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Sam’s Christmas Wish Blog Tour

November 21, 2014 By Heather Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Sam’s Christmas Wish Blog TourSam's Christmas Wish by Dan Burr, George Durrant
Published by Shadow Mountain on September 30, 2014
Genres: Children's, Picture book
Pages: 36
Format: Hardcover
Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the Book • Goodreads
five-stars
Sam Edwards isn't looking forward to Christmas, at least not this year. Since losing his job six months before, he hasn't had any luck in finding a new one. He isn't sure how he can give his family a merry Christmas, and the last thing he wants is charity from his neighbors. But when he falls asleep in his living room with his shotgun across his lap just to make sure no one attempts to visit him he wakes up to find out who left the presents, the freshly fallen snow reveals no footprints.
Years later, Sam's wife has passed away and his children are grown. Old and sick, Sam remembers the kindness of the anonymous stranger from long ago and wishes for an opportunity to bless another's life. So on Christmas Eve, when he sees his neighbor's house on fire, he hopes that he can be the means for another anonymous miracle.

Sam's Christmas Wish is a story of love, service, and sacrifice. It is one man's realization that Christmas is not just an event, but a spirit that can transform the lives of many.

little red reads reviewWe’ve received a lot of Christmas books over the past few weeks and this was the one my nine year old picked up first. She read all the way though and loved the story. “Sam got his Christmas wish!” With beautiful life like illustrations and a tender story of selfless service, Sam’s Christmas Wish is also a tear jerker.  Sam is a grumpy dad and gruff neighbor who will call the Sheriff if you try to serve him with “charity.” But his heart softens over the years and he is given an opportunity to extend a hand of love. We loved Sam’s Christmas Wish and will read it year after year!

little red reads rating

 

About the Authors

GEORGE D. DURRANT was born and raised in American Fork, Utah. He graduated from Brigham Young University and became a full-time educator. He is a master storyteller and loves telling stories to his eight children, thirty-four grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. He and his wife, Susan Easton Black Durrant, live in the Rocky Mountains.

DAN BURR, an award-winning illustrator, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Utah State University and a master’s degree in illustration from Syracuse University. He and his wife, Patti, are the parents of two children and live in Tetonia, Idaho. Dan has illustrated many children’s books, including The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, The Mansion, and The Christmas Train.

God Bless Us, Every One: The Story Behind a Christmas Carol~ Blog Tour

November 7, 2014 By Heather Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

God Bless Us, Every One: The Story Behind a Christmas Carol~ Blog TourGod Bless Us, Every One by John Rhys-Davies
Published by Shadow Mountain on October 14, 2014
Genres: Children's, Picture book
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the Book • Goodreads
five-stars
In creating stories for others, we sometimes end up revealing truths to ourselves. Such was the experience of the beloved Charles Dickens, master storyteller and honorary champion of Christmas. But Dickens was not always the purveyor of yuletide wisdom we know today—he too had to discover for himself the true spirit of Christmas and how best to keep it all the year through.

It was 1843, and winter was fast approaching. Times were tough for Charles Dickens and his family. He needed to publish something that would earn enough money to meet his many obligations. Pondering his predicament, Dickens set out to write a quick Christmas story that would be sure to sell. Little did he know that his writing—and the genial ghost he would bring to life—would take him on an incredible journey of the heart.

This beautifully illustrated volume tells the story behind the writing of Dickens's most famous work and reveals how he discovered the spirit of Christmas for himself—with a little help from his own literary characters. Originally presented by acclaimed British actor Joh Rhys-Davies at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 2013 Christmas concert, the book also includes a DVD with footage from the event.

All of us have heard of The Christmas Carol, but very few of us may have heard the true story behind the author. What motivated Charles Dickens to write about Scrooge and Tiny Tim, how did his story impact his own life?

With beautiful illustrations, God Bless Us, Every One is the picture book script of the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas program brought to life, read and written by John Rhys- Davies. It is the tale of a well-known writer who found himself in dire straits financially one year and wandered the streets of London depressed of spirit. He saw the penniless, the orphans, who became his characters. And, assisted by a ghost, he sees things from a whole new perspective.

We watched the enclosed DVD as a companion to the book and my children loved the flying! This is one way to get your family ready for the season of giving in a multi- media way. Reading, seeing, experiencing Brandon Dorman’s wonderful pictures. We truly enjoyed having the choir and book come to life.

About the Author and Illustrator

John Rhys-Davies is one of modern cinema’s most recognizable character actors, best known for his role as the ax-wielding dwarf Gimli in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He has gained widespread fame on British television and received an Emmy Award nomination for his work in the television miniseries Shogun.

Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The Wizard. His work has appeared in children’s books and on numerous covers, including the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War.

 

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Follow the Tour

Janitors: Strike of the Sweepers Blog Tour

September 11, 2014 By Heather Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Janitors: Strike of the Sweepers Blog TourStrike of the Sweepers by Tyler Whitesides
Published by Shadow Mountain on September 9, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Pages: 388
Format: Audiobook
Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the Book • Goodreads
four-stars
"In five minutes," Walter said, "I'm going to use this squeegee to open a portal to New Forest Academy. We're going to move in and apprehend Director Carlos Garcia."

Spencer's surprised look mirrored Daisy's. Penny looked excited and Alan simply nodded.

"Tonight we finish what we almost did last November," Alan said. "We're taking the warlock's hammer and nail."

The stakes have never been higher, and you've never seen squeegees do this before! It is a wild and slightly unsanitary ride as Spencer, Daisy, and the Rebel Janitors find themselves chased by Mr. Clean's new and terrifying half-breed Toxites—the Sweepers. Time is short. With the fabled Manualis Custodem in hand, Spencer must figure out how to summon the Founding Witches if they ever hope to mop up and save education.

An audiobook narrated by the author? Tyler Whitesides can not only write, but he has more than one voice!  Mr. Garcia with rolling “r’s” and the middle school bully Dez are just two of the characters portrayed in Janitors #4. My children adore this series. We listened to it to and from school and once again were not disappointed in the action packed, middle grade magic. In installment #4 Spencer and his crew and fighting a hybrid race of “toxites” and the evil Mr. Clean. Armed with glop, brooms and squeegees the war is on!

If you haven’t read the rest of the Janitors series, start with book one and then get to book four around Halloween time. The tone and music is perfect for a suspenseful read with witches and warlocks. Tyler Whitesides know how to reel in this family and I’m sure he will yours!

 

Excerpt

Chapter 1
“Pink is not stealthy.”

It was raining. And cold. The parking lot of Welcher Elementary School was a giant puddle, with light from the nearby streetlamps glinting white against the slick blacktop.

“April showers bring May flowers,” Alan Zumbro whispered, a poor attempt to lighten the mood.

Spencer scanned the empty parking lot, but there was still no sign of Walter’s janitorial van. He turned to Daisy, whose teeth were chattering so loudly it sounded like a machine gun.

“We should get somewhere out of the rain,” Spencer said. “We’ll be soaked and frozen by the time we get inside.”

Daisy’s shaking hand reached into a pouch on her janitorial belt. “I have this,” she said, withdrawing something and handing it to Spencer.

“You had an umbrella?” Spencer said. “Why didn’t you use it?”

“It’s pink,” answered Daisy, tugging at her sopping black beanie. “Walter said we should wear dark clothes so we could be stealthy.”

“Good point,” Spencer said. A hot pink umbrella against the dark wall of the school would be like a lighthouse to anyone watching. He handed the umbrella back. “Pink is not stealthy.

About the Authortyler_whitesides

TYLER WHITESIDES worked as a janitor at a middle school while attending college. It was there he discovered the many secrets and mysteries that can be hidden in a dusty school. Tyler graduated from Utah State University with a degree in music. He enjoys fly fishing in the mountains, cooking, and vacuuming. Tyler and his wife, Connie, live in beautiful northern Utah.

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We are the children's division of Fire and Ice. We review baby board books to middle-grade titles. We also review products and toys for the family. For inquiries on reviews, blog tours, and author interviews contact FireandIce.Heather@gmail.com
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