In exchange for one simple blog post about this program to help spread the word, the folks over at http://www.kaufda.de will have a tree for this domain by the Arbor Day Foundation.

But, guess what? My blog is already carbon neutral because my web host, DreamHost, has committed to being carbon neutral. Want evidence? Click that nice button below to confirm…

]]> In honor of Earth Day, The Gift Detective, is going carbon neutral!

In exchange for one simple blog post about this program to help spread the word, the folks over at http://www.kaufda.de will have a tree for this domain by the Arbor Day Foundation.

But, guess what? My blog is already carbon neutral because my web host, DreamHost, has committed to being carbon neutral. Want evidence? Click that nice button below to confirm…

Artwork by M. Gauvin

Happy gifting!

Click to Purchase on Amazon - $11.69

The second edition of the book has my very own “Gift Detective APPROVED!” logo on it.  (the shiny, silver medallion on the bottom right) Get it while it’s hot!  Eventually, this book will win other awards and my award will have to make way for a more serious, literary and artistic recognition but, for now, Isabelle and I are proud and honored to grace the cover of the book.

Below is a sample video and reading of the book by the author, Jeremy Foster-Fell.

Visit the book’s website to learn more about the author, ...read more]]> Yes – I blogged about the book, The Caterpillar and the Express Train, before but, guess what?

Click to Purchase on Amazon - $11.69

The second edition of the book has my very own “Gift Detective APPROVED!” logo on it.  (the shiny, silver medallion on the bottom right) Get it while it’s hot!  Eventually, this book will win other awards and my award will have to make way for a more serious, literary and artistic recognition but, for now, Isabelle and I are proud and honored to grace the cover of the book.

Visit the book’s website to learn more about the author, the illustrator or to purchase a signed copy.

Please click here to read my previous post about this book, with ideas on how to make the gift more personal!

What do you think about this book?  What do you think of the “Gift Detective APPROVED!” seal appearing on it’s cover?  Please leave a comment and let me know!

Happy gifting!

Illustration by Matthew Gauvin

Click to Purchase - $11.69 from Amazon (see below for more options)

I was able to get my hands on a copy of the book before it was on sale and I was delighted when I sat down and read the tale of The Caterpillar and the Express Train. It is a simple and sweet story, written by Jeremy Foster-Fell, of a chance meeting’s metamorphosis into friendship. I don’t want to give the plot away but if you really must know more, visit the book’s website.

Couple the book’s pleasing plotline with its magnificent illustrations, done by Matthew Gauvin, ...read more]]> A new children’s book just came out – The Caterpillar and the Express Train.

Click to Purchase - $11.69 from Amazon (see below for more options)

I was able to get my hands on a copy of the book before it was on sale and I was delighted when I sat down and read the tale of The Caterpillar and the Express Train. It is a simple and sweet story, written by Jeremy Foster-Fell, of a chance meeting’s metamorphosis into friendship. I don’t want to give the plot away but if you really must know more, visit the book’s website.

Couple the book’s pleasing plotline with its magnificent illustrations, done by Matthew Gauvin, and you can see why this book is Gift Detective APPROVED!

This book is pretty versatile for a growing child because the beautiful artwork will captivate those that are too young to appreciate the story and yet, for those who love to be read to or are learning to read, the book will definitely be a big hit. You can view the synopsis here and see a few of the illustrations to get an idea of what this book has in store for it’s young recipient.

Things I really loved best about the book:

• *The way the story works in animals, trains, sounds and a bit of surprise – all elements that really engage kids in my experience; what kid isn’t going to like to moo like the cows or make the sound of a whistling train?
• *The illustrations on each and every page – really, really beautiful (I may be biased because I’ve worked with the artist but please, judge them for yourself! They really are terrific!!!)
• *The introduction of science and change through metamorphosis – a great way to introduce this idea to a youngster!
• *The size of the pages – the book opens up nice and big so that you can sit with your little one and both of you will be able to see the pages really well.

Ways to personalize this gift? Well, the author and illustrator have made that easy! You can purchase a signed copy of the book through their website and even add a wooden train whistle (which, trust me, is a huge hit with the 3-6 age group…my brother had one when he was younger!).

Another way to personalize this is to make a recording of you reading it for the child to listen to.  This is a really great gift from a grandparent that doesn’t live nearby or from a parent that needs to travel.  Imagine your child being sad that you have to leave for a trip and then opening this present with a special recording of you reading it to them?  Not only does it foster closeness even if the miles divide you, it will be something that they can return to again and again when they want a story at naptime or bedtime.  And aren’t the gifts that last some of the best?

This gift is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or from the author and illustrator’s own web store.  I will also be giving away a copy of the book right here on my website!  More details soon!!!

Happy gifting!

Artwork by Matthew Gauvin