Meet Maggi Nicholas, author of Sophella's Birthday Wish

 

Sophella's Birthday Wish is a collaboration between author Maggi Nicholas and illustrator Anita Ho. Today, you're going to have the opportunity to take a peek inside as well as read an interview with the author. Be sure to follow the tour for even more! And best of luck entering the giveaway.

Here is a modern fairy story about a little girl who has the gift to move between the fairy world and the human world. Her birthday wish comes true when she wishes to fly with the fairies, and so she is able to go on a magical journey with the fairies whilst using her human side to rescue animals and kids in a way that fairies cannot do. Throughout the journey she comes to realize her own strengths as she protects the penguins and rescues the dolphins with great bravery and compassion. During her heartwarming adventure. Sophella forms new friendships and demonstrates life-affirming lessons that can inspire us all.

Read an excerpt:

Fairies fine and fairies good
We are in your neighborhood
In the flowers in the trees
Flying, dancing in the breeze
Magic wands and fairy wings
Fairy dust and sparkly things
We are big, we are small
You may never see us all
In the towns and in the cities
On the beach and in the sea
When the world is sad and lonely
Happy daydreams set you free

Purchase Links:

Amazon US * Amazon CA * Kindle * Bookshop * Indigo Chapters * BN * Book Depository

Describe your book in one sentence or fewer than 25 words.
A delightful children’s story about fairies and a little girl whose wish to fly with the fairies comes true as she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

What was the inspiration behind this book?
I’ve always enjoyed creating stories. I wanted to combine my love of writing with my love for my grandchildren into a story that was entertaining, inspiring and heartwarming. Each of the characters have recognizable traits; the treasured “Foxy” stuffy for Zack and “Ducky” for Sophella the girl. The boys get into scrapes and the girls rescue them which is a bit of an intentional twist on the traditional. I enjoyed every minute of crafting the story and re-creating memories of these children. I hope all children will find some form of connection with them.

What was one of your favorite scenes?
A favourite scene has to be the one that my granddaughter also loved, when Sophella went to rescue the dolphins tangled in fishing nets. Of course the fairies are all too small to be able to help the dolphins but Sophella turns into her human form, dives into the water and rides on Dollie’s back to where the dolphins are struggling so she can help them.

Will we see these characters again?
I have plans for a sequel to Sophella but first I’m just finishing a book for slightly older kids about time travelling. It’s a fantasy that addresses some of today’s issues with a glimpse of how they may be solved in the future.

What is your favorite part about writing?
For me, writing can be a kind of therapy, an exploration into ones own psyche. If I write a letter I find thoughts popping up that I hadn’t consciously been aware of. Similarly, when I write fantasy I can explore the fantasy world and escape for a while into the delightful world of imagination. I’m not a great talker so writing, in a way, sets me free.

Maggi was born and grew up in the UK and later moved to Canada with her husband and sons. Inspired by her grandkids, she started writing stories for and about them and is currently working on her next Sophella book, and a book aimed at a slightly older readership about time travellers.

Maggi Nicholas will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

National Geographic Easter Basket Prize Giveaway Ends 3/30 @Marksvilleandme

Welcome to the National Geographic Easter Basket Prize Giveaway!

If you're looking for some good books to add to your child's collection, regardless of celebrating Easter, I cannot recommend the National Geographic books enough. They have amazing pictures and are chock full of information to keep kids engaged for hours. Adults will even enjoy and learn something! These were staples in my classroom and I still keep them around. Best of luck entering to win some!

1 Winner of the National Geographic Easter Basket Prize

Hosted by MarksvilleandMe

Co-hosted by Reviews by Dennis

sponsored by National Geographic Kids Books

This giveaway is part of our Spring Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

A Nation of Moms, A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator Home Jobs by Mom, Jessica Inspired by Faith, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Silly Little Gang, Tales From A Southern Mom, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family

One winner will receive one of each of the books below for a ARV of 75.00.

National Geographic Easter Basket Prize

Check out my reviews here.

Celebrate Easter (ages 6-9) - The joyous celebration of Easter is seen through a global perspective in this National Geographic volume featuring over 25 vibrant photographs. Witness the holiest day on the Christian calendar as it is celebrated throughout the world: from the famous Easter Egg Roll at the White House to the traditional bonfires throughout Europe, to colorful customs, to the universally popular dying of eggshells worldwide. The first-person narrative leads young readers through the origins and traditions of this springtime festival of rebirth and hope and a special note by Reverend George Handzo gives parents and teachers a historical and cultural background.

NG Kids Baby Animal Sticker Activity Book (ages 4-8) With 1,000 stickers and fantastic graphics and text, these high quality, super fun sticker books are a great way for kids to learn about animals and the natural world. The Baby Animals sticker book is chock-full of the cutest creatures on the planet: pandas, piglets, wolf cubs, ponies, polar bears, elephants, bunnies, kittens, puppies, and many more. With a fun, brightly colored design and loaded with animal facts and games--such as mazes, counting, matching and more--this book is sure to provide endless entertainment.

National Geographic Pre-Reader: Ducks (ages 2-5) - From fuzzy ducklings to graceful birds, waddle your way into this adorable early reader, all about ducks!

Perfect for beginning and young readers, National Geographic Pre-readers include simple, expert-vetted text and large, engaging photos on every page. A vocabulary tree at the beginning of the book introduces kids to key words in concept groups, helping kids make connections between words. Plus, a wrap-up activity gives kids a chance to use what they've learned, while expanding their understanding of the world.

Cutest Animals on the Planet (ages 8-12) - NEW SERIES ALERT! Meet the world's most adorable animals and learn fun stuff about them in this aww-some first book in a brand-new series from National Geographic Kids. Whether you like mammals, aquatic creatures, insects, birds, amphibians, or reptiles, this browsable book contains kids' favorite animals that would ALL be contenders for the grand prize in a cute competition. Big photos pair with upbeat descriptions that highlight each critter's crazy cool skills and unique behaviors. This adorable book showcases popular animals such as hedgehogs and pandas as well as unusual species such as tapirs, kakapos, and pangolins. Special features include a head-to-head cute-off, sure to keep readers amused and informed. Perfect for curious tweens, animal lovers, and future veterinarians alike.

Treasury of Bible Stories by Donna Jo Napoli, illus. by Christina Balit (ages 8-12)

A worthy cultural treasury with appeal to both the faithful and irreligious.” — Kirkus

 

Noah's Ark, Moses, David and Goliath, the ten plagues, Daniel and the lions' den, Jonah and the giant fish, and many more of the Bible's most powerful stories — 27 in all — are compellingly retold in this beautifully illustrated treasury. Readers will be fascinated by the ancient people and events they encounter, surprised by some of the lesser known accounts revealed, and inspired by the lessons these tales impart. Stories cover important ground beyond religion, such as culture, history, and geography, and they touch on issues that remain relevant today--faith, loyalty, kindness, violence, generosity, greed, jealousy, and more. These accessible, readable stories give kids a rich picture of biblical times, which encourages them to think about our role in the world and to learn more.

Napoli's magical storytelling is sure to ignite children's imaginations. Along with Balit's stunning art, this is a book kids will want to explore again and again--a classic that families can read aloud together.

5,000 Awesome Facts About Everything (ages 8-12) This book is literally busting its covers with fascinating, fun-tastic facts on super, sensational topics that kids love. Who knew that there were so many sweet things to learn about chocolate or that a dozen delicious details about peanut butter would show up on a page with a few splotches of jelly to whet our appetites? Keep turning and a terrifyingly toothy shark tells you all about himself, while other spreads lay out tons of tips on toys and games, mysteries of history, robots and reptiles, sports and spies and wacky words. A visual feast of colorful photographs surrounded by swirling, tipping, expanding, and climbing bits of information in a high-energy design, this book will satisfy both the casual browser and the truly fact obsessed.

Open To US entrants and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 3/19 12:00AM EST through 3/30 11:59PM EST

MarksvilleandMe would like to wish all those who enter

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 12:00 AM (EST) 3/30/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to marksvilleandme@gmail.com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the RaffleCopter Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Pamela Marks at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Winner's Choice of 2 Good Night Books #Giveaway Ends 3/15

  

That nighttime reading routine is a cherished tradition to enjoy with your kids as long as possible. Inspire these moments with some new material from Good Night Books. The winner gets to choose two from this collection. Best of luck entering!

Sponsored By: Good Night Books

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

About Good Night Books:

The Good Night Books Series have been around since 2005 and are written and illustrated perfectly for ages 0-5. They are printed in bright colors on high-quality board, to stand the test of time with those rough kid hands. The books I have owned (for many years), still look great and have withstood a LOT of love! 

Continue to read Love, Mrs. Mommy's full review here!

Winner Will Receive:

Their choice of *2* books from the following titles:

Good Night Beach

Good Night Dump Truck

Good Night Farm

Good Night Christmas Tree

Good Night Dozers 

Open to entrants from the United States and must be 18+ to enter.

Giveaway Dates ~ 2/15 9:00AM EST through 3/15 11:59PM EST

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

How the Candy Cane Got Its Stripes by Kevin Brougher

 

From the award-winning team that brought you, "Reindolphins", comes : "How the Candy Cane Got Its Stripes".

Santa has grown tired of a his one-color candy cane. But, what design should he put on it? He doesn't know so, he chooses to have a North Pole art contest and everyone... wanted to win.

The candy cane, for many years,
was white like winter snow.
But, one year dear old Santa said,
"Plain white has got to go!"

So, open up and start to read
and by the end you'll see
why stripes are put on candy canes
and how it came to be!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

30 years of teaching proved rewarding, challenging and heartbreaking at times. There is only so much a teacher can do when you see over 150 students a day. Still, it was a place for inspiration, creative outlet, and humor.

I was fortunate enough to start out in the elementary grades - progress to middle school - then spend some years at the high school level. Fortunate, because it gave me a much clearer picture of the progression of skills, than just reading about it.

Even during my student teaching days, I was intrigued with finding ways to get kids thinking and learning in a fun way. Of course, FUN can be an ambiguous term. But still, I was on the constant look out and constant dwelling on what could hook them just a little bit more and make them THINK just a little bit longer.

What I noticed, too, was that there were activities that were done in school that were good but, would not be replicated or done at home. And, there were some fun activities that were done at home that just didn't quite have enough content or thinking skills involvement that would allow for it to be justified in the classroom. What was MISSING were activities - games - books that families would enjoy enough to play and use together with OUT it being an "assignment" but teachers could use in the classroom.

I eventually went on to start Missing Piece Press, LLC. A publishing company that would publish those types of works. Over the years I have encouraged MANY to create these types of works. Besides books and games that got people THINKING, I also enjoyed writing verse. It probably not only stemmed from inspiration from my mom but, from learning how to play guitar and writing songs in college and later writing songs for the classroom.

I am MOST fortunate and SO blessed to have two wonderful, beautiful and talented daughters. One, happens to now be a graphic design illustrator and illustrated a story that I had written for the girls during my early years of teaching - Reindolphins. She is currently working on illustrating another one of my stories - we are both VERY excited about it.

Thank you SO much for your interest and any support.

More information on my games can be found at: MissingPiecePress.com or KevinBrougher.com

Follow author Kevin Brougher at : https://www.facebook.com/KevinsBooksandGames

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Even If by Regina Breshears DVM

 

A mother's love for her children is unbreakable. Accidents may happen, but nothing can get in the way of her care and concern for her littles.

Read along to see how a mother's love conquers all. Even if some mistakes and messes are made along the way, there will always be that one special person ready to put the broken pieces back in place.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link)

The Princess Who Became a Pirate by Anicca Sommer

  

The Princess Who Became A Pirate is a charming read aloud story that is destined to become a family favorite and all around classic. Taken from Norse mythology, join scores of new readers as they cheer on the princess who became a pirate.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Visit Anicca Sommer's website and get a free coloring book!

Anicca Sommer is excited to debut her first children's book as a
self-published author. This has been a dream of hers for as long
as she can remember. She lives in Ohio with her son and her
beloved corgi.

For her entire career, Anicca has worked in the non-profit field and
social service field and has been honored to serve the community
but writing has always been a passion of hers. She has experience
as a blogger and affiliate marketer for over 14 years but she always
dreamed of writing and now she is ecstatic that she gets to write fun,
imaginative, entertaining and educational books for young readers
and readers of all ages!

Anicca Sommer is the author of:

The Princess Who Became A Pirate: a fun and inspiring re-telling of
an old Norse Legend. She loves the characters so much she
would love to do a series just with them and she hopes you will love them
too. She has many other ideas in the works... so stay tuned!

To find fun activities, freebies and keep up to date with Anicca Sommer
please visit www.aniccasommer.com

Follow her Amazon author page: https://amzn.to/36L6WcV

Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aniccasommer/

Find her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AniccaSommer 

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those posts that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

The Story Pirates Prize Package #Giveaway 2 Winners! Ends 12/14

Songs and stories make the world go 'round, especially when we're at home more. Check out this awesome collection and then enter to be one of two winners in the giveaway!

Sponsored By: Sugar Mountain PR

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

2 WINNERS Will Receive: 

A Story Pirates Prize Package!

Includes: 3 Albums, 1 EP, 1 Book,
and a 2 Month Creator Club Membership ($66 TRV)! 

(affiliate links included)

3 Albums

Nothing Is Impossible 

Backstroke Raptor 

Cats Sit on You 

1 Digital EP 

Story Pirates Very Merry Made-Up Holidays, Vol. 1 

1 Book
Quest for the Crystal Crown 

This giveaway bundle has everything to connect the young creators in your life with The Story Pirates! The bundle includes all three Story Pirates albums, an upcoming "made-up holidays" EP, their most recent middle grade reader, and a 2-month membership in the Story Pirates Creator Club. 

About the Story Pirates 

The Story Pirates believe that kids are creative geniuses. All of them. This nationally renowned group of top comedians, musicians, best-selling authors and incredible teachers have 15 years of experience creating content that celebrates the imaginations of kids. Winner of the 2020 iHeartRadio award for Best Kids and Family Podcast, The Story Pirates Podcast is one of the top three kids and family podcasts in the world. Downloaded over 20 million times and featuring songs and sketches based on stories written by kids, their special guests include top talent like Billy Eichner, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dax Shepard, Bowen Yang, Claire Danes, John Oliver, and Lake Bell. The Pirates have released three critically acclaimed middle-grade books with Penguin Random House and two award winning albums, all based on ideas from kids around the world. The Creator Club, their new subscription service, features activities, live streamed classes, a daily radio show, and videos to entertain and encourage creativity for kids at home. 

About Sugar Mountain

Sugar Mountain PR is a public relations agency specializing in 

award-winning music and other media for children.

Open To US and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 11/14 9:00AM EST through 12/13 11:59PM EST

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winners will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Different Like Me by Joy Harris-Bird

 

Different Like Me is full of adventure as the children are on a quest to find out their purpose from a magical mirror. While on their journey, they discover that the mirror only reflects the beauty of who they already are!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Signed copies available on my website

https://www.joyharrisbird.com

About the author:

Joy Harris-Bird is the author of the book, “Different Like Me”. She is a creative writer, entrepreneur and independent blogger. She loves to write stories that inspire others! Mrs. Harris-Bird is a firm believer in kindness and treating everyone with dignity and respect. She understands that everyone was created for a purpose and has a story.

“The world would be a boring place if we were all the same!”

Facebook
https://m.facebook.com/imjoyharrisbird

Instagram
https://instagram.com/imjoyharrisbird?igshid=31s6mz7biovw

Twitter
https://www.Twitter.com/imjoyharrisbird

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

"Freeway" Finds a Home! by Gary and Judy Stoefen

 

Meet "Freeway", a rescue cat that was found on the side of a busy, dangerous freeway. A compassionate lady rescues Freeway and gladly welcomes him into her "forever home". A ready-made family of six felines is also there to welcome him. Written in first-person cat, this book has really great color photos of his newly-found family. This is fun book for all ages!

Available as ebook or in paperback here!

Take a peek inside:

About Gary and Judy Stoefen

We are avid cat-lovers and have always had cats since childhood. We currently have six adopted cats in our home and affectionately refer them as “our kids”. One of our adopted cats was found alongside a freeway in Los Angeles. The book we wrote is centered around this cat aptly named, “Freeway”.

We emphasize cat adoption as a great alternative in giving cats a “forever home”. The book was written for all cat lovers of all ages! We encourage our readers to adopt cats and provide loving, warm “forever homes”!

Orange Snow by Dale S. Rogers #OSBlitz

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Just look at this cover! Doesn't it elicit absolute joy and happiness for the season? It even makes me excited for fall, and I'm not a fan of cold weather! (Though I love the colors.) Also fall in love with the sneak peek inside, which you can find below, and then order your own copy to share with young ones in your life. Plus there's a great giveaway at the end!

Orange Snow

By Dale S. Rogers

Illustrated by Valentina Esposito

Children's Picture Book

Hardcover, 32 Pages

October 1, 2020 by Summers Island Press

Lucy likes to imagine things.

That's what she was doing, one windy autumn day, waiting for Mom to pick her up from school. She was thinking how wonderful it would be if snow was... orange! And how fun it would be to play in. Just for pretend.

But do you ever wish pretend could be real?

Advanced Reviews

Perhaps inspired by the catchy tune, "The Best Things in Life are Free," Southern writer Dale Rogers has demonstrated that finding joy in what may, at first appear to be the most mundane gifts of nature--often taken for granted, have the power to make us realize and truly treasure their priceless impact on our well being. - Dottie Ashley, former play critic and freelance writer

A delightful, whimsical tale of how a child's imagination can become a reality. - James Sitton

(Amazon affiliate link.)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

About the Author

A South Carolina native, Dale currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and three cats. With several family members involved in writing, Dale soon found herself drifting in that direction, eventually joining her high school newspaper staff. Continuing her interest in writing after graduating from Anderson College and the University of South Carolina, she penned articles and stories, as well as poetry, eventually starting a novel. Since then, she has written several novels, both for teens and adults. She also loves music and dance, and has participated in several musicals and even one movie.

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Blitz Giveaway


One winner will receive a fall bag, fall notecard set, an ebook of Orange Snow, and a $15 Starbucks gift card (US only)

Ends October 5, 2020

ENTER HERE