DKblog » Books

I see… Jurassic Contest – See your Childs Favorite Dinosaur in my Next Book!

Kirstan — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:22:27 +0000

See your Favorite Dinosaurs in my next book!

How would you like to see your child’s favorite Dinosaur on the cover of my next book, and win a free copy when it’s released? I’m starting the planning phase of the next installment to my I see… Animals series, and it’s all about Dinosaurs! Like it’s predecesors, I see… Savannah and I see… Serengeti, the book will feature five unique animals that your child will discover through a series of clues.

One lucky child (or parent) will have their favorite Dinosaur featured on the cover as well as a mention in the dedication page. I’ll even throw in copies of my other two books! I will choose a winner randomly in the next few weeks and announce them here.

To enter just leave a comment about what Dinosaur you’d like to see, your child’s first name (for the dedication), and a way to reach you if you win. If you leave your comment using an email or URL with contact information that works best.

Looking forward to those Dino-riffic suggestions!

P.S. I’m planning a little surprise for everyone who enters, so there’s no way you can’t win!

Book Review – The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump – Mortimer’s Sweet Retreat

Kirstan — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:35:21 +0000

Mortimer’s Sweet Retreat is the story of a young boy who befriends a ferociously friendly Boo Woolly named Weave. After his initial fright at being lifted off by the Boo Woolly, Mortimer comes to a wondrous land made of candy and treats. While exploring, his new friend is Woolly-knaped and Mortimer must venture off to rescue him. Available in print or ebook version.

At first glance, I wasn’t sure how this book was going to be. I’m a little picky about what I read my daughter, she absorbs so much from books, and was not sure a land of sweets was going to end up morally endearing or just cause a toothache. I was also a bit concerned that in the description it mentions Mortimer trudging off with his “marshmallow shooter”, which sounds harmless but I try to avoid gun-like violence at this age.

I was more than surprised then, to discover not only a charmingly told tale of friendship, but some rather whimsical rhyming reminiscent of Little Miss Muffet. Simple and fun yet full of delicious details, my daughter and I loved this story. We especially had a great time giggling about the chocolate commode!

I also became enamored of the coloring book style illustrations, which at first may seem rudimentary, they go on to include some photo touches and layout that shows the attention the creator gave her characters and their world. I think the drawings actually are perfect for the target audience. Many books for kids forget they are actually for kids. Having a childlike style, colored pencil and line art, can connect with a young reader inspiring them to make their own books even.

While I was still a little put off by Mortimer taking up marshmallow arms to rescue his friend, the book was darling and I will read it again. I may even splurge and order the hard copy!

*No compensation, other than a review copy of this title, was provided for my review.

Pooh’s Den Reviews I see… Savannah

Kirstan — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 15:32:01 +0000

Another blogger kindly took the time to review my book, here is a snippet from Pooh’s Den:

“E-books are a life saver when we are traveling and with a little girl who loves animals and books I knew this book would be a perfect hit with us.

It is compact and a perfect size to keep a 2-yr old (well-almost) occupied for 15 minutes. It is simple, small words and fills my toddler with wonder and joy.”

Like all good reviewers Pooh’s Den also had some critiques. I know some authors get touchy about anything not super positive but I value everyone’s input. To read the full review visit Pooh’s Den Here.

I see… Serengeti – FREE Mini Children’s Ebook 2

Kirstan — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:21:28 +0000

Click Image to Download FREE Mini-Book

You can now download this free mini-ebook (PDF only) of the latest installment of my I see… Animals series : I see… Serengeti — Your Baby, Binoculars, and MORE African Animals. Here is a short blurb:

Your Baby, Binoculars, and MORE African Animals! Join your child on safari in the African Serengeti — discover clues through your binoculars that lead to whimsical and engaging characters. Meet these animals on your journey: Leopard, Hippopotamus, Ostrich, Crocodile, and Warthog. Designed to be enjoyed by children 0-5 with/or without adult participation. Twenty-two full page color illustrations.

The full book is available for .99 cents through ebook retailers, see the BOOK page for details, enjoy!

FREE Coloring Pages – #3 Giraffe

Kirstan — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 19:03:18 +0000

Click to Print-at-Home

And yet another awesome free coloring page to share!

More FREE Coloring Pages – #2 Zebra

Kirstan — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:51:40 +0000

Print-at-Home Coloring Page - Click to Download

Another day, and another free coloring page from I see… Savannah to print at home and share with your kids. Or don’t share. It’s ok. You can color too, I won’t tattle.

FREE Print at Home Coloring Pages – #1 Elephant

Kirstan — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:33:50 +0000

Click to download Fullsize

Now you can have even more fun in the Savannah! Here is the first in a series of free print-at-home coloring pages straight from my new book I see… Savannah. Enjoy, and keep an eye out for more coming soon!

Dad’s Book Report Reviews I See… Savannah – We Passed!

Kirstan — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 18:11:30 +0000

Our first review, and it’s a good one! Here is the full write up from John Graham (no relation I promise) over at www.dadsbookreport.com —

Check Out This Featured Review:

I see… Savannah

by Kirstan Graham

Self Published, 2011

Purchase this book

The first thing to note about I see… Savannah by Kirstan Graham (no relation) is that I really like the concept. The ebook presents images of animals in the African savannah by focussing first on individual body parts such as the elephant’s trunk or lion’s mane as if they were being viewed through a set binoculars. After several of these parts, we are presented with the full view of the animal. This progression works well for the target audience of children 6 or under. It allows you to point to body parts as you progress and get a moment of surprise when the whole animal is revealed.

I see… Savannah’s artwork is charming and simple. The animals are drawn in a stylistically with bright colors, heavy outlines, and appropriate use of textures and gradients. The effect is very appealing. I’m a little less enthusiastic about the environments. These are varied and well illustrated, but I’m not really of fan of the heavy use of gradients in the backgrounds.

The most important opinion, of course, is the child’s, and, although she didn’t have a strong reaction, my 8 month old daughter payed attention through the entire story. This is a good thing. She enjoyed the pointing to her nose and tugging on her ears during those parts.

In all, I see… Savannah was an enjoyable read, which I will definitely revisit with my daughter. I would really like to see this book in a nice, quality printed format. If it is ever released in print form, I will definitely buy it.

Reviewed by johnegraham2

The Omen Machine – Kahlan and Richard Return to Redeem the Sword of Truth after Pitiful TV Series

Kirstan — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:33:20 +0000

I love The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. Like, LOVE love. To me, it’s the best epic written since Tolkien laid down the law of high fantasy. I stood in line at Powells for 3 hours to meet him and get my books signed. I named my daughter, my most precious being, after his leading heroine. With each new book release Ive hunkered down in my cozy spot and read straight through over 1000 pages with little more than potty and snack breaks. So when I read on his site that Sam Raimi had optioned the rights to make a film version I just about screamed out loud – YES!!!!

Then it turned into a mini-series instead. Hmmm… OK, still cool I guess.

Then I saw it.

I cried.

Why Sam Raimi? Why? How could you sell out and reduce one of the greatest epics ever written to a WB-tween-night-line-up-quality joke? Now people ask me “Oh, is your daughter named after that chick from the TV show?” And, on top of that, the Google statistics on my baby blog show “Kahlan Boobs” in the top five search queries people use and find my site. Are you FRACKIN kidding me? Mr. Raimi, if you hadn’t also directed some of my favorite movies I’d beat you with a stupid stick.

Out of utter despair, I refused to even pick up Goodkinds last book, a totally different story called The Law of Nines. I haven’t been able to reread any of the SOT books lately either, something I like to do every so often. I kind of gave up on Goodkind.

Now, out of nowhere, I just now found out about The Omen Machine. I guess I really did tune out on Terry, because I’m usually the first to start salivating on his release dates and pre-orders. The Sword of Truth is over, but Kahlan and Richard, are BACK? THANK you Terry Goodkind for coming to your senses. I’m pre-ordering this bad boy NOW. Then adding it to my Goodreads, and my iCalendar, and reserving some babysitters for August 16th. Mr. Goodkind, I only hope it’s everything I’ve come to expect from you, or I may need more Kleenex…

I see… Savannah now for Nook at Barnes and Noble!

Kirstan — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 06:14:22 +0000

Just a quick update: I see… Savannah is now available for nook through Barnes and Noble! The nook app is also available for PC/Mac, iPhone/iPad, and most smart phones. If you prefer iBooks, don’t worry, it’s coming there too. I’ll keep you posted!