birthday month give-away and It's Children's Books Day - I'm Giving Away One, Rufus Goes to Sea!

Yes, today is International Children's Book Day with the goal of; "inspiring children to pick up a book and get reading! April 2nd was chosen to mark this day for young literature lovers as it is the same date as Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, the author of many famous children's stories like, The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling."

Just a casual reading of grandma's cookie jar should communicate how much I love books and reading books to children; with all my book reviews and give-aways! I was raised with books, received books every year for my birthday and Christmas and then read and gave books to my children and now continue to do it with my grandchildren. I absolutely believe the studies which say if children are read to from the youngest ages, they will grow up to be people who read and are better able to learn.

So, since I love books, what isn't there to love about a day to celebrate children's books?!! And what better way to celebrate than to share with you my review of a new book I was invited to take a look at . . . and announce another give-away for my month of Special Birthday Give-Aways!

Rufus Goes to Sea
Author - Kim Griswell
Illustrator - Valeri Gorbachev
Publisher - Sterling Children's Books
Ages - 4-7

Favorite Features -

• Return of the spunky pig, Rufus!
• Wonderful, colorful and fun-filled illustrations!
• Great story about not giving up . . . and learning to read!

Sterling Children's Books says; "Ahoy—Pirate Pig on board! What does a book-loving pig like Rufus do when school's out for summer? He turns to his favorite stories for inspiration, of course! And before long, he's dreaming of days filled with adventure and nights under blankets of stars. It's the pirate life for him, matey. But Captain Wibblyshins says, NO PIGS ON PIRATE SHIPS!" After all, pigs get tangled in the rat lines, they picnic in the crow's nest, and worst of all, they even wipe their chins with the Jolly Roger. Can Rufus convince the Captain he's no landlubber swine? And could his ticket to pirate-hood be . . . reading? Kids will love seeing Rufus conquer new worlds in this delightful follow-up to the popular Rufus Goes to School."

I loved the first, "Rufus story" I was invited to read and absolutely am not disappointed with this new Rufus adventure! Rufus is persistent; does not give up on something he truly wants to do and his story will encourage children to set goals and to not give up on reaching their goals; just like Rufus! Gather your grandchildren and get ready for a fun story as you enjoy Rufus Goes to Sea together!

I'm so happy Sterling Children's Books not only sent me one Rufus Goes to Sea for me to review and share my own opinion of it with you, but they are making another available for me to give-away (USA only)! If you are over the age of 18 and would like to be in the drawing for Rufus Goes to Sea, which will be on May 4, 2015, please comment below to let me know if you have been to sea . . . I have spent lots of time on lakes . . . I do live in Michigan where there are more than 11,000 inland lakes, which means an inland lake is never more than six miles away and you are not more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes! However; while I have been on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, I have not been "on" the sea.

In addition, you will receive additional entries if you have followed on Google+, Google Friend Connect, followed by liking on facebook with the tab at this link (not just liking the post) and/or have followed grandma's cookie jar by email. For each of these which you have done you will receive one entry. In addition, if you "share" this post, you'll receive an additional entry (please let me know if you share). This will help me be able to draw names from among people who would like to win Rufus Goes to Sea and it gives you several ways to enter the give-away!