Review & Giveaway: Room on the Broom Gift Set - Children's Book, DVD, and Plush Toy

This is a sponsored post.  Complimentary products were provided for review.  The experiences and opinions are both personal, unbiased, and completely my own. No other compensation was provided.

Lets start off the week with a giveaway!  I have an awesome collection from NCircle Entertainment for one of my readers that includes a Room on the Broom Gift Set AND 2 more great NCircle Halloween DVD's!  It's a terrific giveaway that's will have you all set for October fun!

Giveaway Package
"Room on the Broom” DVD

"Room on the Broom" softcover book

"Room on the Broom" plush toy - may differ from the Dragon shown

The Wiggles "Wiggly Halloween" DVD

Pocoyo "Boo" DVD

Total Prize Value: $65

"Room on the Broom" is the story of a kind witch who invites some unexpected animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. Just as the witch is about to be eaten by a hungry dragon, all the animals use their wits to work together and save her.

It's not your average Halloween book, and other than the main character being a witch it's not holiday-ish at all.  What it is, is a funny, heartwarming tale with adventure about friendship and working together.  It's a story both kids and parents can enjoy.

I really liked the charming illustrations by Axel Scheffler and how the story is more substantial than you might first expect.  It's a true read aloud that engages the reader and help establish a love of literature.  That's something this former kindergarten teacher really appreciates.

I love it when there is a way to extend the readers experience with well written and imaginative children's books.  "Room on the Broom," is an enchanting animated program starring "the voice" of Gillian Anderson, along with several other tantalizing prizes. It is based on the top-selling, perennially popular book of the same title by Julia Donaldson, and was created by the production company responsible for "The Gruffalo" and "The Gruffalo's Child."

If I was still in the classroom I would be all about using Room on the Boom as my centerpiece for a week long witch theme during October.  We'd read the book throughout the week and do thematic activities, such as a writing activity like this: "If I had room on the broom, I'd take along a...."  I can just imagine all the fabulous creatures students would finish that statement with!

Then on Friday I'd show this excellent DVD version of the book.  It's spot on for bringing the book to life.  No weird deviations and it's really thrilling to see the dragon brought to life!

My kids were mesmerized by the DVD, not just the featured program but also by the special features.  My seven year old really liked the animation gallery and the live retelling with the author.  She said it was like seeing a play without leaving your home and that it was cool to have a third version of the story.

You might have noticed my two kiddos were joined by a new friend while watching the Room on the Broom DVD.  Also included in the gift set is this sweet character plush!  We received the Dragon in our review pack but the winner may receive another one based on the book.

Dragon is super cute for such a ferocious beast, who just loves to eat witches with a side of fries.  My little guy got a hold of him and hasn't wanted to let go since.  It's very sweet to see him go grab the book and bring along his Dragon so both of them can listen to the story.

Can you tell I am super excited about this book and DVD combo?!  I've already emailed all my teacher friends to recommend they check Room on the Broom out.  I highly recommend it for classroom teachers because it's perfect for October, but it doesn't actually mention Halloween or the holiday.

That's great for those who work in districts that don't allow holidays in the curriculum or for when there is a child in the class who for religious reasons cannot participate in holiday related activities.  Usually, as long as it doesn't talk about trick or treating it can skirt the no holiday rule.  Plus the story has all sorts of great elements than can be used for teaching, like rhyming, the reading extension activity I mentioned above, etc.

Please use Rafflcopter widget below to enter.  Email subscribers will need to click over to access the form and enter.  Good Luck!  Open to US Residents, 18 and older.  Winner will be contacted via email and have 48 hours to respond before a new one is selected.  NCircle is the sponsor for this giveaway and responsible for giveaway fulfillment.

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