Interview for the Christmas Story, Helping Santa

Tune in today at 2pm est at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors to hear about Helping Santa.

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Bunker Hill Publishing (November 16, 2011)

ISBN-10: 1593730934

ISBN-13: 978-1593730932

Synopsis:

Grandmas are wise beyond their years and often give us memories to cherish for the rest of our lives. Helping Santa: My First Christmas Adventure With Grandma is the story of one of those enchanting moments.

Told there is no Santa by his older sister, the narrator recalls rushing off to consult with his Grandma who, he was sure, “would be straight with him.” After roundly and immediately declaring the idea that Santa might not exist to be wholly and absolutely “ridiculous”, she challenges him to become one of Santa’s helpers, and suggests he buy and deliver a gift to someone who really needs it. Thus he learns, as the adventure unfolds, the true meaning of Christmas and what Santa Claus is really all about.



Review:

This story is one of those few books that are truly memorable. Grandmas always know just what to do and say, for they are much wiser than we are, but Grandma brings to life a great message. The boy in the story believes in something that in our hearts has always been true. Grandma sends the message home by telling the boy to buy something for someone in need. When the boy thinks about it, he realizes that there is someone who could benefit from his kindness. It is someone who is truely in need. This book doesn't just show the great qualities of kindness, caring and generosity from one person, but through many people. It shows how a community can pull together to help the ones who truely deserve it. Every winter season, with other people's needs in mind, we can all be helping santa.

Interview with Beverly Stowe McClure for Tumbleweed Christmas

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @2pm est to hear author Beveryl Stowe McClure talk about her book, Tumbleweed Christmas.

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC (August 28, 2011)  

ISBN-10: 0983274045

ISBN-13: 978-0983274049

Bio:

When Beverly was a kid she hated to read. Even though her eighth grade teacher sent her poem “Stars” to the National High School Poetry Association, and it was published in Young America Sings, an anthology of Texas high school poetry, she hated to write. In spite of her rocky relationship with the written word, she attended Midwestern University where she read too many books to count, graduated, and became a teacher, which meant more reading. As she read to her students and they read to her, she made an amazing discovery. Reading was fun.
She also started writing. To her surprise many of her articles were published in leading children’s magazines, such as Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Ladybug, and Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr. One of her articles was published in a PreK-K Scott Foresman anthology. She also has five novels for teens and two books for young readers published, along with a story in Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Beverly has three sons and a bunch of grandkids. She and her husband live in the country where deer, skunks, and armadillos stop by for a visit. She writes most every day and usually has a book in one hand, with the vacuum, mop, skillet, or other household items in the other.

Tumbleweed Christmas is Beverly’s latest release. Visit her online at:
Website Address: http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com
Blog Address: http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com
Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/beverlymcclure
Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/beverlysmcclure


Summary:

Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes, a child must make her own miracle, and one for her siblings.


Review:

Tumbleweed Christmas is a touching story about what the spirit of christmas is truly about.

Like most children, Jackie believed in miracles. Her mother had told her that Christmas was the season for miracles and that anything could happen. The problem was, that belief was going to be tested. Jackie's father was sick and in the hospital. They didn't have a lot of money for extra things, even a tree to light up their home. Jackie felt compelled to help everyone, but she only had a dollar to do it, which wasn't much money to do much of anything. But will she find a way to put smiles on her families faces despite the lack of funds?

This is a delightful 24 page book which shows the reader about selflessness. Many parent's give up much to make things work when they don't have a lot of money, and being creative is certainly a key in such situations. Jackie gave up what was dear to her the most to be able to give gifts to her family so they had something to open on Christmas day. In many ways, gift giving has gone out of control. The most expensive items are not necessarily the best. Sometimes it's the handmade items or drawings that come from the heart that are truly memorable. A gift from the heart is what truly matters most, and it doesn't have to be much. Children and parent's alike will enjoy this story because it touches upon one of the best gifts in the world that we can give--LOVE!

Interview with Michael Sheahan for The Roof Top Hop

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @2pm est to hear author Michael Sheahan talk about his book, The Roof Top Hop.

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Finest Books Inc; 1st edition (October 1, 2010)

ISBN-10: 1935679007

ISBN-13: 978-1935679004

Synopsis:

This original song celebrates the imagination within, and will deliver to children, friends and loved ones the joy of reading. The illustrations by Douglas Wright capture the warmth and spirit only a Christmas story like "The Roof Top Hop" can do. Watch children smile as they are entertained by this warm classic style picture book version of the lyrics, accompanied by a CD offering the title song, and a second original Christmas song by Michael Sheahan. "The Roof Top Hop" instructional dance DVD will entertain everyone as they learn the dance with Broadway's award winning Michael Balderrama and professional dance instructor Jennifer Parsinen. So many gifts in one luscious package. Fun for the entire family!

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Bio:

Michael Sheahan is a retired NYPD detective, who is also an accomplished singer, songwriter, and musician. His love of celebrating all the holidays with his wife and three boys inspired him to create Mr. Holidays, and an entire series of characters, songs, books, and dances that cherish the values, warmth and traditions of each holiday. "The Roof Top Hop" is the result of the collaboration of Finest Music, Finest Media, and Fine St. Records.

Review:

The Roof Top Hop is a fun and innovative way to not only tell a unique and entertaining story about Santa Claus, but to get children moving and hopping around. The illustrations are amazingly detailed and life like, and will catch the eye of every child. The character, Mr. Holiday's, will remind many of the charismatic and talented, Fred Astaire, who was the narrator in Santa Claus is Coming Town. The dance DVD that came along with the book is professionally done and teaches children the steps of the dance, the words to the story and the song. Coloring pages and many extras are included on the disc. And for the car, as well as to play in the home, is included a 4 song CD that will become every households new favorites. With the collaboration of many talented people, Mr. Sheahan has created a wintertime masterpiece that will entertain children of all ages for years to come, helping them create a new and memorable family tradition. 

    

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Radio Interview and Book Review for the Little Shepherd by Cheryl Malandrinos

 Please check out Cheryl Malandrinos' radio interview at   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST.   

Bio:

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A regular contributor to Writer2Writer, her articles focus on increasing productivity through time management and organization. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group's quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens. Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book!, a book reviewer, and blogger. Her first children's book, "Little Shepherd", was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. Ms. Malandrinos is a member of the Soceity of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband, three children, and four cats.

Paperback: 16 pages

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (August 21, 2010)

ISBN-10: 1616330856

ISBN-13: 978-1616330859

Little Shepherd is a story filled with obedience and faith.

Little Shepherd is about a young boy named Obed, who is entrusted with his first flock of sheep to guard. Obed is proud of his new responsibility and takes it very seriously. His family depends on the sheep for food and wool. He is determined to make sure that no sheep are lost on his watch.

That night angels came and brought news that a Savior has been born. Obed’s father wants to go to Bethlehem and see the new savior, but Obed has reservations about it. Unprotected, the sheep might get lost or eaten by the nearby wolves. However, Obed’s father is undeterred, believing that the sheep will not be harmed on such a special night. Though Obed doubts his father’s wisdom, he soon realizes that his father was correct. On the night the Lord was born, nothing would be harmed. It was truly a special moment of faith.

Little Shepherd is a great Christmas story for children between the ages of 4-8 that inspires faith and trust in something that cannot be seen, but can be felt in the heart and in the soul. This book would make a great addition to any Christmas collection as well as in any religious setting.

Here is also a link to Cheryl's YouTube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA2KStzoCPo

Book Review for The Elves’ First Christmas by Atsuko Morozumi

The Elves’ First Christmas by Atsuko Morozumi

(Mathew Price Ltd, September 1, 2010)

The Elves’ First Christmas is a 32-page picture book that begins with the elves living happily in the forest, enjoying life, and respecting nature and what it has provided for them.

Then men come—woodcutters—who begin to destroy the elves homes, forcing them to leave. The elves travel far and wide trying to stay away from humans. But they are soon forced to find shelter when a blustery winter storm hits. They come upon a barn that protects them, and they fall fast asleep.

And guess what? The barn belongs to Santa Claus and his wife! They find the elves and make them feel welcome, soon convincing them to build homes and create their own Elfin Village.

Having lots of work to do, yet too busy helping the elves to finish the toys for Christmas, Santa falls ill. Appreciating all the time Santa has put into helping them, the elves want to repay his kindness, so they finish making the toys. When Santa is well again, the elves show him all the work they have accomplished. Santa is pleased, happy with how well the job is done.

The illustrations bring the words to life, creating realistic images of the elves and their journey. The story is simply written and easy to understand; children will enjoy it.

A minor quibble: The story lacked adventure or suspense, which many children today expect, but was otherwise entertaining. This book is perfect for children between the ages of 4–8.

New Review for When Santa Turned Green

Today is a review for When Santa Turned Green by Victoria Perla.

Summary:

A creative holiday story that introduces kids to environmental awareness with ways that they can make a big difference.
It's November up in the North Pole. Everything's going along smoothly at Santa's workshop until he discovers a leak in his roof. Santa soon learns that this little leak is connected to a far bigger problem. The North Pole is melting because of something called global warming! Faced with the reality of what this could mean for Christmas, not to mention the planet and the future, Santa is determined to turn things around. To do so, he calls upon the people he knows better than any other-the children. Much to Santa's joy, they respond in a way that makes all the difference . . . in the world.

Review:

This is another great story that puts a different light on Christmas but also brings attention to global warming and the changes to our environment. The great thing is that the story shows children how they can make a big impact right from their corner of the world just by making a few simple changes in their lives. Such as recycling, composting, changing light bulbs, planting a tree, and so on...This is a great way to get children involved and into thinking more environmentally friendly. Which is something everyone needs to do. most importantly the story brings hope and the idea that we can make a difference. The artwork is delightful and explains thoroughly what Santa is discovering. As the elves work busily trying to get ready for Christmas Santa discovers a leak in his roof. As he discovers why this is happening, he finds that the snowmen are melting as well as the polar ice caps. From there he ponders what to do, then it hits him. He needs to bring the information to the children for they are our future. The story brings attention to the issue of global warming without being political and confusing. A good story that can be used on various levels.

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 14, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400313848
ISBN-13: 978-1400313846

Book Review for Aurora of the Northern Lights

Here is the book review for Aurora of the Northern Lights.


Summary:

The story begins with a maid named Mistletoe who lived in the cold and ice. She meets a man and they fall in love. However, William could not live in the cold like Mistletoe, so they move away, which is hard for Mistletoe because she will be away from her family and the people who care about her, but she makes the sacrifice for love. As time passes, they have a child, Aurora, and she grows up with the comforting warmth of love surrounding her. But, her parents become ill and die, and it leaves Aurora with no one to take care of her or to even want to associate with her because she is different than everyone else. This of course saddens the little girl and causes her to roam the land looking for her own kind. Along the way Aurora meets friends who help her find her way home.








My Review:

Overall, I really enjoyed Aurora of the Northern Lights. The illustrations were whimsical and delightful, taking the reader to the world that reminds me of Candy Land. The words that were written in rhyme were fun to read and understand. The moral of acceptance and understanding regardless of where one comes from, is evident throughout the story. I love reading books that have a meaning to them, and this is a good one for children to be able to relate too. This is definetly going to be a christmas favorite for children.


The Interview:

Joining us today is Holly Hardin, author of Aurora of the Northern Lights. We’re going to talk to Holly about her new picture book.

Welcome, Holly. It’s great to have you with us.

How did your writing career begin?

I wrote my first play, Peter Rabbit and Missing Easter Egg Mystery, when I was nine and have been writing ever since.

Tell us about Aurora of the Northern Lights.

Aurora of the Northern Lights is a holiday story of adventure, sprites and magical charms with a subtle message of tolerance.

The book follows the journey of Aurora, who is left alone and friendless after losing her parents. But Aurora isn’t the same as everybody else, and as she sets out alone, she finds it hard to find anyone who cares about her story¾even at Christmastime¾because of her differences.

As her trek continues, Aurora receives three special gifts to keep her safe, along with important clues about her true home. Before it’s over, she’ll encounter a host of bizarre-looking creatures until she winds up at the location of the world’s most famous bearded man.

What age group is this book for?

This book is geared for kids aged 8-12

This is a beautiful picture book. What inspired you to write it?

Thank you. After 9/11, I wanted to write a story to teach my nieces to not judge people by their differences.

In what forms is your book available? Is it available in e-book, hard cover or traditional paperback, or all?

Aurora of the Northern Lights is available in e-book, soft cover and kindle.


Have you written other books? If so, tell us about them.

I have two other picture books coming out next year. Be on the look out for Wendy Wrydwitch and the Sunflower Pumpkin and The Smallest Kid in the Choir.

I have read that you have written various articles. What are those about?

Most of my articles deal with spirituality and meditation.

What kind of research did you have to do for this story, if any?

I researched the different legends of Santa Claus and his elves. I also studied various forms of poetry.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

Readers and fans can learn more about me or contact me through my website. http://www.hollyhardin.net/

Where can readers purchase your books and how much do they cost?

My book is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles.com, Books-a-Million.com and Ripple Reader.

I have read that your story is compared to The Night Before Christmas. What lesson can children learn after reading it?

Hopefully, kids will learn perseverance and tolerance for other cultures.

What's next for you? Is there anything else that you are involved in or working on?

I have three adult novels, Clipped, Return to the Grove, and Truce, which will be out in 2011.

Has writing always been a passion for you?

Yes, I love creating other worlds for my readers.

Is there anything else that you would like to add or share?

I will be on book tour during this holiday season.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to our readers today. Good luck in all of your future endeavors. Please check out this picture book by Holly.