Charts for Babies (A Charts for Babies Book) by Michelle Rial. STEM picture book [Review & Giveaway]

Hardcover $18.99 USD
ISBN: 9781419785184
Abrams Appleseed Publishing

My thoughts:  If you thought from the title that this would be a book to educate parents or children using a variety of charts like bar charts, pie charts, graphs, line charts, you'd be mostly wrong. Sure it opens with a pie-chart but that is just a nifty way of giving you a sort-of Table of Contents. You see, Charts for Babies simply, and eloquently, and uniquely directs little one's thinking to relationships of size and content, to concepts and colors, to relationships of items and relationships with feelings.

You see, it's kind of a chart of the stuff of life. And it's a winner. Start your little ones thinking along these concepts, and you'll be giving them a head start on critical thinking, geometrics, mathematics, art in color, and simple feelings. And it is amazing that Ms. Rial has written the text in simple rhyme. Rhyme is always a plus, I think!

Parents will say, "Oh yea!" as they flip through these simple and point on pages. And, yes, the actual charts are shown at the back of the book. (Be sure you enter the giveaway below!)

About the book: From Michelle Rial, the writer of viral favorite Am I Overthinking This?, comes a quirky and delightful picture book exploring multiple early-learning concepts through simple graphic charts and graphs.

Little charts for big hearts! Through boldly illustrated timelines, pie charts, bar graphs, and Venn diagrams, young readers will learn about colors, opposites, shapes, feelings, and much more in this unconventional STEM picture book with the sweetest ending ever. 

Michelle Rial’s colorful, graphic style and infectious rhyming text make this a real off-the-charts read-aloud.

Advanced Review: “Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (and, daresay, a few adults) will demand a repeat read of Rial’s charming, playful picture-book treatise on charts and graphs geared toward early learners…This versatile title is a first purchase for children's collections and could be easily used in story times and in classrooms.” ―Booklist

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/CREATOR: Michelle Rial is a graphic designer who makes charts. Named by Vulture as one of “9 of the Funniest Cartoonists and Illustrators on Instagram,” she is the author and illustrator of the books Am I Overthinking This? and Maybe This Will Help, and her work has been featured by The New Yorker, Oprah Daily, USA Today, Wired, and more. She lives in the redwoods of California with Lenny, Jude, and Einstein.

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 19

Ends August 19 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

CHARTS FOR BABIES by Michelle Rial

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided by and mailed directly to the winner by the publisher, author, or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Enough Elizabeths by Heather Harris Bergevin [Review & Giveaway]

Can the kingdom save kidnapped Princess Elizabeth from the dragon? 

My thoughts:

ISBN: 9781966829096
Hardcover $19.99 USD
Lucky Rabbit Publishing

  A delightful book featuring an unwelcome pink dragon that is occupying Princess Elizabeth's tower bedroom. How the dragon got into the room, how he was found, and the missing Princess baffle the servants and the King and Queen.

Elizabeth has a secret - in fact a couple of secrets. And the beautiful tower room plays a main part in the secrets, the dragon's reluctance to leave, and the final resolution of the mystery.

Sweet illustrations are absolutely loaded with swaths of breezy pinks as does truly befit a little Princess. This is a sweet story with no truly scary bits.

About the book: Does it count as princess-napping if the dragon is just trying to take a nap?

Elizabeth is a princess in a tower, but she’s scared of heights. It's a tradition in her kingdom, and an honor, to have a tower bedroom, so what's a princess to do? When a dragon moves into her suspiciously clean room, monarchs and palace officials try to deal with the moody intruder. Will they be able to negotiate with the dragon to hand her over? With a flurry of characters helping out, including the determined prime minister and a reluctant knight, surely this problem can be solved! But will the princess be able to keep her secret?

ENOUGH ELIZABETHS is written by Heather Harris Bergevin and illustrated by Lexi Hall and will be released on March 24, 2026. This is Heather’s debut children’s picture book.

👑 GIVEAWAY 👑

Begins March 20

Ends April 20 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Enough Elizabeths by Heather Harris Bergevin

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Publicist or publisher is responsible for provided and mailing winner's prize copy directly to the winner. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Entries are via the Gleam platform and winner is randomly selected by Gleam from verified entries.

FOREST MAGIC FOR KIDS: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic by Susie Spikol [Review & Giveaway]

New Children's Book "Forest Magic for Kids" Sparks Imagination with Fairy Hunts, Secret Forts, and Enchanted Outdoor Adventures!

 

Publisher: Gibbs Smith
Hardcover | $19.99 
ISBN: 978-1423665533
Age 5-9 Years

My thoughts:  This is a delightfully charming non-fiction book that is designed to invoke a desire to learn about the natural world of the forest. While the idea of "magic," wee-folk, fairies, and such conjure a world of make-believe, this book conversely takes them into the real world of life in the forest from the majesty of the trees to the pure delight of the tiniest creatures and smallest flowers.

The book is heavy on text so will necessitate adult guidance and reading. The book is a grand addition to science class or school libraries, and perfect for families that love nature.

Whilst the book introduces the child to aspects of the real world of the forest, it doesn't shun the tales and folklore shared through the ages. There are activities and projects both educational plus some that are fun and fanciful.

A charming educational tool to have on hand and a perfect gift for the upcoming spring and summer days.

About the book:  Your enchanted guide to 50+ magical activities for everything from finding hidden flower fairies in your own backyard and making a special wizard staff to creating a tiny woodland village and making your own forest potions.

Come discover the wild magic tucked into the nooks and crannies of forests, thickets, and meadows. Search for fairy dusted glow-in-the-dark mushrooms. Find secret worlds hidden in trees and uncover the tunnels, trails, and dens of gnomes and trolls, and mice and moles. Learn to listen to the forest, make sun-warmed pine tea, and wear an evergreen crown to an elf picnic.
 
Look inside to learn how to:

• Keep a secret notebook filled with maps, notes, and pockets for all your discoveries
• Go on a quest for wild treasures
• Follow a queen bumblebee to her castle
• Make your own forest teas and potions
• Become best friends with a tree
• Create tiny gnomes and build cozy gnome homes
• Seek where mushrooms grow after a fairy dance
• Carve a walking stick wizard staff
• Build your own hidden forest fort

 A delightful outdoor handbook to ignite curiosity and a passion for nature, this is a great resource for nature units as well as hands-on activities to bring a creative writing program to life. -- School Library Journal

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Susie Spikol is a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. A lifelong animal lover, Susie now helps people of all ages connect with the natural world. She is the author of The Animal Adventurer’s Guide (Roost Books, 2002). Secret word: nature. You can find her at www.susiespikol.com.

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 22

Ends April 25 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and shipped/mailed directly to the winner by publicist, publisher, or author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel by Paula Danziger & illustrated by Victoria Ying [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  I'm not a big fan of graphic novels because I prefer that children read from actual printed pages of text and allow their imagination to flesh out the scenes and action, the characters and their expressions. I believe this expands their ability to imagine and formulate on their own and to put identity to words. However, there is a time and place where graphic novels can benefit and lend enjoyment. This is especially true for the reluctant reader.

Amber Brown's stories are engaging and bring to life children in their day to day settings of school, etc. Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel is a re-telling of the original book that was printed as a text novel with some illustrations. 

Personalized children's books are "Wonderbly" wonderful! [Review & Giveaway]

I was recently introduced to a delightful company from the UK that produces unique children's books and you can "plug in" your child's (or a child you wish to honor) name. What a grand way to engage the child's interest and make him or her feel quite special.

I was so delighted with my book. The binding is very well done and sturdy. The pictures sweet and endearing. The "stories" lovely and appropriate. 

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 [Book Blitz & Giveaway - 3 Winners]

Buy | Goodreads
National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 (Us Edition) - National Geographic Kids

 National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 Book Blitz & 3-Winner Giveaway

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Chat With Vera

The New York Times best-selling Almanac is packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, National Geographic exclusives, games, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more. 

 

ISBN: 978-1426373879
Paperback $15.99 | Ages 8-12

This new edition features:  

• EXCLUSIVE National Geographic Explorer interviews and features   
• EXCLUSIVE Interactive Almanac Challenge 2024, plus the results of the Almanac Challenge 2023  

Bark Ship Bonnie by Stephanie Staib [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 978-1951836542
Age 5 - 7 Years

My thoughts: Absolutely adorable illustrations that capture a child and devoted dog at play on a boat throughout the day. Imaginary or real? I can't tell. But I sense that this is a child in a sea-faring town who is familiar with life aboard a ship and hence a playday embarked on an imaginary boat with faithful, seagoing dog as first mate.

The text is beautifully written using repeated alphabet letters yet not true alliteration. Words of similar cadence yet not rhyme nor rhythm. So it is engaging.

Water! Why Every Drop Counts and How You Can Start Making Waves to Protect It (Nat Geo Kids Books) [Giveaway]

Welcome to the
Water!

Blog Tour & Giveaway!

  

Welcome to the blog tour for Water! Why Every Drop Counts and How You Can Start Making Waves to Protect It. Did you know the water in your glass could be the same water the dinosaurs drank? Dive in for a week’s worth of interviews with fascinating “Water Warriors”, profiles on the latest H20-saving tech and learn incredible facts about Earth’s water, the challenges facing it, and how your actions can help defend this precious resource.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE……?

I Dare! I Can! I Will!: The Day the Icelandic Women Walked Out and Inspired the World by Author & Illustrator Linda Olafsdottir [Review & Giveaway]

A picture book inspired by the Long Friday—a real event in Iceland that inspired women around the world to stand up, walk out, and march together for women’s rights. I DARE! I CAN! I WILL!, a story that inspires children to believe in their dreams, advocate for themselves, and pursue their passions.

MY THOUGHTS:  Firstly, I am not a proponent of mass protests and especially when they have children in attendance at the protests. I do not think it wise or safe to involve children in these events.

Not-So-Common Cent$ by Sarah Wassner Flynn published by National Geographic Kids (Blog Tour & Giveaway].

Welcome to the
Not-So-Common Cents
Blog Tour & Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of Not-So-Common Cents by Sarah Wassner Flynn, featuring a special forward by financial educator Alvin Hall, blogs across the web are hosting exclusive excerpts from this ultimate book of all things money, as well as 5 chances to win a copy!

 

Bitcoins and Beyond: The Dish on Digital Money

BIT BY BIT Before there was email, there was snail mail. And before there was cryptocurrency, there was conventional currency—money that is backed by a government (aka fiat currency). For decades, fiat currency has been the accepted form of payments and exchanges of money within a country. 

VIRTUAL CURRENCY Enter cryptocurrency. Around 2009, something called Bitcoin came onto the scene, which exists only in a virtual world. So, instead of having actual coins and bills you can see and feel and watch pile up in a piggy bank, you have a stash of digital dollars tucked away on the internet. Today, Bitcoin is the most recognizable form of cryptocurrency, but there are more than a thousand other kinds out there. 

FUN FACT!: In September 2018, the word “bitcoin” was added to the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary. 

MONEY MYSTERY The story goes that Bitcoin was invented by a Japanese man named Satoshi Nakamoto. The thing is, no one knows who Nakamoto actually is. After introducing Bitcoin to the world by writing a nine-page paper describing a plan for this new form of currency, Nakamoto remained anonymous. While several people have come forward falsely claiming to be him (and one man even filed a lawsuit to prove that he is Bitcoin’s creator), Nakamoto’s identity may always remain a mystery. 

HOW CRYPTOCURRENCY WORKS So how does it work? To start, all transactions happen online. And they are not regulated by the government, like traditional currency is. People exchange cryptocurrency among each other without going through a bank. If you pay for something with cryptocurrency, your wallet ID (a series of numbers and letters unique to each user) appears in a public log, known as a blockchain. Each digital coin has its own blockchain, and they’re different from one another. 

VARIED VALUE The biggest difference between cryptocurrency and regular money? Its value! Cryptocurrency has no fixed worth. Its cost goes up and down, like gas prices. Recently, the price of one bitcoin has gone from around $29,000 to $41,000 and back down again. (But you can buy pieces of one bitcoin, known as satoshis, for a lot less.) So what’s up with the crazy fluctuation of the cost of cryptocurrency? It’s all about supply and demand. The more people want cryptocurrency, the more it’ll cost. And again, unlike regular currency, its value is not regulated or controlled by a government. 

CREATING CRYPTOCURRENCY So how is cryptocurrency created and what is it? All cryptocurrency is “mined.” Unlike gold miners who used pickaxes and elbow grease to pluck shiny nuggets from the soil, cryptocurrency miners on computers compete to solve complicated math calculations and puzzles. Once a problem is solved, a new “block” is added to the chain and more cryptocurrency is created. The miner is then rewarded with cryptocoins, which they can then keep or sell. 

BUY AND STORE To get cryptocurrency, people go online and buy it from websites called exchanges. From there, it’s stored in a digital wallet, which is a password-protected space on a phone, in the cloud, on a computer, or on a flash drive. 

THE DARK SIDE OF CRYPTOCURRENCY Cryptocurrency only exists online, so it’s an easy target for hackers looking to make quick money. In fact, reports of cryptocurrency crimes—which include everything from straight-up stealing to scams—have increased 312 percent a year on average since 2016. If crypto isn’t stored in a supersecure place online, hackers can gain access to crypto wallets or breach entire cryptocurrency exchanges and collect millions. Even scarier? Because cryptocurrency can be exchanged anonymously and privately, it can be used as a way to fund terrorist organizations or other criminal activities, posing a serious security risk. As a result, governments around the world are working hard to target and stop crypto criminals. 

THE FUTURE OF CRYPTOCURRENCY Because cryptocurrency isn’t something you can hold in your hand (or put into an actual wallet) and because it’s not regulated by a government, it has its share of skeptics, including some leading economists and financial experts. So while the jury is still out on whether cryptocurrency will be the wave of the future, currently all crypto-currencies combined account for less than about 0.7 percent of all the world’s money. 

IS BITCOIN BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT? In a word, yes. Worldwide, Bitcoin mining operations use more energy than the entire nation of Sweden, according to the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index. And a single Bitcoin transaction uses the same amount of power as the average American household consumes in a month. While these stats are staggering, efforts are underway to reduce the consumption and carbon emissions from crypto mining, an important move in curbing climate change.

Buy | Buy on Bookshop.org | Add to GoodReads

   Buy | Buy on Bookshop.org | Add to GoodReads

Cha-ching! Learn everything adults wish they knew about money when they were kids―and more―including how to make it, save it, and multiply it!

While money certainly isn’t everything, one fact is true: No matter where you live in the world, money is a basic necessity. From the clothes on your back to the food on your plate, chances are, money is somehow involved in almost all of your day-to-day activities.

In this book you’ll discover exactly what money is, along with:

·How society went from bartering to using bucks · Basics of saving (including some brilliant hacks), investing, and interest · What “credit” really means · Inventive ways to get your ideas flowing and money growing · What the stock market is, and how money moves around the world today · Ins and outs of cryptocurrency and other “new” money · The importance of giving back―one of the best things a fiscally responsible global citizen can do · Why being smart with money = a big step toward independence

So jump in, and find out the mind-blowing secrets and stats about money!

 

About the Author: SARAH WASSNER FLYNN is a longtime writer for National Geographic Kids. She loves writing, running, and triathlons. When she's not writing about races, she's usually training or competing in one. She also writes nonfiction books and articles for kids and teens, like National Geographic Kids National Park Guide U.S.A., This Book Stinks!, Weird But True Know-It-All Greek Mythology, and Girls' Life Guide to Being the Most Amazing You. Website | Instagram

About the Foreword Writer: ALVIN HALL is an internationally recognized, award-winning financial educator, author, and television and radio host. He’s the author of the best-selling financial advice books You and Your Money, Your Money or Your Life, What Not to Spend, Getting Started in Mutual Funds, and his 2008 children’s book Show Me the Money. In 2006, he was awarded the Wincott Award for business journalism for his 2006 documentary Jay-Z: From Brooklyn to the Boardroom about the life of rapper Jay-Z. In addition, he was the longtime host of the award-winning BBC radio finance program Your Money or Your Life. Website | Facebook | Twitter

GIVEAWAY

• One (1) winner will receive a copy of Not-So-Common Cents
• US/Can only
• Ends 3/11 at 11:59 pm ET
• Enter via the Rafflecopter below
• Visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule:

February 27^th — Log Cabin Library

February 28^th — Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book Blog

March 1^st – Crafty Moms Share

March 2^nd - Geo Librarian

March 3^rd — Chat With Vera

 DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the book. Text and giveaway are provided by publicist. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher. Chat With Vera  is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

The Adventures of the Flash Gang: The Exploding Experiment by M.M. Downing & S.J. Waugh [Book spotlight & giveaway]

The first in a trilogy in which a street orphan and his ragtag crew valiantly foil a pro-Nazi plot in 1935 Pittsburgh

ISBN: 9781646033225

(Raleigh, NC) Delightfully Dickensian in spirit, The Adventures of the Flash Gang: The Exploding Experiment packs clever twists and ever-rising stakes into a perfectly-paced middle-grade novel. The Adventures of the Flash Gang is a bright flare of fun, a throwback gangster caper with irresistible kid sleuths, and loads of page-turning action.

About the Book: That brief, blinding dazzle? The blue smudge and lingering stink? The Flash Gang has struck again! They are the most notorious thieves in Pittsburgh, food-stealing crooks the police and newspapers say are highly trained and very dangerous. But eleven-year-old Lewis Carter isn’t a thief; he’s just homeless and hungry. The flash is a recipe he invented from bits of his missing father’s scientific research. He uses it to pinch his dinners. It’s been going pretty well until now…Now his recipe is stolen, and he is in the clutches of nasty people. Enter tutu-wearing, starry-eyed, and all-around extraordinary (she will tell you) Pearl Alice Clavell. She is on a mission to uncover a Nefarious Deed she’s convinced involves the Flash Gang. Rescuing Lewis is right up her alley.

The truth is, a Nefarious Deed is afoot, one that threatens the entire country. It will take Lewis and Pearl joining forces to save the recipe and themselves against an enemy who will stop at nothing, including kidnapping and, very possibly, murder.

About the Authors: M.M. Downing & S.J. Waugh joined forces to write the sort of stories they loved reading when they were ten. They also write books for teens and grownups, but that’s for another day. You can learn more about them and The Adventures of The Flash Gang here: mmdowning-sjwaugh.com.

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 23

Ends March 19 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this post. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by MMPublicity, publisher, or author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Farm Boots by Lisl H. Detlefsen and illustrated by Renée Kurilla [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 978-1948898119
Hardcover $17.99

My thoughts:  This is a delightful book that teaches the varied life of those who live on a farm and how each family member engages in the life and chores of the farm. Primarily, the focus is on boots and how each type of chore and each season brings a need for a different type of boot.

As a parent, my first thought was how does a family budget for so many boots but it was a consoling thought that the care and protection of the feet by using different protection is primary.

Colorful and delightful pictures illustrate the book showing a happy family and cheerful, frolicking animals. A nice, educational look at farm life.

About the book: Grab your boots it's time to explore life on a farm! In joyful verse follow a diverse cast of families as they work together to care for crops and animals on their farms through spring, summer, fall and winter.

Follow farming families as they work and play in boots, all year long. Whether it's springtime puddle-splashing, riding at the summer fair, or herding sheep into the barn in winter, there's a type of boot for every kind of weather and activity.

Each season brings adorable farm animals, farming equipment, and of course boots in this exploration of farm and country life.

From the creators of Right This Very Minute, Farm Boots depicts a wide variety of agricultural settings in all four seasons. It is a celebration of footwear, fun, and life, both on and off the farm.

About the author: Lisl H. Detlefsen is the author of a growing number of picture books. Her titles about agriculture include Time for Cranberries, illustrated by Jed Henry, and Right This Very Minute, her first book with illustrator Renée Kurilla. Lisl lives on a family-owned and operated cranberry marsh in central Wisconsin with her husband, two sons, two cats, and an ever-changing collection of farm boots for all seasons. Visit Lisl online: Website, Facebook, Twitter

About the illustrator: Renée Kurilla is a children's illustrator, author, and designer. She loves drawing nature, animals, and working on projects that require a little bit of research. She has illustrated many books for kids including Orangutanka by Margarita Engle, Chicks Rule! (by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen), Right This Very Minute (by Lisl H. Detlefsen), and the Ada Lace series by Emily Calandrelli. Renee has a BFA in Illustration and a Diploma in Graphic Design from Lesley University College of Art and Design. She currently lives in MA with her illustrator husband Keith Zoo, their 5 year old daughter, Zoey, and the fluffiest cat in the world, Timmy. Visit Renée online: Website, Twitter, Instagram

Publisher: Feeding Minds Press is a project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture whose mission is to build awareness and understanding of agriculture through education. We focus on helping young readers understand where their food comes from, who grows it, and how it gets to them and believe in cultivating curiosity about food and farming and how agriculture plays a role in our daily lives. All books from Feeding Minds Press have accompanying lessons, activities, and videos to further learning available on their website.

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 22

Ends February 18 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

How to Speak Animal by Aubre Andrus & Gabby Wild - learn about the secret language of wild animals (NGKids Book Blitz & Giveaway)

Buy | Goodreads

Learn about the secret language of wild animals in this exciting and informative guide from the experts who brought you How to Speak Cat and How to Speak Dog.

We know animals can’t speak and express themselves in the same way as humans … but even the smallest and quietest animals have incredible ways of communicating with each other. With wildlife veterinarian expert Dr. Gabby Wild as a guide, How to Speak Animal helps kids understand how animals communicate through sound, body language, and behavior. It’s full of expert insights and real-life stories of humans exploring ways to “talk” to animals, from teaching great apes sign language to speaking “dolphin.” Packed with super-engaging animal photography that helps illustrate key concepts, this fascinating bookprofiles more than 60 different creatures―from birds to mammals to reptiles and more―and their amazing ways of communicating with each other.

If you’ve ever wondered why gorillas beat their chests and make hooting noises, what it means when chameleons change color, or why some elephants twist their trunks together, this is the book for you!

 

About the Authors

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

DR. GABBY WILD earned her bachelor of science and doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degrees at Cornell University. She completed her veterinary internship training at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio, and received her master’s of public health (MPH) from the University of Minnesota. She is a published genetics researcher and uses her research background to screen zoonotic disease transmission among wildlife, domestic animals, and people. To help maintain a healthy planet, she monitors herd and individual health for rising epidemics. Dr. Wild balances her Western medicine practices with traditional Chinese medicine in an effort to blend both methodologies. Acclaimed for her role as “the veterinarian” on Animal Jam, the world’s largest online “playground,” with 54 million players, she creates educational videos and teaches children internationally about wildlife conservation and medicine. When not in the wild, Gabby works as a Wildlife Health Program veterinarian for the Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo and is a training veterinary surgeon at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island. She lives in New York City.

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

AUBRE ANDRUS is an award-winning children's book author with dozens of books published by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, American Girl, Disney, Scholastic, and more. She has also ghostwritten books for young YouTube stars. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her family. 

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GIVEAWAY

• Three (3) winners will receive a copy of How to Speak Animal
• US only
• Ends 12/18 at 11:59pm ET
• Enter via the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the featured book in exchange for posting this book spotlight and giveaway for publicist. I received no monetary compensation. Giveaway is hosted by publicist who will provide and ship prize directly to winners. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Weird But True! World 2023 - kid-favorite series is busting out with an annual extravaganza of the wackiest, wildest, & downright weirdest wonders on Earth [BLITZ GIVEAWAY]

Buy | Goodreads

The BLOCKBUSTER kid-favorite series Weird But True! is busting out with a BIG, BOLD annual extravaganza of the wackiest, wildest, and downright weirdest wonders on planet Earth.

Discover Earth’s strangest animals, natural formations, festivals, ancient wonders, news, and more in this newest addition to the wildly popular Weird But True! family―an annual compendium of everything Weird But True! fans love ... and then some. Readers will journey across the seven continents, dive into the ocean, and even blast off into space to discover a whole wide world of weird. From the troll doll bug of Suriname to the Bog Snorkeling Championships in Wales to a technicolor village in Indonesia, Weird But True! World offers an unparalleled, adventure-filled exploration of our world’s amazing uniqueness.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Stunning photographs
• Wild, wow-worthy facts
• Weird news
• Shocking stats and infographics
• Colorful maps
• Personality quizzes
• Adorable odd animals
• And more!

This book is perfect for fans of Weird But True!, as well as Atlas Obscura, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and Guinness World Records, and any curious kid willing to embrace the quirky side of life.

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

 

For more Weird But True! fun check out the series page on National Geographic Kids!

 

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GIVEAWAY

• Five (5) winners will receive a hardcover of Weird But True! World 2023
• Ends 12/18 at 11:59pm ET
• Enter via the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the featured book for posting this Blitz Giveaway. The giveaway is hosted by Media Masters Pub. and they are responsible for selection of winners and sending prizes directly to the winners. Chat With Vera is not responsible for content of post nor lost or misdirected prizes.

 

 

National Geographic Kids STEM series from co-creator of the American Girl series: Izzy Newton & the S.M.A.R.T. Squad #3: The Law of Cavities by Valerie Tripp & illustrated by Millie Liu [GIVEAWAY]

 

Buy | Goodreads

Meet the characters, watch the book trailer and check out the Educator and Reader's Guides on the series website here!

The S.M.A.R.T. Squad is back to tackle more middle school mayhem with science, technology, engineering, math, and friendship!

In this third book in the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series, best friends Izzy Newton, Allie Einstein, Marie Curie, Charlie Darwin, and Gina Carver set out on a mystery-filled Outdoor Adventure Camp experience.

Now that Izzy’s finally found her voice in public speaking class and become an ice hockey star, she’s determined to conquer her “dizzy-Izzy-ness” in new situations―including caring for her brand-new braces on an outdoor education overnight and her friends’ good-natured teasing about her friend Trevor. But the forecast for fun turns cloudy when the girls discover their cabin chaperone is none other than Izzy’s tough public-speaking teacher, Ms. Martinez, and their junior counselor is eighth grade mean girl, Maddie Sharpe.

When an innocent exchange of harmless pranks with Maddie takes a turn for the worse, the Squad turns to science to prove their innocence. That’s nothing, though, compared with the terrifying swamp monster haunting their campsite, a catastrophe befalling Ms. Martinez, and a mysterious disaster threatening the future of camp itself.

With their very survival on the line, will science be enough to save the day?
 

Praise:

"Wholesome entertainment for preteens, offering positivity without didacticism."
― Kirkus

"It's one thing to have children's books about scientists or podcasts or stories about strong women in STEM, but it's another world entirely when your children get to feel represented by the characters they're reading about. The characters in the Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series are diverse, smart, and sure of themselves the way all middle school girls are---through their dreams and newly acquired skills they're still getting used to."
― Romper

 

About the Creators

VALERIE TRIPP is the co-creator of the American Girl book series that includes titles featuring Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Maryellen, Molly, and Samantha. Tripp also wrote American Girl's Wellie Wishers titles, Hopscotch Hill School titles, numerous leveled readers, songs, stories, skills book pages, and plays for educational publishers. Tripp is writer and editorial director of the Boys Camp series, and a writer, editor, and art editor for Sterling Publishing Company. Tripp received a B.A. and honors as a member of the first co-educated class at Yale University and a master's of education degree from Harvard University.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

MILLIE LIU was born in sunny Pasadena, California, and has been drawing ever since she could hold a pencil. It did start with color pencils on walls but after some scolding, she decided paper was much better. She graduated from Otis College of Art and Design and went into the field of toy design shortly after, designing colorful toys for children the world over. Her favorite subject to draw is story-driven fantastical locations with a touch of magic. When not drawing, she loves to read, experiment with cooking, and keep up with her fierce, growing collection of house plants. She also makes a conscious effort to buy secondhand or used products, and tries to reduce her use of single-use plastic.

 

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GIVEAWAY

• Three (3) winners will receive the complete 3-book Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad series: Absolute Hero, Newton's Flaw, and The Law of Cavities
• US/Canada only
• Ends 12/11 at 11:59pm ET
• Enter via the Rafflecopter below

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DISCLOSURE: I received a courtesy complimentary copy of book #3 in the series as thank you for posting this information for MMPublicity and National Geographic Kids. No monetary compensation was provided.

 

 

The Forbidden Island (Explorer Academy book 7) from National Geographic Kids - STEAM reading for Grades 3-7 [Giveaway Nov. 14-27]

 

Buy | Goodreads | Trailer

A heart-pounding final showdown changes the life of Cruz Coronado forever in the seventh and final book in this thrilling fact-based fiction series.

Amid assignments that take the Explorer Academy recruits from the iceberg-filled waters of Antarctica to the bone-dry deserts of Argentina, Cruz Coronado is scrambling to complete the last piece of the cipher. With Nebula agents and the elusive explorer spy still out there, his opportunity to recover his mother’s world-changing formula is slipping away. But as Cruz has learned from his time aboard Orion, true explorers must never give up.

Even after completing dozens of high-risk missions and traveling to all seven continents, Cruz could never prepare himself for one ultimate surprise.

Explorer Academy features: Gripping fact-based fiction plot that inspires curiosity with new technology and innovations; amazing inventions and gadgets; a cast of diverse, relatable characters; secret clues, codes, and ciphers to track down within the text; vibrant illustrations; elements of STEAM; National Geographic explorer profiles in the "Truth Behind" section.

Check out the Explorer Academy website featuring videos, comic shorts, games, profiles of real-life National Geographic Explorers, chapter excerpts and more. 
 

Praise:

"Sure to appeal to kids who love code cracking and mysteries with cutting-edge technology."  
—Booklist

"A perfect blend of adventure with real science and technology!"
—New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan

"A fun, exciting, and action-packed ride that kids will love."
—J.J. Abrams, director and screenwriter of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Lost, Alias

"Inspires the next generation of curious kids to go out into our world and discover something unexpected.”
—James Cameron, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and acclaimed film-maker

 

About the Author

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TRUDI TRUEIT has written more than 100 books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction. Her love of writing began in fourth grade, when she wrote, directed, and starred in her first play. She went on to be a TV news reporter and weather forecaster, but she knew her calling was in writing. Trueit is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences, and her fiction novels include The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular, and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series. Her expertise in kids nonfiction encompasses books on history, weather, wildlife, and earth science. She is the author of all the narratives in the Explorer Academy series, beginning with Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret. Trueit was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and lives in Everett, Washington.

 

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GIVEAWAY

• Three (3) winners will receive the COMPLETE 7-book Explorer Academy series and an Explorer Academy map, showing all the places around the world that Cruz and his classmates visit over the course of the series!
• US/Canada only
• Ends 11/27 at 11:59pm ET
• Enter via the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a compliment copy of book #7. Post is supplied by publicist who is responsible for hosting the giveaway and providing the winners' prizes. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes nor selection of winning entries.

Celebrate Sukkah & Hanukkah with picture books exploring diverse mosaic of Jewish culture & history

Kalaniot Books is a Jewish children's publisher whose mission is to help young children and their families explore the diverse mosaic of Jewish culture and history with exciting picture books that entertain, educate, and inspire engagement with this storied tradition.

The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda by Shoshana Nambi (ISBN: 978-1-7350875-8-0; Hardcover $19.99; Ages 5-10) 

What is Sukkah: - Festival of Booths: Sukkot is a Torah-commanded holiday celebrated for seven days, beginning on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei [October]. It is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals on which those Israelites who could were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. (Wikipedia)

My thoughts:  This is an interesting children's book featuring a small community of Ugandans who converted to Judaism in the 1920s. They are celebrating Sukkah. During this holiday period each family builds their own "dwelling" of branches and other miscellaneous materials. The holiday is in celebration of the end of their wandering in the desert. 

I did not realize that there was a competition where the community voted to determine which Sukkah was best, but that is  the emphasis of this picture book.

I'm not particularly fond of the style of illustrations used and the strong, dark coloration it incorporates.  The book and story are interesting and will help children understand Jewish culture and observations. There is interesting back matter with information on the origin  of the Abayudaya (this community of believers in Uganda) and a glossary of terms.

About the book: Who has the most amazing sukkah in the Abayudaya community of Uganda? Only one sukkah can be the best, but everybody wins when neighbors work together.

Sukkot is Shoshi’s favorite Jewish holiday. She and her brothers love to decorate their sukkah, the hut where her family will celebrate. But who will win the Ugandan Abayudaya community’s annual sukkah contest? While only one sukkah can be the best, everybody wins when neighbors work together.

The story introduces readers to the culture and traditions of a little-known Jewish community in Uganda, and features an empowering theme of community involvement that will resonate with kids and adults alike. Back matter includes notes about the Sukkot holiday, the community’s history, a glossary, and a look at the musical traditions of this culture to allow for further exploration.

Author info: SHOSHANA NAMBI grew up in the Abayudaya Jewish community in the eastern part of Uganda. When she finishes her rabbinical training in 2024, she will be the first female rabbi in Uganda. This is her debut book.

Illustrator info: MORAN YOGEV is an Israeli illustrator and graphic designer. She graduated with distinction from the Minshar School of Art in Tel Aviv. She lives in Kibbutz Hagoshrim in northern Israel with her husband, Nis, sons Adam and Omer, and their lovely dog, Menny.

Mendel's Hanukkah Mess Up by Chana Stiefel & illustrated by Daphna Awadish (ISBN: 978-1-7350875-7-3; Hardcover $19.99; Ages 4-9) 

What is Hanukkah? - Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. (Wikipedia) [Observed 2022, December 18-26]

My thoughts:  This is such a funny and sweet story of mess-ups by a young Jewish boy as things seem to always go wrong when he is involved in celebrating Hanukkah.

Yet, this year the Rabbi asks him to drive the special van around the city informing folks of Hanukkah celebration. Then...... the really big mess-up!

I really enjoyed this story. The back matter has a brief history of Hanukkah, a glossary, and instructions on how to play Dreidel. 

About the book: Mendel can never seem to get anything right. But when he steps up to spread Hanukkah joy, he finds his moment to shine.

Mendel is always messing up. So, no one is more surprised than he, when the rabbi asks him to drive the Mitzvah Mobile through the streets of New York and invite everyone to the Hanukkah bash. What if he messes up again? As Mendel begins to spread the joy of the holiday, he learns that mistakes can happen and sometimes the results can be miraculous.

Humor and joy abound in this delightful Hanukkah story. Mendel's Hanukkah Mess Up by Chana and Larry Stiefel and illustrated by Daphna Awadish is a wonderful portrait of New York City as the quintessential melting pot. Back matter includes notes, a glossary, and a recipe for latkes to allow for further exploration of the holiday.

Author info: CHANA STIEFEL is the author of more than 25 books for children, both fiction and nonfiction. Chana loves visiting schools and libraries and sharing her passion for reading and writing with children. Her husband LARRY STIEFEL is a pediatrician and author of the The Maggid of Bergenfield short story blog, from which this book was created. Chana and Larry have four children and live in New Jersey.

Illustrator info: DAPHNA AWADISH is an Israeli illustrator and filmmaker living in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She graduated from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and from AKV St. Joost Master Institute of Visual Cultures.

GIVEAWAY

Begins Nov. 5 - Ends Nov. 28

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Prizes are provided and sent directly to the winner by publisher or publicist.

Brave Like Mom by Monica Acker and illustrated by Paran Kim [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  A look into the family as they deal with small children and parental illness. In the home the young child is so dependent on the mother that seeing them sick for an extended period, and even worse - a terminal illness, can be a life-changing devastation. So being able to live bravely through such an event is best demonstrated via the sick parent staying strong and brave. Then the child can see and emulate bravery as they live through their parent's illness. 

This is a softly sweet little book centered on the small child's experience through a parent's chronic, or terminal, illness. The bravery of the sick mother is first presented and its impact on the family. Then the young child's bravery as they face everyday fears is given. The child has learned to be brave as is the mother and so both face their fears.

This is not a book for every home, but will be a real asset in those homes with young children impacted with the chronic illness of a parent. Beautifully written and illustrated, the  book delivers an important message of courage to live through difficult situations. This is a very special book.

About the book:  (Beaming Books; November 1, 2022; ISBN: 978-1506483207; Hardcover $17.99; Ages 4-8; 32 pages). 

She cradles my sister and me and tells us she’s sick.
Sicker than bubblegum medicine can fix.
She tries different treatments now, hoping one day they will make her feel better.

My mom is strong.

As one girl watches her mom battle illness, she sees Mom being strong, brave, and fierce on both good days and bad ones. Mom is fierce as she catches and wrestles a fish and brave as she endures needles from the doctor. The girl wants to be brave like Mom! As she worries about her mom's health, the girl realizes that bravery comes in many forms and that she can be brave too.

Brave Like Mom teaches children courage, empathy, compassion, and about female strength and endurance. It is a poignant and sensitive story about a loved one living with a chronic illness, and an important lesson about how being brave doesn't mean you aren't scared.

About the author: Monica Acker is a writer and educator. She holds a BA in creative arts and a MAT degree in childhood education. Monica is a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and Children's Book Insider. She lives in Reading, Massachusetts, with her family.

About the illustrator: Paran Kim grew up in Seoul, South Korea, but moved to Tokyo when she was twenty to study fine art. She realized her true passion lay in making picture books and became a full-time illustrator. Paran now lives in Dresden, Germany, with her husband.

GIVEAWAY
Dates: November 3-26
Open to USA addresses only
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

A Beginner's Guide to Being Human by Matt Forrest Esenwine & illustrated by André Ceolin [Review & Giveaway]

A Beginner's Guide to Being Human, ISBN: 978-1506481739; Hardcover $17.99; Ages 4-8. 32 pages)

Welcome to Humanity!

You’re really going to enjoy it.

The human species has so much to offer:

Imagination.

Opposable thumbs.

And a tremendous amount of diversity.

Put these all together and you’ve got an amazing life ahead of you!

However, to get the most out of your human experience, there are a few things you should know.

Being a human is a lot of work! Thankfully, humans experience many of the same feelings, situations, and challenges, so we don't have to figure it all out on our own--we can help each other navigate the ups and downs. Full of humor and heart, this engaging guide inspires kids to be humans who are kind, empathetic, and thoughtful. No matter what our day brings, we can choose to practice self-control, compassion, and forgiveness. Don't worry, young human, it's okay to make some mistakes along the way--just remember that it's love that keeps us all afloat at the end of the day.

Matt Forrest Esenwine is an author and poet from Warner, New Hampshire. His debut picture book, Flashlight Night (Boyds Mills Press, 2017) was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the Best Books for Kids of 2017. His picture book Once Upon Another Time (Beaming Books, 2021), co-authored with Charles Ghigna, was deemed "a necessary addition to picture book collections" by ALA's Booklist. His poetry can be found in numerous anthologies including The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (National Geographic Children's Books, 2015) and Construction People (Wordsong, 2020).

André Ceolin, illustrator, studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He has illustrated over twenty books for children. André lives in Brazil with his family.

My thoughts: The concept of the book is good in that it teaches that humans experience behaviors and emotions that set them apart from the animal kingdom. We do, as humans, need to learn and practice these differences because we are prone behave or feel the opposite of them.

I am sure that parents and teachers can find good use for this book.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 18

Ends November 4 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. NOTE: I personally do not care for the "two-daddies" illustrations on several of the pages. I personally believe in the Biblical construct of marriage and family which differs. The text does not indicate the different style families, just the illustrations.

Fabulous Dinosaur Atlas from National Geographic Kids [Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

Welcome to the National Geographic Kids Dinosaur Atlas Blog Tour!

To celebrate the release of the National Geographic Kids Dinosaur Atlas on September 20th, come along on a blog tour that spans the continents as we showcase not only the most awesome dinosaurs, but also highlight the geography, environment, and climate that supported these ferocious, fascinating, and fabulous creatures. This is a blog tour to really sink your teeth into!

Asia

More dinosaur fossils have been found in Asia over the past few decades than on any other continent. During the Mesozoic era, the Asian deserts, plains, and mountains of today were covered in plants and swamps. As the land shifted, lakes and mountain ranges formed across East Asia. Dinosaurs roamed the region. Today, dry deserts and rocky mountains keep their fossils safe. More and more people are looking for fossils in Asia—and finding them!

click to enlarge

Dinosaur Nesting Ground
In 1976 in South Africa’s Golden Gate Highlands National Park, eggs were found with baby Massospondylus fossils inside. In 2006, paleontologists found 10 more groups of eggs. One group had at least 34 eggs! Massospondylus mothers raised babies here about 200 million years ago. That makes it the oldest known site where dinosaurs nested in groups. Back then, this area was near a lake. When it flooded, the eggs were covered with sediment and became fossils.

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SPOTLIGHT ON PHU WIANG NATIONAL PARK, THAILAND

FOSSIL FINDS: SIRINDHORNA, PHUWIANGOSAURUS
WHEN: CRETACEOUS

In 1976, Thailand’s first dinosaur fossil was found—by accident! Geologists were searching the area for a metal called uranium when they came across a fossilized dinosaur knee bone. The place where it was found, Phu Wiang National Park, is now known as one of the world’s biggest dinosaur graveyards. Paleontologists have found fossils of many animals—from theropods to small crocodiles to mussels—in the Phu Wiang mountains. During the time of the dinosaurs, this northeastern part of Thailand was full of giant trees. A big group of rivers split the area into islands. Then, later in the Cretaceous period, it became a desert.

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Dino Discoverer: Xu Xing
Microraptor was announced in 2003 by paleontologist Xu Xing. He has found more than 60 fossils in China. He has named more dinosaurs than any other paleontologist alive. That’s how he’s earned the nickname “China’s dinosaur king.” He spends his summers looking for fossils in western China.

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PHUWIANGOSAURUS (POO-WEE-ong-oh-SORE-us) 
MEANING: “Phu Wiang lizard” 
PERIOD: Early Cretaceous 
Only a small part of this 50-foot (15.2-m) sauropod skeleton was found in 1982. But when paleontologists came back to the site in 1993 they found two more pieces of neck bones. These helped them figure out that this fossil was a very early titanosaur. In 1994, it was named Phuwiangosaurus. Later, in 2009, a much more complete Phuwiangosaurus was found nearby. It included parts of the skull. Now Phuwiangosaurus is Thailand's most complete fossil. 

click to enlarge

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How Do Dinosaurs Get Their Names?
When paleontologists find a fossil that doesn’t look like anything that’s been found before, they get to come up with a new name. Sometimes they use the name of the place where the fossil was found. Or they name the dinosaur after one of its unique body parts. Other times, they name it after a person. That’s how a name like Sirindhorna khoratensis came to be. The genus name uses Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s last name. The species name comes from the place the fossil was found: Khorat, in northeastern Thailand.

 

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About the Book

Buy | Goodreads

With more than 75 prehistoric creatures featured, the National Geographic Kids Dinosaur Atlas takes readers on a tour of every dinosaur-inhabited continent, from Pangea to the modern day, revealing which creatures lived there, what their habitats were like and where dinosaur bones are being found today. Special sections introducing the dinosaur family tree, a prehistoric era timeline, the geography of the prehistoric globe, what happened to the dinosaurs, and a dinosaur dictionary  (with phonetic pronunciations) are also included . Readers will find inspiration from profiles of diverse paleontologists from around the world. 

The oversized hardcover format showcases stunning, full color dinosaur illustrations on every page and the custom-made, kid-friendly maps were created by National Geographic's legendary cartography and exploration experts. Vetted and curated by Dr. Steve Brusatte -- a paleontologist on faculty at the School of Geosciences at the University of Edinburg, a PhD recipient from Columbia University, and the science consultant for the Jurassic World franchise -- this atlas contains the most detailed and accurate information not only about dino "fan favorites" but also about the most recent dinosaur discoveries from less explored dig sites around the world. 

For more fun information about dinosaurs, visit https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/prehistoric.
 

About the Creators

Website | Twitter

About the Expert Reviewer, Professor Steve Brusatte:
STEVE BRUSATTE, a paleontologist on the faculty of the School of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, served as the expert reviewer for this atlas. He grew up in the midwestern United States and has a B.S. in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago, M.Sc. in Paleobiology from the University of Bristol, and Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Columbia University in New York. He has written more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific papers during his 15 years of research in the field, named and described over a dozen new species of dinosaurs and mammals, and led groundbreaking studies on how dinosaurs rose to dominance and eventually went extinct, and were then replaced by mammals. Among his particular research interests are the evolutionary transition between dinosaurs and birds and the rise of placental mammals. He is also a noted specialist on the anatomy, genealogy, and evolution of the carnivorous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor. His 2018 book, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, was a New York Times best seller, and he is the science consultant for the Jurassic World film franchise.

 

Website | Instagram

About the illustrator, Franco Tempesta: 
Born in Milan, Italy, FRANCO TEMPESTA has loved drawing animals, dinosaurs and dragons since he was a child.  Franco specializes in naturalistic illustration, and in the last twenty years has focused his attention on the realization of realistic images of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals.  In April 2014 the Museum of Paleontology of Naples hosted a permanent exhibition dedicated to his illustrations of dinosaurs and in 2016 the Science Museum of Camerino hosted an exhibition of his paleo art.

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GIVEAWAY

• Five (5) winners will receive a copy of National Geographic Kids Dinosaur Atlas (ARV $25)
• US/Canada only
• Ends 10/16 at 11:59pm ET
• Enter via the Rafflecopter below
• Visit the other stops on the tour for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Blog Tour Schedule:

October 3rd — Whirlwind of Surprises
October 4th — Nerdophiles
October 5th — Pragmatic Mom
October 6th — From the Mixed-Up Files... of Middle-Grade Authors
October 7th — Chat with Vera

Disclosure: Post information, links, and giveaway are provided by MMPublicity and National Geographic. This is a courtesy post.