Live Chat Tonight With Author Mary Casanova & ChiIL Mama's American Girl #Give Away

Tonight only (5/16/12)...log in on the American Girl Facebook Page and chat live with Mary Casanova, author of the American Girl McKenna books.  She's also written many more fabulous books for children and tweens.    ChiIL Mama, Sagezilla and Du-Jay had a chance to meet Mary Casanova in person, at American Girl Place in Chicago, and we gave away signed books to two lucky readers. 
  
 
American Girl's Read-a-palooza is here and we're giving away a great 5 pack of American Girl titles ($39.75 value) to one lucky winner, to kick things off in style!   Enter at the bottom of this post through 6/15/12 for your chance to win.   Entries accepted nationwide.   Spread the word and reenter early and often.


 Here are our photos from Mary Casanova's Chicago appearance and a brief recap. 

 
Mary Casanova, author of McKenna for American Girl, greets her fans and signs books at American Girl Place, Chicago

 
It was our great pleasure to meet author, Mary Casanova, at The American Girl Place in Chicago at The Watertower Mall.    She was absolutely gracious, friendly, and personable and took time to chat with every child, despite a good sized line of fans waiting to get their books signed.   My 11 year old son was one of the few boys in line with his little sis, and she took time to get to know him as well.   She signed a book mark for him and told him that she has other chapter books that might appeal to him.   He was stoked to check out The Klipfish Code, a historical adventure set in Norway that she suggested to him.

She's a prolific, talented writer with a wide range of books for early readers through older pre-teens.  She's written other American Girl books featuring Jess, Chrissa and Cecile.   You can find a full listing of her works and more at Mary Casanova's site here.

The book signing was such a rare treat.   We love to meet the authors behind the words of stories we enjoy.  This time the fans were fun as well.    

 

 We met an actual, real life gymnast named McKenna, 


 

 
and a set of twins, like the American Girl McKenna's little sisters (pictured with author, Mary Casanova).   


 
Of course, my own daughter, Sage, was there too, with her coincidences.   (She's also a level 4 gymnast, entering 4th grade this year, with a Grandma Peg(gy), who spent time with crutches and a cast for a broken ankle. She has cousins Kenna and McCall, and has a last name, Mara!)



*Click the link here for the full Mary Casanova book signing feature



 
American Girl Place rocks!   Each time we've gone, we've met girls who came in from several states away to visit the store, or drove hours to get there.   We're so lucky to live nearby!   We had a ball at McKenna's release party, and book signing.   We recently promoted a visit March 10th from American Ballet Theatre, who taught dance at the store, in conjunction with their production of Giselle 3/22-25.   We loved learning hula and Hawaiian culture at the store with a delegation that flew in from half way around the world.   It's truly a multicultural gathering place, and an empowering girlcentric space.
 
Check out the site for American Girl Place Chicago for more special events, guest appearances, merch and more. 







We were also super stoked to get a package of new American Girl Doll books in the mail.   There are some excellent new releases just out!    We'll have a full set of book reviews (on the titles in red) in the near future.   Check in with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Here's a sampler of the new releases and where you can buy them, too.

•  ADVICE:  A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself-even on the bad days

 

• CONTEMPORARY FICTION:  Innerstar University Series--"a book staring YOU with more than 20 endings" and an on line play component.   We'll be reviewing The New Girl and Behind the Scenes

 

• MYSTERIES:   We'll be reviewing The Cameo Necklace, A Cecile Mystery, The Crystal Ball, a Rebecca Mystery and The Hidden Gold, A Marie-Grace Mystery

I was thrilled that my reluctant reader got super excited and engaged with the books and has been carrying them with her everywhere and devouring them.   American Girl is committed to not only entertaining but educating girls and helping them grow intellectually, physically, and emotionally.   

 
 

American Girl's Read-a-palooza is here and we're giving away a great 5 pack of American Girl titles ($39.75 value) to one lucky winner, to kick things off in style!   Enter at the bottom of this feature through 6/15/12 for your chance to win.   Entries accepted nationwide.   Spread the word and reenter early and often.

This summer, American Girl is inviting girls and moms to discover the joy of reading while helping a great cause! Read-a-palooza provides girls with fun activities and incentives to inspire them to keep their reading skills sharp and encourage engagement in a variety of different literacy activities! In addition, Read-a-palooza will be contributing to Save the Children through a book purchase donation. Starting May 1 through September 3, $1 from every book purchased from American Girl will benefit Save's U.S. Literacy Program.

ChiIL Mama is celebrating READ-A-PALOOZA by once again giving away two McKenna books by Mary Casanova, McKenna and McKenna Ready to Fly!  


One lucky reader will also get a copy of The Take the Challenge book 






AND The New Girl (part of the Inner Star University chapter book series) AND The Cameo Necklace a Cecile MYSTERY.

 Enter here for your chance to win!

*Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it, click on the actual page title and it should pop right up).   Entries are free, easy and confidential.  We never sell or share any of your contact info.   Winning rocks!  


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check back with ChiIL Mama soon for a full feature on historical New Orleans friends, Marie-Grace and Cecile, a photo filled feature on a trip to the American Girl Doll Hospital, and an American Girl Place birthday party special.




You Might Also Like:

*McKenna launch party at The AmericanGirl Doll Store at Water Tower Place, Chicago (photo filled recap).


*American Girl Doll  McKenna's visit with the Chicago Comets real competitive gymnastics team (photo filled recap).

*Farewell to Kanani, Hawaiian American Girl Doll of the Year, 2011 and welcome McKenna (photo filled recap).



*Disclaimer:   Thank to American Girl for providing us with review and give away copies of the books and dolls mentioned in our giveaways.   You rock!  All reviews and opinions are our own.  

Win McKenna-American Girl Doll of The Year or Signed Books Through Midnight 3/30!

 
Mary Casanova, author of McKenna for American Girl, greets her fans and signs books at American Girl Place, Chicago

*Last call to enter to win McKenna, the rockin' gymnast American Girl Doll of The Year.  ChiIL Mama will announce our winner tomorrow 3/31/12!    Enter at the bottom of this post through midnight tonight 3/30 for your chance to win.
 
It was our great pleasure to meet author, Mary Casanova, at The American Girl Place in Chicago at The Watertower Mall.    She was absolutely gracious, friendly, and personable and took time to chat with every child, despite a good sized line of fans waiting to get their books signed.   My 11 year old son was one of the few boys in line with his little sis, and she took time to get to know him as well.   She signed a book mark for him and told him that she has other chapter books that might appeal to him.   He was stoked to check out The Klipfish Code, a historical adventure set in Norway that she suggested to him.

She's a prolific, talented writer with a wide range of books for early readers through older pre-teens.  She's written other American Girl books featuring Jess, Chrissa and Cecile.   You can find a full listing of her works and more at Mary Casanova's site here.

The book signing was such a rare treat.   We love to meet the authors behind the words of stories we enjoy.  This time the fans were fun as well.   We met an actual, real life gymnast named McKenna, and a set of twins, like the American Girl McKenna's little sisters.   Of course, my own daughter, Sage, was there too, with her coincidences.   (She's also a level 4 gymnast, entering 4th grade this year, with a Grandma Peg(gy), who spent time with crutches and a cast for a broken ankle. She has cousins Kenna and McCall, and has a last name, Mara!)

American Girl Place rocks!   Each time we've gone, we've met girls who came in from several states away to visit the store, or drove hours to get there.   We're so lucky to live nearby!   We had a ball at McKenna's release party, and book signing.   We recently promoted a visit March 10th from American Ballet Theatre, who taught dance at the store, in conjunction with their production of Giselle 3/22-25.   We loved learning hula and Hawaiian culture at the store with a delegation that flew in from half way around the world.   It's truly a multicultural gathering place, and an empowering girlcentric space.

 
Check out the site for American Girl Place Chicago for more special events, guest appearances, merch and more. 

We were also super stoked to get a package of new American Girl Doll books in the mail.   There are some excellent new releases just out!    We'll have a full set of book reviews (on the titles in red) in the near future.   Check in with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Here's a sampler of the new releases and where you can buy them, too.

•  ADVICE:  A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself-even on the bad days

 

• CONTEMPORARY FICTION:  Innerstar University Series--"a book staring YOU with more than 20 endings" and an on line play component.   We'll be reviewing The New Girl and Behind the Scenes

 

• MYSTERIES:   We'll be reviewing The Cameo Necklace, A Cecile Mystery, The Crystal Ball, a Rebecca Mystery and The Hidden Gold, A Marie-Grace Mystery

I was thrilled that my reluctant reader got super excited and engaged with the books and has been carrying them with her everywhere and devouring them.   American Girl is committed to not only entertaining but educating girls and helping them grow intellectually, physically, and emotionally.  






We are giving away two copies of McKenna's book, signed by author, Mary Casanova!  

One lucky reader will also get a copy of The Take the Challenge book.

Click here to enter for the McKenna doll and book set ($105 value)

Click here to enter for the 2 signed McKenna Books-one winner will get a Take the Challenge book, too!

Good luck with the sweepstakes!   For our past McKenna coverage, check out the links below. 


McKenna launch party at The AmericanGirl Doll Store at Water Tower Place, Chicago.

McKenna visits with gymnasts from The Chicago Comets competition team.

Farewell to Kanani, Hawaiian American Girl Doll of the Year, 2011 and welcome McKenna.

 

Remember, McKenna's only available during 2012. 

Chicken in the Car and the Car Won't Go & American Girl Doll McKenna-Book Signings This Saturday

It's a big book bash weekend with not one, but two highly recommended book signings Saturday.

 First-come meet local Chi-Town Mama, Melisa Wells.

Here's what she has in store:

I am super-excited to announce that I’ll be signing copies of Chicken in the Car and the Car Won’t Go: Nearly 200 Ways to Enjoy Chicagoland With Tweens and Teens on Saturday January 14, from 12-3.

Where? Good question.

I’ll be at Elevenzees, which is a fabulous boutique on the corner of Division and Wolcott in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. I fell in love with Elevenzees the first time I walked in the door. It’s a great place to pick up a special gift for any special someone, and it’s just a beautiful shop. (It’s surrounded by other fantastic boutiques, too, so you could really make an afternoon of the trip!)

Julie K, a children’s recording artist, will be at Elevenzees that day as well, so those of you who have younger kids have an extra incentive to visit.

If the great shopping opportunity, Julie K, and I don’t do it for you, how about this: Garrett Popcorn Shops (Chicago’s BEST. Seriously) will be there, WITH caramel corn for you to eat. CARAMEL CORN.

 

But wait! There’s more! There MAY even be a cupcake truck outside. We don’t have 100% confirmation yet so I’ll update when we do, but CUPCAKES.

ChiIL Mama (2 ii's, 1 L) will be reviewing and giving away 2 signed copies of Melisa (with one L)Wells' awesome book in early 2012.   It's become a dog eared and delightful addition to the front seat of our car.   This book makes a great gift for visiting out of state friends and family as well as urban and suburban locals.

We hope to have an author interview for you, soon, too.   

 

 

Second, Meet the American Girl Doll of The Year, McKenna, Author: Mary Casanova


Click this link for details on the book signing by Mary at American Girl Doll Place-Water Tower.


    •    January 14: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Meet Mary Casanova, the award-winning author of our 2012 Girl of the Year books! This informal session is your opportunity to meet Ms. Casanova in person and have your favorite books signed.

General Information
    •    Free and open to the public.
    •    For girls ages 8 and up.

Give Away & Author Book Signing-McKenna-American Girl Doll Visits Chicago Comets Competition Team (photos)

McKenna visits The Chicago Comets Competitive Team Gymnasts

Park Districts offer affordable, excellent gymnastics classes for toddlers to teens.

"This is THE best book I've ever read by myself!" Sage happily exclaimed, and I believed her.   From the day she got 2012's American Girl Doll of the year, McKenna, and her story, Sage couldn't put the book down.   She read in bed, in the car on the way to gymnastics, and begged for me to retrieve the book when she left it in the back seat.   I've never seen her that excited to read before.

  
I'm a writer and we're a reading family with thousands of books in our home, and book shelves in every room.   I've read to the kids at bed time their whole lives.   Much to my chagrin, I still somehow managed to give birth to a kid who hates reading.   This is a kid who struggled along and got a D in reading in first grade, had huge flurking snits on the floor when I tried to help her, and ultimately spent 2 years in a fantastic cross age mentoring program at school, being tutored by an awesome 8th grader, Ashley.  
 
Now that Sage is in 3rd grade, reading's finally clicked, and she's getting an A and in the highest reading group.   But she still dislikes it and I've always had to bribe her to get a book in her hands...until now.   Mary Casanova's fabulous McKenna book really resonated with Sage and was a huge hit.

My older child read early and well--scoring the reading level and vocabulary of a 16 year old when he was in first grade.   Like me, my son always has his nose in a book and loves to read for fun.   This was not the case with my daughter.   Despite all the nurture, kids have a way of coming into the world with their own natures.   And like McKenna, Sage struggles to keep up with school and lives for gymnastics.   That's the genius of this character and this book series.   Girls who love reading will devour it and those who aren't crazy about reading, but live for gymnastics will relate and read, too!







I asked Sage what she liked so much about this book:
 
Sage:   I like how it's from McKenna's point of view.   She's a lot like me.

ChiIL Mama:   How so?

Sage:   Well, when her mom said school had to come first and she might have to quit gymnastics, she said she lives for gymnastics.  I like that she has troubles and isn't a perfect kid.   And I wanted to find out what happens to her and her friends.   It's a good story.   

 

ChiIL Mama:   So you could relate to her?

Sage:   The author does a good job of thinking like a kid my age.   Then there's a bunch of similarities, like we are both level 4 gymnasts and both going to start 4th grade after summer this year.   And I broke my leg in gymnastics on a landing and was in a cast with crutches.   She really likes beam.  And we both have big dogs.

 





ChiIL Mama:   I'll bet a lot of girls your age have at least something in common with McKenna. 

Sage:   Then there are these weirder coincidences, like she has a Grandma Peg and mine is Grandma Peggy, and one of her twin sisters is Mara, my last name.   And I have twin cousins Michal and Kenna!

ChiIL Mama:   Did you have a favorite part?
 
Sage:   Yes.   But I'm not going to tell you what.   You have to read it for yourself.   (Shortly after this her 10 year old brother snagged the book and read it cover to cover.   He couldn't put it down either!)

 

ChiIL Mama:   OK, I will read it myself.   Fair enough.   Would you like to meet the author and have her sign your book?
 
Sage:  Absolutely.

ChiIL Mama:   Is there anything you want to ask her?

Sage:   Yes, where did McKenna get her M charm?   The book tells about where she got the star, but not the M.

ChiIL Mama:   You may have a chance to ask her yourself.    She'll be signing books in Chicago from 1:00PM-3:00pm this Saturday at The American Girl Store in Water Tower Place!

Meet the Author: Mary Casanova
    •    January 14: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Meet Mary Casanova, the award-winning author of our 2012 Girl of the Year books! This informal session is your opportunity to meet Ms. Casanova in person and have your favorite books signed.

General Information
    •    Free and open to the public.
    •    For girls ages 8 and up.

We'll have a photo filled feature, all about Mary Casanova, after Saturday.   Be sure to check out her McKenna book and McKenna, Ready to Fly!

Click this link to check out American Girl Place Chicago's main site for more fabulous McKenna related special events, store details and more.

Give Away:

ChiIL Mama's excited to be able to offer American Girl Books to 2 winners (open nation wide).   

Our first place winner will win a McKenna book ($6.95) AND a Take the Challenge Book($9.95).

Our second place winner will win a McKenna book.   Enter from now through February 12th.  

*Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it, click on the actual page title and it should pop right up).   Entries are easy.   Winning and reading rocks!    Treat your favorite American girl to American Girl books.