May 28, 2010
Review & Giveaway: Red in the Flower Bed Children's eBook
by Desi
Raileigh and I love to read together. She has quite an extensive collection of books. Some have been passed down from Darren and I, and some we have purchased just for her. There is something so amazing about curling up with my daughter and reading. She listens closely, sometimes chiming in to share something that she sees in the illustrations. I ask her questions as we go and she excitedly answers them. It is so rewarding to see her learning as we read together.
Until recently, I had not really experienced an eBook. In fact, I was not all that excited to try one. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I love the feel of the pages between my fingers as I read through the book. I like that I can take a book anywhere and get lost in it's pages. I also like the look of bookcases filled to the brim with books to read.
However, when Nicole at Tribute books contacted me about reviewing some of their children's books in eBook form, I decided to give it a try. Raileigh was napping, so I browsed through the books myself. I enjoyed sitting at the computer, taking in the short, but very delightful children's titles that Nicole had sent over.
When Raileigh awoke, I decided to try out one of the stories with her- Red in the Flower Bed. I let her sit in the computer chair, which she was very excited about. She tries to often, but I usually make her get down (she likes to delete emails). I told Raileigh that we were going to read a book on the computer. Slowly, I scrolled through the pages of the story and read her the delightful, rhyming text. She pointed out things she recognized in the illustrations as we read.
It was a very different experience than reading an actual book, but we both really enjoyed it. One thing that I really like is that there are no pages that can be ripped or torn. We are trying to teach Raileigh how to care for books, and usually, she does a good job. There are times, though, when she can be a little rough. The great thing about an eBook is that is in that new, pristine condition every time you read it.
I also like that it changes things up a bit for Raileigh. It is always good to have new experiences and do things a little differently, and reading is no exception. I think as we continue to read eBooks, I am going to start teaching her how to use the mouse to scroll. I know she is going to enjoy that!
eBooks are also considerably cheaper than an actual book. I am sure you can see why! Plus, eBooks don't take up all the room in your house that a normal book does. I know we are getting to the point where we need to pass on some old books before acquiring any new ones. So, I really can appreciate the lack of space that an eBook takes up!
Now that I have told you all about our overall experience with eBooks, let me tell you a little about the actual story we read. Red in the Flower Bed is written and illustrated by Andrea Nepa. This delightful story tells the story the story of interracial adoption through the use of imagery.
Synopsis (as taken from the Tribute Books website)
The journey of adoption is beautifully depicted with the comforting imagery of a poppy flower who is welcomed into a garden family. It is a charming story of "seeds" being planted in the perfect place - exactly where they belong. Children and adults will enjoy this simple yet meaningful story and homespun illustrations. The book's loving approach helps children to understand adoption. Andrea Nepa has captured the essence of adoption and family, and has illustrated it beautifully with images and poetry that even a small child can comprehend and enjoy.
My Thoughts
Initially, I was drawn to the beautiful illustrations. They were simple, yet vivid and breathtaking. I love how easily the text flows, as the rhyming words tell the story. Raileigh, I know, did not understand the imagery the story represented. However, the imagery in relation to interracial adoptions was very well done. For a child who is yet too young to understand, it still tells a lovely story of a seed who is wandering around looking for a place to grow.
The story also touches on the changing of seasons as the seed experiences rain, snow, and falling leaves. The illustrations show this perfectly. The story shows the seed traveling on each page until it finds a home. Raileigh thought the poppy seed was a ball, so this gave me the opportunity to share with her about seeds.
The story is written on a level that children can understand. It is the perfect way to teach kids about what adoption is and how beautiful families of all kinds are. I also think it would be wonderful to share with a child who has been adopted. To make them feel like a beautiful flower would surely make the child feel special!
I am so excited to tell you that Nicole at Tribute Books is doing a giveaway here at Wee Share! One lucky reader will receive a copy of the eBook Red in the Flower Bed.
Mandatory Entry (Must be done before any extra entries will qualify)
Please visit Tribute Books. Leave a comment on this post telling us a book that you would love to read from them.
Extra Entries (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)
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Giveaway is open to worldwide residents. Giveaway will close June 11, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.
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