Wednesday, June 25, 2008

What Girls Want


Those years of being a 'tween, just before the teens hit, can be a fun age. Girls are still full of innocence, haven't yet discovered boys or shopping and can really lose themselves in an action-packed adventure book. This must be why JoAnn S. Dawson's award-winning Lucky Foot Stable series has been such a hit. Offering up good, clean fun and secret missions to faraway places, Star of Wonder, Lady's Big Surprise and A Star Discovered make for wholesome summer reading for girls ages 8 and up.

These books are beautifully illustrated with line-drawings throughout and promise to take readers along on exciting adventures including a cow funeral, the mysterious Secret Place and a horse show. With their very own ponies, of course. Which is what all girls really want.

Win It
We're giving away a set of 3 books from the Lucky Foot Stable series, including Star of Wonder, Lady's Big Surprise and A Star Discovered. To enter, simply leave us a comment telling us your favorite summer reading suggestions (for kids or adults) and don't forget to include your email address. Deadline is Midnight, EST, July 2, 2008. Please note, all comments are moderated and may not appear immediately.

104 comments:

louiseb130 said...

Lord of the Rings...it will keep you entertained all summer long!

Kimberly said...

My daughter would love these books. Best of all I can pass them on to my niece when she's done too because she loves horses and my daughter loves to read.

My summer reading tip is to encourage the kids to read at least a 1/2 hour a day. They have a summer reading log where they write down how many minutes they read, how many pages, and the book title. Each time they finish the book they get a small reward (usually ice cream from the ice cream place or something from the dollar store). At the end of the summer we give them a bigger treat if they have read at least a couple of books.

It's great to encourage kids to read in the summer too!

Kimberly
HunnyV "at" Optonline "dot" net

tutugirl said...

For my son, any Harry Potter will do, my daughter loves horses and fairies, and I get enough time to read maybe an article or two in a magazine. Love Rachel Ray.

Deb - Mom of 3 Girls said...

My oldest is just starting to read chapter books, and so far her favorites are the Junie B. Jones series and the Magic Treehouse books. She would love to read these as well! :)

jceko77 said...

One of my fave books this summer was "The marriage Game".
jceko77@yahoo.com

Princess Golden Hair said...

depending upon the kid I think Misty of Chincoteague is such a great book. This is a story of the famous wild horses. Dr. Seuess is a favorite no matter what time of year for really young kids. I love to read Ann Rule so I would suggest anything by her as a good summer read.

Preppy Mommy said...

My oldest is entering Kindergarten and she has a reading list that includes Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss, Jan Brett. I think I'll recommend the American Girl series and for mommas, easy chick lit makes for a fun read.

Erica G said...

Any Juney B. Jones books!

lynnae said...

My daughter loves the Animal Ark Series. She's a big animal lover!
beingfrugal at gmail dot com.

mverno said...

love to read danielle steele

kygirl said...

Cat in the hat books are great!

pcbdolphins said...

For children I would suggest the "Little House on The Prarie" series

Khristal said...

During the summer, I always like reading mysteries; James Patterson, John Grisham, etc.

That Crazy Mom said...

Oh I'd love to win these! My daughter is absolutely crazy about horses and even wants to be a horse trainer and live on a farm when she grows up.

I agree with the other commenters who recommended the Juney B. Jones books. If you've got teenagers who are more interested in MySpace and their iPod than books, the Twilight series might change their mind. It's the next 'Harry Potter'... a "kids" series that adults are going crazy over.

Mary512 said...

My daughter loves her First 100 Words book, and I just finished up reading In an Instant. Great giveaway, thanks!

chromiumman said...

the moon is a harsh mistress by heinlein

sphinx63 said...

Anne of Green Gables. Great summer reading! My daughter loves horses, she would love these!

shelly<> said...

We love reading and we love reading series. The kids love it when I read aloud to them. We will either snuggle up or they will color while I read. Relaxing for all!!

gkstratos said...

I love books and will read almost anything but during the summer, I enjoy an easy read that I can take to the beach or camping. Alice Hoffman books are perfect for the summer (Practical Magic, etc.)
gkstratos@ yahoo.com

windycindy said...

Hello, I have been wanting these books for my niece. Her bedroom is done with a horse theme. She is reading the "Spiderwick Chronicles" books currently! I haven't picked out my summer reading books, yet. Please enter me in your fabulous drawing. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

danosor said...

Yes,Anne of Green Gables is a perfect read.

Malteny said...

I always loved reading any book about horses or dogs. My daughter also loves animal books. She has broadened that to owls and other animals too! I think that every child should be encouraged to read where ever their interest lies - even if it is gaming magazines. Just try to encourage them to read!

Danielle said...

For me the summer is about laying around reading all the magazines I can get my hands on.
dansan826 at yahoo.com

soha said...

How lovely!! My daughter and I would recommend the Rainbow Fairies series for summer reading. For adults, I recommend the Twilight Vampire series.

samsakara said...

The babysitter club books use to be my favorite to read. I also love the Harry Potter series and Anne Of Green Gables.

samsakara@twcny.rr.com

Alice H said...

I like the Clue books - stories based on the game. They aren't too long and are a good intro to the mystery genre. afdr3d@umkc.edu

Anonymous said...

My daughter is LOVING the old Nancy Drew series.
Lori
therenos@wamail.net

Aubrey said...

I love reading the Harry Potter series over & over again!
byubabe14 at yahoo dot com

Laureen said...

Hungry Girl, Skinny Bitch and for the political edge, Obama's Audacity of Hope.

Kari said...

My 12 yr old is into Stephenie Meyer books, the Warriors Series and Harry Potter.

Scrappy Do said...

Anne of Green Gables. Great summer reading! My daughter loves horses, she would love these!

Marcia said...

I love horse movies and books. My daughter is falling into that as well. My favorite horse book is Black Beauty. It's a great book for kids or adults.

learningmama at yahoo dot com

idahomom said...

My boys are enjoying the Pendragon series.

jennem said...

My daughter is enjoying the complete Madeline series of books this summer.

Mama Zen said...

The Little House on the Prairie series is fabulous for young girls!

kelli at pfrog dot net

Steph said...

For grownups: Imajica by Clive Barker.
For kids: The entire Harry Potter series. Or if you've already conquered them, try On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson.

vboackle said...

we love to read together out loud .it is loads of fun.

sweetsue said...

I have a huge copy of The Stories of Ray Bradbury, that is great for both adults and teenagers.

Amy said...

We are reading Junie B. Jones books right now. They are really cute! Would love to win these. aewalls425@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

My favorite adult reading is the Plum series by Janet Evanovich.

matanin@msn.com

Tami said...

my favorite summer reading as a tween was the babysitters club, I can't not wait to get my girls reading that series so I can dive back in!
Tami

Patty said...

Thank you for having this contest. I really appreciate it.

deedleweedle said...

I read lots of true crime all year long.

vmkids said...

I love to read Joann Fluke's cozy msyteries

Shelly said...

As I tween and younger I loved the Mallory Towers books set in an English boarding school

Patty said...

Thank you for having this contest. I really appreciate it.

ouachitagurrl said...

My recommended summer reading for your adult visitors is..."Water For Elephants". It was a wonderful book, one I didn't want to end.

Anonymous said...

I WANNA WIN

Mya said...

The Stephanie Plum Books!!!

iluv2pray@gmail.com

dwarzel said...

I like Dean Koontz for summer reading.

susan1215 said...

The Harry Potter series keeps my kids busy

Sandy M said...

My summer read is The Beach House
by Jane Green - My book club entry for July.

Kitty said...

I remember my mother reading James and The Giant Peach when I was younger.

Sharon said...

We love the Chicken Soup for the Soul books...something for everyone in this wonderful series. THANKS

LINDALSHOT said...

I'd suggest any Janet Evanovich book for Mom.

- Marybeth I. said...

James and the Giant Peach is a good one! Anything by Dr. Suess. For me a good murder mystery.

alice said...

Summer reading for Mom ~ I'd recommend the Kim Harrison series. The characters are engaging, and I find myself looking forward to the next installment. It is the Rachel Morgan series, and if you like magic, vampires, werewolves, and some characters you may not imagined, you'll love this series.
For the teens, primarily girls, Stephanie Meyers' Twilight has gotten rave reviews from my daughter. Also the 1-800-Where-R-U series from Meg Cabot. Well, anything by Meg Cabot really.

NesieBird said...

I suggest a Lemony Snicket read together beneath a shade tree in your local public park.

Anonymous said...

My daughter would enjoy these books. For adults, I suggest anything by Janette Oke. I don't remember the author, but I just got done reading 'Lullabies For Little Criminals' and it was excellent.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Reader's Digest

anastacer said...

Go to the library often and bring a list!
anastacer at verizon dot net

dwhogan said...

Wicked Lovely

countrygirl1823 said...

Any book by Jodi Picoult. I just finished 19 Minutes and it was amazing! countrygirl1823@aol.com

mgster said...

what a great contest. Reading and summer just go together in our house. Two classics I can recommend are "Black Beauty" and "Little Women".

Ginny said...

The only way to get my tween to read in the summer is through incentive reading programs like the library, etc.

My youngest though, when she gets really hot & needs a break from outside, loves to read. We call it Cool down time :)

Staci A said...

We have been reading tons of poetry this summer with my 3 year old, like "It's Raining Pigs & Noodles." He can't get enough of silly poems!

princess3sah@cs.com

Amy K said...

My tip? I/dh have read to my kids for 15 mins every night their entire lives. We "huggy-snuggle" while we read. The LOVE books. Best 15 mins of the day!

julie said...

my 12 yr. old rides and loves her horse more than boys! my summer tip is to create projects that are fun around the book like field trips, experiments, neighborhood polls, plays, etc.
3beez at bellsouth dot net

Bethany said...

The Lightning Theif by Rick Riordan! It's similar to Harry Potter but you're learning a lot about Greek history and so much more. I really enjoyed it has a teenager!!!

bison61 said...

right now my grandson is reading a Harry Potter book

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

paula h said...

My kids and I are enjoying the Weird Books. We have read Weird Va, Weird Carolinas and are working on Weird US. They are about places, people and things that are weird. We want to read Weird Tennessee next.

dolls123 said...

Harry Potter

luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

yellowlabs said...

Little House on the Prairie is an awesome set of books for girls. I read it when I was young and loved it!

Crazycat said...

I always liked to read the Victoria Holt books while lying by a pool. Unfortunately, they are no longer being printed.

sharon said...

these books look great, we are enjoying the HP series now

Jinxy & Me said...

For adults, I think Jane Green books are great summer reads!

mich0825 said...

The Harry Potter books, I thought, were an age equalizer in that everyone liked them so I'd recommend them:)

penguin28 said...

For adults, I like to pick a long classic novel like East of Eden

renee
penguinchick@comcast.net

Christian Kay said...

Spend a day this summer reading Marley and Me and you'll want to spend the rest of your summer bonding with your dog!

ckbruce@sbcglobal.net

Bonnie said...

My tip is to have a tall cold drink next to you while you read the book you just could not wait for.

Brooke said...

I like to hit the classics. For teens: Count of Monte Christo. For kids: The Wind in the Willows. For grown ups: Crime and Punishment.

Roseann K. said...

Danielle Steel always has a good summer book. I just finished Sisters and highly recommend it.

purango said...

James Patterson or Stephen King books. garrettsambo@aol.com

klp1965 said...

for summer reading i read lots of garden books..right now im reading FLOWER GARDENING :)

katybug said...

For teenagers, the Stephenie Meyer's books are great and pretty thick, so they "last" awhile.

carissaad said...

For adults...my suggestion is any of the Sophie Kinsella books.

Thanks for the giveaway!

carissaad at aol dot com

purehrt555 said...

This set would be perfect for my niece. She adores horses, and since she is a city girl, reading is as close as she gets.

My suggestion for a young girl is anything by Beverly Cleary, I mean you can't help but fall in love with Ramona Geraldine Quimby.

Carolyn said...

I recommend any nature books, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter or Lemony Snickets books.

Carolyn

ceimusic@aol.com

Trish said...

my son and i just finished reading the outsiders!!

rangrace said...

The Wierd Books

Traci said...

For me it's the Janet Evanovich series about Stephanie Plum, for my 13 yr old it's anything by Meg Cabot and the 8 yr old loves the Michigan Chillers series

Christine said...

These look fun!

I've been enjoying reading James Patterson's books this summer.

Anonymous said...

My son has special needs and it was so hard to find books that would keep his attention for more than 2 seconds. We found him a wonderful precious moments bible story book and he stills loves it 3 years later and it has opened up so many new things for him. We now read so many different books. He has his own LIB card and he thinks that because he has a card it means that he has a job. every child should get to know their local LIB.

souldolphindream@earthlink.net

idahodad7 said...

I spent a lot of time in the school library and i think girls like Junie B Jones.

Anonymous said...

Any of the works by Armistead Maupin

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Love the books of course; perfect gift for the grandtwins/girls; many thanks and Happy 4th to ALL!!!!!!

agsweeps said...

My suggestion for summer reading, while you are out on the road is On The Road by Jack Kerouac. It's a fun book about life in America in the 1950's.

agordon10 said...

we join the reading rpogram at the library

Cuddle Cottage said...

My favorite summer read for moms is 'The Middle Place' by Kelly Corrigan. It's a wonderful novel about a woman's battle with breast cancer, and her relationship with her dad.
belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

Bakersdozen said...

For teens and preteens, I recommend the older versions of Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. vidomich@yahoo.com

donna444444 said...

My kids would love these. My recommendation is to go to the library weekly. Also join any reading award programs to earn free books or other things. It gets the kids motivated to read.

Rockin' Mama said...

My son just turned one and we love to read books with lots of colors and textures

jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

lilyk said...

The Babysitters' Club books are entertaining.

One Chic Mama said...

The winner of our giveaway is Tutugirl! Congratulations to you.