Review of Eliza's Forever Trees by Stephanie Lisa Tara

Publisher: Brown Books
Format Read: Trade paperback
Source: From the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 20, 2012
Buying Links:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Blurb from goodreads:

Suddenly Mother jumped to her feet and ran to one of the trees, a three-hundred-foot-tall redwood. "Forever tree! Forever tree!" she cried, smiling. She swept the skinny girl up into her arms. The child's pale skin shimmered in the golden forest light. "Forever trees, forever trees," they sang, spinning in circles. The memory melted into the fog, and Eliza felt very tired. The question came again to her. It appeared out of the gray, out of the damp, out of the cold corners of this new house. The question whispered it always did the kind of whisper that sounded very loud indeed: Where had Mother gone? Shadows appeared and disappeared in Eliza's mind. Still, she couldn't remember. She simply could not remember anything after that last story in the forest. For some reason, she wasn't terribly worried. She was a little worried, for sure, but not terribly worried, because a strange calm held the shadows and the question. It held Eliza, too. Because love is forever. 

Bea's Thoughts:

This book just didn't hold my interest. I should have read it in a few hours, not a few days, but either I'd put it down and do other things or I'd doze off while reading it. Part of the problem was that I was just wasn't invested enough in Eliza, she didn't feel real to me. Maybe if the story had started before Mother went away and we had seen Eliza before instead of just after. The story felt too long and there were parts that weren't necessary such as the chapters with the frogs. I also questioned why bats were initially presented as bad guys; in the real world bats do fantastic job of controlling the mosquito population.

I did like the mythic overtones to the story and Eliza's journey and the use of different animals as helpers on her journey. The subplot of a storm and it's effects on the animals and how they react to it was sweet and, if not subtle, was not a too obvious commentary on cooperation. There is a generous helping of quotes from childrens books that are in the public domain; Tara clearly loves and knows childrens books. She also has a talent for words and language that children and adults can enjoy:

The memory melted into the fog, and Eliza felt very tired. The question came again to her. It appeared out of the gray, out of the damp, out of the cold corners of this new house. The question whispered-it always did-the kind of whisper that sounded very loud indeed

Even butterflies knew what she knew-that stories are forever friends; they speak a language any girl or butterfly could understand.

 Books give warmth. They warm us with their words.

"These are huckleblerries," she said. "Huckleblerries?" asked Eliza. "Yes. That's what they are called," declared the ladybug. "Not huckleberries?" asked Eliza. "No!" said the ladybug sharply. "Huckleblerries, with an l. Ladybug starts with l. It's a very important letter."

Gwooop went Eliza's foot as it sank into the mud. "Walooop," said the mud as she pulled her foot back out. "Gwooop!" cried Eliza. "Waloop!" echoed the butterfly.

Tara weaves themes of the treasure found in stories, the delicate balance of life, and the importance of working together along with a subtler theme of ecology and preservation. Despite my love of books and my belief in the themes that Tara uses, the book, as I said earlier, just didn't hold my interest. Then again, I'm not the intended audience and maybe a child in elementary school or middle school might enjoy the book more.

Children's Book Week Review of Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book: fotos, facts, and fun!

Publisher: Stephanie Lisa Tara
Format Read: PDF and finished softcover
Source: The author in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: April 11, 2013
Buying Links:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble  The Book Depository

Blurb from goodreads:

Dear Turtle Activists,

I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless dedication and love to our cause! I have written this book FOR YOU! I dedicate this book TO YOU! 120 pages of fotos, facts and fun!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book has a primary goal: SAVING SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION. A portion of proceeds from this book go to charitable organizations like the Turtle Foundation (www.turtle-foundation.org) of whom my first turtle book, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON—is a proud sponsor.

If you are new to us—please join with us, for together, holding hands, we can effect change. Yes—really! xoxo. SAVE GREEN SEA TURTLES on Facebook (www.facebook.com/.../Save-Green-Sea-T...) is our hugely popular hang-out—tens of thousands of Activists-strong. Please join us!

NOW—prepare for something totally new and amazing!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is not your typical scientific turtle book: my special book is all about having FUN! Enjoy the mini FLIP-BOOK in the corners and create a movie of your own! Click the ebook pages—or thumb through manually in the paperback—YOUR CHOICE!

I've written these chapters in a fun, chatty voice—you know, the one YOU use when talking up your favorite topics! Don't be surprised if you find yourself giggling as you turn pages! Enjoy breathtaking photography, incredible facts, and way-out wow'ing surprises that these millennium-old creatures have to share.

AND: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE! Yep! Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is my second turtle book—it's a perfect TWIN to my first international bestseller, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: buy BOTH TOGETHER for your shelf. Two little twins; one a fable, one fotos, facts & fun.

So, in closing...please accept this deeply personal gift from me, your faithful sea turtle leader, the turtle-lady, or Stephanie Lisa Turtle - as I was renamed recently by a fan—from my heart to yours.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED THE CAUSE TO SAVE SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION!

Bea's Thoughts:

Last month I reviewed Tara's fiction book, "I'll Follow the Moon", about a newborn sea turtle who hatches, and goes to the ocean in search of his mother. It has been a best seller for Tara and may be the book she's best known for. Tara also believes strongly in conservation so she undertook to create a non-fiction book about sea turtles for children. While "I'll Follow The Moon" is aimed at toddlers and preschoolers this book is more for school-age children.

Tara educates and entertains her readers in this generously illustrated book. There are photographs on almost every page. The photos illustrate the different varieties of sea turtles, their habits, their risks and the people who help them. Tara gives background on each species of sea turtle, discusses what challenges they face, what people are doing to help, and what the readers can do to help. Tara offers many suggestions for action, from the simple such as turning off lights when not in use to more complicated actions such as volunteering with a rescue organization or becoming a politician or scientist. Her tone is chatty, sometimes too much so, but it's friendly and conversational. At times it veered on patronizing but I think most children will enjoy her style.

The book is available in both ebook and print versions and the text contains links that ebook readers can click for more information. I would have liked an index at the book of all the links and sites referenced for the print readers and even the ebook readers. She does have a bibliography of suggested reading, as well as a list of practical suggestions on how to help and a glossary. At the bottom of each page in the corner are little pictures that when you flip the pages quickly give you a little story in motion. The artwork and the photographs are lovely and add to the book.

The Turtle Book is well-researched, easy to read and logically laid out for both easy reading and quickly looking something up. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in turtles or conservation. I donated my print review copy to my school's library.

Mother Sea Turtle Month! Win a book or Sea Turtle Plushies!

Stephanie Lisa Tara presents Mother Sea Turtle month!  Mothers need to stick together; whether scaly, feathered, furry or skinned! And to celebrate this Mother's Day and the release of her newest turtle book, Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book—which is the companion follow-up to her first international bestseller, I'll Follow the Moon—Stephanie Lisa Tara is giving away 2 gorgeous, large plush sea turtles (26"L x 8"H x 16"W) to reviewers!

 Dear Turtle Activists,

I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless dedication and love to our cause! I have written this book FOR YOU! I dedicate this book TO YOU! 120 pages of fotos, facts and fun!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book has a primary goal: SAVING SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION. A portion of proceeds from this book go to charitable organizations like the Turtle Foundation (www.turtle-foundation.org) of whom my first turtle book, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON—is a proud sponsor.

If you are new to us—please join with us, for together, holding hands, we can effect change. Yes—really! xoxo. SAVE GREEN SEA TURTLES on Facebook (www.facebook.com/.../Save-Green-Sea-T...) is our hugely popular hang-out—tens of thousands of Activists-strong. Please join us!

NOW—prepare for something totally new and amazing!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is not your typical scientific turtle book: my special book is all about having FUN! Enjoy the mini FLIP-BOOK in the corners and create a movie of your own! Click the ebook pages—or thumb through manually in the paperback—YOUR CHOICE!

I've written these chapters in a fun, chatty voice—you know, the one YOU use when talking up your favorite topics! Don't be surprised if you find yourself giggling as you turn pages! Enjoy breathtaking photography, incredible facts, and way-out wow'ing surprises that these millennium-old creatures have to share.

AND: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE! Yep! Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is my second turtle book—it's a perfect TWIN to my first international bestseller, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: buy BOTH TOGETHER for your shelf. Two little twins; one a fable, one fotos, facts & fun.

So, in closing...please accept this deeply personal gift from me, your faithful sea turtle leader, the turtle-lady, or Stephanie Lisa Turtle - as I was renamed recently by a fan—from my heart to yours.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED THE CAUSE TO SAVE SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION!

I've always believed that magic hides in special places. As a child, people would often stare at my bright red hair, which was very, very bright indeed.

Unfortunately, I developed a bad habit of making up rhymes about all of them, and they soon became funny characters. I didn't have much time to think about being different; fanciful lyricisms danced in my head, and no one was safe!

Since then, I've come to believe that storytelling has the power to inspire a deep love of language and learning. Words tripping off the tongue in somersaults that stick to your thoughts like taffy-- those are the things that stay forever in the mind.

I've lived in many special places: on a farm, in a city skyscraper, on a tropical beach, and in the beautiful country of France. Now I live in northern California, between the redwood forests and the sea. Even though I'm an adult, I'm still as silly as ever.

Many nice words have been used to describe my books, such as fun, engaging, delightful, and whimsical. Some folks say that I deliver timeless messages of love for kids and parents to share again and again; this makes me very happy. I hope that you'll enjoy my stories, too. Captivating children with language is something that I believe in, and I strive to live my life with this always.
--Stephanie Lisa Tara

www.StephanieLisaTara.com
stephanielisatarabooks@gmail.com

Cause pages (each supports a book's vision):

Facebook page for Save the Polar Bears | Facebook Page for Save the Green Turtles | Facebook Page for Save the Redwood Forests

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Personal Sites:

Facebook | Amazon | Website

Giveaway:

15 lucky people will win a copy of Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book. You must be 13 or older to enter. Open to US addresses only.  Giveaway runs from May 12th to June 12, 2013

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Two lucky reviewers will win a Melissa and Doug Giant Plush Stuffed Sea Turtle that retails at $34.99 and measures 26"L x 8"H x 16"W.  You must review Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book on Amazon to enter.  This giveaway runs from Mothers Day, May 12th to June 12th, 2013.

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And you can still enter to win a Kindle Fire! 

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Blog Tour: Review of I'll Follow the Moon by Stephanie Lisa Tara & A Giveaway

Publisher: CreateSpace
Format Read: Paperback
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: December 27, 2012 (originally released 2005)
Buying Links:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble   IndieBound

Blurb from goodreads:

On a quiet, moonlit beach, a baby green sea turtle stirs from a dream of home. Slowly, slowly, with a tap, crick, crack, the baby turtle embarks upon a mysterious nighttime journey. Gentle, tender verse and enchanting illustrations carry this tranquil tale from sand to sea.

Stephanie's first book, I'll Follow the Moon comforts children with its soothing tone and melodic repetition.

Bea's Thoughts:

"I'll Follow the Moon" is a sweet story about a newborn turtle's hatching and journey to rejoin his mother in the ocean. Told in rhyme and using wonderful descriptive language, each page ends with the phrase "I'm coming, Mama, I'll see you soon, I know just how...I'll follow the Moon" It's a tranquil story, calm and soothing but with a message of hope. The young turtle pushes on to find his mother and doesn't stop until he succeeds.

The artwork is calming in pastel watercolors with simple backgrounds. The pictures are light on detail, I would have liked a bit more, but the young turtle itself is nicely detailed and, I think, quite adorable.

I saw a few reviews that mentioned the book wasn't scientifically accurate. That may be true, I don't know, but the book isn't written or marketed as a science book so I don't see that's a problem. The back of the book has a page with suggested activities and lesson plans to extend if the child enjoys the book. If a child is interested in learning more, their parent, caregiver or teacher could do some research.There is a facebook page for the book and green sea turtles that may be of interest.

"I'll Follow The Moon" is an enjoyable read for older toddlers and young preschoolers. I see myself sharing this at my school.

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Stephanie is touring the next few weeks to get the word out about Earth Day on April 22nd. You can follow the tour here:  http://www.candacesbookblog.com/2013/02/earth-day-blog-tour-announcement-and.html

She's also doing two giveaways, you can enter below using the rafflecopter widgets. Please read the directions carefully.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I almost forgot! I was supposed to talk about what we do at my school to help the earth. For the most, we recycle. Being a preschool and a child care center, recycling takes two forms: 1) collecting items with the recycle symbol and turning them into a recycle center, and 2) saving and collecting items everyday items to be used in the classroom or in art or science activities. Actually, that latter is reusing not recycling.

Each classroom has a mesh bag for collecting recyclables and parents take turns bringing it to their local recycle center. We save anything that has a recycle symbol - yogurt containers from children's lunches, empty cracker boxes, etc. We also collect plastic shopping bags which have many uses in the room. I almost hate to see them go and be replaced by fabric bags, those are much less useful for our purposes. Additionally, our office has boxes for recycling paper and we save and turn in our printer's ink cartridges. The break room has a container for drink bottles that can be turned in for bottle deposits. 

As for items that we save and use, well, that's a nearly infinite list of items: old keys, coffee cans, stationary, pretty boxes and ordinary cardboard boxes, fabric, pipe cleaners, magazines, calendars, golf balls, buttons, etc. We even have old cell phones, with the batteries removed. The kids love playing with them and also with old landlines. They solemnly push buttons and carry on conversations. Much of the clothing in our dress up closet is cast-off kids and adult clothing as well as the occasional donated dress up. In fact, many families recycle toys, books, games, clothes, etc. by donating them to the center. We've even had furniture donated, saving us the cost of buying new furniture for the classroom.

Additionally, we plant. Every playground has a garden and we garden organically. Most years, the gardens include vegetables or herbs and the classes, from infants on up to eight year olds, get to eat the results of their labors. Often, we'll make bird feeders in the winter using pine cones and all of the playgrounds have a year round bird feeder that the birds and squirrels enjoy.There's also a compost bin for food scraps.

Is there more we could do? Undoubtedly. We have some constraints that come from state regulations about what we are allowed to do and have. Other limitations come from the usual culprits of time, money,

space, and initiative. But we'll continue to explore and see what we can do, and continue educating our students about the earth and caring for it. 

What do you do? Is there one small change you could make today that would help?