Beginning Readers, Bob Books, and a Giveaway

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When Sam was in pre-k I bought her Bob Books, Set 1: Beginning Readers.  This set of little readers came in a cute little box, and she loved it.  Selecting a book from the box, reading it, and putting it back inside made her feel like a "big girl".  It also made her a reader.

I like this particular set, as well.  It is absolutely perfect for children who recognize the letters of the alphabet and and are beginning to pick up on some letter sounds.  The first story consists of only four letters, which makes it super simple for beginning readers to read the entire first book all by themselves.  Throughout the set,  new sounds are gradually added, until young readers have read books with all of the letters of the alphabet.

Bob Books has recently released two new sets of readers which focus on learning and practicing sight words.  Sight words are words that are recognized by sight rather than sounded out, in order to achieve reading fluency.  They are the most frequently used words in the English language, and are often unable to be read phonetically.  Bob Books Sight Words  features the top sight words in two sets - one for kindergarten and one for first grade.  This allows parents and children to read, learn, and practice easily and enjoyably.

Each Sight Words box includes 10 original books, 30 flashcards, and a parent guide.  Soon your child will be saying, "I read the whole book!'

The fun part ~ Scholastic Books is offering TWO lucky readers a Bob Books Back to School Pack, which includes a Bob Books lunchbox, Bob Books Sight Words Set for Kindergarten, and Bob Books Sight Words Set for First Grade.  The giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only.

To enter ~ Leave me a comment telling me something your remember about how you were taught to read.

The two winners will be randomly selected on August 28 and contacted by email.  They will have 3 days to respond with their mailing info. 

Good Luck!

The Penguins of Madagascar ~ A Fun Giveaway

The giveaway is closed.

My children have LOTS of dvds, but they always seem to watch the same movies over and over again.  Madagascar is one of these well received movies.  They laugh hysterically each and every time they watch it.  Now Nickelodeon has a cartoon called  The Penguins of Madagascar.  Wes is all about that one.  When he recently had the opportunity to "review" the new Penguins of Madagascar movie, The Penguins of Madagascar Operation he was ready for the mission.  The mission was a huge success; he loved the movie.

The dvd came in a prize pack which also contained Trix cereal and several Penguins of Madagascar launchers.  Wes and Gracen were totally excited to begin a game of launching penguins at each other from across the room.  Fun times!  Perhaps it was all of the sugar from the "rabbit food" cereal that gave them the energy they needed to keep the game going.  If you think your kiddos would enjoy launching penguins, pick up a couple of specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals and they can "commence operations" with one of five characters from The Penguins of Madagascar.

Good News ~ I am offering one lucky reader the same complete prize pack we received (Trix cereal, a Penguins of Madagascar launcher and the new Penguins of Madagascar movie, The Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier) so you can launch into your own penguin fun!

To enter ~ Simply leave me a comment telling me about the best prize you ever found in a box of cereal or Cracker Jack.  I will choose a winner on August 10 and notify the winner by email. 

Disclosure: This product, prize pack, information, and giveaway have all been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark and Nickelodeon.

Despicable Me ~ A Giveaway

This giveaway is closed.

When the kids and I went to see Shrek 3, we saw the trailer for Despicable Me.  They thought the trailer was hilarious.  Needless to say, they cannot wait to go and see the movie.  The release date is July 9, so we are going to do our best to get to the theater this weekend.

When I first saw the trailer, I thought the movie looked funny, but I wasn't exactly sure what it was actually about.  Just in case you are wondering, too, here is a brief synopsis:


In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow minions, we discover Gru (Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!) in Universal’s new 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me.

Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

One of the world’s greatest super-villains has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

Sounds cute, doesn't it?

The Giveaway ~ Universal Studios and Big Honcho Media would like to offer one of my lucky readers a Despicable Me prize pack.  The pack will include these 4 books, as well as a Despicable Me t-shirt and pencil.

To Enter ~ Leave me a comment about a favorite movie from your childhood. I will randomly select a winner
on Friday, July 16.  I will contact the winner by email, and he or she will have three days to respond.

If you see the movie this weekend, let me know what you and your kiddos think!

Shrektacular Savings ~ And a Giveaway

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 My kids and I have enjoyed all of the Shrek movies and were eagerly awaiting the release of Shrek Forever After. Therefore, when My Blog Spark approached me about reviewing a "Shrek-tacular Savings” prize pack, I jumped at the chance.  

My kids love getting packages in the mail, but were especially excited about this one.  It was filled with two large boxes of General Mills cereals, Fruit Roll-Ups Minis snacks, Betty Crocker Brownie Mix,  a $10 Shrek-tacular Savings coupon book with fun Shrek trivia, a Shrek water squirter, a Shrek highlighter and a $25 gift card to use to purchase tickets to see the new Shrek Forever After film.  I do not usually buy Fruit Roll-Ups or Brownie Mix, so my kids were overjoyed to have those sugary treats. Wes loved the Shrek water squirters and still plays with them in the bath tub.

 Last weekend we used the gift card to go see the movie.  I am not a huge fan of sequel movies, but this one was a pleasant surprise.  In this final Shrek movie, the famous ogre has a bit of a mid-life crisis.  He longs for the days when he was feared by the local villagers.  To get one day of his old life back, Shrek agrees to and signs a contract with Rumplestilskin.  The result is much more than Shrek bargained for, but makes for a lively and creative tale.

 A Giveaway ~ My Blog Spark and General Mills are offereing one of my lucky readers a Shrek-tacular Savings Prize Pack.  To enter:  Leave me a comment telling me which Shrek character is your favorite and why.  I will randomoly select a winner on Friday, June 4.  The winner will be contacted by email and will have three days to respond or an alternate name will be selected. 


Disclosure:  The prize pack, information, and giveaway were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Our Recent Favorite Reads...and a Giveaway

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Wes's Pick

 Funny Lunch (Max Spaniel)

David Catow's loveable spaniel is back!
Readers will dine with delight as Chef Max serves up one hysterical meal after another at his very own diner. New readers will laugh-out-load as Max's pizza pie special creates one wacky lunchtime.
Read more about MAX!

Wes thinks this book is a huge crack-up!  He loves it.
He thinks the illustrations are hilarious and laughs out loud about Max's mistakes.  His favorite part is when a little dog tries to order a hot dog (Wes's favorite) and Max brings her a dog that is hot and panting.

Gracen's Pick

Chizzy's Topsy Tale

In Chizzy's Topsy Tale, Donna J. Shepherd's whimsical rhymes speed Chizzy and Dotty into the jungle on a whirlwind search for tempting fruit. Kevin Scott Collier illustrates Chizzy's rollicking escapades with a deft and humorous touch. Solid values, like helping a friend in need and minding Momma, make Chizzy's Topsy Tale a wonderful read-aloud choice.

Gracen, my budding artist, truly appreciates the vivid, colorful illustrations in this book.  In fact, she has even sketched and colored the characters in her own sketch pad. 


Samantha's Pick

Pandas' Earthquake Escape

Pandas' Earthquake Escape is a fictional story based on a real-life event. In real life, XiXi, a giant panda did escape from the destroyed Wolong Panda Reserve when the 7.9 earthquake rocked Northern China on May 12, 2008. Author Phyllis Perry uses the adventures of a mother panda, LiLing, and her one-year old cub, Tengfei, to teach children about earthquakes, animal survival, and to reinforce a mother s instinct to protect her child.

Earlier in the school year, Samantha's class did a comprehensive study of China.  They even went to The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. to see the panda exhibit.  Needless to say, she fell in love with the pandas.  Therefore, I knew she would appreciate this book.  Boy, was I right!  She has read it several times and comments on the adorable panda illustrations each time.  Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but the story is heartfelt and endearing.

My Pick

Motherhood is Murder (A Maternal Instincts Mystery)

Nights out are hard to come by for new mommy Kate Connelly. So when Kate and her husband are invited to a dinner cruise hosted by her new mommy club, Roo & You, they jump at it. But when the president of the club takes a deadly spill, everyone becomes suspect-and Kate's on deck to solve the mystery.

Motherhood is Murder is the second novel in Diana Orgain's Maternal Instincts Mystery series.  I read the first novel, Bundle of Joy, a while back and loved it.  Therefore, I was excited to dive into this one.  Motherhood is Murder did not disappoint.

Kate, the main character, learns a lot about herself as she continues to find her way as a new mother and private investigator.  I easily identify with Kate on many levels.  For example, I completely understand her deep desire to want to stay home with her new baby.  I felt the exact same way when I had my children.   Although Kate does not want to return to work full time, she knows that she has to have a source of income.  Therefore, she throws herself into the world of private investigating.  I love this facet of the story because it is exactly why and how I developed The Itty-Bitty Bookworm.  

For this giveaway, I am offering two lucky readers a copy of Motherhood is Murder.
To enter please leave me a comment telling me
what you would choose to do if you could begin a new career.

For additional entries ~
Subscribe to my blog.
Follow Diana Orgain on Twitter.

Winners will be randomly selected on May 14, 2010.
They will have 48 hours to respond.
Contest for US addresses only.

Alphabotz ~ Superphonic Decoder Cards: A Review and Giveaway

This giveaway is closed!

 As many of you know, I used to be an early childhood teacher. I taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade. When teaching I used a literature-based approach and incorporated whole language, as well as phonics. I have to admit that phonics was not my favorite thing to teach. My school used the Open Court program to teach phonics, and I found it a bit boring.  I would have loved to have had the Alphabotz Superphonic Decoder Cards. 

The Alphabotz Cards are oversized flash cards featuring colorful robot characters.  Each card displays a robot who wears a letter on its chest and an icon on its head.  These serve as visual references to the particular sound that the character represents.  To make the robot letters come alive to the children, each card also contains stats about the character's life and personality.  This helps make the sounds memorable.

 For some Alphabotz fun, visit their website.  There you will find lots of free printables:  A Superphonic Funzine, a Decoder Club Chart, Alpha-Tastic Song Sheets, Bookmark, and a Coloring Sheet for each of the robot characters. 

At only $19.95srp, the Alphabotz Superphonic Decoder Alphabet Cards are a great value.  They include 46 character cards, 2 game and activity cards, 2 bonus cards, and 1 sturdy matchbox-style box with sliding drawer.  For even more info, check out this "Take a Peek" packet.

Now for the best part ~ Alphabotz is offering one lucky reader a set of their Superphonic Decoder Cards.

To enter:  Visit this page on their site and read about the other Alphabotz products that are "In the Works".  Then come back here and leave me a comment about the product that most interests you.

For additional entries:

• Follow Alphabotz on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Alphabotz on Facebook.
• Subscribe to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry, so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! The winner will be announced Wednesday, April 14, and contacted by email. She has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

**Ideopolis provided the Alphobotz Cards  for us to review.  However, as always, I blog with integrity and these are my honest opinions.

 

Finding Time... (and a "Just for Mom" Giveaway)

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As a busy WAHM of three, it is often hard to find time for myself.  However, I know that I am a better mom when I have had time to rejuvenate myself.   Therefore, I have been trying to run 3-4 times a week and make a date with a friend at least once every other week.  Even these small amounts of time help me to feel energized and motivated.

I was so excited to win a giveaway from The Centisble Life for a night at Harrah's in Atlantic City and a couple's massage at the Red Door Spa.  It has been so long since I have had a entire day and night away.  Unfortunately, after we had booked our date, my husband found out that he has to speak at a fundraiser that same night.  Stinks!  Luckily, though, my friend Renee is up for a girl's night out, so next Saturday she and I will be living it up!

Because Disney Family recognizes that many moms are short on time and cash, they provided tips and advice on easy and inexpensive ways moms can shine. To help moms find their inner beauty & outer glow, Disney Family.com recently added new beauty-related content to their site in the Makeover Mom section, including how to build a better wardrobe, how to make the most of drugstore makeup, three steps to beautiful skin, and more.  They are also hosting a Mom’s Makeover Madness Sweepstakes for a chance to win a glamorous trip to LA for you and a girlfriend!

To spread the word about the new beauty resource, Disney Family.com is offering one of my readers a beauty must-have kit!  Included in a Family.com branded makeup tote are a sleep mask, mini manicure set and Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy candle (approximately a $60 value.)

To enter, please leave a comment telling me how you make the most of “me time” or let me know your biggest indulgence when it comes to pampering yourself.  A winner will be randomly selected on Friday, March 19, 2009.  She will be contacted by email and will have three days to respond. 

This post was sponsored by Disney Family.com

Our Latest Reads (and a giveaway!)

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With all of the snow and freezing cold weather (ugh!) we have been making a lot of library trips.  Our library has a nice children's section, so the kids really enjoy going.  We usually read a few books while lounging on the comfy bean bag chairs, play a couple of games on the computers, and pick out some books and movies to check out.  Amongst all of these reads, we have made some great finds. I thought I'd share some of our favorites with you.
*Notice the author and character websites, as well.  They are awesome!

Sam's Picks 

 The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin (one of my favorite authors)
Grace Lin's Website

 The New Girl (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls) by Meg Cabot
Allie Finkle Website

 Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park Linda Sue Park's Website

Gracen's Picks

 Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) (Junie B. Jones, No. 18)
Junie B.'s Website

FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS (READING WITH HELP, LEVEL 2)

Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia (I Can Read Book 2)
Amelia Bedelia's webpage

Wes's Picks

 Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (Giant Little Golden Book)

How I Became a Pirate 

Wes has also enjoyed some books from BubbleGum Books.  They generously sent us three books to review.  All three books feature a likable main character named Sam.  Sam has a wonderful imagination that will inspire young readers.

 The Things a String Can Be

With rhyming, repetition and bold colorful graphics, children are mesmerized with Sam and his fascination with a silly old string. Sam’s imagination takes children on adventurous journeys that lead to a heartwarming ending. The book includes free fun and educational "string" activities.

 Something Shiny, Something Round 

With all of the snow we have had, Wes could totally relate to this book about how

...Sam and his friends turn an ordinary object into extraordinary adventures. This time, the ordinary object is a hubcap and the adventures are as clever as ever with a lesson of responsibility in the end. The book includes a free activity guide/lesson planner filled with fun, educational activities that complement a number of scenarios from the story.

 The Topsy-Turvy Towel (Our Favorite) 

Sam, Sally and Suzy continue to wow children with their elaborate imaginations. This time, their object d’art is a big, colorful beach towel. In their minds it becomes a hot air balloon, a flying magic carpet, a superhero’s cape… and that’s just the beginning. See where this remarkable towel and their playful imaginations take them! Beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations with computer-enhanced graphics. Text that sings. Places where only the mind can take you. The book includes a bonus activity guide.

Wes particularly liked The Topsy-Turvy Towel.  It was easy for him to relate to the concept of pretending a towel is a cape, a magic carpet, etc. because he uses his "blankie" in imaginative ways almost every day. He even commented on this coincidence, "Mommy, I use my blankie like Sam uses his towel!".  

As an educator and mother, I appreciate the related activity ideas at the end of each book.  They are all fun and engaging ways to encourage children to stretch their imaginations.  

The BubbleGum Books website offers free printables, as well.  Check out this page.

Now for the best part ~ BubbleGum Books is offering two lucky winners a copy of The Things a String Can Be. 

To enter:  Leave a comment telling us about something imaginative your child likes to do.

For additional entries:

• Become a BubbleGum Books Facebook Fan (1 entry).
• Become a BubbleGum Books Follower on Twitter (1 entry).

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry, so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! The winners will be announced Friday, March 19, and contacted by email. They have three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

Promo Code ~ They are also offering my readers a 20% discount off of any of these three books.  Simply, order from their website and enter the voucher code "itty" at the bottom of the shopping cart page.  They will even have the books autographed by the author.  Great deal! 

**BubbleGum Books provided the books  for us to review.  However, as always, I blog with integrity and these are our honest opinions.

Skin MD Naturals: A Giveaway

This contest is closed. 

Skin MD Naturals Shielding Lotion is one of my new favorite things, and now you have a chance to win some for yourself.   Skin MD Naturals has generously offered to send one of my lucky readers a bottle of this natural, eco-friendly lotion.

First Entry Requirement ~Visit  their website and then come back and leave me a comment about one thing you learned about Skin MD Naturals or their shielding lotion.

For Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms (1 entry). 
2. Become a fan on Facebook. (1 entry)
*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! Winner will be announced Wednesday, March 10, and contacted by email. Winner has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

Friday's Gracious Giveaways: Kid Bean

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Being a mom who owns an on-line business, I like to support other mom-owned businesses.  For this reason, I am excited to introduce you to Kid Bean.  Kid Bean is an online boutique of earth-friendly, labor-friendly, vegan baby and children's products.  Not only does this boutique have beautiful products at reasonable prices, their website is easy to navigate and offers lots of valuable information on green living, baby-wearing, cloth diapering, sustainable living, and much more.

Kid Bean very generously sent me two toys to review.  One was this adorable New Native Organic Cotton Child's Doll Sling.  This was perfect for my girls because they are intrigued with baby wearing.  Now, they can wear their own babies (or stuffed monkeys). 

I was really impressed with this doll sling.  The organic cotton material is thick, so I know it will hold up well in the wash.  It is also simple to use with no rings, belts, or buckles.  It is designed to just slip on, so Gracen can put it on by herself.  This would be a great gift for a child with a new baby brother or sister.

The other toy I was sent is the D and Me Wooden Logging Truck.  From the pictures, you can see that it has been much appreciated.  Wes has enjoyed using the truck and 6 logs in conjunction with his unit blocks.  This truck was made with fair labor in the USA.  In addition, it is made of solid hardwoods from sustainably managed forests.  Definitely a toy you can feel good about buying!

 

For this giveaway, Kid Bean is offering these beautiful toys to two lucky winners.  One winner will receive the D and Me Wooden Logging Truck.  The other will receive the doll sling in the color of her choice.

First Entry Requirement ~Visit Kid Bean and then come back and leave me a comment about something you saw that you liked. 

1. Sign up to receive the Kid Bean e-newsletter (sidebar of their website) (1 entry).  

2. Subscribe to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms. (1 entry)

*Make sure and leave a comment after this post for each entry so I can give you all the credit you deserve (and don't forget your email address too)! Winner will be announced Friday, January 22, and contacted by email. Winner has three days to contact me at contact@ittybittybookworm.com. After three days another winner will be drawn.*

~ If you have a giveaway on your blog that you'd like to share (or know of one you're posting about), link it up with "Mr. Linky" below. *Please read FGG rules for participating*