Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 85
October 15, 2014
Kidlit Book Bundle Giveaway: Great Books for Girls!
Welcome to Jump Into a Book’s Three Months of Book Giveaways!
With the winter months upon us, I feel this is a great time for readers of all ages to snuggle in with a good book. I have been blessed with tons of amazing books titles for kids over these last few months and I want to get these books into the hands of young readers. SO, for the next three months Jump Into a Book will be hosting a book giveaway every Wednesday! Some giveaways will be a single title, some will be a “Book Bundle,” but all will be books that your readers will love and cherish. I think these books will also make great gifts as well!
This Book Bundle Giveaway includes three excellent chapter books that would appeal to girls (boys will love these books too!) and I’ve listed these books below. A few of them I’ve already done reviews on (I’ve included the links if that is the case) and the we’ve the requirements to enter-to-win short-n-sweet! Good luck!
ENTER TO WIN:
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it’s up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” Breadcrumbs is a stunningly original fairy tale of modern-day America, a dazzling ode to the power of fantasy, and a heartbreaking meditation on how growing up is as much a choice as it is something that happens to us.
In Breadcrumbs, Anne Ursu tells, in her one-of-a-kind voice, a story that brings together fifty years of children’s literature in a tale as modern as it is timeless. Hazel’s journey to come to terms with her evolving friendship with Jack will deeply resonate with young readers. To read about JIAB’s review of Breadcrumbs with accompanying activities, go here.
The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern
As befits a future President of the United States of America, Maggie Mayfield has decided to write a memoir of the past year of her life. And what a banner year it’s been! During this period she’s Student of the Month on a regular basis, an official shareholder of Coca-Cola stock, and defending Science Fair champion. Most importantly, though, this is the year Maggie has to pull up her bootstraps (the family motto) and finally learn why her cool-dude dad is in a wheelchair, no matter how scary that is. To read about JIAB’s review of The Meaning of Maggie with accompanying activities, go here.
Father Daughter Tales from Barefoot Books
A companion volume to “The Barefoot Book of Mother and Daughter Tales”, this anthology features ten thought-provoking stories, all of them showing the importance of the father-daughter bond, not only in traditional societies but also in the modern world.
Rules and Guidelines for the Giveaway!
*One lucky winner will win their own copy each of the three books listed above (ONE winner each receive a copy of Breadcrumbs,
The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern and Father Daughter Tales from Barefoot Books).
*Giveaway begins October 15th and ends October 22th
• Prizing & samples courtesy of Audrey Press
• Giveaway open to US addresses only
• Residents of USA only please.
• Must be 18 years or older to enter
• One entry per household.
• Staff and family members of Audrey Press are not eligible.
• Grand Prize winner has 48 hours to claim prize
• Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on October 23rd
Need gift ideas for the holidays? NOW AVAILABLE! The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook by Donna Ashton. Click the image below for more details and ordering information.
The post Kidlit Book Bundle Giveaway: Great Books for Girls! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 12, 2014
Weekend Links: Treats and Eats!
It’s time again for Weekend Links! This is my chance to share all of the fun, creative and educational blog posts I have encountered throughout the course of the week. Here are some of my favorites:
Marie’s Pastiche is doing a whole series involving recipes from her French Canadian roots and WOW, there are some yummy one! Here are two that caught my fancy:
Deliciousness from @Mariespastiche ! Our French Canadian Roots: Recipe for Crepes au Sarasin | Buckwheat pancakes 
Our French Canadian Roots: Recipe for Tarte au Sucre {Sugar Pie}
Diverse books for Halloween are tough to come by, but here are a few the wonderful family at Sprout’s Bookshelf recommend!
In honor of the upcoming Halloween holiday, I thought this would be a “scream” to share! SPOOKILY FUN SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS at Kids Activities Blog
This is not food-related, but it is a true treat to read- Families who adopt and foster care always inspire me. Here is a personal story over at Kid World Citizen
Even the word “Oobleck” makes me giggle and here’s an Oobleck activity from Inspiration Laboratories that involves real pumpkin!
DON’T FORGET! My Book or Treat Halloween Community Guide is still free for the taking! Here’s your chance to add a fun “book-ish” twist to your Trick or Treating activities at your home or in your community!
Read about Book or Treat and how it all began HERE.
Now Available! The newest children’s book from Audrey Press. Click the image below for more details.
The post Weekend Links: Treats and Eats! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 10, 2014
A Pony Express Book List and Some Things To Do
On this day in 1858, Buterfield and Company agreed to carry the mail out west starting in Missouri and ending in California. The 2800 mile Westward journey would take 24 days. The mail was delivered twice weekly using overland coaches, mules and horses.
Two years later, with the threat of the Civil War looming, the need for faster communication to the West was created.
Today we felt like celebrating the first ever cross country mail delivery and a bit of American itself with a look at the Pony Express.
The Pony Express consisted of relays of men riding horses carrying saddlebags of mail across a 2000-mile trail. The service opened officially on April 3, 1860, when riders left simultaneously from St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. The first westbound trip was made in 9 days and 23 hours and the eastbound journey in 11 days and 12 hours. The pony riders covered 250 miles in a 24-hour day.
Eventually, the Pony Express had more than 100 stations, 80 riders, and between 400 and 500 horses. The express route was extremely hazardous, but only one mail delivery was ever lost. The service lasted only 19 months until October 24, 1861, when the completion of the Pacific Telegraph line ended the need for its existence.
The Pony Express Booklist
Off Like the Wind!! The First Ride of the Pony Express by Michael Spradin Illustrated by Layne Johnson {for grades 3-5}
Whatever Happened to the Pony Express by Verla Kay for {grades 2-4}
Hoof Beats of Danger: American Girl History Mysteries by Holly Hughes for {grades 3-6}
Riders of the Pony Express by Ralph Moody for {grades 7+}
Black Storm Comin’ by Diane Lee Wilson for {grades 6+}
The Sweetwater Run: The Story of Buffalo Bill Cody and the Pony Express by Andres Glass
Wanted: A Few Bold Riders by Darice Bailer
Somethings to Do
Want to know more about the Pony Express ? Have a look here. There are many fun activities to do such as stamp making and a communications game to play as well as print outs and word games.
Map Out the Pony Express
**Some of these links are affiliate links
Now Available! The newest children’s book from Audrey Press. Click the image below for more details.
The post A Pony Express Book List and Some Things To Do appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 8, 2014
The Girl from Felony Bay by J.E. Thompson Book Review and GIVEAWAY!
The Girl from Felony Bay by J.E. Thompson
Abbie Force has a mission: solve the mystery of her father’s accident and alleged theft. Since he has been in a coma for nine months and cannot defend himself, it is Abbie’s job to put the pieces together. Her life has been uprooted—her father’s unavailable; her home has been sold to a new family; she has to leave her beloved school; and now she has to live with her mean aunt and uncle that don’t give one lick about her. Her summer is starting off horribly. That is until she meets the new family that has moved into her old house with the same last name and a daughter near her age—Bee. These two adventurous girls become fast friends and on their many adventures through the plantation, discover a plot afoot right under their very noses.
After Abbie’s father’s accident, he was accused of stealing one of his client’s fortunes that only he and the client had access to. But Abbie knows that her father is innocent. When Abbie and Bee discover that Felony Bay, a bay that used to belong to Abbie’s family has been sold separately from the rest of the plantation. The town’s rude sheriff won’t let the girls anywhere near the bay. They come to the conclusion that somehow, the mystery of Felony Bay and Mr. Force’s accident are somehow related. But here’s the problem: how do two twelve-year-old girls solve a mystery of this magnitude? They don’t drive; they live outside of town. Plus, who is going to tell them anything about anything? Help Abbie and Bee discover the mystery of Felony Bay and clear Mr. Force’s good name…and maybe you’ll find the Felony Bay treasure.
The Girl from Felony Bay is an exciting young reader’s novel filled with friendship, action, and mystery. Abbie discovers the power of a good friend, the ability to forgive and see past people’s differences, and her own power of solving huge mysteries. The characters are funny and relatable, and Grandma Em’s food is so mouth watering, I just want to jump right into Felony Bay myself.
SOMETHING TO DO:
Treasure Hunt
What you’ll need for a treasure hunt:
-Treasure, obviously (maybe a snack, some old jewelry, a toy your child’s been eyeing)
-Several copies of your treasure map
What to do:
Bury your treasure somewhere on your property
Invite a group of friends over and distribute your treasure maps
The first to the treasure wins!
Homemade horse treats for Abbie’s horse Timmy
Well naturally, you can always give a horse a good apple, carrot, sugar cube, and even sometimes a peppermint. But if you want to get a little artsy with your horse treats, try this recipe:
Oat Cookies:
—Mix 1 cup uncooked oats, 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 teaspoons oil, and ¼ cup molasses.
—Make small balls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
More Horse Treat info HERE.
Grandma Em’s Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
What You’ll Need:
3 Tomatoes
Slice Mozzarella Cheese
Olive oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper
Basil
Directions:
1. With a large serving dish, alternate tomato slices and mozzarella slices
2. Mix olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over tomato and mozzarella
3. Top with chopped basil
If you enjoyed this mystery, you might also enjoy….
—-Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene
—Lady Grace Mysteries by Grace Cavendish
—Minerva Clark Goes to the Dogs by Karen Karbo
GIVEWAY!
One lucky winner will win their own copy of The Girl from Felony Bay!
Giveaway
ONE winner each receive a copy of The Girl From Felony Bay. Giveaway begins October 8th and ends October 14th
• Prizing & samples courtesy of Audrey Press
• Giveaway open to US addresses only
• Residents of USA only please.
• Must be 18 years or older to enter
• One entry per household.
• Staff and family members of Audrey Press are not eligible.
• Grand Prize winner has 48 hours to claim prize
• Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on October 15th
The post The Girl from Felony Bay by J.E. Thompson Book Review and GIVEAWAY! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 7, 2014
The Banish Bullying Booklist: Reading Our Way to Awareness
It’s National Bullying Prevention Awareness month and the best way to bring awareness to this very big problem is to provide a booklist to get everyone started. Let’s take active steps to banish bullying for good.
National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign in the United States founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Center for Bullying Prevention. The campaign is held during the month of October and unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. Traditionally held the first week in October, the event was expanded in 2010 to include activities, education, and awareness building for the entire month.
PACER developed the initial campaign National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week in response to the need to raise awareness of bullying, as it was historically viewed “a childhood rite of passage” and believed that bullying “made kids tougher”, when the reality is that bullying has devastating effects such as school avoidance, loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression. PACER reached out to the community through partnerships with education based organizations such as National PTA, American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association to provide schools, parents and students with resources to respond to bullying behavior and to begin the shift of societal acceptance of bullying to social change of addressing the issue through education and support.
K-2
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
One by Kathryn Otoshi
Billy Bully: A school-yard Counting Tale, Illustrated by Steven Simpson
:
Cinderelephant by Emma Dodd
Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal ,Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
The Bully Blockers Club by Teresa Bateman, Illustrated by Jackie Rrbanovic
Bully Trouble by Joanna Cole, Illustrated by Marilyn Hafner
Bye Bye, Big Bad Bullybug by Ed Emberley
Pinky and Rex and the Bully by James Howe, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, Illustrated by David Catrow
Trouble in the Barker’s Class by Tomie dePaola
Bully by Patricia Polacco
Bird Child by Nan Forler
Just Kidding by Trudy Ludwig
Grades 3-5
Twerp by Mark Goldblatt
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss
The Bully from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler, Illustrated by Jared D. Lee
Jake Drake, Bully Buster by Andrew Clements, Illustrated by Amanda Harvey, Janet Pedersen
The Loser List Book #1 by H.N. Kowitt
The New Girl: Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot
Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers by Dav Pilkey
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
Bobby the Brave by Lisa Yee, Illustrated by Dan Santat
Super Emma by Sally Warner Illustrated by Jamie Harper
Shredderman: Secret identity by Wendelin Van Draanen, Illustrated by Brain Biggs
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Confessions of a so called Middle Child by Maria Lennon
Watch out Hollywood: More Confessions of a so called Middle Child by Maria Lennon
Grades 6-8th
wonder by R.J. Palacio
Freaks by Kieran Larwood
If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth
Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy
Loser by Jerry Spinelli
The Truth about Truman School by Dori Hillestad Butler
The Liberation of Gabriel King by K.L. Going
Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt
What books would you suggest we add to our Banish Bullying Booklist? Share in the comments below!
Now Available! The newest children’s book from Audrey Press. Click the image below for more details.
The post The Banish Bullying Booklist: Reading Our Way to Awareness appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 6, 2014
Weekend Links: Booklists Upon Booklists!
Booklist and more Booklists! This week has revealed tons of wonderful booklist for readers and parents to enjoy. Here are some of my top picks:
9 Poetry books for kids from the Pleasantest Thing
The Jenny Evolution has an amazing list of 50 Amazing Chapter Books for Boys!
Jacquie from KCEdventures offered up Around the World in 30 Books — A Trip Across the Globe
I love this list of 100 Books for 1st Graders to Read from 123 Homeschool 4Me!
Ka-POW! Here’s a list of Super Hero Chapter and Picture books from What Do We Do All Day.
Rebecca at Simple As That has a wonderful (and timely) Fall Book List.
The onset of Fall and cooler temps always makes me think of HALLOWEEN! And Halloween at the Budayr household means another opportunity for Book or Treat.
Book or Treat is something I created as a fun way to get out-grown/unused books into the hands of young readers along with their usual Halloween treats. You can read more about Book or Treat here, but I’d like to encourage everyone to really consider doing this in their community. It is SO easy and fun to do and it benefits readers of all ages!
Grab a copy of my FREE Book or Treat Community Kit but clicking on the image below. Help spread the Book or Treat message!
The post Weekend Links: Booklists Upon Booklists! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 2, 2014
Little Leap Forward—A Boy in Bejing by Guy Yue and Clare Farrow {Guest Post by Hannah Rials}
{Guest post By Hannah Rials}
Little Leap Forward—A Boy in Bejing by Guy Yue and Clare Farrow
Little Leap Forward is the story of a young boy in Revolutionary China. He lives in the musician’s quarter with his mother and sisters, where he is trying to find inspiration for the music. He hears music in everything—fish, silk worms, birds—and just like his father, he aspires to become a great musician. Little Leap as he is commonly called enjoys his life, his friends Little-Little and Blue, and most enjoys his times at the river. He skips stones, catches fish, and flies white kites as often as he can. Even through the hardships of his time—matching clothing, rationed food—he manages to find happiness.
One day, Little-Little catches a little bird for Little Leap, which he decides to take home. He quickly builds a home for his new friend, planning to learn her, who he names Little Cloud, beautiful son. But no matter what he does, Little Cloud will not sing. His friends and family try to convince him that captivity is not the life for her. But he knows he just hasn’t found her inspiration yet. So to help her beloved son along, Little Leap’s mother buys him a bamboo flute and pays for his lessons with a little jar of soy sauce. Little Leap makes it his mission to become a wonderful flute player so that soon he will be able to hear Little Cloud’s song.
Then tragedy strikes. Chairman Mao becomes convinced that all intellectuals, books, and writers are against the revolution, and so the Red Guard is formed. They begin burning books, pictures—all memories of the old China. During this time, life becomes more restricted, his friend Blue moves to the country, and he slowly comes to the realization that Little Cloud really isn’t made for courtyard life. One day, he takes Little Cloud’s cage out to the river and opens the door. One moment, she’s in the cage; the next, she’s gone. But, as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. One day, after a long time of not going to the river, Little Leap decides to take his flute down to practice. He practices his scales and a few melodies he memorized. Then suddenly, Little Cloud reappears, recognizes him, and allows him to hold her. He began to play for her and was thrilled when she replied. He didn’t even realize when she wasn’t there anymore. For the first time in a long time, Little Leap was happy.
This book is very special. Not only is it a beautiful story, but a true story. Guo Yue based Little Leap Forward on his own childhood in the musician’s courtyard during Revolutionary China. The story is meaningful and illustrates a lifestyle during a rough time in China. Like other Barefoot Books stories, Guy Yue and Clare Farrow tell an inspirational, educational story that will live on in our hearts.
Something To Do:
1. learn more about the Erhu (Chinese Violin)
2. Ever wondered How to Skip Stones? Here’s your chance to Learn!
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3. Take The Silkworm Challenge!
4. Make a Paper Kite:
-Cut a diamond out of white paper and decorate with symbols such as a dragon, phoenix, silk worm, or fish.
-Depending on where you live in the world, find some type of smooth sticks, and make a cross on one side the paper
-You can make the tails with streamers to make it colorful.
-Tie a string where the sticks intersect that you will use to control the kite.
- Wait for a windy day, then let it fly
5. Print off some Phoenix coloring pages:
6. Create your own Bamboo Flute!
Enjoy!
Born in the hills of Louisiana and raised in the mountains of Tennessee, Hannah Rials is a eighteen year-old aspiring author and editor. She’s been writing short stories since she was a little girl, but for the past several years, she has been writing, editing, and reediting a novel of her own that she hopes to publish in the near future. Hannah has always loved reading and the world of books. With a librarian grandmother who can tell the most magical stories, how could she not fall in love with the written word. Her library collection and love for books grows every day.
The post Little Leap Forward—A Boy in Bejing by Guy Yue and Clare Farrow {Guest Post by Hannah Rials} appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
October 1, 2014
Multicultural Children’s Book Day Needs Book Reviewers!
This project is picking up speed and gaining momentum!
We are so excited to announce our 2nd Multicultural Children’s Book Day January 27th, 2015 because we’ve added …
Multicultural Children’s Book Day Blogger Co-Hosts
These Amazing Co-Hosts to help us spread the word about diversity books for kids on Multicultural Children’s Book Day:
Multicultural Children’s Book Day Non-Profit Collaborators
We’re also partnering with First Book to be able to offer a Virtual Book Drive that will help donate multicultural children’s books through their channels during the week of the event. We want to help get diversity books into the hands of kids who most need it and now we have a way to do it!
We are also collaborating with Children’s Book Council to highlight wonderful diversity books and authors on an ongoing basis all year.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day Sponsors
Our Platinum sponsor is back from last year, Wisdom Tales Press!
We have a new Gold sponsor: Satya House!
We have a new Bronze sponsor: Rainbow Books
Multicultural Children’s Book Day New Website
And did I mention that we have a new Multicultural Children’s Book Day website as a year round resource to help parents, teachers, librarians and kids find the perfect diversity books they are seeking?!
So what’s next?
We need YOU! Sign up to receive a multicultural children’s book to review and blog on here! As with our last event, we need a list of bloggers who are willing to receive multicultural books from our sponsors to review. These books will be shipped to our participants, and as a part of this national event, participants are asked to create reviews and activities around these books on their blogs. The week of the celebration (1/27/15) these same bloggers will be invited to link up their blog posts for a huge MCCBD Linky Party that will help parents, teachers, librarians and readers discover new multicultural children’s book titles.
To download a copy of our Multicultural Children’s Book Day: Read Your World Book Review Blogger Guidelines go HERE.
Bloggers: Sign Up To Review Book for Multicultural Children’s Book Day
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The post Multicultural Children’s Book Day Needs Book Reviewers! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
September 30, 2014
Got 33 Seconds? Check Out A Year in The Secret Garden
A new video by Marilyn Scott-Waters and Valarie Budayr in honor of their new book A Year in the Secret Garden.
With over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for families to enjoy, learn, discover and play together, A Year In the Secret Garden is an opportunity to introduce a new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room. Secure your piece of the magic today. Visit our website for more details and ordering information for A Year in the Secret Garden.
Thanks to Steph the Video Guy for the lovely animated intro.
The post Got 33 Seconds? Check Out A Year in The Secret Garden appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
September 23, 2014
A Super September Special for our Super Special Readers! A Year in The Secret Garden
A Super September Special for our Super Special Readers!
It’s time! It’s time for us to reveal a magical guide that was not only inspired by the classic children’s novel, but one that is helping readers young and old get back to the magic and wonder of nature.
Award-winning authors and co-creators Valarie Budayr and Marilyn Scott-Waters have come together to create A Year in the Secret Garden as an opportunity to introduce a new generation of families to the magic that is The Secret Garden. With over 144 pages, 200 original color illustrations and 48 activities, your family and friends will be crafting, cooking, enjoying, learning and playing together with monthly activities inspired by the characters and events of the original children’s classic. Every month readers will get to meet another Secret Garden character, as well as experiencing original crafts and activities based on the book.
We are excited to announce that our valued readers will now have the opportunity to pre-order the print version A Year in the Secret Garden and get 10 Bonus downloads from the book as our gift to you.
Can’t wait? No problem! Our full-color PDF of A Year in the Secret Garden can be downloaded to your eReader immediately, AND as an Added Bonus for both our tree and e-readers, we will include A Year in the Secret Garden 8.5 x 10 printable PDF poster of original artwork from A Year in the Secret Garden by the Toymaker herself, Marilyn Scott-Waters.
Click HERE to visit our extended information page and begin your journey into the magic of The Secret Garden!
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