Book Review: Princess Truly & The Courageous Cape Chase

Hello Everyone!

A few days ago we shared with you some amazing news from our friend and Children's Book Author, Kelly Greenawalt.

If you missed the post, you may read it here: Latest News of Princess Truly's New Book

Now we want to share our review on her latest book, "Princess Truly & The Courageous Cape Chase.  

Here is a brief synopsis of the book:

Princess Truly is enjoying a beautiful fall day when out of the corner of her eye, she notices a flying red something.  Ever the curious girl, she decides to investigate and her beloved pug, Sir Noodles, follows her.  

They soon discover the flying red something belongs to a freckle-faced boy with bright red hair, Rowdy Wrigley.  Rowdy is afraid of everything.  Or at least he was until his mother sewed a special red cape for him.  With his cape on his shoulders, he isn’t afraid of anything.  Unfortunately, one day while picking apples, the cape blew off his shoulders.  Princess Truly offers to help him find it.  

The friends set off on an exciting adventure into Mysterious Forest to hunt for the cape.  Along the way, they meet a little kitty named Fiona. Despite not feeling very brave, Rowdy proves that he is when he rescues the kitty after she gets stuck in a tree.  Princess Truly and Rowdy then chase the cape into a deep, dark cave.  With a little help from Truly’s magical curls, Rowdy learns that what is in your heart is much more important than what is on your back.

Our Review:

This is Princess Truly and her faithful companion, Sir Noodles' third adventure and they are at it again!!

Please keep in mind that although this is the third book in the series, they DO NOT have to be read in chronological order, but in my personal opinion they are more enjoyable if you do read them in order. 

As always, this is an amazing story with a strong message about "believing and achieving".  If you believe in yourself enough then you can achieve anything you put your mind to.  It also teaches about kindness.

The Illustrations in this book, just like in the two books before are beautiful and well drawn.  The colorful illustrations captivate the story's details and they also seem to captivate the young audience, like my daughter.

Ms. Bree definitely enjoyed this book and she was excited to see some of the vocabulary words she is currently learning at school.  Therefore, making the reading more exciting and fun!  As a mother, I love the fact that she can relate to the main character, "big hair, brown skin and all".  The main character also teaches about being helpful to others, about self confidence, problem solving and courage.  All the things we want our children to know. 

I am gladly giving this book a 5 STAR rating, a must have book!! 

Allow me to take a minute and tell you about this amazing illustrator: 

Amariah Rauscher lives in Central Illinois with her husband, four children and beloved bulldog, Rosie.  She has a Bachelor's degree in both Psychology and Visual Arts, additionally she is pursuing a Master's Degree in Communication.  A talented artist and illustrator, her whimsical designs can be found in her Etsy Shop, The Extent of Silence and children's books.  Most notably, she is the sole illustrator of the Princess Truly book series.  She founded Lemon Starfish, a children's publishing company, in partnership with author Kelly Greenawalt. Amariah enjoys playing video games and eating vegetables.

Here are some great links to have: 

    

Link to the publisher’s website: www.lemonstarfish.com

Follow publisher on twitter: @lemonstarfish
Follow publisher on Instagram: lemon_starfish
Link to the Princess Truly’s fan page: facebook.com/princesstrulybooks
Link to the author’s fan page: facebook.com/kellygreenawalt.author
Link to purchase the book: Princess Truly & The Courageous Cape Chase or you can order your copy by simply clicking on the image located on the right hand side of our page. 

First Day of School!

Hello everyone! 

Today was the big day for Ms. Bree, she is officially a First Grader! 

Last week was a rough week for Ms. Bree and I.  Although the school year started on Thursday, August 6, 2015, Ms. Bree was unable to attend the first and second day of school.  

During the last day of Summer Camp, Ms. Bree contracted a "tummy bug"! The high fever she suffered (103.7) lasted for two and half days.  

Unfortunately, I missed my son's first day as a Third Grader but Daddy was there for him. 

But I made sure I was there to pick him from school so that we could spend some quality time together.  He told me all about his first day as a Third Grader while we enjoyed some ice cream at his favorite place.  

I can't believe he is a third grader now.  It's amazing how short this summer vacation was, and now a new school year has begun.

So, today was "Our First Day of School"! 

Ms. Jones and Ms. Bree. 

 Daddy and Ms. Bree 

(yes! I forgot to write her excuse, so here I am in a rush writing her excuse)

We started the year with two simple cornrows on the front into a sleek bun.  I didn't feel like she needed to spend two to three hours getting her hair styled after she had experience such debilitating fever.  

Therefore, this week she will wear her hair in a bun and we will condition and this weekend we will style her hair into a more protective style. 

LATEST NEWS on Princess Truly New Book!

From Author Kelly Greenwalt:

Ready for some TRULY exciting news?!  I have release dates and new covers to share with you!!

Princess Truly and The Hungry Bunny Problem, 2nd edition
will be released in just a few days on
August 5th, 2015;

 Princess Truly and The Courageous Cape Chase 
will be released  August 15th, 2015!

 Princess Truly and The Courageous Cape Chase is our newest book and we are so excited for you to read it! Princess Truly and Sir Noodles help Rowdy Wrigley find his special red cape and his courage too.

I am Truly, 2nd edition will be released
August 30, 2015

Princess Truly and The Hungry Bunny Problem,  has a fancy new cover! I am Truly,  does too plus it has a few new illustrations you won't want to miss! 

AUTHOR's BIOGRAPHY:

Kelly Greenawalt is a wife, adoptive mother and children's book author living just outside of Houston, Texas. She has always been freckle-faced handful with a vivid imagination and a passion for storytelling. Her first book, "Princess Truly and The Hungry Bunny Problem," was written for her daughters when she noticed a critical shortage of books featuring smart and capable princesses, especially black princesses with gorgeous natural puffy curls. What started out as a small, independently published project turned into something TRULY magical. In partnership with Amariah Rauscher, she founded Lemon Starfish Books. Lemon Starfish Books is a publishing house on a mission to ensure that all children can find engaging books featuring main characters they can identify with. 

More Princess Truly Items: 

Does your little bunny love to color? There are a free Princess Truly printable coloring pages on Lemon Starfish Book's Website and Enjoy!

Are you planning a TRULY special birthday for your little bunny? Click here for FREE printable invitations. Princess Truly Birthday Invitations.

You can read our full review on Princess Truly's first book here: Princess Truly & The Hungry Bunny Problem.

Fan Shares: Cuties Galore

Hello Everyone!! 

Show some love to all these curly cuties!! 

Thank you for all the shares! 

If you want to share your cuties with us, feel free to sent any and all photos  our pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and of course by email to caramelcurlznswirls@yahoo.com! 

60th Wedding Anniversary - A Diamond Celebration

Hello Everyone!

Today is a very special day for our parents.  And we would like for all of you to join us and wish them a very Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary! 

Here is a brief description of this amazing couple: 

Bill and Mary Cunningham were married on July 23, 1955 and they have four (4) children:

Sherrie Copeland;
Patricia Arps;
Rhonda Cunningham Holmes; and
Billy Cunningham, II

The In-Laws: 

Sherrie has been married to Jim Copeland, Sr for 37 years; 
Patricia recently married Melvin Arps; 
Rhonda has been married to Ira Holmes for 23 years; and of course, 
Bill has been married to me, Elena for 10 years. 

The Grandchildren: 

Jim and Sherrie have two sons: Jimmy II and Daniel;
Patricia has three children: Denyel, Earl and Amira;
Ira and Rhonda have one son: Austin;
and as you know, Bill and I have two children: Bree and Billy III. 

The Great-Grandchildren: 

Jimmy II and his wife, Tiffanny have children: Trinity, Essence and Jimmy III; 
Denyel has three children: Jia, Jayla and Case; 
Amira and her husband Donivan have two sons: David and their latest addition, Donivan Jr. 

Daniel Copeland recently married Katori Copeland on May 17. 2015!  

Did I loose you yet? Okay, let's summarize.. 

Mom and Dad during the last 60 Years of Marriage have welcomed four (4) children into the world, eight (8) grandchildren and eight (8) great-grandchildren.  Of course let's not forget that they have also welcomed three (3) sons-in-law, Jim, Ira, Melvin and me, the one and only daughter in law!

Elena's Words: 

Where to begin... wow... well, I'm going to try to keep this nice and short. 

Mom and Dad, today is a huge milestone in both of your lives.  Your 60th Wedding Anniversary, MY personal wish for you is that Daddy has bought you a huge diamond as a gift that I will eventually inherit! .. Okay I'm kidding!

Our wish for you both is happiness and rich blessings for ever more. 

The two of you have welcomed me into your home with more kindness and love that I could have ever imagined.  I already knew before meeting you that you had raised four (4) beautiful children, Sherrie who has a kind soul, Patricia who is forever in love, Rhone, such an independent, confident and strong woman. (I pray that my daughter is just like her when she gets older), and of course, your son, the forever "I'm right no matter what you say".  So i knew you had to be the most wonderful and amazing people in the world. 

I was more nervous meeting Rhonda than meeting you both, while Rhonda wanted to know my five (5) year plan, Mom simply sat there wondering why were woman's clothes in her son's closet? 

The truth is, Bill and I didn't have a normal beginning like any normal couple would have, nevertheless, you both welcomes me into your family with open arms.  After all, we have never been normal and normal is so overrated!

After a year, we got engaged and I remember his words very clearly, "I finally found someone who is like my mother, someone who I want to marry", I'm not quiet sure whether Bill was asking for approval or sympathy! I believe the jury still out on that, isn't that right honey?! HA!

Over the last twelve years, you both have been nothing but over the moon nice to me.  You have been the supportive type of parents to both, your son and me.  Thank you for all that you  have done, for the words of encouragement, for all the prayers, for the great example you continue to give.  

You gave to me a special man with whom I share my life with, you're his loving parents and I'm so ready to return him, so please don't forget to come and collect him! 

In all honesty and putting all jokes aside, your faith, hope and kindness are qualities that we treasure but most of all we appreciate the love you give to every single one of us, your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, you give so many things without measure. 

We all know that marriage is NOT easy.  I can't even begin to imagine the things you  have seen, heard or experience, but the two of you have managed to overcome it all.  Many find it easier to walk away, it's easier to file for divorce than to work things out.  

You have always been there for us during our struggles, but I deeply believe that Bill and I have lasted this long, it's because neither of your ever INTERFERED, never taking sides!  You listened, you gave advice but at the end of the day, it was our job to work things out.  "Honey, it's up to the two of you to overcome this, you can work this out, come together and talk about it"... and it has worked every time for the last decade. 

Some lucky couples get to experience 10 years of marriage and some get to see their 25th Anniversary.  But not many can actually say "We've been together for 50 years", and a very small number can actually say "We've been married for 60 years".  You both are now part of a very ELITE group! 

We love you both very much, thank you for this legacy, so today we celebrate you both.  We are proud to call you "our parents", and the children are proud that you belong to them! 


Bill's words: 

My sisters and I came together and planned something very special to celebrate our parents on their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  I didn't realize how much impact their marriage has had in our lives and our own marriages as well. 

On Saturday, July 18th, 2015, family and friends came together for a small "Wedding Anniversary Dinner".  This small dinner turned out to be the most remarkable event for our Dad and Mom. 

During this time we shared old stories, which is something we have always enjoyed when every one manages to be in the same room.  The grandchildren also shared their own special stories of their time with Grandmother and Papa.  

Our parents have always encouraged us and loved us through every phase of our lives.  

We want to thank everyone who was able to attend the dinner but also thank you to those who took the time to wish our parents a Happy Anniversary.  

Aunt Patsy, Jim and Aunt Peggy

Aunt Patsy and Aunt Peggy are Daddy's sisters.

Jim and Daddy

Jim and his youngest son, Daniel

(Unfortunately, his Wife, Katori was unable to attend.  She is about to take the bar exam!)

Daniel, Earl, Austin and the youngest grandson, (our son) Little Billy III

Ms. Bree, Uncle Jim and Little Billy

(can you guess who is their favorite uncle?)

Yes (TWINS- Props to our niece for that!), Jia, Jaila and their brother Case.

Little Jimmy III, Essence and Trinity

Sherrie and Jim 

Earl and his girlfriend, Summer. 

And of course, here we are

your lovely Admins!