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Explorer Academy Series - Trudi Trueit
I'm always in search of a good book series for tweens (this one is recommended for ages 8-12), and Explorer Academy is a great new find! Author Trudi Trueit introduces us to 12-year old Cruz Coronado. Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await him when he joins an elite school for explorers. Titles available include Book 1, The Nebula Secret, Book 2 The Falcon's Feather, Book 3 The Double Helix, and the newest title, Book 4 The Star Dunes. Here's a quick blurb from the publisher about the story: "Follow 12-year-old Cruz Coronado during his time at the prestigious Explorer Academy, where he and 23 kids from around the globe are training to become the next generation of great explorers. In addition to making new friends and attending cool classes, Cruz must also work to unlock clues to his family’s shadowy past if he is to solve the mystery of his mother’s untimely death. In this exciting follow-up to The Double Helix, a major discovery catapults Cruz and the Explorer Academy team into the limelight and they head off to Africa. Cruz and his fellow recruits tackle challenging missions to dispense life-saving medications to gorillas, thwart pangolin poachers and capture images of the last known cheetahs in Namibia — all the while discovering that protecting the world’s threatened species is dangerous business! After yet another strike from Nebula, someone close to Cruz ends up on the brink of death, leaving the ship in turmoil and Cruz and his team down a major player. The discovery of his mom’s next clue leads Cruz to a vast desert — and just when he thinks he’s run out of leads for solving the mystery of her tragic disappearance, an unlikely ally helps him pursue another piece of the ongoing puzzle. Can Cruz and his team stay one step ahead of Nebula and find the next piece of the hidden cipher?"
Win Books 1-4 of the Explorer Academy Series!!
Scroll below to enter!
National Geographic Kids Extreme Ocean
You can't go wrong with National Geographic Kids books. Their latest title, Extreme Ocean by Sylvia A. Earle (recommended for ages 8-12) is the perfect pick for World Ocean Day on June 8th and Shark Week in July. In this book, kids can discover the most outrageous aspects of the sea, from record-breaking depths to towering tsunamis, underwater giants to tiny sea creatures, along with ocean conservation challenges and what kids can do to help. With beautiful color photographs of whales sharks and more, kids can also learn about the newest and most hi-tech ocean gear and gadgets, experiment with hands-on activities, and join Sylvia Earle as she recounts her most daring dives. This book is filled with fascinating facts, animal profiles, and up-to-date science. Perfect for curious kids, ocean lovers, young explorers, and the classroom. Visit my Facebook page to see how you can win your own copy of this amazing book!!
The Last Kids on Earth: June's Wild Flight
The Last Kids on Earth is one of our favorite book series. Geared towards ages 8-12, Max Brallier makes every book funny, creative and exciting. The latest in the series is called June's Wild Flight (the character of June gets her own solo adventure!). There are new monsters to meet, new threats and new quests for June. Fans of the series will not want to miss it. And don't forget to check out the Netflix series of the books, too!
My Golden Ticket - Personalized Book by Wonderbly
I can't say enough good things about Wonderbly. You might have seen them featured before here at The Jersey Momma because their books rock!! Honestly, I am always telling people about them. Not only are they personalized especially for your child, but they're extremely high quality, with adorable illustrations and unique themes. I HIGHLY recommed the Where are You search and find book, as well as the 'You Are Extraordinary' journal. My Golden Ticket is a Willy Wonka themed adventure, where your child (and a special guest- you get to personalize) takes a trip to the infamous chocolate factory. Check Wonderbly's social channels or sign up for their email newsletters because they are always offering promo codes for discounts! Wonderbly's books are for various ages, so choose the titles that are best for you. That being said, our son loved these books even at ages 9, 10 and 11.
Sun Above and Blooms Below - a Picture Book from a NJ Author
I had the great pleasure of meeting Felicia Sanzari Chernesky, New Jersey author of Sun Above and Blooms Below at one of my Kids Club meetings at Branchburg Sports Complex. Felicia shared her beautiful book with us and showed us some of her other awesome titles. I love the bold, bright pictures and cute rhyming text of this picture book (recommended for ages 4-8). It's perfect for Spring time, and it also teaches about opposites (great for a thematic classroom lesson!).
Tales for Toddlers: Sweet Dreams Miffy
Miffy has been a beloved character for years, and toddlers are sure to enjoy this title before bed. Sweet Dreams, Miffy by Dick Bruna is recommended for ages 2-7. It's all about Miffy getting ready for bed, sharing Dick Bruna's classic simple colors and drawings of Miffy and her family. I also love that you can purchase a little plush Miffy to go with the book.
Books to Revisit: Strega Nona
In honor of the great Tomie dePaola who passed away on March 30, 2020, I just had to recommend one of his most beloved titles, Strega Nona. Strega Nona (recommended for ages 4-8 years), tells the classic story of Big Anthony and Strega Nona (who owns a magic pasta pot that Anthony is determined to use- without permission, of course). Nothing beats dePaola's illustrations- they are adorable and unique, with muted shades of color distinct to his style. And if you're in the market for some other great titles by Tomie dePaola, be sure to check out Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs, The Cloud Book, Pancakes for Breakfast.
Win Your Own Explorer Academy Book Set from National Geographic Kids!
National Geographic Kids is offering one lucky reader a chance to win all four books from the Explorer Academy series! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter! Contest runs now through May 5, 2020. One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter. U.S. residents only, 18 and over, please. Entrants MUST follow Rafflecopter instructions to qualify, and The Jersey Momma has a right to disqualify any entrant who did not comply. Follow/Unfollowers will be blocked!! Winner will be notified by email and must respond to winning email within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen. Winner must be willing to supply a valid U.S. mailing address. Books will be mailed to winner by National Geographic Kids. The Jersey Momma is not responsible for shipping the prize. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
