Single Parents Rock! by Jaret Martino (VNBtM, Excerpt, Review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Single Parents Rock!

by 

Jaret Martino

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GENRE: Children's Book

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BLURB:

From Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and founder, Jaret Martino, comes Single Parents Rock!

(Based On a True Story and Feature Film, DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty). Streaming

everywhere you buy and rent movies. A story about a creative, caring, and strong young girl

who has the most caring heart and see's the world in ways we can all learn from! Shay knows

just how special single parents are, and is excited to introduce you to the strong females in her

family! When Shay turned 5, her Mom and Grandma got to work on making her party extra

special! Shay is exuberant to invite her friends from school and just met a new friend Nala.

Through Shay's heart we see her embrace the world's differences with love. When her

Grandma makes her a cape and a crown, she feels the magic and power of the long line of

strong women that surround her.

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EXCERPT:

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

From Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and founder, Jaret Martino, comes Single Parents Rock!

(Based On a True Story and Feature Film, DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty). Streaming everywhere you buy and rent movies. A story about a creative, caring, and strong young girl who has the most caring heart and sees the world in ways we can all learn from! Shay knows just how special single parents are, and is excited to introduce you to the strong females in her family! When Shay turned 5, her Mom and Grandma got to work on making her party extra special! Shay is exuberant to invite her friends from school and just met a new friend Nala.

Through Shay's heart we see her embrace the world's differences with love. When her Grandma makes her a cape and a crown, she feels the magic and power of the long line of strong women that surround her.

To our Shay-Shine, as Grandma loved to call you. Continue to light up the world with your heart

and smile. Love, Uncle Jaret.

To my loving Mother, Donna, who handled the role of Mom and Dad with such grace. Your

untimely passing only amplified your accomplishments as a teacher and parent and I will

continue to spread, unwaveringly, all your lessons and your every expression of love. Shay

Marie, your beautiful granddaughter, will always be reminded of the long line of strong Women

in her family, and of the bravery it takes every woman to make a life for herself and her children.

"Women have to be Stronger Than Pretty. We have to be warriors...you look like a warrior to

me." -from feature film DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty

Stronger Than Pretty LLC. Love Wins Productions, Distribution and Film Festival. Creating

awareness for subjects deserving attention.

For information about special discounts or bulk purchases, please contact:

info@LoveWinsProductions.net or (424) 279-4802

The Love Productions Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more

information or to book an event, please contact Jaret@StrongerThanPretty.com,

Maggie@MKMTalent.com or visit our website at www.LoveWinsProductions.net

www.DonnaTheMovie.com or www.JaretMartino.com

Facebook

Twitter

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The tour dates can be found here

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My review:

3.75 stars

 

“Single Mothers Rock” written by Jaret Marino and illustrated by Mery Pelacine is a children’s book that celebrates women and their capabilities. Accomplishments of two different generations of single mothers are highlighted.

 

The vibrant illustrations and positive messages are great to use to inspire young children to value their moms and themselves, and reminds the reader that women are able to do a gamut of things, from repairing cars to planning fantastic birthday parties for enthusiastic five-year-olds who are convinced they can do anything they put their mind to. 

I’m unsure why the title uses “parents”, yet the text does not include single fathers, but perhaps there will be an additional book that includes the other gender.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

What It Means to Be Me by Danielle Dawn Falk (Spotlight, excerpt, and review) GFP

What It Means to Be Me

by 

Danielle Dawn Falk

 

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GENRE:   Children's

 

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BLURB:

 

"I am me as can be . . ."

Encouraging and heartfelt, "What It Means to Be Me" takes readers on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and self-worth. Written in rhyme, this engaging read about learning, dreaming and growing is meant for absolutely anyone to connect with the message of this sweet story.

Read along and celebrate everything it means to be your own true self.

 

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EXCERPT

  

The world is a great, big place, with billions of people here on Earth,

And trillions of stars up in space.

It may not be easy to know right from wrong,

To feel that you fit in, or to know where you belong.

It is OK to feel confused and to be unsure of where you are going,

But here is something that is worthy of knowing:

In our world, it is important to be accepting and inclusive of each other,

While also celebrating and encouraging what makes us unique from one another.

You will learn so much along the way;

Growing up does not happen in just one day.

Remember that getting to know yourself is a very good start.

Your life is full of meaning; find the wonder that sets you apart.

 

PURCHASE LINKS  

Amazon (Print) 

Amazon (Kindle)

Amazon.CA

 

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Danielle Dawn Falk has a lifelong passion for writing. Growing up, she often struggled with feelings of being unaccepted, as well as not fitting in with her peers. When she became a mother, some of her goals were to help her son and daughter realize how unique and special they are, while at the same time, teaching them to show acceptance and compassion toward everyone else. She hopes that through her writing, she will inspire her children, as well as many others, to do just that.

 

Danielle lives with her family on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.

 

 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE DAWN FALK

 

Website

Facebook

Instagram

 

 

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 GIVEAWAY

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The tour dates can be found here

 

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My review:

 

4.25 stars

 

 

What it Means to be Me by Danielle Dawn Falk is a children’s book that celebrates life and individuality. It has colorful pictures that accompany poetry with an encouraging message of inclusivity and willingness to learn.

 

I think this is a beautiful little book that is a great way to stimulate conversation about acceptance both of oneself and others. It reminds us that it’s okay to question but not okay to exclude others because they aren’t exactly like us. I was a little disappointed that the little girl on the front wasn’t spotlighted more throughout the book and that the diversity wasn’t more prominent in the beginning, but I wholeheartedly support the written message.

 

 

A copy was provided for review

 

 

Luna's Adventures Series by Stephanie Hewitt (Spotlight, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

 

 

Luna's Adventures Series

by Stephanie Hewitt

 

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GENRE: Children's

 

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BLURB:

 

Book 1: Where did Luna go?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luna is a cheeky and playful big black dog with lots of curly-wurly hair who likes to explore and play. One day, Luna gets a little bit stuck somewhere . . .

 

Where did Luna go?

 

Come and explore with Luke to help find Luna.

 

 

 

Book 2: Luna Loves Biscuits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luna is a cheeky and playful big black dog with lots of curly-wurly hair who likes to explore and play.

 

Luna really loves her special dog biscuits. One day Lilly leaves Luna's special dog biscuit jar open.

 

Will Luna be a naughty dog or a good dog?

 

Let's find out.

 

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EXCERPT

 

In the creaky, leaky old kitchen, the sneaky plan to get Luna’s special dog biscuit jar was coming together.

 

Luna and Ollie made a treasure map of ideas to get the dog biscuit jar down from the kitchen bench.

 

The sneaky plan was ready.

 

In the creaky, leaky old kitchen Luna was beginning to feel a bit bad. If she took all the dog biscuits from her special jar, would her best friend Lilly get mad?

 

If Lilly got mad, then Luna would be sad, especially if Lilly never gave her any more beautiful dog biscuits ever again. Luna did not want to make Lilly mad.

 

Luna really loves her dog biscuits, but Luna loves Lilly more.

 

PURCHASE LINKS   

 

BOOK 1: Where did Luna go?

 

Amazon print

Amazon Kindle

Bookshop

Barnes & Noble

Book Depository

 

BOOK 2: Luna Loves Biscuits

 

Amazon print

Amazon Kindle

Bookshop

Barnes & Noble     

Book Depository

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

 

Hi, I’m Stephanie Hewitt! I am a new Australian children’s author.

I am the mother of two toddlers. I love writing stories for my children and others that they will enjoy.

 

 

 

 

CONNECT:

 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

Goodreads 

Twitter

  

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GIVEAWAY

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The tour dates can be found here
  

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4 stars

 

Where did Luna go? by Stephanie Hewitt follows the search for a “big black dog with curly wurly hair” who isn’t in any of her typical locations.

 

This fun children’s story celebrates the bond between a kid and a pet, and does a great job of showing the hide-and-seek interaction throughout the house. I think this cute book will stimulate a child to ask questions and may even make them want a Luna of their own.

 

 

A copy of this story was provided for review

 

 

4.25 stars

 

Luna Loves Biscuits by Stephanie Hewitt explores the challenge of being faced with an ethical decision as demonstrated by a “big black dog with curly wurly hair” who really wants some of her favorite biscuits, even when her human isn’t there to give them to her.

 

This delightful children’s book does a great job of teaching a lesson while providing a fun and stimulating story. I like that Luna thinks about her actions even though her doggie friend tempts her to do something she shouldn’t, and the conflict between getting something she really wants and not being naughty is nicely demonstrated.

 

A copy of this story was provided for review

I Am Awesome by Patricia Brioux (Spotlight, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFP

 

 

 

 

I Am Awesome

by Patricia Brioux

 

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GENRE:   Children's

 

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BLURB:

 

I Am Awesome is a story that invites ALL children from ALL backgrounds to practice daily affirmations to promote positive thinking and recognize self-worth.

I am KIND, I am BRAVE, I am ME, and I am AWESOME!

ALL HEARTS are BEAUTIFUL!

 

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EXCERPT

 

PURCHASE LINKS    

 

Amazon.CA  

Amazon.com (print) 

Amazon.com (e-book) 

Barnes & Noble 

Book Depository

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Patricia Brioux is not a New York Times, Amazon Top 100, or a USA Today bestselling author, but she is the daughter of two rock-star parents, the youngest of six kids, and the FUN aunt to eight crazy little kiddos who just love to keep her on her toes. This is her first published literary work, and to be honest that both excites and terrifies the heck out of her. Through this process she hopes to learn, become more confident, and, who knows, maybe one day work alongside some of the greats like Nora Roberts, Kennedy Ryan, and Kelly Elliott.

 

CONNECT WITH PATRICIA BRIOUX

 

Website

 

Goodreads

 

Instagram

 

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 GIVEAWAYS

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Goodreads Book Giveaway

I Am Awesome

by Patricia Brioux

Giveaway ends September 19, 2021.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

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My review:

 

3.75 of 5 stars

 

 

I Am Awesome, written by Patricia Brioux and illustrated by Floyd Yamyamin, is an inspirational children’s book that is filled with vivid drawings that demonstrate positive affirmations using a variety of young cultural representatives.

 

I love the encouraging images that are colorful and intricate and will be excellent conversational gambits, and it’s fantastic that the characters are so inclusive . I think a short introductory paragraph aimed at older readers might be helpful because I was confused when I first started the book, thinking I had missed a page to explain what was going on. For me, some of the scenarios aren’t quite self-explanatory without the words, so that seems a bit contradictory to the book starting without an introduction, but perhaps the book is designed to evoke questions. This is a lovely and thoughtful book that is short enough to keep the attention of young children, and a great tool to promote positive self-images and inclusivity.

 

 

 

A copy was provided for review

Sophie Washington: Mismatch by Tonya Duncan Ellis (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Sophie Washington: Mismatch

by 
Tonya Duncan Ellis

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GENRE: Children's Middle Grade

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BLURB:

Game. Set. Match.

Sophie Washington is trying out for the tennis team, and she’s excited to get a chance to play with her good friends Chloe and Mariama. That is until wacky Coach Quackenbush matches her with school misfit, Mackenzie “Big Mac” Clark, and things quickly go downhill. Sophie has nothing in common with her partner, who does odd things like run off the court in the middle of practice, and she’s disappointed when Mackenzie shows no interest in the secret handshake she made up. After getting called out by the coach, being hit on the head with a tennis ball, and jokingly called the “most valuable player,” by mean older girls on the team, when she’s clearly not, Sophie’s ready to throw in the towel. Trying to fit in with the mean girls by making fun of Mackenzie behind her back makes things worse. Mackenzie starts skipping practice, and then gets sick at school, and Sophie realizes that there’s more to her doubles partner than meets the eye. What started out as a total mismatch could be the best partnership of all.

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EXCERPT

To get us ready for our upcoming match against our rival school, St. Regis, Coach Quackenbush has us play practice matches. Valentina’s grandma has to work late and is picking her up at four-thirty this afternoon, and Toby and Nathan’s track practice was cancelled because their coach is out of town, so they come to watch us.

“Do good for me guys!” says Valentina from the nearby mini bleachers. “Let’s go! Vamanos!”

 “All right, we’ve gone over the rules of tennis earlier today, so you know how to keep score,” says Coach Quackenbush. He’s wearing a whistle around his neck and carries his usual clipboard. “I want you to play each other, and the team that wins two out of three games will be declared the winner. Since we only have three singles players, I’ll work with Kennedy while Lindsey and Jackie go against each other. All right. Let’s see how we do, team!”

“All right!” we all parrot.

“Good luck in your matches, guys,” Chloe says to the eighth-grade girls.

“We don’t need luck unlike you little sixth graders,” says Kennedy. “We have talent.”

She and the older girls flounce off to their courts.

“Whatever,” says Chloe with a roll of her eyes.

“They think they are ‘all that’ just because they were on the team last year,” says Mariama. “I’d love to beat them in a game.”

“Forget them,” I say and pick up a can of new tennis balls Coach Quackenbush left on the court for us. “Come on, let’s get going.”

 “Okay, let’s get started,” says Chloe. Her frilly red tennis skirt swings around her hips as she smacks the ball to us for the first serve. It bounces high in the air toward me.

“I got it!” I race forward.

“Mine!” Mackenzie comes over to my side of the court from the other direction. Surprised at her quick movement, I stumble.

Wham!

We run into each other. The ball bounces off my head, and I stagger to keep from falling.

Amazon

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Tonya Duncan Ellis is the author of the Amazon bestselling, Readers' Favorite "Five Star" rated, Sophie Washington children's books series, geared toward readers ages 8 to 12, and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She has received awards for literary excellence, worked as a journalist and freelance magazine writer, and is a graduate of Centre College of Kentucky and Washington University in St. Louis.

The Sophie Washington book series recounts the adventures of a precocious African American preteen from Houston, TX and her diverse group of friends. Each funny and heartwarming story teaches lessons about friendship, responsibility, truthfulness and perseverance. Books in the series include Queen of the Bee, The Snitch, Things You Didn't Know About Sophie, The Gamer, Hurricane, Mission: Costa Rica,

Secret Santa, Code One and Mismatch.

Tonya loves to travel and has visited 49 American states and three continents, but some of her best journeys have been between the pages of a novel. As a girl she could always be found with a book in her hand, and reading is still one of her favorite hobbies. When she's not reading or writing, the author likes to ride her bike, swim, and spend time with her husband and three children. She lives in Missouri City, TX.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Website

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GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway


The tour dates can be found here




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My review:





4 out of 5 stars



Sophie Washington: Mismatch by Tonya Duncan Ellis follows the young heroine as she joins the tennis team and learns how to partner with a girl who is not part of her immediate circle. Not only does Sophie have to learn the rules of a new-to-her sport, but she also has to learn to be a good team player.


This story is another fun addition to the collection of tales in the ‘Sophie Washington’ series. I love the way the stories are entertaining and keep the reader’s attention but also teach multiple lessons. This particular tale showcases ways that bullying can take place, touches on the challenges of having two working parents in the household, and explores team sports and some of the elements of good sportsmanship that need to be learned while also learning the rules of the game itself.

One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is that there are many teachable moments in each book, and the overall theme of “be kind to each other” is deftly portrayed in an engaging manner. The diversity of Sophie and her group of friends provide additional depth as other cultures are briefly touched upon and it is also terrific to see the way Sophie’s parents are involved with and invested in their children’s lives. I look forward to reading about more of Sophie’s adventures.





A copy of this title was provided for review