I Am A Wonder Woman (Some of the Most Influential Women in History) by Ellen Bailey from Portable Press [Review & Giveaway - US/CANADA]

Portable Press
ISBN: 978-1684125487
Paperback $14.99
Ages 9-11; 128 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Inspiring Activities to try...

Incredible Women to Discover...

My thoughts:  It is always good to see non-fiction in works for young readers and to have it presented in an entertaining way that captures their attention and encourages them to pursue reading.

Girls growing up need to see that girls and women who live long ago and who are currently living have been able to pursue careers and achieve greatness. They need to see that they, too, can reach for the stars in their life.

Each short, very limited biography of these women has an activity that helps the young reader think about the achievement of the individual. This is definitely a "hands on" book; or if that is not quite what the reader wishes to do, they can simply read the short bios.

An interesting book. The illustrations are quirky or  simplistic.

I like the quote on the back cover.....

"There has never been a more important time for girls and women to feel valued and empowered." —Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, MBE, Space Scientist.

About the book:  This is an entertaining and inspirational look at some of the most influential women in history, from ancient times to the modern day, including lesser known visionaries such as Annie Londonderry and Britta Tott, to household names like the Brontës, Cleopatra, Hellen Keller, J.K. Rowling, and more. Each page is filled with amazing stories about the women who have shaped the world and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Readers can step into the lives of these pioneers by completing unique activities and answering thought-provoking questions for themselves. Quirky artwork throughout helps bring each woman’s story to life.

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 29

ENDS February 22 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA & CANADA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

Anthill For Sale by Johnny Ray Moore and illustrated by Zuzana Svobodova

Publisher: Big Belly Book Co.

ISBN: 978-1-7325541-1-5
Ages: 3-8 Price: $10.95*

My thoughts: Mr. and Mrs. Ant, Alvin and his wife, are now empty nesters (or ant-hillers) and look about their home where the raised their little ants and decide it is time to move on because they don't need such a home any longer. So they embark on the "sell-the-homeplace" endeavor.

A parade of potential buyers stroll through their home. They critique it, enthuse over it, voice their plans to change it.

Alvin's welcome mat wears thin on some of these encounters; and then in avid frustration he shoos some out of his home. Finally, it is sold and then.......

But that would be telling.

This is a delightful children's book hinting into what it would be like for parents to sell the family home. Told from the perspective of a little ant, it tells a grand story of love of place and love of memories that parents hold in their hearts once their beloved family moves on. Families of young children can impress on them as they read that they are shaping memories for the future and can also relate the theme of the story to loving grandparents who are perhaps currently experiencing the heart breaking task of selling a beloved family home.

A joy to read and the illustrations are charming.

About the book: Alvin shows his home to potential homeowners. The buyers can't see the beauty in the anthill and want to change everything about Alvin's precious home. Alvin is disappointed the buyers don't see what he sees. The home reminds him of the memories of  him and his family. Alvin has a change of heart and must convince his wife the anthill is their only place to call home.

*Discounted 10% through end of November through Big Belly Book Co. only $9.80, plus shipping, http://www.bigbellybookco.com

Available: Amazon - click here, Barnes & Noble, Indie Bound, Big Belly Book Co and request at your local book store.

Also an Octopus by Maggie Tokuda-Hall & illustrated by Benji Davies [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: At first glance upon picking up Also An Octopus one thinks, "Oh! Another adorable kiddie picture book." But then upon delving into this first-time author's debut (redundant, huh!) book, there is a bit more meat to the story than cutsie octopuses and kiddies and fantastic folks in unreal places.

Now we don't want to overthink a kid's book because that might just take away from the fun of reading. But what is the harm in discovering that the "rest of the story" is the beginning of the story or the making of the story.

We start with a character - like a kid. We add in others - also an Octopus and that makes for fun - and as they say, "...a little bit of nothing." And then if you struggle through the making of the story and it flops, then you can take that and a little bit of nothing and go again for another try.

So it is cute story line that encourages and gives a basic story structure beginning with "..a little bit of nothing." And it is also simply a cute kid's picture book with delightful characters, smiles, happiness, and positive thoughts.

About the book: Even the most totally awesome story starts with a little bit of nothing. What happens next is up to you! A delightfully meta picture book that will set imaginations soaring.

It begins with an octopus who plays the ukulele. Since this is a story, the octopus has to want something—maybe to travel to faraway galaxies in a totally awesome purple spaceship. Then the octopus sets out to build a spaceship out of soda cans, glue, umbrellas, glitter, and waffles. OK, maybe the octopus needs some help, like from an adorable bunny friend, and maybe that bunny turns out to be . . . a rocket scientist? (Probably not.) But could something even more amazing come to pass?

GIVEAWAY - 2 winners each win a copy

Begins December 1

ENDS December 10 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to US/CANADA. No PO Boxes

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to failitate a review of my honest opinions which are freely given. Giveaway copy is provided and mailed directly to winner by Candlewick.