Take an Extra 25% Off Any Book Sold by Amazon

I'm reposting this because the expiration date was extended through tonight. If you have already used it, you can't use it again, but if you missed your chance earlier, here it is again! This will also work on the topselling fairy tale title this season, The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm: The Complete First Edition, which is appearing in many entries in the SurLaLune Fairy Tales Giveaway.

Amazon has another coupon code good through Sunday Tuesday night on any book sold and shipped by Amazon, 25% off up to a $10 discount. I've copied all terms and conditions below. It's a great offer to use if you want to purchase one of the books in the SurLaLune Fairy Tales library, such as Cinderella Tales From Around the World or Beauty and the Beast Tales From Around the World.

Take an Extra 25% Off Any Book

Terms & Conditions

▪ To use this promotion, you must enter "BOOKDEAL25" at checkout under the "Gift cards & promotional codes" section to receive 25% off any ONE (1) book purchased in your order (up to $10 promotional credit).
▪ This offer is only valid on print books. Excludes Kindle eBooks and Audible Audiobooks.
▪ The promotion is valid for a limited time only, from December 11, 2014 at 5pm PST to December 16, 2014 at 11:59pm PST. Amazon reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time.
▪ Offer only applies to products sold and shipped by Amazon.com.
▪ Limit one promotional code per customer and account.
▪ The maximum benefit you may receive from this offer is $10.
▪ Offer good while supplies last.
▪ Offer is non-transferable and may not be resold.
▪ The offer discount will be allocated to the highest priced book in your order.
▪ If any of the products or content related to this promotion are returned, the value of the offer will be subtracted from your return credit.
▪ This promotion may not be combined with other offers, including promotional certificates.
▪ Items must be purchased in a single order and shipped at the same speed to a single address.
▪ If you violate any of the Terms & Conditions, the promotion will be invalid.
▪ Void where prohibited.
▪ Shipping charges may apply to discounted and free promotional items.
▪ Offer does not apply to Amazon Gift Cards.

SurLaLune Fairy Tales Giveaway

It's that time of year everyone! I haven't offered a giveaway for the holiday season yet so here it is!

Register for the chance to win a set of 3 SurLaLune Library Titles: Bluebeard Tales From Around the World, Cinderella Tales From Around the World, and Beauty and the Beast Tales From Around the World. Go to the SurLaLune Fairy Tales Giveaway to enter for a chance to win.

To make it more interesting for us all, I am also asking "What fairy tale item is on your holiday wish list?" I will share the answers during this week and and next with the SurLaLune readers, so be sure to give me an "online name" to use when you enter for me to share on the blog.

Contest Rules:

Open to international entries.

Only one person will win a set of 3 SurLaLune Library Titles: Bluebeard Tales From Around the World, Cinderella Tales From Around the World, and Beauty and the Beast Tales From Around the World.

Contest ends 11:59 PM 12/21/14.

Winner will be selected on 12/22/14. I will announce the winner online on the SurLaLune blog and contact the winner by email. If I do not receive a mailing address for the winner by 11:59 PM 12/31/14, a new winner will be selected.

Void where prohibited by law.

You must be 13 or older to enter.

Your personal information will not be distributed except where described for sharing your "online name" and answer to the entry question, "What fairy tale item is on your holiday wish list?" with the SurLaLune readers.

Take an Extra 25% Off Any Book Sold by Amazon

Amazon has another coupon code good through Sunday night on any book sold and shipped by Amazon, 25% off up to a $10 discount. I've copied all terms and conditions below. It's a great offer to use if you want to purchase one of the books in the SurLaLune Fairy Tales library, such as Cinderella Tales From Around the World or Beauty and the Beast Tales From Around the World.

Take an Extra 25% Off Any Book

Terms & Conditions

▪ To use this promotion, you must enter "BOOKDEAL25" at checkout under the "Gift cards & promotional codes" section to receive 25% off any ONE (1) book purchased in your order (up to $10 promotional credit).

▪ This offer is only valid on print books. Excludes Kindle eBooks and Audible Audiobooks.

▪ The promotion is valid for a limited time only, from December 11, 2014 at 5pm PST to December 14, 2014 at 11:59pm PST. Amazon reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time.

▪ Offer only applies to products sold and shipped by Amazon.com.

▪ Limit one promotional code per customer and account.

▪ The maximum benefit you may receive from this offer is $10.

▪ Offer good while supplies last.

▪ Offer is non-transferable and may not be resold.

▪ The offer discount will be allocated to the highest priced book in your order.

▪ If any of the products or content related to this promotion are returned, the value of the offer will be subtracted from your return credit.

▪ This promotion may not be combined with other offers, including promotional certificates.

▪ Items must be purchased in a single order and shipped at the same speed to a single address.

▪ If you violate any of the Terms & Conditions, the promotion will be invalid.

▪ Void where prohibited.

▪ Shipping charges may apply to discounted and free promotional items.

▪ Offer does not apply to Amazon Gift Cards.

Fairy Tales in Advertising: Só Ação Solidarity: Multiple Tales

Só Ação Solidarity movement / Book Biennial of Pernambuco: Book Donation, Little Red Riding Hood

Don't throw out your books. Donate them.

This campaign for books donation--I'm curious as to the usage for the books--reselling for funds, literacy, other?--features homeless renditions of fairy tale characters. The homeless Three Pigs is the most interesting twist for me, not necessarily the ad itself, but it makes me think of all the retelling possibilities of homeless three pigs. A worthy cause and interesting campaign.

Campaign info from Ads of the World:

Advertising Agency: Paz Comunicação Estratégica, São Paulo, Brazil
Creative Director: Leonardo Parnes
Art Director: Marcelo Maciel
Copywriter: Leonardo Parnes
Illustrator: Casa do Pixel
Planner: Einhart Jácome da Paz
Executive Account: Alexandra Raffa
Published: February 2012

Guest Post: Author Jewel Kats on Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist

Hansel and Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist by Jewel Kats (Author), Claudia Marie Lenart (Illustrator) was released this past October. Today I have two guest posts to share from the author and illustrator. This is part two, from the author. This new book is the fifth release in Kats's Fairy Ability Tales series.

From Jewel Kats:

When it comes to writing, I have to admit that I’ve been blessed by my lucky stars. I have yet to experience an idea drought. My inner dam is always wide open, and accepting to concepts anew and fresh.

Usually, the unfolding of a story – manuscript – book – whatever you want to call it, comes to me in the form of a well-plotted daydream. Everything and everyone makes an appearance. I’m talkin’ about memorable protagonists, cool settings, and every storyteller’s favorite – the coveted twists and turns of the story! Yay!

Before I pull out my party hat, I have another admission to make. I daydream A LOT. Maybe this is part and parcel of being a writer??? In any case, all this daydreaming means much cleaning and scrubbing is involved post-inner-hoopla events. However, I know I’m onto a biting idea when I’m hit by stubborn “guests” who come with stuffed, richly packed “baggage”. Before I know it, I’m playing hostess to new members in my playing field who have issues to confront. We form a bond of sorts.

This is exactly what happened with little Hansel, Gretel, their parents, the Witch, and the toad. I felt an immediate connection to this cast of characters. And, who—author or reader alike—doesn’t love a setting that includes a candy house? After being unable to leave the fictional world I inhabited via my daydream, I decided to write down what my mind’s eye saw under a tumble of jumbled notes. Next, I pulled out a large sketch book, and started connecting the story together through thought bubbles. Of course, I asked “what would happen if?...” questions with each thought bubble. Once all this occurred, it was time to wheel off to stage three.

This platform involves research, research, research! I personally like reading articles, journals, medical studies, and general interactive posts made by the public on the same health issue faced by the protagonist at hand. I also like to pour over existing fairy tales on the same board – including adaptations – to ensure my ideas are unique and in no way reflect what’s already out there in the publishing industry. I wanted this fairy tale to be fractured on my own terms. Last, but not least, I get my hands on children’s literature that explains the nature of the disability highlighted. In this case, books about Down Syndrome.

Before going on this whole journey, I knew I wanted the next hero of “Fairy Ability Tales” to be a boy. I’d heard a telecasted news report about Down Syndrome on TV, and the report must have stayed somewhere deep in my spirit. I was also drawn to a few fairy tales upon pre-writing this book. So, I think all of these factors led to “Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist”. Now, it’s one of my favorite books in the “Fairy Ability Tales” series. As an added personalized touch, at the end of this adaptation, we learn that the Witch’s real name is, Mirella. The beautiful maiden she turns into is actually named after my lovely mother-in-law who has passed away now. She even looks like her, too!

I knew I wanted the illustrations to be extra special and different. I spent many hours on the internet looking at portfolios of artists. I finally landed upon Claudia Marie Lenart’s work through her Etsy online store. I was immediately attracted to her beautiful work. So, I contacted her, and a connection was made. Her medium is definitely special, and the rich details only enhance the story by bringing it to life.

I’m honestly very proud to have written this book, and those encapsulated in the “Fairy Ability Tales” series. Kids with disabilities are at the core of my heart. My advocacy for people with disabilities comes through the swish and swash of my pen. I let the world know that anyone – regardless of ability – can be a prince or princess of their own right. This book is no different. Hansel is our everyday hero. I personally wouldn’t have it any other way!

–Jewel Kats

Guest Post: Illustrator Claudia Marie Lenart on Hansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist

Hansel and Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist by Jewel Kats (Author), Claudia Marie Lenart (Illustrator) was released this past October. Today I have two guest posts to share from the author and illustrator. This is part one, from the illustrator.

From Claudia Marie Lenart:

I was thrilled when Jewel Kats asked me to illustrate her version of a Grimm fairy tale. As the mother of a Waldorf school child, I spent many hours reading Grimm brothers’ fairy tales to my boy. I was especially eager to create the forest scenes.

As a needle felt artist, I create animals, dolls and paintings in wool. The illustrations were created almost entirely with wool, which I custom dye.

I immediately had an idea of how I wanted the forest to look—deep, green, ancient. I was inspired by my memories of time spent in the Pacific Northwest. The forest scenes were created with wool sheets needle felted with layers of brown and green hues to resemble trees. I also used some real tree bark, which I covered in a thin layer of wool as well as some curly green wool for moss.

The story also required two candy houses. To create the candy houses, I spent a lot of time searching through illustrations of Hansel & Gretel candy houses and images of gingerbread houses and old English cottages.

Creating the candy houses was more difficult creatively than the forest. Actually, the idea of a house made of candy didn’t really appeal to me. The only candy I like is chocolate. The witch’s house has chocolate siding, but the window boxes are full of strawberries and cherries covered in icing. The welcome mat is made of s’mores. The house is trimmed with chocolate chip cookies.

I wanted the second candy house to look totally different. It is pastel and dreamy, like a mini fairy castle. The siding in this house is fluffy, like cake, and it is decorated with pastel candy. The turret is made of wool marshmallows and there are peeps on the lawn.

The illustration process was quite an adventure. This is the first book ever illustrated in this manner and I am grateful for the opportunity.

–Claudia Marie Lenart
www.claudiamariefelt.com

The Snow Queen illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

The Snow Queen illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline was released last year and I never shared it on the blog. Many versions of Snow Queen are running low on inventory this season since there is a high demand for anything even remotely related to Disney's Frozen and ABC's Once Upon a Time. Snow Queen is one of my favorite fairy tale for illustration. All of the snow and ice make for some beautifully stunning art. This book is no exception.

Book description:

Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, the classic tale of friendship, love, and bravery, is beautifully retold with lavish illustrations by master artist Bagram Ibatoulline.

Best friends Kai and Gerda would do anything for each other. When Kai starts to behave cruelly and disappears, Gerda sets out on an epic quest to save Kai from the evil Snow Queen. But can Gerda break the Snow Queen's enchantment and complete the final task?

Full of magic and wonder, this new picture book will delight fans of beloved classics like "Thumbelina," "The Princess and the Pea," and "The Little Mermaid."

Little Golden Books Fairy Tales Library

It's the holidays and the challenge of getting gifts for ten nephews, nieces, and godchildren has arrived again. It's always hampered with the fact that three of those children's birthdays also fall within five weeks of the holiday so I have to consider those gifts when choosing the others.

I like to give books, being an aunt and godmother to several readers, but choosing books for all of them is also challenging. And with my personal passions, I like to share fairy tales with the children, too, without boring them. I love picture books for sharing fairy tales and there are many, many wonderful books out there. Again, the challenge of price, individual tastes keeps me from being as lavish as I would like. One of the nieces is receiving the brunt of the fairy tale themed gifts from me this year since she is firmly entrenched in her princess stage of childhood development. She is receiving Enchanted Forest - Children's Game and The Golden Book of Fairy Tales (Golden Classics) for Christmas and birthday this year. But with the recent resurgence of the Golden Books library, I am tempted to add on a few inexpensive titles to their gifts.

I have a great affection for the Little Golden Books because they were the literature of my earliest years. My personal library started with many of the Little Golden Books library and one of my all time favorite childhood books was a Little Golden Book: The Monster at the End of This Book. My love of reading was fostered by owning these books that my parents could afford for me. So when I see those golden spines, I have a happy reaction, even though I don't always consider the illustrations or writing to be the absolute best in some of the titles. But some are great--after all some well known illustrators contributed to the line or got their start there.

I'm seeing Little Golden Books in more places again and they have been printing and reprinting many fairy tales. Many titles are Disney related since Disney has a partnership, but not all are. Since Disney is easy enough to find if you want it, that's not my focus. I want to celebrate the other fairy tales from Little Golden Books, some of them tales that children do not know so well and some that are harder to find in any picture book format, such as Wild Swans and Twelve Dancing Princesses--although there are some beautiful editions of both out there! So here's an easy, inexpensive way to add a fairy tale or two to a child's library for about $4 a pop this season.

And, if these sell well, perhaps Golden will also resurrect titles of years past like Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood.

First on the list is The Princess and the Pea (Little Golden Book) illustrated by Jana Christy, pictured at the top of this post.

The Blue Book of Fairy Tales: "Three favorite fairy tales—Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast, and Toads and Diamonds—are brought beautifully to life in this classic Little Golden Book from 1959, with breathtaking illustrations by the inimitable Gordon Laite." I've ordered this one for myself, too. I never owned it as a child and wish I had!




The Wild Swans (Little Golden Books) illustrated by Gordon Laite



The Three Bears by F. Rojankovsky



Three Little Pigs (Little Golden Book) is based on the Disney animated version.



The Gingerbread Man (Big Little Golden Book) by Nancy Nolte (Author), Richard Scarry (Illustrator)



The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Little Golden Book) by Jane Werner



Cinderella (Little Golden Book) "The original Little Golden Book from the 1940s featuring Walt Disney’s Cinderella is back!" This is a Disney title but it is so retro in appearance that it is fun to look at.



Puss in Boots (Little Golden Book) by Kathryn Jackson



If you like Little Golden Books or know someone who does, this book, Golden Legacy: How Golden Books Won Children's Hearts, Changed Publishing Forever, and Became An American Icon Along the Way (Deluxe Golden Book), may also make a great gift. It's on my wishlist for me!