Runt Farm ~ A Refreshing Children's Book Series you'll love ~ Review and Giveaway!

I love an early chapter book for children which entertains my children but also myself! I've often slogged through reading books to my children that I felt were dull, unimaginative, perhaps even patronizing and find myself wondering why children are thought to be so unintelligent and dull! I have always been a firm believer a a parent and a teacher that children should not be talked down to. Children learn extensive vocabularies easily and readily if only they are exposed to language and one takes the time to explain the meanings of words to them.

Nichole and I were talking about this recently! We are both often bombarded with comments about the extensive vocabularies of our children. Many are amazed at the words our children toss out in regular conversation. The explanation of our children's mature vocabulary and diction is a simple one: We don't and have never talked down to our children. No "baby talk", cheater words, just the words I would use in regular conversation with explanations thrown in for the meaning of words they may not yet understand!

I believe the best children's chapter book authors use this very same technique in their writing! Amanda Lorenzo, author of the Runt Farm series does just that. Runt Farm is adorable, intelligent, and thoroughly entertaining for both children and parents. Emphasizing diversity, alternative families, and harmony within humanity without even the hint of a preachy, overt agenda, Runt Farm instills important values through a diverse array of endearing animal characters with distinct and quirky personalities.

Our story begins in Runt Farm: Under New Management when Kitten discovers he has been abandoned by farm owners the Brunts. He is decidedly happy about having the farm to himself until he stumbles upon a hatching egg and the emerging new "Peep" becomes a very important and special part of his new life.

"It was like that all day long. Whenever he heard Peep, peep, peep! Kitten seemed to know exactly what The Peep meant to say.

Peep, peep, peep meant "I'm hungry. When do we eat?"

Peep, peep, peep also meant "I'm sleepy. Where's my nesting box?"...

At the end of the day, The Peep stood next to Kitten and nuzzled his fur. "Peep, peep, peep," he said. And this time it meant "I love you."

"Aw, dude!" Kitten chuckled. "You're a doofy little guy, aren't ya?"" (Lorenzo 2009: 8-9)

While a kitten and a duck seem a strange family what happen when two freakishly intelligent former research mice, Cletus and Tooth, are added to the mix? The amazing transformation of a haphazardly bunch of seemingly diverse and ill-suited animals into a true found family makes this tale humourous and heartwarming! With ingenuity, fun, and love Lorenzo's characters create a real home on Runt Farm!

Amanda Lorenzo continues the inspiring Runt Farm series with Runt Farm: Beatrice and Blossom. Some families are never truly complete and the Runt Farm always welcomes those looking for the love and security of family. Cletus and Tooth save an injured bunny named beatrice, bounced off a market truck. Beatrice is a bounding "hyperactive" delight, inquisitive, brimming with questions! She is happy to have a new home and soon she too pulls off a rescue of her own saving a soggy squirrel, Blossom, who soon becomes a brother and a bit of a rival!

""Double rainbows and steelies," Beatrice called. She drew two arcs, one inside the next, and made another great shot which ricocheted around the ring, knocking all of the remaining marbles out. "Oh look, I got all the marbles, and I win!"

"You are a stinky rat and a cheater and I'm going to tell Tooth!" Blossom shouted, close to tears. He grabbed his now empty Excellent Bag and raced off toward the barn." (Lorenzo 2009: 87)

Learning lessons of sharing, and fair play the characters of Runt Farm represent a true family regardless of their diverse backgrounds. Runt Farm is a testament to all "Found Families" and non-traditional families we encounter in our society today and to the unconditional love all families are meant to provide!

P.s. BooktiMookti Press, publisher of the Runt Farm series is dedicated to preserving forests. BooktiMookti Press printed Runt Farm using 30% post consumer recycled paper and processed chlorine free!

Written for ages 6 and up, your children will find a place in their hearts for all the loveable Runt Farm personalities who will soon be adopted by your family! Win a copy of both Runt Farm: Under New Management and Runt Farm: Beatrice and Blossom here at Northern Mama and look for the latest Runt Farm volume Runt Farm: Clovis Escapes!
To Enter:

• Visit the Runt Farm site and Meet the Runt Farm Characters. Tell me which one you find most charming {Required}
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Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. Giveaway closes January 25, 2010 10:00pm CT. Please read Giveaway rules for further details.