Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 95
January 16, 2014
Zak and Zoe in the Tiger Temple Blog Tour
About the Book
Title: Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple (Zoe & Zak Series, Book #3)
Author: Lars Guignard
Publisher: Fantastic Press
Publication Date: January 1, 2014
Number of Pages: 267
Recommended Age: 8+
Summary
Last semester, Zoe and Zak returned the first lost Noble Truth to its rightful home. Now, Zoe and Zak are back in India for their second semester at Moonstock Himalayan Academy. School kicks off with the Activity Week Challenge in the tiny mountain kingdom of Bhutan where the students must deliver medical supplies. Things, however, take a turn for the worse, when Zak becomes deathly ill after an encounter with a strange floating bubble. On returning to Moonstock, Zoe and Zak discover that a creature has come through the lava hole far below their dormitory. When Zoe and Zak follow the creature, they soon discover what they must do. They have been tasked with finding the second lost Noble Truth — the Tiger Eye of Justice. Finding the Tiger Eye sounds like an impossible mission, and it’s only made more confusing when Zak discovers that he has been given a supernatural power to help them with their task– a power which Zak, for the life of him, just can’t control. But he’s going to have to learn how to use his new ability, because if Zoe and Zak can’t find the Tiger Eye quickly, Zak’s time will run out.
Here’s What We Love About This Book………
Zak and Zoe are back in the third Installment of their adventure in India- Tiger Temple. Life is looking pretty good for this pair of friends. They just got back from a long Winter break and now their team has won the prize for delivering the most medical supplies to camps in the mountains. But something weird happens at their last delivery…a flaming bubble starts to follow them and suddenly…it explodes, blinding them momentarily. But once they find out they’ve won the paradise beach prize, Zoe and Zak think no more of this unusual event. But then weird things start happening. Doormat, their flying carpet, goes berserk. The Lotus flower appears again, Zak develops a stripe across his wrist and then falls ill.
After a miraculous overnight recovery Zak and Zoe are back to normal, but not really. More strange things are happening, animalistic strange things. There’s also a new rich kid who’s getting more attention than they ever did their first semester, and there’s just something “off” about him. But then life gets really strange when they have a run in with Durga, the Mother Goddess of Earth. She sends them on a mission to find the Second Noble Truth that will save the Tiger’s people. In order to find the Truth, they must first find the Sextant so that the stars can guide them. Meanwhile, Zak’s stripes are growing up his arm. Durga warns that his time is running out since he now is connected with the Tiger’s people.
So they have a new mission. Find the Second Noble Truth before Zak’s time runs out. But his new-found power, the ability to control animals, proves more complicated than he thought. Can Zak and Zoe learn how to control their powers in order to protect themselves and their school? Can they find the Second Noble Truth to save Zak? And can Zak manage to keep his mouth shut long enough in order to not make the most powerful goddess in the universe angry? Find out in their search to end the Tiger’s Curse.
As with the first and second installments, Lars Guignard’s imagination continues to astound me. Zoe and Zak’s adventure in the Tiger’s Temple nerve-wracking and enjoyable all at the same time! Magic flies high in this story. Guignard continues not only to entertain his young readers but also to educate them on the exotic culture of India. Readers learn about everything from food to mythology. I love all the magic and mystery in his books, and you can’t help but love Zoe and Zak with their self-destructive behavior.
Somethings To Do
Create Lotus Flower Craft
Play Elephant Polo—
Create Meals in the Bazaar—
Limcas (carbonated lemonade)
Papadums (pappa doms)
Tandoori chicken and lamb
Naan
Butter chicken curry
Three-flavored ice cream
What’s your super power?
Example: Zak is the Creature Teacher and Zoe can Yoginate
What is your super power, and what is it called?
Keep track of Indian terms that you learn as you read—
Wala
Bindi
Lungi
Behrajis
Ji
Papadums
Tiffins
Namaste
…Just to name a few.
Make Your Own Sextant—
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOLjEj8OxJM
Buzz About the Zoe & Zak Series
Book 1: “Awesome! ~ I am 11 and I liked the book because I love adventures. It was a different kind of adventure from what I usually read and it was funny too. ” ~ 5-Star Review from J. Olsen, Amazon
Book 1: “This was a fun read. This book was like a kid’s version of Indiana Jones. It’s also very educational as Zoe tells you real facts about what she sees and the history. I enjoyed it immensely. If you have a 10-12 year old child that loves adventure books, this is definitely a must read. ” ~ 5-Star review from Simone Lilly-Egerter, Amazon
Book 1: “I’m sure this book was written for children who are around the age of the two children in the book, 11 or so. But, this 35 year old loved this book! It had action, adventure and imagination galore! It was exactly the kind of adventure that a lot of kids that age dream of.” ~ 5-Star review from The Novice Christian, Amazon
Book 2: “I have a 10 year old son who is an avid reader!! He loves books, (but he’s picky too) he loved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. He was so excited to read the 2nd book in this series! When I presented him the first book he was not sure he would like it but changed his mind quickly, then when I heard about the 2nd book being released he almost jumped out of his chair! (no exaggeration) He is anxiously awaiting the 3rd book! I would say that any child who enjoys fantasy/adventure books should read this series! It is a well written page turner! It’s a fun story that adults can even enjoy the storyline without getting bored! According to my son, ‘every kid should read this series’. ” ~ 5-Star review from SavyGreenSaver, Amazon
Book 2: “I loved this book, even as an adult reading it. I was completely sucked into the plot and was constantly finding myself staying up “just a little longer” to read one more chapter. Different twists and turns in the book have you constantly guessing who is behind what and who Zak and Zoe can trust. I could definitely see myself being involved in this series as a middle schooler considering how much I enjoyed it even now. Another thing I liked about it is if you missed the first book, you could still follow along with this one and not be lost.” ~ 5-Star review from Staci, Amazon
Book 2: “Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the `Ghost Leopard’ & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can’t beat this series. It’s fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page. There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he’s chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you’ve yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don’t limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!” ~ 5-Star review from Liz Terek, Amazon
Purchase
Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (CAN) | Amazon (AUS)
About The Author: Lars Guignard
Lars Guignard
Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range.
For news about new releases, please join his email list by contacting the author: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.com
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Tiger Temple Blog Tour Schedule (2014)
January 15
Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)
Mary-andering Among the Pages (Review)
January 16
January 17
January 19
Nik’s Picks Book Reviews (Review)
January 20
January 21
Black Words – White Pages Kids (Review)
January 22
For the Love of Books (Review)
January 23
January 24
January 25
January 27
January 28
Fantasy Fun With Kirstin Pulioff (Review)
January 29
We are the DinoFamily (Review)
Cheryl Carpinello’s Writing Pages (Review)
January 30
January 31
Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia (Review)
February 1
February 2
February 3
February 4
The World of ContestPatti (Review)
February 5
February 6
Kay LaLone I Love Books (Review)
February 7
February 8
February 9
The Omnibus Publishing (Review)
February 10
February 11
February 12
February 13
Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)
February 14
Dalene’s Book Reviews (Review)
Cassandra Lost in Books (Review)
* Tiger Temple Blog Tour Giveaway *
Prize: One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card (or PayPal cash).
Contest runs: January 15 to February 21, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Worldwide
How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winners will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winners will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Lars Guignard and Fantastic Press and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The post Zak and Zoe in the Tiger Temple Blog Tour appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
January 12, 2014
Spotlight on a Sponsor: Author Susan Daniel Fayad
As you know Jump Into a Book along with Pragmatic Mom has been busily working on our upcoming national event Multicultural Children’s Book Day. Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. We want to change that. Our mission is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more of these types of books into classrooms and libraries.
To achieve this, on January 27th, Jump into a Book and Pragmatic Mom will be organizing and presenting this first-ever event to celebrate diversity in children’s literature. We have several wonderful sponsors (Wisdom Tales Press, Chronicle Books and LEE and Low Books) along with generous publishers and authors who have all agreed to donate books to be reviewed in honor of this event. One of our cherished sponsors is author Susan Daniel Fayad. Here’s a little info to help you get to know her better.
Welcome author Susan Daniel Fayad!
Susan is the author of My Grandfathers Mashbaha, a book written to highlight Lebanese culture while emphasizing a universal theme of appreciation and counting your blessings.
Getting to Know Susan
Susan Daniel Fayad is a Lebanese American, who grew up in the U. S and later on studied and worked in Lebanon. Her background in the education field as a teacher, work with NGOs and as a state department sponsored educational adviser led her to learn much about the region and its people and traditions. Her greatest labour of love, her children, deepened her interest in preserving her roots. Summer vacations often include a trip back to Lebanon to connect with family and friends. Susan lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family.
My Grandfather’s Masbaha was written as a tribute to her father to honor him in the eyes of her children.
Description of book: One summer day at his grandparents’ home in Lebanon, Adam gets upset after his friends leave after a play date. His grandfather (Jidoo Yousef) helps him realize how much he has. By using the masbaha (a string of beads) he learns how to count his blessings.
Available in print copy, e-book and app.
Why do you think reading to our kids is so important?
Reading is a great outlet for children. It introduces them to new characters and worlds. And it is a great way for parents and children to bond.
What has been one of the biggest successes of 2013 for your company/business/book?
My book, “My Grandfather’s Masbaha” was published. That was a dream come true because it was a tribute to my late father. What better way to remember him then with his signature masbaha that he carried around with him.
What would you like readers to know about your company/business/book?
“My Grandfather’s Masbaha” is a story that I wanted to tell about my late father and son to spotlight a nuance in Lebanese culture while emphasizing a universal value of appreciation. The response that the book has brought from various audiences as well as my son’s apprehension about his Lebanese identity has stirred in me a need to publish more books of this nature. When I initially published this book, my son was very excited. When he saw that I was sharing this with different audiences and read the book at school, he was hesitant. He didn’t think anyone would be interested in it because “It’s Arabi.”
This reaction has led me to realize the importance of multicultural books such as this. Children of different cultures need to identify themselves in stories so they feel that they belong. I hope this book will be the start of many more to come.
What attracted you to the Multicultural Children’s Book Day event?
What a great way to highlight multicultural children’s stories. This a day that is much-needed. International organizations such as the Clinton Global Initiative and First Books have seen the need to promote multicultural children’s book and this a day that can be a national platform for this genre.
Other Places to Connect With Susan
Please check out this wonderful book from Gold Sponsor Susan Daniel Fayad and please Pin to Pinterest!
***Like JumpIntoaBook on Facebook
****Like PragmaticMom on Facebook
*****Follow our Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board
The post Spotlight on a Sponsor: Author Susan Daniel Fayad appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
January 9, 2014
Spotlight on a Sponsor: Lee and Low Books {Multicultural Children’s Book Day Sponsor}
Greeting book lovers! Is everyone thawed out from our New Ice Age? Goodness has it been chilly!
As you know Jump Into a Book along with Pragmatic Mom has been busily working on our upcoming national event Multicultural Children’s Book Day. Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. We want to change that. Our mission is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more of these types of books into classrooms and libraries.
To achieve this, on January 27th, Jump into a Book and Pragmatic Mom will be organizing and presenting this first-ever event to celebrate diversity in children’s literature. We have several wonderful sponsors (Wisdom Tales Press, Chronicle Books and LEE and Low Books) along with generous publishers and authors who have all agreed to donate books to be reviewed in honor of this event. One of our cherished sponsors is LEE and Low Books. Here’s a little info to help you get to know them better.
LEE & LOW BOOKS is an independent, family-run children’s book publisher focusing on diversity. It is the company’s mission to meet the need for stories that all children can identify with and enjoy. The company publishes books for children of all ages under several imprints, including leveled books for beginning readers (Bebop Books), bilingual books (Children’s Book Press), and speculative fiction for middle grade and young adult readers (Tu Books).
LEE and LOW Books to Take Note of:
Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash/Marisol McDonald y la fiesta sin igual
Tankborn YA trilogy, the last book of which (Rebellion) comes out this spring.
Awards!
LEE and Low books have won several major awards including:
Coretta Scott King Award (American Library Association)
Pura Belpré Award (American Library Association)
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (American Library Association)
ALA Notable Children’s Books (American Library Association)
Jane Addams Children’s Book Award (Jane Addams Peace Association)
“Choices” List (Cooperative Children’s Book Center)
Carter G. Woodson Award (National Council for the Social Studies)
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Texas Library Association)
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award (Ezra Jack Keats Foundation)
NAACP Image Award (NAACP)
Getting to Know LEE and LOW Books
1. Why do you think reading to our kids is so important?
Reading to kids is, I think, the best way to teach kids to love books and, in turn, make sure they develop into lifelong readers. Aside from all the important literacy and education benefits that come with exposing your children to books from the earliest possible age, reading with kids is a way to establish books as something beautiful and sacred, part of a special parent-child routine, and an essential part of life.
2. What has been one of the biggest successes of 2013 for your company?
2013 was a great year for us. One major achievement for us was receiving a $500,000 grant from the literacy nonprofit First Book for their new Stories for All Project, which will put a significant number of multicultural books into the hands of low-income children. This is incredibly important work, and we were thrilled to be chosen as part of it. We have also been working on a series of infographics about diversity in various industries, and we were excited to watch some of those infographics go viral. Our infographics were shared by places like Upworthy and the Huffington Post, and got a hugely positive response from readers. We really wanted people to look at these infographics showing how people of color (and often women) are still so underrepresented in so many places across the board, and we wanted them to be outraged and inspired to create change. And that happened, which was amazing. We’re working to keep the momentum going in 2014.
3. What do you look for in quality books to publish?
Since we only publish about 12 books a year, we have to feel really passionately about a book in order to publish it. One of the things we look for, especially when it comes to nonfiction, is stories about great people who fell through the cracks of history – in other words, people who have done amazing things and should be better known. One of my favorite examples of that is our book Seven Miles to Freedom, about an escaped slave named Robert Smalls who became one of the Civil War’s greatest heroes. For both fiction and nonfiction, we look for unique and well-written stories that offer a new perspective and that are culturally accurate and well-researched.
4. What would you like readers to know about your company?
We are an independent, family-owned publisher and have been since we were started 20 years ago. We take risks on stories we believe in, not just the stories we think will sell best, and I think that really shows in the range and quality of our books. We also really believe in the company’s diversity mission and the importance of creating books that are both mirrors and windows, that all young readers can see themselves in. It’s not just a business for us: we really believe that more diverse books for young readers are urgently important and a step toward equality for all of us.
Connect With LEE and Low!
Tumblr: (Lee & Low Books)
http://tubooks.tumblr.com/ (Tumblr of our Tu Books imprint focusing on YA and science fiction/fantasy)
The post Spotlight on a Sponsor: Lee and Low Books {Multicultural Children’s Book Day Sponsor} appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
January 7, 2014
The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook has ARRIVED! {Plus more Details, Events & Giveaways}
Good news! The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook has ARRIVED!
Our much anticipated Waldorf Homeschool Handbook is HERE!
If you are one of the many homeschooling families who have been anxiously waiting for this amazing homeschool resource guide from author and homeschool expert Donna Ashton, THANK YOU for your patience. We are busy working to fill and ship out all pre-orders so homeschooling families can start of 2014 empowered and informed.
For those who have not yet secured your book, don’t miss this chance to grab your copy ASAP. You can find extended details and ordering information at www.audreypress.com/waldorf
Homeschooling can be complicated and frustrating, especially if you are overloaded with information. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. Donna Ashton’s The Waldorf Home School Handbook is a simple and step-by-step guide to creating and understanding a Waldorf-inspired homeschool plan. Within the pages of this all-in-one homeschooling guide parents will find information, samples of lesson plans and curriculum, helpful hints and the secrets behind the three Areas for Optimum Learning. Join Donna as she guides you through the Waldorf method and reveals how to educate your children in a nurturing and creative environment.
ALSO…..
Important Upcoming Event- The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook Launch Celebration!
Author Donna Ashton and Publisher/Author Valarie Budayr have created a very special event just for homeschoolers in honor of the arrival of the Waldorf Homeschool Handbook.
On January 13th, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. ET, Donna and Valarie will be hosting a one hour LiveStream event where they will talk in detail about the 5 sections of The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook.
During this live show, Donna and Valarie will also be giving away Donna’s course Waldorf Homeschool U and 2 copies of the Rhythm E-book.
Wait! There’s more! Any attendee of The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook Launch Celebration will have the chance to also WIN 2 copies of The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook AND a collection of ten Elsa Beskow books! So mark your calendars for 1/13/14 for this epic event and bookmark the LiveStream event page HERE. See you for an evening of homeschooling discussion, reading and fun!
Visit the Waldorf Homeschool Handbook info page HERE.
The post The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook has ARRIVED! {Plus more Details, Events & Giveaways} appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
January 5, 2014
Multicultural Children’s Book Day is Coming!
Multicultural Children’s Book Day is Coming!
Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom and I are getting so excited for January 27th to roll around so we can celebrate multicultural children’s books along with all of you and many wonderful parenting and children’s book bloggers!
*Multicultral Children’s Book Day: Celebrating Diversity in Children’s Books
January 27, 2014*
We are very proud of the sponsors who have agreed to help support this unique and much-needed event.
*Our Platinum Sponsor is Wisdom Tales Press*
Wisdom Tales publishes both children’s and teen titles and was created for the purpose of sharing the wisdom, beauty, and values of traditional cultures and people from around the world with young readers and their families.
World Wisdom has been publishing children’s books by Caldecott medal winner, Paul Goble, since 2005; since 2002 it has produced many acclaimed books that are well-suited for teens, especially those about the American Indians.
Here’s a sampling of some of their wonderful books they will be showcasing for MCBBD.
Angels by Alexis York Lumbard and illustrated by Demi
The Fantastic Tales of Krishna by Demi
Jump Into a Book has a past post on Children of the Tipi: Life in the Buffalo Days by Michael Oren Fitzgerald. You can see the fun we had making bows and arrows inspired by this amazing book!
*Our Silver Sponsor is Lee & Low Books*
Jason Lee started off this conversation when he posted on how the children’s book industry published the same number of multicultural books despite the rise in children of color.
Mia from Pragmatic Mom has posted on some of their books on her blog:
Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams
Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki
As Fast as Words Could Fly by Pamela M. Tuck
*Our Bronze Sponsor is Chronicle Books*
Here are some great titles from Lee and Low
Fish Finelli: Seagulls Don’t Eat Pickles by by E. S. Farber, illustrated by Jason Beene
An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long
Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell, illustrated by Christian Robinson
*We also want to thank publishers The Jewish Library , Eliassen Creative LLC , Walden Pond Press and Barefoot Books and authors including Margi Preus and Natasha Yim for providing review copies of their books!*
Visit our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Event page to find more details and learn how you can participate in this national event!
I hope you can join us on January 27th!
-
**some of these links are affiliate links.
The post Multicultural Children’s Book Day is Coming! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
January 1, 2014
Happy New Year from Jump Into a Book!
Hard to believe we just flipped the calendar to a new YEAR along with a new MONTH!
And what a busy, excited, action-packed, book-filled, and delightful year it has been. This weekend during my Weekend Links post, I will look back on this wonderous year and share some highlights with you.
But for today….I want to look forward.
Jump Into a Book and Audrey Press have SO MUCH going on right now! Books in the works, events looming and all sorts of “book goodness” being created and tweaked. First in line for exciting news is the fact the long-awaited book by author Donna Ashton is HERE!
Just in time for New Year planning, author Donna Ashton of The Waldorf Connection has written an educational guidebook that specifically caters to the homeschooling family. The Waldorf Home School Handbook is a simple step-by-step guide to creating and understanding a Waldorf-inspired homeschool plan. This comprehensive 112 page manual guides parents through the Waldorf method and reveals how to educate your children in a nurturing and creative environment.
Or are you already homeschooling but need some better ideas, processes, and curriculum?
Do you need to know how to:
Find Balance in Your Homeschool Life.
Organize Your Day so You’re Always in Control and on Track.
Discover Techniques to Change Your Home Rhythm
Gain Confidence & Inspiration with Practical Ideas to Simplify Waldorf-inspired Homeschooling
Learn the Benefits and Methods to Educating your Children using Waldorf-Enriched Methods.
This info-packed may be just the ticket to get your homeschooling efforts streamlined and optimized in 2014! We all know homeschooling can be complicated and frustrating, especially if parents are overloaded with information. Determined to prevent parents from having to struggle alone, Donna created The Waldorf Home School Handbook as an all-in-one homeschooling guide filled with examples of lesson plans and curriculum along with helpful hints and the secrets behind the three Areas for Optimum Learning.
For more details or purchase information on this amazing and info-packed new book click the image below or go HERE.
Excitement #2 would have to be our upcoming (and first-ever) Multicultural Children’s Book Day event on January 27th!
I’ve teamed up with Mia from Pragmatic Mom to create this unique event designed to shine the spotlight on all of the amazing children’s books available that celebrate diversity. Get ready for Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
Our mission is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more of these of books into classrooms and libraries.
During that week of January 27th we will have blogger reviews of wonderful books provided by the event sponsors Wisdom Tales Press, Chronicle Books and Lee and LOW Books along with authors like Margi Preus and Natasha Yim.
We are still working out the details, but we plan to make this a national event/campaign bursting with with tons of great resources, books and activities for reading families. Who knows….there maybe some giveaways in involved too 
Please mark your calendars for January 27th and JOIN US for the celebration of diversity in children’s literature!
And lastly, I am sooooo excited to share the upcoming book that I have been writing with dear friend and creative genius, Marilyn Scott Waters. You may remember Marilyn from the past posts I’ve done on her amazing book Haunted Histories.
Together, we share the love of the classic book The Secret Garden so we thought we would make this timeless story into the ultimate bookjump called The Year in The Secret Garden. Marilyn and I wanted to usher all who love this story into a new dimension of it by inviting them into the mysteries and magic of the great outdoors. Plus Marilyn and I just wanted to do something together and this is what we thought of. 
Like I mentioned, this book is still in the creation process, but I predict it will be available to eager readers and bookjumpers closer to Spring. I promise to keep everyone updated!
As usual I have all sorts of book-goodness percolating here at Jump Into a Book and Audrey Press, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy! I can promise that when these new projects/books/creations come to fruition…they will be worth the wait!
For now I’d like to advise everyone to take a moment to cherish your victories and memories of 2013, and get ready for a bigger (and even better) 2014!
Thank you SO MUCH for all your support and readership. We love creating these blog posts and the shared passion of children’s books with our readers!
The post Happy New Year from Jump Into a Book! appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
December 29, 2013
Weekend Links: The Year-End “Best of Weekend Links”
It’s time for Weekend Links!
This is my chance to share with my readers all the wonderful and inspiring things that I have come across in the course of my weekly Internet travels. With cold weather and shorter days looming, thoughts are turning to family friendly activities that can promote learning through play and reading.
BUT…I also wanted to recap some of the amazing and creative Weekend Link participants I have encountered over the past 12 months. It’s hard to take the time and reflect when a brand new year is looming, but it’s also fun to look back on how far we’ve come and who we have showcased here on JIAB. Here are some of my top picks for my The Year-End “Best of Weekend Links”
Winter
Fresh ideas for your little sleuths!- Science and Mysteries
Links and Ideas for Cold Weather Activities!
Back in February, we did an amazingly fun event called Family Book Festival. This event was a time when friends, authors and fellow bloggers could pick a book from their childhood and share it with our readers along with an activity on JIAB as a guest post. This is a recap of that wonderful event and if you would like to join us for Family Book Festival 2014, please email my Head Elf at Becky(at)AudreyPress(dot)com.
Fall
Nature Crafts That Will Make You SMILE
Multicultural books for kids has been a big focus of my attention lately at Jump Into a Book. I’ve teamed up with Mia from Pragmatic Mom to create the first-ever (and much needed) Multicultural Children’s Book Day event on January 27th! Publishers, authors and bloggers have all joined forces to share amazing multicultural children’s books with parents worldwide in hopes of bringing awareness to these wonderful books and reading opportunities. This Weekend Links back in September showcased the links and sites of some of the Pinners on our Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board. Enjoy these offering and don’t forget to join us on January 27th for the festivities!
Summer
We are all always sad when summer officially ends…but the good new is, there’s another one on the way! Here are some great posts, books and activities to help Recap Summer Fun.
Weekend Links: A Roundup of Summer Reading Booklists:
Spring
So much fun with The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: Wonkalicious!
Weekend Links: The Mother’s Day Edition
No recap would complete without Elizabeth from Natural Nester’s wonderful new guide Celebrations of Light.
{A Wintertime Family eGuide}
The Celebrations of Light Family eGuide is a compilation of ideas and inspiration for creating memorable & meaningful wintertime traditions with your family. Creative and easy-to-follow, this guide is based on the “celebrations of light” I’ve been honoring with my own family for several years.
Throughout history, and across cultures & religions, people have sought to bring light to the dark days of winter with celebrations and traditions of warmth, love, and hope. In this spirit, the five celebrations featured in the Celebrations of Light Family eGuide are designed to help you honor light and warmth with your family this winter.
For more information and purchase details, visit a Natural Nester HERE.
Enjoy your New Year and thank you so much for your continued support!
The post Weekend Links: The Year-End “Best of Weekend Links” appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
December 22, 2013
Weekend Links: Keeping Reading Alive During The Holidays
It’s time for Weekend Links! I love this moment every week because I get to share all the fabulous, note-worthy and share-worthy blog posts I have come across during the week. Here are my top picks this week.
Last minute gift ideas for the little readers in your life? Hit the bookstore, thank me later (and a giveaway!):
Saturday is the Winter Solstice! Celebrate with the “a candlelit night” ritual and “solstice walk lantern craft” from Mama Scout in the Celebrations of Light eGuide. Plus, get recipes for a “bountiful solstice supper” from GypsyForestHandmade, and my instructions for making a “nature-wrapped Yule log.” Order your copy here.
Susan’s blog Education Possible has a fun series on Holidays Around the World. Here is the Germany installment:
Holiday Activities for Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree at The Library Adventure
Because we all need to be reminded to slow down and enjoy the holiday season, KCEdventures had a great post on 25 ideas we use at our house:
This Simple Home has a great booklist (that includes some our favs!) about Chapter Books for Boys (or Girls)
What sort of weekend reading so you have planned?
The post Weekend Links: Keeping Reading Alive During The Holidays appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
December 18, 2013
Saffron Buns {Lussekattor} Recipe and Free Download -Lucia Morning in Sweden
This beautiful book has become a read-a-loud favorite in this house. Ewa Rydåker and illustrator Carina Ståhlberg have truly captured the spirit of “living” the Lucia tradition each year. The book tells the old story of Santa Lucia through the eyes of three children living in this time period. Set in Sweden, the story follows the adventures of Sofie, Louise, and Carl as they prepare for Lucia Day on December 13th. On that day, many Swedish people celebrate the legacy of Lucia and the coming of the light with coffe, saffron buns, ginger snaps, and wonderful singing. In addition to the story of the Svensson children, the book also includes the Lucia Song, recipes for ginger snaps and saffron buns, a short story of the Lucia legend, plus two patterns for the Lucia gown and star boy outfit.
Something To Do
I thought I would share our tried and true family recipe for saffron buns. If you get the wrong recipe the buns turn out to be like stones. The recipe in the book is similar to ours but we do some prep work that guarantees the success of our buns. It seems I’m a little biased about Lucia buns. I want everyone to have a postive and beautiful experience.
This book sets the mood just perfectly.
Saffron Buns or Lussekattor pronounced “Lucy cat-tor”
Lucia Saffron Buns
Ingredients:
·1 package of dry yeast
·¼ cup of warm water
·¾ cup of milk
·1 ½ cup stick of butter
·1 tsp of saffron threads
·½ cup sugar
·¼ tsp of salt
·1 cup of raisins
·2 eggs
·31/2 to 4 cups of flour
·1 beaten egg
Directions
1. In a bowl place one cup of raisins in warm water covering the raisins. This is called “plumping”.
2. In a large mixing bowl dissolve the yeast in warm water.
3. While the yeast is proofing, in a pot scald the milk and then add the butter into the milk and heat gently until it has melted. Once melted, take off the burner and let it cool until it is luke warm.
4. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Lay the saffron threads on a pieces of parchment paper and place on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes. Once the saffron is toasted, take it out of the oven, fold the parchment paper over and roll over the saffron with a rolling pin until the saffron is in a powder form. Add the saffron to the milk and butter mixture.
5. Add the milk,butter,saffron mixture as well as the sugar, salt, eggs and drained raisins to the yeast mixture. In your kitchen aid or other mix master, beat until blended. It should be smooth and satiny.
6. Mix in half of the flour. Once it is blended add the remaining flour gradually until each addition is blended well. After all of the flour has been mixed in, let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
7. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board. Knead for 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and satiny.
8. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl , cover with a dish-towel and let raise for until doubled. This will take about 1 hour.
9. Place parchment paper on two large cookie sheets.
10. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 32 equal pieces.
11. Cover all pieces with a dish-towel .
12. Taking a piece of dough, roll it into an 8 inch rope. Shape it into a bun, S shape, snail or pretzel.
13. To make even fancier shapes take two 8 inch ropes and make crosses, butterflies, or twisted ropes.
14. As you finish each shape place it on the cookie sheet. Once a sheet in completely full, cover with a dish-towel to let it rise for 35 minutes.
15. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
16. Beat and egg in a bowl. Using a pastry brush paint the egg wash over the buns completely.
17. Sprinkle with pearl sugar (optional)
18. Place in oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
19. Buns are done when they are golden brown.
20. This recipe makes about 20 buns.
Don’t those look yummy?
If you would like more information about the Santa Lucia holiday traditions, Santa Lucia inspired crafts and even more Swedish treat idea, grab my FREE pdf download HERE. Even though the official Santa Lucia holiday is passed (December 13th) there’s no better time than the present to share these ideas, traditions and treats with your family. Consider it my gift to you this holiday season. Thank you and ENJOY.
The post Saffron Buns {Lussekattor} Recipe and Free Download -Lucia Morning in Sweden appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
December 15, 2013
Weekend Links: Holiday Reads and Family Activities
It’s time again for weekend links! This is my chance to share all the fin and amazing book-activities and blog posts I have encountered throughout my week. Here are some of my favs:
As a frequent contributor to My Kids’ Adventures and always thrilled when other great stories go live. Here is a one entitled 12 Fun Christmas Gift Activities for Kids by KJ Ammerman
I found TWO wonderful posts over at KC Edventures this week too. The first is an excellent list of Indoor Games for Kids ( it IS that time of year!) http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/indoor-games-for-kids-holiday-charades
…and the second was a Winter Books for Kids & Teens!
What would the holiday season be without a little candy cane fun? Check out the Candy Cane Science Experiment at Inspiration Laboriatories
That Fun Reading Teacher offered up a list of Christmas Stories young children and parents can relate to.
My friend Mia over at Pragmatic Mom shared a fun post about one of her favorite authors-Rockstar Ralph Masiello’s School Visit
Don’t forget! It’s time for the Saturday Book Club Linky Party! If you have a children’s book related holiday blog post you’d like to share, please link up here. It also acts as a great place for our readers to find other wonderful blogs to read and ideas to share.
Santa Lucia may be over (December 13th) but the recipes, crafts, activities and history of this Swedish holiday can live on! Please grab your free copy here. This gorgeous and colorful pdf will be something your family can treasure. Merry Christmas!
The post Weekend Links: Holiday Reads and Family Activities appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
