Book Feature and Give-Away: Castle in the Mist-Planet of the Dogs Volume 2 by Robert J. McCarty

A few months ago I featured Volume 1 of the Planet of the Dogs series on Dakota’s blog. If you missed it you can read about it here

Today, I am featuring the second book in the Planet of the Dogs series, Castle In The  Mist.

With all the horrible things taking place in the U.S lately (specifically Boston) we could all use ( particularly children) a story with a happy ending. 

From Castle In The  Mist:

Out in space, on the other side of the sun, is the Planet Of The Dogs where dogs live in peace and happiness. This is the story of how the dogs came down to planet earth to prevent war in the land of the forest people and free the kidnapped children from the Castle In The Mist.

Dogs are all about love. In fact, the most special thing about dogs is their ability to love. They do this better than any other creature.

From Planet Of The Dogs.net:

After a year of peace Bik, the warrior-chief of Stone City, is preparing for war. His children have been kidnapped by Prince Ukko, the leader of the Black Hawk tribes, and held prisoner in the Castle In The Mist. This is the story of how the dogs came down from their planet, to the land of the Forest People, to free the children and prevent war.

The Black Hawk soldiers had never seen dogs before. They had no knowledge of their courage, cleverness and endurance. And they had no idea that the dogs, through their extraordinary sense of smell, could see in the darkness and foggy mist that enveloped the Castle and the great forest.

 Full of action, adventure and colorful descriptive language, it will delight elementary school children everywhere!

ENTER TO WIN: one lucky person from ANYWHERE in the world, will win one copy of Castle In The Mist. Just leave a comment telling me you would like to be entered. The winner will be chosen by http://www.random.org and will be announced THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH. GOOD LUCK!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert McCarty is a producer/writer/director of films and videos on subjects ranging from teenage lifestyles to race relations. His short film,Rooftops Of New York, was nominated for an Academy Award. He is a former adjunct instructor at Teacher’s College, Columbia University and at the School Of Visual Arts, New York City.Planet Of The Dogs was inspired by the many stories made up for his four children and five grandchildren.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Stella Mustanoja McCarty, who teaches painting and drawing at the Vantaa, Finland, Art School, illustrated the book. She graduated as a painting major  from the Art Academy in Helsinki and also holds degrees from the University of Helsinki in Education and Sociology and Social Policy.

TO ORDER ONLINE CLICK HERE

ISBN 9786928-1-0

 

 

 

Book Review: The Fitzy Resolution by A.D. DeSena

From Dakota’s Den:  Today I bring to you a FIRST on Dakota’s blog. This is the FIRST book review that has appeared on Dakota’s blog that I did not write. This review was done by a most special reviewer, MY HUSBAND…Lenny Gittleman. Why did my husband review The Fitzy Resolution?  Having two blogs and doing book reviews on both, MANY books have entered our home,  my husband was intrigued by the premise of this book, and asked to read it.  Being  more politically well-versed than I am, I felt he was the perfect “candidate” to do this book justice. The fact that he was a Special Education teacher for 36 years, and is incredibly intellectually gifted, doesn’t hurt either! So sit back and enjoy my husband’s review of Author A.D. DeSena’s:

The Fitzy Resolution

It’s a “dog eat dog world” in both a figurative and literal sense in the innovative fantasy/political thriller The Fitzy Resolution by A.D. DeSena.

To purchase click on the book cover!

Set in a futuristic society where dogs have their own governmental body called the “Central Canine Government”, the premise involves trying to discover why Yorkshire Terriers are mysteriously disappearing at an alarming rate. Other elements essential to the plot are the ever-increasing threat to the preservation of canines by a group of strays called “The Wilds”, and the ulterior motives of sinister politician dogs led by Senator Juniper.

The Fitzy Resolution is a brilliant satirical portrayal of our political system, manifested through the actions of canines and other domestic animals. DeSena accurately mirrors the many complexities inherent in running a democratic society.

Just as our country, (the U.S.), is divided along political lines that often hinder legislative progress, in DeSena’s canine ruled society, two political parties, the “Submissives” and the “Contrarians”, with two opposing political philosophies, must somehow find a way to work together to help preserve their canine society from outside forces determined to destroy it.

DeSena is adept in addressing the necessity of compromise and collaboration with opposing viewpoints to achieve the greater good. Through the actions of the protagonist, Senator Labrador-Casey, the author demonstrates that it is important to have ideals, vision and a philosophy, but a sense of pragmatism and cooperation is needed to achieve desired goals.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for a variety of reasons. On one level it is an extremely exciting narrative that holds the reader’s interest from the first page to the exciting climax. DeSena is a genius at utilizing the technique of personification, ascribing human traits to non-humans. The author has written not only a great story, but a thought-provoking social commentary without sounding preachy, NOT an easy task.

Without reservation I would give The Fitzy Resolution four paws up. NO BONES ABOUT IT!

ISBN 978-0-9847676-0-1

To purchase click here

Mischief Master Class: A Book written by Dogs (two Cats and a Turtle!)…assisted by Annette Vivian

Hi everyone it’s Dakota, it’s Monday and you know what THAT means! It’s Mischief Monday!!

I can’t think of a better day to feature the new book by my buddy Snoopy, (of the informative, fun and adorable blog, SNOOPY’S DOG BLOG,)   Mischief Master Class A Book written by Dogs (two Cats and a Turtle!)…assisted by Annette Vivian.

Photo Courtesy of Annette Vivian

How did this book evolve?

For the rare few who DON’T know, my buddy Snoopy is the MASTER of Mischief! So much so that on his blog he has a regular Monday feature called the Monday Mischief Blog Hop which is sponsored by Snoopy, Alfie’s Blog, Luna Dogs Life and My Brown Newfies. This Blog Hop is so popular and has so many weekly submissions from various animals all over the world, that it only made sense that the concept would make a natural evolution, into a BOOK! Now, when you want to read about all the mischief that everyone has been up to, it’s right at the tip of your paws!

My buddy Snoopy is a 2-year-old Bearded Collie who considers himself to be the “Master of Mischief”  That title didn’t come easy.  In order to attain the title of “Master of Mischief” you must have enormous skill and creativity! Snoopy has made it his mission to help all animals get the title of “Master of Mischief” by compiling this pawsome book!

But what exactly IS “Mischief? I’m glad that you asked!  Here is the definition that I found online:” It is “Playful misbehavior or troublemaking”

Snoopy feels, and I agree, that with so much seriousness in the World and in our jobs (did you know that Snoopy is a registered therapy dog? That’s some SERIOUS stuff!) it is important to incorporate some play in your day and what better way to do that than through creating some Mischief!

How Does The Mischief Master Class Work?

From Snoopy: “you must keep in mind some basic principles/rules/codes. If you stick to these principles, my experience tells me you’ll be a Mischief Master in no time!”

This book will be your greatest “go-to” to hone your mischief-making skills! You will LOVE the fun examples/stories shared by animals from all over the world (and their 2-leggers). The colorful photographs will make you wag your tail with delight!

Some of my favorite “Principles” in Mischief Master Class are:

Look Cute-Freddie of the blog BASSET MOMMA  has that skill learned, paws down!

Forgiveness is Easier Than Permission-shown by the sock stealing antics of Alfie the Entlebucher Mountain Pup. Visit him at ALFIE’S BLOG.

My Handiwork

Stand Tall, Be Firm-shown by none other than yours truly!! Yep! I’m in the book too! I tried so hard to protect my territory from the dogs across the hall that I tore up our door wall! Just for the record, I was so adept at this feat that the dogs have MOVED!

The Art Of Negotiation– remarkably displayed by our turtle friend Kroten, of the blog UNDERNEATH THE SHELL, who will eat anything and everything!

Don’t Underestimate The Little Guy, The Big Dog Isn’t Always The Top Dog-shown by Roxy and Torrey of the blog ROXY THE TRAVELING DOG, as well as  Snoopy himself with a hilarious intro to this chapter about Snoopy and his “sheep.”

Learn To Count– one of my faves, and highlights how my buddy Snoopy can count! Yep!  By learning to count he knows just how long he can stay on the forbidden bed before his Mom counts to THREE to get him off. He even includes a link to the video in his book (links to many other videos are in the book as well). Check out this one of Snoopy, you’ll see why it is a fave of mine!

The last principle we are going to share with you, (you will have to buy the book to see the rest), is showcased by Emma  of the blog MY GBGVLIFE and that is: Don’t Be Shy- Ask For What You Want where Emma was determined to have a special birthday pawty for her sister Katie and took matters into her own paws!

Photo Courtesy of Annette Vivian

Check out some more mischief that is in this great and FUN book!

Once you finish reading Snoopy’s Mischief Master Class, you will have “learned that no matter who you are or what you are, Mischief is for ALL!”

You will even have your own “Mischief Master” Certificate in the book, like mine!

Yeah I forged Snoopy’s “pawnigture”, hey, I read the book and contributed Mischief! I earned it!

 

Now,  go tell the person in charge of the money in your house to hurry up and pawchase this fantastic book! Better yet, YOU create some mischief and grab their credit card and order it yourself! BOL!!

Did you know?

 Snoopy  and his Mum are generously donating 50% of the book Profits to Therapy Pets Support Charities

To purchase Mischief Master Class in paperback click here

To purchase the Kindle edition click here

ISBN-13:978-1481159920

Wanna follow Snoopy?

You can find him on Facebook by clicking here

Twitter @snoopysstory

On his blog: SNOOPY’S DOG BLOG

About the Author

Snoopy lives in Northern California with his Mum, Annette Vivian, and the rest of their family. Annette Vivian, born in the Isle of Man, British Isles, qualified as an Accountant and Project Manager. After spending 15 years working in start-ups and financial institutions around the Globe, she finally realized that she was neglecting the creative, fun side of her brain. She spends her time now, looking after her family, taking Snoopy on Therapy visits and writing. 

Barks and licks and love, Dakota

Winners of “A Christmas Home” A Novel by Greg Kincaid

Thank you to all who entered this giveaway!

The lucky winners are:

JOAN BRZOSKA NORKUS

AND

ANN MARIE STELMA GRAFF

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Your books will be on their way

when we have your addresses.

Please email your COMPLETE

MAILING ADDRESS TO:

cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

Barks and licks and love, Dakota

Book Feature And GIVE-AWAY: RILEY MACK and the Other Known Troublemakers By Chris Grabenstein “Mischief Monday”

Happy “Mischief Monday” all! 

If you notice the title of the blog today, I have a “Book FEATURE”  instead of a “Book REVIEW” Why? Because Mom didn’t have time to read this book to me!!!

Instead of doing a normal “REVIEW” I am going to give you information about the book: RILEY MACK and the Other Known Troublemakers by Chris Grabenstein ( perfect for Mischief Monday!) that was sent to Mom and I by the publisher, HarperCollins, and we are going to give YOU a chance to win a copy!

From the publisher:

In this merry, mischievous romp, master storyteller Chris Grabenstein introduces Riley Mack-a twelve-year-old hometown hero with a talent for plotting schemes in the name of justice. Like an Ocean’s Eleven for tweens, this mystery-comedy features an uproarious cast of “known troublemakers” including aspiring actress Briana, tech wiz Jake, *vocab-obsessed lockpicker Jamal, and the large-but-sweet Mongo.

*FROM DAKOTA: “vocab-obsessed” Savannah and Jet they are talkin’ to YOU!! BOL!!!!

As Riley leads his gang through a series of capers that ultimately results in a foiled bank robbery and the rescue of fifty-seven adorable puppies, readers will enjoy the dramatic interplay of the characters and the unfolding of the mystery as well as the fast-paced action and humor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chris Grabenstein is the Agatha-and Anthony Award-winning author of the Haunted Mysteries series, including The Crossroads, The Hanging Hill, and The Smoky Corridor. He’s also the author of the adult titles Tilt a Whirl, Mad Mouse, and Whack a Mole. Chris lives in New York City with his wife, JJ, three cats, and a dog named Fred who starred on Broadway in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. You can visit Chris (and Fred) online at www.chrisgrabenstein.com

ISBN: 9780062026200

Ages 8-12

Available on www.harpercollinschildrens.com

GIVE-AWAY OPEN TO EVERYONE!! Want to win this book? Leave a comment (and a way for Mom to contact you, if we have no way to contact you and you are the winner, guess what? YOU LOSE!)  telling me about YOUR mischief by Monday, September 3, 2012 at 11PM EASTERN. Winner will be announced WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012. 

Good luck!

Barks and licks and love, Dakota