get through traumatic events they have experienced. The book can be used as a tool to help a therapist lead a child down the path to recovery. There are many interactive pages in the book, for example, “draw a picture of something awful or scary”. These pages allow a child to express them self in a non- threatening way. At the end of the book, Jill gives guidelines for therapists who are using this book to help a child deal with their trauma.

Kevin’s art depicts how Sam feels and allows the child using the book to express their own feelings as well.

This book is a very good example of how authors and illustrators team up to take a book beyond reading.

You can purchase “Sam Feels Better Now” from


Check out Jill's blog at Jill's Writing and Play Therapy Page and see what she's up to.

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

“Earl the Earthworm Digs for His Life” by Tim Magner and illustrated by Lindsay Knapp

Today we have another one of Tim Magner’s books to share with you. This one is all about earthworms.

What do we know about earthworms? Come meet Earl. Earl is an earthworm who’s just been born and is trying to figure out just what it is that he’s supposed to do to contribute to the world. He sees bees, grass, ants and trees and knows he is different. When he realizes what his job is he is happy and loves to do it. What? DIG. Learn all about earthworms and how wonderful they really are.

Lindsay’s brings Earl’s journey to life. With beautiful vibrant colors she depicts the life of worms both above and below ground.

This book goes beyond reading with a helpful glossary of terms and a section on composting. You will even learn how to start and maintain your own compost so you can grow beautiful healthy fruits and vegetables to eat.

You can purchase “Earl the Earthworm Digs for His Life” at Green Sugar Press

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Book of the Week: No More Gunk by Donna Shepherd illustrated by Kevin Collier

Today I have a fun picture book that’s two stories in one book. First we have “No More Gunk” and then “OUCH! Sunburn”

Here are what Reviewers have to say:
Humorous, rhyming prose with funny artwork gets a high five, especially when coupled with a second free book! - Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Assistant Editor -- Stories for Children Magazine

A Valuable Mixture of FUN and Practical - Some books for children from ages 4 to 8 are just fun to read--over and over. NO MORE GUNK combines fun with practical. Parents are able to help their children understand the value of consistently brushing their teeth and removing gunk. The snappy rhymes combine with vivid illustrations from Kevin Collier and the combination is irresistible. While not evident on the front cover, you get two books for the price of one with this title. OUCH SUNBURN! teaches the danger from the sun and how small children can protect themselves. Simple thoughtful words combine with terrific artwork. If you have small children, this book could become a read aloud favorite. - Terry Whalin, Agent, Editor, Writer

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Donna has taken both stories beyond reading with her tips sheet after each story ends. This is a great book for young children and a wonderful teaching tool for their parents.

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Here are some links to cool stuff connected to this book.
Book Trailer

No More Gunk blog Grab some coloring pages
Ouch Sunburn blog Here are more coloring pages
To learn more about Donna and her other books check out her website.

Buy the book here:
Guardian Angel Publishing

or you can get it here

You won't want to miss Wednesday. I'm going to share some author and illustrator sites that go beyond reading.

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Tip #14 Picture hunt

Today we’re going on a picture hunt. What’s that, you ask? Remember the “Where’s Waldo?” books? Like that.

In most picture books, the illustrator ‘hides’ things inside the pictures. It might be other animals, a squirrel in a tree for example, or a bunny peaking out from behind a bush.
This makes the story more alive for children and shows what else is going on, besides what the words might say.

When you read a story to your child or students, have them study the pictures. What else do they see there? Younger children can tell you what they see. (They may even make up a story about what they see that’s totally different from the story.)

With older children you can make a game out of it. One game can be to write down everything they see in the picture. Who ever has the longest, most accurate list wins.

Another game you can play is a relay race, of sorts. Divide the class into two groups. Line them up. Have one team member from each team race to the board and write one thing they see in the picture. As they tag the child up next, that child races to the board and writes another thing. When both teams have finished (one round each) see how many different things they saw. Any duplicates? The team that wrote it first gets the point.

Have fun! See you tomorrow with another great tip.

Tip #3 Write Poems about the story

Help your child or students come up with a poem related to one of the characters in the story. If the main character is an animal, for instance, have them write a poem using the letters of the name of the animal. Write a poem about how a character behaves. Have fun and see what you can come up with. Here are some examples.

O is for oven
K is for kitchen
A is for apple
P is for pie
I is for isn’t it yummy?
In the oven in the kitchen we baked an apple pie. Isn’t it yummy?


* * * * * * * * * *
Billy is sad.
Billy is mad.
Billy is bad.
Why is Billy sad, mad and bad?
Billy’s sad because he was mad and they he was bad.
* * * * * * * * * *Okay, so I’m not a poet, but I think you get the idea. The important thing is to have fun.

Tip #2 Post reading discussion questions

Here’s a way to see if your child or student understood the story (and was paying attention). After you’ve read the story, come up with a few questions you can ask your child or student to get them thinking about what they just heard. Using “Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa” again, here are a few of the post discussion questions in the teacher’s guide:

* Why do you think Mori is so sad?
* Would you be sad if your friends didn’t wish you a Happy Birthday?
* What animals are hiding in Mori’s exhibit?

Okay, your turn. See what you can come up with.

See you tomorrow with another fun and easy tip to take Books beyond reading.

Tip #1 Pre reading discussion questions

Read the book first. Then, think of 3-5 questions you can ask your child or students about the story. For example, my book, “Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa” is about a surprise birthday party for one of the animals in the zoo. In my teacher’s guide that goes along with it, these are some of the questions I listed:

* What do we call the day you were born?
* Did you know animals have birthdays too?
* Who could you plan a surprise party for?
* What would you do to make sure the person the party was for didn’t find out?
* How would you get them to the party?

Get the idea? Now, go pick out one of your child’s or students favorite books and come up with questions of your own.

See you tomorrow with another fun and easy tip to take Books beyond reading.