Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Book Review: Birds by Books by Tara (Giveaway too!)

Shrade and I were so thrilled to review Tara's new book- Birds.  Right away Shrade lit up at the cover of the book.  Inside we found a cute poem (written by Tara) that introduced us to the birds that we might find in the book.  She clued us in to features to look for as we perused the book.
 
Each picture was taken by Tara and we could not believe the variety of the types of birds featured.  There are 23 birds in this well bound book with sturdy pages. There is also a label on each page to identify the name of the bird and it is written in large font that is easy to read.  All of the birds you see in this book are what you might find as you walk around your neighborhood, local park or on a visit to the zoo.  But there were even a few that I had never heard of before and peaked my interest to find out more about those birds.

Even Shrade (who is only 17 months) could point to the birds on each page.  What we found really exciting was the possibility of endless learning with this simple book.  Recognizing features such as feathers or identifying colors for the very youngest to exploring the different habitats of birds for older children.  You could also make graphs or charts of similarities and differences.  Tara also has a special feature on her website for extension activities in a pdf format.
Thank you, Tara, for letting us review your book!  We loved it and can't wait to use it for many fun learning times together!

About Tara: She is a mother of two sons and a former teacher.  Tara began focusing on special needs children when she learned that her youngest son was autistic.  She developed a simple way to connect to children with books she created.  I met Tara through a giveaway when I signed up for her newsletter.  I have found Tara to be very warm and professional.  Her interaction has been so positive and encouraging.  I am pleased to be her friend and colleague.  Tara's website is easy to navigate and features a welcome page that highlights her fabulous collection of books.  Her website is very inviting and informative.

AND now for the giveaway!  One winner will get to choose which of Tara's fabulous books to make a part of their library!


Mandatory entry: Please visit Tara's website and choose which book you would like (HOLES, tiny HOLES, WATER, Car Wash, Autumn Leaves, Jack-O-Lantern, Snowman, and now Birds). Be sure to provide your email.

For other entries:
*Become a follower on my Milk N' Honey blog
*Put my button on your blog (provide link)
*Sign up for Tara's newsletter
*Become a fan of Books by Tara on Facebook
*Put Tara's button on your blog
*Blog about this giveaway (provide link) 
*Post about this giveaway on another site like Twitter or Facebook (1 entry for every post)

Giveaway open until Sunday, May 16.  Winner will be announced on Monday and emailed.

Have fun and good luck!  Blessings, Shonda

I'm also linked up with Kid Friendly Fridays and Feed Me Books Friday!
 

56 comments:

Trinity Rose said...

Greetings,
Great blog.
I like the book Water.
Thanks for your time and talent in doing this giveaway.
Have a blessed day,
Trinity Rose

wandaelaine at gmail dot com

Trinity Rose said...

Hi,
I'm a follower of your blog and I'm glad to be one.
Trinity Rose

wandaelaine at gmail dot com

Grace~The Mommy On the Bus said...

Great giveaway Shonda!! We love books :)

I visited her site and I think I like either "Holes" or "Birds"...but probably Birds if I had to chose!

TheWheelerParade@gmail.com

Grace~The Mommy On the Bus said...

I'm a follower :)

Grace~The Mommy On the Bus said...

It's on my blog now!

Grace~The Mommy On the Bus said...

Oops, forgot to add the link! It's http://wheelsoffun.blogspot.com/2010/05/getting-to-some-blog-business.html

Grace~The Mommy On the Bus said...

Just became a fan of Tara on facebook!

Steffanie said...

I would choose Snowman, very cute.

steffanie771 at hotmail dot com

Mozi Esme said...

We posted about this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/05/book-by-tara.html

And I'd love the Balloons one. Or the Water one. Goodness, how do I choose?! I'll stick with Balloons...

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

Linda Kish said...

I'd go with Birds

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Jacque said...

Thanks for sharing this give-away! I really like all the books but I think that Birds would go really well with all of our outside summer activities!

My e-mail is stanwoodplayschool(at)gmail(dot)com

Jacque said...

I am already a follower of both your blogs. :)

Jacque said...

I became a fan (or liked) Books by Tara on Facebook.

Jacque said...

I have signed up for Tara's newsletter - love her stuff - so glad you shared it with us! :)

Jacque said...

I have your button on my blog - in the top right corner of the button love page!

Link: http://www.stanwoodplayschool.com/p/button-love.html

Anonymous said...

Car Wash. Although they are all so cute. I selected Car Wash because my son gets nervous if we go through a car wash. I thought this might help him not be afraid and find it fun.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Annette W. said...

I like Car Wash, especially with the sounds. We have recently been enjoying the birds around the house, so I think this would be a great book for us!

windycindy said...

Hello! All of Tara's books are wonderful. My sons love the car wash,
so that is my favorite.
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

I follow your blog publicly via
Google Friend Connect...
Again, many thanks!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

Also, I am a Facebook fan of Books
by Tara....Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

Also, I am an email newsletter
subscriber to Books by Tara.
Merci, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

"Tweet!"
http://twitter.com/cmh512/status/13802861013.
Merci beaucoup, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

Facebook Post: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/cindi512?v=wall&story_fbid=116243605082395.
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Tim, Allyson, and kids said...

Our daughter love balloons so I think I'd choose that one
a_heart4home at yahoo

Tim, Allyson, and kids said...

blogged here
http://somegreatgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/05/childrens-book-giveaway-link.html
a_heart4home at yahoo

one frugal lady said...

I love the water book best!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Mama Pickles said...

I love all of Tara's books, but I think I would like Car Wash the best. My son is terrified of them and I think it would help him a lot.

Mama Pickles said...

I receive Tara's newsletter. That's how I found out about your giveaway! :)

Mama Pickles said...

I am a follower.

Kerrie said...

I follow your blog!
kerriekg(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kerrie said...

I know my 2 year old son would love, love, love the Car Wash book!
kerriekg(at)yahoo(dot)com

The Activity Mom said...

So happy I found your blog! I'm your newest follower. =)

The Activity Mom said...

I like the books Snowman or Tall! Well really I love them all!

nduggan2@gmail.com

Carma Sez said...

Tara's Tall book looks like a lot of fun.

anne s. said...

love the car wash book....as going to the car wash is one of our favorite activities!
ansavd at gmail dot com

phrannie said...

this is great 8) i'd pick More Holes!

@FlamingBlingy
phranne[at]yahoo.com

Shelley said...

I think my son would love the book "Tiny Holes"..looks very interesting!

mdlangmead at gmail dot com

Shelley said...

I'm a new follower :)

mdlangmead at gmail dot com

Shelley said...

Signed up for Tara's newsletter!

Pam said...

I love the snowman book (even if it is the wrong season!)

melacan at hotmail dot com

Melissa said...

i pick snowman. because we just love snowmen!!

Invisible_Fairy_05@yahoo.com

Melissa said...

i joined tara's newsletter

Melissa said...

i follow with GFC

Tori said...

I am following the blog
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

I would love to have her birds book how neat!!
vrtheriot@gmail.com

EMSFS said...

I would go for the Water book- my daughter would love it!
emsfsemsfs@gmail.com

Gretchen said...

I think my daughter would like the Balloon book. Thanks for doing the giveaway!

Gretchen
jneisler4828@aol.com

melissa said...

im following

melissa said...

i liked autumn leaves

Renee G said...

I would love to have the Snowman book.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

pamalot said...

I signed up for Tara's newsletter.

pamfreecycle@gmail.com

pamalot said...

I work with a group of preschoolers and would love to share SNOWMAN with them.

pamfreecycle@gmail.com

pamalot said...

i am a facebook fan of Tara's Books.

pamfreecycle@gmail.com

Renee said...

I would like Birds if I won.
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I'd love Autumn Leaves
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

Janna said...

I saw her water book and would love to have that one. No Time for flash cards mentioned her book to I think. I love seeing moms make a difference like this.

Thanks for linking up too!