Welcome!

Dear Book Lovers, Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below). I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there. The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.
Showing posts with label Book giveaways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book giveaways. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

The Olympic Games and a BOOK GIVEAWAY

I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to the beginning of the summer Olympics. I especially like the track and field events. Over the years, I have reviewed several books about the Olympic Games. Some of them tell the story of the games, while others tell the stories of some of the athletes who participated in them. Recently I reviewed a book called G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet. The wonderful people at Sleeping Bear Press have given me FIVE copies of this book to give away. My review of the book is below. To participate in this giveaway send me an email at editor@lookingglassreview.com telling me which Olympic event is your favorite. I am looking forward to hearing from you.


G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics AlphabetG is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet
Brag Herzog
Illustrated by Doug Bowles
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 6 to 11
Sleeping Bear Press, 2011, 978-1-58536-462-6
   Long ago in ancient Greece, wars between the city-states were a common occurrence. The only time peace could be guaranteed was every four years, when the citizens of the city-states would lay down their arms for a month and come together to compete as athletes. The games were hosted in the town of Olympia, and the men who won the races and other events were given an olive wreath to wear.
   The modern Olympic Games came into being because Baron Pierre de Coubertin felt that the “a modern version of the Olympic Games would foster peace between nations.” Because of his efforts, there has been a summer Olympic Games every four years since 1896 except in 1916, 1940, and 1944, which were, ironically, all years when the world was being torn apart by war.
   In this fascinating fact-packed alphabet book, Brag Herzog tells us about the Olympic Games from A to Z. Beginning with Ancient Greece on the A page, he goes on to tells us about Baron Pierre de Coubertin on the B page. On the “C is for all the countries page,” we learn that in 2008 two hundred countries sent athletes to the Summer Olympics. Next is D for decathlete. On this page, we learn that for two days decathletes who up to the daunting task compete in ten events. These events include shot put, long jump, high jump, and running.
   For each of the topics explored in this book, the author gives us a poem that introduces the subject. He supplements this with a more in-depth section of text. Young children will enjoy the hearing the poems and looking at the art, while older readers will be interested in reading the longer text sections. This format makes this book suitable for readers of all ages, from age 6 and up.
   This is one of the titles in a series of alphabet books published by Sleeping Bear Press. 

Friday, March 4, 2011

Book Giveaway - Enter to win a set of Dr. Seuss Books


Enter for a chance to win Dr. Seuss Books!
  
RandomHouse Children’s Books is hosting a daily giveaway through Monday, March 6th
on its “Dr. Seuss Books” Facebook page in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America.

Thank you for celebrating with us and sharing the news with your audience!

For more Seuss fun and games, visit www.seussville.com.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Book Give Away from Random House - A signed copy of When you reach me

When You Reach Me (Yearling Newbery)

I have a treat for you today. The folks at Random House will give one of my lucky readers a SIGNED copy of When you reach me by Rebbeca Stead. This book won the 2008 Newbery Medal and the Horn Book Award. It  is also a New York Times Notable Book, and a New York Times bestseller. Please email me to be entered in the drawing for this giveaway.  Good Luck!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Five days of Seasonal and Holiday book giveaways - Day Five

For the last day of the five days of seasonal and holiday book giveaways, I have a title that is sure to make readers of all ages smile. If you would like to enter this giveaway please send me an email


Mike Reiss
Illustrated by Michael D. Montgomery
Picture Book
Ages 5 to 7
Peachtree Publishers, 2007, 1-56145-421-4
   We all know that from December first until Christmas Santa Claus works “his rear off” making sure that every good girl and good boy in the world gets their due on Christmas Day. Not surprisingly, the good man is pretty worn out after all this hard work, and for the rest of the year he takes a good rest. Mind you, this does not mean he does nothing for eleven months. Dear me no!
   In January he goes on an exercise binge, presumably to make up for all that fruitcake and eggnog he consumed the month before. Thankfully this state of affairs does not last too long, and in February he goes to Hollywood from some sunshine and fun. For a complete change of scene he visits Japan in May to participate in some sumo wrestling. Needless to say he wins “each match – no draws.”
   Then in June there are the Summer Reindeer Games to attend, and in July Santa is a super-spy. In September he, as usual, goes back to school. He is such a conscientious fellow you see. As for October – well just keep a look out for a bearded Easter Bunny at Trick-or-Treat time. Santa is a huge Halloween fan.  
   This is the perfect book for children who ask “What does Santa do after Christmas is over?” With wonderfully humorous rhymes, which will have readers giggling in not time, and delightful artwork, this picture book will give readers something a little different to read during the holiday season.  

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Five days of Seasonal and Holiday book giveaways - Day Four

Today's giveaway is a prefect gift for a child who is beginning to doubt that Santa exists. If you would like to enter this giveaway, please email me.

Marie-Aude Murail and Elvire Murail
Illustrated by Quentin Blake
Picture Book
Ages 8 to 12
Peachtree, 2003, 156145319-6
    Julian thinks that it is about time for him to stop writing letters to Santa. After all, isn’t he getting a little too old for Santa now? But his parents seem keen on the whole Santa business, so Julian writes to Santa asking for a really expensive present – a fancy video game system.
   On Christmas Day Julian finds that he has been given his requested gift, but he has also been given something else, a small wooden train. It would seem that Santa accidentally dropped the train when he visited the house on Christmas Eve. Julian soon figures out that the train is very special indeed (magical even) and he becomes quite devoted to it. In fact he seems to prefer the train to the state-of-the-art video gaming system.
   There is a problem though, for if the little train was lost, it can only really belong to Julian if he keeps it for a year and a day after he found it. What if Santa wants the train back? Julian puzzles and puzzles about what he can do to convince Santa not to reclaim the train that he has become so fond of.
   For all those youngsters who are beginning to doubt the Santa really exists, this wonderful little book, with its quirky illustrations, is a gift and a treasure. They will see that it is wise not to doubt the magic of Christmas, for you do you may miss out on something truly special.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Five days of Seasonal and Holiday book giveaways - Day Three

A few years ago Harry Horse created a picture book about a little rabbit, and since then other stories have been added to the Little Rabbit collection. Little Rabbit is, without a doubt, one of my favorite rabbit picture book characters. Here is a review of Little Rabbit's Christmas story. If you would like to enter this giveaway, please email me.


Harry Horse
Picture Book
Ages 4 to 6 (Series)
Peachtree, 2007, 1-56145-419-2
   It is Christmas Eve, and Little Rabbit is out walking with Papa when he sees a beautiful red sled in a shop window. Little Red Rabbit is so taken with the red sled that he cannot get it out of his mind. He cannot even get in the mood to help his brothers and sisters decorate the Christmas tree. As he is being tucked into bed that night, Little Rabbit wonders if the Christmas Rabbit will be able make a sled fit into his stocking.
  The next morning, Little Rabbit joins his brothers and sisters, opening his presents and  hoping that the next one will be the red sled. He looks everywhere for that precious sled but it is nowhere to be found. Then, out of sheer disappointment Little Rabbit starts to cry. It would appear that the Christmas Rabbit has not brought him a sled after all.
   And then Little Rabbit’s parents tell him to look outside and there, in the snow, lies the red sled! Little Rabbit is thrilled. Indeed he is so thrilled that he is determined that no one will use the sled – except for him.
   In this delightful new addition to the Little Rabbit series, Harry Horse has his charming little character learn a very simple yet valuable lesson. Even the most wonderful present in the world is no fun to play with if you are all alone. Furthermore, the real joy of  Christmas is being able to share your gifts and blessings with your family and friends.
   With a simple story and thoroughly delightful and unique illustrations, Harry Horse has created a bunny world that readers of all ages can enjoy. 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Five days of Seasonal and Holiday book giveaways - Day Two

I am sure that one of the most popular gifts to give children at this time of year are teddy bears. For us humans it is really quite easy to go out and buy a teddy bear. We can even order one on the Internet. For a little wolf, trying to find out where teddy bears come from is not so easy. If you would like to enter this giveaway, please email me.


Mark Burgess
Illustrated by Russell Ayto
Picture Book
Ages 5 to 7
Peachtree Publishers, 2008, 978-1-56145-487-7
It is a cold winter’s night, and all the animals in the dark forest are slumbering in their beds. Except for a little wolf who cannot seem to fall asleep. Even after a glass of milk, a cuddle, and a teddy bear story, the little wolf is wide awake. In the morning, the little wolf decides that what he needs is a teddy bear. A teddy bear will surely help him sleep soundly every night.
   Though his mother is a wonderful cuddler and reader of stories, she has no idea where “teddy bears come from,” so she suggests that her son should go and ask Wise Owl for his advice. Carrying a picnic lunch packed by his loving mother, the little wolf sets off through the snowy forest to ask Wise Owl where teddy bears come from.
   Unfortunately, Wise Owl has no trouble sleeping, and he has no idea where teddy bears come from. The sleepy bird suggests that the little wolf should ask the Three Little Pigs if they know the answer to question.
   This delightful picture book, with its unique multimedia illustrations, will charm young readers who appreciate the importance of having a teddy bear to sleep with every night. Children will enjoy seeing all the characters the little wolf visits as he tries to find out, once and for all, where he can find a teddy bear. 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Five days of Seasonal and Holiday book giveaways - Day One

In many states in the U.S. and in many countries in Europe snow has been falling for days. Roads have gone unplowed, schools have closed, people have not been able to go to work, and errands have gone undone. Though many adults have no doubt been annoyed by this state of affairs, many children have been delighted by all the snow days they are having.

For this first day of the five days of seasonal and holiday book giveaways, I have a title about one person's hopes that tomorrow will indeed be a snow day. If you would like to enter this giveaway, send me an email with your name and snail mail address. Good luck!


Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Picture Book
Ages 5 to 7
Peachtree Publishers, 2007, 1-56145-418-4
   They have heard the weatherman mention that there might be snow in the forecast. Snow! Of course they want snow. Lots of it so that the school buses won’t be able to move, and so that the teachers won’t be able to get to work. They want a snow day.
   They want a day with no alarms going off. They want a day when they can snuggle together under a blanket on the sofa and “sip hot chocolate from giant snowman mugs.” They want so much snow that they cannot even open the door and have to climb out the window to get outside.
  Ah yes outside! Outside they will build a snow fort four feet tall that has
 “a zillion snowballs inside.”  They will go sledding and they will build a snowman. But now they have to go to be bed to get ready for that snow day.
   Children who have eagerly hoped and prayed for a snow day will thoroughly appreciate this book. Grownups who have watched the weatherman hoping that they will get to have a snow day will laugh out loud when they come to the last couple of pages, and when they discover who the main narrator in the story is. Cleverly crafted and beautifully illustrated, this is a seasonal picture book that captures the hopes and magic of snow days for people of all ages.
   

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Tiger Tales is hosting a Christmas Book Giveaway


I've Seen Santa!Announcing our Christmas Book Give-away! Our collection includes two classic tales: T'was the Night Before Christmas and Jingle Bells, and three original tales: The Very Snowy Christmas, I've seen Santa, and Shhh!

There are three easy ways to enter our Christmas Book Give-Away:
1) Comment on our blog. Tell us your favorite Christmas (or holiday) story.
2) Like us or comment on our facebook page. Include a favorite holiday story and we will enter you twice!
3)Retweet our announcement on twitter. Add your favorite holiday story and we will enter you twice!

Hurry! You only have one week for this give-away. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 15 (enter before midnight on December 14). The winner must reside in the US and have a US shipping address.

Friday, October 8, 2010

A Book Give Away from Tiger Tales

A Book Give-Away from Tiger Tales

Five Little Pumpkins (Padded Board Books)


Just in time for Halloween!  Three lucky winners will receive a copy of our “sold out” Halloween title:  Five Little Pumpkins. 
The response to this new book has been so great that we don’t have a single copy left in our warehouse, but a copy can be yours when you enter our give-away. There are three easy ways to win:
  • Comment on our blog at www.tigertalesbooks.com.
  • Comment on our facebook fanpage.
  • Re-tweet our giveaway announcement on twitter.
Three winners will be announced on Monday, October 18. Enter before October 17th to be eligible to win! Note:  The winners must reside in the US and have a US shipping address.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The new Listen-Along Storybook Program from Sterling, and a book giveway


Recently the folks at Sterling sent me an email to tell me about a new program that they are launching. It is called Listen-Along Storybook and I think it is a wonderful idea. Sterling has created delightful audio recordings of some of their books for children to enjoy, and the recordings are free! This is what Sterling has to say about their new program:

LISTEN-ALONG STORYBOOK, a website and iTunes podcast, lets consumers download audiobooks of select Sterling picture books. It will delight children and bring backlist titles back into the spotlight. LISTEN-ALONG STORYBOOK rolls out with eight of our most popular titles. Every book in the program willl have a sticker directing readers to the website, www.listenalongstorybook.com, where they can get the free downloads or listen to them as streaming audio.


You can sample one of the books, Cesar takes a break, by clicking here. You might also enjoy seeing how this title was turned into an audiobook. Here is a podcast about how the audiobook of Cesar takes a break was recorded. To view the podcast with a full screen double click on it. 





Here is my review of the print version of Cesar takes a break.



Cesar takes a break
Susan Collins Thoms
Illustrated by Roge
Picture Book
Ages 4 to 7
Sterling, 2008, 1402736533
   Cesar is an iguana who was adopted by Ms. Lee and who now lives in a second-grade classroom at Pinebrook Elementary School. Cesar has a very comfortable life, and he thinks the world of his children, who happily tend to his every need. He often wonders “how this class every managed” before he arrived on the scene. With his help class time runs smoothly for everyone, and Cesar is understandably very proud of his abilities.
   Then the most dreadful thing happens! Cesar learns that he is going to be all alone for an entire week. School will be closed for Spring Break and Cesar is going to have to make do with being fed by Mr. Will, the school custodian. For a day or two Cesar mopes around feeling lonely and sorry for himself. Then, being an iguana who does let life get him down, Cesar decides that he too will have a break. He will take advantage of the Spring Break situation to explore the school at his leisure.
   Children will love sharing Cesar’s adventures as he makes friends, eats wonderful meals, explores new places, and discovers that he has even more talents than he thought he did. With a delightful and often very funny story and charming artwork, this is a picture book that children will love to share with others. Iguana fans will find a section at the back of book full of interesting facts about green iguanas. 


GIVEAWAY!
Send me an email and I will enter you in a drawing to win all eight of the books that are in the Listen Along Storybook program. Three of you will be lucky winners! These are the books that are included in the giveaway.


Good luck!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Scholastic Giveaway ends in just a few days

The Scholastic Christmas book giveaway (see below) ends on Friday November 27th. Don't forget to send me an email so that you can be included. These are wonderful books and I am sure you and your child or children will greatly enjoy reading them this holiday season.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Two new Christmas books - reviews and giveaways

I recently reviewed two delightful Christmas books for the latest issue of TTLG. They are The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and The Christmas Magic. Here are my reviews:

The nutcracker and the mouse king

Wren Maysen

Illustrated by Gail de Marcken

Picture Book

Ages 5 to 8

Scholastic, 2009, 0545037735

Every Christmas Eve, Marie and Fritz Stahlbaum get a special treat, their Godfather Dosselmeier gives them wonderful toys that he has made for them. This year Godfather gives the children a beautiful dollhouse and a wooden soldier nutcracker. Often reckless and in a hurry, Fritz breaks the nutcracker by accident. Compassionate Marie takes pity on the broken soldier and she cares for him tenderly.

The evening Marie stays up a little later than everyone else, and to her amazement some incredible things start to happen. The room fills with mice and then a huge Mouse King arrives. The Mouse King leads his mice soldiers in an attack, which is then repulsed by the Nutcracker and his toy allies. Toy soldiers, dolls, puppets, and animals join the battle, and then…Marie wakes up.

The next morning Marie wakes up and she is in bed. She has a cut on her elbow and she has to stay in bed. One evening, Godfather Dosselmeier comes to visit Marie and he tells her the sad story of the Nutcracker.

Many children are familiar with the Nutcracker story in some form. In this book, Wren Maysen presents her readers with a wonderful adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s original tale. This version of the Nutcracker is more involved than the one used in the Nutcracker ballet, and Gail de Marcken’s rich and detailed illustrations beautifully compliment the magic filled story.

The Christmas Magic

Lauren Thompson

Illustrated by Jon J. Muth

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 7

Scholastic, 2009, 0439774977

Far to the north of here, there is a little house with a red door. This is where Santa Claus lives. Now that the days are getting shorter, Santa gets that special feeling that tells him that the magic will soon be arriving. He has a lot to do to get ready.

Santa calls the reindeer in and he feeds them well. He polishes the sleigh and oils his boots. Santa looks in his big book and decides what each child should get for Christmas. And, of course, Santa waits for the magic.

This beautiful picture book perfectly captures that special Christmas magic that we all eagerly wait for. As we read, anticipation builds up until that special moment in the story when everything is ready.

Jon J. Muth’s illustrations beautifully compliment Lauren Thompson’s lyrical text. Together they give young readers that perfect taste of the Christmas magic that is on its way.


Scholastic is offering two lucky readers a copy of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and two more a copy of The Christmas Magic. Please drop me a line to be entered in this giveaway.


Monday, October 5, 2009

Winter's Tail - An inspirational story - Prize Pack Giveaway!

Last week I read and reviewed a delightful book about a baby dolphin who has managed to overcome a severe physical handicap, the loss of her tail. The book is called Winter's Tail: How one little dolphin learned to swim again. This true story is not only inspirational, but it also shows young readers that even the worst of tragedies can have a happy ending.

Here is my review:

Winter’s Tail: How one little dolphin learned to swim again
Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, and Craig Hatkoff
Nonfiction picture book
Ages 6 to 9
Scholastic, 2009, 0545123356
One winter morning a baby dolphin got tangled in a crab trap. The ropes of the trap were wrapped around the baby dolphin’s tail and the tail was severely injured. A local fisherman freed the baby from the ropes, and then he called for help when it was clear that she was not doing well at all.
A few hours later, a rescue team arrived. The baby, who was named Winter, was taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida. There she was fed with a milk mixture and her wounds were tended to. Unfortunately, Winter’s tail had been so badly damaged that it fell off. All Winter had to swim with was a stump. She did manage to learn how to swim with her stump, but she had to move her body from side to side like a fish, instead of up and down like a dolphin, and this movement started to affect her spine.
People all over th
e country heard about Winter and her accident, and the one person came forward with a solution for Winter’s problem.
Animal lovers of all ages will greatly enjoy this inspiring and moving story about a courageous dolphin who, with the help of human technology, has been able to overcome a severe physical handicap. Filled with wonderful photos, this is a story that is uplifting and full of hope.
The book's publisher, Scholastic, is offering one of my reader's a wonderful giveaway. Comment on this post and you will be entered in a drawing for the prize. Here is the information:
Winter’s Tail CHILDREN’S BOOK GIVEAWAY

A Winter’s Tail prize pack!
  • Dolphin Plush
  • Dolphin Key Chain
  • Winter’s Tail game for Nintendo DS
  • Copy of Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again Book
Prizing value is $81.99
Shipping Guidelines:
The Winter’s Tail book promotion is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail!)
Here are some links that you might like to explore:

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