Shoes by Yvette Cragun, Illustrated by Myra Romano {Blog Tour Review}

 
Follow the tour HERE.

  

Shoes by Yvette Cragun, Illustrated by Myra Romano

Paperback, 32 pages

Published January 20th 2020 by Pink Umbrella Books LLC

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

  

 

Flip-flops for the beach, sassy flats for shopping or black heels for a night out on the town--Mom's closet has the perfect pair of shoes for any occasion. Playing dress-up for a while can be fun, but at the end of the day, one little girl learns that she doesn't need to be in a hurry to fill her mom's shoes.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Shoes. I think it's safe to say that most little girls love shoes and each pair can drum up a vivid playtime, full of creativity and fun. These shoes can transport a girl to a myriad of settings and events, allowing for a fun-filled romp through the imagination. 

 

From the very first page, I was carried back in time to when I was a child and the worlds I created through shoes. I loved how each page introduced a new type of shoe with a rhyme that relates to the way this young girl feels when she wears each pair. Of course, they're her mother's shoes, and while each has a purpose, she realizes when she wants to be herself and to be carefree and young, she doesn't need them--at least, not quite yet.

 

This is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves shoes.

Duck, Duck, Moose by Joy Heyer {Review}

Duck, Duck, Moose by Joy Heyer
Publication: March 20th 2018 by Pink Umbrella Books LLC
Source: I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions


 

Duck's best friend Goose is gone for winter and Duck is lonely. The animals try to cheer Duck, but Duck, Duck, Pig is too messy, and Duck, Duck, Moose is too scary. Will Duck be alone until Goose gets back? Or can Duck come up with a game they all can play?

My Review: 5 Stars

I loved playing this childhood game when I was growing up and this is a fun twist with animals. The illustrations are engaging and really bring the game and story to life. This would have been a favorite re-read of mine when I was a child and even now, it's one to keep on the list when I have kids come to visit. Duck, Duck, Moose is sure to be a hit!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo {Review}

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Hardcover, 200 pages

Published February 14th 2006 by Candlewick Press (first published 2000)  

 

 

A timeless tale by the incomparable Kate DiCamillo, complete with stunning full-color plates by Bagram Ibatoulline, honors the enduring power of love.

"Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart. . . ."

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely.

And then, one day, he was lost.

Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes' camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle — that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

What a sweet and tender journey! Edward is a china rabbit, and is quite stuck-up at that. Isn't it interesting how we often take things for granted until they're gone? Edward doesn't realize how good his life is until he isn't living it anymore. In an adventure through all walks of life, Edward learns some very important lessons and values that just might help him to grow a true heart.   

I adore the illustrations and the words captivated me. Although this is a children's book, my emotions were tapped into. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows are experienced and this is definitely one book that everyone should read, as it hits that sweet spot of the heart.

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Buy Links:

 

The Little Match Girl retold by David Warner, Paintings by Greg Newbold

The Little Match Girl
retold by David Warner
Paintings by Greg Newbold

Hardcover, 32 pages

Published October 17th 2017 by Shadow Mountain



The classic children's story The Little Match Girl, by Hans Christian Andersen, is retold for a Christmas audience as part of the annual Christmas concert series hosted by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

This beautifully illustrated edition shares the story of a young girl who attempts to sell her last bundle of matches on Christmas Eve. As the snow falls and the crowds pass her by, she strikes one of her matches, hoping for a little warmth. In its flame, she sees a vision of a roaring fire in a hot stove. The match goes out, taking the vision with it. A second match conjures a vision of a vast dining room complete with a feast fit for a king. The third match reveals a towering Christmas tree. With only a few matches left, she strikes them all and sees a vision of her beloved grandmother. Only this time, it is more than a vision as the spirit of grandmother takes the little match girl with her into heaven.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I have no idea why I love this story so much, as it really is a tragic tale. The images that come to my mind through this story are vivid and the paintings in this edition really solidify the pictures in my imagination. The words are touching and this is definitely a holiday staple in my home and a great addition to our family's collection.

*I received a copy and voluntarily reviewed it. My opinions are my own.*

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Buy Link:

From Light to Darkness by Isabella Murphy {Review}

From Dark to Light

ISBN: 978-0998516226

Author Website: isabellamurphyauthor.com

Social Media:

Facebook : From Dark to Light

Twitter : @darktolightbook

Instagram: @darktolightbook

Pintrest:  fromdarktolight

Publisher Website: pinkumbrellabooks.com

About the book:

Pumpker, a little boy pumpkin, desires nothing more than to be adopted by a family to make them happy. Planted as a slim white seed along with his sisters, Plumpalicious and Plumpilina, he finds his wish come true as he grows into a pumpkin.

My Review: 4 Stars

This is such a fun story about the adventures of a pumpkin seed and his sisters. I enjoyed the human feelings and qualities that were given to these seed siblings, as it makes it easier for kids to relate to. I love the excitement that is felt through the pages, as Pumpker longs to belong to a family. Told in first person, the story comes to life as this little seed grows.

I adored the vivid and engaging illustrations and thought they really captured the message of the words. However, there are a lot of words and I wouldn't recommend it for really young readers because their attention spans aren't long enough. 

*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion in any way*

About the Author:

Isabella Murphy lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and two dogs. In addition to writing, Isabella loves sports, music, singing and dancing. She looks forward to writing more books that bring joy to her readers.

About the Illustrator:

Natalia Pérez lives in Caracas, Venezuela. She graduated in Arts at Universidad Central of Venezuela, and today she teaches art at a French high school. She enjoys illustrating children’s books.

From Dark to Light Blog Tour Schedule:
October 10: Katie’s Clean Book Collection
October 11: Alohamora Open a Book
October 12:  Beach Bound Books
October 13 The Readers Salon
October 14: The Book Corner
October 15: The Little Reading Corner
October 16: The Stories We Read
October 17: Over 40 and a Mum to One
October 18: San Francisco Moms
October 19: Texas Girl Reads
October 20: Book Room Reviews

Rat Tuesday by Adrienne Quintana {Review}

Rat Tuesday by Adrienne Quintana

illustrated by Shalece Fiack

Paperback, 2, 32 pages

Published March 2017 by Pink Umbrella Books LLC (first published 2009) 

When the neighborhood rat children meet at the park to play, they attempt a

science experiment and disaster ensues.         

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My Review: 5 Stars

It seems that imagination is going extinct and I love how this book seems to evoke some of those

good memories from my childhood. A group of kids, otherwise known as rats, have a fun adventure

at the park one afternoon. I remember pretending to be animals with my friends and the fun we'd have.

One boy, a ring leader, has a great idea for the day's agenda--a science experiment! With each rat

given an assignment, this experiment both entertains them and educates them...in a disastrous way.

I love the colorful and joyful illustrations, as they really add to the story and to capturing the minds

and attention of children. This is a great way to spur some experiments of each little readers' own

design. The process and humor is exactly right for youngster and it's a delightful story.

*I received a complimentary copy, which did not affect my opinion in any way.*

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Buy Link:

About the Author:

Adrienne Quintana is the author of Eruption as well as several children’s books. When she isn't writing,

Adrienne enjoys running, hiking, and matchmaking (Are you single? She probably knows someone

perfect for you.) She lives in Arizona with her husband and four children, who give her love,

support, and plenty of good material for Instagram.

The Tree Watcher by Christopher P. Stanley {Review}

The Tree Watcher by Christopher P. Stanley

Paperback, 32 pages

Published November 14th 2015 by Jump Splash

This story draws inspiration from the author taking his son, Samuel, on a walk to the park. He noticed how amazed Samuel was at everything there was to see - especially the trees that towered above him. With artwork depicting these trees that forged such awe in young Samuel's eyes, "The Tree Watcher" takes the reader along on this wonder-inducing walk.

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My Review: 5 Stars

This story captured my attention from the very start because the pictures are amazing. They are done in an almost dream-like quality that really make me feel like I was lying on the ground, staring up at a tree on a lazy day.

The book is shown through the viewpoint of a child and how he must see the world around him, especially this big tree. It took me back to a time when I was small and the world was so big--I wondered about so many things.

I love the nostalgia that is incorporated in these pages, as well as the concept of time and seasons. This is a great book to enjoy with a child, or just by yourself.

*I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Buy Link:

About the Author:

Christopher P. Stanley grew up in Grove City, OH and had a childhood that centered around imagination, play, and exploring the outdoors (mixed in with a healthy amount of Nintendo). A large part of his, perhaps over-active, imagination is owed to books – “Where the Wild Things Are”, “Vinegar Pancakes and Vanishing Cream”, and "every single Dr. Seuss book" made up just a small sampling of the children's books that filled him with wonder - and continue to do so to this very day!

Christopher graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a degree in Education, and has been an educator for the past 10 years in both the K-12 and Higher Education settings. He currently lives in Upper Arlington, OH with his wife, Morgan, and their four children - Rylee, Olivia, Lylah, and Samuel - who remind him every day of the magic that is childhood.

Christopher is an author and co-founder of Jump Splash Books, and he aims to highlight imagination and celebrate the joy of childhood through his stories. He co-founded Jump Splash with his childhood friend and artist Alex LeVasseur, and the name of the company encapsulates their vision - through imagination and wonder, we can find joy; even in something as simple as jumping in a puddle.

Learn more here:  http://www.jumpsplashbooks.com/

Ladybug's Garden by Anabella Schofield and Sofia Schofield {Blog Tour Review}

Book Description: When Ladybug receives an invitation to a picnic, she prepares a basket of treats to share and sets off into the garden. On her way, Ladybug notices several bugs in need. She happily stops to help them, but worries she won’t make it in time. When Ladybug finally reaches the picnic, she discovers a sweet surprise!

Book Cover:

My Review: 5 Stars

I've mentioned before that I absolutely adore books that are written in rhyme. I feel like it really speaks to children, not only entertaining them, but also helping them learn and associate words. This is a cute story about a bug--a ladybug to be exact. Although she's busy and in a hurry, she takes the time to help others along her way and that's such a great lesson for kids to learn. People are more important than the project.

The illustrations are colorful and well done. Although not professional, they invite children to study them and really pertain to the words, which helps spark imagination. I love that this whole book is done by two teenage sisters. It sends a message that anything is possible.

Such a sweet story that's great for any age.

*I received a copy from the publisher, which did not affect my thoughts in any way.*

About the Author/Illustrators:  Anabella and Sofia Schofield are sixteen-year-old twin sisters and best friends. When asked in preschool what they wanted to be when they grew up, both responded, “A ladybug!” Their goals have changed, but they’re happy to be writing about a ladybug now! Ladybug’s Garden began as a project the authors wrote and illustrated at age thirteen. In their spare time, Anabella and Sofia enjoy reading, writing, watching movies, photography, music, and art.

The Box and Isabella's Pink Umbrella New York by Yvette Cragun, Alex Smith, and Adrienne Quintana {REVIEWS}

The Box by Yvette Cragun, Illustrated by Alex Smith

Paperback, 32 pages

Published December 2nd 2016 by Pink Umbrella Books LLC

A young boy's adventures begin when he finds a big, empty, cardboard box on his front lawn. Using his active imagination, the box can take him anywhere he wants to go.

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My Review: 5 Stars

This book brought back so many childhood memories for me. Why is it that kids have such vivid imaginations? I remember playing make-believe with my siblings and having so much fun with the simplest objects. Ah...to be a kid again...

The illustrations really help bring the story alive, especially for me (as an adult). They're colorful and fun.

In this story, the object that creates hours of entertainment is a box. I remember using a box for some of the same games, as well as for many others. How did you use a box for your creative play as a child?

*I won a copy through a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.* 

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Buy Link:

Isabella's Pink Umbrella New York

by Yvette Cragun & Adrienne Quintana

Paperback, 48 pages

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Published June 4th 2012

Isabella experiences the sights of New York on a flying pink umbrella.

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My Review: 5 Stars

What would happen if the wind carried your new pink umbrella away...with you still holding it? I love the way this story is told in rhyme, as there's something charming about rhyming children's books.

Isabella has some grand adventures going to New York City on her umbrella. I love how bright and cheerful the pictures are, especially the city images. The story is told in a way that really evokes imagination and I would love to know what dreams kids have after reading this book.

This could be really fun series, with Isabella envisioning other locations. I love that it ends in a way that leaves it up to the reader to dream.

*I won a copy in a giveaway. This in no way affected my review--all thoughts are my own.*

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Buy Link:

The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story by Kallie George & Stephanie Graegin {Review}

The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story
by Kallie George & Stephanie Graegin

Hardcover, 40 pages

Published October 18th 2016 by Schwartz & Wade 

In this charming Christmas-themed picture book that feels like a classic, four animals deliver a lost package for Santa.

It’s Christmas Eve, and Bird, Rabbit, Deer, and Squirrel are eagerly waiting for Santa to fly overhead. When he does, a gift tumbles out of his sleigh, landing in the woods. The friends find the gift and read the tag: “For the new baby at the farm. Love, Santa.” And so, in spite of Squirrel’s grumbling—“It’s not our baby”—they set off on a long journey to deliver it. Sweet, poignant, and starring a cast of truly adorable characters, this is a story sure to be shared year after year at Christmastime.

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My Review: 4 Stars

Four animals are in the forest waiting for Santa to fly over, when a present falls out of his sleigh. They see the on the tag that it's for the new baby and set out to deliver it. Although they think the gift is silly, they make an interesting discover--sometimes the joy of others is the best thing.

I love how each animal has an unmistakable personality. One is grumpy and negative, while others are hopeful and positive. The illustrations are charming and engaging, really adding a spark to the story. The lesson of working together to do a job, even if the job isn't desirable, really shines through, as does the value of service.

There are many little gems that show up in these pages and everyone from kids to adults will find them sweet.

*I received a copy from the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kallie George holds a master’s degree in children’s literature from the University of British Columbia. She is the author of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency series, among other acclaimed books for children, and, in addition to writing, leads workshops for aspiring writers. Kallie lives in Vancouver, and Christmas is her favorite time of year. Visit her at kalliegeorge.com.

Stephanie Graegin is the illustrator of Forget Me Not by Nancy Van Laan; Water in the Park by Emily Jenkins, which received three starred reviews; and Happy Birthday, Bunny! by Liz Garton Scanlon, which received two starred reviews. Graegin earned her BFA from the Maryland Institute for Fine Arts and her MFA in printmaking from the Pratt Institute. You can visit her at graegin.com.

 

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Peek-Through Picture Book Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup {Review}

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Peek-Through Picture Book
Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

Hardcover, 32 pages

Published October 18th 2016 by Doubleday Books for Young Readers 

The twelve days of Christmas have never looked so fun! Turn page after page of this innovative picture book based on the classic carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and watch as twelve days of gifts appear through clever peek-through holes on each page! Young children will especially love anticipating all the presents and seeing them arrive as if by magic. This interactive and lively book is sure to be a family favorite at Christmastime year after year.

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My Review: 4 Stars

It's true that I'm an adult, but I've always loved picture books with the peek-through pages, as both the story and the illustrations build on each other until the end of the book, when it all comes together in a glorious conclusion. I love the pictures!

The words to this book are from the Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each turn of the pages leads to more vivid color and more fun as these two little elves work there way through the song. My kids are getting a little older, but it would be so much fun to read this with a young child, while singing along. This is a great addition to my holiday picture book stash.

*I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links:

About the Illustrator:

Britta Teckentrup has written and illustrated over seventy children’s books, which have been published in over twenty countries. Her books include Big Smelly Bear, Grumpy Cat, and The Odd One Out, as well as Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book. Born in Hamburg, Germany, and educated in London at St. Martin’s College and the Royal College of Art, she lives with her family in Berlin.

Defenders of the Family by Benjamin Hyrum White {Review}

Tour Schedule

Defenders of the Family 
by Benjamin Hyrum White
Illustrated by Jay Fontano



Defenders of the Family, assemble! God’s magnificent plan for us rests upon the strength of the family. In this engaging children’s book, discover the roles and teachings needed to unite your family, from devoted parents to extended members, all centered on the power of the gospel. Help your children see their families as they can be: incredible, empowered, eternal followers of Jesus.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I feel that it's important to defend the traditional family and this is a great book to explain to children what that means and how to do so. The book is set up in a comic book format, which is appealing to kids and adults of all ages. I love how simple the text and explanations are. The words are easy to understand and the pictures are bright and colorful and really bring the thoughts to life.

Each page focuses on a different aspect of what someone might do to bring strength, loyalty, and courage in today's society to defend a long-standing plan. I love how the book relates to superheroes--it's easy to relate to and to show kids, especially, how powerful they can be when they can do good things to uphold the family. This is a perfect book for families, but especially for those younger members.

*I received a copy from Cedar Fort Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

Benjamin Hyrum White was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He labored in the Colorado Denver North Mission and was employed at the MTC during college. Ben met his wife, Keenan, while they both were dancing with the International Folk Dance Ensemble at Brigham Young University. They each graduated from BYU with a degree in Family Science. Brother White is a seminary teacher and recently received his master’s degree in religious education from BYU, where he wrote the history of Preach My Gospel. Ben and Keenan reside in Utah Valley with their five children.

Bossy Flossy written and illustrated by Paulette Bogan {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Bossy Flossy written and illustrated by Paulette Bogan

Book Description:

Flossy is the bossiest girl around. She's bossy at home and she's bossy in school. She's bossy to her friends and she's bossy to her cat. Sometimes she's even bossy to her teacher! Flossy doesn't understand why no one will listen to her. One day, Flossy meets Edward, a boy who may be just as bossy as she is. Has Flossy finally met her match?

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My Review: 5 Stars

Flossy is a bossy girl, no matter where she goes or who she is with. I think that most children can relate to her, whether they are bossy themselves or have someone who is bossy towards them. This darling story uses words, as well as wonderful illustrations to teach children an important lesson about friendship and the give and take of relationships.

The illustrations are colorful and expressive and they easily captured my attention. My daughter is getting a little old for picture books (at the age of 10), but she sat down and read this one and it engaged her as well. She thought it was a fun story with a little humor and could easily understand the message.

I love how the pages have those colorful dialog bubbles, as it's fun to image different voices saying each one. Flossy is a slightly messy, yet flamboyant girl and the pictures depict that very well. This is a very enjoyable story, especially for preschool aged children, as they can probably see a piece of themselves within the pages.

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Buy the Book:

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository, Chapters Indigo

Author's Bio:

Paulette Bogan admits she was bossy as a child. She is the author and illustrator of Virgil & Owen, which was chosen as one of Bank Street Best Children's books of the Year 2016, Virgil & Owen Stick Together, which won a Mom's Choice Award Gold Medal for Picture Books, and Lulu The Big Little Chick, which won a Children's Choice Book Award. She lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and two dogs. They ALL think she is STILL bossy. But they've never told her to go to her room!

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook 

Giveaway Prizes: ​

Win a package of 3 children’s books by Paulette Bogan: Bossy Flossy, Virgil & Owen, and Virgil & Owen Stick Together plus a $20 Amazon Gift Card (Open to USA & Can)

2 winners, giveaway ends Oct 8

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Sept 1 -   Rockin' Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway

Sept 1 -   Did YOU Hear About the Morgans? - review

Sept 1 -   Domestic Chanteuse - review / giveaway

Sept 2 -   100 Pages A Day - review / giveaway

Sept 2 -   Singing Librarian Books - review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 5 -   Bookroom Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway

Sept 5 -   I'd Rather Be At The Beach - review

Sept 6 -   Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway

Sept 6 -   Cheryl's Book Nook - review / giveaway

Sept 7 -   One Frugal Girl - review / giveaway

​Sept 7 -   Library of Clean Reads - review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 8 -   Sahar's Blog - review

Sept 8 -   The Writing Garnet - review / guest post

Sept 9 -   Christy's Cozy Corners - review / guest post / giveaway

Sept 9 -   3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! - review / giveaway

Sept 12 - Katie's Clean Book Collection - review / giveaway

Sept 12 - Living à la Smart - review

Sept 13 - New Horizon Reviews - review / author interview

Sept 13 - Heidi's Wanderings - review / giveaway

Sept 14 - Fantastic Feathers - review

Sept 14 - Blooming with Books - review / giveaway

Sept 15 - Seasons of Opportunities - review

Sept 16 - My Journey Back - review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 16 - Writer with Wanderlust - review / giveaway

Sept 19 - Bookworm for Kids - review / giveaway

Sept 20 - Brooke Blogs - review / guest post / giveaway

Sept 20 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review

Sept 21 - Pause for Tales - review

Sept 22 - Stranded in Chaos - review / giveaway

Sept 23 - Reading Authors - review / giveaway

Sept 26 - Bound 4 Escape - review / giveaway

Sept 27 - Life as Leels - review

Sept 28 - Reader's Cozy Corner - review / giveaway

Sept 29 - KC Beanie Boo - review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 30 - Create With Joy - review

Sept 30 - All the Doodles 'n Scribbles - review