Children's Book Review and Giveaway -- Lawn to Lawn by Dan Yaccarino

CLOSED.  And, the winner is Donna!!!!

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 12, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375855742
• ISBN-13: 978-0375855740
• Buy now at Amazon

Summary:

Not everyone loves lawn ornaments. But Pearl was different. Pearl was their friend—the only human who knew they were real.

So when Pearl’s family moves and (shockingly!) leaves their pink flamingo, deer, gnome, and lawn jockey behind, Flo, Betty, Norm, and Jack know what they must do. They must find Pearl no matter how long and perilous the journey.

Through cities and suburbs, over mountains and through swamps, the ornaments make their dangerous way. They survive storms and menacing gargoyles. They get directions from weather vanes and other statuary. And always, always, they must avoid the dreaded trash truck!

In this hysterical and quirky tale of toys-come-to-life, Dan Yaccarino reminds us that home is where the heart is and that no journey is too difficult when it leads to the one you love.

My Review:

This was the first book I read by Dan Yaccarino, but definitely will not be the last.  I especially loved his whimsical and bright illustrations that he drew for his story.  As I began reading Dan's book to my daughter, I thought about Toy Story and how similar the concept was.  A little girl is moving to a more upscale home, and leaves behind her treasured lawn ornaments.  She has a personal relationship with them, and to them they are real.  The lawn ornaments set out to find and reunite with the little girl.  Overall this is a quirky book, that young children will enjoy.  At times, the flow seemed to be off, and I had wished that each of the lawn ornaments were described more, so we could see why each one was so special to this little girl.  I guess as an adult I am asking for more than a child would need to know in order to enjoy this playful book.

If your child likes Toy Story, then they will love this book.  The illustrations will blow you and your child away.  The illustrations alone make this book a page turner.

About the Author:

Children the world over know Dan Yaccarino from his children's books (more than a million and a half sold to date), Parent's Choice Award-winning animated TV series Oswald (Nick Jr) and Emmy-winning Willa's Wild Life (NBC and Qubo) and character designs for The Backyardigans (Nickelodeon), as well as his many illustrated toys, games, and other children's products. His bold, stylized illustrations add wit and energy to the work of such prestigious authors as Margaret Wise Brown, Jack Prelutsky, Kevin Henkes and Patricia MacLachlan in addition to his own stories.

Dan's internationally recognized art style has earned him a large following in Japan, exhibits in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Rome, and a visit to the White House. Dan's books have been translated into many languages and have inspired ebooks, children's musicals and video adaptations. People all over the world enjoy Oswald, Dan's animated television series about the wonderfully whimsical world of a lovable octopus, which Time magazine chose as one of the top 6 shows to watch on cable. Animation Magazine hails him as "an American original."

Dan's work has been recognized with a host of prestigious awards including the the Bologna Ragazzi, The New York Time 10 Best Illustrated, ALA Notable and the Parents Choice Award.

Dan lives with his wife and their two children in New York City and creates his quirky characters in his studio full of vintage toys.

Click here to learn more about Dan and his other work.

---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky Inspired by Savannah reader will win a copy of Lawn to Lawn by Dan Yaccarino.  To enter, simply complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, and then as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like.  Make sure to include your email address with each comment, so that I can contact you if you win.  Good luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY:  Who would you like to win this book for?

EXTRA ENTRIES:

(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

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Enter to #win a copy of Lawn to Lawn by Dan Yaccarino  @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 9/29)

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Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on September 29, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner.