Because I’m Your Dad By Ahmet Zappa

April 14, 2013 by Michelle 3 Comments

Because I’m Your Dad is out this month and I am so excited to get my hands on it for my boys and their father. The story written by Ahmet Zappa the talented guy who thought up the story “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” and other great accolades.

Because I’m Your Dad is a fab whimsical picture book for children. The book was written with the idea that father’s could share it with their children. Here’s a page from the book. I love the playful, lighthearted tone of the book that also show’s a dads love for his child in a fun way.

About Writter Ahmet Zappa:

Ahmet Zappa is the son of late rock musician/composer Frank Zappa and, as he puts it, “My awesome mother, Gail.” Ahmet grew up with a learning disability and now writes books to help children discover how wonderful reading can be. Through his production company, Monsterfoot Productions, Ahmet has developed several television shows and movies, including the recently-released Walt Disney Pictures feature film “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” Ahmet, Shana, and their daughter Halo live in Los Angeles, CA under a rainbow with their three fur goblins: Sandwich, Luna, and Figgy. For more information, visit him online atwww.ahmetzappa.com.

About Illustrator Dan Santat:

Dan Santat is the author and/or illustrator of many books, including Oh, No! and Oh, No! Not Again! by Mac Barnett and Always Lots of Heinies at the Zoo by Ayun Halliday . He is also the creator of Disney’s animated hit, “The Replacements.” Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, a rabbit, a bird, a cat, and a dog. Visit him online at www.dantat.com.

My boys love this book and would often say “dad you do that”. A great reminder to them how special their time with dad is. With Father’s Day June 13, 2013 this makes a great book for a dad and his children. I also love this book for a dad to be.

Take a look at the trailer to the book.

Shop Because I’m Your Dad.

Connect with Because I’m Your Dad on facebook and twitter.

Disclosure: I received a copy in exchange for this post. All thoughts expressed are my own and may not reflect those of others. Because I’m Your Dad

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: ahmet zappa, Because I'm Your Dad, book, Childrens, dad, fathers day, gift

A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus

December 11, 2012 by Michelle Leave a Comment

What is Mrs. Claus to do when Mr. Claus is sick. What any other women does, saves the day! This is a beautifully done book that pulls together the magic of Christmas while showing that there is so much to be done. A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus has whimsy, fun and is a light hearted book for all ages. The illustrations are adorable and capture the poems theme. “Twas the night before Christmas”… got a re-do, think a 2012 updated version.

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Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus, book

Does This Church Make Me Look Fat? by Rhoda Janzen

October 28, 2012 by Michelle 3 Comments

I just finished the book “Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?” by Rhoda Janzen. The title spoke to me and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Brought up a Catholic girl, I suddenly found myself trying hard to identify with the Catholic ways and although my loyalty has always been there my focus on religion shifted in my early adult years. Jansen raised in a strong Mennonite upbringing found herself unsure of her place as a Mennonite and I immediately wanted to know more.

If you have read the first book “Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, A Memoir of Going Home” you are more than ready for the next installment. I have not read the first installment but I felt that I could jump in. And I was right the book is captivating from the first few pages. The book is about newly divorced Janzen, cancer and new love. The book is light-hearted from start to finish and watching someone face these trials in life in such an optimistic way is refreshing.

Janzen finds love from her opposite a church going stead fast Christian whom was once a drug dealer and alcoholic and is not ashamed to share his story. As there relationship starts to form and Janzen embraces Mitch’s church she finds herself with breast cancer.

I give this book 5 stars it’s the perfect read to cuddle up with and get lost in Janzen’s life.

Shop Rhoda Janzen

Giveaway

Do the following 3 tasks, to be eligible to win your own copy of the book “Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?”, by Rhoda Janzen.

Rules: Giveaway ends 11/3/2012 and is open to US and Canada winners only. Don’t forget to comment with your correct email address so that the winner will be contacted.

1. “Like” Rhoda Janzen’s page on facebook.

2. “Like” ATD’s page on facebook.

3. Comment: What’s the best book you have read recently? or Why do you want to read “Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?”?

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews Tagged With: book, Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?, rhoda janzen

Beautiful Beasties Pet Photography Book

October 13, 2012 by Michelle Leave a Comment

Do you love your pet? How about capturing great pictures of your furry kid. I have snapped tons and tons of pictures of our dogs over the years. Most of which aren’t very good pictures. Dogs are great models but the person behind the camera needs to know what they are doing. From the best camera to using a camera phone it’s all about the tips and tricks. I recently received the book “Beautiful Beasties” by Jamie Pflughoeft. The book is a creative guide to modern pet photography.

The 334 page book starts with the basics of photography, and dives into all the aspects. The book shares educational resources to improve your skills. Learn the ins and outs with business tools to set you on the road to success. I am very impressed with the layout of Beautiful Beasties. It is perfect for the person who just wants to be a better photographer of their pets to the person who wants to pursue a career in photographing pets. This is the perfect book for a pet lover, especially the one that already has everything.

I have learned so much from this book as an SLR owner.

Shop Beautiful Beasties.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: beautiful beasties, book, review

Fuzzwippers Book Review

October 8, 2012 by Michelle 1 Comment

When it comes to toddlers finding their way through life’s simple skills it’s a complicated tasks. How to be a good listener, understanding that sharing is important and knowing you are loved are a few of the most pivotal tools we can give our children. Fuzzwippers by author Marilynn Halas takes children on a journey with friends the fuzzwippers to learn social skills that will last a lifetime.

The book is illustrated by Jeremy Provost. He does an amazing job of capturing the story with a colorful and fun outline. My little’s enjoy the book over and over. They have come to talk about Fuzzwippers as there own friends and have picked up cues from the book telling each other “you are loved” when the other cries.

The Fuzzpippers are little creatures who speak to your imagination, literally. They are personal friends who there to keep little ones from feeling alone.

You can order Fuzzwippers here and also receive a free fuzzwiper with your order.