Chronicle Books 2nd Annual Happy Haulidays Giveaway!

Last year, Chronicle Books–one of my favorite publishers–started the Happy Haulidays Giveaway. This year, they have made it even bigger and better, giving bloggers, commenters, and charities a chance to win $500 worth of their books! There are also ways to increase your chances of winning.

To read all the details, please visit: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/happyhaulidays?utm_source=Marketing&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=HappyHaulidays_110811 You must enter by December 2nd in order to be eligible.

Here is the stash of books on my list:

Christmas Scratchers by Eric Golden for $9.95

Eddie Van Halen by Neil Zlozower with a foreward by Slash (great present for the hubby) $29.95

Follow the Star by Andy Mansfield (present for our little nephew, nicknamed The Little Olive) $19.99

Holiday Crafting and Baking with Kids by Jessica Strand, photos by Aimee Herring $19.95 (The girls and I love to craft and bake together.)

Ivy and Bean Paper Doll Set by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall (The Lil Princess is a huge Ivy & Bean fan.) $14.99

The Story of Christmas by Pamela Dalton (text based on the King James Version) $17.99

Girl in the Kitchen: How a Top Chef Cooks, Thinks, Shops, Eats, and Drinks by Stephanie Izard with Heather Shouse, photos by Dan Goldberg $29.95 (Okay, this one’s for me. :))

Botanicals Notebook Collection by Rifle Paper Co. (Great gifts for any lady on your list.) $12.95

Botanicals Stationery Collection by Rifle Paper Co. (Did I mention this would make a great gift? :)) $14.95

Ivy and Bean What’s the Big Idea? by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall $5.99

One Love by Cedella Marley, based on the music of Bob Marley $16.99

Boo The Life of the World’s Cutest Dog by J.H. Lee, photos by Gretchen LeMaistre  (The Lil Diva would go crazy for this one.) $12.95

Brainjuice: American History, Fresh Squeezed! by Carol Diggory Shields, Illustrated by Richard Thompson $7.95

Brainjuice: Science, Fresh Squeezed! by Carol Diggory Shields, Illustrated by Richard Thompson $14.95

52 Amazing Science Experiments by Lynn Gordon,Illustrations by Karen Johnson (Don’t think I like science. I really don’t. The kids dig it, though, so I should be happy.) $6.95

From last year’s list I would still like:

Lincoln in 3-D: Amazing and Rare Steroscopic Photographs of His Life and Times by Bob Zeller,and John J. Richter,Prologue by Harold Holzer $35.00 (I’m a Civil War buff.)

The Little Book of Saints  $19.95

Deadgame by Kirk Russell $13.95

Shell Games by Kirk Russell $23.95

Christmas with Rita and Whatsit by Jean-Philippe Arrou-Vignod,Illustrated by Olivier Tallec $14.99

The Circus Horse: Horse Crazy Book 2 by Alison Lester, Illustrated by Roland Harvey(I read the first book and loved it.) $4.99

The Sea Rescue: Horse Crazy Book 3 by Alison Lester, Illustrated by Roland Harvey (Did I tell you I already love this series?) $4.99

The Royal Show: Horse Crazy Book 4 by Alison Lester, Illustrated by Roland Harvey $4.99

Ivy and Bean Bound to Be Bad by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall $5.99

The Ivy and Bean Secret Treasure Box: Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, and a Cool Secret Surprise by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall $19.99

Nana Cracks the  Case! by Kathleen Lane, Concept by Cabell Harris, Illustrations by Sarah Horne (We read Nana Takes the Reins this year. Very funny!) $14.99

The World’s Greatest: Poems by J. Patrick Lewis,Illustrated by Keith Graves (The Lil Diva loves poetry.) $16.99

The Whitby Witches by Robin Jarvis (Both girls would love this one.) $17.95

Pocket Cash by Jim Marshall,Introduction by John Carter Cash,,with essays by Kris Kristofferson,and Billy Bob Thornton $19.95

D.I.Y. Delicious: Recipes and Ideas for Simple Food from Scratchy Vanessa Barrington, Photos by Sara Remington $24.95

If I can still add–which is debatable considering the early snowstorm, lack of heat and power, sewer water in my basement, and fallen trees–that comes to $480.07.

As for my charity, I choose the Wilbraham Public Library. As a writer, I have to perform research for my books and market research to find agents and publishers to which to submit my projects. The WPL has been an invaluable resource over the past few months. I would especially like to mention Children’s Librarian Elaine Wrubel, and Asst. Child Librarian/Early Childhood Specialist Heidi Kane, both of whom went digging into the basement storage to find books for me. They’ve been truly wonderful.

REMEMBER: ONE LUCKY PERSON WHO COMMENTS ON THIS POST COULD BE A WINNER TOO, SO DON’T BE SHY!

Interview and Giveaway with Michelle Nicole Martin, Author of Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures

Joining us today is Michelle Nicole Martin, author of Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures. This is a children’s book geared toward ages five and up. Michelle grew up in California and began writing poetry as a teenager. By the time she was thirty-one, she was writing children’s stories. We’ll talk to her about her new series, why she enjoys writing for children, and what she is working on next.

Welcome to The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection, Michelle. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?

Hello! I hope that everyone had a good holiday. I wanted to thank you, Cheryl, for giving me this opportunity to appear on your blog.  Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures is the first book that I self published. I have written many other books, but they are not published yet. I served in the U.S. Navy. I have had an assortment of careers, but I decided that I like writing over all of them.

When did you first get bit by the writing bug?

A memory came to me a couple days ago. I was in second grade when we started writing short stories. I remember that I was finished first. Then, I read my story to the class. A few children and the teacher were impressed by my writing abilities. Everyone cheered for me afterwards. That encouraged me to continue. I loved writing as a hobby, but I didn’t think about publishing a book until I became an adult.

Why did you decide to write stories for children?

I don’t have any children, but I absolutely love them. I babysit for a lot of different friends. I love the innocence and excitement that children have. About four years ago, I read my manuscript to my best friend’s son Zephan. He was enthusiastic when I read my story. He wanted me to keep reading. That encouraged me even more. The smile on his face lit up my world and I knew I wanted to write for children. Later, he started writing stories and I edit them for him.  

Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?

I write for adults as well as children. When I was about twenty-one years old, I published a poem. I want to publish books for both adults and children. I don’t feel it is difficult to write for children. I feel that I have an imagination as a child and I relate to them very easily.

What is your favorite part of writing for young people?

I enjoy the feedback from the children, especially when it is good. One of my friends bought five books from me. She gave one to her son Nathan. He read the book three times in a row. He told his mom how much he loved my chapter book. I went to go visit him and his family. Nathan asked me, “When is the book going to become a movie? I love it. When is the second series going to come out?” Those words melted my heart. I felt so alive after hearing that. This is why I love to write for children. I like to make children happy and also teach them.

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

Princess is a poodle that loses her family. She becomes homeless. Even though she is in need, she saves children’s lives. She is then rewarded by Missy, a magical butterfly. They go on adventures helping people. There is some fantasy and also some realistic events that take place. There are lessons that show children as well as adults to never give up! When you carry on with your life and also help people when you can, wonderful possibilities occur!

What inspired you to write it?

There are a lot of different reasons why I was inspired to write Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures.  Some parts of the book are lessons that I have learned. Other parts are what I have seen people go through. I went through a few hardships in my life. When I worked through the issues, my mind filled up with animals, love and encouragement.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

You can purchase a copy on my website @ www.outskirtspress.com/princessandmissy. There is a book trailer and a few reviews about the book. On my site, you can either purchase a book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble is less expensive than the cost on the site. You can also purchase a copy on www.outskirtspress.com  

What is up next for you?

I have written the second and third series of Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures. I am working on some poetry for adults right now. I also have five picture books that were critiqued by children’s author Louise Munroy Foley. I have about another ten children’s manuscripts that I haven’t finished yet. I also have been working on an autobiography. I haven’t decided if I ever want to publish that or not.  

Do you have anything else to add?

I hope that everyone has a beautiful year. Thank you for taking your time to read my interview.

Thank you for spending time with us today, Michelle. We wish you much success.

 

How would you like to win a copy of Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures: The Crystal Heart? Here’s how!

1) Leave a comment with your email address (so we may contact you if you win).

2) Get one additional entry by becoming a subscriber of The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection. Be sure to leave us a comment to let us know.

3)  Get one additional entry for friending me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1110037692.

4) Get one additional entry for following me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/ccmalandrinos.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday, January 9, 2011 . Winner must be a resident of the United States or Canada and have a mailing address in one of those locations.  The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection is not responsible for lost or damaged goods.

Bookmark & Share

Other Goose Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations go out to Beverly, our winner of a copy of Other Goose by J. otto Siebold. I’ll contact Beverly now to get her mailing address. 

Thanks to all who participated.  Look for more giveaways coming soon!

Other Goose by J. otto Seibold (Giveaway)

 From the author of Olive, the Other Reindeer comes a rhyming collection of updated Mother Goose rhymes for the modern reader.

See Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Little Boy Blue, and other favorite Mother Goose characters like you’ve never seen them before when you open the pages of Other Goose: Re-Nurseried!!! and Re-Rhymed!! Children’s Classics.

As I was working through Picture Book Idea Month in November, I thought about new twists on nursery rhymes. So, when the chance to review J. otto Siebold’s new book, Other Goose, I was eager to get my hands on it. This is a funny, colorful book filled with favorite characters in all new scenes.  Humpty Dumpty’s story is told in four parts, Jack and Jill have a new friend named Bill, Little Boy Blue is going to blow his tuba, and the little old woman who lived in a shoe has now moved into a sneaker.

Couple these new rhymes with Seibold’s vivid and zany artwork, and you’re sure to have a book that kids will enjoy.

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Publisher: Chronicle Books

ISBN-10: 0811868826

ISBN-13: 978-0811868822

SRP:  $19.99

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WIN A COPY OF OTHER GOOSE BY J. OTTO SIEBOLD!

1) Leave a comment with your email address (so we may contact you if you win).

2) Get one additional entry by becoming a subscriber of The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection. Be sure to leave us a comment to let us know.

3) Get one additional entry for liking Chronicle Books on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChronicleBooks?ref=ts&v=wall#!/ChronicleBooks. Be sure to leave us a comment to let us know.

4) Get one additional entry for following Chronicle Books on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ChronicleBooks.  Be sure to leave us a comment to let us know.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday, December 12, 2010 . Winner must be a resident of the United States or Canada and have a mailing address in one of those locations. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed. The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection is not responsible for lost or damaged goods.

Ivy & Bean What’s the Big Idea? Winner!

Congratulations goes out to J. Aday Kennedy, winner of a copy of Ivy & Bean What’s the Big Idea?  I’ll email J. Aday tomorrow to get her mailing address.

Thanks to all who participated in the giveaway. I’ll be posting another giveaway in a few moments, so be on the lookout for it.