East Dragon, West Dragon (Book review)

EAST DRAGON, WEST DRAGON

Written by Robyn Eversole
Illustrated by Scott Campbell

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
40 pages

Publication date: January 3, 2012

List Price: $16.99

Ages 4-7

From the publisher: Two giant, imposing dragons confront their greatest fears…each other!
East Dragon and West Dragon live on opposite sides of the world. They have never met—and they like it that way. East Dragon is sure that West Dragon’s huge wings mean that he is very, very strong. West Dragon fears that East Dragon’s long, swishy tail means that he is very, very fierce. But when some meddlesome knights start a riff between their two kingdoms, East Dragon and West Dragon are finally forced to come face-to-fire-breathing-face. Might the two dragons finally discover they aren’t so different after all?

Detail-rich illustrations combine with a lighthearted, inspiring message to create a playful twist on the classic theme of fierce, fearless dragons. This story of friendship across cultures begs to be read again and again!

My take:   What does it take to be a friend?  Someone just like you?  Someone completely opposite of you?  East Dragon, West Dragon was marketed to me as a good book for the Chinese New Year 2012 (Year of the Dragon) but I actually think this book is best marketed as a friendship book.  East Dragon and West Dragon are two very different dragons - not only in color (one golden, one green) and location (one lived in a palace, one in a cave), but in strengths and weaknesses (my daughter said: "Look Mama, West Dragon has wings!  Where are East Dragon's wings?")  And just like people tend to do, the two dragons were suspicious of each other because of their differences and kept "a world between them, just in case."  Until one day they discovered they needed each other.  Would they be able to overcome their prejudices and help one another for the greater good?  You'll have to read it to find out.  This is a great book for introducing this topic to little ones. We already talk a lot about being friends with people that are different than you and East Dragon, West Dragon was a good reinforcement of that ongoing conversation.

About the Author and Illustrator: Dr. Robyn Eversole lives in Tasmania with her husband, Wayne; their daughter, Rebekkah; and various household members with fur, feathers, and fins. As an anthropologist, she has worked in South Africa and in universities across Australia. She has published six books for children.


Scott Campbell also illustrated Zombie in Love. He is an art director and illustrator who has art developed video games such as Psychonauts and created comics such as Igloo Head and Tree Head. Visit Scott and see more of his work at PyramidCar.com.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

This review was sponsored by Simon and Schuster Publishing who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

Celebrate President's Day with Simon and Schuster (review)

Celebrate President's Day with Simon and Schuster! 

George: George Washington, Our Founding father

Written by Frank Keating

Illustrated by Mike Wimmer

ISBN: 9781416954828

Paula Wiseman Books ▪ 1/3/12 ▪ $16.99 ▪ Ages 6-9

The fifth of ten children, George Washington was a dreamer, a hard worker, an athlete, and a peacemaker. By the time he was fifteen he had handwritten for himself the "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation." These were his rules to live by. He could not have known what his future would hold...and these rules speak to who he was as a boy and a man. Based on this little known historical document, this is George Washington's life from boyhood to his presidency.

We the People: The Story of Our Constitution

Written by Lynn Cheney

Illustrated by Greg Harlin

ISBN: 9781442444225

Paula Wiseman Books ▪ 1/3/12 ▪ $7.99 ▪ All Ages

Lynne Cheney’s New York Times bestselling illustrated history of how the Constitution came to be.

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope

Written by Nikki Grimes

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

ISBN: 9781442440920

Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers ▪ 1/24/12 ▪ $7.99 ▪ Ages 5-10

The #1 New York Times bestselling picture-book biography of President Barack Obama.

My take:  Did you know (thank you Wikipedia!): "Washington's Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is also commonly known as Presidents Day (sometimes spelled Presidents' Day or President's Day). As Washington's Birthday or Presidents Day, it is also the official name of a concurrent state holiday celebrated on the same day in a number of states. Titled Washington's Birthday, a federal holiday honoring George Washington was originally implemented by an Act of Congress in 1879."

With that in mind, I was asked to review a few books appropriate for today.  I asked for the first one because my 7 year old's first grade class studied George Washington this week.  I didn't send the book into her teacher though because I didn't think of it in time, but I could have.  George: George Washington, Our Founding father  is for 6 - 9 year olds and it is a good primer of President Washington's life, from birth through his election as president.  Many of the pages also include a rule from his "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation" (a list I'd like to read all of).  The illustrations are gorgeous oil on canvas reproductions.

We the People: The Story of Our Constitution, by former VP Cheney's wife, Lynne, is supposed to be for all ages.  I disagree.  It is an excellent primer for how our Constitution came about, with beautiful illustrations by Greg Harlin, but it's not for the younger set - I'd say middle school and up.  


Finally,  my favorite of the three was Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, no doubt because I'm a big supporter of our current president.  This story, based on President Obama's own Dreams from my Father, is told from the point of view of a mother, telling the story to her own son (with comments from the child on each page as the story is told to him).  Like the George Washington book above, the story runs from birth to presidency.  The illustrations are in watercolor and collage which, according to the artist, represents a melding together of parts to create something new, just as Obama himself is the result of such a merging.  The theme of Hope runs like a thread through the story, tying it all together.  It's an excellent book on the life of our president.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

This review was sponsored by Simon and Schuster Publishing who provided the books for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary books.

Happiness is…Peanuts™: Friends Forever *GIVEAWAY*

STORIES OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP ARE CAPTURED ON WARNER HOME VIDEO’S

HAPPINESS IS…PEANUTS™: FRIENDS FOREVER

A NEW COMPILATION FEATURING CLASSIC PEANUTS TV PROGRAMS

Happiness Is Peanuts: Friends Forever (2011)

Number of discs: 1

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: Warner Home Video

DVD Release Date: December 27, 2011

List Price $14.97

Release Includes the 1968 Emmy® Nominated Television Special You’re in Love, Charlie Brown

From the studio: Charlie Brown’s hilarious and heartbreaking attempts to meet his beloved Little Red-Haired Girl and other endearing adventures are featured on Happiness is…Peanuts™: Friends Forever, the latest Peanuts DVD release from Warner Home Video (WHV). Available in stores December 27, 2011, Friends Forever is the newest installment of the Happiness is…Peanuts™ collection, a series of favorite Peanuts television programs compiled together on DVD. Happiness is…Peanuts™: Friends Forever, pairs TV special You’re in Love, Charlie Brown, with an episode from The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show on one disc.


Charlie Brown has his heart set on meeting the Little Red-Haired Girl on You’re in Love, Charlie Brown, the 1968 Emmy® nominated television special. School is about to let out for summer but all Charlie Brown can think of is how to meet the Little Red-Haired Girl. All his attempts end in embarrassments. He writes her a love note but winds up accidentally reading it out loud to his class. When she tries to approach him during the lunch break, he panics and pulls his lunch bag over his head. He gets up really early one morning in hopes of catching her at her bus stop but winds up falling asleep and misses the bus. Will it be a summer of heartbreak for Charlie Brown or will he manage to connect with the Little Red-Haired Girl before school lets out?

• Happiness is…Peanuts™: Friends Forever, also includes an episode from The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show, featuring skits based on Peanuts strips created by Charles M. Schulz. 
• Kite Eating Tree – Charlie Brown visits Lucy’s psychiatry booth for advice on fighting the kite-eating tree. 
• Sally – Pretending to be a WWI Flying Ace, Snoopy steals Sally’s report for school. 
• Camp – Charlie Brown is sent home from camp for being a “troublemaker.” Peppermint Patty tells Linus that she cried when she saw him kiss the Little-Red Haired girl. 
• Lucy Loves Schroeder – Lucy puts Schroeder’s piano in the washer and dryer after she breaks up with him. 
• Scared Snoopy – Snoopy sees Lucy at her psychiatry booth because he’s been hearing noises at night but later refuses to pay his bill.

Mary Ellen Thomas, WHV Executive Marketing Director of Family and Animation Franchise said, “Although most everyone can relate to Charlie Brown and his unrequited love for the Little Red-Haired Girl, Happiness is…Peanuts™: Friends Forever reminds us that love comes in many forms. From the fondness and affection we have for our friends to the bond we share with family, it’s something to be celebrated and cherished.”

My take:  I may have mentioned before that my husband calls me his "little red-headed girl."  He even had that inscribed on a ring he gave me for our 10th wedding anniversary.  Of course, I call him Charlie Brown.  So ANYTIME a new Peanuts DVD comes out, I'm all over it.  My kids aren't quite at my level of, um, obsession, but they do enjoy watching these DVDs with me.  This is, of course, one of my favorites, as it includes an entire episode about Charlie Brown and his pursuit of the Little Red Headed Girl.  Of course, being Charlie Brown, every attempt of his to make contact goes awry.  There are several other "skits" on the DVD, with all our favorite characters from the comic strip, but my only complaint would be how short this DVD is.  Seems like I blinked and it was all over.  But if you are a PEANUTS fan, this is a must have for you anyway.  xoxoxo Love you, Charlie Brown!


The giveaway:  Win your very own copy of Happiness is…Peanuts™: Friends Forever! 

To win: Leave a comment here telling me another Warner Brothers Entertainment Family DVD that you'd like to watch. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 10 extra entries for a total of 11 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Follow Warner Brothers Entertainment on Twitter (leave a comment here with your twitter id)
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter and/or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet (you can have up to two entries - be sure to leave 2 comments)
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• Follow me on Blogger using Google Friend Connect (see right sidebar)

About PEANUTS WORLDWIDE: The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R), OCEAN PACIFIC(R), DANSKIN (R), ROCA WEAR(R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R) and WAVERLY (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), ZOO YORK (R), MATERIAL GIRL(TM), and PEANUTS brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

About Warner Home Video: With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., commands the largest home entertainment distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Cinema.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles. For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Home Video, visit www.whvdirect.com.

This review was sponsored by The Lippin Group PR who provided the DVDs for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD. My opinion is my own.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook (Facebook rules do not allow giveaway entries for "Liking" Facebook pages).

Outside the Lines (book review)

Outside the Lines

by Amy Hatvany

Imprint: Atria

Sub-Imprint: Washington Square Press

Format: Paperback

On Sale: 02/07/12

US Price: $15.00

CDN Price: $17.00

Pages: 384

From the publisher: A gripping novel about a woman who sets out to find the father who left her years ago, and ends up discovering herself.


When Eden was ten years old she found her father, David, bleeding out on the bathroom floor. The suicide attempt led to her parents’ divorce, and David all but vanished from Eden’s life. Since childhood, she has heard from him only rarely, just enough to know he’s been living on the streets and struggling with mental illness. But lately, there has been no word at all.


Now in her thirties, Eden decides to go look for her father, so she can forgive him at last, and finally move forward. When her search uncovers other painful truths—not only the secrets her mother has kept from her, but also the agonizing question of whether David, after all these years, even wants to be found—Eden is forced to decide just how far she’ll go in the name of love.

About the author: Amy Hatvany graduated with a degree in Sociology only to discover most sociologists are unemployed. Soon followed a variety of jobs - some of which she loved, like decorating wedding cakes; others which she merely tolerated, like receptionist.


In 1998, Amy finally decided to sell her car, quit her job, and take a chance on her passion: writing books. OUTSIDE THE LINES is her second novel written under the name Amy Hatvany, and she is the author of two others.


Amy lives in Seattle with her husband and two children and would love to hear from you...please visit www.amyhatvany.com.

My take:  Tender.  Beautiful.  Moving.  Heartbreaking and Heartwarming.   All adjectives that have been used to describe Outside the Lines.  All completely accurate and yet, not quite complete.  I wish I had the words to tell you how this book affected me; how much I enjoyed reading it.  I requested a copy of the book because the topic of a mentally ill father and the daughter who adored him resonated with me.  My father is not bi-polar.  But I did used to adore him as a child.   And while I never found him in such dire straights as Eden found her father David, I do remember how devastating it was to discover my own father's feet of clay.  That said, there is mental illness in our family and I really appreciated Ms. Hatvany's writing in both Eden AND David's voices.  I've never really thought about manic depression (Bi-polar disease) from the point of view of someone suffering from it so I appreciate the perspective Outside the Lines gave me.  This was a deeply moving book that explored family bonds in a family that is NOT perfect but in the end, is perfect for the people in it.  Add in an unexpected yet believable romance (unlike Harlequin type romances, this one rings true throughout) and I did stay up late a night or two, because I simply couldn't put the book down.  Well done Ms. Hatvany - this is a novel that will resonate with me for a long time to come.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

This review was sponsored by Simon and Schuster Publishing who provided the books for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

Dino Dan – Dino Trackers (review and giveaway)

Dino Dan: Dino Trackers!

Actors: Jason Spevack

Directors: Sinking Ship Entertainment

Number of discs: 1

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: NCircle Entertainment

DVD Release Date: December 27, 2011

Run Time: 60 minutes

List Price: $12.99

From the PR Firm:  Did you know that a Brachiosaurus weighed up to 80 tons and a T-Rex could eat up to 500 pounds of meat in one bite? Avid fans of "Dino Dan," Nick Jr.’s adventure-filled live action/CGI series, do! Now, the popular “paleontologist approved” show is available on DVD with “Dino Dan – Dino Trackers,” the premiere title in a brand new series from NCircle Entertainment.


Some fascinating facts about dinosaurs:
•a Brachiosaurus could live up to one hundred years!
•a Corythosaurus dinosaur had a large protective plate on top of its head.
•a Spinosaurus had bony rods on its back that held up a “sail” made of skin.


The “Dino Dan – Dino Trackers” DVD contains five adventure stories featuring a boy nicknamed Dino Dan (played by Jason Spevack). He’s a curious 10-year-old who imagines there are real dinosaurs living all around him – but only he can see them! The DVD’s interactive bonus content adds to the enjoyment. 


Dinosaurs never lose their appeal to kids of all ages – but what makes the “Dino Dan” series unique is that it was developed under the guidance of paleontologists at Canada's Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta. In fact, a real-life paleontologist at the museum named Dr. Don Henderson is the inspiration for the “Dino Dan” character!

My take: In case you've never heard of Dino Dan, let me tell you that the show, which combines live action with CGI dinosaurs, is about 10-year-old Dan Henderson as he learns about dinosaurs through experiments on dinosaurs he "sees."  By happy happenstance, my 7 year old daughter had just started watching this show on Nick, Jr. when I received this review request.  As we started to watch this DVD (which she insisted we pop into the DVD player THE VERY INSTANT WE RECEIVED IT), I was struggling to figure out where I had seen this child before (Jason Spevack, playing Dan).   I finally figured it out - he had a short story line arc on my favorite show (Being Human - really, there is not a bad show on Syfy but I digress) as Adrian's "son"!  

ANYway, that's not relevant to anyone but me...so let me tell you about DINO DAN instead.  If you have a son, you may have a fan of dinosaurs in your house already.  If you have a daughter, maybe not.  Which is aggravating to me personally - I HATE gender specific roles and/or toys - so I always give the same stuff to both kiddos.  Turns out, my 7 year old daughter likes dinosaurs even more than her brother right now!  And when I asked her what her favorite part of this show was, she started talking about the episode where a dinosaur mistook a golf ball for an egg and stole it.  "Some dinosaurs eat eggs you know mom!"  Indeed, she is LEARNING while watching a show.  I love that.  And you will too. Check out  Dino Dan today!  

The giveaway: Win your very own DVD copy of Dino Dan – Dino Trackers!

To win: Leave me a comment telling me another DVD from NCircle Entertainment (winner will be picked at random so your actual response will not determine the winner).  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 8 extra entries for a total of 9 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter and/or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet (you can have up to two entries - be sure to leave 2 comments)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id) (you can use the yellow button on the top right sidebar)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top right sidebar)
• Add my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• Fan or Fav me on Technorati (or use the purple box link on the top right sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger using Google Friend Connect (see right sidebar)

This post was written for Nina Stern Public Relations and NCircle Entertainment who provided the DVDs for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD. My opinion is my own.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!


(Facebook rules do not allow giveaway entries for "Liking" Facebook pages)

A Mile in His Shoes

A Mile In His Shoes

Actors: Dean Cain, Luke Schroder

Number of discs: 1

Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Vivendi Entertainment

DVD Release Date: January 10, 2012

Run Time: 91 minutes

List Price: $14.93

From the PR Firm: Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team. As Murph sets out to recruit new talent, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm. However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, more importantly, their spirit. Based on a true story, A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.

My take: Apparently, "A Mile in His Shoes," is based on Frank Nappi's bestseller "The Legend of Mickey Tussler." I didn't know that when I asked to review the movie as I've never heard of the book. So I cannot tell you if the movie is a faithful adaptation or not. I can tell you that this is a wonderful family movie. A movie that offers a glimpse into the world of a child with Asperger's Syndrome - for me, it offered a glimpse into my niece's world.  In this movie, Mickey is a child with Asperger's.  I say a child, because even though he is grown, his disorder leaves him in something of a child-like state of mind.  He takes everything and everyone quite literally - children with this disorder don't understand expressions.  Regardless of his diagnosis though, Mickey (as Coach Murph discovers) has a heck of a pitching arm and thus, a possibility of a life outside his farm.  Of course, Murph has to overcome Mickey's parent's objections (especially his hard nosed dad) to get Mickey on the team.  This is a wonderful film about how resilience, acceptance, and teamwork.  I encourage you to show this film to your children and start a discussion on what it means to be different.  And because Mickey is bullied by a jealous player in the film, you can talk about bullying as well.  I was privileged to review this fine film and am privileged to love a child with Asperger's.  I love you Ash!

Walk a mile in my shoes

just walk a mile in my shoes

Before you abuse, criticize and accuse

Then walk a mile in my shoes

from "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" by Joe South

This review was sponsored by Bender/Helper Impact PR and Vivendi Entertainment who provided the DVD for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.  
My opinions are my own.

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

La Bella Stella: Celebrate Earth Music Series *GIVEAWAY*

LA BELLA STELLA

For ages 4 - 11.

Label: Big Round Records

SRP: $12.99

Run time: 41 minutes.

FROM EARTH TO THE STARS

THE NEWEST “CELEBRATE EARTH” CD

FROM RECESS MUSIC

From the PR Firm: Recess Music, an award-winning company that strives to awaken kids to the magnificence of our planet through albums of Earth-friendly music, looks forward to the March 27 release of La Bella Stella, the fifth in its “Celebrate Earth” series of CDs (Big Round Records, $12.99, for ages 4 - 11, run time 41 minutes).


Available in time for Earth Day 2012, La Bella Stella goes beyond the Earth to celebrate galaxies, solar systems, and other wonders of our universe with 15 tracks showcasing a variety of contributions by a sampling of today’s most gifted kids’ musicians, including Rocknoceros, Charity and the JAMband, and AudraRox.


The songs on La Bella Stella speak especially to those children ages four and up who have quick, engaging minds and an inveterate curiosity about life. The album is filled with music that will encourage kids to think about the natural setting of their lives, providing a much-needed balance to the “virtual” world with which many of them are occupied.


La Bella Stella opens with Maria Alley’s solid vocal styling on “Nature’s Lullaby.” This is nature appreciation with a great backbeat! The album next offers up some smooth as silk old-time jazz on “I Love the Dark,” where elegant jazz violin and a little whistling “à la Bing” enhance Tom Knight’s 1920s vocalizing. “Shooting Stars” lets Martha Johnson sing a reverie to the night sky over the mesmerizing ostinato of African thumb piano and percussion. “Galaxy Song” reduces the mysteries of the universe to a double time, upbeat lowest common denominator, with Andy Z creating terrific, high energy without high voltage guitar. AudraRox brings a bit of country rock to her dissertation on the pros and cons of “Gravity.” Set in a “cool jazz” minor key, Kenn Lonnquist’s very hip “Nocturnal” celebrates nighttime fauna with close harmony and a driving beat. Wayne from Maine offers a lunar “sha-na-na” ode to the “Man in the Moon,” while Wendy Whitten brings a late ‘70s “West Coast” gentle rock sound to “Earth’s Satellite.” The tremendously creative Rocknoceros entertains with “Pluto,” a funny, upbeat ballad in rhyming couplets about Pluto’s discovery and subsequent demotion. More celestial information is imparted in the hauntingly beautiful counterpoint of Lori & J.D. Uponen’s “Aurora Borealis.” The distinctive qualities of Mary Kaye’s “Shadow” are guaranteed to catch the ear of any kid. “Neptune Lullaby” by Dr. Planet features a sumptuously symphonic string sound, replete with strong choral singing. Banana Slug String Band’s “Safe at Home” includes strings of a more bucolic flavor, along with some great “country” vocal harmony. Laura Giosh’s “Harmony of the Spheres” likewise blends voices, strings, guitars, and percussion over an optimistic bass line. The album closes with the delightfully piquant a cappella harmony of Charity and the JAMband’s “So Long to the Day.”

The Recess Music “Celebrate Earth” series seeks to assist the cause of protecting and preserving our environment by donating a portion of the proceeds from each release to a selected environmental organization. A portion of the proceeds from La Bella Stella will benefit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, New Hampshire, which is dedicated to educating learners of all ages by actively engaging them in the exploration of astronomy, aviation, Earth and space science.


La Bella Stella is available online at www.recessmusic.com, amazon.com and its international affiliates, iTunes, and brick and mortar retailers throughout the U.S. LA BELLA STELLA will be released at the end of March; It will be available to purchase from  www.recessmusic.com  starting the third week of March.

My take:  Interesting enough, my 3rd grader is studying the Earth and the Moon in school right now.  And with songs like "Earth's Satellite" and "Man in the Moon," La Bella Stella is an excellent reinforcement for lessons learned at school.  And your kids won't just learn something from this album, it's fun to listen to as well.  How can you not help liking a song about gravity with the lyric "Gravity...Keeps holding me down" ("Gravity" by AudraRox)??  My daughter likes "Safe at Home" by Banana Slug String Band because it's all about baby animals.  Some more of our favorites:  Rocknoceros' "Pluto" tells the tale of poor Pluto and brings to mind this picture I saw on Pinterest (LOL!)

"Neptune Lullaby" by Dr. Planet is so soothing, I have to be careful not to listen to it while driving!  Finally though, I have to say the violin on "Harmony of the Spheres" is so achingly beautiful, I think that is my favorite of all the songs.  This is definitely another "children's" music albums that I have put in my own music rotation.  Recess Music has done it again with an excellent collection of educational, yet fun music.

The giveaway:  WIN IT!  One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of the La Bella Stella before you can buy it!

To win:  Leave me a comment telling me the name of another Recess Music CD. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Good Luck!


Bonus entries: Get up to 8 extra entries for a total of 9 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)

• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter and/or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet (you can have up to two entries - be sure to leave 2 comments and if you tweet, include @CPAMom in your tweet)

• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)

• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email

• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)

• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect

P.S.:  Be sure to check out my new fan page for Did You See That? on Facebook!

P.P.S.: New Facebook rules do not allow contest entries for "Liking" facebook pages.

This review was sponsored by Waldmania! PR who provided the CDs for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary CD.