Interview and Review for Nimpentoad

Come and join me as I talk with authors Henry, Josh and Harrison Herz on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book Nimpentoad on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @ 6pm EST today.

Paperback: 34 pages

Publisher: Birch Tree Publishing (Feb. 10, 2012)

ISBN-10: 0615602746

ISBN-13: 978-0615602745

Website:  www.nimpentoad.com

Review:
Nimpentoad is similar to Lord of the Rings, yet with no gruesome details. The characters must find alternative ways to defeat their enemies. This story has a great leader, a Nibling named Nimpentoad who is smart enough to figure out that being small has its disadvantages. Goofus is a giant who has a hard time doing everyday chores. He can't even read a book without tearing it's pages with his big awkward hands. But to get to Goofus, the Niblings must travel through Grunwald Forest where threats and dangers abound. Encounters with Goblins, Orcs, Neebels, Rhinotaurs and Giant Scorpions are sure to happen. Will the Niblings make it through unscathed to find protection with Goofus?

This story is filled with tons of fantastical elements that will delight children of varying age groups. The emphasis of the story is put upon teamwork, creativity, and leadership. The authors have done a wonderful job creating an adventurous story that not only invites readers to think of the possibilities, but to believe in themselves. Though the Niblings are small, each creature of the forest has a greater purpose, sometimes they just don't see it.

A truly interesting and inspiring 24 page book that will assuredly delight any fantasy lover. 

Bio:
Josh and Harrison Herz are elementary school students who enjoy fantasy stories. Josh’s hobbies include parkour, building with LEGOs, and painting Warhammer miniatures. Harrison plays basketball, and collects Yu-gi-oh cards and KidRobot vinyl figures. Both are big fans of The Lord of the Rings, the annual Comic-Con convention, and have an entrepreneurial bent. With design help from their dad, they started three web-based businesses selling LEGO party favors, custom cast bases for Warhammer, and painted concrete yard sculptures. Henry Herz’s love of the fantasy genre began in elementary school with “Where the Wild Things Are” and “The Lord of the Rings,” and continued by playing Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer. Struck by inspiration one day, Henry began a fun project with his two bright young sons, who share his joy of entering the magical realms of fantasy. Together, they wrote this tale. By day, Henry is a management consultant who also teaches after school enrichment for elementary school children.
Summary:

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A charming tale of the courageous and resourceful little Nimpentoad, who leads his tribe of Niblings through the perilous Grunwald Forest, overcoming obstacles and encountering strange creatures along the way. Kids enjoy the adventure and stunning illustrations. Parents appreciate a positive story that emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and leadership.

Interview with Nicole Borgenicht for The Kids of Dandelion Township

Come and join me as I talk with author Nicole Borgenicht on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book The Kids of Dandelion Township on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @ 1pm EST today.

Author: Nicole Borgenicht
Illustrator: Lisa M. Giffen
Book: The Kids of Dandelion Township - chapter book for kids
Publisher: Create Space 
ISBN-13:978-1466466401
ISBN-10:1466466405
Author Website: www.nicoleborgenicht.com 
Illustrator Website: www.lisamgriffin.com 
Blog Address: http://lisamgriffin.blogspot.com 
Twitter URL: LisaMGriffinArt 
Facebook URL:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1175304813 
Facebook Fan Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-M-Griffin-Illustration/126529427398885


Author Bio:

Nicole Borgenicht is a children's fiction writer. Her most recent picture book is The Bridge published by Publish America. Some of Nicole's other kid's stories have appeared in The Los Angeles Times Kid'sReading Room section, Stories for Children Magazine and LadyBug FlightsMagazine. Additional works comprise poetry and essays, short stories, one actplays or articles  in magazines such as Arts and Entertainment Skyline andAmerican Fitness.

Summary:

The Kids of DandelionTownship is a story about new friends who in the process of discovering magic together, learn about their similar emotions and different cultures. All in the context of a child's day, the kids unravel mysteries of A students, and invent ways to be creative while completing their homework assignments. Preparing the way for children to receive magic, the kids of Dandelion Township wish all children will experience it one day.

Review:

The Kids of Dandelion Township is a chapter book of 5 different events where children of various cultures and backgrounds are free to roam the mystical forests, the meadows, the zoos, and primarily the town, without much interference from adults allowing the children to experience life to its fullest and to come up with their own resolutions.

They use their imaginations to create special moments of understanding for the reader concerning various topics like friendship, bravery, love and getting good grades. The author wants the reader to enjoy unstructered free play and for adults to be able to do the same. Life has become so structured that children are not able to run around and play the way they would like to. This story reminds parents that children need that play time.

One quibble is that some parents might have an issue with the children having no unnecessary parental supervision, allowing the children to do whatever and to go where ever they want, because as all parents know that if you give too much freedom to a child, they will get into trouble because of it. Children of all ages need supervision. This topic was emphasized by the author and sometimes justified, so it somewhat set the stage for a parents approval or dissaproval of it, instead of just allowing the reader to flow with the fact that the story's fiction. Realistically, there needs to be a balance between structure, responsibility and free play in a child's life.

Children of all ages are going to enjoy the magical worlds the children of Dandelion Township create in this 53 page chapter book, and their bonds of friendship which extends beyond the boundaries of  religion and culture.  

The Socialpunk Trilogy by Monica Leonelle Giveaway

Bio:

Monica Leonelle is a well-known digital media strategist and the author of three novels. She blogs at Prose on Fire (http://proseonfire.com) and shares her writing and social media knowledge with other bloggers and authors through her Free Writer Toolkit (http://proseonfire.com/free-writer-toolkit).

Description:

Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win.

***** EXCERPT ******

After playing God for six years with the world he created, he couldn’t control any of his subjects, none at all. Over the years, he had watched them evolve and become the sum of their own choices rather than the sum of his; and for that, he regretted ever giving them life.

A small, blinking red light from just inside his eyelid reminded him of the news they sent him earlier that morning. The company had cancelled his funding and would shut down his project within three months. According to them, the project cost too much and took up too much space, and the inconclusive results couldn’t be published reputably, now or in the future.

Six years of his work, tens of thousands of lives at stake—and he could do nothing to save any of it. He bowed his head, letting his chin rest on the rim of his breakfast smoothie. The smoothie reeked of powder—crushed pills—but he supposed he had better get used to it. He wouldn’t be able to afford the luxury of real food after they canned him.

He closed his eyes and called up the camera view of one of his favorites, number 3281. She fascinated him; he couldn’t deny it. When he had designed her, her pre-teen rebelliousness lit fire in her eyes. A survivor, he’d thought. He’d meant for her to have it all—to grow up, to get married to the love of her life, and to have a beautiful family of her own someday.

But he had only given her sadness so far. Instead of creating a strict father, he had given her an abusive one. Instead of creating a loving boyfriend, he had given her a friend who could never love her. And instead of creating a strong, proud mother, he had given her a meek one, who watched the whole thing unfold and did nothing about it.

He looked at his last and final creation sitting in the chair across from him—his own son, not awakened yet. The law forbade him to have any children of his own, so this boy would substitute.

But he had done the unthinkable with this creation—he had bestowed on it his own thoughts, emotions, and decision-making processes. He’d given the boy his own mind, his own physical characteristics, his own wants and desires.

He had never done so with any of the others because of the dangers of investing too heavily in any one of his subjects. But who could he kid? He had not stayed objective thus far, watching some of his subjects more closely than others, wishing for the happiness of some at the expense of others. He had become an abomination, a monster of his own doing, who had created subjects only to watch them suffer.

He couldn’t forgive himself; not now, not ever. His eyes lingered on the vial that sat next to his breakfast smoothie, that he’d stowed away for the day when they destroyed all his work, his entire world. He would save it, tuck it away for now, for as long as he could protect them. When things spun out of his control, he would drink it and end himself the way he had ended them.

In the ancient stories, gods frequently gave their sons as gifts. Now, he would give his son as a gift to her, number 3281. So she could be happy in her last months on earth, before they destroyed her with the rest of them.

The author is also having a raffle. Please join in during her book tour to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review for A Boy Called Duct Tape by Christopher Cloud

A Boy Called Duct Tape by Christopher Cloud

Paperback: 188 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (April 6, 2012)

ISBN-10: 1470006332

ISBN-13: 978-1470006334

Bio:

Christopher Cloud admits he came to literature late in life. “I was in my 60s before I developed a real interest in writing fiction,” he said. A Boy Called Duct Tape is Cloud’s debut middle-grade novel. It is a first-person account of three Latino children searching for the “lost treasure” of Jesse James.

Cloud began writing children’s fiction after a long career in journalism and public relations. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1967 with a degree in journalism. He has worked as a reporter, editor, and columnist for newspapers in Texas, California, and Missouri. His work has appeared in many national publications, including Time Magazine.

He was employed by Sun Oil Company, Philadelphia, as a public relations executive, and later operated his own PR agency. He created the board game Sixth Sense in 2002. The game sold at independent bookstores nationwide.

Cloud said his next project is a young-adult novel. “I have written the first draft of a story I’m calling 16 And In Love,” Cloud said. “This story—like A Boy Called Duct Tape—is multicultural.”

Cloud lives in Joplin, Missouri.


Summary:

Pablo Perez is a 12-year-old poor kid without much going for him. His classmates have dubbed him “Duct Tape” because his tattered discount-store sneakers are held together with…you guessed it, duct tape. He can’t escape the bullying.

Pablo’s luck, however, changes after he finds a $20 gold coin while swimming in a river near his home. Pablo later buys a $1 treasure map at the county fair. The map shows the route to the “lost treasure” of Jesse James. Pablo can’t help but wonder: Is there a link between the map and the gold coin? He is determined to find out, and he, his 9-year-old sister and 13-year-old cousin hire an ill-natured cave guide, and begin a treacherous underground adventure in search of treasure.

Review:

A Boy Called Duct Tape is a fun and suspenseful 203 page story that children in middle school are going to enjoy and look forward to reading over and over again. Christopher Cloud does an excellent job creating a sense of suspense and adventure in the story. Though this reviewer feels the title for this book is wrongly given, it doesn't express what the story is truly about and is not as enticing to the reader as what it could be, the content of the story will certainly satisfy the readers thirst for treasure hunting. The characters of Pia and Pablo are relateable to many children out there, which makes them realistic to the reader. The historical value it provides about Jesse James and his gang, who had lived in the Missouri area, will definetly stimulate a curiosity about some legends of the wild west and how they came to be, having them wonder if there are bits of truth in this fictional tale.

Overall, this story is a wonderful read children are going to enjoy and pass on to their friends.  

   

Radio Interview for Mineral Mischief

Hello Everyone,
I am going to be on The Children's Author Show today to talk about my Joe-Joe Nut Series and the book Mineral Mischief. It will be running all day today. Thanks!

http://www.wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShowChildren.html

Interview with Kasey Kellem for Believe

Come and join me as I talk with author Kasey Kellem on Stories From Unknown Authors about their book Believe on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @ 1pm EST today.

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Description:

Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.) Books are geared towards preschoolers to help them learn how to be resilient. Life comes at us fast and children have to be prepared with the right tools to face the challenges, adversity and obstacles that may become a part of their life. BELIEVE is the first of five books emphasizing the important factors for resiliency. In this book children will learn to BELIEVE in their possibilities!

 

Hardcover: 44 pages

Publisher: Halo Publishing International; 1st edition (2011)

ISBN-10: 1612440398

ISBN-13: 978-1612440392

Review:


Believe is a simply wonderful story that encourages children to believe in themselves and what they can do. No matter what a child's goal is, it is important to know they can accomplish it. The delightful illustrations send the message home to the reader as they turn the 44 pages of this uniquely designed hardcover picture book.

Interview and Book Review For Turtle Without A Home by Sharon Gaston

 

Come and join me as I talk with author Dr. Sharon Gaston and Richard Halttunen on Stories From Unknown Authors about their book Turtle Without A Home on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @ 6pm EST today.

Summary:

Ted the Turtle searches for the perfect home after his habitat has been polluted. He explores where ants, squirrels, and other animals live in nature. This children's book exposes children to environmental issues, such as turtle conservation, ecosystems, and litter prevention.     

For purchasing info, please check out the following site:  http://www.turtlewithoutahome.com/ 

Review:

Turtle Without a Home is a simply told story about how polluted habitats affect various types of animals. Ted the turtle wandered everywhere to find a new home after his pond was polluted, and he found it at an elementary school who had created a habitat to observe and take care of. Children will enjoy the new friends Ted makes along his journey as well as how schools can help create various animals habitats.

There are some powerful messages in this book that children will be able to learn from. Though a quibble would be that I think it would've also have been beneficial for the reader to see how the characters could've helped clean up the old habitat and return it to it's natural state, instead of just creating a new one to replace it. Though creating a new one certainly helps the animals survive and flourish, and gives the students a place to learn so they could help the animals in the future. Otherwise, this story did get it's message across on the importance of protecting the environment. Children will enjoy reading this 34 page hardcover picture book. Parents will enjoy the extended questions in the back as well as the word study.

Interview with Jaimie Hope for Baby Jaimie gets Stage Fright

Come and join Jaimie Hope on Stories from Unknown Authors today at 1pm est to talk with us about her book, Baby Jaimie gets Stage Fright. http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (November 22, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1467977144

ISBN-13: 978-1467977142

About The Adventures of Baby Jaimie
Baby Jaimie is in her first year of school. She has made many friends and learned a lot of things. Now she will learn what it means to be a team player when she is in her very first play. Follow Baby Jaimie as she learns the lesson that there are no small parts, only small actors.


About Jaimie Hope
Jaimie Hope was born in New York. It wasn’t until high school that she decided she wanted to be a writer. This is when the ideas for the Adventures of Baby Jaimie started forming. This was also around the time she joined the newspaper staff. According to the author she was part of the staff for two years and really enjoyed it.
Moving to Florida, she became an active volunteer at the local library and the historical society. During this time, she also sang on a few demos at the local studio, wrote her first song, and ran a book club.
In June of 2010, Jaimie Hope became a two time PublishAmerica author with the release of her second novel, Bless the Broken Road. Her first novel was Who Says You Can’t Go Home in 2008. Her second children’s book, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Goes to School also available courtesy of CreateSpace published in the same year.
In 2011 three more books were published. An Autobiography, Roll with it, courtesy of PublishAmerica, and two direct to Kindle E-Books. The first one is the third installment of the Baby Jaimie series entitled, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Gets Stage Fright, and the other is my first Paranormal Romance, When You Come Back to Me Again. Both e-books are now available in book format courtesy of CreateSpace.

You can find Jaimie Hope at her website, Jaimie Hope.com
Blog: Jaimie Hope
Book Video: The Adventures of Baby Jaimie


The Adventures of Baby Jaimie Book Excerpt
“Please quiet down class,” Mrs. Johnson said as she entered the room.Mrs. Johnson was Baby Jaimie’s kindergarten teacher. All the kids liked her, especially Baby Jaimie. The kids all quieted down and turned their gaze to their teacher. “Sorry I’m late,” Mrs. Johnson continued as she put a pile of books on her desk. “I had to speak to our principal, Mr. White. I have a surprise for all of you. We’re going to do a play.”
The kids looked at one another and then back to Mrs. Johnson. Finally, Baby Jaimie asked, “What’s a play?”
Mrs. Johnson smiled and wondered aloud, “How can I best describe a play to you?
There was a long pause and Baby Jaimie was starting to think her teacher didn’t even know when she heard the woman clear her throat and say, “A play is like a story that is acted out on stage.”
The children continued to just stare at their teacher, so she continued to explain. “it’s like when you play house. You’re not really mommies and daddies, and the dolls aren’t real babies, you’re just pretending. People who are in a play are just pretending to be characters they’re not.”
“Like on television?” Dennis said from the back row.
“Yes, just like on television!” Mrs. Johnson said. She was relieved someone in the class understood what she meant.
“What story are we going to be acting out?” Baby Jaimie’s best friend, Jane asked.
“I don’t know, Jane. There’s so many wonderful stories to choose from I can’t decide. That’s why I brought this pile of books in with me today. We’re going to go through them, so we can decide which one we want to do. Won’t that be fun?”
The whole class cheered in reply. When they finally quieted down again Mrs. Johnson had them sit in a circle on the rug, like they did every day for story time. Today, instead of reading a book she would just read them the titles of each book and tell them what they were about. There were too many to read in one day and they still had to cover their lessons for the day.

Interview and Book Review for There's Always a Bully by Dee Dee Sutherland

Come and join me as I talk with author Dee Dee Sutherland on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book There's Always a Bully on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @ 1pm EST today

File Size: 272 KB

Print Length: 25 pages

Publisher: There's Always A Bully LLC (January 3, 2011)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services

Summary:

Faced with moving to a new school, Jake decides to make the best of the situation. He quickly meets new friends, and they encounter bullies in the cafeteria. Together they discover new ways to deal with them.

This book was written and illustrated by Pat Trutner and Dee Dee Sutherland, two mothers who saw a problem first hand with how bullies can have a huge impact on the development of a child. It is important to recognize the problem and remedy it.

Our Mission is to empower children to deal with bullies and also to stand up for others who are being bullied.

In addition, we want the bully to know that if he wants to change, young children can accept him as a friend.

Review:


There's Always a Bully is a story of how a bully can change his ways. Even though Jake and his friends were getting bullied by Eddie and Danny, they see an opportunity to befriend Danny, who only bullies others because Eddie encourages it. When Danny realizes that its nice to have friends and be liked, he changes his ways and stands up to the person who also bullies him.

This story shows others how they can stand up to bullies and how to also show forgiveness. Children of all ages will enjoy this 25 page soft cover chapter book and learn how to handle situations they may be involved in. The author also includes suggestions on how to handle various situations at the end of the book.

Interview and Review for The Little Rose by Sheri Fink

Come and join me as I talk with author Sheri Fink on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book The Little Rose on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @ 1pm EST today.

Hardcover: 28 pages

Publisher: Sheri Fink (March 22, 2011)

ISBN-10: 0983408904

ISBN-13: 978-0983408901

From the Author:

My mission is to inspire and delight children while planting the seeds of self-esteem that can have lifelong benefit. I want children to know how precious they are and to love themselves no matter what is going on in their lives and no matter what anyone else says. I'm delighted to bring positivity to the lives of others, especially children. Together, we can make a huge difference in the world, one book and one child at a time!

Description:

The Little Rose is a timeless, heartwarming story about embracing who you really are. Finely detailed, irresistible illustrations bring to life this endearing story of the Little Rose growing amongst a bed of weeds.Teased by the ugly weeds around her, the Little Rose nearly gives up but then learns to accept and love herself for what she really is, a beautiful rose.
The Little Rose inspires children to embrace who they are despite their current environments.

Themes include: Overcoming Bullying, Self-Esteem, Tolerance, Embracing and Accepting Yourself, Authenticity

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Review:

The Little Rose is a delightful story that will really hit home for many children, and even adults. Every child wants to fit in, no matter if it's on a sport team or in a school, but the one thing children need to understand is that if they feel confident in themselves and if they accept who they are, then no one else really matters. It is our own insecurities that bring us down. The Little Rose shows children to surround themsleves with the right kind of people who can bring them to their fullest potential, and to not hang around the nay sayers. A positive environment brings out the best in everyone. This 28 page hard cover picture book is a true gem that children will learn and grow from.

Interview and Review for Sir Princess Petra by Diane Robinson

Come and join me as I talk with author Diane Robinson on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book Sir Princess Petra on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @ 2pm EST today.

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Perfect Paperback: 68 pages

Publisher: Tate Publishing (January 17, 2012)

ISBN-10: 1613462646

ISBN-13: 978-1613462645

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About the Book:

'I have thought hard and for many passing moons. Jewels, frocks of lace, and princess games have become boring. The thing I want the most...' Petra hesitated and bit on her lip. 'I want to be a royal knight.'

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Biography:

Diane Mae Robinson lives in central Alberta. She enjoys riding her horses, playing with her dogs, teaching and creating art, visiting Maui often, learning to ride a motorcycle, and of course, writing. Diane is a graduate of The Schools of Montreal International Correspondence Schools in Journalism and the Institute of Children's Literature in Connecticut.

Find your wings and Fly. DMRobinson

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Book Review:

 

Princess Petra was no ordinary princess. Nope, she didn't like girly things at all. What she wanted was to become a knight. Well, the chance for a girl to become a knight was slim but within her grasp. Her father allows her to try by fighting a dragon named Snarls to stop him from howling at the moon, keeping them all up at night.

 

Where other knights have failed, Petra succeeds. She shows the reader that we don't have to fight someone in order to win. Sometimes just treating someone with respect by listening to what they have to say and then coming up with an agreeable solution is enough.

 

Given the fact that Petra comes across some interestingly strange new friends, she shows the reader how to respect and appreciate an individuals uniqueness. Together, they start a new wave of acceptance in her father's kingdom.  

 

Ms. Robinson has created an interesting and delightful tale about acceptance and understanding. Her characters are fun and children will enjoy the spunkyness of Petra. She shows common sense and reason, unlike her father who would rather use brute strength and malice to solve problems. Children will see how problems can be solved in different ways.

 

Children 7 and up will love this unique 68 page chapter book. Children will be anxiously awaiting the other books in The Pen Pieyu Adventure series, wondering what Petra will be up to next.

 

Book Review for Happy by Mies Van Hout

Happy by Mies Van Hout

Lemniscaat USA

April 1, 2012

ISBN-10: 1935954148

ISBN-13: 978-1935954149

Ages 2 and up

52 Pages

Fiction     Children’s Books   

Mies van Hout studied at the Arts Academy in Groningen, where she majored in graphic design. She has been working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer since 1989. Over the years, she illustrated quite a lot of children's books. Her illustrations are cheerful and witty, painted skillfully and distinctly.

Reviewer: Renee Hand

Happy is a kaleidoscope of emotional colors splashed on a black canvas of solidarity.  

A dramatically colorful, 32-page, hardcover picture book for children ages two and up, Happy takes the reader on a journey of emotional discovery, telling it in a more visual manner because of the limited text.

The pages are similar to a black chalkboard with fish of varying shapes, sizes, and colors displayed on each page and expressing a type of emotion. The illustrations’ colors suggest they were done in chalk, which adds to its captivating appeal for young children.

Happy provides ample opportunities for extensive discussion about the expression of emotions—a true, potentially interactive delight for young readers and their caregivers.