"Diva Pearl Pekingese: Life After Show Biz for a Pekingese" by Ms Vicki Paul Gattuso {Book Review}

*Disclosure: I received the following product(s) below from the Author in exchange for an honest review and in no way was I asked to give a positive review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Synopsis:

Life After Showbiz is an intimate portrayal of the World's most beautiful Pekingese, a divine white bombshell so pretty, even Mr. Winkle declared his love for her! After many years of retirement, Miss Pearl steps out of her pink carriage to proclaim "It's time for a lady dog star." Make room for little Diva Pearl! Within the pages of this book are not only stunning pictures of one of the World's most glamourous dogs, but also her unique story. Pearl reveals various aspects of her life from her lineage, her career, her near death experience, her favorite activities and the special people in her life from her Nanny to her Fashion designer and an opportunity to see the world through her eyes. A famous musician was so inspired by Pearl's beauty, he composed a ballad for her, so she has her own song "Miss Pearl's Song." This might be a first! Best in Show (Westminster 2012) Grand Champion Malachy endorses Diva Pearl the Pekingese book and wrote the forward, plus he included a bonus picture of himself, from his private collection. Pearl keeps making history as she was Miss January 2012 Cover girl for a dog magazine, years after retirement, another first! Pearl is not just another Pekingese, she is a sleeve Pekingese weighing just over 6 pounds. In ancient China, sleeve Pekingese were considered very rare and Imperial rulers would stick them up their sleeves. Temples were built for worshipping them! Commoners were not allowed to look at Pekingese, let alone look at a white Sleeve. Pearl welcomes you to look at her. Thank Goodness times have changed! Diva Pearl is a an affable, imaginative princess who loves and is loved by many. Yes, she has had her share of struggles but she's had many comebacks to prove it. Diva Pearl is for kids of all ages and dog lovers who appreciate beauty and want to be inspired by a little fluffy dog. Diva Pearl's story is about comebacks..guaranteed to lift spirit and touch your heart!

"Wondertown" by Mac Fallows {Musical Book Review}

Book Description:

Wondertown is a full-length fantasy novel from Mac Fallows that includes twelve original songs—each one an extension of the story sung by the characters themselves- and seventeen illustrations from acclaimed illustrator, Emrah Elmasli.

The story centres around Neil Abbott, an undersized, introverted eleven-year old boy with the ability to tell about people by touching their possessions. He doesn't fit in either at home or at school and rarely speaks to anyone, with the exception of his grandmother, who has a secret talent of her own.

One day, after a particularly difficult week, Neil asks his grandmother if she thinks he’s normal, and she responds by telling him the remarkable story of an unlikely hero, who long ago crossed the five parts of the world to free his only friend from a demon lord. Filled with hidden meaning, vivid images, and songs that bring the characters to life, Wondertown is an unforgettable journey to a place inside each of us few of us dare to go

"Princess April Morning-Glory" by Kelley Smoot Garrett {Review & Giveaway}

Book Description:

At long last, Princess April Morning-Glory emerges as a lost treasure from the golden age of Hollywood.


Written and illustrated in 1941 by Letitia Fairbanks, the niece of silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, the seemingly traditional children’s book is transformed into a modern-day fairy tale that will captivate child and adult readers alike.

Letitia was inspired to create portraiture for the characters of Princess April Morning-Glory from film stars of the day. John Barrymore, and Letitia's cousin Douglas Fairbanks Jr., provided glamorous inspiration through their then-current films. The Wicked King's (Barrymore) costume was sparked by his role as Louis XV in Irving Thalberg's 1938 Marie Antoinette, while the hairstyle resembles his eponymous role in Archie Mayo's 1931 Svengali. Prince Chivalry was inspired by her cousin's (Fairbanks) sword-fighting role in David O. Selznick's 1937 The Prisoner of Zenda.

Viewed as unconventional when it first debuted – up until then, no one had thought to meld a Disney-like moral tale with a swashbuckling adventure – the story centers on the prescient acknowledgment that we create our destinies by the choices that we make.


The main narrative is focused around the brave and courageous Princess April who must first transcend darkness and evil before she can realize her true potential. Intrigued by the Great World and its sense of adventure, a young Princess April decides to abandon the familiarity of her home in Fairyland and undertake a voyage into the unknown. Once outside the Enchanted Forest, she finds comfort and friendship in the company of various creatures who ensure her safe passage.

But returning home proves more difficult than at first she realized. In order to go back to Fairyland, a friendly wizard informs Princess April that she must first accomplish three good deeds. Can Princess April resist the temptation of darker forces and summon enough courage to continue doing good deeds? And if she dares to hold true to herself, will it someday lead her back home again?

"The Three Lost Kids & Cupid's Capture" by Kimberly Kinrade

BLURB:

Lexie is very unhappy this Valentine’s Day. She can’t get anything right, and her hearts all look horrible. In fact, everyone at school seems to be in an extra grumpy mood.

When she and her sisters consult her magic Mirror of Ice to find out what’s going on, they are transported to Heartland, the home of Cupid herself, which is under attack by a scary monster.

When Cupid is captured, the girls must navigate the Maze of Misdirection, pull themselves out of Apathy, and survive against attacking Cruel Crawlies in order to find the Chasm of Broken Hearts… and save Cupid.

But first, Lexie has to learn to love herself just as she is, otherwise Valentine’s Day will forever be filled with broken hearts.


Read my full review HERE on Green Frog Reviews!

"Nate Rocks the World" by Karen Pokras Toz {Review & Giveaway - Ends 2/21}

Welcome to My Cozie Corner's stop on the 

"Nate Rocks the World" book tour. 

This tour is brought to you by Innovative Book Tours.

BLURB:

*2012 GRAND PRIZE WINNER PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARDS

*2012 1ST PLACE CHILDREN'S CHAPTER BOOK PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARDS

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous - what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan's life as a fourth-grader appears to be completely doomed. 

Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things.

*2012 GLOBAL EBOOK AWARD WINNER: PRE-TEEN CATEGORY

*2012 UP AUTHOR AWARD RUNNER UP BEST 1ST CHAPTER

*2012 UP AUTHOR AWARD RUNNER UP BEST COVER

"Nate Rocks the Boat" by Karen Pokras Toz {Review & Giveaway - Ends 2/22}

Welcome to My Cozie Corner's stop on the 

"Nate Rocks the Boat" book tour. 

This tour is brought to you by Innovative Book Tours.

BLURB:

With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister.  When his best friend Tommy decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won’t actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire six weeks.

Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck,” Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghosts, and even the most wanted criminals.

Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rocks once again proves nothing can hold him back in this second book of the Nate Rocks series.

"Millicent Marie Is Not My Name" by Karen Pokras Toz {Review & Giveaway - Ends 2/21}

Welcome to My Cozie Corner's stop on the 

"Millicent Marie Is Not My Name" book tour. 

This tour is brought to you by Innovative Book Tours.

BLURB:

Twelve-year-old Millicent Marie does not like her name. After all, she was named for a woman who died more than fifty years ago and was not the most loveable member of the Harris family. Her friends call her Millie, but when she writes in her diary she refers to herself as Amanda – the name she always wished she had. 

When Millie’s younger brother finds her diary on her computer, he decides to publish it as a blog for the entire world to see, including the boy Millie has a crush on. In the midst of all the mayhem, Millie/Amanda discovers she is suddenly Springside Elementary’s most sought after sixth-grade mystery gossip and advice columnist. 

But not all is fun and games, as Millie quickly learns, once she realizes feelings are at stake. Nobody, least of all Millie, expects things to turn out as they do in this tale of friendship and respect.

"What Daddy Did Today, A Father's Bedtime Story" by Walter Wally {Review}

Book Description:

"What Daddy Did Today is a bedtime story for a father to read to his child. When I was a kid, I would always wonder where my father went when he left the house for work every morning. What did he do? Who was he with? Why would it take so long? Of course, I learned later that Dad was just going to the office every day. But my imagination, up to that point, told me differently. I imagined my dad traveling to space, fighting dragons, and hitting home runs while he was away “at work.” So, this is a story that, as a kid, I would have loved to hear my dad tell. And now, as a grown man and future dad, it’s also a story that I would love to tell my son or daughter before they go to sleep. Because, although the story is filled with fun and adventure, ultimately, it is about how much Daddy loves his kid. I hope you enjoy it."
-Walter

Book illustration done by Judith Bicking.

"The Three Lost Kids & The Christmas Curse" by Kimberly Kinrade {Book Review}

Welcome to My Cozie Corner's stop on the

"The Three Lost Kids & The Christmas Curse" book tour.

This tour is brought to you by Innovative Book Tours.

BLURB:

Christmas everyday sounds like the best thing ever to Bella and her sisters. But when a special Wishing Stone grants her heart's desire, The Three Lost Kids discover the curse hidden in the wish.

Now they have to stop Christmas no matter what--even if that means ending up on Santa's Naughty List.

Will the girls learn the true meaning of Christmas and find a way to break the curse? Or will they be stuck in their self-created Jingle Bells Nightmare forever?

"Courtney Saves Christmas" by Emlyn Chand {Release Promo & Giveaway}

~Guest Post~

Welcome to the Release event of Courtney Saves Christmas 

by Emlyn Chand

Please be sure to join the Facebook event today 

Courtney is a peppy young penguin who just loves exploring, and is overjoyed when she receives a compass from Santa on Christmas morning. She’s so grateful for the gift, in fact, that she just needs to give Santa a great big hug and say “Thank you!” in person. The only problem is she lives in the South Pole, and Santa is all the way on the other side of the globe!