Review of Mineral Mischief

Last review stop for my tour ends with some great reviews for Mineral Mischief. Check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks everyone!

http://whirlwindofsurprises.blogspot.com/2011/04/childrens-book-review-adventures-of-joe.html


http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/world-of-ink-tour-for-april-2011/

This Weeks Book Tour Stops

I hope everyone has been enjoying the book tour. This is the last week for my tour in April. In May and June I will be touring other places. I look forward to reading everyone's comments. In the interviews and articles about me, I include some great information that can help writer's to improve their skills and to help encourage them in their writing goals.
Thanks!
Renee

Also look at this new review from Our Homeschool Review.  It is from a 7 1/2 year old. Great review from a child's perspective for Mineral Mischief.

http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2011/04/joe-joe-nut-review-and-giveaway.html

April 26th

Writing to the Hearts of Children- Interview
http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com/

April 27th

Writing to the Hearts of Children Review and Giveaway
http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com/

April 28th

The Writing Mama – Guest Post on finding time to write
http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/

Book Tour Stops for Today!

Today is also my 13th Anniversary. My husband and I have been married for 13 years but have known each other for 18. I can't believe it has been that long. Have a great day everyone!

Here is my post about plotting a storyline. I hope everyone ejoys it.

http://utahchildrenswriters.blogspot.com/2011/04/guest-post-plotting-storyline.html?spref=tw

April 25th


One Zillion Books Review
http://www.onezillionbooks.com/

Putting Words Down on Paper - Interview
http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/

Book Review for In Search of the Light by Leonard Jacobson

In Search of the Light, by Leonard Jacobson and Illustrated by Fiammetta Dogi
Conscious Living Publications
June 1, 2011
ISBN-10: 1890580058
ISBN-13: 978-1890580056
32 Pages
Ages 4–8
Children’s Picture Book spiritual

Leonard Jacobson is a world renowned spiritual teacher and author of several books, including Words from Silence, Embracing the Present, Bridging Heaven & Earth and Journey into Now. In Search of the Light is his first children's book. Originally from Australia, he now lives in the United States.

Fiammetta Dogi is a freelance illustrator and has been working for over 15 years, creating high quality illustrations, mostly for children's books. She grew up in Florence, Italy. After studying graphic arts and illustration she began her career as an illustrator with commissions for magazines. Having worked for clients worldwide, Fiammetta has a considerable body of work published in many books and magazines, as well as in the advertising world. She is represented in the USA by American Artists Reps, Inc.

Reviewer: Renee Hand

In Search of the Light discloses secrets in helping children overcome fear and judgement and have them find that inner joy and happiness within themselves.

In Search of the Light is a story that begins with the eclipse of the sun. The day turned into night and confused the animals. So, they had a meeting to discuss it. An old Billy goat, one of the elders, thought the sun had lost its way, and with it gone, could mean the end of light for good. The sun must be found. The animals agreed. Led by a chestnut colored horse named, Ned, there was a group of four who volunteered to go on this quest. A mouse, a rabbit, a horse and a bee, were known as the fateful four.

The journey led them across the meadow to a vast, dark and mysterious forest known as the forest of fear. These four were scared of all the dangers, strange animals and sounds, but they continued on. At their lowest point the wind decided to guide them and help them search for the light. Along the way they met a firefly who gave them some strange advice.

They were led to a strange place where nothing seemed right. They came to a crossroads where two signs stood. The Easy Way, one said, or The Hard Way. But a toucan of beautiful color warned them of possible deception. Which road would you choose to find the light?

This is an amazing 32-page picture book that shows children to look in the depths of themselves to find the courage and strength to handle any situation. Everyone in life runs into a time where they have fallen. Things don’t work out as planned, a lost job, a divorce—pain. It doesn’t matter how many times we fall, but how many times we get up after we have fallen, that shows more than anything what we are made of and the strength inside of ourselves to move on and figure things out. It is our inner light.

The illustrations are clean, bright and colorful, delighting the reader with the fateful four’s adventure. They really help make the adventure memorable and clear. Children and adults will be inspired in finding strength within themselves they never knew they had.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!

New Book Review for The Chest of Mystery

For those of you who don't know, The Chest of Mystery is book 4 in my Crypto-Capers Series. In this series, in order for the reader to solve the case, they must solve cryptograms and puzzles. Each of the puzzles and word scrambles are in the book. This is a mystery series that is interactive for the reader. Here is the summary of the book. Below is also a new review for it. I hope everyone enjoys it! This is a great series that challenges the reader. They are educational and fun. Check out my website at http://www.reneeahand.com/ for more information. Books can be bought through Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and other bookstores big and small.

THE ASSIGNMENT:

In the conclusion of the search for the Golden Monkey, the Crypto-Capers, Granny, Max, Mia and Morris, find more than what they bargained for. From the very beginning, their resolve will be tested. Having found two of the pieces to open the treasure room in book 3, they soon come to realize they only have half of the puzzle solved. Their search for the other two pieces, will become more exigent. The Panther is hot on their trail, sabotaging them at every turn, like they had done to him in Chichen Itza. Feeling like he is close to finding the Golden Monkey, the Panther sends every accomplice he knows to thwart the detective team from finding the pieces, while at the same time, using their talents and knowledge for his own gain.

In The Chest of Mystery the team will travel across the globe to Pisa, Italy where they will have to fight for their freedom, or be captured by the enemy. They must be one step ahead, but can it be done when the man who holds all the answers disappears without a trace? The Crypto-Capers list of friends begins to dwindle until they realize the answers are right in front of them, all they have to do is look, and believe. Their fate drops in the hands of one boy, Emmanuel Watson, whose history is tied to the chest, but can he find the strength to do what he must, especially when the world is against him? When so close to accomplishing their goal, obstacles arise, and the scent of betrayal is in the air. Come join the Crypto-Capers in the closure of the Golden Monkey. Good luck!

Here is the review for the book:

http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/the-crypto-capers-the-chest-of-mystery-by-renee-hand/#comment-1778

Upcoming Blog Tour Stops and Children's Book Week during May 2-6

April 21st
Health, Beauty, Children and Family Review
http://healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com/

April 22nd
Families Matter blog-Review and Giveaway
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/

This is a great way to celebrate children's books. For my contribution, I am giving away the 4 books in my Crypto-Capers Series, The Case of the Missing Sock, The Case of Red Rock Canyon, The Legend of the Golden Monkey and The Chest of Mystery. As well as both cases in my Joe-Joe Nut Adventure Series, The Great Pie Catastrophe and my new release, Mineral Mischief. More info about all of my books can be found on my website at http://www.reneeahand.com/ So, I am giving away 6 signed books total for children to enjoy ranging from 2nd grade to up into middle school.

My site will be linked to a bunch of other sites giving away children's books as well. All you have to do is hop on the blog link and hop away to enter free books! Details will be posted at the end of the month, so stay tuned!

Today's Blog Tour Stop

April 20th


The Writing Mama – Interview
http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/

I am also going to be doing a Writer's Workshop today. I hope everyone is enjoying the tour.
Renee

Today's Blog Tour Stop

Here is where I will be today.
Check out the wonderful review that was posted for Mineral Mischief.
Thanks everyone!

April 19th

Rambling of a Coffee Addicted Writer Review
http://ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrter.blogspot.com/

Renee

Todays Blog Tour Stops for Mineral Mischief

April 18th


World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children with hosts: VS Grenier and Kris Quinn Christopherson.
Live Radio Interview at 11am MST (10am PST, Noon Central and 1pm EST)
at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork  or call in to listen or ask questions (714) 242-5259 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (714) 242-5259 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. You can also listen on demand after the show airs!

Book Marketing Network – Author Spotlight
http://thebookmarketingnetwork.com/profiles/blog/list?user=VSGrenier&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_url

Book Review for The Tale of Old Green Eyes by Cathy Kennedy

The Tale of Ole Green Eyes, by Cathy Kennedy

Mirror Publishing
26 Pages
Ages 9-12
Children’s Picture Book  Appalachian Mountains

Born and raised in southern West Virginia in McDowell County (home of the Rocket Boys), Cathy married her best friend and high school sweetheart, Robin, in 1979. Shortly afterward they moved to Knoxville in the Tennessee Valley. Some of her stories were inspired by Robin's grandmother who was a gifted storyteller. Inspiration from one of her true stories led to the creation of The Tale of Ole Green Eyes.

Reviewer: Renee Hand

The Tale of Ole Green Eyes is a fun tale that takes readers back to their childhoods.

The Tale of Ole Green Eyes begins in the Appalachian Mountains where sisters, Brittany and Nicole, are spending some time with their grandparents. Great-Grandma Sarah begins to tell the children a tale from her childhood about Old Green Eyes, a sleek panther she had encountered as her and her sister, Ella, went to fetch a pail of water from the spring near their house. The adventure was something they would never forget as the panther chased them back to their house, right up to their very door.

The sisters remember the tale long after Great-Grandma Sarah leaves to go home. They were amazed by it. As the day progresses with fun activities, like baking cookies and going on a picnic with their grandparents, the sisters decide to discover a clearing in the woods by themselves. So, they go adventuring into the woods, but with the wise words of their Papaw not far from their minds. He tells them to get home before dusk because that’s when the animals come out. As dusk approaches they hear a sound through the trees and the crackling of leaves on the ground. As they turn to head back home, they notice a large track in the dirt. Is Ole Green Eyes coming after them too?

This 26-page picture book is a fun story for children 9-12 years of age. It reminds the reader of spending time with their grandparents and the stories they’ve heard throughout the years. It also rekindles the memories of loved ones who have passed away, but will never be far from our minds. Overall, a great children’s story.

Reviewer Renee Hand is the award-winning author of The Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill adventure series for children. Look for her new release in the series, Case#2: Mineral Mischief.

Children's Author Show Interview This Weekend

 

I am going to be on the Children's Author Show on April 15th, 16th and 17th. I would love to hear what everyone thinks about the book. I talk about the history of the series, why I created this fun and educational book and series, as well as covering many other topics. The link is below.


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

Thank you so much everyone!

Renee

Mineral Mischief Book Tour Stop Day 9

Here are my stops for the next two days. Over the weekend I have two more book reviews that will be posted. My stops this week will consist of book reviews for Mineral Mischief and interviews. Hope everyone enjoys them.
Thanks!

Here is are some book reviews done for Mineral Mischief by 1 prince and 3 princesses.
http://www.1princeand3princesses.com/2011/04/adventures-of-joe-joe-nut-biscuit-bill.html

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview/

April 14th

Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview
http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/pastfeaturedguests.aspx

The Writing Mama – Author Spotlight
http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com/

April 15th

Rambling of a Coffee Addicted Writer – Author Spotlight http://ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrter.blogspot.com/

Blog Tour Day 8 and Radio Interview for New Children's Book Mineral Mischief

Here is the first stop. I am going to be on the Children's Author Show today April 12th. All day long they will be playing the interview. They will also be rerunning it on the weekend on April 15th, 16th and 17th. I would love to hear what everyone thinks about the book. I talk about the history of the series, why I created this fun and educational book, as well as covering many other topics. The link is below.

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

I will also be making two stops today for my blog tour.


April 11th


The Maggie Project – Guest Post on creating characters
http://www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com/



April 12th


KidsRead Blog Review
http://kidsreads.wordpress.com/


Please stop by and comment if you want to. I am also doing some great giveaways for this new release. The giveaway is explained further on a different post. Thank you so much for stopping by.
Renee

Book Review for Psion Beta by Jacob Gowans

Psion Beta by Jacob Gowans
CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 1456362682
ISBN-13: 978-1456362683
368 Pages
Young Adult Novel    Science Fiction

Jacob Gowans is a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, finishing his fourth year of dental school at Case Western Reserve University. He is husband to a beautiful wife, Kat, and father to three children. When not studying or writing, he enjoys watching sports, reading YA novels or the works of Stephen King, swimming, and chasing his kids around the house.

Psion Beta is his first novel, and he is currently working on three projects: sequels to Psion Beta, A Tale of Love and Adventure Volume One: Flight from Blithmore, and an untitled story about clones. His favorite band is Angels and Airwaves. His favorite book is Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo, and thinks the greatest film ever made is Dead Poets Society. He was raised in Papillion, Nebraska, served a two-year mission in Baltimore, graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in theater studies, and moved to Cleveland shortly thereafter.

Reviewer: Renee Hand

Psion Beta is a story of suspense and adventure written in true science fiction style.

Psion Beta begins in South Africa with a boy named, Sammy, who is on his own with a bunch of other preteens. Most have been in prison for stealing and other crimes. Sammy is unique because he has special powers. He was born with a certain genetic anomaly. Finally, being noticed for this anomaly, he's recruited to a special group of the military who defends the people. Every member of this group has a certain anomaly that makes them special. For the first time in a long time, Sammy feels like he belongs.

His training begins where he excels beyond all expectations. The reader is taken on this journey of training where they will see Sammy succeed and of course, fail, learning some valuable lessons. The group is trained to work together and trust each other, something Sammy is not used to doing, but he knows how important it is, so works hard to overcome jealousy, fear, lack of confidence and several other emotions.

His training becomes hard core and involves holograms and simulations. He realizes he will have to kill his enemy if he wants to save the people he is trying to protect. He learns many military skills that are important in becoming a glorious Alpha instead of a learning Beta.

Sammy is taken on a real training mission where there is a possibility of danger. Will Sammy be able to perform the way he should and not only protect his team, but complete the mission, overcoming the many adversities thrown his way?

This story captures the reader from the very beginning, sucking them into Sammy’s world. The reader easily feels compassion for Sammy, which helps them through the rest of the story, eager to find out what happens to him on his journey throughout the book.

There are definitely some war type scenarios, with the use of weapons, some gore concerning the enemy, and description of dead bodies. The topic is more appropriate for older teens, not preteens, and mostly geared towards boys, but if the reader already plays war type video games, then this won't be an issue.

The beginning of the book needs a better back-story where it explains a little more. There is too much left for the imagination and is confusing to the reader at first about whats going on and why, though everything does get hashed out as the story progresses. The story gets really interesting and suspenseful after that making the book hard to put down. Though there are these minor quibbles, the author is still able to captivate the reader through it all with his writing abilities. He creates an interesting tale where the reader hopes that Sammy finds his happy ending and becomes the amazing Alpha he is destined to be. Readers will be left wanting to read more books in this series and by this author, and this reviewer feels that most of those readers will be adults more than teens.

Book Review for Anthony and the Magic Bumblebee by Barbara Prignano

Anthony and the Magic Bumblebee by Barbara Prignano Anthony and the Magic Bumblebee
Eloquent Books
ISBN-10: 1609769244
ISBN-13: 978-1609769246
24 Pages
Ages 4–8
Children’s Picture Book Pollination

Barbara Prignano was born in Huntington, New York. She is the daughter of the late Robert Prignano (aka Robert Palmer) owner of Palmer Vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island and Lorraine Prignano. Her parents were the inspiration for her first book, How Bunnies Got Their Cottontails. She is an attorney and small business owner. She currently resides in New York with her husband and two children. Her children continually inspire her.

Reviewer: Renee Hand

Anthony and the Magic Bumblebee is an interesting and fun way to teach children about bees and pollination.

Anthony and the Magic Bumblebee centers around a boy named, Anthony, who waits for his friend, Joseph, to finish with his chores so they can play together. Joseph waters his plants over and over again, but they don’t grow flowers. He wonders what is wrong.


As Anthony waits, a bumblebee flies past with a magic wand in his hand. Curious, Anthony follows and talks with the bee. The bee tells Anthony that he sprinkles magic dust on the flowers and vegetables to make them grow. He shows him how he does it. Anthony thinks of Joseph and how his sunflowers won’t grow, even though they are given everything they need. They are given water, sun, nutrients from the soil, and of course, love. Can the bee help Joseph’s flowers grow big and beautiful?

This is a simply told story about the importance of bees and how they affect the growth of plants and vegetables via pollination. This is a 24 page picture book for children 4-8 years of age. It is a fun story for preschoolers who are curious about bees and pollination. However, this story doesn’t give too much of an in depth look at bees and exactly what they do and how they do it. It is meant to scratch the surface and get children into thinking about it in a fun way.

Anthony and the Magic Bumblebee is similar in style and illustration to the author’s other book How Bunnies Got Their Cottontails. Fans of the first book will love this one.

Book Tour Stop Today at BiblioReads

My stop today at BiblioReads is a review of my Joe-Joe Nut Book 2 Mineral Mischief. Please check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks!

April 8th


BiblioReads.com Review
http://biblioreads.blogspot.com/

Today's Book Tour Stop is at Family Matters

Today's stop is at Family Matters. Please check out the interview if you get a chance and comment to enter into my giveaways. See all rules and info at http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-release-in-joe-joe-nut-and-biscuit.html 
Thanks!
Renee

April 7th
Families Matter Blog - Interview
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/

Today's Blogspot Talks About Building Scenes For All You Writer's

Hello
My blog stop today is at
VBT-Writers On The Move – Author Spotlight and Guest Post on building scenes. Some of you writer's might be interested in this post. I discuss some of the things I do in building my scenes. Especially for my new book release. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have or to add how you build your own scenes as well. Thanks so much for stopping.

http://vbt-writersonthemove.blogspot.com/ 

Today's Stop For My Book Tour, Mineral Mischief.

Check out 'The backstory of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Adventure series with me, Author Renee Hand' for my book tour that I am stopping at today. Remember to follow me at all my stops and comment if you would like to be entered into my great giveaways. Below is the link for today's stop.


Come learn about my newest book release on the Book Marketing Network today, Mineral Mischief.


http://thebookmarketingnetwork.com/profiles/blog/list?user=VSGrenier&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_url


Below are the stops I have been at already this week.

April 1st


The Product Review Place – Author Spotlight
http://productreviewplace.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=0lnk96wyqr6ya


April 4th

Roth’s Inspiring Books & Products - Interview http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com/


The Authors Marketing Powerhouse – Author Spotlight

http://www.theauthorsmarketingpowerhouse.com/profiles/blog/list?user=0lnk96wyqr6ya

New Release in the Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Adventure Series: Case#2 Mineral Mischief

In the midst of having her friends visit her rock collection, Maple Moo’s rare mineral goes missing from underneath her large cow nose. She instantly turns to Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill, the most famous detectives in Acorn Valley, to find it. They didn’t know the task was going to be an impossible one. The suspects were hard to figure out. Was it Candy Cardinal, who committed the crime? She collects various gemstones to make jewelry. Brutus and Betty Blue Beaver also collect minerals and have a fancy quartz collection. Liam the Llama looks suspicious with his igneous rocks and exploding volcano, or was it Huckleberry Moose with his sedimentary rock collection? Joe-Joe and Biscuit find themselves at a loss until some bullies roar into town. Will the detectives be able to find the missing mineral? Or, will this be a case they won’t be able to close? Find out in case #2 in the Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series-Mineral Mischief. Look for the various activities in the back of the book concerning rocks and minerals for added learning. Bubbling rocks, anyone?  

Excerpt:

Joe-Joe and Biscuit found themselves in a dark and dreary cave, and in front of them, sitting on an ornately carved stone pedestal, was Maple’s mineral. To reach out and take it would be so easy. It glistened like stars in a midnight sky, attracting their attention, luring them. There had to be a catch somewhere. Something wasn’t right. Joe-Joe and Biscuit stood beside the pedestal, analyzing it. There was a circle in the center of the pedestal, and the mineral was placed in the center of that circle. A TRAP! thought Joe-Joe as he glanced at his partner, who was wearing a russet-colored fedora, which matched his own—they definitely looked sharp. Joe-Joe glanced behind Biscuit, where he noticed a deep gap in the wall. The opening was barred like a cage. Barely any light shined through to reveal what was inside. Joe-Joe had an inkling that, if he removed the mineral, the cage door would open, unleashing a horrific Greek beast that would assuredly eat them both for dinner. Joe-Joe began thinking like an adventurer. He was suddenly consumed with the identity of Indiana Jones.

GIVEAWAY FOR BLOG TOUR

Giveaway #1 is for those readers who comment on Renee’s blog stops during the tour. One comment per person, per blog, through the length of the tour. Giveaway #2 is for those who purchase a copy of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Adventures Case#2 Mineral Mischief, between its release date of April 1st, 2011 and June 1st, 2011. Proof of purchase must be submitted to Renee via email at cdrahand@yahoo.com. If you prefer to mail or fax a copy of your proof of purchase, please contact Renee via email for that information.


Additional rules and guidelines can be found at the end of this post.

GIVEAWAY #1 (for people who comment during the VBT)

An autographed copy of Case#2 Mineral Mischief

Earth Science Posters on identifying rocks and minerals

National Audubon Society Field Guide (800+ pages) of Rocks and Minerals

Retail value of Giveaway #1 is $60 (rounded to nearest dollar)

*****

GIVEAWAY #2 (for those who purchase a copy of Case# 2 Mineral Mischief between April 1st, 2011 and June 1st, 2011)

An autographed copy of Case #1: The Great Pie Catastrophe

4 boxed sets of rock collections which include a box of each of: Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary and Minerals. There are 12 specimens in each box. These learning sets are a great learning tool for kids to learn about various kinds of rocks and their properties.

Retail Value of Giveaway #2 is $100 (rounded to the nearest dollar)

Here are the rules and guidelines for these giveaways:

1) For Giveaway #1 you must leave a comment on the hosting blog with a working email address for the author to contact you if you win. Only the first comment with your working email address is used to determine eligibility (one comment, per blog).

2) You must be a member of author’s blog or website at http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com and www.reneeahand.com (This goes for entering both giveaways).

3) You are eligible to win Giveaway #2 if you purchase a copy of Case#2 Mineral Mischief between April 1st, 2011 and June 1st, 2011 and provide the author with proof of purchase via email, mail, or fax prior to June 1st, 2011. Case#2 is available through, Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, and at various bookstores big and small, and various places on-line including my website.

4) All giveaway winners will be selected using Random.org.

5) Prizes will be shipped via USPS with appropriate insurance.

6) Author, blog hosts, and tour group are not responsible for lost or damaged goods.

7) The same person cannot win both giveaways.

Good luck to all who enter!