Read Me A Story: Review and Giveaway

Giveaway open to Canadians

Hot off the press, Scholastic has a fantastic collection of five classic Canadian favourites entitled "Read Me a Story". Included in the book:

• Henny Penny by Werner Zimmerman
• The Party by Barbara Reid
• A Second Is a Hiccup by Hazel Hutchins
• Sophie and the Sea Monster by Don Gillmor
• Too Many Books by Gilles Tibo

I have now read this book to my daughters several times, and they love it, especially four-year old Frannie. Quite often when I turn the page, she'll say "turn back for a second!" because she's not done absorbing the detailed pictures. Her favourite story (today) is Henny Penny, "because it's the funniest!" (Ask her tomorrow and it may be different).

Barbara Reid's trademark plasticene art graces the cover - which includes an item to represent each story

Another terrific feature of this book is that there is an "about" page following every story, where you and your children can learn more about the authors and illustrators, the origins of the stories, etc. I haven't shared this information with my girls yet, but I've certainly enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the books.

Each story offers its own bonuses: the rhyme and repetition in Henny Penny, the opportunity for children to connect to The Party, the lesson about time in A Second Is a Hiccup, the imagination in Sophie and the Sea Monster, and the humour in Too Many Books. I love having such a sampling of Canadian storytelling and illustrating talent all in one place.

Be aware that "Read Me A Story" is not a throw-in-the-diaper bag, disposable type of book; this one is a hardcover classic that you'll want to share with your children and save for the grandkids.

And yes, of course, I have an opportunity for you to win your own copy of Read Me A Story (retail value $25), simply by leaving a comment naming one of your favourite children's books. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you (if it's not on your profile).

For additional entries, leave a separate comment letting me know that

• you follow This Mom Loves publicly through Google Friend Connect (be sure to specify if you're a NEW follower, so I can pop over and return the favour)
• you subscribe to This Mom Loves through email
• you follow @thismomloves on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway

Contest is open to Canadian residents only, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, August 18th. Good luck, and don't forget to check out my sidebar for other great giveaways running now!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.