When I was little, I would eat rolly polly bugs, in addition to carpet fuzz. I have no recollection of this, of course, but my mom stands by this story. What can I say, my tastes weren't very discriminating back then. And I haven't yet clarified her information, but I'm going to assume it was just once; and that I was a baby, hopefully under the age of one, and not going to kindergarten trying to pack them in my lunch bag. Speaking of bugs for lunch (how's that for a smooth transition)...
Much less gross than actually eating bugs, is reading a silly tale about it. "Have you ever eaten a bug? Or when you think about it, do you say UHHGG!?!" Introducing: "Big Bug Lunch!" by Skaie Knox, an adorable new children's picture book for both girls and boys, with an easy-to-read rhyming story, and filled with captivating illustrations (big thumbs up for including a diverse cast of characters).
"Big Bug Lunch! is a charming story about a little boy named “Matty” whose best friend, “Klunkers” invites him to eat a bug. Soon, all his friends are bringing bugs for him to try! With a fun “twist” at the end, outstanding and quirky illustrations, and a 14-track CD with songs, karaoke, and a narration of the book INCLUDED, “Big Bug Lunch!” would make any child or the child in YOU very happy indeed!"
That's right, mama, "Big Bug Lunch!" also comes with a sweet CD filled with songs about playground fun, childhood wonder, and yes, those bugs. My favorites: Tracks 2 and 9, with their cute catchy lyrics and rhythmic but mellow beat. Can't tell you what Munchkin's favorites were - she smiled and clapped to most of them.
The creative talent behind both the story and the music, Skaie, is a singer/songwriter, and a first-time children's book author. "Skaie resides with her husband, Matt in Manhattan Beach, California. “Big Bug Lunch!” is book 1 in a series of 10 called “The Klunker Kapers”. The title track “Big Bug Lunch!” was initially written on the pages of a Reader’s Digest; makeshift writing material found on her bedside table. The song came about because Skaie wanted to write an original tune for her cousin Pam’s kindergarten class." I'm in awe - I'm secretly wishing Skaie would switch places with me for a bit, and not just because I love her name and the way it's spelled. I've always wished I could sing, AND I've always wanted to publish a children's book. Oh well, guess the next best thing is that I get to offer one of YOU the chance to win this book and cd set!!
Wanna Buy It? The Big Bug Lunch! book and cd set, or the cd alone, are available for purchase on the website! Skaie dedicated this book to Sierra Adams, her cousin who has juvenile diabetes, and plans to bring attention and donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through “Big Bug Lunch!” events.
Wanna Win It? Skaie is now offering one Playground for Parents reader a chance to win a Big Bug Lunch! BOOK AND CD SET!
Come out to play with a Giveaway!
Visit the Big Bug Lunch! website. Leave a Comment telling me something about the creator of the book and cd, Skaie Knox, that I didn't mention above! Comments must be received by 11:59pm (PST) on June 19th. One winner will be selected by Random.org. Winner will be notified via email, and will be announced here. Be sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you (and make sure it doesn't go to spam) - I'd hate for you to miss your prize. Winner has 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of U.S. and Canada. Good luck!
Increase your chances to win! For more entries, you can:
- Subscribe to my blog (located on the top, right side of this page). After you've subscribed, leave a comment and let me know. Be the first to find out about Giveaways and parenting info! Are you already a Subscriber? Just leave a Comment and say, "I subscribe!"
- Blog about this Giveaway and link back to Playground for Parents. Leave a Comment, with the link to your post!
- Post my blog button on your site! Leave five separate Comments with your blog link, for five entries!!
- Email a friend about this Giveaway and cc me: PlaygroundMail@aol.com. Leave a Comment for your extra entry!
- If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me, or advertise on my site! Just leave me a Comment and let me know you've done so.
- Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the Giveaway! Leave the link to your tweet in your comment.
- What's the grossest thing you ate as a kid? Leave a comment and share your tale!
* Be sure to leave a Separate Comment for EACH entry. That's EIGHT total ways to enter this fantastic contest!!
Reminder: Check the top left corner of this page for other fantastic Giveaways! Hurry, they end soon!
Many thanks to Skaie, author of Big Bug Lunch for providing this Review & Giveaway!
Congratulations to lucky winner, MJ (#29), who said, "(I ate) fried grasshoppers on a dare." Yea, MJ, I understand that's a delicacy in some parts, but um...ewww. ;-)
She came up with the song because she wanted to develop something for her cousin Pam's kindergarten class.
Posted by: Nicole | Monday, June 08, 2009 at 06:45 PM
She is passionate about dogs and plans to create a foundation to fund K9 rescue organizations. Thanks for the great contest.
Kristy
Posted by: Kristy Plazek | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 05:20 AM
I subscribed to your blog.
Kristy
Posted by: Kristy Plazek | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 05:22 AM
She opened for Tori Amos!
Posted by: Mama Zen | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 05:43 AM
Big Bag Lunch is actually book one in a series of ten. Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Christine | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 09:41 AM
I am an email subscriber. thanks!
Posted by: Christine | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 09:42 AM
The grossest thing I ever ate as a kid would have to be sand! Thanks!
Posted by: Christine | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 09:43 AM
I tweeted at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/2091481668
Posted by: Christine | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Skaie’s musical career includes performing live opening for artists like Randy Newman
Posted by: Shelly | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Cereal with a liberal dose of salt and pepper, courtesy of my brother....
Posted by: Shelly | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 09:51 AM
I learned that the song came about because Skaie wanted to write an original tune for her cousin Pam’s kindergarten class.
Posted by: Kimberly | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 10:55 AM
I subscribe by email.
Posted by: Kimberly | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Skaie’s musical career includes performing live and writing and recording numerous albums and songs for her bands and film. You can listen to more of Skaie’s music @ www.myspace.com/skaieknox.
Posted by: susan | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 10:56 AM
I subscribe.
Posted by: susan | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I follow on twitter and tweeted. http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/2092326555
Posted by: susan | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Probably the grossest things would be dirt and plants (no bugs though)!
Posted by: susan | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Okie dokie, here we go. Interesting picture of her btw on the front page of her website! I learned that she's opened for some of my favorite artists including Randy Newman and Tori Amos -- yes, I'm a bit all over the map.
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:34 AM
I subscribe!
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:35 AM
And I have your button... http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com (1)
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:35 AM
And I have your button... http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com (2)
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:35 AM
And I have your button... http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com (3)
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:36 AM
And I have your button... http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com (4)
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:36 AM
And I have your button... http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com (5)
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:36 AM
And I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this but... I used to eat dog bones as a child. On purpose. As in I'd climb on my trike, take the dog bone box in my little basket, trike around the corner and then feed myself instead of the neighborhood dogs. You remember those red and green and beige Milkbones? Yep, those. *sigh*
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Klunkers was a rescued thru Mutts & Moms.
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
Posted by: MJ | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:53 AM
I subscribe.
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
Posted by: MJ | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Fried grasshoppers on a dare.
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
Posted by: MJ | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Skaie’s musical career includes performing live (opening for artists like Tori Amos, Dishwalla, Lilith Faire, Randy Newman).
treflea4 at gmail dot com
Posted by: Nad | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 01:35 PM
I'm a suscriber.
treflea4 at gmail dot com
Posted by: Nad | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 01:36 PM
As a kid, I ate ants.
Posted by: Nad | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Skaie is passionate about dogs and plans to create a foundation to fund K-9 rescue organizations throughout the U.S.A.
Posted by: Sheila | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Second entry: As a kid, a bug flew in my mouth once, choked on it and swallowed it. That grossed me out for WEEKS!
Posted by: Sheila | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 03:59 PM
She wrote music for The Real World. How cool is that!
Posted by: Anne | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Like me she loves dogs. She even plans to create a foundation to fund K9 rescue organizations. You go girl!
Posted by: megan | Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Skaie’s musical career includes performing live. Thank you for the great giveaway!
Posted by: judy brittle | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 04:25 PM
I'm a subscriber.
Posted by: judy brittle | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 04:26 PM
I follow on Twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/2109911763
Posted by: judy brittle | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 04:27 PM
We used to all eat Milk Bone Dog Biscuits. We thought they tasted so great and liked that they were all marked different types of foods. Now all I can say is GROSS!
Posted by: judy brittle | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Skaie is passionate about dogs and plans to create a foundation to fund K-9 rescue organizations throughout the U.S.A. “Klunkers”, the narrator of this book, was rescued through “Mutts & Moms” (www.muttsandmoms.org) a non-profit organization that visits LA & Kern County shelters and rescues dogs that just had puppies and those that may need medical care to heal from previous illnesses or injuries.
nhmummab@comcast.net
Posted by: Tia | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 07:31 PM
email subscriber
nhmummab@comcast.net
Posted by: Tia | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 07:32 PM
I used to tell my friends that dirt wouldn't kill you so I used to like my chips, rub them in the dirt and eat them. YUCK! (Psst...I'm still here arent' I?) :)
nhmummab@comcast.net
Posted by: Tia | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Hi Everyone! This is Skaie! Thank you for all the wonderful comments! If you'd like, please also visit my "Live Events" page to learn where I'll be performing next! If you aren't chosen for the free giveaway, you can come on by a live show, I'll give you a $2 discount (if you mention "playgroundforparents.com"), and personally sign your book/cd! Thanks again for your time and thoughts!!! See you soon!
Posted by: Skaie Knox | Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 02:39 PM
I learned that Skaie is passionate about dogs and plans to create a foundation to fund K-9 rescue organizations throughout the U.S.A. “Klunkers”, the narrator of this book, was rescued through “Mutts & Moms” (www.muttsandmoms.org) a non-profit organization that visits LA & Kern County shelters and rescues dogs that just had puppies and those that may need medical care to heal from previous illnesses or injuries.
Posted by: amy p | Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 03:57 PM
subscriber.
Posted by: amy p | Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 03:58 PM
I have your button
Posted by: amy p | Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 03:58 PM
grossest thing i ever ate was dirt.
Posted by: amy p | Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 03:58 PM
I think that it's great that Skaie is planning to use this book as a way of bring a little light and donations to the cause of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I hope it works well for her. The book sounds great.
Posted by: Carrie Anne | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Just tweeted about your giveaway
http://twitter.com/cbadov/status/2180951421
Posted by: Carrie Anne | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Skaie has opened for Randy Newman. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: Ellen C. | Monday, June 15, 2009 at 06:59 PM
I subscribe.Cool that she supports JDF!
Posted by: N.Williams | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 11:12 PM