Occasionally I have the opportunity to introduce you all to a great children's book.  While books tend to be on my Review blog, I always feel like the children's ones fit better here!  I hope you enjoy reading about it and be sure to enter the giveaway below!! 

From the Award Winning Author of Millicent Marie is Not My Name

Ballet and baking pies – these are two of twelve year old Georgie Harris’ favorite things. When her parents decide to move closer to her grandmother’s nursing home, Georgie quickly learns the bad news: dance lessons are too expensive in this new town. Instead, Georgie spends most of her time baking pies to bring to her grandmother at the Willow Lakes Nursing Home. There she meets Eve, who inspires Georgie with stories of having danced with a world famous Russian ballerina many years ago. As Georgie and Eve’s friendship evolves, their tales intertwine in this feel good story showing dreams really can come true.

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About the author:

Karen Pokras Toz writes middle grade and adult contemporary fiction. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, First Place in the Children’s Chapter Books category and the Grand Prize overall in the 2012 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as winning first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature, and placing Finalist in the USA Best Book Awards. Her books for children include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie Is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adults, she recently published Chasing Invisible. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children. For more information, please visit www.karentoz.com.

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Follow the Book Tour The author is giving away the audiobook of Millicent Marie is Not My Name and a gorgeous ballet charm bracelet to one lucky reader.
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#Review - From Frights to Flaws by @SunaynaPrasad

Hi guys!  I don't do these a ton over here since I have a blog just for reviewing books... But this one is a children's book and with most my readers here being parents, I figured you might enjoy it!

From Frights to Flaws
(Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions: Book 1)
by :  Sunayna Prasad

Publication:  FriesenPress (Aug. 2013)
ASIN:  B00EO8U7O8
Length:  176 pages
Genre:  Children's Fiction  - Age : Middle School

Book Description: 

Twelve-year-old Alyssa McCarthy can no longer stand the toughness of her uncle and wants a better life. But one day she discovers not only the existence of magic, but also a villain hunting her down. The villain uses magic and magical technology to kidnap Alyssa to the Fiji Islands. As much as she wants to go home, she has to face some dangerous challenges first. Not only that, the villain himself must also be defeated. Can Alyssa succeed, even with the help of her mentors?

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My Thoughts : 

There are so many things I loved about this book! It has a wonderful story line - good vs evil and friendship are main themes.  The author has a great imagination that shines through in this book!  I always wonder how people can dream up such magical things and make them seem so real..

Most likely my favorite thing about this book is the main character.   Alyssa is a typical preteen girl.  She's not super popular, pretty or smart.  She's your every day girl, which I think you can relate to a lot as a kid.  It endears her to your heart and makes you want to root for her to win!  I loved all the challenges that she is presented with and how she manages to overcome them.. Although she can't always listen to her mentors when fear overcomes her (who can!?) she does a good job of facing each challenge bravely.

 I would suggest it for children 11-13 stage, depending on their maturity.  There is some death, lots of plotting by the villian to kill Alyssa and it can be a little scary at times for a younger child.   While I know that both my little girls (8 & 9) could read it, I'm waiting a little longer before I give it to them just for the scare factor.   While they love Harry Potter movies, I would put this one more on the lines of the "Prisoner of Azkaban "(book 3) in regards to an evil wizard out to get you type feel.  I always feel that reading a book is more intense than watching a movie- you can't simply hide behind the pillow if something gets scary.  I will definitely be saving this book back to read together when they are a little older!

If you have children who enjoy fantasy and magic , I suggest you give this one a try (with the age disclaimer above).  It's a quick and fun read !

Ps..  I'm supposed to tell you that I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  :)

Sunayna Prasad has been writing stories for over thirteen years, starting at the age of six. Now nineteen, she will start her junior year of college this fall, and will study accessory design as well as continue to write for children. Aside from that, Sunayna also likes to cook, watch movies, and draw. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her family.

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