Tag Archives: book

Product & Gear, Video

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea

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I had the opportunity to interview Meena Harris on my show today! She is the founder and CEO of Phenomenal Woman, a female-powered lifestyle brand that brings awareness to social causes, and the author of Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea.

She is a Harvard Law graduate, entrepreneur and mom, who is now adding the title of Children’s Book author to her resume. I previewed her new book Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea and read it to my 6-year old, and he was into it!

The book has great illustrations and the story is based on a true story of Meena’s mother, Maya, and aunt, Kamala (i.e. US Senator Kamala Harris). In the story, two sisters turned the unused courtyard in their apartment building into an area for kids to play.

Another thing I love about this book, is it highlights not only two female main characters, but also diversity. I know with my kids, it’s important for them to be able to relate to what they see and read in books, not only just their interests, but also people of color and from backgrounds/cultures similar to their own.

Meena was a great interview and had lots of insightful ideas and information when it comes to social causes and equality. One of the key points that really stood out to me is this fact:

In 2018, fewer than a third of all U.S. children’s books featured a person of color as a main character.

Click here to learn more about Phenomenal Woman and be sure to check out her new book children’s Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea.

Product & Gear

When the Day Ends… and Dreams Begin…

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If your kids are anything like mine, when it comes to storybooks and reading, they tend to stick to one book that we read over and over for a little while before they take up interest in a new one. I get it, the repetition and familiarity is a great way for them to learn and hey, if they find a book they like, I am all for it. But let’s be honest, it can also get boring…for me!

A friend of mine recently shared a book written by her father (Don Rose), and husband (Javier Lopez), “When the Day Ends… and Dreams Begin...” It’s a big story book filled with several unique, short stories and poems, perfect for boys and girls! My kids immediately took to the book and chose which ones they wanted me to read first. A couple of my early takeaways from the book are the fun, playful moral stories and cute illustrations to match. The stories are perfect for bedtime to read 1 or 2 and it’s a nice blend of text and pictures.

Often times my boys will argue over which book they get before bed and with this book, they can each get the same book, (and share), but pick their own unique story out of it. The themes for the stories are very relate-able whether is be about siblings, growing up and animals, or geared toward dreaming big, like being a race car driver!

If you’re looking for a new book that will produce a new story every time you open it, I would suggest you check this one out. You can learn more about this book by visiting https://roselopezbooks.com/

 

 

Product & Gear

Personalized Storybooks for Kids

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If you’re looking to build your child’s library or perhaps want a special gift that’s personalized and tailored for a certain child, I have a great recommendation for you! It’s called “The Magic of My Name.” This is a personalized children’s book, based on every child’s name created by The Story Tailors.

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The company invited me to sample their personalized books and its pages offer a magical adventure to help discover the meaning of the child’s name, by exploring each letter that makes up the name. Each letter of the child’s name receives a certain character trait and behind every trait there is a little adventure.

web3In every book, the entire story is based on the “name,” so every story is unique. And — not only you  specify the name, there is also room for a personal dedication, as well as choices to change the gender of the main character and choose the color of skin and hair! The books also come in a several different languages and are available in either hardback or paperback finishes.

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I know as we’ve built our library of books for our boys, I’ve become more cognizant of seeking out characters, themes or stories that my children can more closely identify…so with a book like “The Magic of My Name,” they will not only love seeing their name/letters of their name, all over the book, but also following a main character who (may) more closely resemble them too! Trust me this one will be a big hit, and is the perfect for bedtime and sharing with friends…these also make excellent gifts.

Enter to win a personalized “The Magic of My Name” book!

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Giveaway ends July 28, 2017 at 12:00am PST. Open to Residents of the US only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note that 53 Weeks is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. I will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you. The product provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

Food, Mommy 101, Product & Gear

Veggies Are Tasty and Fun

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MIHAELA LICA BUTLER GARDEN SUPER HERO TALES
A child explores a magical world, where veggies talk, and tell unbelievable stories. “Garden Super Hero Tales” reveals where veggies came from, what adventures they had along the way, and how they can transform any child into a super hero.

Mihaela Lica Butler, a journalist, career woman, and full-time mom released the children’s book that brings a world of magic and cooking fun into the family kitchen. “Garden Super Hero Tales” inspires children to eat healthier, and to enjoy vegetables, by telling 10 beautiful stories, which narrate adventures of vegetable greats from the garden.

The stories are illustrated with photographs and 20 beautiful coloring pages, and followed by authentic vegan and vegetarian recipes, to inspire healthy eating habits for the entire family.

“Garden Super Hero Tales” is the first volume in a series of 10 that will set the stage for 100 different veggies, herbs and fruit, to show their true super powers for a healthy diet. The books are inspired by the author’s own son, Paul-Jules, who is the main hero of the stories. The reader joins the little boy as he explores the magical world of the veggies, who traveled around the world, and have many beautiful memories to share. Smaller children can still follow Paul-Jules’s journey, through images by photographer Mihai Petre, and beautiful illustrations by Patricia Revita.

“Garden Super Hero Friends” will be available for sale via Amazon, and other online retailers beginning January 2014. Early shoppers can already find it on Lulu.com: http://www.lulu.com/content/14328674. For more information, and loads of cooking fun, follow the Super Heroes on Facebook.

Gift Guide

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Kids

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The 2013 holiday season is here and Gilt.com has offered some great ideas in their gift guide, so I thought I’d share some of my picks for under $100! First up, the kids… Sometimes they’re more excited to unwrap the gift, than actually have what’s inside, but with these fun selections, you’re sure to have them grinning from ear to ear!

From Harper Collins, “A Light in the Attic,” by Shel Silverstein. This is a no-brainer, it’s a classic and a book that I have fond memories of from my childhood. Purchase the hardcover edition on GILT, where it’s available for just $14.

From KidKraft it’s the Tasty Treats Chef Access Set in Red. This would work for your budding chef and maybe you can put your feet up and let the little one do the cooking! Get the whole chef set for $16 on GILT.

For a rockin’ good time, it’s Mocha the Monkey Rocker by Rockabye. Perfect for children aged 9 months and older, I love it’s plush design and sturdy wood frame. Find it on GILT for only $68.

Let the creativity flow with a Magnetic Artist Easel from Alex Toys. This gift should keep them busy for hours as they create the next great masterpiece! The floor mat is definitely a bonus to help with clean up. It’s available for $88 on GILT.