Friday, December 20, 2013

Birds of a feather...



Wonderful little tale about making friends. Ruby is a friendly bird who goes from place to place to politely introduce herself and ask if any bird she meets wants to be her friend. She learns a little bit about each one she meets. Some like to fly, others can't and one bird is not interested in her at all, and while it saddens her, that's perfectly okay. She finally finds a flock of birds exactly like herself. Stead's sparse dialogue gets to the point immediately, that everybody is different. We should not be intimated by those differences, or in fact if someone chooses not to be a friend, we have to move on and find someone who will.. In the end, birds of a feather do not have to flock together, they can flock with a variety of differences and enjoy each other.Lovely book, about breaking the ice, moving on and having confidence in yourself.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Thursday, December 19, 2013

This is IT! The Evolution of Success Philosophy



Important book for our overextended, hectic world filled with impossible deadlines. Jones Loflin and Todd Musig have developed a wonderful guide to harness success and live peaceably with it. Too often we are thrown into situations where we accept too much responsibility or make impossible goals and promises. The authors have identified the problem and have come up with easy rules to bring a spinning life back into control. Fencing in and containing one's world is the first step to restore order. Eliminating negativity and the vacant space that pulls a person off course, creates a direction towards achieving all of one's goals. Employing the four d strategy of delegate, delete, delay and finally do- puts any procrastinator into the right frame of mind. Surrounding yourself with the right kind of help by engaging the important people in your life leads a smoother running machine. The tools they propose are free, available and right at your fingertips. All one has to do is recognize them, adapt them to their purpose to be able to fulfill their dreams and be happy at the same time. I liked this book and think these authors make you realize you can have your cake, eat it too, as long as you take one bite at a time.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Adorable story with a nice lesson thrown in



Hilarious book about a chicken who interrupts his dad when he reads a story at bedtime. He knows all the stories by heart. Even though he's been warned, he's can't help himself by blurting out the entire story. Finally a frustrated Dad tells him to tell him a story and watch what happens. Ironically, the same thing happened to me last week when I sat for the grandkids. Love this little slice of art imitating life. Great illustrations. Entertaining for young and old and a nice little lesson about rudeness thrown in.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Monday, December 16, 2013

Bath time rather than bed time book



Cute book about a ladybug who loses her spots. She enlists her friend Crunch to help find them in time for the big party that night. The reader accompanies them on their search, and the spots turn up exactly where they were supposed to be. Adorable book for a reluctant bather.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Romance at its best!



Josh Elders is a ramshackle earl, misunderstood by his peers, coddled by his servants and adored by the various women in his life. He has a unique ability to see people for who they are and not what society tells him. When his flighty sister goes missing, he travels to her ducal seat to rescue her, becoming involved in all sorts of drama. This is regency romance at its best, with brooding heroes, misplaced love interests and dastardly villains. All ends well in this entertaining and tender romp, filled with romance in all the right places. Best of all, we learn that our earl teaches everyone to believe in themselves. His faith in them gives each character the confidence to be the person they want to be. If you see the good in a person, not not acknowledge the negative, then the world is a much more understanding place. Lovingly written, a fun book to be revisited again and again.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Great problem solving story that allows a child to feel she has an element of control



Adorable little Kate is quite the fashionista. Each morning she has a plan and it doesn't quite match her mother's ideas. Whether her clothes are not suitable for the weather, or the dress is dirty, Kate stubbornly refuses to wear what her mother suggests. The arguments make her late for school and a terrible pattern is developing. Good thing the Dressy Fairy arrives to aide Kate in picking her outfits the night before and then stands guard over them while the moon is out. A perfect solution for both parties and peace is restored to the household. An entertaining book that is that is solution oriented. Kate is allowed her creativity, while her parent's limit the choices and it still ends up being the child's decision. A great way to help both a parent and child solve a problem that could occur in any home in any country.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Monday, December 9, 2013

Fun collection of interesting information



Wonderful book that is both a fun and engaging read. This an interesting collection of facts to tease any group into a great discussion. Connected by the theme of one, the authors take you on a journey of tidbits of information and then expands on it into a more developed level allowing the reader to go into fascinating tangents. From stars, to bees to the Mona Lisa, there is something here for everyone. Certainly, if it sparks a child's interest, they can use this book as a catalyst to go deeper into a subject. A perfect gift, this book can be read over, and over again.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Out of the mouths of babes...



Charming book that packs a powerful message for both parent and child. We live in such complicated times,and the bar keeps rising for all age groups. Emma is a delightful little girl who discovers that with the right circumstances she is capable of doing great things. With her little finger, she creates a canal that diverts water from a puddle and she realizes that by using her brain, she can accomplish much by applying thought into her strategy. While that alone is a terrific lesson for a child, Dr. Shomer shows us how little Emma then uses her lesson to help her mother with a difficult project, reminding us that while we think of ourselves as our children's teachers, we can learn from them as well. A gem of a book than can be enjoyed by all age groups.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Saturday, December 7, 2013

A boy, a cape, and a solution to a problem



Great book about patience and problem solving. Leo goes to sleep an ordinary boy, but when his cat Milkshake awakens him, he turns into a superhero who is an ace at finding the issue and then resolving it. After he discovers a harmless night time visitor in the form of a mouse, Leo works out a way to return him to his family in the bushes. He proves that by using his head, he can entice the intruder and get him safely back into his own territory. A cute story about a boy with brains that match his spirit as well as his determination.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Monday, December 2, 2013

Insightful recounting of the Salem Witch trials



Excellent recounting of one of the darkest periods in Colonial history; the Salem Witch Trials. Painstakingly researched, Peni Jo Renner tells the story of one family and how the the witch hunt affected each person. She starts at the beginning, with the first teenage girls afflicted and describes how it travels through the entire community. Whether spawned from ignorance, malice, or jealousy, the accusations spread to affect an entire population. No one was safe, men, women and children were thrown into prison to rot and eventually be hung. Many confessed out of sheer terror, while others self righteously clung to their innocence, to die on the scaffold or in other hideous ways. The pressing death of Giles Corey was retold in horrific detail, as was Dorcas Goods and Rebecca's slow descent into madness. Graphic, realistic, and heart breaking, Renner captures the breakdown of society as neighbors turn against each other, using the laws of God and humanity to punish and destroy without conscience. This is the story of one family who faced the fires of this countries inquisition and emerged to once again find solace in their faith. A great book.

Happy Reading! 
Carole P. Roman

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Black Friday Specials!



Black Friday Deals!!!

I Can Do Yoga Too, Captain No Beard, Stuck In The Doldrums, Pepper Parrot's Problem With Patience, If You Were Me And Lived In South Korea, Strangers On The High Seas, If You Were Me And Lived In Mexico, and If You Were Me And Lived In France are ALL free Friday and Saturday!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Great lessons that packs a powerful punch!



"No more" is a page from the life of every parent I know. There is always that one kid who torments everyone else in the class. I grew up with it, my brothers, my husband, my sons and now I watch my kids struggle with the same issue as their children go off to school. Just like the Mom in the book we teach our children to respect others, do not fight, go to the other side of the playground when Timmy, Johnny, or Josh is spoiling for a fight. But somehow, like the shark from Jaws, the bully seeks out the weaker child, the well behaved one, the sweet kid, and makes their life miserable. Dr. Shomer has the conflicted angst of both mother and child down to a tee. He also is able to tap into the bully's disastrous home life as well. He humanizes Josh, giving the explanation for his aggression without maudlin excuses. The mom reacts by sending her son to to learn martial arts. By teaching him how to protect himself, and by giving him tools, he is able to build his confidence, but fear still holds him back. Sam is fine fighting in the safe confines of his school with a teacher he trusts, but he is afraid to use these new skills on his bully. Mario, the instructor has taught him to tap three times when he needs to stop aggression in his partner, but Sam knows that Josh does not respect boundaries and his fear is holding him back. When at last, like a heat seeking missile, Josh pursues and then attacks Sam, Sam repeats the mantra he has learned at Judo school. "No more, no more..." and suppressing his fear he is able to fight back. Predictably, our bully runs away, with his tail between his legs, as we knew he would. I felt the same thrill reading the words as when I punched a bully in the eye for tormenting my baby brother, who is legally blind. I didn't realize I was holding my breath,until it rushed out of me and the memory of the shocked face of my brother's persecutor flashed into my mind. I swear my adrenaline was just as pumped as Sam's.

Dr. Shomer, relates the story in a concise, no frills fashion, and in the afterword admits that is his own experience. This book is a permission slip, letting parents know we have to change our tactics as our children leave the house and armor them against the sociopaths who fail to follow the basic rules of society. Dr. Shomer is a realist and this book should be required reading for all parents so we can stop the tidal wave of bullying that has made our children's playgrounds a minefield.


Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Monday, November 18, 2013

Gorgeous and Informative tour of Tudor England



Delightful trip through England during the Tudor time period. Lipscomb is a knowledgeable and informative tour guide who explains the importance of each building, describing who lived there and how it looked. With a chatty prose, you feel as you are walking through each building and she is pointing out places of interest from four hundred years to today. I have been to many of the buildings and her interesting antidotes make for memorable information to file away with all the other trivia we share with others. She manages to even bring up contemporary use ( Harry Potter movies) for those whose eyes glaze over when discussing history. Not only could I smell the kitchens, hear the horses hooves and see Henry's glittering court, the small chapters connected the north, east, south and west of England into a beautiful tapestry, held together in almost a living history. Wherever Suzannah Lipscomb chooses to go next; count me along for the ride!

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Golden Grasses Review

The illustrations are simple and delightful, and each book features a boy and a girl that "guide" you throughout the book. At the end of each book is a pronunciation guide.
 
While these books are recommended for ages pre-K through 3rd grade, they would be a simple introduction to geography for older children too. In addidtion to geography studies, these books would be a great addition to a study on cultures or even as you pray for and study people around the world. Flower (10) loved them, "they were pretty cute!," and read them immediately when the package arrived. She also wanted me to read them to her, which I did, talking about pronunciation, differences and holidays as we went. 

Hopefully, Ms. Roman will continue adding to this series; great learning, disguised as a good read. Click to read more!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

If You Were Me and Lived In...



As you may or may not know, I wrote my If You Were Me and Lived In... book series based on people who I have encountered in my everyday life. Everywhere I go, it seems like people want to tell me about their lives and where they come from. This excites me as a writer of children's literature.

Recently, I was interviewed in my hometown about the ideas behind my books. I want to share that article with you. You can find it HERE. Enjoy!

-Carole P. Roman

You can find my books:
Amazon
Goodreads

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Review: If You Were Me and Lived In … Norway – An Introduction to Learning About Other Cultures


"Another book in the worldwide series, this twenty-eight page paperback book is targeted toward preschool to early elementary school children and readers who like to learn words from other countries. With no profanity, scary scenes, or violence, the book would best be read to beginner readers based on some of the more complicated, lengthy words. The sophomoric illustrations are easy to decipher and cover the complete page with a nicely sized wording font. There is a page at the end of the book on how to pronounce certain words.
Norway is an interesting place if you lived there. Besides having its capital as Oslo, the reader learns it contains three hundred and forty-three lakes with two rivers. With beautiful views of the colorful aurora borealis, it is home of the Kirkenes Snowhotel, completely made out of snow and ice including its furniture.
With plenty to do such as snowmobile, ice fishing, and riding a dogsled pulled by up to eighty huskies or dogs, there is also skiing, which has been enjoyed there for over four thousand years. One of the best days of the year is the seventeenth of May called Syttend Mai, the country’s independence day." Read more at bookpleasures.com

Friday, November 1, 2013

Frightening book



How well do we know anyone who enters our home, from the cable guy to our caretakers. Only recently in New York the unthinkable happened with a babysitters and the two innocent children she was watching. Enter Ruth, in her declining years, the mother of two sons, busy with their own lives, taking care of her nominally, as though her aging mind was an inconvenience rather than an invasion here to stay until the end. Their father had simply dropped dead, neatly and efficiently leaving no loose ends and they miss their mother's unraveling of hers. A caretaker comes and like the insidious sand that slowly overtakes her home, envelopes Ruth's life and slowly creates a reality exclusive to them. Scary, scary, scary! Motives are revealed; did I guess them, yes! Did it matter, no! This book was a horrifying picture of neglect and abuse.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The theme is univeral



I would never want to be thirty again! This is a wonderfully written book, refreshingly honest and disarming about a dinner party where a group of friends come to wonder about what they did and what they could have done with their lives. Each character is suffering in some way about decisions that were made by them and others about the decisions made without them and how they affected their dreams. Hope dies for each character and they search to find fault with everyone else, rather that address their own failures. Each person is dissatisfied and unfulfilled, searching for happiness that eludes them. Silva has a terrific gossipy voice, the book reads as though you are at lunch with a friend who is relating all manner of juicy tidbits about your crowd. Their angst is so real and universal, this book could be about thirty somethings anywhere, in any country. So whether they are single, married or in a relationship, it seems that the 30 somethings in this book are profoundly unhappy and searching for something they thought they wanted.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Monday, October 21, 2013

Wordsmithing is hard work!!!!

This was going around on the internet and I wanted to share. If anyone knows the author, please share! I would love to give credit!

Homographs are words of like spelling but with more than one meaning. A homograph that is also pronounced differently is a heteronym.
You think English is easy??
I think a retired English teacher was bored...THIS IS GREAT! 
Read all the way to the end.................
This took a lot of work to put together!
 
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.


3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture..

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his 
dessert in the desert..
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time topresent the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how torow.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no eggs in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick'?

You lovers of the English language might enjoy this.

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is 
'UP.'

It's easy to understand 
UPmeaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wakeUP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP?
Why do we speak 
UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?
We call 
UP our friends.
And we use it to brighten 
UP a room, polish UP the silver; we warmUP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen.
We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.
At other times the little word has real special meaning.
People stir 
UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed 
UP is special.A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UPat night.
We seem to be pretty mixed 
UP about UP!To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UPlook the word UPin the dictionary

In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are 
UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many waysUP is used.
It will take 
UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP,you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP.
When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP.When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes thingsUP.When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP.
One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP,for now my time is UP,
so.......it is time to shut 
UP!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Well researched alternate history



You can't write an alternate history, unless you really understand the life and times of the real events. Thomas K. Carpenter writes just such a novel. Gritty and compelling, it's the story of a woman, with the soul of an inventor who disguises herself as her dead brother to continue his work. Carpenter captures the sights and sounds of Alexandria, so much so that it has almost a cinematic feel. He portrays his characters with a mindset of the time, coupled with universal issues; a gangster moneylender,corruption, religious problems, invaders- this book has it all. The one thing I missed was a more feminine side to Ava or Heron. While the story had action, so much technical information for the people interested in inventions and how they work, what I missed was more of the human element. I enjoyed the interaction of her blacksmith with his wife- the most. Carpenter clearly has a deep love of ancient history,and the many facets of that time period. His enjoyment shows in every word he writes.


Happy Reading!

Carole P. Roman

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Well written novel that takes you into the deep south



Sandra Dallas writes like a painter. Her characters are well drawn, she uses words as deftly as a master artist, shading with subtle use of language. As I was reading, I could see the sepia tones of the dusty roads, the smudged mustiness of the faded glory of decaying mansions. Nora is believable and likable, her search for the answers to her past propelling you deeper into the twisted tangle of her ancestor's secret history. Nora's secrets, her family's myth's, the town's role in her quest will have you rushing through the chapters for the answers. Based on a real incident, this was a compelling book, with a whimsical look at the south, watching our country bridge it's antiquated ideas with the winds of change arriving as the 20th century moved into modernity.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Mary the Victim



I had always known about Typhoid Mary- I don't know how, but I did. This novel put a face to the name and created a personality based on her reluctance to cooperate with authorities. I liked this book, it felt like a doorway to the early 20th century. You could smell the lower east side, feel the heat of the kitchens, know the frustration of women and the poor. Life was insignificant for the lower orders, their lives were considered cheap and didn't count. The horrifying thing, it seemed was that Mary felt the same way about the rich and famous. It was a time before laws to protect the poor-young women were imprisoned in burning buildings to sew (Triangle Shirtwaist factory), or immigrants could be locked in the holds of sinking ships while wealthier patrons escaped on lifeboats (Titanic)- Keane recreates the scene from the fire, and also includes the famous sinking to share that the poor were expendable. A young boy is swept by the currents of the East River, and while his brothers' call for help, workers nearby only offer to share their lunch. Life of the poor meant nothing, only when wealthy people where infected with the virus, did authorities take action. Mary Mallon refused to be locked away to keep the wealthy safe. She wanted to cook and refused to believe that she could be spreading disease. She defiantly refused to risk dangerous surgery to remove a infectious gall bladder. She changed her name and hid from the authorities who sought to protect her patrons from disease. While other carriers were found, it seemed strange that only Mary remained locked away in isolation to be studied like an lab rat. Here, we learn that a bread winner (a male) must be left to find ways to support his family, and a single woman who merely lived with a man- had no rights at all. Interwoven is a doomed relationship with a co dependent , drunk boyfriend, making Mary not only a victim of the system, but of her personal life as well. I think Mary was a victim of her times,expendable because she was a woman, Irish and poor. In the book, Keane paints her as well read, intelligent, and perhaps feisty. If that is true- I have trouble with her lack of acceptance to fix a problem, her thoughtless selfishness of the danger of herself as a carrier, but I do recognize that Mary Mallon was probably a product of her times and unable to find resources to help herself, and her nature wouldn't let her go down without a fight.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Entertaining and wonderful read!



Dan Jones has made the Plantagenet dynasty come alive. Insightful and full of interesting facts, he paints vivid pictures of each of the monarch's regimes. The personalities pop off the pages and he takes the reader though the main issues of the time creating a very readable history of the Plantagenet kings of England. I especially liked reading about the challenging circumstances and the highs and lows of each of the subjects. The chapters where short and to the point. A great book to take your time and savor.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Friday, September 27, 2013

Where there's smoke...



Interesting take on the infamous Borgia family, that tries to present them in a more innocent light. Easy, and interesting read, it delves into the politics of the times and describes all the key players. While, I do agree with many of his theories and we know that history is written by the victors, where's there's smoke, I'm pretty sure there is fire. G.J.. Meyer gives compelling theories of his arguments, that the family myths were written by unforgiving voices of the Renaissance, I think Cesare Borgia was indeed a "prince" of his time, and had the protection of the pope that was more than just an "uncle". I can understand where the stories of incest were born and I do agree with him on Lucretia. Used at a pawn, married wherever and whenever it pleased politics, she ended up a respectable matron that set an example for her community. Cesare Borgia, ruthlessness, in my mind, cannot be explained away. While I believe the sensational soap operas created by the television series are nothing but fiction, I can't completely buy all of Meyer's ideas. I somehow think the truth lies somewhere between the two.

Happy Reading! 
Carole P. Roman

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

If You Were Me and Lived In...

Since I have a love of exploration and great interest of people and things around the world. I began writing my new series of "If You Were Me and Lived In..."
My first book featuring Mexico won me the Pinnacle Award for Best Children's non-fiction in 2012.
I have since followed up with South Korea, France and now, Norway.  Other countries will be out pretty soon.
I am very appreciative of everyone who reads, reviews and leaves comments on all of my books.  I thought that I would share some of the reviews from Amazon about the cultural books.

Again, thank you.
~Carole P. Roman




If You Were Me and Lived In... Mexico
"In the current world of globalization most of the children currently in elementary school will at some time have to deal with colleagues, co-workers or neighbors that are of foreign origin. It is common courtesy and a social lubricant if the child has some understanding of the country of origin. This knowledge of cultural background provides an additional point of mutual understanding and improves the level of discourse." ~Charles A.

"This book is a wonderful look at life in Mexico. It introduces Spanish and traditions of the Mexican people. It's the perfect way to introduce other countries and cultures to children. It's simply written and easy to understand. Many children will be able to read this and understand the traditions from Mexico from other shows. ~Kissablysweetone

"If You Were Me and Lived in Mexico by Carole P. Roman is part of a series of books to introduce children to different cultures around the world. It is a nice way to establish an understanding of children who may look different but are the same in many ways. The book explains common names, terms for parents, coins, and a variety of other daily activities in which children are interested." ~tmtrvlr


If You Were Me and Lived In...France
"For homeschoolers (us) or anyone this is a wonderful idea. I had been struggling with getting my son to understand that there are real people just like us all over the world. These books help give the child some perspective on that concept. This was just a wonderful idea for a book series. They are fairly short and sweet, appropriate for a short intro to a culture or country for older children or a sit down read aloud experience for younger." ~Kay Z.

"I really love stories that teach my kids something, whether it be facts or life lessons. This is a great series for teaching your children about life in other countries. They are able to learn a few things about what people live like in France and how it's different from or similar to the way they live. This book would be wonderful if you are teaching your kids about France or other cultures. The illustrations are bold an colorful. I really enjoy these books and so do my kids." ~SchneiderMommy

"When my children were growing up, the study of geography was sadly lacking in the school classroom, so I did a bit with them at home. We used a World globe to learn location and sizes of countries and how to identify the continents on which each were located. We also intensely read the National Geographic magazines (kept the old copies for extended reference and learning) and studied the accompanying maps. Ms. Roman's new books are a step in the right direction for young children to immerse themselves with geography, customs, and beginning language." ~Vera

If You Were Me and Lived In...South Korea
"This is the perfect young person's introduction to a new culture. Plenty of information in here was new to me--even though I have a brother who lived in South Korea for a couple of years. Everything is presented in a familiar context, so that any differences seem interesting rather than weird or scary. It shows Seoul with a familiar skyline of skyscrapers, but it also states people have lived there for 2,000 years. It shows children dressed in jeans and T-shirts going out to play with their parents, buying toys with money, going to school. They dress up in more traditional Korean clothing to eat out at a restaurant, visit with grandparents, or celebrate a holiday. These are all activities young people are familiar with, so it's a simple matter to learn the small differences in the names for things, the history of the place, or the types of foods eaten." ~Randy-Lynne

"It is important for every child to gain exposure to various cultures. This book provides a creative learning aid that is developed specially for children Pre-K to 8-years old, but has proven insightful for people of all ages. If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... educates the mind and dispels certain biases that stem from ignorance. It teaches children that there is an entire world out there, unknown to a vast degree, but, thanks to Roman, a bit easier to understand." ~Gigi

"I have been reading across the blogosphere laments about the lack of diversity in children's picture books, so it was quite opportunistic when I came across the new educational picture book series, If You Were Me and Lived in ... by Carole P. Roman. I have had the pleasure of reading one of the books in the series, If You Were Me and Lived in ... South Korea, but there are two other books in the series (Mexico and France). I must admit that almost all of the information contained in the book was completely new to me, so I can say without reservation that parents are just as likely as their children to learn something about different cultures through these books." ~Mother/Daughter Book Reviews

If You Were Me and Lived In...Norway
"To make her journey to Norway complete Roman includes a pronunciation guide at books end so that he youngsters will be able to speak a bit of Norwegian correctly! Always a delight to read and enjoy the great illustrations, this book should go on your shelf along with the past books and those that are due to some down the pike! This is the best introduction to geography and cultural sociology available." ~ Grady H.

"I really like how fun and exciting that she has made learning about other countries! My oldest enjoys reading books like these and we always spend time talking about the country, trying to pronounce the words that are included in the book, and we always do more research about each country." ~Momma Frugal

"I would really love to own the whole book series!! Illustrations are beautiful and they make the book come alive!! " ~Mfabian

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Free Downloads Today!


A child's imaginative journey on his pirate ship with his four trusty companions. Reviews for Captain No Beard "Roman charms with an imaginative, whimsical picture book that will entertain even the oldest pirates." - Kirkus "My kids loved shouting “Shiver Me Timbers” and “Swab the Deck” along with the crew. The story of Captain No Beard and his crew is exciting, engaging and lots of fun! The bold, colorful pictures enhance the experience of the pirate adventure that Roman takes you on from the moment you begin reading until the very end of the story." - sippycupmom.com "The illustration in the book is just as fun with vibrant colors, lovable characters and a world of imagination. It’s easy for kiddos to engage their imagination and become part of this fun story from beginning to end." - mommysmemorandum.com "lovely intonation when read aloud, and the simple, understandable story also carries a more complex, clever subtext that will allow for educational discussions; hilarious and a pleasant opportunity to teach children about the nuances of words and their layers of meaning; the characters take great delight upon using the phrases correctly; children will, too." - Kirkus


The crew of the Flying Dragon are sailing again. This time, new crew member, Pepper Parrot is having a hard time keeping up with the drills. Captain No Beard and his mates join together to help Pepper achieve her goals with patience and tolerance.




Hallie and her mother go to the yoga studio. Hallie wants to join her mom's yoga class, but she isn't allowed. She complains to the babysitter, who gently guides her through four yoga poses. Hallie learns that not only is yoga easy, but fun as well.



"If You Were Me and Lived in...France-A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World" is the second book in Carole P. Roman's remarkable series about countries all over the globe. With each book covering a different nation, Roman opens up a world of wonder while highlighting the fact that underneath it all we are far more alike than we might have imagined. Focusing on what life would be like from a child's viewpoint, she examines the diversity of the people who make up our planet.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Talk Like A Pirate GIVEAWAY!



Let's celebrate Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Ahoy Me Mateys and all you Landlubbers! In these parts it is "Talk Like A Pirate Day" (September 19th) and Captain No Beard  is celebrating!

Shiver me timbers! The Captain has found the motherload box full of some things that only the best pirates would love to have. Look at this pirate booty!



*Popcorn Popper on Cart
*Movie Theater Popcorn
*Captain No Beard Series of Books (4 total)
Approximate value $350

Aye, you can win all of these fine treasures when you enter in the Rafflecopter below. Arr!


Code of Conduct aka disclosure:
This giveaway is sponsored by Author, Carole P. Roman who is providing all prizes to one winner.
The blogs hosting, co-hosting are not responsible for prize shipment.
The giveaway begins at 12AM MST on Sept. 19, 2013 and ends at 12AM MST on Oct. 4, 2013.
Open to US Only.
This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube or any other social media outlet.
Winner must respond to an email sent within 48 hours or an alternate winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is hosted by Away We Go Media. Please contact if you have social media needs.