Disclosure: This giveaway is brought to you by Five Star Publications and author and former educator V.A. Boeholt who generously provided me with copies of the Burton the Scarecrow books from the Friendship Tales from the Farm series in exchange for an honest review and giveaway. All thoughts expressed are my own or are those of my six-year-old son. Pictures included are mine, as well. No other compensation was given.
You wouldn’t know to look at me now that I ever had a problem reading…but I did. When I was little, I was placed in a remedial reading program. And the rest, they say, is history. Because of the additional instruction I received, I am now a hardcore wordnerd…booklover…whatever you want to call me.
In other words, I LOVE TO READ!!
Because of my love of reading, I’ve nurtured my own children’s love of reading. I want them to grow up and have the same love of books that I do. In fact, my daughter is a lot like me, and can read multiple books at once and not get confused.
My son, on the other hand, struggles a bit more than she ever has, but he’s still doing great. So whenever I can, I buy them new books to read. I’d rather spend money on new reading material than a new game for their iPods.
When asked to review the Burton the Scarecrow books, I got excited for a couple reasons. One, they have a farm aspect to them that I love. It’s the country girl in me. I grew up around animals and gardens. (Plus, the covers look like burlap, which drew me right in when I saw them.)
The biggest reason I was excited to review this series was because each book not only tells a great story but also teaches children valuable lessons that will help them develop into productive members of society. For example, children who read these books will learn about kindness, tolerance, commitment, cooperation, friendship, service to your community and more.
In addition, the books help them build up their vocabulary.
Once I received the books in the mail, I opened up the package and fell in love with each story and their colorful illustrations.
And my son was no different. He couldn’t wait for me to read them with me. (We’ve read them all together, which is no small feat considering how hectic our lives have been this month. We’ve barely been home due to various schooling and sporting events, which is why this review has taken as long as it has to write.)
I’m sure that my son and I will read these books together again. And I plan on holding onto them for my future grandchildren, for I believe that they will enjoy the stories as much as we did. The topics and lessons are ones that will always be relevant and needed.
About the books:
The Burton the Scarecrow books were written by author and educator V.A. Boeholt and illustrator Nathaniel P. Jensen and published by Five Star Publications. Each title in the series includes a glossary to help your child expand his or her vocabulary, questions to help you facilitate in-depth discussions (which are perfect for in the classroom or out), and other supplementary activities.
You can find out more about the series at the Scarecrow Stories site, on Facebook and on Twitter or by calling Five Star Publications, Inc. at (480)940-8182. You can also find out more information via the Five Star Publications website.
Stories in the Burton the Scarecrow series:
- Burton the Kind Scarecrow (ISBN: 978-1-58985-202-0) – December 2012 –
- Burton’s Friendship Garden (ISBN: 978-1-58985-210-5) – April 2013
- Burton’s Harvest Party (ISBN: 978-1-58985-208-2) – August 2013
- Burton and the Christmas Tree (ISBN: 978-1-58985-206-8) – September 2013
- Burton Helps Dixie Duck (ISBN: m978-1-58985-204-4) – February 2014
If you’re a teacher or library and would like to purchase your Friendship Tales from the Farm Series to add to your collection and help to further mold young, influential minds, Five Star Publications is offering the entire series for $35.85, which is a 40% savings. You can’t beat that!
If you’d like to purchase more than one set, or would like to discuss a possible author visit or performance puppets, contact Five Star Publications at the number above.
Also, schools (PTAs), libraries, reading groups, etc., who are interested in fundraising opportunities can download a fundraising kit from the ScarecrowStories site.
Before I close, I’d like to say thank you to V.A. Boeholt and Five Star Publications for their geneorisity and for providing me with the opportunity to review this series. Also, a big thanks to them for providing one lucky winner with a copy of one of the Burton books of their choice. See Rafflecopter below for how to enter.
It could be the feel, the smell, the images you get in your mind. Reading a great best seller is like visiting with a fascinating new friend. The time flashes by, but the memories last forever!