I was able to lay my hands on a publisher’s preview copy of Jessica Farm by Josh Simmons.  Simmons drew 1 page every month for 8 years and will continue to do so as he creates other volumes. The problem with this is that he seems to have lost all concepts of what the story should be. This graphic novel makes absolutely NO sense! It has numerous characters who are there for one or two pages and never properly introduced. It is full of violence, sex and nudity that has NOTHING to do with the story. I have yet to figure out who the heck Jessica is and whether these things are happening in her imagination or in her real life. Maybe in 42 years when the whole series is finished it will make sense, but I seriously doubt it. All I know is that in 2016 I will NOT be reading volume 2.

All that being said, I do have a copy of this book sitting here for anyone who may want it.  I want it out of my house - definitely not a book that you should have around kids, so consider yourself warned.  If anyone feels brave enough to want it, leave a comment by July 31st and make sure you use a valid email.  I will pick a recipient on August 1st, 2008 using random.org.  Good Luck!

Melanie at Livin’With Me! is hosting a giveaway for products from the Stubby Pencil Studio.  Stubby Pencil Studio was started by Kate Rosenthal in 2006 when she realized the need for eco-friendly and do-it-yourself art products for children.

Here is what the $70 prize package will include:

Green to the Letter Stationery set including:
4 packs of Color ‘n Kids cards (winner’s choice of styles)
Set of 10 Smencil pencils
Set of 12 eco colored pencils
Set of 12 Watercolor crayons
Box of 24 Soy crayons
Trio Pencil Sharpener

This giveaway will end on July 4th at 11:59pm EST.   Be sure to visit Livin’With Me! to enter.

If you can’t wait to see if you win, you can use this coupon code: BDAY08 for a free pack of Color ‘n Kids cards: Six Birthday Wishes ($7.95 value) good thru 12/31/08. The coupon code goes in at checkout - on the review your payment page - on the left hand side there is a spot to click that says Questions, comments or BONUS CODE.

Have fun and good luck!

Here’s How It Works:

1. Kids read any 8 books.

2. Kids use the Summer Reading Journal to tell us their favorite part of each book. A parent/guardian signs it when it’s complete.

3. Children bring their completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 29th & September 2nd, 2008.

4. They receive a coupon for a FREE book! They choose from a list of exceptional paperback titles.

Visit Barnes & Noble for more information.

Ginny at Daily Thoughts is giving away a gift card to Swimsuitsforall.com. 

Swimsuits For All started as a small E-Bay business in 2004 and has since become one of the leading retailers of swimwear sizes 8 and up online. We specialize in hard-to-find swimwear such as chlorine-proof, cup-sized, and plus-sized swimsuits. We are dedicated to offering our customers the best selection in fashionable, high-quality swimwear for every age, body type, and price range. Our goal is to be your full-service swimwear source!

Please click here to learn more and enter the contest.  Good Luck!

The Simple Mom at SimpleMom.net is sponsoring a giveaway of a handcrafted “tiny squares” necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs.  You really need to go to her store and check out her stuff.   It is just beautiful.  So be sure to head over to SimpleMom.net and enter by midnight tonight.  Oh and Good Luck!

PaidTwice from I’ve Paid For This Twice Already… is giving away a $50 gift card from SmartyPig. 

What is SmartyPig? SmartyPig is basically a savings account (that earns 3.90% APY) through an actual bank (WestBank) and is FDIC insured. The difference between SmartyPig and a regular savings account is that you set a savings goal and a funding source, and you need to fund your savings goal (minimum of $250) through that funding source by automatic monthly withdrawals. It is the online version of a piggy bank. Making deposits is free, and withdrawing your money is also free, which you can do in the form of a gift card (which you get a bonus for depending on what retailer), a SmartyPig debit card, or a check. Direct transfer back to your funding source is not yet available but is supposed to be in the future. If you are saving for an item which you can buy with a gift card, this would be a nice way to get a bonus for your money. Friends can also make deposits to your account if you make your savings goal public - and they can do so for free if they have a SmartyPig account to do so with. (read more at I’ve already paid for this twice...)

Thanks PaidTwice for this great giveaway.  Click here for details on how to enter and good luck to everyone!!!