09 Dec 2014

book blast, children’s books, early chapter, giveaway, lessons, picture books

by Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Title: Runaway Clothes | Author: Mrs. D | Publication Date: May 1, 2014 | Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing | Number of pages: 44 |Recommended age: 6 to 10

Summary: An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn’t want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. “How easy it is to lose something you love so much.” She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.

Runaway Clothes by Mrs D. had me thinking, “Oh yes, we’ve been there!”  In this funny little story, a little girl opens her closet to learn from the clothes hangers, much to her dismay, that her clothes have run away.  They were tired of being left on the ground, crumpled up, and treated so poorly.  As the little girl surveys her room, she also sees how all of her toys are also sad from being neglected and piled uncomfortably one on top of the other.  Before long, the little girl is feeling dejected realizing that she has not been taking good care of her belongings.

In Mrs D’s unique storytelling style, the reader is treated to a delightful tale brought to life through beautiful and colorful illustrations.  As with previous books, I love how inanimate objects are given life through both the writing and the pictures making this book perfect with children (and grown-ups) who have vivid imaginations.

Flying by the window, the wind brushed away the girl’s tears. Carrying the salty teardrops on his wings, the tricky wind quickly swished between the surprised trees and flew to the backyard. He dropped the tiny tears on the blue dress, which was hanging on the clothesline. The tears made wet spots on the silver ruffles.

Without giving the ending away, I think most parents will be able to relate to the underlying message about teaching children to clean up after themselves, be it their clothes or toys.  How many times have I heard, growing up, “If you don’t take care of your things, one day they will run away!”  I love the underlying message of the story and I recommend this wonderful book to school classrooms, library circles, and parents who wish to read a lovely tale with a moral about taking care of our belongings, to children ages 5 to 10.

Title: The Royal Palm | Author: Mrs. D | Publication Date:October 21, 2014 | Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing | Number of pages: 40 | Recommended age: 6 to 10

Summary: A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the royal p lam discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.

Mrs D. has done it again with The Royal Palm.  Using vivid descriptions of the beautiful silvery palm, warm sandy beaches, rolling waves, and fierce winds, Mrs. D spins another lovely tale with an important lesson about vanity and the need to have others in your life.  Mrs D is a true storyteller using lyrical passages to describe all that you would see, feel, hear, and experience in the story, literally bring to life the trees, the wind, the sun and the ocean.  Here is an excerpt:

Aside from the excellent writing skills of the author, certain to keep a captivated audience should the story be read aloud, the book also features stunning imagery of the beautiful and almost magical royal palm, her shorter stockier cousins, and the living clouds, sun, and other creatures.  The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous!

And finally, the story features an important lesson, delivered so well, about the vain royal palm who thought she was better than everyone else but who is saved by the shorter, not so glamorous palm trees during a vicious storm.  The lesson is clearly delivered by her new friends as the royal palm is shipped away from the beach they shared:  “‘You are not alone!’ the plain palms yelled to the departing ship” and “‘Everyone needs someone,’ the bright sun smiled…”

I recommend this lovely book to be read aloud to children ages 5 to 10.

* I received free copies of these books in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own. The author is participating in our book promotion services.

Runaway Clothes: “Runaway Clothes by Mrs. D is full of delightful imagery. The words flow in such a fanciful way that children are sure to be immediately engaged and pulled into the story. Its endearing quality teaches young ones the importance of taking care of their valued belongings in such a way that they will not realize they are learning a lesson in the proper care of one’s possessions. Excellently executed!” ~ 5 Star Review, HopefulSerenity, Amazon

Runaway Clothes: “Runaway Clothes is a whimsical and charming tale that educates children on the importance of taking care of their belongings… The delightful illustrations add to the enjoyment of the story… I highly recommend picking up Runaway Clothes.” ~ 5 Star Review, Stacie T. BeachBoundBooks, Amazon

The Royal Palm: “As is the case with Mrs D’s other books, the language is lyrical and colorful… Mrs. D effectively employs the techniques of alliteration, personification and analogy to communicate her message… Mrs D addresses many of the difficult issues children face in dealing with their peers in a whimsical, charming tale. Highly recommended.” ~ 5 Star Review, Barbara M., Amazon

The Royal Palm: “A meaningful children’s book by a fantastic writer Mrs. D! An unforgettable story that provides life lessons for our children! Mrs. D. is a very talented storyteller who knows how to convey magic into each of her stories. So far her magical books, full of delightful illustrations, never disappointed my children or I. ” ~ 5 Star Review, Olga G., Amazon

Olga D’Agostino (aka Mrs. D.), an award-winning children’s author, was born in western Ukraine. She lived in the historical city of Lviv, where she studied business in Lviv Business College. In 1992 she immigrated to the United States with her two small daughters and for years worked in her own business. In 2011 she began her career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Two of her children’s books, The Trees Have Hearts and Good Morning, World, won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013, and three are winners in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite contest. She is a member of SCBWI and speaks a few languages fluently. She lives in the famous town of Smithville, N.J., with her husband Patrick and a meticulous old cat named Nyda.

Published children’s books by Mrs. D. include Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts, The City Kittens and the Old House Cat, Good Morning, World!, Runaway Clothes, The Royal Palm, The Little Girl Praying on the Hill (short story) and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse.

The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet, That Is How Things Are (two connected stories: The Autumn Wind and The Kitten and the Sparrow), and her new book,The Cat Who Wonders, by Itself, and three rhyming stories in Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular e-devices.

She is presently working on her first novel, The Chinese Princess, and a short story, “A Taste of Bread.” For updates on Mrs. D.’s books, please visit her website: www.mrsdbooks.net.

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: January 9, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please go to: http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/50-book-blast-giveaway-reviews-two-new-books-by-mrs-d-december-2014/

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Mrs. D and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to:

Renee@MotherDaughterBookReviews.com