Blog Tour - Alphatudes

Title:  Alphatudes: The Alphabet of Gratitude

Author:  Michele Wahlder

Review Copy Provided by: the author for a Pump Up Your Book Promotion blog tour


About the Book:  Alphatudes reveals that gratitude is the unexpected, simple secret of living a joyful life. In a world obsessed with negativity, we must deliberately choose to focus on the positive. Alphatudes uses your earliest grade school victory the ABCs to help you achieve a sustainable shift in thinking that leads to contentment, optimism and peace of mind. An alphatude is defined as: a person, place or thing for which one alphabetically expresses gratitude. Filled with vibrant illustrations, Alphatudes takes you on an inspiring 26-step journey where you ll discover how to: heighten your awareness of life s daily gifts; attract opportunities with a positive mind-set; find blessings in difficult situations; and become free from worry, negativity and resentment.

My Review:   This is a sweet little book!  As a former kindergarten teacher, I'm a sucker for ABC books and I'm excited about this one especially, as it's for adults, and it is so motivational!  Each letter starts with a quote, then 3 or 4 paragraphs about that attribute, an affirmation and ends with a short prayer for that attribute.  The layout is the same for each letter, which I enjoyed, because I knew what to expect, and as I go back to the book, can focus on any or all parts.

An example:  O is for Obstacles - I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship. - Louisa May Alcott.  The affirmation is as follows:  I embrace the obstacles in my life with courage, integrity and strength.  I choose to see obstacles as opportunities to grow into the best person I can be.  I tap into the infinite wisdom of the universe to reveal optimal solutions.  And then the Prayer of Obstacles:  Support me as I confront my tears and move through the obstacles you have lovingly put on my path.  Help me to face these life lessons with courage, curiosity and unwavering faith.  thank you for providing me with obstacles that bring me closer to you.

Did I mention this book also has a spiritual side?  Well, if you couldn't tell, it does.  I love that!  The prayers are short, to the point, and perfect for those times when you need a prayer of specificity.  The paragraphs that Michele writes about each attribute really make you stop and think about the word, what it means, and how you can apply it to your life.  I like to read self-help or motivational books, but many times they drag on and on about topics, giving you too much information that leaves you overwhelmed.  This one does just the opposite.  It gives you just enough about each attribute, that you are able to digest it and put it to work almost immediately.  You can read it in one setting, or a letter a day.  It's your choice.  However you decide to read this one, it's one you will probably go back to again and again.

Review: 2 Board Books for Baby

If you follow my blog, you know that my brother and sister-in-law are expecting my first nephew, Brayden, in March.  My brother knows, that as a teacher, I believe in giving books as gifts, and my nephew will be no exception.  I have recently received 2 board books, that I'm sure he'll love; he just doesn't know it yet. :)

Title:  Peek - a- Boo, I love you!

Author:  Sandra Magsamen

Review Copy Provided By:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

About the Book:  This adorable peek-a-boo book invites little ones to play along with their favorite animals, with soothing rhymes and engaging illustrations as only Sandra Magsamen can deliver. The anticipation of what's hiding on the next page will keep kids guessing and giggling all the way to the surprise ending - when a heart-shaped mirror reveals who's loved most of all!

My Review:  This is a cute book to give as a baby shower gift.  I would not recommend letting baby have it alone because of the flaps in the book, but it is great for reading to baby.  The rhymes are catchy and the pictures give clues as to what's under the flap.  I like the script used in this board book.  It is not your typical block font, but it's large enough for little eyes to notice.  Magsamen has given us another wonderful book to enjoy with babies!

Title:  Listen, Listen

Author:  Phillis Gershator

Illustrator:  Alison Jay

Review Copy Provided by:  publisher, Barefoot Books via The Picnic Basket

About the Book:  Introduce young readers to the sights and sounds of the year - from summer's sizzling sun to winter's crackling snow. Featuring breathtaking illustrations by internationally renowned illustrator, Alison Jay, this book will open your child's eyes and ears to the world around them!

My Review:  I enjoyed this oversized board book.  Kids love noises, and this book is full of them, from the noises the insects make in summer, to the silent sounds of winter.  I can just hear young children mimicing the sounds that are read to them in this delightful book.  Children love to learn about the differences in the seasons and this book will help them to do just that.  The muted colors and rustic looking illustrations by Alison Jay, add character to this book.  I especially liked how she added faces to the flowers and made them come to life on the page as you read, "Pop, pop, bulbs sprout.  Leaves grow, flowers shout."  An added bonus at the end is an "I Spy" like page for each season that I'm sure kids are going to enjoy.  Even though this is a board book, usually for babies, toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy it as well.  This is a review for The Picnic Basket, so this book receives a 4 - recommend without reservation.