Book Review: The Knights Before Christmas by Joan Holub

Book Description:
'Twas December 24th, and three brave knights were just settling in for the night when out on the drawbridge, there arose such a clatter! The knights try everything to get rid of this unknown invader (Santa Claus!), a red and white knight with a fleet of dragons . . .
But nothing would stop
 their white-whiskered foe.
 No matter their efforts,
 he just would not go!
This parody of Clement Clarke Moore's well-known poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is kid-friendly, clever, and just plain silly.  Sure to become a holiday classic of a different kind!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Goodreads | Indiebound | iBook | Kobo

My Review:
I am a fan of Joan Holub's books for children.  They are told with such good humor and such clever word play.  I knew The Knights Before Christmas would be another fun book for children, and it is!

This book is a parody of The Night Before Christmas, set in a medieval castle with knights.  It is bright and colorful, with great illustrations by Scott Magoon.

The humor is fresh and breezy.  What a fun book for a home or classroom read aloud! 

To give an example of the humor:

"Silent Knight, in his nightie and iron-armored cap, was just settling in for a long winter's nap."  There is an illustration of the knight dreaming:  "I'm dreaming of a white javelin, just like the one I used to throw."

I enthusiastically recommend this cute and clever children's book for your Christmas collection.    

About the Author:
Joan Holub is the author of 140+ books for children including the acclaimed picture books Little Red Writing, The Knights Before Christmas, and Mighty Dads, a New York Times bestseller. Joan co-authors (with Suzanne Williams) three series: Goddess Girls (ages 8-12, Greek mythology with a middle school twist), Grimmtastic Girls (for ages 8-12, fairy tale adventure with a middle school twist), and Heroes in Training (ages 6-11, Greek mythology adventure chapter books). Watch for her upcoming chapter book, What Was Woodstock?, and her board book, This Little President, both available in early 2016!

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Facebook | Facebook (Goddess Girls) | Facebook (Grimmtastic Girls)

I received a copy of this book from Mother Daughter Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

Book Spotlight and Giveaway - Lonely Planet Kids - The Travel Book

Title: Lonely Planet Kids - The Travel Book: A journey through every country in the world 
Publication Date: September, 2015 
Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids 
Pages: 212 
Recommended Ages: 8+  

Where can you climb a giant tower of sticky buns? What is a bokikokiko? Discover the answer to these questions and hundreds more with Lonely Planet Kids The Travel Book: A Journey through Every Country in the World the new, kid-friendly (ages 8+) version of Lonely Planet’s best-selling The Travel Book. In Lonely Planet Kids The Travel Book, every country from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe gets a dedicated page spread packed with amazing facts on animals, culture, sports, food and much more, bringing the world to life with eye-popping photography and illustrations.

About Lonely Planet Kids

From the world’s leading travel media company comes Lonely Planet Kids, a children’s imprint that brings the world to life for young explorers everywhere. We’re kickstarting the travel bug and showing kids just how amazing our planet can be. We will inspire and delight curious kids, showing them the rich diversity of people, places and cultures that surrounds us. We promise to share our enthusiasm and love of the world, our sense of humour and continual fascination for what it is that makes the world we live in the diverse and magnificent place it is. It’s going to be a big adventure! Come explore.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Lonely Planet Kids Blog Tour Schedule

October 15

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Giveaway)

Cherry Mischievous (Spotlight: Adventures Around the Globe)

Rockin' Book Reviews (Review: How to be an International Spy)

October 16

Domestic Chanteuse (Spotlight: The Travel Book)

Reading Authors (Review: You Rule!)

October 17

Adalinc to Life (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

Geo Librarian (Review: The Travel Book)

October 18

2ReadBook (Review: How to be an International Spy)

Tea Time and Books (Spotlight: You Rule!)

October 19

The Blended Blog (Review: The Travel Book)

Icefairy's Treasure Chest (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

October 20

Bookworm for Kids (Review: You Rule!)

Mami Tales (Review: How to be an International Spy)

October 21

Here's the Story (Review: The Travel Book)

Alwaysjoart (Review: You Rule!)

October 22

Tina the Bookworm (Review: How to be an International Spy)

Sunshine Girl Blog (Spotlight: Adventures Around the Globe)

October 23

Fuonlyknew (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

Books for Books (Review: You Rule!)

October 24

Jemima Pett (Review: The Travel Book)

October 25

Published Bestsellers (Spotlight: How to be an International Spy)

October 26

K&A's Children's Book Reviews (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

Christy's Cozy Corners (Review: The Travel Book)

October 27

My Soul Called Life (Review: How to be an International Spy)

I Read What You Write (Review: You Rule!)

October 28

Blooming Brilliant (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

Writer With Wanderlust (Review: The Travel Book)

October 29

View From the Birdhouse (Spotlight: The Travel Book)

Kevin Gerard, Author of Diego's Dragon (Review: You Rule!)

October 30

P is for Preschooler (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

The Logonauts (Review: The Travel Book)

October 31

Oh My Bookness (Review: How to be an International Spy)

Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice  
Giveaway ends: November 8, 11:59 pm, 2015  
Open to: Internationally 
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Lonely Planet Kids and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway   

Book Review and Giveaway: Axel & Theo: My Dog is The Emperor of a Faraway Galaxy

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the lower middle grade book "Axel & Theo: My Dog is The Emperor of a Faraway Galaxy" by Amberly Kristen Clowe from June 22 to 28, 2015. This one is a great choice for reluctant readers!

 

About the Book

 
Title: Axel & Theo: My Dog is the Emperor of a Faraway Galaxy | Author: Amberly Kristen Clowe | Publication Date: November 15, 2014 | Publisher: Smooth Sailing Press | Pages: 44 | Recommended Ages: 6 to 10  

Summary: Theodore Howard wants a white flag. The kind of white flag that will show Riverwood Elementary’s biggest bully, Theo’s given up on ever surviving the fourth grade, and achieving his dream of becoming a real-life astronaut. But, Theo’s seemingly pathetic future gets a glimmer of hope in the form of a very talkative weenie dog named Axel. Theo learns that his best friend on four legs, is actually an alien from the planet Doglin, and just when he begins warming up to the idea of having an alien for a best friend, Axel is kidnapped by two cats from the planet Catlat. Theo chases after Axel and his kidnappers, embarking on an adventure he could have never imagined.

Amazon * Goodreads

Book Preview

 
My Book Review

Readers of my blog will know that I am slightly dachshund-obsessed.  From the moment I saw the cover of Axel & Theo: My Dog is The Emperor of a Faraway Galaxy, I wanted to read this book.  The cover art even features a little boy and his red smooth dachshund buddy.

This is a charming read for children.  It will appeal to early readers as well as reluctant readers a bit older.  I think the reading range of 6 - 10 years is spot on.

Young readers will love the story of Theo, who escapes a bully with the help of his brave dachshund ... and then ventures to outer space on a great adventure with him.  Axel, the brave dachshund, is the emperor of planet Doglin.  Unfortunately, Doglin is being threatened by cats who want to rise to power.   How the boy and dachshund escape danger and emerge victorious is a fun read.

The book is very clever, with short chapters and dialogue that moves the story along.  Descriptions are creative and sure to appeal to a child.  For instance, on planet Doglin flowers smell like rib-eye steaks so they appeal to dogs, and the ocean is full of strawberry soda.

I would enthusiastically recommend this book to children who love fantasy adventure stories, and to adults who love dogs.  Five stars from me - and four paws up from my doggie friend Abby! 
   
More Buzz About the Book

"When I saw the subheading of this book — My dog is the Emperor of a faraway galaxy, I knew I had to read it. After all, how often do you see a sci-fi kid’s book? Being the sci-fi nut that I am, I couldn't pass this one up. I was not disappointed."~ Shari T., Amazon

"Fun book!! The story is imaginative but told with enough familiar themes to make young ones think, "I can see how this could happen!!" And in a world jam-packed with princesses and girl power, it's nice to see fun stuff for boys, too." ~ Valerie S., Amazon

"What a nice story! Got this for my son and he chuckled through it all. He loved the characters and their adventure. He is looking forward to the next one." ~ Nathalia G., Amazon

"It is a great book! My kids loved it (as did I). I can't wait for the second adventure!" ~ John, Amazon

 

About the Author: Amberly Kristen Clowe

An avid story writer since elementary school, Amberly Kristen (Krissy) Clowe truly discovered her passion for writing after enrolling in a college, children's literature class, where they read and analyzed children's books. After completing her BA in early childhood education she began her teaching career. "After my first year of teaching second grade, I had so many ideas swirling around in my head, I had to write. I might have gone crazy if I didn't!" Clowe tells. Axel & Theo is the first chapter book series written by Clowe, though she already has two other children's picture books in print, and another due for publication in 2015. Today, her children provide the inspiration to her many stories, along with everything else she loves in life.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Axel & Theo Blog Tour Schedule

June 22

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Author Interview)

Lian's Summer of Fun Blog (Review)

Enter Here Canada (Excerpt)

June 23

Hide-n-(Sensory)-Seeking (Review)

Cherry Mischievous (Excerpt)

June 24

Rockin' Book Reviews (Review)

The Blended Blog (Review)

June 25

View From the Birdhouse (Review)

Tots & Tales Reviews (Review)

June 26

2ReadBook (Review)

Where Connor and JT Go (Review)

June 27

Eloquent Articulation (Review)

We Are The DinoFamily (Review)

Lisa's Research and Reviews (Excerpt)

June 28

Stitch Says (Review & Author Interview)

Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)

 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: July 5, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, SmoothSailing Press and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
 a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
I received this book from Mother Daughter Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

Book Spotlight and Giveaway - Between the Lines by Claudia Whitsitt

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the middle grade book, "Between the Lines" by Claudia Whitsitt from May 18 to 31, 2015.

 

About the Book

 
Title: Between the Lines | Author: Claudia Whitsitt | Publication Date: March, 2015 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 318 | Recommended Ages: 9+  

Summary: Between the Lines tells the story of three girls who become friends during the racially-charged aftermath of the 1967 Detroit Riots. Hattie Percha is crushed when the riots start on her tenth birthday, and when she must move away from her treasured childhood home and friends, attending public school for the first time, she’s afraid her life is over. Then, she meets Beverly Jo Nichols, her first black friend, and Crackers, a fearless tomboy. Despite opposition from Hattie’s mother and a racist teacher, the unlikely friends join forces. As the self-proclaimed Dream Girls, they challenge bigotry and intolerance, willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto what’s most precious to them all, their friendship.  

Amazon (US) * Amazon (UK) * Amazon (CA)

B&N * iTunes * Kobo * Smashwords * Goodreads

Excerpt From Chapter 20 ~ Between the Lines by Claudia Whitsitt

I’m lying on Grandma’s flowered carpet after breakfast on Saturday morning. She’s gone downstairs to have coffee with her landlady and pay the rent. I didn’t plan to write, but a tale comes fizzing out of me as I stare at the claw foot on her rose-colored sofa. I decide I’ll name my story “Grandmother’s Hope.”

 Hope loved closets, and Grandmother’s closet won the prize for the best hideaway in the entire world. Running the length of an entire wall with two entrances—one from the living room, the other from the bedroom, she deemed the space a secret refuge. When she played in Grandmother’s closet, she pretended to be a grown-up, living on her own, in her own hidden tunnel. Huddled between the heavy coats, blankets, and crisply creased linens, she felt safe. Best of all, the entire wardrobe smelled of cedar. A hideaway, an escape, a haven. 

 Hope felt safest at Grandmother’s house. First of all, Grandmother paid close attention. In the morning after waking from a sleepover where Hope was the only visitor, she would lie in Grandmother’s bed and listen. Bacon crackled on the stove, and the aroma filled the air above the sizzling meat. Grandmother’s feet padded back and forth in the kitchen, clanking pots and pans. The percolator bubbled gently as the coffee brewed inside. Hope anticipated the perfect breakfast: sunny side up eggs, crunchy toast, crisp bacon, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and coffee. She wouldn’t drink the coffee, but the smell was comforting. It meant Grandmother was close by.

The Buzz

"Between the Lines is a powerful piece of historical fiction that must be added to the reading list of every middle grade student."~ 5 Stars, Lori L., Goodreads

"Teachers and parents need to purchase this novel... Parents could use this novel to engage their kids in discussions to help develop a sense of social responsibility, friendship, and morality... Ultimately, this story is inspirational." ~ 5 Stars, Amazon Customer

"This book is a must read for everyone, no matter what age ... I would recommend it highly to be in the curriculum of every 5th and 6th grade classroom. " ~ 5 Stars, Sandra W., Amazon

"My daughter and I read this book together and loved it. It is a story that will stay with both of us for many years to come!" ~ 5 Stars, aleblanc, Amazon

"Between the Lines tells a really heartbreaking but uplifting story, about race and loyalty and friends, in a way that any kid will relate to. A perfect gift book for that hard-to-please youngster!" ~ 5 Stars, Jimmy, Amazon

 

About the Author: Claudia Whitsitt

  Claudia Whitsitt spent a lifetime teaching special education and writing before becoming a full-time author. She believes in the power of friendship, small acts of kindness, and paying it forward. Nothing makes her happier than spending time with her children, which includes not only the five she raised but the countless students who touched her life over the years.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

   

"Between the Lines" Blog Tour Schedule (2015)

May 18

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)

Cherry Mischievous (Author Interview)

May 19

My Love For Reading Keeps Growing (Review)

May 20

Sher A Hart: Written Art (Review)

Coffee Books & Art (Excerpt)

May 21

Books Direct (Author Interview)

My Soul Called Live (Review)

May 22

B's & Prose (Review)

May 23

Icefairy's Treasure Chest (Review)

May 24

LibriAmoriMiei (Guest Post)

May 25

BeachBoundBooks (Review)

May 26

Oh My Bookness (Review)

Bookworm for Kids (Excerpt)

May 27

Doodles, Doodles Everywhere (Author Interview)

Too Clever (Review)

May 28

Kay LaLone ~ I Love Books! (Review)

The BookDragon (Review)

May 29

View From the Birdhouse (Excerpt)

Beauty Brite (Review)

May 30

Rockin' Book Reviews (Review)

May 31

Pragmatic Mom (Guest Post)

Undercover Book Reviews (Review)

 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Contest closes: June 7, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Claudia Whitsitt and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - Rachel's Day in the Garden by Giselle Shardlow

About the Book

Title: Rachel's Day in the Garden (A Kids Yoga Spring Colors Book) | Author: Giselle Shardlow | Illustrator: Hazel Quintanilla | Publication Date: December 23, 2014 | Publisher: Kids Yoga Stories | Number of pages: 34 | Recommended age: 3 to 6 years Summary: Experience the benefits of yoga while learning about the signs of spring! 

Join Rachel as she and her adorable puppy look for signs of spring in the garden. Crawl like a caterpillar, buzz like a bee, and flutter like a butterfly. Disc over spring, explore movement, and learn the colors of the rainbow. The storybook includes a list of kids yoga poses an d a parent-teacher guide. Kids Yoga Stories introduce you to engaging characters who will get your child laughing, moving, and creating. Reading is good for the mind AND body! The story links several yoga poses in a specific sequence to create a coherent and meaningful story. This spring yoga story for ages 3 to 6 is more than a storybook, but it’s also a unique experience for children. 

Rachel's Day in the Garden is the first book in a seasonal yoga book series. The summer yoga book is also now avail able: Ella's Summer Fun. The fall and winter ones are in production, coming soon!

Amazon * Book Website * Goodreads

My Review:

Rachel's Day in the Garden is a charming picture book about yoga for young children.  It begins with suggestions for parents or teachers on how to use the book: learn each yoga pose, act the book out for the child, and see the parent-teacher guide in the back of the book.

The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful.  They are sure to appeal to children, especially with the inclusion of a cute puppy dog named Sammy.  Colors are also incorporated in a very clever way.

Children will find this book a fun read, and they will also learn about colors and yoga poses!  Rachel's Day in the Garden would be a wonderful addition to a home or school library.

Sneak Peek

About the Author: Giselle Shardlow

Giselle Shardlow is the author of Kids Yoga Stories. Her yoga stories for kids get children learning, moving, and having fun. Giselle draws from her experiences as a teacher, traveler, yogi, and mom to write the stories. She c an be found at the Kids Yoga Stories website or on her Amazon author page.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads

I received a copy of this book from Mother Daughter Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Mini Myths - Brush Your Hair, Medusa! and Make a Wish, Midas!

Title: Brush Your Hair, Medusa! (Mini Myths) | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: Leslie Patricelli | Publication Date: March 24, 2015 | Publisher: Abrams Appleseed | Pages: 24 | Recommended Ages: 1 to 3


Summary:  
Medusa refuses to care for her hair, her long locks getting messier with each passing page. Her hair rebellion elicits frozen expressions of shock from her family, but nothing will convince Medusa to brush. Only her hairdresser approaches Medusa with bravery and scissors, successfully solving the problem . . . with a short haircut! All are pleased with this drastic yet adorable solution. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively visual narrative to Joan Holub’s expertly focused text. Includes a summary of the original Medusa’s Wild Hair myth at the end.

My Review:
I love mythology, and think Brush Your Hair, Medusa! is such a clever, inventive way to introduce mythology to very young children.   Medusa in this story does not have hair twined with snakes;  her hair is a tangle of long curls.  Medusa is a cheerful, active child and she doesn't want to sit still to brush her hair.  The best solution that her father and grandmother come up with is to cut her hair short so it will be easier to brush.  Then there is the issue of brushing her teeth . . .   

The storytelling in this book is clever and fun for a young child.  I love the first two pages:  "Medusa.  Hairbrush."  That sets up the storytelling in a way that will engage young readers.

The illustrations are exceptional - bright and colorful, sure to appeal to children.   The construction of this board book is wonderful - very sturdy and exceptionally well-made.

I would recommend this book highly for a home library or for a preschool classroom. 

 Purchase “Brush Your Hair, Medusa!”

Amazon|     Barnes & Noble|     Book Depository|     iTunes

Title: Make a Wish, Midas! (Mini Myths) | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: Leslie Patricelli | Publication Date: March 24, 2015 | Publisher: Abrams Appleseed | Pages: 24 | Recommended Ages: 1 to 3


Summary:  
Midas wants everything to be his favorite color – yellow! He chooses yellow clothes, eats yellow foods, and uses only the yellow paint at his art easel. But when he impulsively paints his beloved green Dinoboo, Midas discovers that too much of a good thing is a big mess! Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text is brought to life by Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Midas’ Golden Touch myth at the end.

Review:
Make a Wish, Midas! is a fun introduction to mythology for very young children.  The story begins simply:  "Midas"  (picture of Midas and his favorite toy).  "Yellow"  (picture of all the yellow things that Midas loves).  When Midas paints his toy Dinaboo (a green dinosaur) yellow, he realizes that not everything needs to be his favorite color . . . and some things are best just the way they are.

The storytelling in this picture book is so lively and clever.  Children will love to look at the pictures, and they will enjoy this as a read aloud.

The illustrations are colorful and fun;  young readers are sure to respond to this book.   This board book is unusually well made, sturdy and beautifully crafted.

This is a fun book with a great message . . . with a short version of the Midas myth on the last page of the book.   I recommend Make a Wish, Midas! highly for young children.

Purchase “Make a Wish, Midas!”

Amazon|Barnes & Noble|Book Depository|iTunes

 About the Author: Joan Holub

Joan Holub’s fascination with mythology inspired Mini Myths, a new board book series that translates famous myths into situations familiar to preschoolers. The first four titles are Be Patient, Pandora!, Play Nice, Hercules!, Brush Your Hair, Medusa! and Make A Wish, Midas! published by Abrams Appleseed. Joan co-authors two other mythology series for Simon and Schuster, Goddess Girls (ages 8-12) and Heroes in Training (ages 7-10). Her picture book, Mighty Dads, was a New York Times bestseller in 2014.

Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads |

Facebook | Facebook (Goddess Girls) | Facebook (Grimmtastic Girls)

About the Illustrator: Leslie Petricelli

Leslie Patricelli is the bestselling author-illustrator of many adorable board books, including Yummy Yucky and Toot!

I received these books from Mother Daughter Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

Cover Reveal Book Blast and Giveaway - Princess Madeline Trilogy

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be hosting a Book Blast showing off the new covers of the "Princess Madeline Trilogy" by Kirstin Pulioff.

 

About the Books

 
Title: The Escape of Princess Madeline (Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #1) * Author: Kirstin Pulioff * Publication Date: November 4, 2012 * Publisher: Caliburn Books * Number of pages: 138 * Recommended age: 10+ Summary: Madeline, princess of Soron, awakens on her sixteenth birthday to find that her father has already made preparations for her betrothal. When she disappears unexpectedly, her suitors and knight champion rush to the rescue. But all is not as it seems, and the errant princess’s flight has put the kingdom at stake… Can Madeline find freedom or does it come with too high a price? Follow Princess Madeline in this adventure full of twists and turns as she tries to find her freedom and answers to her questions about life and love.

Amazon

   
Title: The Battle for Princess Madeline (Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #2) Author: Kirstin Pulioff Publication Date: May 21, 2013 Publisher: Caliburn Books Number of pages: 159 Recommended age: 10+ Summary: Princess Madeline rejected Prince Paulsen’s advances, but he’s not about to take it lying down. In the middle of Soron’s festival preparations, when his obsession jeopardizes the kingdom, mysterious figures from the kingdom’s past arrive. Can Madeline risk accepting their help or will their information about a family secret be too much for her to handle? Can Madeline trust anyone or will saving the kingdom come down to her own bravery?

Amazon

     
Title: The Dragon and Princess Madeline (Princess Madeline Trilogy, Book #3) Author: Kirstin Pulioff Publication Date: November 26, 2013 Publisher: Caliburn Books Number of pages: 135 Recommended age: 10+ Summary: Princess Madeline is ready to celebrate. With the foundation of her future in place, it seems nothing can hurt her. Then the return of a mysterious green dragon threatens her kingdom and king. Will this challenge prove to be too much for Princess Madeline and Prince Braden or will they find the answers they seek hidden in cryptic messages from the past? Can Madeline save her kingdom from the dragon or is the real danger something else?

Amazon

The Buzz

Book 1: "Well-written, fast-paced, and entirely appropriate for its target audience (middle grade fantasy), this short but succinct novel (novella? It was maybe a little between a novella and a novel) tells a delightful tale of a naive princess who learns the real meaning of freedom. Kirsten gives her characters a sufficient amount of depth to make them genuinely likeable, and she leaves room for much, much more to come." ~ 5 Star Review, Ally, Amazon

Book 1: "An inspiring thought provoking, and wonderfully written fairy tale by an author who transports us to a time in our imagination where everything is magical and possibilities are real." ~ 5 Star Review, kathyls, Amazon

Book 2: "Fairy tales are filled with knights and princesses and castles and a special magical feel that takes the reader far, far, away into another world, another place, another time. The Battle for Princess Madeline fits the bill to a tee! Author Kirstin Pulioff has created a special feel to the tale of Princess Madeline with her own special talent for using words to paint pictures in our minds." ~ 5 Star Review, Dii, Amazon

Book 2: "The story is well developed and easy to follow. The vivid scenes will transport young readers into the magical world of fairy tales with thrilling characters that have come to life. Another splendid read for young readers! I can hardly wait for a new book, Princess Madeline and the Dragon. " ~ 5 Star Review, Mrs. D., Amazon

Book 3: "The story is engaging on many levels, as is Pulioff's writing, but on this occasion I was mostly drawn into the action and the mystery as how to prevent the worst from happening. This is great entertainment and should do well across a wider age range." ~ 5 Star Review,ChristophFischerBooks, Amazon

Book 3: "Kirstin Pulioff has saved the best for last. 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' is the final instalment in the 'Princess Madeline Trilogy'. I thought the first two books were finely wrought stories, but this novel surpasses its predecessors. Prophesies, family tragedies, magic and - of course - dragons, combine to produce a tale that is an instant classic. Written with a great deal of charm, 'Princess Madeline and the Dragon' will not disappoint Ms Pulioff's young fans. I look forward to seeing where next her imagination will take this natural storyteller. " ~ 5 Star Review, Diogenes, Amazon

 

About the Author: Kirstin Pulioff

  Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in the foothills of Colorado. When she’s not writing an adventure, she’s busy living one.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

   

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

 
Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: April 4, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Kirstin Pulioff and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway