Book Giveaway: The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

Today, Anya's Room is pleased to present the trailer for THE CROWN ON YOUR HEAD by Nancy Tillman and the chance to win a copy of the book. Take a look at the trailer:



What do you think of the trailer? Answer in the comments section and fill out the Rafflecopter widget for a chance to win.

We know our children are special, and now the incomparable Nancy Tillman expresses this universal feeling in the most touching of ways: Every child is born with a crown. The crown is everything that gives us unique value. Our crown will always be with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

Fisher-Price Dora the Explorer Fiesta Favorites Kitchen

Review of Fisher-Price Dora the Explorer Fiesta Favorites Kitchen

Product Image from Amazon.
Fiesta Favorites Kitchen provided
by the Amazon Vine program in
exchange for an honest review.

Summary of Experience: Anya is a big fan of the little cutie, Dora, so anything Dora would be a win in her book, but we've had a play kitchen in the past and I wasn't as impressed and most of the moms that recommended that particular kitchen. The DORA FIESTA FAVORITES kitchen looks like a win though in my book. It was easy to put together and is very bright and interactive, which keeps my little 4-year old's attention and there was also play food and recipe cards that went along with the design for even more finishing touches. The attention to detail, easy construction and low price make this a good choice for your little Dora fan.

Construction:  I will be the first to admit that I'm not a handy person. My husband usually steps in and takes over any projects I start that involves a screwdriver. This one does involve a screwdriver. One Philips - first one I chose, so nothing fancy. It was literally maybe twenty screws and the instructions were very straight forward. I only had one particular hitch, which was with the bottom are (the magenta piece that is the base) in which it wouldn't fit properly. I just had to fit my hands into the base and "click" it though, which was awkward and I don't have huge hands, at least I hope not. But once I figured it out, it went in perfectly. And it does say to get your hand in there and push - I just didn't quite get it.

But, that was a tiny hitch and overall construction took me maybe 20 minutes.

Kid response: Instant love. Santa came early in this household.

Images of the final product, it looks exactly the same as the product shot.

Final image shot. Everything came out
exactly as advertised.

The recipes are what give this kitchen an added bonus. Press the button and the voice corresponds to the recipes. You can flip it over and do more recipes. It would have been nice to come with more recipes, but I'm sure you can add to it later.

Dora is visiting the kitchen! Keeping with the Dora colors the kitchen is pinks and oranges and bright and fiesta. Very inviting.

Pieces and parts were included that your little one will enjoy playing with. Salsa, eggs, hamburgers and much more.

Anya's Back

Because of work craziness and a lack of time, Anyasroom.com has slowed down for the last six or so months. But, I plan to get it started back again, so stay tuned! This should be fun, I have a few things that I really need to talk about...

Allison Investigates: Does Chocolate Milk Come from Brown Cows?

Allison Investigates: Does Chocolate Milk Come From Brown Cows
Written and Illustrated by Colette Omans Nicoletta

Review copy provided by author.

A very cute and informative children's novel that introduces us to Allison a very inquisitive child that sets out to prove her father wrong when he tells her "Chocolate milk comes from brown cows." Allison knows her father is a very smart man, but she just doesn't think his statement is correct. A trip to the farm and an in-depth instruction on how milk gets from the cow to the you teaches Allison exactly where chocolate milk comes from. The book is all about the milk making process, the different types of cows and fun facts about cows and milk. It was cute, the illustrations were interesting and well done and I think I might keep my eyes open for more Allison books.

http://www.colettenicoletta.com

Strawberry Shortcake Remote Control Car

Strawberry Shortcake RC Vehicle

Anya loves her latest toy. She got this as a reward for phenomenally good behavior at the dentist.  I was really scared about the dentist appointment because of an incident with a splinter the week before. It was bad - and our first trip to the dentist resulted in a freaked out child and very stressed out mom.  New dentist and a bribe of "You get to pick out any toy you want!" The dentist was wonderful, Anya was perfect and our trip to Wal-Mart ended with a new remote controlled Strawberry Shortcake toy which even the hubs likes to play with. It's cute, it's fun and it was very inexpensive. It's listed as $22.98 on amazon, but I picked up for under $18 at Wal-Mart.

We like it because:

• Durable
• Easy to use
• Fun
• Well constructed
• Affordable

I found nothing to complain about regarding this toy.

The Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

A giggled recommendation from a co-worker directed my attention to The Learning Express and a hurried purchase of The Elf on the Shelf.

Uniquely packaged, in a keepsake box, the package includes a cute little elf and a book that tells the story of The Elf on the Shelf. You see the Elf is delivered to boys and girls and it sits high on a shelf or window or any where else that is quite comfortable and acts as Santa's eyes and ears. Checking on boys and girls to make sure they are being good. Then at night the little elf flies back to the North Pole and reports the child's actions, making sure your child is on the good list if they are deserving.

My little girl had come home with five yellow unhappy faces in a row and has been acting pretty snippy as of late, I figured the Elf on the Shelf was right up my alley. There were tons available at The Learning Express and they were priced cheaper than Amazon.  By the way, the description of the elf is on the side of the box, you can pick blond hair, dark skinned, etc. I obviously wasn't paying attention when I picked up our elf, but that is ok, brings a little diversity in the household ;)

I opened the package before I got home and actually wrapped the book into a package because we are always getting books in the mail and it is regular habit of ours to squeal "Present!" when we get a package and hurry and open it. Usually the packages are for mommy but every now and again Anya gets one. Well I labeled the book for her and put the return address as Santa's. You should have seen her eyes when I handed her the package. She ripped it open and we sat down and read the book immediately. I had also snuck in and placed the Elf on the Shelf on top of the Bookshelf before she saw me...so after we read the book, I whispered, "Do you think the elf is here?" We looked all over until she spotted the elf and it was just magical how she lit up --- a little skittish at first, she didn't know what to think, but soon she was whispering to the elf what she wanted for Christmas. Now every morning she looks for Anne (the elf) and makes sure she came back.

Also, a quick little, "Anne is watching," helps to curb bad behavior. Best $30 investment ever. Also, every year the Elf on the Shelf comes back... a lifetime of memories.

Problems are with the elf. Hard time sitting the little guy up sometimes and she has fallen off the shelf a few times - and try explaining that to a child! We might have to invest in a bigger elf next year.

Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex by Lisa McClatchy

Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex by Lisa McClatchy

Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

This is Anya's latest book crush. And frankly, I love this book also. Funny when you get excited to read a book to your daughter, because you want to hear it!

The story is about a little girl, who is having her sixth birthday and she desperately wants Tyrannosaurus Rex at her party. She writes him a letter and lets him know exactly what will be happening at her party and how much fun they will have together.

It is a wonderful story, easy to read, cute and entertaining. Anya is always giggling at each beautiful illustration.

A must have for your little one's library!