BOOK REVIEW: Mr. Biggs In The City by Kevin Bloomfield

Mr. Biggs in the City by Kevin Bloomfield

Hardcover: 32 pages

• Publisher: Raven Tree Press,Csi (Jun 16 2011)
• Language: English

Mr. Biggs is a very curious Sasquatch who has huge feet and an even bigger heart. He climbs to the top of the tallest tree in all of the forest, and spots a city.

This book is both written and illustrated by author, Kevin Bloomfield.  The artwork is gorgeous, colourful, imaginative and delightful for your eyes to view.

I loved the story of Mr. Biggs as did the children I read it to, they were quite impressed with the sasquatch with a heart.

Mr. Biggs is lonely and he's looking for some friends.  After climbing the tallest tree, he sees a city and heads to the park to play with the children.  Along the way, Mr. Biggs learns that just because you don't at first succeed, one should try again, with a different outlook and just maybe, things will turn out in the end.

I just adore the message that the author conveyed to the young people, its a feel good kind of tale that will be a hit with the young people in your life.  I was also impressed with the spanish translation found on each page making it a bilingual book as well.

I would give Mr. Bigss in the City a five out of five stars and believe all libraries and homes should have this book upon their shelves.  There are also more in the Mr. Biggs series...you should really stop by their web site and check it out~!!

Mr. Biggs Family Fun Center

**  Reviewed by me...as I see it~!!  **

Howard B. Wigglebottom And The Monkey On His Back by Howard Binkow

Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back:  A Tale About Telling the Truth is a Children's Picture Book.

Howard begins his day at school with show and tell and when his pet mouse escapes into the classroom, Howard lies to his teacher and makes a bad choice.

Throughout the story Howard makes the wrong choice and lies to his friends and family.  When Howard lies to his father about finding money in the "money chair", a monkey grows on Howards back.

As Howard's guilt and the monkey continue to grow, Howard must decide if he should make the right choice and apologize for all his wrongdoings.

The We Do Listen Foundation

I thought this book has a wonderful message and it is told in a charming and delightful way that any child can understand.  I loved how at the end of each lie you were made to realize that Howard made the wrong choice and then reinforced it when he makes the correct choice.

I loved the moral teaching the book's lesson has to share.  I loved how the conflict was resolved and shared and thought that Howard's father steered him in the proper direction.

I loved the illustrations by Susan F. Cornelison.  They are depicted in a pastel like effect that is delightful to the eyes.  The edges are soft and the characters are each depicted with their own characteristics.  I really loved Spidey Bunny, he was really cute and my children were delighted to see him included in the story.  

As my kids read the pages, first I read it then my son read it, we discussed lying and the rights and wrongs and how it can hurt.  I loved the discussion and thought-provoking aspects in brought out in us.

I would give Howard B. Wigglebottom and The Monkey On His Back a five out of five stars.  I would recommend this for any home and libraries should definitely keep them on their shelves, the messages and the characters are endearing and child friendly.

 

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **

The Santa Club by Kelly Moss

The Santa Club is a Children's reader.

Do you believe in Santa?  Do you believe he is real??  This book answers that question with love and faith. 

This book shares with the reader, a special club in which almost everyone can join, providing they wish to know the answer to whether Santa is real or not.  You are warned not to read the book without an adult present and that you will not tell another child about the book or the answer to the question, without first getting permission from an adult first.

The Santa Club shares a wee bit of history about St. Nick with children as well as explaining Jesus' role in the Christmas day pageantry.  It explains how everyone has a role in spreading faith, love, joy and happiness by giving instead of receiving.

Included at the back of the book you will find a certificate of membership, along with congratulations on joining "The Santa Club."

I loved the message this book had to share, how everyone has a role to play and if everyone did their part, then it would be easy to share and spread love.  I enjoyed how the message was explained to the children, in a direct but honest approach.  I truly did like how Kelly Moss brings the message to light, this is a way that anyone could look at the answer and realize how we must all work together to share Grace.

I wasn't impressed with the illustrations, I found Santa to be just a tad creepy, I'm sorry, but his nose looks like there is an index finger hanging off the end of it and I cannot shake that thought.  I also wasn't fond of the dark outlining drawn around the characters, giving them an almost depressing look and feel to them.  When I think Christmas, I think colour, and lots of it!!  When it comes to dealing with Christmas, I feel the colour black should only be found in coal, hair colour, santa's boots and the reindeers noses.

I would give this book a three and three quarter stars out of five, while I thoroughly enjoyed the message and the prose found within the pages, the pictures do not do the book any justice.  If your a parent who needs help with the explanation, then this would make a great gift to give to your young one when they finally ask you the dreaded question..."Is Santa REAL??"

SYNOPSIS:
A delightful book with captivating illustrations, The Santa Club transitions your child from receiving gifts to experiencing the joy of giving. With sensitivity, faith, and love, The Santa Club tackles the serious question, Is Santa Claus Real? To be read with your child, this wonderful book not only answers that sometimes dreaded question but it also addresses the questions of why Santa comes at Christmas and who was the first Santa. The Santa Club is a wonderful parenting resource and a stunning childrens book, and is sure to become an annual family favorite.

 

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **

Stanley Seagull by Cathy Mazur

SYNOPSIS:

Meet a young seagull named Stanley. Follow him as he wanders far from home and tries to find his way back. Join Stanley on his journey as he learns how humans affect the balance of nature.

Read my FULL review at:

One Day At A Time

StinkyKids: Little Stinkers Who Make Right Choices

From the creative mind of Britt Menzies, a mom who was inspired by her daughter’s simple request to paint her as a ballerina, StinkyKids is a brand with a fun, unique, and fresh approach that teaches life lessons through its products and books featuring the 10 diverse StinkyKids characters. 

The name “StinkyKids” comes from the phrase “little stinKers”, which Britt used to describe the innocent behavior of her two kids when they were little.

The StinkyKids characters are little stinKers who learn to make right choices through their childhood mistakes and who live by the motto “Always be a leader of good”.  StinkyKids is an innovative brand that appeals to parents for the values it represents and appeals to kids because the characters are real kids getting into real mischief.

 Since inception, StinkyKids donates a percentage of its profits to Books, Bears, Bonnets, Inc. (www.booksbearsbonnets.org), a charity founded in honor of Britt’s aunt who died from uterine cancer.  Books, Bears, and Bonnets, Inc. delivers gift boxes to children and adults fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

STINKYKIDS AND THE RUNAWAY SCISSORS!! 

This is a heartwarming, funny and real life adventure, which captures the true innocence of childhood as well as the lessons we all learned as a kid through our mistakes.

Come and play with the StinkyKids!!!
Meet each StinkyKid character. Discover their hobbies, favorite colors, favorite foods, and what they want to be when they grow up. Learn about how each StinkyKid character is a ‘Leader of Good’. Enjoy reading about their special talents. Write to your favorite StinkyKid character and tell him/her how you look alike, and enjoy the same fun activities.

Coloring Pages / Play Money
Get your favorites and have fun using your imagination. Print StinkyKids™ coloring pages and personalize your favorite StinkyKid with your favorite colors. Send in your own drawing of your favorite StinkyKid character and you may see your masterpiece live in the Young Artists section of StinkyKids.com.

Young Artists
Come see what other little stinkers have done. Kids can submit their drawings of their favorite StinkyKids and have them posted on the website. Contact Us and we’ll send you a special email address so you can attach and send in your own art.

My Thoughts~!!

My children absolutely adored the StinkyKids book and doll that they received to review for Britt.  My son was a little put out that he didn't get a doll, he thinks Trey is COOL~!!  We received StinkyKid Julie and she goes EVERYWHERE with my daughter, she said that she really likes Jen too because she looks like a princess!!

The storybook had bright, beautifully depicted graphics that were very interesting to look at.  My children kept looking at the background of the pictures on the pages and seeing what else they could see.  My daughter spotted a picture of Jen and Britt on Britt's nightstand.  They love the eye candy in behind the scenes as much as the story itself.  

I thought the message being shared was a very groovy message to incorporate into our children.  The innocence in which the children behaved was also refreshing, the children worked TOGETHER to help solve Britt's problem.  The children did not ridicule her or make her feel less than herself, they propped her up and told her that together they could find the solution.  I also enjoyed how the parents handled the situation, with calm, cool heads and didn't admonish Britt, but explained why her actions were incorrect and how she should have acted in the situation she found herself in.

I would give this book a five out of five on the children's picture book scale, it has an enjoyable story, great colours throughout and a satisfying ending.  It can be found at Barnes & Noble!  The books are recommended for children 10 and under and the dolls are great for any age!

You can pre-order the 2nd book if you are eager to get it before anyone else does~!!

StinkyKids See A Full Moon

The StinkyKids dolls can be purchased at Amazon or Target!!

Winner of the 2011 Mom's Choice Silver Award and StinkyKids is set to become a musical in New York in 2012~!!

Now, Britt Menzies, myself and The StinkyKids would LOVE to give you, my Mad Moosers, or is that Meesers...hehe...anyhow...we'd LOVE to give you an opportunity to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of The StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors~!!

The Munched-Up Flower Garden by Nancy Kelly Allen

SYNOPSIS:
Sweet talk aside, Liz learns how hard it is to grow flowers, especially when a rival wants to do in your garden. Troublesome Creek Gang book #1.

Read my FULL review at:

One Day At A Time

 

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **