August 21, 2015
Get Ready for Back to School with Raincoast Books {Giveaway!}
Back to school time is always an exciting, nervous and hectic time. We worry about skills they may have forgotten, new supplies and new clothes. It is important to slow down the hustle and bustle of the back to school time to focus on relationships and bonding time. Which is why I love books! Reading a book with or to your child gives you much-needed quiet time to escape, to bond and to laugh over silly antics of characters. Raincoast Books brings you six of their best books that are perfect to add to your child’s book collection.
In Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova, young Anna’s Mother takes her to the ballet and her whole world is changed. This begins the journey of a girl who will one day grow up to be the most famous prima ballerina of all time, who inspires legions of dancers after her: the gifted Anna Pavlova. Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova, is the incredible, heart warming and inspiring story of a young girl not born to riches but who changed the world of ballet. One night changed her whole life, like so many children who see something for the first time. This book teaches children that every dream is possible with hard work and love. If you love something so strongly, you need to work hard and this love will show. I loved how the book showed Anna travelling the world to not only bring dance, hope and love to the rich but to the poor as well. She is an inspiration for so many.
In The Wonderful World of Pascal the Very Brave, we are introduced to Pascal who is a very brave platypus. Pascal lives in a very incredible town full of interesting characters, recipes, collections and more. In this book we are introduced to not only Pascal but his friends Fancy, Cardigan, Zelda and Ringo. Unlike a traditional story where you read left to right, we found ourselves jumping across the page, up and down reading tidbits of the characters and the crazy town they live in. We had a lot of fun reading their funny antics and stories. The story is full of fantastic and humourous illustrations that will guarantee hours of fun.
In The Bear’s Surprise, hibernation is over and Little Bear is ready for adventure! But where is Papa Bear? Never fear, Little Bear will find him! Follow Little Bear on this adventure through interactive cutouts on his journey to find Papa Bear. What will he find at the end of his journey? Join Little Bear in this third installment of the acclaimed series by Benjamin Chaud.
In Big Bear Little Chair, author Lizi Boyd uses art and words to create a simple book for all ages to cherish. Lizi uses unexpected opposites to create a heart warming story about Big Bear, Little Bear and all the things that bring them together.
In Pierre the Maze Detective, we meet master detective Pierre who is on a new case. Mr. X has stolen the Maze stone (oh no!) which has the power to turn the whole city into a maze! Can you help Pierre and his friends make it through the maze and stop Mr. X before it is too late? This book features fifteen full spread illustrations of magical mazes.
In Leo: A Ghost Story, Leo just wants to find a friend. He knows he will make a good friend but everyone is scared of him. Why? Because Leo is a ghost! It is the young girl, Jane, who sees him for who he really is and together they become the best of friends. You can find my full review and book trailer here.
Raincoast Books wants you to win your own Back to School book collection as pictured above! My Canadian readers can now enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck and happy reading!
Disclosure: I received two of the above mentioned books in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I’m looking for the high quality content, the books that are fun, but have layers of meaning. I really distaste licensed junk, books that leave me wondering “so, what they wanted to say with it?” or the ones that make me stop in the middle thinking “oops, I don’t want my kids to hear that…”
I like to look for large colourful illustrations in my children’s books. Also my children love rhyming text!
I look for books that would appeal to both my kids so we can all read together. I like books that are easy to read multiple times and have depth so you can discover something new each time:)
I always look for something funny with a storyline that capture my son’s attention. Colour pictures are also a big plus.
I look for a book that is both fun/funny and educational! Lots of reading but pictures as well.
I look for books my children will enjoy and expand their little imaginations.
Looks for books with really nice pictures and a story line that helps to entertain but also teach at the same time.
My youngest loves colourful pictures with animated characters whom you can’t help but love. A fun story just adds to our joy in reading it.
Thanks for an opportunity to win new books!
Right now I look for lots of small easy words as that what he will leave to read. I like the longer books for bedtime when I read to him. I look for colorful and interesting illustrations as thats what seems to keep him attention. I look for sturdy books as he’s a bit hard on them sometimes.
I look for a fun story with great illustrations
I look for lasting power. A book that is going to capture his attention, encourage his imagination, help him look at the world in a different way.
I look for books with strong female characters.
I look for something my grandchildren are interest in. Funny and pictures.
I look for books that are enjoyable to read over and over, nice illustrations,I like books that the story or theme teaches as well as entertains, ones that has them asking questions like about animals, space, the world around them..
Good illustrations!
I look for good illustrations!
In children books, I look for educational stories, ones that teach lessons, of kindness, sharing, giving, and more, through wonderful stories that kids can understand. Reading is so important.
I look for creativity,, it seemed like I was always finding the kids books with the same story line over and over. I love out of the box books 🙂
I look for fun book, with quality content.
I look for something that helps teach real life lessons.
I look for colourful pictures, simple story lines and books that are a little extra interactive are even better!
Shorter stories and colourful pictures.
colourful illustrations, quality paper and a story line that will capture little ones attention.
I look for books with good quality stories and pictures that will stand the test of time (that will still be relevant in 10 years, or 20 years, etc)
Right now we are buying books that use small sight words to help Sophie to learn how to read.
I always look for fun books that teach a lesson.
I look for stuff that is going to interest my children. I like bright colourful pictures and entertaining stories.
A good story
I look for books that would interest my girls ,funny, bright and durable
I look for a subject or things that my kids find interesting.
I like clear images, nothing overly long, suitable vocabulary.
I look for good lessons and awesome pictures.
I look for good illustrations and a story that I won’t get tired of re-reading too soon!
I look for illustrations that will capture the interest of younger children as well as a good story.
Lots of words and illustrations to keep them interested.
When picking up books for the grandkids, I alway look for a meaning, lesson , age appropriate content as well as the soothing they can relate to!
I look for an engaging story and quality made books when I choose a book for my child.
the story has to be one that they enjoy, makes them think or question, and doesn’t scare them
I like when they encourage imagination
I look for a good lesson in the story and great illustrations.
I look for books with lines that can be paired with actions!
I look for colorful graphics, recognized characters and authors, and great stories