Children's Book Week - Winners Part 2

This is it! The last three giveaways from Children's Book Week.

 

3. Can You Hear It? by William Lach/Metroplitan Museum of Art goes to...

Congrats Erin!

4. Big Sister, Little Sister by LeUyen Pham goes to....

Congrats LaYen!

5. Knuffle Bunny Free by Mo Willems goes to...

 

Congrats Nestle!

Now... a little story about the winning copy of Big Sister, Little Sister.

I posted my giveaway on LeUyen's fan page on facebook. She promptly asked me if I wanted a signed copy to giveaway. Is that really a question when it comes to me? Heck yes I wanted a signed copy and could I get three more signed for me and my girls? She agreed.  
 

She mentioned that it was too bad I couldn't be in San Francisco for her signing at Books, Inc at the Marina on Saturday May 7th. I explained my daughters had a performance that day, but we'd be in San Francisco on Sunday for Mother's Day. So, I called ahead and had the bookstore save four copies for Uyen to sign, and for me to pick up the next day. Timing worked out great... and now LaYen - you have a very special copy.

A big thank you to Uyen for her willingness to offer her time and enthusiasm for my giveaway. A big thank you to all who participated. You made my first ever giveaway, my sixth blogaversary and first ever Children's Book Week funtastic! I can't wait for next year!

Cheers!

ps. Ladies, send me a quick email with your mailing address to queenscarlett at gmail dot com - thanks!

Children's Book Week - Winners Part 1

Thank you lovely amigas for your participation in my first ever Children's Book Week, book giveaway. Heck, it was my first ever giveaway. I loved it. I love sharing things that are near and dear to my heart.


Without further adieu.

1. Don and Audrey Wood collection of books goes to...

Congrats AMY!

2. On the Night You Were Born book selected by the winner goes to...

Congrats Greek Goddess!

YIPEE lovely ladies! I'm so happy for you. Also, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!


Please send me a quickie email with your mailing address... because I am not that organized. 


Cheers!


Stay tuned... more winners to be announced this week.

Children's Book Week - Mo Willems

I've come to the end of my week of Children's Book Week giveaways. A week is much too short. I like too many books. I will have to do this again next year. Sharing something I love, makes me so happy.

The final author for this week is Mo Willems. His name exudes cool. His books are pretty rad too. If you haven't read them - you need to drop everything and go get his books stat!

We first got a hold of his book when we read Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! The Pigeon rocks. He also tweets. He definitely, in between yawns, does not want to go to sleeeeeeeeep.

After that we discovered Cat the Cat Who is That? so great for young ones to listen to rhythm, rhyme and see the humor drawn on each page.


Did I mention Mo Willems is an author, illustrator, hilarious smarty pants extraordinaire? He is. I wish I knew him. I wish I knew all the authors I've featured this week. Although I think I might scare them off. Do you think I promised to keep the touching to a minimum they'd be less afraid? (heh)

Our current Mo Willems favorites are the Knuffle Bunny series. In fact, I had bought a bunny for my girls when they were babies. That bunny was stuffed in the stuffed animal box, but now, travels thoughout our home, dubbed... Knuffle Bunny.


You've got to visit his website. It's supposed to be geared towards kids, but dangit - I think it's geared for me too. I love the fun, quirky illustrations and the natural humor he has.


His books should become part of the new parent package. Next to Goodnight Moon - you have to have one of his titles. In fact, every new parent should have each of the books I've mentioned this week. They are fabulous, even if I do say so myself. In my opinion, books last longer than toys, clothes, food... books rule.


For this giveaway you'll receive a copy of Knuffle Bunny Free.

Five entries to try your luck:
1. Leave a comment
2. Tweet then leave a comment that you tweeted: Children's Book Week @QueenScarlett is hosting a giveaway at http://aloneontop.blogspot.com
3. Facebook via link or status and leave a comment
4. Follow my blog via google connect and leave a comment
5. Blog about your favorite book, linking back here and leave a comment with your link. 


Giveaway will close on Tuesday, May 10 at midnight PST.



Cheers!


ps. I am not being paid, or asked to giveaway these specific titles. I just sincerely love them.

Children's Book Week - LeUyen Pham

I found Big Sister, Little Sister in the most random of places, two-to-three years ago. We were just browsing in Pottery Barn Kids, and since I didn't find anything I really wanted, or needed within our gift certificate budget. So I happened to drift over to the books. (We also found Elise Broach's When Dinosaurs Came With Everything - such an adorable book - if your kid loves dinos... you have to get this book) I have a weakness for buying books.


There aren't a lot of books that show kids that look like my girls. It's hard to find books that feature diverse kids in regular picture books. So when I came across Big Sister, Little Sister by LeUyen Pham, I hit the jack pot.

Not only does this feature girls that look like mine. They are sisters! My daughters love this book. The relationship between these sisters is sweet, real and utterly familiar. LeUyen wrote this about herself and her sister. It's like a love note between sisters. LeUyen is an illustrator, an artist, a creative genius.


If I could pick someone to illustrate my picture books, it would be her. When you visit her website you'll find how whimsical her art is. It's almost like falling into another world, straining to keep your eyes open because there's so much you want to see and take in.


Even if your kids don't look like the girls on the cover - this story is a fantastic read on a simple, sisterly relationship; the ups and the downs, and the ultimate connection embedded between women.


Reading this book just makes us all so happy.

For this giveaway you'll receive a copy of Big Sister, Little Sister or Wherever You Are by Nancy Tillman. Please note which book you'd like to receive in the comments.

Five entries to try your luck:
1. Leave a comment
2. Tweet then leave a comment that you tweeted: Children's Book Week @QueenScarlett is hosting a giveaway at http://aloneontop.blogspot.com
3. Facebook via link or status and leave a comment
4. Follow my blog via google connect and leave a comment
5. Blog about your favorite book, linking back here and leave a comment with your link. 


Giveaway will close on Monday, May 9 at midnight PST.



Cheers!


ps. I am not being paid, or asked to giveaway these specific titles. I just sincerely love them.

Children's Book Week - William Lach, Metropolitan Museum of Art; Janell Cannon

I received Can You Hear It? from my friend Carrie for my girls' birthdays. I write that I received it, because I felt like it was also a gift for me.

This book comes with a CD filled with classical music that accompany the beautiful masterpieces in this book. My daughters loved this book when they were young. They still enjoy it. I may not be artistically inclined, no matter how much I wish it, but I appreciate the work. This book is a pleasure to enjoy with my daughters.


I often wish San Francisco wasn't such a drive away from my home, so I could take my daughters to frequent the rich collection of museums and cultural exhibits there. This book is a bit like the take home version of a museum, but one where they can boogie woogie and get wild while seeing and hearing great works of art.

The other gift I'm offering is a set of three books written and illustrated by Janell Cannon. Stellaluna was the first book my girls and I discovered written by Cannon. I received it from a book exchange, many years ago, from my friend Dawn. Stellaluna is about the misadventures of a young fruit bat who ends up in a bird's nest. 


Hilarity ensues as he tries to identify as a bird, and then his bird siblings identify as bats. Mother bird has it up to here with the kids. The story is sweet, funny and accidentally, educational. The illustrations are simply lovely to look at. My girls have loved this story, and I have enjoyed reading it to them.


For this giveaway you'll receive a copy of Can You Hear It? or Janell Cannon's The Adventures of Stellaluna, Verdi & Crickwing. Please note which book you'd like to receive in the comments.

Five entries to try your luck:
1. Leave a comment
2. Tweet then leave a comment that you tweeted: Children's Book Week @QueenScarlett is hosting a giveaway at http://aloneontop.blogspot.com
3. Facebook via link or status and leave a comment
4. Follow my blog via google connect and leave a comment
5. Blog about your favorite book, linking back here and leave a comment with your link. 


Giveaway will close on Sunday, May 8 at midnight PST.



Cheers!


ps. I am not being paid, or asked to giveaway these specific titles. I just sincerely love them.

Children's Book Week - Carmen Agra Deedy

I had the pleasure, the joy, of listening to Carmen Agra Deedy hold an audience spell bound as she read her story, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach at a children's picture book conference about four years ago.

Carmen weaves magic when she tells a story. Her books are fascinating, clever and fun - but to hear her in person is another experience altogether.

 

Carmen Agra Deedy and me in June 2007

At the conference her Martina the Beautiful Cockroach had not hit the shelves yet, so I went ahead and purchased The Secret of Old Zeb and Agatha's Feather Bed. They are all filled with imagination, and I love the puns.


When Martina the Beautiful Cockroach was released, I quickly ordered it (I also love gifting it) and couldn't wait to read it to my girls. I even incorporated a very amateur, very paltry imitation of Carmen when I read it to my girls. That book is one any woman who has dated can relate to, and laugh. The book also teaches kids the importance of seeing what is right before your eyes, and simply being yourself. I couldn't help but wish I had a Cuban grandmother too.


Not only is the writing clever, fun, and so rhythmic to read - the illustrations are elegant and mesmerizing. I love how the artist, Michael Austin, keeps a certain little mouse in many of the illustrations, for he was there, all along.


My husband even listed it as one of his favorite books one Christmas - he thoroughly enjoys reading this book to our girls.


For this giveaway you'll receive a copy of Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, or On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman. Please note which book you'd like to receive in the comments.

Five entries to try your luck:
1. Leave a comment
2. Tweet then leave a comment that you tweeted: Children's Book Week @QueenScarlett is hosting a giveaway at http://aloneontop.blogspot.com
3. Facebook via link or status and leave a comment
4. Follow my blog via google connect and leave a comment
5. Blog about your favorite book, linking back here and leave a comment with your link. 


Giveaway will close on Saturday, May 7 at midnight PST.



Cheers!


ps. I am not being paid, or asked to giveaway these specific titles. I just sincerely love them.

Children's Book Week - Don and Audrey Wood

The first book I ever purchased by Don and Audrey Wood was Heckedy Peg.

I bought it without reading it. My first reading of it was to my daughters. They weren't even in school yet. If you've read it, you might remember the page surprised me. I wasn't sure where the story was going. Luckily, it ended well. I loved the story for the kind mother, the lesson the children learned to listen to their mother, and how this good mother truly knew her children, through and through.


We then fell in love with King Bidgood who, never wants to leave the bath. The book is fun to read, the pictures draw you in with their lush detail and clever humor.

Our favorite of their books still is The Napping House. There's something so peaceful about it, and ripe with fun. Yes, we do act out the napping house with the four of us on top of each other, until no one now is napping.

I love that this couple works together creating such sweet stories, and gorgeous illustrations.


For this giveaway you'll receive a set of three Wood titles:


The Napping House (a signed copy)
Piggies
Silly Sally

To learn more about Don and Audrey Wood head on over to their blog. They are a fascinating, creative couple.

Five entries to try your luck:
1. Leave a comment
2. Tweet then leave a comment that you tweeted: Children's Book Week @QueenScarlett is hosting a giveaway at http://aloneontop.blogspot.com
3. Facebook via link or status and leave a comment
4. Follow my blog via google connect and leave a comment
5. Blog about your favorite book, linking back here and leave a comment with your link. 


Giveaway will close on Friday, May 6 at midnight PST.



Cheers!


ps. I am not being paid, or asked to giveaway these specific titles. I just sincerely love them.

Children's Book Week

I'm so excited for this week.

It's CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK!

I've been a book worm all my life and as a mother, I've fallen in love with children's books. This week is a week celebrating all those fabulous stories!

In addition, I started blogging May 4, 2005. So it's also my sixth blogaversary.


In honor of books, anniversaries and general giddiness, I'm going to do something I've never, ever done before...a week of children's book giveaways, on my own dime. Well, a lot more than just one dime, but you get my drift.


Each day this week, beginning on Monday, I'll be highlighting a favorite children's book and then giving away either that book, or a book I also love to you. You'll have five days to enter - so the winners will be announced next week.


If you're a book lover like myself... it's okay to squeal - I am. 

See you tomorrow!
Cheers!

December Book Group

I hosted my book group's December meeting last Thursday.

I thought it turned out so pretty and delicious, so I thought I'd share.

Savory:
Mini-hot dogs with spicy BBQ sauce - because I like hot dogs and bbq sauce.

Cranberry goat cheese with savory crackers - I am in love with goat cheese.


Soppressata & goat cheese in puff pastry (Ina Garten) - Costco happened to be selling soppressata...and I substituted goat cheese for the gruyere.



Sweet:
Applesauce spice cupcakes w/roasted pear and apple sauce filling (Martha Stewart & Ina Garten) - the picture is in my happiness post from yesterday...

Eton Mess (Ina Garten) - this is my new fav dessert.


Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake (Ina Garten) - I made this for Thanksgiving and wanted a repeat.






My favorite books read from this year in book group include (5 out of 12):


Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shafer, Annie Barrows
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle

All were a reread of books I've loved and still adore, except for two, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. I love food, so the Animal, Veg book was rather fun, and The Guernsey book is so delightful. If you're a reader a writer... you'll adore it's pages, it's characters the writing.

If you're looking for a good book this Christmas season... I highly recommend all of the above. Of course I've read many more books than we've read for Book Group... and read many I've loved. That's what goodreads is for. Click on my goodreads.com button to the right and you can see what I've been crazy for. Any favorite reads on your end this year???

Christmas is only a few days away!!!!!

Chronicle's Happy Haul-idays

I just saw Chronicle Books tweet regarding a smashing giveaway contest. Tonight at midnight the contest ends!

Yes, I know, I may not have a chance entering so dastardly late in the game, but when a fabulous publisher offers a blogger a chance to win 500.00 worth of books, and a commenter on that blog... my heart beats so fast I feel like it's going to burst with joy.

Without further adieu, here is the list of books I would love to haul in if I win. Please universe, it's a race! I hope I win!

Food

• Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson
• Cake Pops by Bakerella
• Michael Chiarello's Bottega by Michael Chiarello
• Mastering the Art of Chinese Cooking by Eileen Yin-Fei Lo
• I love Macarons by Hisako Ogita

Fiction/Literature

• And My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
• The Magic Flute retold by Anne Gatti
• Audrey Hepburn by Scott Brizel

YA

• The Space Between Trees by Katie Williams

Children's books

• A Long Piece of String by William Wondriska
• Wish by Roseanne Thong
• The Dinosaurs' Night Before Christmas
• Ivy and Bean Box Sets by Annie Barrows
• Rita and Whatsit by Jean-Philippe Arrou-Vignod
• Animals Marco Polo Saw by Sandra Markle
• Monet's Impressions by Claude Monet
• Vincent's Colors by Vincent van Gogh
• Sylvia Long's Thumbelina by Sylvia Long
• Passover: Celebrating Now, Remembering Then by Harriet Ziefert
• The Story of Little Red Riding Hood by Jacob and Wilhelm Grim

Your chance to win... leave a comment before midnight PST. Share a few books you would want to win.

Happy Happy FRIDAY!

Choices

I just finished the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson.

He also wrote Elantris and Warbreaker - both of which I also enjoyed.

I love the way he writes strong women heroines. They remind me of Sydney Bristow and her kick-a ways. I like to think that if I didn't have any real responsibilities I'd be out, kickin-a in the name of truth, justice and general awesomeness.

The first book of the Mistborn trilogy, the heroine Vin basically believes that you can't trust anyone - because they will always break that trust. I related to her. There have been so many people in my life that I have trusted, only to discover that they were never worthy of that trust. So it is a challenge to believe in people. Yet, I have this need to seek out people I can trust...even if I often am disappointed.

There's also this character I liked, Sazed. He's a religious scholar who studies the world's 300-some religions... most of which have died out. He experiences a crippling depression when he finds that he can't logically find a religion that he would believe to be true. Eventually, he learns that belief is more than what is logical. It's about trust, faith, hope... and most importantly, choice.

I'm discovering this is a simple, yet challenging concept. Life has always been about our choices. Choosing a path and then accepting the journey seems so simple. I suppose we just find ourselves distracted by other, seemingly complicated ideas along the way.

I choose my faith. It's a conscious decision. It's not one I made because everything was answered, proved and measured out for me. It's not a choice I made based on coercion - it's a choice I made, because what I believe brings me trust in God, faith, hope, redemption.

I choose my current role in life. I am a wife and mother. I would never walk away from this role I choose, no matter how crazy each day may be. I understand that choosing this role means that I am required to give of myself, daily. It is not easy. But it is what I chose.

I choose my personality. I choose to be an effective, confident woman, with real opinions. I remember what it was like to be a blown by the wind kind of girl in crowds. Too terrified of what other people thought about me to ever voice my own thoughts. I know what it is like to follow the whims of society, and its ever-evolving trends. Been there, done that - I've chosen to follow my own path instead.

With our choices... sometimes when things become difficult, filled with trials and the drudgery of living in this sphere...sometimes the hardest thing to do is to realize that the choice for hope, happiness, faith - is ours. We may wish to be saved, rescued in a blink of an eye, or told what to do - but oftentimes it's about the choice of reaction, attitude...and that's hard.

Life would be a lot easier if the choices were all laid out for us. That's why there are rules, guidelines, commandments - they help us make informed decisions. It's hard enough making a choice... imagine not having any reference in which to make them. Chaos!

There are times I have a difficult time choosing to, or wanting to, react well when the storms of life rage around me. I'm more aware of it now. I recently heard a talk about how the speaker thought it was better to be nice than right. As someone who likes truth, honesty, sincerity... that just totally rubs me the wrong way. Or maybe... I'm reacting the wrong way... I don't know... I'm starting to ramble.

The Mistborn series opened up my eyes a bit more - bringing me awareness that while people may scoff, mock, doubt, or ridicule what I believe, or do, there's power knowing that what I believe is not an unconscious, robotic behavior. I also don't do things because I may earn praise, agreement or adulation, I do it all regardless of public opinion. I do what I do because I choose to - it's my choice, and I own it.


p.s.
Just like the mists in the mistborn trilogy... lately I've had a lot of thoughts regarding choices swirling in my head... reading these three books this past week sort of uncorked it all at once. I am not sure if what I'm feeling, thinking translates through the words I type... but I chose to get it all out before I lose this train of thought.

Speechless...but plenty to write

I love authors. I love authors of great books. I love wondering what goes on in those fascinating minds. I usually email an author before a book group - if I'm in charge of that particular discussion that month.

I have never, ever gotten a response. That is... until yesterday.

I couldn't contain my excitement all day. Not only did the author write back - she was so personable and asked me if I had any questions. I was so thrilled, I spent the rest of the day agonizing over what I should ask.

I should also mention - I sent the email on Wed of this week - the response came the very next day, Thursday. I just sent off 10 questions to await answers.

I have officially turned into a total fangirl. Is that a word? I think most of us that blog have a deep-rooted desire to become real, published authors. I am no different. So when an author I adore acknowledges my existence, it's almost like being blessed by deity...almost.

Needless to say, not only am I fan because I love the book The Last Chinese Chef, and that she writes for Gourmet magazine and knows food...(and I love food) I am a huge fan because she also responded to my simple email plea.

Thank you Nicole Mones. YOU ROCK!

Nourishment

Carrie (host) made Raspberry Tart and Lemon Souffle. Lori(discussion leader) made the Rice and Beans casserole and Coconut Cake. All the recipes were found in the book.

Last week our Book Group met to talk about Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl. She's a NY Times restaurant critic. This book is her memoir about growing up around food, and how it shaped her life.

Lori, Sally, Leah, Brooke, Angela, Gayle, Jaime, Carrie, QS (moi) (we're also missing a few members)

In case you didn't know, I love food. I love the smells, the taste, the way it's put together...and I like good, quality food. I know some people look at food as merely fuel to put in the tank, but for me it's a pleasurable, joyful experience. I also think our bodies are temples, so I want to put only the best into it. So, I totally enjoyed every morsel of this book.

Now that the girls are older, I finally am able to constantly, consistently cook and bake. The thing is... I love it. I love that it is my "alone" time. That the quiet of cooking helps me center myself. That the simple act of putting together ingredients, calms me. I love the order...as a mother chaos is what reigns... nothing ever goes to plan, if it does it is rare, that's why I love to cook...it is logical, methodical...and can actually be completed, and enjoyed. I love the feel as I chop crunchy vegetables. I love mincing and mixing. I love organizing things according to color, cooking order. It's so soothing, the sounds, the aromas. It's amazing that as I nurture myself through cooking...the end result is also nurturing my family. They receive a much more relaxed woman in their midst, along with a healthy, eye-pleasing, tasty meal.

I may not do many things the way I'd like to yet...but I've discovered that if I want to I can learn...and I've learned that it's so satisfying and fulfilling to share nourishing food with those you love.

Another good book about food, relationships... is The Last Chinese Chef. Ever since La Yen recommended it a couple years back...I am it's biggest fan. Seriously good read.

Within the Walls of our Home

Yesterday's Family Home Evening (FHE)was about the importance of Children in a family. In preparation for the lesson I read this below, for myself:

President Gordon B. Hinckley said these inspiring words in a talk called,” Four Simple Things to Help Our Families and Our Nations”

“Children are like trees. When they are young, their lives can be shaped and directed, usually with ever so little effort. Said the writer of Proverbs, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). That training finds its roots in the home. There will be little of help from other sources. Do not depend on government to help in this darkening situation. Barbara Bush, wife of former United States president George Bush, spoke wisely when in Wellesley, Massachusetts, in 1990 


she addressed the Wellesley College graduating class and said, “Your success as a family, our success as society, depends not on what happens at the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”

Religion can help and will do wonders. Religion is the great conservator of values and teacher of standards. Its message on values has been consistent through the ages. From the days of Sinai to the present, the voice of the Lord has been an imperative voice concerning right and wrong. In modern revelation, that voice has declared, “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth” (D&C 93:40).

What, you may ask, can be done? The observance of four simple things on the part of parents would in a generation or two turn our societies around in terms of their moral values. They are simply these: Let parents and children (1) teach and learn goodness together, (2) work together, (3) read good books together, and (4) pray together.” “Chapter 37: Family Responsibilities,” Gospel Principles, 236

I love that it talks about how important it is to provide a standard by which to live. That whatever may happen in our world, what matters most is what happens in the walls of our home.

Our daughters are both incredibly intelligent, quick to reason, quick to notice inconsistencies... they are also very strong-willed. I feel extra pressure with the challenges that will surround them, to make sure they are equipped with the confidence to choose truth and right, over the voices that preach selfishness, and anything goes. I think as parents, with the strong spirits we are raising... we have a heavy responsibility on our shoulders. I don't remember having very much by the way of FHE growing up. I suppose that's why I get so excited that for the last few months we've been consistent in our little FHEs... it's one of my goals this year. I think now, more than ever the promises of having FHE consistently will aide us as we try our darndest to raise our children.

After our simple lesson, singing and giggling, we made SNICKERDOODLES. The girls love helping me bake. They like to take turns adding ingredients, and had a lot of fun rolling the cookies in the cinnamon and sugar. It is so cute to see them have ownership in the process.


Then, it was on to the iphoto booth.








We are now reading The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis - I asked the girls if they wanted to continue in Narnia or start up Little House on the Prarie... Aslan won out.