Little One Books review and giveaway

My family will tell you I'm not a big collector of trinkets and things, but when it comes to books I have a weakness. We just can't have too many. It is one thing I make space for in our tiny home! And green though I may try to be, just not sold on the whole Kindle thing, yet. Reading is such a tactile experience. I like the feel of the pages, they way they smell, the vivid illustrations. There's a certain joy in pulling out an old book my parents read to me as a child- sharing that very same, well-loved book with my own children.

Today I'm excited to introduce you to a great company that believes in making the process of choosing a great book(or two, or three...) easier for parents, grandparents, caregivers, everyone and anyone: 

Joan McCoy and Barney Cohen are the people behind Little One Books. They started their web-based store specifically to carry quality media for children birth through age five. My own kidlets are currently 4 and under, so it's really nice not having to wade through material that isn't age appropriate for them. They've taken the guess work entirely out of it as the site is organized by age! Joan and Barney are grandparents to five grandchildren under the age of seven; which of course means they bring plenty of experience and test subjects to find the best media for their customers. 


What I think speaks volumes(pun intended) is that they have personally selected and reviewed every product you'll find in their store. Going a step further- they've created a "Why we chose" section for each product. In this area their staff goes into detail as to why they chose the product, a few highlights about it and what the little people in their lives loved. Yes, their products have also been reviewed by kids!

The "Why we chose" section of each product page is simply brilliant. It is so helpful when trying to determine what book(s) would be most enjoyed by you and your family. Because let's be honest, while we'd like to buy them all(Oh, I would!), we must pace ourselves! Little One Books generously offered me the choice of one book to review. I completely relied on "Why we chose" to help narrow down and ultimately decide which book to request.

So what did we get? Thunder-Boomer, by Shutta Crum!

I opted for this book for several reasons. One, we're in the Midwest and thunderstorm season is fast approaching! My oldest is just now starting to show fear in various things(bugs, the dark, etc) and I suspect a good thunderstorm may scare her a bit this year. My hope is that by reading this book together often, it will ease some of those fears. I also liked that it takes place on a farm as my grandpa's farm is one of her favorite places to visit. Really, what kid doesn't love a farm? Add in some gorgeous illustrations by Carol Thompson, lots of fun sound words and a little humor- you've got one fantastic book that everyone in the family enjoys!

She was so excited to read our 'special book' together!

Little Lady says, 'Thank You!' for her new favorite book(So does mom).

I've actually ordered from Little One Books in the past and can say it was a pleasant experience. Their customer service is personal and superb. You can tell how much everyone there cares about children and their need for access to wonderful books. When I'm looking to add to our collection, I know I can trust the products they've chosen. And it is SO easy to just pop out to their site and select whatever age group is needed! 

Right now they are having a special promotion just for Adventures in Green Living readers- 

Buy any two Little One Books, get the CD Good Morning, free! 

What a great way to start your family's day with some of the most wonderful classical music written. 

BUY

You can purchase your own copy of Thunder-Boomer, by Shutta Crum, for $16.00

WIN

Little One Books is giving one Adventures in Green Living reader a $20 gift certificate!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Little One Books and sign up for their newsletter(Top right- you will not get tons of emails, promise. I'm on it!)

'Like' them on facebook

You must do both and may leave a comment for each task(total of two)

Please leave your email in your comments for me to contact you should you win!

Extra Entries:

Follow Little One Books on twitter

Follow Adventures in Green Living on Facebook

That's it! 4 total entries possible(2 of those mandatory)

Open to US only. Closes April 1, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. I will contact the winner via email and post an annoucement on my blog after confirmation. Winner will need to respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn. Good luck!

***I received product to aide in giving a fair and honest opinion of this company. I have received no additional compensation and all experiences and opinions are my own.***