Pam Bonsper's Blog, page 3
February 2, 2015
Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1 My Experiences as a Platoon Leader
AroSage Publishing has released a new book today. Take a look
January 3, 2015
Starting Off The New Year With A New Book
I am starting off 2015 with a collection of short stories. For a whopping $.99. Here is the link and happy reading!!
http://www.amazon.com/Piano-Tuner-Oth...
December 20, 2014
FREE eBook December 21-25
I am offering Part 2 of Self-Publishing: Confessions of A Grandma as a FREE kindle download:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R17QV0I
December 15, 2014
Part 2 Self-Publishing: Confessions of a Grandma
This is a follow-up to the first book in the Confessions of a Grandma series:
December 14, 2014
Missing Nora is now available on Amazon!
At last! The first book of The Friends and Feelings Series is available for purchase. Just in time for Christmas, this book is a great Christmas gift for young children.
http://www.amazon.com/Missing-Nora-Fr...
December 5, 2014
BookBlast Give-Away
The Big Brass Band is part of the Big Blast Give-Away for the next three days!
December 2, 2014
Hit the 50 Five Stars Mark on Amazon
50 Five Star Reviews on Amazon.com
for The Big Brass Band
5.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining, educational, and colorful book!, December 2, 2014
By Kevin Douglas Wright – See all my reviews
I had the pleasure of reading this book with my six year old nephew. We both enjoyed this entertaining, educational, and colorful book. There were many teaching and learning opportunities in this book.
For example, my nephew had a chance to discover new instruments he had never seen. As my nephew practiced reading, he had a chance to identify and recall a variety of instruments.
In addition, there were so many rhyming words. This gave my nephew a chance to identify words that rhymed.
The story was excellent and the length of the book was perfect for my nephew’s reading level.
5.0 out of 5 stars A vibrant introduction to the fun of music, November 25, 2014
By bibliofille (England) – See all my reviews
I particularly enjoyed this book – as a noisy trombone player and band member myself! I’m the biggest fan of stories that encourage children to explore the world of music. Learning an instrument is so rewarding – a hobby that can bring pleasure throughout one’s life. It’s never to early to start thinking about which instrument to choose.
The Big Brass Band is an ideal introduction to wind instruments found in a band, woven into a marching rhythm with bright colourful pictures, it makes you feel as though the band itself has paraded through the room. Pam’s rhyming poetry combined with the crisp, vibrant illustrations make this book compelling and memorable for children and adults alike.
5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful introduction to a brass band, November 23, 2014
By courtney c jones – See all my reviews
What a wonderful introduction to a brass band. The rhythm and meter of the text are fast-paced and moving, mimicking the real life persona of a marching band. And did I mention clever? It is, and beautifully illustrated as well.
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun journey filled with rhyme and humor!, November 12, 2014
By S.J.Teer – See all my reviews
Such a sweet book about a child and his curiosity of the assortment of musical instruments in a band. The author, with her wonderful sense of rhyme takes you into the mind of a child who wonders what it would be like to play an instrument. But first, he must choose! It is a fun little journey, as the story also makes you wonder … what will he choose? The Big Brass Band is filled with rhyme and humor, while educating children about a variety of instruments. The illustrations are bright, cheerful and full of life, and children will absolutely appreciate the characters’ expressions as the boy ponders on what to choose? This book will definitely capture your little ones attention and I predict, it is also a book that will be requested be read over and over again! A perfect fit for all those bedtime stories! Watch out. The Big Brass Band is about to march straight into your heart!
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!!!, November 9, 2014
By PatriciaT. – See all my reviews
Loved this book and so did my granddaughter! The rhyming scheme was done extremely well and the pictures were amazing! It is the perfect book to teach your little one about the various instruments in a marching band, yet is done in a delightful, funny and amusing way that will entertain and hold your child’s attention. Buy this book. You will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
5.0 out of 5 stars Bom, bom, bom and Rat-a-tat-tat What a lovely story, November 6, 2014
By Susan Day – See all my reviews
Pam Bonsper brings to life a wonderful story of a little boy who is spellbound with a marching band. This delightful tale brings to life the sounds and movements of band and the music they play. Our young friend, however, doesn’t know which instrument to play. There are just too many good ones to choose from!
The story is written in rhyme which adds to the fun of the book. Like the bom, bom, bom of the drums or the rat-a-tat-tat of the trombone, the words dance and trip with the rhythm of the band.
Poems help improve a child’s reading skills and also their ability to remember passages. The author has cleverly used these techniques to enhance her tale and mesmerize her readers.
The illustrations are delightful and certainly enhance the story very well. They will appeal to young readers.
This is a great fun book for children learning to read. Also, I think older children will love to read it to and will be captivated with the rhythm of the words and the bright and colourful images.
5.0 out of 5 stars Bright, pleasing to the ear, informative and funny, November 5, 2014
By April Manning, author of Neighborwood – Earth… – See all my reviews
The Big Brass Band uses a wonderfully simple, yet brilliant, rhyming scheme as a fun way to introduce the band instruments to children. It is bright, pleasing to the ear, informative and funny for both the child and the parent. This book would be a wonderful addition to a music teacher’s lesson plan.
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming book with lovely illustrations, November 3, 2014
By Pam (Washington) – See all my reviews
The lyrical rhymes in this charming story are almost musical themselves, perfectly complementing the gorgeous images. The illustrations are crisp and evocative. Having been in marching band myself, years ago, I’ve been to many a parade – and I know it’s definitely the music that carries the day! As the young boy dreams of all the possible ways he could be a part of the band, young readers will be introduced to different instruments. For parents, this means a great opening to talk about each of those instruments and music in general. A sweet book that children and parents alike will love.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, November 1, 2014
By H.McD (Olean, NY USA) – See all my reviews
Wonderful story! Bright, colorful with a terrific message!
5.0 out of 5 stars Delight for children & parents, October 29, 2014
By Bumples (Consignment) – See all my reviews
A wonderful rhyming story, that will light up any child’s imagination. Each page allows them to think about another instrument to play. What will they choose?.The illustrator has captured what the author wanted to convey in her drawings. The Big Brass Band was first written as a short poem in Bumples magazine. The children loved it and will love it even more in the longer version. An inspiration for all children to learn to play an instrument.
Share the love of music with your kids, October 29, 2014
By Joshua Clark – See all my reviews
I loved the art and how well it worked on my iPad. The best part of this book was reading with my son and seeing his excitement for music and all the possible instruments he could play. We have been talking about them all morning.
5.0 out of 5 stars ‘ This is exactly the type of book that young children should be reading as it encourages them to play a musical instrument and, October 28, 2014
By Nick – See all my reviews
“I absolutely adored the children’s book, ‘The Big Brass Band.’ This is exactly the type of book that young children should be reading as it encourages them to play a musical instrument and is a fun book to read. Music doesn’t seem to be encouraged in public schools anymore but this book will help your child to consider the fun of playing an instrument. I can’t wait to have some grandkids as this book will certainly be one of the books at the top my list. This is definitely a book for all young children to enjoy.” Cathy A. Kurtz, author “Living Through The Pain -The Lonely Me”
5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to a child’s musical development, October 28, 2014
By Juliet C.B.Aharoni – See all my reviews
I ordered this book to read with my grandson. We were both enchanted throughout the reading experience. My grandson kept changing his mind about choosing an instrument. He finally chose drums and got his mother to buy him a set.
Having the marching band moving along in front of a young child’s eyes, was fascinating. Both the text and pictures were brilliant, capturing not only my grandson but his granny. The book enticed conversations for days after the third reading. My grandson made me promise to read it to him every night. Could anything be better than that – encouraging children to read and give them knowledge about instruments in a band?
5.0 out of 5 stars Cool For Kids, October 25, 2014
By A.S. Washington “Author of An Insurrection: A… (New Jersey, USA) – See all my reviews
This book was quick and fun. It took me back to being a child reading in school or reading to children as an adult. The theme of a marching band was fun, and the illustrations fit perfectly. There was also a lot of ethnic diversity in the illustrations which is nice, allowing children to relate to the many different characters. Very nice and well thought out children’s book. The words are easy but also challenging for a kid loving from one grade to another. Excellent
5.0 out of 5 stars A nice mix of education and humor, October 25, 2014
By Amazon Customer “Word Rider” (Hammond, IN) – See all my reviews
The Big Brass Band is a nice mix of education and humor told in rhyme. A boy goes to see a parade and falls in love with the music of the band. As he tries to choose the instrument he’d someday like to play, we learn about the various instruments that comprise a marching band. I also loved the diversity in the artwork. This book is fun, even for a child who has not yet shown an interest in music.
5.0 out of 5 stars lovely intro to musical instruments, October 25, 2014
By Sharon Miller – See all my reviews
This book plays with words in a delightful way. The illustrations are colorful and fun. This is a book younger kids will want to have read to them again and again. New readers will be proud that they can read it by themselves.
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful little book, filled with brightly-illustrated rhyming that is a pleasure to read., October 25, 2014
By M J Kinsman – See all my reviews
“The Big Brass Band” is a beautiful little book, containing brightly-illustrated rhyming that is a pleasure to read. This story follows the entertaining thoughts of a young boy, as he is inspired by a passing marching band to want to take up an instrument. The names of the instruments will be new to many young readers, giving the book an educational element too. A picture book that will help to inspire a generation of new music-makers.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, October 25, 2014
By hana – See all my reviews
Wonderfully written my kids loved this book !
5.0 out of 5 stars marching band, October 25, 2014
By Debbie Madson (Dulles, VA United States) – See all my reviewsA fun musical rhyming story about a boy who watches a marching band and wants to play an instrument too. The story could also help kids learn the names of instruments.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, October 24, 2014
By Hilary A. Hotam “Hilary” (Cardiff) – See all my reviews
Great book for music fans
5.0 out of 5 stars Sure to become a Children’s Favourite requested to be read 5 or 6 times a day until the parents hide it!, October 22, 2014
By Vellacott (UK) – See all my reviews
I was really impressed with this book. I was a bit surprised to get it as part of a review exchange and wondered whether I would be able to relate to it in any way as I’m an adult with no children. But it really captured my attention and I found myself thinking of my nieces and nephews and wondering who else had children of the right age that I could recommend it to. It is well illustrated and humourous in places and just the type of book for children learning to read or those who like to be read to. I’m sure it will become one of those books that 3-5 year olds want to have read to them 5 or 6 times a day until the parents end up hiding it as they are desperate to hear something different. Very highly recommended!
5.0 out of 5 stars The Big Brass Band Of Fun!!, October 21, 2014
By misshonee – See all my reviews
This review is from: The Big Brass Band (Paperback)
I absolutely LOVE this book! I love the Rhyming aspect of the book which made it easy for me to sing song while reading.
The pictures were so expressive and vibrant which made for fun and easy interaction. It also brought about a lot of questions and interest in musical instruments.
I read this book three times in a row because my grandchildren were so excited and mesmerized by the story and now want musical instruments.
I will definitely buy any book that this Author writes. Not only was it easy to read but it was also fun!
I recommend this book to anyone with children or grandchildren!
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Music Lovers, October 20, 2014
By Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie – See all my reviews
This book is perfect for music lovers! My husband is a musician and plays the trombone therefore my favorite part was when the boy contemplates playing the trombone: “And there it was in front of us: the shiny brass trombone. ‘I’d like to play that, too,’ I said. I heard my mother moan.” (14). My husband’s family is made up of talented musicians, including my nieces and nephews. The younger ones are going to receive copies of this book for Christmas. Well done Pam!
5.0 out of 5 stars love the relief look on the mother’s face, October 17, 2014
By Linda Heath – See all my reviews
This is an ARC book through Goodreads. In The Big Brass Band you can feel the excitement of the parade and hear the sounds of the multiple instruments as they come down the street. Being a typical child the young man wants to play all of the instruments until that most special one comes along, love the relief look on the mother’s face! Depending upon the age of the child this may be a read alone book or a read this to me please Grandma book, depending upon the vocabulary level of the child. Well done Ms. Pam Bonsper!
5.0 out of 5 stars I love it! It would be an awesome book to …, October 13, 2014
By Millie – See all my reviews
I love it! It would be an awesome book to read in StoryTime.. It has great rhythm and rhyme to it! It would be great to read when we do our musical instruments 6×6 kit !! And the storyline really draws the reader in, waiting to see what instrument he will pick 
5.0 out of 5 stars Note perfect, October 12, 2014
By Gabrielle Domingues – See all my reviews
This is a delightful story that really captures a child’s joy in first discovering the different sounds and instruments of music. Seeing a band is an event most children can relate to, but as the boy in the book is drawn in beyond the bombast so too does this encourage the young reader to “hear” deeper. The rhythm of the story’s rhyming could be a song in and of itself, and the illustrations are a perfect accompaniment.
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful book! My son wants to play the piccolo …, October 12, 2014
By Thank You – See all my reviews
This is a wonderful book! My son wants to play the piccolo after reading this book, and he is super excited about being in a band one day!!
5.0 out of 5 stars I would recommend “The Big Brass Band” to parents and grandparents of …, October 8, 2014
By KEITH HANKINSON – See all my reviews
I would recommend “The Big Brass Band” to parents and grandparents of young children (3 – 6 or 7, although I know my 2 year old granddaughter would LOVE it). It’s fun for adults to read – it’s very lyrical and with the marching band moving along through each instrumental section and the notes running off the pages, it’s music in motion. The illustrations are bright and inviting – it was a treat to read.
5.0 out of 5 stars I found The Big Brass Band to be an excellent book. Well written and suited for all ages, October 8, 2014
By Darrell Case – See all my reviews
I found The Big Brass Band to be an excellent book. Well written and suited for all ages. The illustrations are sharp and fit perfectly with the words on each page. The story flows well and the rhyming makes it very enjoyable. It is a book that will interest children in the field of music and let them discover their talent. I would recommend The Big Brass Band every parent.
5.0 out of 5 stars I totally recommend it., October 6, 2014
By Maria Isabel Targino Oliveira – See all my reviews
I read the big brass band with my granddaughter and I got very impressed on how my child got interest on it. She was paying attention the whole time. I totally recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Brassy Fun!, October 6, 2014
By Amazon Customer “Gia Volterra de Saulnier” (North Reading, MA) – See all my reviews
Hooray for another book about music! This fun rhyming book will help kids learn more about brass bands and the sounds! I also loved the fact that he chose a great instrument to try. Perfect for younger kids probably about 3 to 6. Cute illustrations as well!
5.0 out of 5 stars Rhyme and Colors, October 5, 2014
By isabell – See all my reviews
The wonderful thing about the text in this book is that it rhymes. It give my daughter a chance to easily tag along when we read, as if she’s already guessing what the ending word will be. Not only does it rhyme but it mentions a lot of different instruments which are not usually talked about in books. The brass section. The books is also wonderfully illustrated, making all the pages pop out in color. Matching the music of the band in the book. Being an author and a parent I find this book very well written for a audience it is intended for.
5.0 out of 5 stars A story and a lesson, October 5, 2014
By William Dusty – See all my reviews
A first class children’s book. Perfect as a read-a-long with your kids, introducing them to the various instruments of a marching “big brass” band.
5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo Pam! Fabulous message to kids who want to …, October 3, 2014
By shannon brooks – See all my reviews
Bravo Pam! Fabulous message to kids who want to be musical and the rhyming words keep the message in step.
Starting my 26th year of teaching & really appreciate the many ways this book can be used in the classroom as well at home. Looking forward to your next book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Hooray and Cheers for The Big Brass Band!, October 3, 2014
By Michael F. Kastre – See all my reviews
This unique and delightful story definitely hits all the sweet notes. It’s the creative tale of a little boy and his fascination with the marching band in a parade; and, it’s sure to excite and entertain children. The illustrations are beautifully done and the clever rhyming words make it fun to read, especially aloud. I highly recommend it for the children in your life. Spark their imagination while adding some color—and music—to their book collection. I am sure it’s a book they will read more than once. The author has done a wonderful job of creating a book that will bring a smile to children’s faces.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and educational read for young children, October 2, 2014
By EllieMaeKay (Luzerne County, PA) – See all my reviews
I enjoyed this rhyming book. It can be enjoyed for pure fun or used to teach young children about words that sound alike. Furthermore, it teaches children about musical instruments. The illustrations are colorful, fun and expressive. I especially enjoyed the mother’s reactions to the louder instruments. I would recommend this book for children ages 3 to 8, it can be read to the younger children or used for learning to read with the older children.
4.0 out of 5 stars This is a fun book for the little ones, October 2, 2014
By Sandra Lee Dennis, PhD (N. CA) – See all my reviews
This is a fun book for the little ones, and the rhyming patterns will add to your enjoyment reading it. Good bedtime book with the lyrical story. And the illustrations complement the poetry so well. Both Mom and son are happy in the end to find an instrument they both will find delightful!
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read-Aloud for the classroom!, September 29, 2014
By Becky Villareal (Texas) – See all my reviews
As a teacher constantly on the lookout for good books to read aloud, I was so pleased to find this wonderful book! It is a perfect vehicle for vocabulary development and teaching the concept of rhyming words. I look forward to using it in my classroom!
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun story that all ages can enjoy, September 28, 2014
By Colleen Fleshman – See all my reviews
I loved this book! It’s a cute story of a boy at a parade, told through rhymes. The verse is lyrical without ever seeming forced, and the interaction between the mother and son was so perfect it left me laughing out loud at times. I can easily imagine my nephew in place of the boy, telling my sister he wants to play the tuba. The pictures are also vivid and engaging, and they do a great job bringing the story to life. It’s a perfect book for anyone who has young children, especially those interested in music.
5.0 out of 5 stars IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE………ADD THIS BOOK TO YOUR LIBRARY!!, September 27, 2014
By Barbara K. Litchfield – See all my reviews
This is the FUNNEST Book EVER!!!! I read it to Kramer, my friend’s parrot, and he was spellbound! I’m sure next time I see him, he will recite it to me!!! He loved the poetry and the beautiful illustrations. What a great story! It makes you want to sing and dance and get a PICCOLO too!!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story about a young boy enthusiasticly watching a marching …, September 27, 2014By Laura Replinger – See all my reviews
Sweet story about a young boy enthusiastically watching a marching band. With the love for all the instruments he sees and hears he finally decides on one he wants to play. Fun, bright graphics too!
5.0 out of 5 stars It turned out even better than I imagined, September 26, 2014
By Dane Edrik Bonsper – See all my reviews
It turned out even better than I imagined. Great little book that can be enjoyed over and over. Highly encourage you to add it to your library.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Big Brass Band is Big Brass Fun!, September 25, 2014
By Dave Freeman “Author Dave Freeman” (West Palm Beach, Florida) – See all my reviews
The Big Brass Band is the enjoyable story in rhyming verse of a young boy’s discovery of the magic of a parade; specifically in the amazing marching band. Children and parents will share the excitement as he imagines bringing every instrument home. Some instruments have very BIG sounds and others quite small; each one more special than the rest. The Big Brass Band, by Author Pam Bonsper and illustrated by Jessica Ziegler paints a delightful picture of youthful enthusiasm, with a glimpse of a mother’s cautious (possibly nervous) anticipation….Which instrument will he choose?
5.0 out of 5 stars It’s a great book. I’ve already read about 6 times to …, September 24, 2014
By Paola T Studart – See all my reviews
I am from Brazil and got a copy from Big Brass Band. It’s a great book. I’ve already read about 6 times to my 5 year old nephew and he now says he wants to play an instrument. Each time I read the book, he thinks about a different instrument. The history and the pictures are very nice. I will indicate it to my children’s English school.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Big Brass Band is a wonderful book for all ages, September 22, 2014
By Claudia Costa Targino – See all my reviews
The Big Brass Band is a wonderful book for all ages. I read it with my 2 years old’s nephew. He was totally in love with it. It shows how beautiful is our lives with music. I recommend.
5.0 out of 5 stars Really loved it! Everything about it was fantastic, September 20, 2014
By Patricia Stites – See all my reviews
Really loved it! Everything about it was fantastic! You and your children will enjoy it Very much! Thank you for offering this great piece!
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect to create interest in music, September 17, 2014
By Stella Targino Eneas Vieira – See all my reviews
This little book is perfect for my three year old. He wanted to play all the instruments also but decided he liked the tuba. Imagine!! I think i will try to convince him to choose what the little boy chose!
5.0 out of 5 stars Super way for children to learn instruments in a band, September 17, 2014
By Kay KLine – See all my reviews
Super way for children to learn instruments in a band! The print is big for early readers and fun to guess what the next instrument is! A must read for kids !
5.0 out of 5 stars fun for little and big, September 12, 2014
This book is so good, not just for the little ones, but for the biggers to!
5.0 out of 5 stars The Melody Jumps Off of Each Page!, September 11, 2014
By kmhorgan – See all my reviews
The poetry in the book is lyrical and when read out loud you feel the music of the band. This will draw a child’s attention and introduce vocabulary that is sure to stimulate. Really like the colors and emotion in each page. Well done!
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun book!, August 31, 2014
By carie broecker – See all my reviews
What a fun book! My nieces and nephews love it. A must for any children’s library.
November 28, 2014
Book 1: Missing Nora
The first of the Friends and Feelings Series, Missing Nora will be ready to purchase very soon. Missing Nora is the story of a little girl and a dog who help each other with their feelings of loss. I will announce when it is available on Amazon.
November 25, 2014
FREE EBook November 26th thru November 30th
I have published the first ebook of a series which is about my experiences as a self-publishing grandma. It will be available as a FREE download for the next five days. Check it out and write a review if you are so inclined!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q3KLQWM
November 19, 2014
New Book Launch
I will be publishing the first book of my new series:” Friends and Feelings” in December. I will be posting updates. The name of the book is “Missing Nora”…It is the story of a little girl and a dog and how they help each other deal with loss. Stay tuned!
