Momcepts Review

With the need to save green and be green, grocery shopping can be a complicated endeavor these days. Consider these two ingenious new items to help keep grocery shoppers organized, efficient and eco-friendly…

The Koala Pouch ($14.95 at www.momcepts.com) – A stylish eco-conscious shopping organizer that fits securely over any shopping cart handle to hold EVERYTHING the grocery shopper needs. It has:

•A dedicated pocket with index cards to keep coupons and shopping lists organized
•A roomy see-through pocket for easy access to your mobile phone
•A pocket with two stylish and spacious reusable bags so you’ll never forget them again!
•Enough space for a List Caddy, Koalabiner, keys, money, debit/credit cards etc. (a great idea for those who’d rather leave their purse at home or in the car while they shop)
•A pen/pencil holder

The Koalabiner Purse Hanger ($4.95 at www.momcepts.com) – This is a must-have accessory for all purse toting grocery shoppers and moms. The Koalabiner is a super sturdy carabiner that clips purses securely to any shopping cart or stroller handle to free up cart space and provide easy access for the shopper, and difficult access for kids or purse snatchers. It also is a great for securing reusable bags while shopping, and for clipping full grocery bags together to prevent items from spilling out.

Momcepts is creator of the popular List Caddy ($1.99 at www.momcepts.com), a sturdy list, coupon and pencil holder that snaps onto shopping cart handles and attaches to refrigerators for easy list and coupon management.

-Courtesy of Momcepts

I had the awesome opportunity to review three products from Momcepts! The List Caddy, Koalabiner, and Koala Pouch. All three products are organizational products specifically designed to enhance your shopping experience!

I actually hosted a review and giveaway for the List Caddy on my former blog. I have found this to be an ingenious product great for the home and shopping trips. The List Caddy has a magnet on the back of it, so at home I attach it to the refrigerator. It holds notes, lists, and a pen too! When I need to make a trip to the grocery I take it with me and attach it to my shopping cart handle. It holds my coupons, shopping list and a pen to mark off the things I have put in my basket. Love it!

The Koalabiner is yet another inspired product from Momcepts. It is a metal clip shaped like a koala's head. You can attach it to your shopping cart handle and then attach your purse or reusable shopping bags to it. It keeps those items out of your way and makes it difficult for kids or thieves to make off with your stuff! You can also use the Koalabiner to clip two grocery bags together to keep the contents inside and to make it easier to carry them both at once.

And last but not least is the Momcepts Koala Pouch. Every mom needs this  eco-conscious shopping organizer! It has tons of uses. You can organize and remember what you need for your shopping trips. It has a pocket for and includes two stylish reusable grocery bags. This organizer is spacious enough for coupons, lists, a pen, and List Caddy holders. There is even a see through pouch for your iPhone or Blackberry. The organizer has velcro so you can fold it over your shopping cart handle and have easy access. There is also a clip for your keys and other items. 

Thanks so much to Momcepts for letting me test drive their wonderful products! 

*I received samples of the featured products to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own! 

French's New Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Review

 

I had the opportunity to test a new product from America ’s favorite mustard, French’s. It’s the company’s NEW French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce! 

 

Everyone knows kids loves to play with their food, so why not let them dip!  From favorites like chicken fingers and pretzel sticks, French’s new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce will become a family must-have from the first time you try it! In addition, it’s a great way to get finicky kids to enjoy their vegetables. So cut up some carrot and celery sticks and let them dip away!  

Take A Dip Before Summer !

French’s® Debuts New Dipping Sauce

Bringing Excitement to Everyday Meals

 

According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 70 billion meals were served in restaurants nationwide last year. For the many consumers who enjoy recreating the restaurant experience at home with chicken fingers and other popular menu items, French’s®, America’s favorite mustard, has created a break-through dipping sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful and fun experience that everyone in the family will love and especially the kids!

 

The new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is a creamy and sweet condiment with a perfect balance of sweetness and smoothness that adds excitement to a variety of finger foods. It is perfect for making everyday meals more interesting.

 

“In an effort to be economical, many families are trying to eat at home more often,” says Miguel Gonzalez, brand manager for French’s Mustard. “With its special blend of real honey and French’s mustard, our new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce makes eating at home a novel experience. Happy  Dipping!”

 

French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce compliment  all  kid and family favorites such as chicken nuggets but is also ideal for dipping other finger foods like veggies, fish sticks, French fries and even pretzels. It is available in a 12 oz. squeeze bottle and has a suggested retail price of $2.49. It will be available nationwide, March 2010. This new product joins French’s existing product line of traditional mustards, also available in squeeze bottles, such as Classic Yellow, Spicy Brown, Honey, Honey Dijon and Horseradish. 

-Courtesy of French's 

***

I had the wonderful opportunity to sample French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. The sauce is made with real honey. French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is great with pretzels, carrots & celery, chicken nuggets, french fries and more!

My husband was the first to try the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. He tried it along with the mini corn dogs he loves to eat. French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce certainly got the seal of approval!

My daughter loves the sauce with treats like nuggets, fries, corn dogs, even croutons. I like to dip healthier snacks like veggies and pretzels in French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.

Thanks so much to French's for the samples!

*I received a sample of French's to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

 

Kohl's Cares for Kids: Toy Story Plush Toys & Books Review & {Giveaway}!

Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 premieres in June, but Woody and Buzz are already making their debut at Kohl’s Department Stores with exclusive Toy Story books and plush toys for just $5 each.  

You can feel good about buying these great books and plush characters through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids® program because 100 percent of the net profit goes to children’s health and education initiatives nationwide. This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the program. Since its inception Kohl’s Cares for Kids® has raised more than $150 million.

In addition to the Toy Story merchandise, Top Secret Restaurant Recipes is also available at Kohl’s now for only $5 through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program. Enjoy that famous food from a select restaurant and make a positive difference in the lives of children.

With the premier of Toy Story 3 coming up, now is a great time to let your readers know about this special opportunity. If you are interested in a review set (Buzz, Woody, Rex, Books and Cookbook) or in hosting a giveaway, please let me know!
 
-Courtesy of Kohl's Cares for Kids

***

We were very excited to review the newest items in Kohl's Cares for Kids line! Kohl's Cares for Kids features great toys and books for only $5 each. 100% of the proceeds goes to benefit childrens health and education initiatives nationwide. The newest items are from Toy Story & Toy Story 2. We received a Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Dinosaur Plush Toys, and Toy Story & Toy Story 2 books.

My daughter and her friends love the toys and books and I love that they are of such high quality and value. You couldn't get a better made plush toy for $5. And you feel great knowing that 100% off the proceeds goes to benefit needy children. Get the whole Toy Story gift set for $25!

Its fun for me to see my daughter enjoy the same stories I enjoyed as a kid. I remember when my dad took me to see Toy Story when I was in elementary school. 

Thanks to Kohl's for the wonderful samples!

*I received samples from Kohl's Cares for Kids to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

 ***

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that Kohl's Cares for Kids is giving away a Toy Story Prize Pack (3 Plush Toys & 2 Books) to one (1) 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... who you might want to win this prize pack for.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
  
• Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)  
• Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
  
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•  Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
  
• Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

 www.prizey.net

Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest & Ultimate Lithium Batteries {Giveaway}!

2009 Grand Prize Winning Photo

Energizer recently launched the third annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest.  If you are planning a vacation or a staycation, remember to bring your camera because you might just take that photo that wins you a trip of a lifetime – a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles.  Did I mention you will also have your image appear in an Energizer Ultimate Lithium ad in National Geographic?

All skill levels are encouraged to enter and you don’t have to have professional equipment to capture a winning photo.  One of last year’s Category Winning photos was shot by a zoo employee on a regular point-and-shoot camera.  Entry is simple: Visit www.energizer.com/lithium and click on Enter Now and follow the directions.

From Amateur to Accomplished, Photographers Get a “Shot” at Greatness

National Geographic and Energizer Team Up for Third Annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest

Many photographers dream of seeing their images in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Now, through the third annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest, photo enthusiasts of all skills levels will have a chance to realize that dream. The winner will have their photo featured in the December issue of National Geographic magazine in an ad for Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries, and they’ll also be awarded the trip of a lifetime – a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles. 

 

Through Wednesday, June 30, aspiring photographers can visit nationalgeographic.com/lithium to enter one photo in each of six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy. Whether you are a digital photography novice, a proud picture-taking mom or a long-time photo enthusiast, all skill levels are encouraged to enter. 

“You don’t have to be an expert or have professional equipment to capture a magnificent shot,” said 20-year National Geographic photographer and contest judge Jim Richardson. “One of last year’s Category Winning photos was shot by a zoo employee on a regular point-and-shoot camera. Great photography is often about being in the right place at the right time and making sure you’re prepared to capture the moment when it happens.” 

After the entry period closes, Richardson will review all of the entries and select two finalists in each category. Then, from Aug. 17 through Sept. 15, Americans will be asked to go online and review each of the Category Finalists and vote for their favorite in each category. Once the Category Winners are determined, Richardson will help choose a Grand Prize Winner, to be announced on or about Nov. 4. 

The Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest Web site also serves as a valuable resource for photo enthusiasts. Visitors can check out photos and tips from Richardson, enjoy a gallery of past winners as well as view a weekly gallery that will be updated with new submissions. Photo buffs can even participate in a Q&A with Richardson, asking about anything from his 20 years with National Geographic to questions on gear and equipment. 

 “I love fielding questions related to the gear we use,” said Richardson. “One of photographers’ biggest complaints is coming across a great image and realizing your equipment has run out of juice. When you’re out in the field, it’s the last thing you want to worry about. Keeping Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries on hand gives me peace of mind, so I can concentrate on getting the perfect shot.” 

Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries are the world’s longest-lasting AA and AAA batteries in high-tech devices. They last up to 8x longer* in digital cameras and up to 2x longer* in flash units than Energizer_®®, the company’s flagship alkaline brand. The batteries also last longer in portable GPS units, LED flashlights and handheld games. MAX

Along with a storage life of 15 years, Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries are 33 percent lighter than ordinary alkaline batteries and perform well in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 60 degrees Celsius), making them ideal for photographers who are on-the-go. 

“Energizer sets a world standard for reliability and long-lasting power, so it made perfect sense for us to partner with the world’s premier publication honoring photojournalism,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing for Energizer North America. “Both Energizer and National Geographic share the goal of celebrating the work of photographers from all skill levels. We can’t wait to see the incredible submissions the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest receives this year.”

Entry into the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest begins April 15, 2010, at 12 a.m. and ends June 30, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Photos must be submitted online. No print or film submissions will be accepted.

Richardson will select the 12 Category Finalists based on the following criteria: extent to which photo captures the essence of the theme selected (25 percent); impact and creativity (50 percent); and composition, clarity and technical quality (25 percent). The 12 photos designated a Category Finalist will be posted online at nationalgeographic.com/lithium on Aug. 17, and voting for the winning photo in each category will extend through Sept. 15. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected by Richardson and announced on or about Nov. 4. 

Each of the Category Winners will receive a prize pack comprised of an EPIC Action Video Cam, a Nikon COOLPIX L110 digital camera, a Litepanels Micro® camera light, an Energizer_® Ultimate^® Lithium 1AA Handheld flashlight, an Energizer_® Ultimate^® Lithium Headlight, an assortment of Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries and two books from the National Geographic Collection: “Journeys of a Lifetime” and “National Geographic: The Image Collection.”

The Grand Prize Winner will receive all of the items listed above as well as a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles, accompanied by a National Geographic expert. 

*Versus Energizer_® MAX_®. Results vary by device. 

-Courtesy of Energizer 

*I received 2 packs of batteries and a $10 gift card free of charge as a thank you for spreading the word about the contest.

***

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that Energizer wants to inspire you to take that winning photo by giving away 3 packs of Ultimate Lithium Batteries (two AA & one AA) to one 512 Kidz reader($33 value)!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... where you might take your winning photo or what the subject might be.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
  
• Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)  
• Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
  
• Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
  
• Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
• Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
•  Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
  
• Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 29, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

 www.prizey.net

 

The Lost Children Winner

 

And the winner of The Lost Children Book Giveaway is... Comment #56, DEBIJOT. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who entered, followed, and posted this giveaway!

 

DEBIJOT said...

follow you on twitter - debijot

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

56 

Timestamp: 2010-05-16 22:40:07 UTC

Little (belated) luxuries for Mother's Day - At every stage of life ....May 9/10

Mother’s Day just passed but for those who need to grab a belated gift... This season Pretty Ballerinas (ballerina flats & accessories), HOTmilk Maternity Lingerie (sleepwear & lingerie) and Radley London (handbags and accessories) are providing the special lady in your life with gorgeous gifts and life’s little luxuries – for moms at every age. These hand crafted Mother’s Day tokens come at a stylish, affordable price as well, all items featured here are under $75.

-Courtesy of Bromley Group PR

Cascadian Farm Organic Winner

And the lucky winner of the Cascadian Farm Organic Live Green Together Giveaway is... Comment #34, Mikki. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who entered, posted, and followed this giveaway!

Mikki said... We made changes this year in many ways - energy effecient light bulbs, composting and a rain bucket to water our plants!

rmglaughlin(at)gmail(dot)com

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

34 

Timestamp: 2010-05-13 22:16:31 UTC

YooHoo & Friends Winner

And the winner of the YooHoo & Friends Giveaway is... Comment #79, Shelly. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who entered, followed, and posted this giveaway!

Shelly said... Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

79 

Timestamp: 2010-05-11 22:59:58 UTC

Mother's Day Prize Pack Winner

And the winner of the Mother's Day Prize Pack Giveaway is... Comment #49, tina reynolds. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who posted, entered, and followed this giveaway!

tina reynolds said... i follow your blog

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

49 

Timestamp: 2010-05-10 19:42:48 UTC

Yoplait Greek Winner

And the winner of the Yoplait Greek Nourish Your Inner Goddess Giveaway is... Comment #43, Jenny @ Freebie Spot. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks so much to everyone who entered, followed, and posted this giveaway.

Jenny @ Freebie Spot said...

I follow on GFC

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

43 

Timestamp: 2010-05-09 21:13:52 UTC

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all my fellow Moms! I hope you are all having a fun filled, relaxing day with family and friends. Today I got a new gym membership and some personal training sessions as a little Mom's Day gift to myself. Need to kick my butt back into shape! My hubby has to work this evening unfortunately so I'm just taking it easy. But he gave me a little spending money so I'll let him off the hook. ;)

Dont forget all the other moms in your life-mother in laws, stepmoms, grandmas, and other friends and family members that are moms!

Bloggers: Blogger Black Book!

Bloggers! I wanted to tell you about an awesome PR service that connect companies and bloggers called Blogger Black Book. Sign up and they match you with companies so you can do product reviews and giveaways on your blog. Check it out: www.bloggerblackbook.com/survey Just let them know that '512kidz' sent you in the 'How Did You Hear About Us?' section. Thanks so much!

Chic Canvas offers Exclusive Discount!

 
"Chic Canvas offers Exclusive Discounts! I wanted to let you know about a great promotion going on with Chic Canvas right now. Chic is offering all of its canvases at 20% off with code: 512kidz

Chic Canvas gallery quality canvases  commemorates all of your precious memories with beautiful Art.  ChicCanvas.com  offers customers the ability to upload any photo and have it re-printed onto canvas in about a week.
 
Prices start at $89.00 "
http://www.chiccanvas.com/


-Courtesy of Chic Canvas

Some Healthy Travel Tips from Dr. Lewin: E.A.T. R.I.G.H.T.

"It is no secret that obesity and a lack of good nutrition plagues many Americans. With more than 66% of Americans obese and more than two-thirds of obese children destined to become obese adults – we must break the cycle, but where do we begin?

I work with Dr. Margaret Lewin who specializes in nutrition and prevention who believes ‘you are what you eat’ and the first step is controlling cravings and what you consume.  Her full bio is below.

Some Healthy Travel Tips from Dr. Lewin: E.A.T. R.I.G.H.T.

·         Eat the rainbow! Not only do foods of varying colors pack a wealth of nutrition, they also look ever so enticing on the plate! 

·         Avoid processed foods. 

·         Take a list with you when you shop – with a mind to whole meals containing those fresh fruits and vegetables of varying colors as well as whole grains.

·         Read package labels carefully. 

·         Inspect fruits and vegetables carefully for signs of spoilage, store them properly, and wash them immediately before using.

·         Get locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables when possible, in order to maximize nutrition; decrease the risk of contamination and save money.

·         Have fish at least twice weekly – it’s high in protein, low in calories and fat, and high in omega-3 fatty acids. 

·         Take time to enjoy your meals, eating slowly to decrease portion size and to help digestion.

Dr. Margaret Lewin
Chief Medical Director of Cinergy Health
Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, she is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. She is affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital and The Hospital for Special Surgery.
       
Dr. Lewin has worked throughout her career to improve the American healthcare system. She has been on the boards of state and local medical societies and is Immediate Past President of the New York County Medical Society and Immediate Past District President of the American College of Physicians. Her decades-long volunteer work has included service to many local projects and organizations and has been enriched by her medical missions to the Third World .

Dr. Lewin has authored numerous articles in leading medical journals and lay magazines, as well as chapters for medical textbooks. Her areas of special interest and expertise include travel medicine, primary and preventive care, men's health and women's health."

-Courtesy of Cinergy Health & Dr Margaret Lewin

Stunning and Eco-Friendly Mother's Day Gifts

"Green fashion and eco-consciousness are growing trends that are here to stay, and we thought your readers would enjoy recommendations for greening their Mother’s Day this year. Like all Brilliant Earth products, our Mother’s Day gifts are made of ethically-sourced conflict-free diamonds, fair-trade gemstones and 100% recycled metals, and 5% of profits are donated to African communities that have been affected by the jewelry trade. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to impress Mom without spoiling the planet:

Create a personalized charm necklace: Our recycled sterling silver charm pendants are the perfect keepsake gift for every mother. Select her child’s initial and pair it with a darling heart, bee or lotus charm for a personal, one-of-a-kind gift.


Pick her favorite colored gemstone: 
-Does she have a thing for purple? Check out our Grape Garnet earrings and pendant.
-Does she look amazing in orange? A pair of Fire Citrine earrings or a pendant will be perfect! 
-If she is a true blue gal, our ethical origin Blue Sapphire stud earrings will be an incredible gift.

Gift her pearls of wisdom: Our eco-friendly Tahitian pearl earrings and pendants are elegant, modern, and perfect for everyday wear."

-Courtesy of Brilliant Earth

 

The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan Book Review & {Giveaway}!

The Lost Children
by Carolyn Cohagan
 

"With a quirky and charming style that should draw in readers from the outset, Cohagan's debut
is a gently creepy, captivating fantasy about loss, determination, and hope."
-Publishers Weekly

It is my pleasure to introduce you to author Carolyn Cohagan and her new middle grade novel, The Lost Children. With colorful, vivid prose, Cohagan's debut novel takes readers on the epic adventure of twelve year-old protagonist Josephine and her friends Fargus and Ida. On their mission to uncover the mystery of the lost children of Gulm, the unlikely trio must travel through cracks between worlds, battle mouthless monsters, and a daunting villain named The Master, who rules over the land of Gulm. In a world where nothing is like it seems, the friends learn the value of self-trust, true friendship and family. In the tradition of classics like Alice in Wonderland, The Lost Children is a rollercoaster of adventure and mystery, with spunky, courageous characters that make this book a must-read for children and parents alike. This epic fantasy opens a magic portal of communication between young and old, encouraging children and parents to put themselves in each other’s shoes and grow beyond the roles of parent and child to develop a more understanding and loving relationship. A passionate advocate for the connection between kids and adults through the shared joy of reading and writing, Carolyn Cohagan has been a long time mentor for the Los Angeles based non-profits Reading to Kids and Young Storytellers.

The book trailer can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iu9d2wyQqg. Please find more information about the book and author Carolyn Cohagan in the paragraphs below.

The Lost Children

By Carolyn Cohagan
Alladin, February 9, 2010

Book Synopsis:

Josephine Russing owns 387 pairs of gloves. She's given a new pair every week by her father, a sullen man known best for his insistence that the citizens in town wear gloves at all times. A world away, the children of Gulm have been taken. No one knows where they might be, except the mysterious and terrifying leader of the land: The Master. When a peculiar boy named Fargus shows up on Josephine's property and then disappears soon afterward, she follows him without a second thought and finds herself magically transported to Gulm. After Fargus introduces her to his tough-as-nails friend Ida, the three of them set off on an adventure that will test everything Josephine has ever thought about the rules of the universe, leading to a revelation about the truth of the land of Gulm, and of Josephine's own life back home.

Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iu9d2wyQqg

Author Bio:

Carolyn Cohagan began her writing career as a stand-up comic, performing in comedy clubs all over the world. After studying physical theater at the Ecole International de Theatre Jacques LeCoq in Paris she began to write and perform award-winning one-woman shows and theater plays throughout North America and Canada. Since moving to Los Angeles she has worked as a freelance journalist, blogger, and red carpet host for Film Independent, a non-profit organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards. A passionate advocate for literacy among young readers, Carolyn mentors with the non-profit organizations Reading to Kids and Young Storytellers. The Lost Children is Carolyn’s first novel. She is currently working on a sequel entitled "Ida and the Unfinished City." She's also creating a performance piece based on "The Lost Children" that allows children to participate in the telling of the story by transforming them into physical elements of the scenes. In becoming the life on the story, children orchestrate and experience each moment of the story as their own and learn to develop confidence in their own unique ways of creative expression.

Author Website:

http://www.thelostchildrenbook.com


Praise for the book:

"With a quirky and charming style that should draw in readers from the outset, Cohagan's debut is a gently creepy, captivating fantasy about loss, determination, and hope."
-Publishers Weekly

"This nifty fantasy from a new author has everything: Great characters, creepy villains, laughs, frights and a great surprise twist at the end."
-Buffalo News

"A worthy first children's novel that pulses with life and promise."
-Austin Statesman

"Carolyn Cohagan's debut novel is filled with magic, wonder, and curiosity. It takes readers into a whole new world of fantasy and mystery."
-The Undercover Book Lover

“The main characters are well developed, particularly the spunky and plain-spoken Ida, the laconic but loyal Fargus, and Josephine, whose journey uncovers hidden strengths and helps her to understand her enigmatic father…
-Booklist 

-Courtesy of Aladdin Books/Carolyn Cohagan

I was curious to review The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan. The synopsis sounded very Harry Potter-esque! The Lost Children is Cohagan's debut novel. She grew up here in my home base, Austin, Texas and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Cohagan has a comedy background and studied theatre in Paris. She credits her parents for "...never making her get a real job...". Love it! She is also a fellow blogger.

The Lost Children is for fantasy readers of all ages. I have been reading a few pages to my daughter at bedtime. I love the beautifully bound book and interesting names in the book. i.e. Fargus, Gulm...

The Lost Children is a fantasy. The three main characters are Josephine, Fargus, and Ida. Worlds away, the children of Gulm have disappeared and only the terrifying leader of the land knows where they may be. Josephine follows Fargus and finds herself transported to the land of Gulm. Fargus introduces Josephine to his friend Ida and they set off on an adventure that will reveal the truth about the land of Gulm. 

I love this book and am excited for the sequel Ida and the Unfinished City. Cohagan is even creating a performance piece based on The Lost Children that will allow kids to participate in the story!

Thanks to Aladdin books for the book sample!

*I received a sample of The Lost Children to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that Aladdin Books is giving away a copy of The Lost Children to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... why/who you would like to win this book for.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
  
• Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)  
• Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
  
• Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
  
• Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
• Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
•  Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
  
• Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 15, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

 www.prizey.net