Thumbs up Review for Grendel’s Great Escape book App

The First Review is in from I Heart this App and it’s a Thumbs up for Grendel’s Great Escape book App 

 Grendel’s Great Escape HD – Adventure Storybook for iPad

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grendels-great-escape/id585972636?ls=1&mt=8

“Grendel’s Great Escape is another solid interactive storybook app that you can let your children read and experience. From the nice illustrations, original music and sound effects, and numerous interactive elements to discover, your child will surely be immersed in this funny adventure story.”

Details

Grendel’s Great Escape is an interactive storybook for children ages 4-8 that is available on the iPad. It tells the story of how Martin tried to find his escaped pet ferret Grendel in school.

Martin had a pet ferret named Grendel who he decided to bring to school for Show and Tell. As the class was painting, Grendel escaped from Martin’s leash and bag. Martin and his friends now had to find Grendel before the principal Mr. B found the escaped animal. This is the story of how they searched the whole school to find Grendel.

This app is a typical storybook app in that it had full-page colored illustrations with animation to suit the story. Story text is also there on the page for children to read along with. A narrator reads the story while phrases are highlighted in order to help children read along better. The pages also contain interactive elements that children can explore and discover. Your children will have fun reading and playing along with this exciting adventure story.

The developers have announced that this app is compatible only with the iPad 2 and higher models. This is a paid app with no in-app purchases or pop up ads inside.

What iHeartThisApp Liked

The layout and controls of the app is very much like other storybook apps. Turning the page is easily understood and the app is very intuitive to use overall. The inclusion of a table of contents for children to go to their favorite pages or go back where they left off is a good feature.

The artwork is good and enticing for children and the animation in some scenes suits the style and feel of the story. There are several interactive elements within each page that reveals hidden animation or sound effects that children can take time to discover. These elements will serve to enhance a child’s experience of the story.

The narration is clear and the voice acting is good. The option to also turn the voice over off is great for parents who want to read to their children or children who want to practice their reading skills.

Suggested Enhancement

It would benefit the app greatly if for future versions, they developed additional mini games or activities such as coloring or puzzles. These added elements will only serve to increase the app’s replay value.

Overall

Grendel’s Great Escape is another solid interactive storybook app that you can let your children read and experience. From the nice illustrations, original music and sound effects, and numerous interactive elements to discover, your child will surely be immersed in this funny adventure story.

Blue Sandpiper Imprints: www.bluesandpiper.com

Grendel’s Great Escape: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grendels-great-escape/id585972636?ls=1&mt=8

Christmas Picture Book of the Month

Merry Christmas from Blue Sandpiper Imprints, home of Grendel’s Great Escape Children’s App. I added a 2nd book this month, it is Christmas after all & there are so many good Christmas books out there, I just couldn’t resist. Plus it will give the kids something to read, Consider it my gift to you.

How Santa lost his Job by Stephen Krensky  illustrated by S.D. Schindler

How Santa lost his job
Book Review by M.Anaya
Blue Sandpiper Imprints

This follow up to ‘How Santa got his job’ is just as entertaining and interesting. In this economy with it’s ups & down this is a very relevant story, about how Santa was slow to change with the times so the Elves found a way to modernise & maximize production. They build a fantastic machine ‘The deliverator’ that meets all their delivery needs but soon discovers that it lacks the personal touch and know how that only Santa can supply. It’s told in a fun and upbeat way that kids will love. With so many children in families facing layoffs and the lifestyle changes it brings, this is a great read for not only Christmas but for anytime of the year.

December Picture Book of the Month

“A Scary Christmas to all” 

For those who haven’t had enough of Halloween & have a fascination with monsters, here’s a book for you! Santa Claws is a weird twist on the old Saint Nick but this story takes place in Monster Town. ‘Santa Claws’ is wonderfully told in rhyme and is great for the 4-8 lot.

“It’s Christmas Eve in Monster town and Mack & Zack, two monster boys want gross & grizzly Christmas toys” Like all good little monsters they anxiously look forward for a visit from Santa Claws who rides thru the air on a Dragon, but you have to read it to see what happens next. The Author also takes us on a trip thru monster town with it’ ‘dead pine trees’ and ‘spooky shacks’. It’s quirky illustrated by Gris Grimley in his usual offbeat and sketchy style. This book is an offbeat Christmas treat which is a keeper to be read for many Christmases to come.

- All picture books reviewed on this blog may be purchased thru the link on the Blue Sandpiper website –  http://www.bluesandpiper.com home of Grendel's Great Escape Children's Book App available on iTunes 

When Life Gives You Lemons.....Get Creative

Not so long ago I suddenly found myself with a chunk of unrequested free time. Having always been a busy working Mom, I was incapable of sitting still or being unproductive. In between Job searches, volunteering & updating my job skills, I got started on my book App. Up to that point, I’d taken the scenic route to writing because life there was never enough time in any given day. Well the time had come & I seized the opportunity to get started. 

So how does an unemployed mother of two get published? By getting a lot of help along the way & using all the resources around her.

• Spousal encouragement & support
• My kids as a constant source of material 
• Free resources at the Small Business Institute
• Author’s guide to book Apps. 
• A community of Authors & mentors at CBI clubhouse. 
• My son’s 2nd grade teacher reviewed my first manuscripts.
• Get expert tips from a cousin who’s the social media diva for entertainers.
• Volunteer in the children’s library (great source of Inspiration)

Eight months later, Grendel’s Great Adventure is a reality. It’s Inspired by a child with ADHD, for whom every day is an adventure. This interactive story depicts the Show & Tell day’s adventure of Martin and his pet Ferret Grendel. As with many kids, Martin was always putting things of for later, such as cleaning his room, tackling the laundry monster and leashing his Ferret. In this App, kids will join Martin in his race against time to find Grendel while avoiding the grizzly School Principal.

Grendel's Great Escape Book App

Recruiting Help

Where's Grendel?

Download Grendel’s Great Adventure 

- iPad https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grendels-great-escape/id585972636?ls=1&mt=8

Coming soon to Kindle, Nook & Android Tablets

Find out more at www.bluesandpiper.com

Resources:

Author’s guide to book Apps www.digitalkidsauthor.com

CBI clubhouse www.cbiclubhouse.com

Social Media for Entertainers www.socialmediaforentertainers.com

Making a difference - Teachers Rock

I recently read an article about hero’s. It was written by an Author about the teacher who changed his life.

Teacher’s are indeed the unsung hero’s of all time. Without them where would we be?

If we think back there’s always been at least one teacher and mentor attempting to inspire and pour a wealth of knowledge into receptive minds.

Unfortunately sometimes we are either too young, immature or distracted to appreciate just how much they have to impart and what we have to gain by just sitting still and listening.

Oh how I wish I’d stayed awake during Art history class and paid closer attention during Geometry. Good Teachers will always continue to teach to distracted ears hoping that a nugget or two will get thru, but the great ones will find a way to get thru and make a difference.

I had such a teacher, Mrs Kelly got thru to me in ways I didn’t appreciate until much later in life. She was not only my teacher but also my neighbor, it was in my best interest to make an effort in her English literature class, I couldn’t afford for anything to be said during her chats with Mom. I remember her kindness and charity to those in need and going the extra step to stay after class and help a student.

What I didn’t appreciate was her methods of forcing me to think, she had an infuriating was of answering my questions with another question. If I asked her how to spell a word she answered “how do you think it’s spelled”. Infuriating because I wouldn’t have asked If I had known in the first place. There were many more answers like that, such as “how do you think it’s made” or “Why do you think that happened” She was supposed to teach! not make me figure it out for myself.

Mrs Kelly forced me to think! There was no way around it, I had to use my brain around her. She didn’t stop in the classroom either, did I mention that she lived next door? The mental workout continued on the ride home as well.

Mrs Kelly was a kind soul who loved to teach. She was never off the job, on week-ends she taught me to use a sewing machine at the risk of her sanity and her machine. If patience was a virtue then she will be nominated for sainthood. I showed up often on her doorstep for her amazing grilled cheese sandwiches but there was always a price to pay and I’d unknowingly leave a little bit wiser since there was always a lesson to be learned.

Mrs Kelly or Aunt Pam as she’s lovingly called has long since retired but still find ways to tutor both Adults and Children, she’ll never stop sharing her time and knowledge with those around her.

Like her, great teachers are all around just waiting to share their knowledge and make an impact. Now if only I can persuade my sons to pay attention in class, embrace all that their teachers have to offer and that recess isn’t the best part of their day.

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Monster Jam feature spot

Come to The Monster Jam…And Bring Your Dancing Shoes!

“PICTURE BOOK DEPOT absolutely loves outstanding picture books, and that’s why we’re supporting Project Director Michelle Anaya and her adorable KickStarter project, MONSTER JAM.”

- Monster Jam is a beautifully illustrated children’s picture book and interactive app about a little Monster with a big dream. With fun things to see and do on every page, it’s perfect for ages 4-9! This KickStarter campaign will be used to create this dynamic kids book & app, a portion of which will be donated to elementary school libraries. This is an all or nothing campaign which ends on November 24th 2012. Pledge your support, Monster Jam needs you. Great awards in every pledge level!

                    For More information and to pledge your support, CLICK HERE:

                     http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/391026586/monster-jam

The Picture book depot Monster Jam feature spot.

Moving day!

I’m moving the blog ‘Blue Sandpiper’ to a new site with better functionality and ease of use. The new blog has an easy to find & click “follow button” or the option to follow by e-mail. 

My new blog address is http://pipersand.wordpress.com

Thanks for your support!

The Importance of Picture Books

The Importance of Picture Books

Mothers Day Treats.....Everyday.

Mothers day has come and gone, but a mom’s work is never done.  Busy moms always deserve a guilt free treat. Facials or Massages are super relaxing and a great way to unwind.  Cupcakes however the perfect antidote for just about everything.  The cupcake culture is thriving and I’ll single hand-idly keep it going, if necessary.

These are some of the best cupcakes in the US that I’ve found so far...The hunt continues.

Feel free to clue me in, on the little bites of heaven in your part of the country.

New York: Two Little Red Hens - an American bakery

Hands down, the best cupcakes and best decorated cakes anywhere!

Now if I could only convince them to ship or open shops in other states besides

N.Y....Don’t deprive the rest of the country!

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The most artfully decorated cupcakes plus they offer decorating classes.

http://www.cupcakecafe-nyc.com/

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Las Vegas/ Dallas: The cupcakery http://www.thecupcakery.com/

Would live here if I could. Since moving to Texas, it’s become my ‘go to’ place, after a stressful day at work, or as a reward after a brisk work out.

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Florida/ West Palm Beach 

Made from scratch with real ingredients, unique designs and custom cakes

a real treat!

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Whole foods makes Delightful mini Cheesecake cupcakes, topped with fresh fruits.

I can't drive by without getting one,or two.

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Those of you who prefer to bake your treats, check out www.foodnetwork.com/cupcake-wars/recipes/index.html

Life Happens

Ever had one of those days that you wished you could do over in a different way? One day that just took a weird turn and never quite got back on track.

The poor economy recently caught up with this household and both my husband and myself became casualties of a massive re-structuring plan. One of the perils of both of us working for the same corporation, I guess - I don’t plan on making that mistake again. How did this happen? Must be a full moon out.  While there are doubts and concerns about an uncertain future, this temporary situation will not defeat me. This an opportunity to get going in a different direction. God is definitely trying to tell me something.

Time to get my butt into gear and get my ‘Tomorow list’ started ‘Today’ while getting my career back on track. 

Now, for a little while, i’ll have time to do alot of things: 

-Vollunteer at my son’s school and at church.

-Take small business seminars at the SBDC-I strongly recomend this for anyone starting a small business.

-Organize stuff around the house and purge - Craigs list or Garage sale

-Get creative and paint my canvases 

-Keep up with my gardening- unfortunately the lawn and flower beds doesn’t weed itself.

-Exercise regularly or at least attempt to.

-Make time for friends- really important, many times we get so caught up with life

  and neglect to have face time with those we love.

-and most of all....stop waiting on a Publisher to decide on one of my picture book manuscripts and publish them myself!

Life happens for me...not to me_ Oprahs life class

Blank Canvas- Any suggestions?

Be like Water

In the current economic climate, one out of five families are opting for relocation. "Going where the jobs are".
Taking this leap of faith is a huge decision, hoping it will result in a good fit for Job, Schools and
Lifestyle. Relocation can be stressful for children who might have concerns about leaving friends or
fitting in. A best practice is to keep them in the loop and make the whole process a fun adventure.
As the wife of a veteran, I know that military families face this every two to four years. They not only
deal with the challenge of ajusting to new environments but also the re-integration to the mobilized solder into the family unit, after long absences. During which time, keeping the home life running normaly usually falls upon the spouse. While there's usually a period of difficulty and adjustment for all re-located families,there are also advantages; new experiences, new friends to be made, new places to discover and many times an improvement in the quality of life. Being flexible and open to new experiences is the key.
For my family it’s been mostly a positive experience, but at times I reminisce about favorite aspects
about the places i've lived.
-Jamaicas Tropical Sunsets, the music and foods.
-Times square and The New York Skyline at night.
-The Long Beach boardwalk, taking a stroll or bike ride with my guys.
-The Freeport Nautical Mile with it’s fresh fish markets and dockside cafe’s.
-Most of all I miss....the wonderful friends and family still in those places.
 They send me care packages so I can have the best of all worlds. "Thanks Guys!"
　
"Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash.
Be water, my friend." ― Bruce Lee

Discovering Times Square

Spring Fever

Rose Garden

Spring came early this year and I couldn’t wait to get to the nursery.

Armed with a cart full of herbs, assorted annuals and bags upon bags of soil, I was ready to tackle the unforgiving clay that we call soil in North Texas. Enlisting the help of my guys, I was ready to plant. Ian (8) was on weed duty and wanted to know when he was being paid, after 15 minutes he’d had enough and wanted to go to the park. His Dad grabbed a shovel and helped him finish the job. I temporarily convinced my elder son Joe to do some digging in order to relocate the mini roses and save them from certain death by rapidly spreading bamboo. Somehow they didn’t seem to think that gardening was nearly as much fun as I did and disappeared one by one leaving behind, Sonic our dog. He was busy sniffing out his friend, the toad which makes an annual appearance in the garden. At least the quest for the elusive toad, kept him out of the veggie beds long enough for me to put up some rabbit fencing. 

Still a lot of work to do, but the garden is off to a great start. 

The sun’s setting, my husband has the food prepped and is ready to get the grill going. Had I known that grilling was the way to get a man cooking, we’d have build the outdoor grill island a long time ago.

IRIS

Time Factor

There’s been a lot of things that I’ve been meaning to do for the past 15 years but never had the time. As a working mom with two sons, a husband and a cockapoo, things tend to get hectic. Each day is a juggling act between work, home, after school activities and homework, a balance of fun and the mundane. My offspring consists of a 21 year old “Joe” who’s slowly making his way thru college and an eight year old ‘teenager’ Ian in elementary school. There’s a wide age gap, but video games tend to even out the playing field, my husband included, as he also attempts to save the world one strategic war game at a time. 

The garage is filled with unpainted canvases, flowerpots waiting to be filled and fabric

about to be sewn into the most amazing chair covers I saw in a model home. My dream to visit distant lands such as: Thailand, Morocco and Australia remains just that...a dream.

Last summer I went to a childhood friends 50th birthday party & it hit me, that I’m suddenly fortyish (when did that happen?) and I still haven’t done half the things that i’ve planned on doing. When did my “To Do” list become my Bucket List?

First Project on the list: Cover Chairs to give dining room a face lift
If you have Kid's under 12, Washable slip covers are a necessity. 

Love these chair slip Covers

located at Grand Homes Showhouse in Frisco, TX

Easiest pattern to make a slipcover:http://www.tealandlime.com/2011/08/diy-dining-chair-slipcovers-from-a-tablecoth/

DIY Dining Chair Slipcovers from a Tablecloth by JACKIE