The League and the Lantern ~ Book Review and Giveaway

The giveaway is now over.  The winner is Alisha!  Congratulations!

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Hi there!  

Long time, no see, huh?

I've been telling myself for months now that I really should write something on my blog, but then I never got around to it.  I could give you a gazillion reasons why I haven't posted, but I won't bother.  Let's just say it wasn't exactly a priority in my life and leave it at that.

So now here we are at that awkward stage.  Long-time silence.  :)

For those of you who stuck around, thank you.  I hope to post more regularly from here on out.

Anyway, my reason for posting today is pretty exciting!  I just finished reading the book The League and the Lantern and I wanted to tell you about it.

About the book:

After a disastrous sixth grade, Jake Herndon is anxiously awaiting his Big Do-Over, starting with his new school's notorious seventh grade sleepover. Awkward team-building games and forced fun quickly become the least of his problems, however, when a dangerous organization invades and the night takes a shocking turn. Jake and two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, barely escape, only to find themselves in a fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. Over the next 48 hours they unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War and an incredible secret about Jake's family.

Full of unforgettable characters and unexpected twists, The League and the Lantern is a jaw-dropping ride of mind-bending revelations and laugh-out-loud humor. If Jake and his new friends can make it through this weekend, they just might have a shot at seventh grade.

In this debut novel, family television executive producer and dad Brian Wells has created an epic, rip-roaring comedy adventure that's also about courage, family and friendship. The result is an engaging mix of great characters, crackling wit and unexpected twists that 9- to 14-year-olds, entertainment executives and family groups are applauding.

Wells works from the belief that great entertainment is driven by memorable characters and imaginative writing, and it shows. The League and The Lantern delivers all of this and more without objectionable language or inappropriate themes. Throw in a plot that traces back to real historical figures and you've got what some are calling Percy Jackson meets National Treasure.

As an extra bonus, the book also invisibly weaves in 140 of the top vocabulary words for middle school success. A free downloadable study guide is available on the book's website.

I started reading this book to my 10-year-old son and we got through the first couple chapters.  He's happy with me reading a chapter or two a night, but I was hooked and kept on reading without him.  (Don't worry though.  I will continue reading it to him until we finish.)  :)  I finished the book in two days!  I couldn't put it down!

Yes, it is geared towards middle-schoolers, but it is a great story that even adults will enjoy. The best part is that there is no foul language and no inappropriate scenes.  Just good, clean action and adventure.  With some surprises along the way, of course.

Actually, that's not the best part.  The best part is that for every book you buy from the website, they will give a copy away to a child in need!

If you have a son or daughter, grandchild, niece or nephew, whomever; get this book for them!  It is the first book in a new adventure series for middle schoolers.  I can't wait until the next book comes out!

Here are a few ways you can learn more about the book and the author:

Website:  https://leagueandlantern.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeagueAndLantern

Now for the giveaway part.  Since I agreed to read and review the book, I have been given permission to also give a copy away to one lucky reader!  All you need to do is answer a simple question - who is your favorite children's author?  Easy peasy!  Thanks for entering!

Winner will be announced here once the giveaway is over, so be sure to check back.  

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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Rufus and Ryan Go to Church! ~ Book Review and Giveaway

Recently I was given the opportunity to read a super sweet board book for review.

Rufus and Ryan Go To Church!

In Rufus and Ryan Go to Church!, four-year-old Ryan explains to his stuffed monkey, Rufus, what is happening as they attend church on Sunday morning. He lets Rufus know when it’s time to sing and to pray and to be quiet. Author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to an experience that most children are exposed to long before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to their favorite companions as they go about their daily activities.

This is just one of the first titles in a new series of inspirational books for preschoolers.

About the Rufus and Ryan

Rufus and Ryan is a new series of books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey Rufus. Basic Christian and church concepts serve as the foundation of the series, with an additional focus on character traits and development. The text is presented in young Ryan’s voice as he teaches Rufus about the concepts he is learning himself. Each story is about 150 words, using age-appropriate vocabulary and themes.

Also available now, Rufus and Ryan Say Their Prayers

About the Author

Kathleen Long Bostrom is a published children’s author in both the Christian and trade markets. She has a Master’s in Christian Education and a Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching, and she has worked in children’s ministry for many years. Kathy and her husband, Greg, have three grown children and live in Illinois. 

About the Illustrator 

Rebecca Thornburgh began illustrating children’s books full-time in 1996 and today has almost 100 books to her name. Rebecca’s vibrant watercolors have been showcased in previous Ideals titles, including the new edition of The Story of Christmas. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two daughters.

Rufus and Ryan Go to Church! 

Written by: Kathleen Long Bostrom 

Illustrated by: Rebecca Thornburgh

Publisher: Ideals Books

Board book

$7.99

Available at IdealsBooks.com

          Buy It / Stay Connected: 

          http://www.idealsbooks.com

                      https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks

This is a very cute board book that would be great for a preschooler.  The story is quick and easy to read and the illustrations are sweet and colorful.  I plan to give my copy to my church library so it can be enjoyed by many preschoolers (since my kids are beyond that age).  I hope they get much use out of it!

If you'd like a chance to win a copy for yourself or someone you love, here's your chance.  Just enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway box below.  Winner will be notified by email.  Thank you!  Have a great weekend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Bash and the Pirate Pig ~ Book Review and Giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Apparently I fell off the face of the earth for a week.  :)  Actually I just didn't feel like posting anything.  Some weeks are like that.

Anyway, today I want to share with you a book that the boys and I just finished reading.

This was a fun book to read.  Nicholas, my ten-year-old especially enjoyed it.  It was right up his alley.  I would read a chapter or two to the boys in the evenings.  Most evenings they couldn't wait until it was time to read.  And they didn't want me to stop when it was time for bed.

Here's some info about the book, author, and illustrator ...

About Bash and the Pirate Pig 

Bash and the Pirate Pig, by Burton Cole, is the story of a cranky city kid named Raymond "Beamer" Boxby who must spend summer vacation at his younger cousin, Bash's, farm. 

Beamer prefers air conditioning and video games. He can't see what good can come of this so-called country fun that includes riding cows, river rafting with a pig, or playing with skunks. 

But hang tight, Beamer, because Bash's zany adventures with his "Fishin' and Farmin' book" (The Bible) just might lead to the coolest discovery of all. 

About the Author

Burton Cole is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist with thirty years of experience and more than fifty humor writing awards to his credit. He grew up on a farm in northeast Ohio and attended a small-town church with a slew of cousins and buddies. That same boyhood inspires his colorful stories today. 

About the Illustrator 

Tom Bancroft has more than twenty years of experience in the animation and illustration industry and worked with Disney on films including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Other clients have included DC Comics and Big Idea Productions. 

Bash and the Pirate Pig 

Written by: Burton Cole 

Illustrated by: Tom Bancroft

Publisher: B&H Kids

Hardcover: 224 pages 

$12.99

Stay Connected: 

B&H Kids Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHPubKids

B&H Publishing Twitter: @BHKidsBuzz

Website: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433680694

What did I think?  Well, I mostly liked it.  I say mostly because despite how entertaining the story is, there are several typographical errors in the book.  I tend to proofread things as I read them.  Seriously, maybe I should have become an editor or something.  Some missing punctuation or a comma where a period should be.  And the name "Bush" once where it should have been "Bash".  Nick actually pointed that one out.  I read it as it was in the book and Nick corrected me.

Other than those minor annoyances--that you can probably overlook if you aren't a proofreader like me--it is a really cute story.  Two boys having summertime adventures.  One boy teaching the other about God's love and mercy.  Good stuff.  In fact, my boys can't wait until the next book in the series comes out.  (There's a sneak peek of chapter one in the back of this book.)

If you'd like a chance to win your very own copy of the book, just leave a comment on this post telling me who you would give this book to if you win.  Do you have a child who would love to read it?  Maybe a nephew or niece?  Would you donate it to your local library?  Or would you just keep it for yourself?  (That's okay too!)  Just name it and you are entered!

Last day to enter is Sunday, September 22 (which is also the first day of fall, just so you know :) ).  I'll randomly draw a winner and post it on Monday, September 23 so be sure to check back!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great week!

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