James Gibson is 12 years old and only needs $2 million to convince NASA to let him go to the moon. It’s not a regular thing for a kid to get $2 million. But James is no ordinary kid. Follow his adventure … from getting his weekly swirly in the school toilet from the neighborhood bully … all the way into outer space … in this exciting new novel, The Kid Who Went To The Moon.

“I’m so impressed with the imagination and storytelling ability of this young man! His tale would make a perfect Phineas & Ferb adventure! If we’re still around in a few years I’d happily give him a job, (Heck, let’s be honest, I’ll probably be asking him for a job).”
—Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, Co-creator of Phineas & Ferb

We received this book to review/feature and loved it! It is funny, imaginative and I am simply amazed that the Author is only 11 years old! My 10-year old son also enjoyed it and thought it was very creative and he loved the character James Gibson and his adventure to Space. “Kids will also be able to relate to this modern-day character,” my son Joshua adds. We can’t wait to read the next book by Walter Levin!

*Photo of Walter Levin

Self Disclosure: I received the book for Free to facilitate this feature.

From the #1 bestselling author of History’s Greatest Generals comes an exciting new paperback book on the greatest explorers in history and how their discoveries shaped the modern world.

Whether it is Rabban Bar Sauma, the 13th-century Chinese monk commissioned by the Mongols to travel to Europe and form a military alliance against the Islamic Caliphate; Marco Polo, who opened a window to the East for the West; or Captain James Cook, whose maritime voyages of discovery created the global economy of the 21st century, each of these explorers had an indelible impact on the modern world.

This book will look at the 11 greatest explorers in history. Some travelled for religious piety, such as Ibn Battuta, who travelled from North Africa to China in the 1300s, visiting every Islamic pilgrimage site between. Others travelled for profit, such as Ferdinand Magellan, who wanted to consolidate Spain’s holdings on the spice trade. Still others travelled for discovery, such as Ernest Shackleton, who led two dozen men to the bottom of the world in an attempt to cross Antarctica on foot.

Whatever their reason for discovery, these explorers still inspire us today to push the limits of human achievement — and discover something about ourselves in the process.

I received this book and found it to be an enjoyable read filled with action and adventure! A Must-read for all who love history!
Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

AUTISM BREAKTHROUGH: The Groundbreaking Method That Has Helped Families All Over the World (on-sale April 1, to coincide with World Autism Awareness Day), Raun Kaufman argues it doesn’t have to be that way. Autism can be effectively treated and even a cure is possible – he’s living proof!

 

After his diagnosis with severe autism at age 2, Raun’s parents refused to accept his bleak prognosis. Rejecting traditional (and ineffective) behavior modification methods, they tried the opposite approach: rather than change their son’s autistic behaviors, they “joined” in his activities. In doing so, they forged a bridge from his world to theirs.

 

Flash forward to today—Raun is a thriving Ivy-league graduate with no trace of autism. With his parents, he runs the Autism Treatment Center of America whose world-renowned Son-Rise program—based on the groundbreaking methods that helped him recover—has helped thousands of autistics worldwide progress significantly and many fully recover.

 

In AUTISM BREAKTHROUGH, Raun shares the groundbreaking principles and strategies that helped him for the first time. He offers parents new hope through a scientifically proven roadmap for helping their children progress.

I received this book and found it a very interesting approach to dealing with the diagnosis of Autism. I highly recommend this to parents.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RAUN K. KAUFMAN is the Director of Global Education for the Autism Treatment Center of America. As the key spokesperson for ATCA and the Son-Rise Program, he conducts lectures and seminars worldwide and has worked with families and professionals for over 15 years. Kaufman has been featured on NPR, BBC, Fox News, and in People Magazine. He co-hosts the radio show Raun & Kristin: Bringing Hope Into Your Home on Autism Approved Radio.

 

PRAISE FOR AUTISM BREAKTHROUGH:

 

“An innovative, alternative approach that directly empowers parents and caregivers.”

—Kirkus Reviews

 

“Practical and upbeat…[Kaufman’s] personal faith in the program, his warmth, and the targeted application of principles will encourage readers to try his methods.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Autism Breakthrough must be read by every parent who wants a step-by-step plan to reach and transform their child with autism. The Son-Rise Program changed my life and [that] of my daughter. Today she thrives because I knew to ignore dire predictions and immerse her in the techniques described in Autism Breakthrough. I couldn’t recommend this book more enthusiastically for all parents and professionals. It turns the all-powerful principle of unconditional love into a practical blueprint that anyone can follow.”

—Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, #1 NYT bestselling author of The Power of Intention

“I learned more about my daughter by reading this book than I have through any other I’ve read since her diagnosis 11 years ago. If you’re a parent of a child with autism, this book truly is a must-read. With case studies, step-by-step instructions and an accompanying website, it’s an invaluable resource that may prompt you to rethink what and how your child can best progress to meet their full potential. No matter how old your child is, Autism Breakthrough can help you to connect with them in ways you may have never thought possible.”

—Wendy Fournier, President, National Autism Association

“I highly recommend Autism Breakthrough. It combines the scientifically-validated therapies of The Son-Rise Program with an easy-to-read, informative approach. I frequently refer patients to The Son-Rise Program and have seen objective improvements in my patients. Autism Breakthrough will make huge impact.”

—Phillip C. DeMio, M.D., Executive Director, American Medical Autism Board, & Chief Medical Officer, US Autism & Asperger Association

“Autism Breakthrough provides enormous help to those who care for someone with autism…a revelation.”

—Lawrence P. Kaplan, Ph.D., founder of US Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA)

“Autism Breakthrough is remarkable. Kaufman has done a stellar job weaving together sensibility, science, and the meticulous learning from his own life experiences as a boy with autism. He shares the eye-opening perspective that turned his life around and that’s helped countless children around the world.”

—Julie Matthews, BS, NC, Leading Autism Diet & Nutrition Specialist, Co-Founder of Nourishing Hope®, Author of Nourishing Hope for Autism: Nutrition & Diet Guide for Healing Children

“Autism Breakthrough is a unique, amazing book…an absolute essential for parents of and professionals working with children on the autism spectrum. Kaufman provides a well-written, accessible (and humorous!) breakdown of The Son-Rise-Program. The program, shown to improve communication and social skills in people with autism, uses a rich set of treatment procedures grounded in scientific principles, with current research attesting to its efficacy. Indeed, if I had a child with autism, I would definitely select The Son-Rise Program to help [them].”

—Cynthia K Thompson, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Communication Sciences and Neurology at Northwestern University

 

“If you’re the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Autism Breakthrough was written just for you. The Son Rise Program is a fantastic treatment method…I’ve never [seen] a set of clinical principles as powerful, elegant and effective. The outcomes are truly stunning: children make concrete, sweeping progress, often far outstripping their original prognosis, and parents overcome feelings of devastation and learn to accept, enjoy and help their children. With humor and caring, Autism Breakthrough not only provides clear techniques, it’s a testament to the impact of hope, love and acceptance! I personally see applications of the principles in all clinical endeavors.”

—Ted McCarthy, M.D., Former Chief of Psychiatry, Mercy Hospital

 

“With Autism Breakthrough, Kaufman has done what few in the field of autism treatment would dream of doing. He’s empowered parents to take charge again, given them real hope for change and armed them with tools and techniques to make those hopes a reality.  Our children are not ‘stuck’… autism is not hard-wired. My son fully recovered from autism to become his 6^th grade class president (in a regular, mainstream school) thanks to the principles of The Son-Rise Program. Medicine today offers little other than a dismal prognosis. It doesn’t have to be that way! Many children completely recover using this program and whole families thrive. “

—Wendy Edwards, M.D., Pediatrician, B.Sc.N., F.R.C. P. (C).

 

“A game-changer. If you’re the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Autism Breakthrough gives you a whole new way to help your child. My own son is the beneficiary of the principles explained in Autism Breakthrough. I gave birth to him, but The Son-Rise Program gave him life.”

—Kristin Selby Gonzalez, President, Autism Hope Alliance

“Kaufman has given a roadmap to unravel the autism mystery. In my forty years in the field of disabilities, I’ve observed how well-intended therapists with their sophisticated behavior plans have created more unwanted behaviors than benefits. Autism Breakthrough provides a commonsense guide on how to establish harmonious, humanistic relationships based on trust and unconditional acceptance and empowers people on the autism spectrum to relate and thrive…a significant contribution to the awakening of humanity to neurodiversity.”

—Ken Routson, Author of The Gifts of Autism & Alzheimer’s and Beliefology

“Autism Breakthrough breaks the ‘autism is a life-long condition’ paradigm and shifts hopelessness to hope. As occupational therapists and international lecturers, we highly recommend this wonderful “user-friendly” resource with all the principles, strategies, and techniques needed to support those with social-relational challenges.  A must-read, not only for parents but all teachers and therapists who support those on the autism spectrum!”

—MarySue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger, Creators of Alert Program

“Insightful, personal, and accessible. A hopeful message and one which only a person that has looked through the eyes of an autistic child could offer.  Autism Breakthrough is a must read…its depth and practical advice empower you to join your child on their journey toward achieving their limitless potential.”

—Alex Doman, Author of Healing at the Speed of Sound, Founder & CEO Advanced Brain Technologies

 

 

Self Disclosure: I received this book free to facilitate this feature.

Chest By The Bay is a story about an abandoned amusement park and a curious young girl who discovers a chest. Should she open it? Most curious people would but what is in the chest? Somethings are sometimes better left alone. This is a quick read and children ages 6-8 will be able to read it rather quickly and they will also love the illustrations. The book is illustrated by Dwain Esper. What I find so impressive is that the Author of the book is 12 years old.

Chest by the Bay is the first book from Tessa Beauchat. Tessa is currently 12. She is in the 7th Grade at Saint Francis Xavier School in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Chest by the Bay grew out of poetry project Tessa did in the 4th grade. Tessa has a passion for both writing and reading. Her favorite authors are Veronica Roth and Rick Riordan.

Tessa participates in the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University. She also has a passion for volleyball. This season Tessa is playing for the Revolution Volleyball Club of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She is a defensive specialist and plays the position of libero.

When not busy with academics, volleyball, and writing, Tessa loves water sports, horseback riding, and snow skiing. Tessa loves to travel. Her favorite places to visit are Lake LBJ in Texas and Sanibel Island Florida. At Lake LBJ she loves to wake board, knee board, tube, and do anything that keeps her on the water from sunrise until bedtime. On Sanibel her favorite thing to do is bike to Poco Loco and be the first customer of the day.

The book is available via Kindle or in print from Amazon.

Visit her on the web at www.bestsinceslicedbread.com

 
Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Here’s the buzz:  One of the most popular kids’/family recording artists on the scene today, Bari Koral, takes an adventurous leap forward with the Bari Koral Family Rock Band’s fourth album, The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee, set for release in May.

Over the past seven years, Bari Koral has established herself not only as a beloved performer but also as a leading force in the “yoga for kids” movement.  Bari’s catchy, pop-friendly tunes and interactive live shows featuring a creative blend of music and movement have gained her legions of fans, while many of her songs are also widely used in kids’ yoga classes and preschool classrooms.  As a kids’ yoga expert, Bari lectures nationally on the subject.  Watch for Bari as host of the world’s first yoga-based, movement-and-music TV show for kids, coming soon on the Veria Living Network.

For The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee, Bari decided a musical stretch was in order, so she brought her band to Nashville to record the album under the guiding hand of legendary producer Brad Jones.

Brad Jones, described by music journalist Rick Clark as “one of the most self-directed and disciplined guys I know in music,” has worked with everyone from Matthew Sweet, Jill Sobule, Marshall Crenshaw and Ron Sexsmith to Justin Townes Earle, Yo La Tengo, Over the Rhine, Chuck Prophet, and Josh Rouse.  Jones produced Josh Rouse’s highly laudedNashville and 1972.

The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee leads off with “Dancing Bear,” a rocking, good-times tune with a great dance beat, which features Bari Koral “trading fours” with Dred Scott’s excellent bass guitar work.  Bari wrote “Big Truck” à la Johnny Cash, and Dan Cohen’s twangy guitars combine with Bari’s impressive country vocals to give the song an authentic “on the road” feel.  Shifting gears with 18-wheel precision, Bari turns the corner on the next song, “Birthday,” a poppy anthem of love and security.  Other highlights include the New Orleans flavor of “Roller Coaster,” spiced with vocal “whees” that are sure to delight, and the humorous, two-beat “Back to the Farm,” which is guaranteed to get kids moving.

People Magazine named Bari Koral’s 2012 release, Anna and the Cupcakes, one of that year’s coolest albums for kids.  Bari’s songs are in regular rotation on Sirius/XM Radio‘s Kids Place Live, and her recordings have been honored with two Parents’ Choice Awards and two NAPPA Awards.  Enthused Jeff Bogle of Out With The Kids, “What would Norah Jones sound like if she decided to up the tempo a bit and make music geared towards young people?  My guess is that she would probably emulate the music The Bari Koral Family Rock Band is making right now.”

We received this CD to review and really enjoyed the catchy tunes, fun lyrics and there’s a real refreshing sound to the entire CD. This is something that is sometimes missing in today’s music for young children. Bari’s vocals and lyrics are quite impressive and the music will make young children want to get on their feet and dance!

The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee will be available at amazon.com, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and at independent retail outlet throughout the country.

Check out Bari Koral’s website at www.barikoral.com.

Self Disclosure: I received this CD for free to facilitate this feature but any opinions expressed are my honest opinions,

 

Ahoy Mateys!

Carole P. Roman’s award winning children’s series, Captain No Beard, returns with an exciting new adventure on the high seas, with volume 5 “The Treasure of Snake Island.” This is a fun book with the mateys being threatened by a serious looking set of storm clouds. Will they be able to get through the storm? Well..they were aware of the storm so they are prepared and of course these characters make it through and are on their way to search for buried treasure. What is the big treasure they find? Is it gold coins? Maybe valuable jewels? They do find something much more valuable…books and the treasure of reading. This is a fun, fast read book that is great for children ages 4-8. (Just don’t spoil the ending by showing them this review!). For more information about this book and others by Carole P. Roman, check out the Carole. P. Roman website and you can find her book at amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received this book for free to facilitate this feature.

Disney has a pretty good grasp on stories about fairies and pirates and their latest release, The Pirate Fairy certainly reflects that. Tinker Bell plays a leading role in coming to the rescue when mischievous fairy Zarina steals Blue Pixie Dust and flies away to join forces with the pirates of Skull Rock. “This movie is full of excitement the entire family should enjoy, ” claims KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kendyl P. and her twin, Kayla adds, “The message of this film is that you should not turn your back on your friends when you do something wrong.” See their full reviews below along with a link to their interviews with the cast members, director and producer at the premiere.

 

Disney’s The Pirate Fairy
Reviewed by Kayla and Kendyl Powell, Age 12, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

     

Premiere coverage here: http://youtu.be/55b7NHEN8Nk

Video review here: http://youtu.be/lbNm7gbW5nw

 

The fairies are coming, the fairies are coming. That’s right Disney’s The Pirate Fairy is a phenomenal film. This movie is full of excitement the entire family should enjoy. There are fairies for the girls, pirates and adventure for the boys and great comedy for the parents.

 

Disney’s The Pirate Fairy is about a pixie dust fairy name Zarina (Christina Hendricks) who has a lot of great ideas. Zarina wants to use some of her creativity to make new things for the town of Pixie Hallow. She makes a few mistakes and runs off and becomes a Pirate Fairy. Zarina partners up with a pirate named James (Tom Hiddleston) who is actually the younger Captain Hook. Once again Zarina finds herself in a lot of trouble. Now it is up to Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman) and her friends to help save the day.

 

The message of this film is that you should not turn your back on your friends when you do something wrong. In the film, Zarina turns her back on her friends and then later regrets her actions and her friends continue to be there when she is in need. Zarina does not expect the other fairies to be nice to her after what she did to them. The voice actors, Christina Hendricks, Mae Whitman and Tom Hiddleston deliver spectacular performances and really bring their characters to life.

 

My favorite character is Tinker Bell because she is very determined to help her friend Zarina even though Zarina left and was the best friend at the time.

 

My other favorite character is Zarina because she likes to take charge and is really determined to accomplish her personal goals and ambitions. That’s what I like about her.

 

My favorite part of the film is when they play the Pixie Hallow games. I really enjoyed the figure skaters and all their cool tricks. I was awed by their performances.

 

We recommend Disney’s Pirate Fairy for ages 4 to 10.  We give this movie 5 out of 5 SHINING STARS!!!!!! You can watch Disney’s Pirate Fairy in Movie Theaters on April 1^st, 2014. Reviewed by Kendyl and Kayla Powell, KIDS FIRST! Film Critics.