Thursday, April 8, 2010

Hayseed's First Race Book Review and Giveaway


Giveaway is now CLOSED


I would like to introduce you to my new favorite horse - Hayseed. 

Hayseed is the star of a delightful new children's book that will be making it's debut on April 14th.  I was sent an advance copy from the publisher for a review and giveaway to one lucky MoonCat Farms reader.

My Review: 

Hayseed's First Race is a lovely story that is brilliantly illustrated by the author, Sally Schrock.  She tells us about Hayseed and his desire to be a racehorse like the mighty Prince Perfect who is always the winner.  Prince Perfect and the others aren't very nice to Hayseed and make fun of him because he is different and tell him he doesn't belong. 

Ms. Schrock delivers the message beautifully with words and darling pictures that you not give up just because someone tells you that you can't do something.  This is an especially insightful story as the author herself is deaf.  The words that Hayseed's mother say to him "Love yourself for who you are, and never, ever, let anyone tell you that you don't belong" are words that Ms. Schrock's mother told her as a child. 
I highly recommend this book to parents, educators, or anyone with children in their lives.  It is an extremely enjoyable and easy read while delivering an important and powerful message. I really hope that there will be more books to come for Hayseed as the author has created a wonderful character who can be a positive role model and hero for little ones.

The book can be pre-ordered from the publisher Caballo Press or from Amazon and is available currently in English and Spanish.  It is a great deal at only $12.47 and would make a lovely gift for any little one in your life.  A bit about the publisher from their site:  

Caballo Press of Ann Arbor is an award-winning small, innovative, independent publisher specializing in diverse topics related to the equine industry. Its first title won the 2009 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, an award that recognizes Thoroughbred horse racing's book of the year. The intention of the press is to publish works in a variety of genres related to horses. A portion of every book we
publish is donated to a non-profit organization related to horses.

Part of the proceeds from Hayseed's First Race will be going to Anna House at the Belmont Park racetrack in New York.  Anna House is an on-site child care center for the backstretch workers at the racetrack. 

One of the fun things for your kids to do is to join Hayseed's Posse where they can print out pages to color, practice their handwriting with Hayseed, do their math problems, and enjoy other fun and educational games.  They can meet the author, Miss Sally and read a message from her HERE


Adults might take a minute to learn more about the author and some of the issues she is facing like so many others in these hard times.  Click Dark Horse Battles Predatory Lender to read more about her ongoing battle.  She's an inspirational lady.
 The Giveaway:
 
One lucky reader of MoonCat Farms Meanderings will be the recipient of a copy of Hayseed's First Race. 
Sorry, but this contest is only open to US residents.  The drawing will close at midnight PST on Tuesday, April 13th.  I'll announce the lucky winner on April 14th - Hayseed's Official Coming Out Day!  The winner will have 3 days to respond or I'll have to draw another.  Please be sure you leave me a way to contact you if you're not a blogger. 

There are several ways to enter: (You can put everything you do in one comment & I'll add them up instead of doing a comment for each item - but the first one is MANDATORY)

  1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you'd like to win this book. 

  2. Become a fan of Sally and Hayseed on Facebook

  3. Become a fan of  MoonCat Farms on Facebook

  4. Become a fan of Caballo Press on Facebook

  5. Post about this on your blog & leave me the link (worth 5 points)

  6. Be (or become) a follower of MoonCat Farms Meanderings

  7. Subscribe via email to MoonCat Farms Meanderings

  8. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter
~~~~~

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The publisher is providing a copy of the book for the giveaway winner.

17 comments:

  1. Count me in for the first 3!

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  2. I want to win this book for my Great-niece; Daisy who is terminally ill.(you can read about her on my blog...her disease makes her look awful plus she endures excruciatingly painful 2-3 hour dressing changes, everyday)

    I am a follower here

    I am a subscriber here

    I just friended you on FB

    Thanks, Susan

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  3. Ooh... I was getting more and more excited about the book when I reached the end of the post and learned it's U.S. residents only, snif... sigh... Oh well, I do wish luck for everybody who joins! Thanks for sharing this great review about a good new author to me.

    Kisses from Nydia.

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  4. The kids would love this book. They love books that have animals in them. Thanks for this great chance.

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  5. follow you on google friend connect

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  6. I have small grandchildren that love it when Grandma has a new book when they come to visit. They would love this.

    I am a new follower.

    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  7. I would like to win because it looks like a cute story and I just love reading to my daughter.
    ykatrina at hotmail dot com

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  8. I would love to read this to my kiddos!

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  9. Sounds like a lovely book. I also love the beautiful drawings. Would love to win to share with my great nephew, whom is quite intelligent, but having problems learning to read (needs more practice).

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  10. My little one would love this book -- he likes animals.

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  11. My children love books, the illustrations are beautiful, and it has a great message. Thanks!

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  12. I've posted about your blog & giveaway on my site where I share insights on contests & giveaways: http://sewcalgalcontestinfo.blogspot.com/ I've also shared insights on Twitter and Facebook.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  13. I'm always on the look out for great books to share with my class and students (I am a speech-language pathologist). It's good to have books that kids may not necessarily have memorized to work on language and early reading skills!

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  14. My nephew's birthday is coming up and he just started reading. He'd love this book!

    elainehearn@live.com
    clothed much, a modest fashion blog

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  15. I love children's books, for me! A good kid's book reminds me that life doesn't always have to be as complicated as I make it -- and there's almost always a "happy" ending. Problem resolution, "moral" (hidden), whatever.

    I'd love to win this book and get to know Hayseed!

    Brenda

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  16. I'd love to win to put in our collection of books for a baby :)
    eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com

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