Book Review and Giveaway: Cooper and Me by Alexa and Monique Peters

 

Today's Welcome to Fall Ya'll Giveaway is a charming book about the first day of school! And yes, school has already started, but think ahead to next year, for any about to be preschoolers or Kindergartners you might have in your family!


Synopsis: Through rhythmic verses, Cooper and Me tells the story of a young girl who is nervous as her first day of school approaches.  She is frightened about leaving home and doesn't want to go without her best friend, her dog Cooper. Fortunately her mother finds the perfect solution to help the little girl overcome her fears – a small replica of her beloved pet she can take to school with her. 

About the Book: Cooper and Me is illustrated by 11-year-old Alexa Peters and co-written with her mother, Monique Peters.  The idea was inspired by Alexa's own experiences on her first day of school. Starting at a very young age, Alexa created illustrated stories about her daily experiences, and from the pages of her sketchbooks came the idea for this book.
In addition to helping young children through their books, Alexa and mom Monique wanted to go beyond that to help less fortunate kids.  


Their search led them to a charitable alliance with the Happy Hearts Fund, founded and run by Petra Nemcova, the supermodel who was directly affected by the tsunami in Thailand. Happy Hearts improves children’s lives through education and sustainable programs in natural disaster areas. A portion of the revenues from every copy of Cooper and Me sold  will be donated to Happy Hearts to aid their efforts to rebuild children’s lives after natural disasters.


About the Authors: "Though she holds both a law degree and an MBA, Monique counts a college internship at The Children’s Television Workshop as a pivotal experience Inspired by her daughter Alexa’s talent as an author/illustrator, Monique created Cooper and Me, Inc. to build emotional resilience in children through media that encourage open dialog and constructive problem-solving with adults.Monique Peters resides near Boston, MA, with her husband, three children, and their dogs Cooper, a Labrador Retriever, and Bella, a Morkie.


Alexa is now in 7th grade and 13 years old.Alexa is committed to writing stories that teach children about the values she holds dear, such as being tolerant and compassionate towards all people – including yourself!“ Cooper is 2 1/2 years old and enjoys playing ball!"


The duo has 3 more Cooper and Me books out, including one about Halloween, one about military life and one about Cooper's Winter Adventure! Plus they have a plush mini Cooper, cds and special gift packs available as well! All available on their website shop!

Review: Cooper and Me is a fun, upbeat and encouraging book for young children about to start school. Childrens fear are dealt with honestly and from a child's perspective-mainly the lack of freedom to do as they wish during the day! The story does a great job in letting the young reader know what FUN there is to be had at school, to encourage them to give it a try. The solution of taking a 'minature' Cooper to school is one that many families will be able to use as well. We sent Kiddo off with a Clifford the Big Red Dog Blanket fr nap time this year for the same reason (it worked really well!), as Kiddo was really apprehensive after Summer vacation and having a new class/teachers. 


Kiddo liked the last page where children are able to come back and write what they felt like on THEIR first day of school, about what they did in school and anything special about the day. It gives the book a very special feel, and a great memory book for your child to keep! PLUS as an added bonus, readers can go to the Cooper and Me website and download coloring pages and get a FREE download of the Cooper and Me theme song (with purchase of the book). Plus they have parents reading guides for all the books-helping you to discuss the life lessons in each book, as well as learning activities and connections! Yup, a full faceted website to go along with the book series!


This would be a wonderful gift to the child starting school in January, or in the Fall (of next year). Kudos to Monique and Alexa for forming an unique company and product for kids!


I am pleased to be able to giveaway a copy of this adorable book to one of my BTHM readers!

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Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from Fly Propeller PR,  for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it.