Little Red Reads

The Kissing Hand 25th Anniversary Edition

By Leave a Comment

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

The Kissing Hand 25th Anniversary EditionThe Kissing Hand 25th Anniversary Edition by Audrey Penn, Nancy M. Leak, Ruth E. Harper
on September 11, 2018
Genres: Children's, Picture book
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Source: Tanglewood Press
Buy the Book •
With over six million copies sold, countless children have been introduced to Chester Raccoon through The Kissing Hand, the first title in the series that firmly shows the importance of characters with whom kids can share their troubles.

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.

Now in its 25th year of printing, The Kissing Hand has found its way into the hearts of teachers, librarians, parents, and children around the world, especially during times of separation like starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. Celebrate the special Kissing Hand anniversary with Chester and his mother in this limited edition family keepsake with a dedication page, Letters to Chester booklet download and, of course, heart stickers.

A well know classic, The Kissing Hand has released their 25th anniversary collector’s edition. With a beautiful hardbound cover, heart shaped stickers and a place to write special memories, it’s a perfect gift. The message is one of comfort after separation and a mother’s love. This has been a family favorite for years!

About the Author

Audrey Penn started her career as a ballerina dancing with the National Ballet, New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, and the Danny Diamond Dance Theatre. In 1980, she became too ill with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) to continue dancing but, because she had participated in children’s theatre, children’s dance, and always enjoyed children’s literature, she turned to writing children’s books for her creative outlet.

Her passion for advocacy for children continually molds her writing style and subject matter. She has created her writing program – The Writing Penn – into schools, libraries, and children’s hospitals, where she shapes and refines her story ideas in partnership with kids.

Today, Audrey has written over 13 books and is a New York Times bestselling author of The Kissing Hand.

The Penderwicks At Last Blog Tour and Giveaway

By Leave a Comment

Genres: Children's

Title: THE PENDERWICKS AT LAST
Author: Jeanne Birdsall
Pub. Date: May 15, 2018
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 256
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD

The finale you’ve all been waiting for: The Penderwicks at Last is the final, flawless installment in the modern classic series from National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author Jeanne Birdsall!

Nine years, five older siblings, a few beloved dogs, and an endless array of adventures–these are the things that have shaped Lydia’s journey since readers first met her in The Penderwicks in Spring.

Now it’s summertime, and eleven-year-old Lydia is dancing at the bus stop, waiting for big sister Batty to get home from college.

This is a very important dance and a very important wait because the two youngest sisters are about to arrive home to find out that the Penderwicks will all be returning to Arundel this summer, the place where it all began. And better still is the occasion: a good old-fashioned, homemade-by-Penderwicks wedding.

Bursting with heart and brimming with charm, this is a joyful, hilarious ode to the family we love best. And oh my MOPS–Meeting of Penderwick Siblings–does Jeanne Birdsall’s The Penderwicks at Last crescendo to one perfect Penderwick finale.

About the Author

Jeanne Birdsall grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she attended wonderful public schools. Jeanne had lots of great teachers, but her favorites were: Mrs. Corkhill, sixth grade, who encouraged her intellectual curiosity; Mr. Tremonte, eighth grade algebra, who taught Jeanne to love and respect math; and Miss Basehore, second and fourth year Latin, to whom Jeanne (and Mr. Penderwick) will be forever grateful.
Although she first decided to become a writer when she was ten years old, it took Jeanne until she was forty-one to get started. In the years in between, Jeanne had many strange jobs to support herself, and also worked hard as a photographer, the kind that makes art. Some of Jeanne’s photographs are included in the permanent collections of museums, including the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Art Museum. Her work can be seen in several galleries, including the R. Michelson Galleries in western Massachusetts.
Jeanne’s home now is with her husband in Northampton, Massachusetts. Their house is old and comfortable, full of unruly animals, and surrounded by gardens.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Our family has long been fans of the Penderwick series. We immerse ourselves in their adventures via audio book and have followed the family as they grow up together. The last installment was magical as usual. So many sisters, parents who speak latin, and a beautiful setting from their childhood. Arundel is the place dreams are made of and is the perfect setting for a wedding! Lydia and Batty have much mischief to make.

What we enjoy so much about these books is the atmosphere and the closeness of the family you can feel with each interaction. It ins’t often you find a bunch of sisters who are each unique yet have a sense of unity and loyalty to each pother and their legacy. Each in a different stage of life, yet touching back to get together and to counsel with their parents and siblings. There is a comfort in the dynamic of tradition.

Plenty of animal friends and dogs as well. What would the stories be without the puppies who help Lydia merge with any new place and time. This is a series not to miss and perfect to read all together. Hoping we see a spin off series which continues to track the Penderwicks as they empty the nest and have families of their own. But in the meantime, be sure to pick this up as a Summer read. Thanks so much to Rockstar Book Tours and Knopf Books for Young Readers for allowing us a chance to enjoy the last installment.

Giveaway

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE PENDERWICKS AT LAST, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

Week One:
5/7/2018- Bri’s Book Nook- Review
5/8/2018- Christen Krumm- Review
5/9/2018- RhythmicBooktrovert- Review
5/10/2018- Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers- Review
5/11/2018- Reading with Rendz- Review

Week Two:
5/14/2018- Little Red Reads- Review
5/15/2018- Buttons Book Reviews- Review
5/16/2018- Will Read Anything- Review
5/17/2018- Two Points of Interest- Review
5/18/2018- The Desert Bibliophile- Review

The Adventures of Jimmy Skunk

By Leave a Comment

The Adventures of Jimmy SkunkThe Adventures of Jimmy Skunk by Thornton W. Burgess
Published by Seagrass Press on March 1, 2017
Genres: Children's, Classics
Pages: 128
Format: Paperback
Source: Seagrass Press
Buy the Book • Goodreads

Introduce a new generation to Thornton Burgess’ Jimmy Skunk, the good-natured character who is usually left alone because of his potent “perfume.”

Like all of Thornton Burgess’ characters, Jimmy Skunk’s natural instincts are completely accurate, but his personality is easily relatable!

Jimmy Skunk thinks that the old barrel at the top of the hill will be a perfect place for a restful nap. But mischievous Peter Rabbit thinks up a way to upend this plan, very literally, and even arranges that Reddy Fox will get the blame – and a dose of Jimmy’s “perfume.” But Jimmy figures out the truth and makes sure that Peter gets his comeuppance with the help of a nest of yellow-jackets. Later, when Jimmy gets a hankering for some fresh eggs, he and Unc’ Billy Possum wind up in a pretty pickle in Farmer Brown’s henhouse.

Originally published in 1918, this book will inspire giggles and gasps from another generation as readers and listeners will learn about skunks, opossums, and life in the meadow through the eyes of Jimmy Skunk.