Milo and His Magic Skateboard Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Do you think that who you travel with matters more than where you go for a vacation? If so, Milo couldn't agree with you more, judging from his experience in Milo and His Magic Skateboard by Kristina Tanso. Enter to win a autographed copy of this fun-filled book as well as a customized sketch of Milo!

My Review:

Revolving around an adventurous French Bulldog, Milo and His Magic Skateboard shares a cheerful and charming travel tale accentuating the significance of friendship, companionship, and togetherness. Milo enjoys living with his best friend in Milano and doing all sorts of fun things together. On one rainy day, to bust the boredom of being stuck indoors, Milo sets out on a solo escapade around Europe on his magic skateboard. While making exhilarating discoveries, Milo can't shake off the feeling that something is missing. What could it be?

Narrated in rhymes by Milo, the story takes us on a virtual tour of famous cities across various European countries, showcasing their most iconic landmarks and tourist attractions through detailed, realistic illustrations. Young readers thus get informed about splendid places to see and fun things to do, along with each location's signature art and architecture. Milo's eye-opening adventure may spark their interest in international travel and in finding out more about different cultures, countries and natural landscapes.

Milo's sweet recollections about his human friend and the big reveal about what makes him homesick highlight how friendship enriches his life with care, support and a sense of security. The presence of his best companion could help boost his confidence and courage and get him ready for his next magical trip.

With the cute, curious and comical Milo in every picture, the book is sure to attract and delight young explorers and animal lovers who can't wait to travel around the world with their furry friends.

About the Book:

Ages 4+ | 36 Pages
Publisher: Life Unfiltered Books | ISBN-13: 9781738414000

Join Milo – an adorable French Bulldog – as he embarks on his very first adventure! Simply by clapping his little paws together and jumping on his magic skateboard, Milo takes flight and explores Europe! This fun, heart-warming adventure will charm children and adults alike, while exploring different iconic places and cultures!

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

Mama's Love Language: Sometimes Love Tastes Like Hainan Chicken Rice Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Is there a special home cooked meal that represents your family's cultural background as well as mother's taste? The answer is positive for Jade from Elisa Stad's picture book Mama's Love Language: Sometimes Love Tastes Like Hainan Chicken Rice. Enter to win a signed copy as well as a $50 Amazon gift card, just in time for Mother's Day!

My Review:

Inspired by the author's family history and personal experience, Mama's Love Language hosts a heartening celebration of cultural diversity and self-discovery. Born into a multicultural family, Jade feels confused about her real identity. Unlike her American dad who hugs her goodbye and kisses her goodnight, her mama, a Chinese immigrant who speaks English with an accent, seems to be concerned primarily about whether Jade has eaten all her food and finished all her homework. Driven by her desire to be more American like her dad, Jade draws herself as a blonde girl in her self-portrait and refuses to eat her favorite Hainan Chicken Rice for dinner. After mama shares her unusual life story however, Jade starts to undertand mama's special love language. The delicious dish mama cooks tastes better than ever!

Told from a little girl's perspective, the well-paced first-person narrative brings out strong emotions that many of us can relate to. As they follow Jade's anxious search for her cultural identity, young readers become aware of cultural differences in food, traditions, ways of thinking and expressions of love. While Jade's initial inclination to identify with just one culture reflects the societal and peer pressure to assimilate, her transition to acceptance of both cultures encourages everyone to embrace their own cultural heritages, American or not. Meanwhile, it helps multicultural parents realize the challenges their children have to grapple with and urges them to proactively familiarize the little ones with their family history and legacy. Food stands out as an enjoyable and effective way to discover and preserve one's cultural heritage and identity.

By comparing and contrasting the parenting styles of Jade's mama and dad, the story makes the point that love language can be unique and universal at the same time. Love can be communicated verbally and passionately or gently and subtly. No form has to be considered superior to another.

Employing vibrant colors and lifelike, expressive drawings, the book's illustrations help readers empathize and connect with the characters, while exhibiting the beauty of love, family and diversity.

Endearing and empowering, Mama's Love Language makes a timely read for Mother's Day and a cherishable addition to any culturally conscious family's book collection.

About the Book:

Ages 5-10 | 31 Pages
Publisher: Ginger Lotus Press | ISBN-13: 9798988378518

Jade is a girl who lives in two worlds and, coming from a multicultural family, she’s on a quest to understand her identity and where she truly belongs.

She is trying to find her place in the world but feels different from the other kids at school. Back home, Jade’s parents have their unique approach to love and care. Sometimes Jade is embarrassed by Mama’s accent and she can’t understand why she is not just like any other mother she knows.

The real adventure unfolds when Jade starts rebelling against her mother’s traditional ways of showing love, especially through food. It’s a struggle that takes her on a path of discovery, as she learns about her family’s rich heritage and her mother’s challenging past in Vietnam and as an immigrant.

Jade then discovers that even though Mama doesn’t hug or say I love you, the healing aroma of ginger, green onions, and chicken broth does.

“Mama’s Love Language” is a heartwarming children’s book that addresses the universal theme of belonging and the beauty of cultural diversity. Through Jade’s story, children will learn that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated, and that love can come in many shapes and forms.

Purchase link: Amazon

The Hopeful in Theaters Soon! Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Inspired by real persons and events, The Hopeful traces the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which observes Saturday, the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath. Buy tickets today to see The Hopeful in theaters ONLY on April 17 & 18th!

Synopsis:

William Miller’s faith is in ruins. After miraculously surviving a fierce battle in the War of 1812, Miller questions why God spared him. His search for wisdom leads to an astonishing prophesy — the world is going to end. The Hopeful unfolds as a story of a man burdened with the knowledge of Christ’s return. Miller’s message resonates with some—even as it is scorned by others. When a young woman named Ellen Harmon listens to one of his sermons she is transformed. And through her witness the message begins to take flight. The preaching grows beyond prophecy and develops into a more holistic vision for how Christians should live and worship. We see blossoming the seeds of a new global movement of faith —the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Hopeful is the true story of a community whose lives were transformed as they learn what it means to truly wait for Jesus. This sweeping drama, set in 19th century New England, invites audiences of all ages to imagine how hope can change the world.

My Review:

Set in the 19th century, The Hopeful is an inspiring and informative historical movie that retells a true story of hope, faith, courage and endurance. It follows the incredible experience of Ellen White, a strong woman with visions and insight who plays a pivotal role in the formation of the denomination. Named by The Smithsonian Institution as one of the 100 most influential Americans of all time, Ellen inspires us to stay firm and hopeful in the face of doubt, disbelief, disdain and hardships. I'm particularly impressed by the beautiful music and angelic voice of Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter Jonas Myrin. In sum, The Hopeful is a family friendly film that touches the heart and soul.

Official links: Website | Trailer | Instagram | Facebook

Roar-Choo! Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Who do you think make the best kind of friends? Those who share a lot in common or those who differ a great deal? Get a glimpse of how Dragon and Phoenix manage their differences in Charlotte Cheng's newly released picture book Roar-Choo!. Enter to win an awesome prize pack including a $100 Visa gift card!

My Review:

Inspired by Chinese mythology, Roar-Choo! tells an entertaining and and thought-provoking tale that explores the beauty of a complementary relationship, the art of balancing love and differences, and the importance of patience and positivity on the road to recovery. A bad cold hits the proud and fierce Dragon, who insists on manifesting his might and invincibility by attempting to complete a roar without being interrupted by the urge to sneeze. The gentle and kind Phoenix tries to talk Dragon into getting some rest, and taking some food and drink that help with healing. Dragon won't soften until Phoenix starts sneezing too.

Through succinct, easy-to-follow language and humorous, magnificent artwork, the book brings to life a charming dynamic duo: the strong and stubborn Dragon and the calm and caring Phoenix. They support and care deeply about each other despite their differences in personality and in their approach to dealing with an illness. Dragon's reluctance to rest suggests that even the toughest person can have vulnerable moments and that we should learn to acknowledge and embrace that reality. The story also alludes to the importance of self-care, especially for caregivers who often put the needs of their loved ones ahead of their own.

I love that the author includes in the back matter some interesting background information about what Dragon, Phoenix and their relationship symbolize in Chinese culture. It helps deepen the understanding of the unique message being conveyed through this fun story.

Brilliantly written and beautifully illustrated, Roar-Choo! will bring laughter and joy to dragon lovers, those curious about Chinese mythology and anyone who appreciates an enjoyable read about love, friendship and caregiving.

About the Book:

Ages 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books | ISBN-13: 9780593531754

Patient, peaceful Phoenix tries to take care of rambunctious and cold-ridden Dragon, which leads to hilarious and sweet results (with vibrant illustrations by the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of Beekle).

Everyone knows that dragons are fierce, capable of taking on the world!

But this dragon can’t stop sneezing long enough to get a roar out. Even with friendly Phoenix insisting that Dragon get some rest, this powerful creature refuses to stop for any orange ginger tea or a drop of bone broth soup.

It’s only when Dragon realizes Phoenix has caught the same cold that they are both able to take the break they so badly need. This tale of helping your friends and valuing differences is a sure-thing for story time.

Purchase link: Publisher