Review & Giveaway: BEGIN SMART Books


I want my kids to love reading as much as I do. The BEGIN SMART series of books is a win/win, they offer great age-appropriate graphics and text for your tots and reading/playing advice for the grown-ups. According to the publishers, their books are designed to enhance children’s motor and cognitive skills and promote interaction between children and caregivers.

The BEGIN SMART series organizes their titles into four color-coded groupings: blue for 0-6 months, green for 6-12 months, red for 12-18 months, purple for 18-24 months. A full listing of their titles can be found at www.beginsmartbooks.com. Here is a sampling of some of their newest offerings:

BLUE: My Little Baby shows adult and baby animals and the sounds they make.

GREEN: Where’s Your Nose? a touch and feel book to help babies identify parts of the body.

RED: Round Balls, Round Balls uses rhyming language and features photos of hand-crafted, stuffed animals.

PURPLE: Counting Duckies teaches counting through repetition while entertaining baby with texture and colors.

My almost 24-month old gravitated to books in each of the groupings. Our favorite to read together is an older red selection entitled “Peek-a-Boo What?” Every page features a fold-out surprise illustration, uses the phrase Peek-a-Boo and then replaces “boo” with a rhyming word. For example, one page says Peek-a-Boo when folded then reveals Peek-a-Moo with the adorable, big, colorful illustrations of a cow and a little boy drinking milk when unfolded. It’s fun to read and so rewarding to see how excited my little man gets to have every page revealed.

Shopping on www.beginsmartbooks.com is so easy to navigate and the perfect place to send friends and family who want to find the most age-appropriate gifts for young readers. The prices are reasonable and range between $6 and $13 depending on the titles.

That’s IT Mommy Friend, Jill

GIVEAWAY

Our friends at BEGIN SMART Books are offering ONE (1) LUCKY WINNER a selection of their most recent titles.

REQUIRED ENTRY: 1) Tell us the age of your young reader, and 2)  The person in your life who most influenced your love of reading.

(Remember if this MAIN ENTRY is not followed then no other entries will count)

Bonus Entries – Leave each extra entry in a separate comment.

  • Follow Begin Smart on Twitter
  • Subscribe to our RSS Feed or email (or tell us that you already do) (1 extra)
  • Like us on Facebook (let us know who you are) (1 extra)
  • Follow us on Twitter (leave us your twitter ID) (1 extra)
  • Blog about this giveaway (leave the link) (2 extra – 2 comments #1, #2)
  • Follow us on Networked Blogs (1 extra)
  • Enter another one of our current giveaways (3 extra – 3 separate comments #1, #2, #3)
  • Tweet about this giveaway (Copy – Have fun all summer long with the Gazillion Bubble Machine! Win via @thatsitmommy http://wp.me/pAWsG-16Z (1 extra)
This giveaway will run through midnight on June 27, 2010 (PST) with winner being announced sometime on or before June 29, 2010 (PST). Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact us before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. (18+).
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received Begin Smart titles to facilitate this review.
 This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.

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{ 127 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Katie June 15, 2010 at 6:30 pm

My son is 18 months old so I think these would be great for him. My mother influenced my love of reading and taught me to read when I was 4 and I haven’t looked back!

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2 Katie June 15, 2010 at 6:31 pm

I follow Begin Smart on Twitter.

@Skaketgirl

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3 Katie June 15, 2010 at 6:31 pm

I like your blog on Facebook.

Katie Edwards

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4 Katie June 15, 2010 at 6:32 pm

I follow you on Twitter.

@Skaketgirl

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5 Katie June 15, 2010 at 6:33 pm

I entered your Sticky Chewy Messy Gooey cookbook giveaway #1

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6 Katie June 15, 2010 at 6:34 pm

I entered your Sticky Chewy Messy Gooey cookbook giveaway #2

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7 Katie June 15, 2010 at 6:34 pm

I entered your Sticky Chewy Messy Gooey cookbook giveaway #3

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8 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:03 pm

My youngest reader is 18 months old. I was influenced by my grandmother because she would read to me every night.

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9 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:09 pm

I follow begin Smart on twitter @macmomof3

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10 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:09 pm

I subscribe to your rss feed.

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11 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:10 pm

I liked your page on Facebook.

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12 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:10 pm

I follow you on twitter @macmomof3

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13 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:11 pm

I follow you on networked blogs

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14 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

I entered thevSticky Chewy Messy Gooey cookbook giveaway #1

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15 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

I entered Sticky Chewy Messy Gooey cookbook giveaway #2

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16 Jessica June 15, 2010 at 11:13 pm

I entered Sticky Chewy Messy Gooey cookbook #3

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17 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:53 pm

My young reader is 5 months. My mom most influenced my love of reading by reading to me everyday and keeping a well-stocked personal library of books on hand.

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18 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:53 pm

Follow Begin Smart on Twitter @maybaby522

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19 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:54 pm

email subscriber

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20 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:54 pm

I like you on FB (Nicole Balogh).

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21 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:54 pm

I’m following you on Twitter @maybaby522.

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22 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:55 pm

I follow on Networked blogs as Nicole.

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23 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:55 pm

I entered CSN giveaway #1.

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24 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:56 pm

I entered CSN giveaway #2.

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25 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:56 pm

I entered CSN giveaway #3.

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26 Nicole June 16, 2010 at 9:57 pm
27 Lisa Davis June 16, 2010 at 10:26 pm

My readers are 20 months old, the LOVE to read this would be great for them :) My 7th grade teacher actually was the one who most influenced my love of reading and writing.

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28 Lisa Davis June 16, 2010 at 10:27 pm

Email subscriber

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29 Lisa Davis June 16, 2010 at 10:28 pm

Following on twitter (lilpinksocks)

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30 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:02 am

Our little guy is 8 months old. It was my mother who always told us that books are our friends.

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31 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:04 am

Follow you on Twitter/flipper211

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32 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:04 am

Email subscriber.

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33 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:05 am

Follow Begin Smart on Twitter/flipper211

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34 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:06 am

Facebook fan/Debbie Welchert

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35 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:10 am

Entered the Gadzillion Bubble Machine giveaway.

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36 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:12 am

Entered the Gadzillion Bubble Machine giveaway #2

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37 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:12 am

Entered the Gadzillion Bubble Machine giveaway. #3

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38 Debbie Welchert June 17, 2010 at 12:16 am
39 Denise S June 17, 2010 at 4:58 am

My readers are 8, 5 and 3. My mother most influenced me to read.

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40 Denise June 17, 2010 at 4:58 am

I entered the CSN giveaway #1

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41 Denise June 17, 2010 at 4:59 am

Entered the Gadzillion Bubble Machine giveaway #2

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42 Donna Warrington June 17, 2010 at 5:53 am

These books will go to my granddaughter, she is three years old….she loves when Nana reads her books, though, we will read one book over and over and over again.

I had a teacher in elementary school who encouraged all of us to read and visit the library, to this day, I love to read and I love the library, stopped by just last night.

Donna

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43 Donna Warrington June 17, 2010 at 5:54 am

I follow Begin Smart on twitter as 2Cats2See

Donna

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44 Donna Warrington June 17, 2010 at 5:55 am

I subscribe to your blog

Donna

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45 Donna Warrington June 17, 2010 at 5:55 am

I’m a facebook fan.

Donna Hufman Warrington

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46 Donna Warrington June 17, 2010 at 5:56 am

I follow you on Twitter as 2Cats2See

Donna

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47 Donna Warrington June 17, 2010 at 5:56 am

I follow you through Networked Blogs

Donna

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48 Donna Warrington June 17, 2010 at 5:57 am

I tweeted the following: Have fun all summer long with the Gazillion Bubble Machine! Win via @thatsitmommy http://wp.me/pAWsG-16Z

see http://twitter.com/2Cats2See

Donna

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49 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:22 am

My nephew is 4 and I would say that my dad most inspired my love of reading.
dmkayes@gmail.com

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50 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:23 am

Follow Begin Smart on Twitter
dmkayes@gmail.com

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51 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:24 am

I subscribe via email!!!
dmkayes@gmail.com

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52 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:24 am

I am a facebook fan/Like (Darcie Kayes)
dmkayes@gmail.com

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53 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:26 am

I follow you on Twitter
DivaliciousDK
dmkayes@gmail.com

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54 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:26 am

I follow via Networked Blogs
dmkayes@gmail.com

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55 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:27 am

Entered the Gazillion Bubble Machine giveaway #1
dmkayes@gmail.com

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56 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:27 am

Entered the Gazillion Bubble Machine giveaway #2
dmkayes@gmail.com

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57 Darcie K June 17, 2010 at 10:28 am

Entered the Gazillion Bubble Machine giveaway #3
dmkayes@gmail.com

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58 Karen Gonyea June 17, 2010 at 11:41 am

My young reader is 5 and my mother influenced my love of reading :)

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59 susan varney June 17, 2010 at 1:10 pm

3years and my mother mverno@roadrunner.com

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60 Miranda Allen June 17, 2010 at 7:30 pm

my youngest reader is 3 and my grandmother made me enjoy reading

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61 Nicole June 17, 2010 at 9:33 pm
62 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:05 pm

Ages 8 1/2 my twin girls
my kingergarten teacher

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63 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:08 pm

EM 1)

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64 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:09 pm

Like us on Facebook (let us know who you are) (1 extra)
ao lane

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65 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:09 pm

Follow us on Twitter (leave us your twitter ID) (1 extra)
@aleshamom4

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66 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:10 pm

Follow us on Networked Blogs
FNB

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67 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:11 pm

Gazillion bubbles

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68 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:11 pm

ABC Ties

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69 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:11 pm

CSN
GC

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70 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:12 pm

Follow Begin Smart on Twitter
@aleshamom4

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71 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:21 pm
72 Ale O June 17, 2010 at 11:22 pm
73 Ashleigh S June 18, 2010 at 4:47 am

My reader is a 5 year old starting out and my read to are 4 months and 3 years! They would love to have new books especially throug mail. Its exciting for them!!!

My mom influenced my love for reading. She always pushed me to be and do the best I could at everything. Reading is something I have always enjoyed though so not too much pushing on that one1 lol

slimsgirl22 ay gmail dot com

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74 McKim June 18, 2010 at 8:07 am

The youngest reader – or reader to be – is my first grandbaby that is due in September. My mother encouraged us to read and helped us to make good use of the local library as we got older.

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75 domestic diva June 19, 2010 at 1:06 pm

My young reader is 16-months old. My grandma read to me constantly.

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76 kari June 19, 2010 at 1:06 pm

My reader is 1 year old. My parents read all the time, so I followed their example.

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77 Nicole June 19, 2010 at 9:53 pm
78 Nicole June 21, 2010 at 3:28 pm
79 Liza June 22, 2010 at 9:57 am

The young reader I have in mind is only 8 months now, but she’ll be ready for these very soon!

My mom (a teacher) was the reading influence/mentor in my life. Reading time was never considered wasted time in her house.

Thanks for the chance to win!

–Liza

ejm6x (at) yahoo (dot) com

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80 Michelle R. June 22, 2010 at 7:45 pm

1. 4 years old.

2. My 4th grade teacher Mrs. Powderly.

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81 Nicole June 22, 2010 at 9:51 pm
82 Megan June 23, 2010 at 10:05 am

My baby reader just turned 3! My dad inspired me to be a reader. On rainy days when he couldn’t work outside we would curl up on opposite ends of the couch and read ALL day!

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83 allergyfree June 23, 2010 at 11:42 am

My youngest reader is 2 and she loves books!! My mother influenced my love of reading and I hope my love for reading influences my three daughters, as well!

5mccombies at gmail dot com

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84 Janet June 23, 2010 at 4:53 pm

My young reader is 3 years and starting to read on his own. I was most influenced by my junior high school librarian. She was so welcoming and excited about “her space and all it held”.

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85 Jenny B June 25, 2010 at 8:08 pm

My little reader (my niece!) is 2 and a half. The person who influenced my love of reading is my dad, who is always reading pretty much all the time!!

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86 Jenny B June 25, 2010 at 8:08 pm

I follow begin smart on twitter as JennyBolech

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87 Jenny B June 25, 2010 at 8:09 pm

I subscribe to your email newsletter!

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88 Jenny B June 25, 2010 at 8:09 pm

I like you on facebook as Jenny Bolech

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89 Jenny B June 25, 2010 at 8:10 pm

I follow you on twitter as JennyBolech

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90 Jenny B June 25, 2010 at 8:10 pm

I’m following you on networked blogs as Jenny

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91 Marcia June 26, 2010 at 6:42 am

My daughter is expecting her second child in December; with the first, both Mom and Dad read book after book after book. As a result, my almost 3 year old granddaughter is a BIG book lover…and I’m sure the new baby will be too.

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92 Katie June 26, 2010 at 7:21 am

My baby is 6 months and I watch my nieces (age 4 &5). I am also a kindergarten teacher! I love love love reading and read at least 3-4 books to my son a day. Not to mention he just loves to chew on them as well! My mom really influenced my love for reading. I always remember her with a book in her hand in the summer time. When children see their parents really enjoy reading, I think it passes on to them as well. Great giveaway!!!

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93 Ed Nemmers June 26, 2010 at 1:52 pm

Will is a little over a year old; my Mom encouraged me to read!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

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94 shawna June 26, 2010 at 8:31 pm

My daughter is 3 years old and would love these books! my mom most influenced me, she loves to read and so do I!

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95 Chrysa June 26, 2010 at 9:18 pm

My young reader is 14 months. My mom really influenced me because she always had (and still has) a book at her side!

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96 Chrysa June 26, 2010 at 9:18 pm

I’m subscribed to your RSS feed in my Google Reader.

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97 Chrysa June 26, 2010 at 9:19 pm

I’m following you on Twitter (I’m @ThriftyJinxy).

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98 Chrysa June 26, 2010 at 9:23 pm

I like you on Facebook.

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99 Stephanie June 26, 2010 at 11:40 pm

My daughter is 12 months. Just celebrated her 1st birthday on the 25th of June. She will get the love of reading from my mom who can read two thick books every week sometimes.

clc_little_britches@yahoo(dot)com

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100 Stephanie June 26, 2010 at 11:40 pm

I liked you on facebook (stephanie hodges)

clc_little_britches@yahoo(dot)com

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101 Stephanie June 26, 2010 at 11:41 pm

Entered Gazillon Bubble Machine #1

clc_little_britches@yahoo(dot)com

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102 Stephanie June 26, 2010 at 11:42 pm

Entered Gazillon Bubble Machine #2

clc_little_britches@yahoo(dot)com

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103 Stephanie June 26, 2010 at 11:42 pm

Entered Gazillon Bubble Machine #3

clc_little_britches@yahoo(dot)com

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104 vivian June 27, 2010 at 1:31 am

age is 3
my father ty.

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105 Melissa B. June 27, 2010 at 7:23 am

My readers are 3 years old. My mom was a big influence because she was a member of a book club and got me every book I ever wanted.

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106 Michelle B June 27, 2010 at 2:38 pm

My daughter who is 14 months and my great grandmother
who was always buying me books and magazines to read

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107 Michelle B June 27, 2010 at 2:39 pm

Following being smart on twitter 86_angel

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108 Michelle B June 27, 2010 at 3:04 pm

Liked you on facebook
angels abode

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109 Michelle B June 27, 2010 at 3:05 pm

Following you on twitter 86_angel

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110 Susan Smith June 27, 2010 at 4:26 pm

My reader is 18 months old and my Mom was a big influenced me when it came to reading,

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111 trixx June 27, 2010 at 6:46 pm

My daughter is almost two. I’d say the school librarian in elementary school. We had the RIF program and that cultivated my love of books.

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112 trixx June 27, 2010 at 6:46 pm

I subscribe via email.

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113 trixx June 27, 2010 at 6:54 pm

1 I also entered the Gazillion Bubbles giveaway!

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114 trixx June 27, 2010 at 6:55 pm

2 I also entered the Gazillion Bubbles giveaway!

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115 trixx June 27, 2010 at 6:57 pm

3 I also entered the Gazillion Bubbles giveaway!

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116 Gianna June 27, 2010 at 8:51 pm

My 9 year old daughter and my brother.

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117 Lisa L June 27, 2010 at 9:30 pm

My little one is 17 months old. My parents influenced me the most when it came to reading. We’d go to the library weekly without fail. =)

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118 Lisa L June 27, 2010 at 9:31 pm

I’m an email subscriber.

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119 Lisa L June 27, 2010 at 9:32 pm

Also entered your Gazillion Bubbles giveaway #1

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120 Lisa L June 27, 2010 at 9:33 pm

Also entered your Gazillion Bubbles giveaway #2

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121 Lisa L June 27, 2010 at 9:34 pm

Also entered your Gazillion Bubbles giveaway #3

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122 Shiela July 29, 2010 at 9:03 pm

I have two sons, one who is three and one who is 18 months.

My mom inspired my love of reading.

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123 Shiela July 29, 2010 at 9:03 pm

I am a fan on FB.

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124 Shiela July 29, 2010 at 9:04 pm

I entered the Frecklebox personalized book give away. – 1

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125 Shiela July 29, 2010 at 9:04 pm

I entered the Frecklebox personalized book giveaway. – 2

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126 Shiela July 29, 2010 at 9:05 pm

I entered the Frecklebox personalized book giveaway.

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127 Aline October 28, 2010 at 5:02 am

I have a 2 year old that loves books, also I think a childhood friend influenced my love of reading. We used to share Nancy Drew books.

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