*This post contains affiliate links.
My involvement in the Australian parenting blogging community for the last seven years has lead to some wonderful connections with so many creative women, many who I now call friends. Some of them have gone on to do great things, like become best selling children's authors. One of these women is Zanni Louise who I first met online a few years ago reading her My Little Sunshine House blog. Even though we still haven't met in person, I'm fortunate to have Zanni as one of my friends and I've seen her writing career evolve from her very first published book to where she is today. I still have a little fan girl moment every time I see one of her picture books on the shelves in stores or in online book catalogues. One of the perks of knowing an author is I've also been able to review a few of her amazing books when they've been released and this month we received a copy of Mum for Sale, her new picture book.
In Mum for sale familiar characters Errol, a cheeky penguin, and his mum {from Zanni's popular children's book Errol!} return for a new picture book adventure. Errol is desperately trying to get his mum's attention, but like a lot of us at times, she's fully engrossed in a phone conversation and doesn't respond to him. Errol tries numerous times to grab, even demand, her attention but it all falls on deaf ears... so he decides to take things into his own hands.
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| Children's book author Zanni Louise with her new book Mum for Sale |
Mum for Sale is a story we as parents can all relate to. I know for sure there's been times where I've unintentionally {and sometimes intentionally} ignored my own children whilst on the phone. Sometimes it's necessary, like when I was trying to sort out child assistance on the phone to Centrelink and needed to pay attention to what was being said. Other times I'm simply oblivious to the fact I'm doing it.
It's so easy to accidentally do, especially with modern day technology where our phones aren't simply for talking anymore. Now they're our diaries, camera, inbox, pretty much our whole computer and occasionally I even use it to call people {just kidding, I usually only text}. Ever been watching a YouTube video on your phone and not heard your child calling out? I'm guilty. Sometimes I just get so sucked into what's going on on my phone screen, I forget the world around me.
Mum For Sale highlights an important everyday issue facing parents, in a subtle and humorous way, and gives us a gentle reminder to be more aware of our children and their needs. Zanni has achieved this in a much more interactive way than a lot of ads and videos I've seen targeting the same topic. The book provides an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about being noticed, being heard, how much time is spent on technology etc. It gives them the opportunity to open up a dialogue about their needs in a non confrontational setting.
Minimal words make it easy for young readers to digest and Philip Bunting's simple illustrations allow those who aren't yet reading to follow along with the story. Of course the best way to enjoy Mum for Sale is to read together. We like to read it during quiet time in the afternoons after school, or to help calm down before bed time. The first time we read it I asked questions to expand on the story with my 5yr old.
"How do you think Errol was feeling?"
"Do you sometimes feel like Errol did?"
"Is there a way mummy {or daddy} can make sure you don't feel that way?"
Asking these type of questions after reading the book gives a great insight into your child's own perspective and can lead to some interesting conversations.
I know you're all wanting to know if Errol actually sells his mum... To find out you'll have to read Mum for Sale for yourself {sorry, no spoilers here}. Good news though, Zanni has kindly given me a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader, so you can find out exactly what happens.
WIN A COPY OF MUM FOR SALE {GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED}
For a chance to win a copy of Mum for Sale follow the prompts in the rafflecopter widget below and answer this question in the comments: What item do you think your child would sell you for?
For an extra chance to win you can also enter on this post on Instagram. Get creative and think like a toddler... the most creative answer {as judged by my panel of experts, aka kids} will be the winner.
Toni x
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Toni x
Terms & Conditions: Giveaway commences upon publication and closes at 10pm {AEST} 31st May 2019. One winner will receive a hardcover copy of Mum for Sale {RRP $17.99}. Finding Myself Young will not be held liable should the prize be lost in transit. Competition is open to Australian residents only, excluding ACT. This competition is a game of skill and will be judged as such. All mandatory entry steps must be completed to constitute a valid entry. Incomplete entries will be deemed invalid and excluded from judging. Entries can be made via www.findingmyselfyoung.com and Instagram and one winner will be selected from the total entry pool. Winner will have 48hrs to respond or prize will be redrawn. This competition is in no way endorsed, promoted or administered by Instagram.
Disclosure - I was gifted a copy of Mum For Sale in exchange for this review and giveaway. I did not receive payment for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.
*This post contains some affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, should you make a purchase.
I have a black thumb so my kids would probably try and sell my plants so they have a chance at life. hahaha
ReplyDeleteMy 5yo would happily sell the rubbish bin as his comment when I'm mad or not listening is mummy I'll put you in the rubbish bin (mummy has a habit of if you don't pick these toys up they're going in the bin for the rubbish man��)
ReplyDeleteHe'd most likely sell me and the rubbish bin for toasted marshmallows 🤣
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