April 19, 2018
Shopkins Live! Shop It Up! Canadian Tour
The adorable Shopkins, which are North America’s number one toy (and my niece’s favourite) are hitting the stage live in Canada in their Shopkins Live! Shop It Up! Tour.
About Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!
The beloved Shoppies make their theatrical debut in an original live show featuring musical performances by Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette, Polli Polish and more! The fun and fashionista Shoppies are joined by the Shopkins – Apple Blossom, Strawberry Kiss, Lippy Lips, Kooky Cookie, Poppy Corn, Slick Breadstick and Shady Diva. An ensemble cast of multi-talented performers brings the show to life on stage through urban style music, song and dance.
All of Shopville is in a tizz as preparations get underway for the annual, “Funtastic Food and Fashion Fair.” Shady Diva showcases her latest fashion designs; Lippy Lips gives colorful advice at the nail salon; Kooky Cookie tries to get in a beauty nap! No event is complete without a few hiccups! Who has high-jinxed the fashion pageant? Where is the super-secret celebrity guest? Will Slick Breadstick ever find a dance partner? The Shopkins and Shoppies need your help because as we all know – the show must go on!
Our Thoughts
Music, dancing and all of your favourite Shopkins characters can be found in this adorable live show now touring in Canada.
In this show, the Shoppies are given specific tasks to complete in order to make the festival a success. There is a fashion show to prepare, booths to finish off, sweet dishes to make and a special celebrity guest to meet. No one wants to disappoint the ever so cheeky Shady Diva (who was honestly my favourite part of the show, she had me in tears laughing with her cheekiness!). Jessicake is responsible for meeting the celebrity guest but in her rush to please Shady Diva assigns the task to Kooky Cookie and the guest disappears! They must work together to solve the mystery of the kidnapped celebrity and still pull off the show.
The show had a fantastic story line that was delivered extremely well. I found myself laughing out loud at the humour which was great for both parents and children a like. I loved the one liners like “This is not how we party!”, “OMGG” and “Can’t a cookie get some beauty rest”. I knew a bit about the Shopkins going into the show but my niece was an expert and would fill me in throughout the show on the characters names and what they are famous for. I was blown away by how much the children there knew about the Shopkins. The characters are beyond precious and I can relate to why young children LOVE them. Rainbow Kate was my favourite Shoppie with her burst of fresh air and optimism – you couldn’t help but smile when she came out.
While the show itself is full of humour and fun, it had some great underlying messages. We learned about friendships and sticking together because with our best friends by our sides we can do anything. We learned that it is okay to make a mistake but that you need to own up to your mistake, try to fix it and even apologize to others if it affected them. We also learned that we shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover – everyone has feelings and they can be easily hurt.
One of the most heart warming parts of the show was watching the young audience dancing in their seats, in the aisles, screaming (literally screaming) every time their favourite character came on stage. The Shoppies had a fantastic stage presence and really drew you into the show. You felt as though you were part of the action which is so important for young children who were enthralled by the characters. The Shoppies and Shopkins truly came to life for them and you could see the amazement in their faces.
This show is a definite must see for all young fans. The show runs until the end of this month in Canada, to find more tour dates head over to their website here.
You can also follow Shopkins Live! On Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest information.
Shopkins Live! Trailer
Disclosure: We received tickets to the show in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2018
The World’s First Tooth Fairy…..Ever Book Review
Have you ever wondered how the tooth fairy tradition started? In The World’s First Tooth Fairy….Ever we find out!
About The World’s First Tooth Fairy….Ever
Have you ever wondered how the tooth fairy tradition started? Join Abella, a precocious little fairy on her journey through Tulip Hollow with her friend Darcie. Abella finally has the chance to venture out of the castle and fly to a party with Darcie when she is snatched by a big old bee and flown out of Tulip Hollow. Find out how Abella frees herself from the bee and discovers children for the first time. Follow along as she shows great courage and resourcefulness to solve an unexpected problem and return home to Tulip Hollow. It is during this challenge that Abella accidentally starts the tooth fairy tradition. The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever is a delightful book about adventure, bravery and how being curious is often a very good thing.
Our Thoughts
As parents, how many times have you been asked about the tooth fairy? Where did the tooth fairy come from? Why does she take our teeth? What does she do with them?
I am sure I am not alone in saying, my kids stump me when they ask these questions. I am not really sure what to tell them about how the tooth fairy began her task of collecting the children of the world’s teeth and leaving them a token of surprise in exchange. The World’s First Tooth Fairy….Ever helps you to explain the legend of the tooth fairy in a fun and exciting new way.
In this book, we have sweet Abella who longs to explore the world but her parents are cautious and don’t want her to leave the walls of their home. Fair enough – the world is tough when you’re the size of a fairy! She finally convinces them to let her out on an adventure to a party with her best friend with very strict instructions. Which she follows but a big grumpy bee catches her on her way and puts her completely off her path! We had quite a few giggles at this point in the book especially with how Abella escapes the bee. While she escapes the bee, she is now in a world that she does not know, her dress is ruined, she has lost her pearl and feeling sad. She comes upon two children – one of whom has just lost a tooth. The tooth reminds her of her lost pearl and voila! An idea of how she can solve her problem and make it home to her parents is born. Not to mention the legend of the tooth fairy but you have to read the story to find all the exact details as the first tooth fairy encounter doesn’t go quite as expected!
This was a precious book that was fun to read out loud to my son. Zane puts a clever take on words and the story flows so nicely which is a must for children’s books. It was both silly and serious which allowed us to have fun reading it. The tooth fairy legend blossoms out of her adventure in such a unique way that we were not expecting. The illustrations are beautiful and suit the story and Abella’s character.
Abella is full of courage and determination. She never gives up hope in any part of the book even when she was feeling alone and discouraged. She would just get right back up and figure out how to solve the problem she was in (which is such an important message for children).
This is a special book that will make a great addition to your home library and perfect for bedtime reading. You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Zane and her husband Brady reside in Houston, Texas. She is actively involved in the Houston Grand Opera, Houston SPCA and the Discovery Green Conservancy.
In addition to owning Carson Marketing, LLC, Ms. Carruth is a certified etiquette professional and has published articles in several high-profile magazines. Both she and her husband are avid thoroughbred horse racing enthusiasts. When not traveling, she cherishes spending time with her 3 grandchildren, Chloe, Carson and Truett.
Ms. Carruth has recently completed her second hardback book going to publication next week. The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever Presents: The Adventures of Abella and Her Magic Wand. After years of fantasizing and months of studying, Abella finally receives her magic wand. This precocious little fairy vows to take the responsibility of wand ownership seriously and all the power that comes with it. It is a delightful book about facing challenges and accepting responsibility – even when you make mistakes. Luckily for Abella, her best friend Darcie, is with her every step of the way, doing what best friends do best.
You can connect with her on her websites: Carson Marketing, Etiquette to Excel and World’s First Tooth Fairy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 16, 2018
Maya the Bee 2: The Honey Games DVD Giveaway
On May 1st, Maya, the little bee with a big heart, is back for another adventure.
About Maya the Bee 2: The Honey Games
Maya The Bee 2: The Honey Games is based on the well-known children’s novel and popular animated series in Europe, Australia and Asia and offers an immersive cinematic adventure into a spectacular macroscopic world. A must-have for fans of all ages, the film is an instant classic that delivers wholesome family entertainment— emphasizing the importance of friendship, responsibility and courage.
After a slow harvest season, the very survival of the hive is threatened. Maya, and her sidekick, Willy, go to Buzztropolis, where the Empress invites them to participate in the Honey Games. But if they lose, the hive will have to give the Empress all of their summer honey! Needless to say, Maya and Willy’s teammates are neither enthusiastic nor athletic, but Maya remains positive and exclaims that “every bug has a talent!”.
Can Maya and Team Poppy win and secure her hive’s future? Only if Maya is able to gain new friends and learn about teamwork, accountability, and overcoming preconceived notion.
One of the best-known and beloved children’s brands of all-time, the stories of Maya The Bee have been passed down among generations of families for years. Originally a German children’s novel by Waldemar Bonsels, The Adventures of Maya the Bee was published over a hundred years ago in 1912. Since the original publishing, the book has been translated into many other languages and enjoyed by children all over the world. In addition to the book, Maya The Bee is also a comic book series, appeared in various iterations as animated series and now as major animated feature films.
Our Thoughts
Maya has to be the cutest little bee ever! This animated character has a very special message for children about teamwork, friendship and working together. She shares this message in her adventures and through her actions.
This DVD is all about teamwork and having the courage to go outside our comfort zone. Maya who isn’t as athletic as others has to compete in the Honey Games in order to save her hive. While this is daunting for her and her friends, Maya encourages them to do their best. Every person (or bee) has a special skill that makes them unique.
This is a fantastic family movie that makes for a fun family movie night. It is geared for younger children.
You can purchase an early copy of this DVD on Amazon.
Movie Trailer
The Giveaway!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD, all opinions expressed are my own.
April 12, 2018
Seekers (Mud, Rocks and Trees Book Two) Review
We all want to save the world. But who is willing to pay the price?
About Seekers (Mud, Rocks and Trees Book Two)
We all want to save the world. But who is willing to pay the price? Forced outside their village homes, the three chosen youth must find their way to Tzoladia along paths wrought with danger. All that was once safe has become perilous. Evil is on their trail.
Amanki arrives in a city of islands which seems like paradise. But death rises from the mud.
Moshoi weaves his way through caves and cliffs. But treachery lurks in the rocks.
Brina’s flight passes through a lush green forest. But lethal secrets fill these trees.
Will the star guide them to their destiny or lead them to their doom? Who will survive?
My Thoughts
Book two in this series is just as exciting and everything I hoped it would be!
In Seekers, Amanki, Moshoi and Brina, continue on their journey to Tzoladia to unite under the guidance of their elder. Simple task right? Fate will not make this a simple journey for them as they are constantly tested with situations that make question the ideas they have grown up with and their own morals. Each character brings with them their unique upbringing and skills with the modifications that happened naturally to their bodies (learn more here).
Amanki travels through what should feel like home to him with his web-footed people. What he finds is that the evil has touched them there too in the form of an evil priestess and royalty who serves themselves. He must do everything he can to protect and save the life of his friend and possibly the girl he has come to fall in love with? Brina finds herself caught in an extreme betrayal situation when they finally make it to the ship to learn that they have been sold. Moshoi, whose story I had a harder time to get into in book one, comes alive in this installment. His bravery and morals saves the lives of innocent people in neighbouring tribes.
Seekers is a well written novel with an exciting plot. I found the plot exploded in this book and I did not want to put it down out of fear of missing what was going to happen next. The ending left me craving for more – what will our characters do in the face of such betrayal and evil?. It is perfect for both young adults and adults a like.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
R.A. Denny started writing epic fantasy novels when, after watching the first Hobbit movie, she began excitedly spouting off information about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s writer’s group called the Inklings and how their greatest fantasy novels were created. One of her sons commented, “We could do that.” She laughed. Then, he turned it into a challenge.
Her unexpected journey had begun. For several years, she continued her day job as a criminal prosecutor and escaped by night to the world of the Tzoladian Empire. Then, she decided to just do what she loved.
She completed writing her six-book epic fantasy series: Mud, Rocks, and Trees. The series should be read in this order: Refugees, Seekers, Captives, Warriors, Visionaries, and then Deliverers.
R.A. enjoys ancient history, board games, and LEGO. That’s the nerd in her. She rides horses, raised flying squirrels and lives with two cats. That’s the animal lover in her. Oh, and did I mention that she loves a challenge? That’s the adventurer in her.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 11, 2018
A Witch’s Concern Audiobook Review
In A Witch’s Concern, Michelle finds that her problems are larger than one clan of witches, and is forced to choose between the people she holds dear and the way of life she loves.
About A Witch’s Concern
Michelle has been figuring out what her life is like now that the demon has been killed, and Sylvia and Varro are dead. Even the clans of witches trying to attract her to their way of life have backed off and given her a chance to grieve. Her relationship with Elron is stronger than ever, but there are things left unsaid.
On the way to her parents’ wedding, the delicate calm she’d been living in is broken. Witches are out for her blood, her family is caught in the crossfire, and friendships are threatened. Work doesn’t let up either, and she partners up with Elron to deal with magic gone wild. Michelle finds that her problems are larger than one clan of witches, and is forced to choose between the people she holds dear and the way of life she loves.
My Thoughts
I loved the first set of audiobooks in this series and this one doesn’t disappoint at all! This audiobook starts with a bang with Michelle’s kidnapping and stays intense throughout the whole novel.
Michelle is an independent, strong witch who feels no alliance to any clan and wants to keep it that way. Her Grandmother feels differently. I love that we were able to learn quite a bit more about her family history and the line of strong female witches in her family. Her Grandmother does not want to see this line end and goes to extreme measures to get Michelle to consent to her wishes, almost shocking at times!
I have always loved Michelle’s character throughout the first set of books and in this book she still remains my favourite. She has such a kind heart and just wants to do what is right and help others but she just can’t get a break. I loved that the focus of this book is her – no extra big case, just Michelle. Her character deserves it, she is just one of those individuals that gives of herself with no expectation of something in return. Her relationship with Elron is blossoming (yay!), they both deserve a loving relationship and not to mention some time to work on it.
The narration in this audiobook is excellent and adds to the drama and flair of the writing. I couldn’t stop listening as I just wanted to hear what was going to happen next with her. The plot is fantastic and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is by far my favourite book in this amazing series. This series constantly leaves you guessing on who or what will show up and happen and leaves you wanting more.
You can purchase a copy of this audiobook on Audible.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
N.E. Conneely lives in northern Georgia with her dog and a mountain of books. They sweat through the summer and freeze through the winter, and life as they know it comes to an end when so much as a single snowflake falls out of the sky. For fun, N.E. plays with her dog, reads, knits, crochets, paints, and does tie-dyeing and origami. She makes a great pizza and is currently negotiating with her husband about raising sea monkeys and growing a vegetable garden.
About the Narrators
Jeff Hays has made a name for himself in the audio book world by creating immersive experiences out of his productions. His versatility and authenticity in voicing characters, expressive low-impact narration, and dedication to offering the highest quality audio possible has earned him a loyal following of listeners. Having been fascinated with sound since he can remember, Jeff takes his background of composing and producing music, and his continual consumption of the avalanche of fictional media we all experience in these modern times, and uses it to inform his style of story telling in the audiobook realm.
And now, having produced more than 80 audio books and perfecting his craft, using the namesake of his live streaming narration show, the Soundbooth Theater shingle has been hung. Soundbooth Theater is dedicated to applying Jeff’s production methods to new audio books with other budding narrator talent, and expanding his scope from audio books, to voicing and producing animation.
Laurie got into voiceover by studying with the legendary dialect expert Paul Meier and hosting the teen program for a nonprofit for the blind, Kansas Audio Reader. She speaks French fluently and, before diving into audiobooks, lived and performed for some time in France. She’s racking up some bizarre credits, playing a range of characters onscreen from Disney princesses to horror scream queens, and proving her audio versatility by narrating everything from cowboy romances to action-packed GameLit fantasy trolls. You can also catch her in a few VR video games. Her favorite is playing confident, power-hungry, whip-smart anti-heroines.
Like Jeff Hays, she hails from the Kansas City area but currently lives in Atlanta.
Audio Excerpt
The Giveaway!
A Witch’s Concern Giveaway: $50 PayPal Cash
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.