Macomb County Author Festival

The Macomb Intermediate School District is putting on an author festival this Saturday. I have worked with this school district for many years and they always do whatever they can to encourage reading in all of their schools and helps promote us area authors. This is a new program they are hoping to get off of the ground. If you live in the area, come support them if you can.

Review for Groundhog's Runaway Shadow by David Biedrzycki

Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow by David Biedrzycki

Charlesbridge Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1580897341
Ages 4-8
32 Pages

Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow is a fascinating story about friendship and acceptance. 

Phil Groundhog was fast in his Hogzilla T-shirt. No matter where he went, how high he jumped, or when he laughed or cried, his shadow was always with him by his side. But as he grew into adulthood, he had more responsibilities and began looking at things in a different way. He was no longer the playful groundhog who had fun doing whatever he wanted. He now had a job and other responsibilities. 

It was then he began to realize how different he and his shadow were. They wanted different things. Phil liked vacations at the beach, while Shadow wanted to travel. Phil loved scary movies; Shadow was terrified of them. Even what they ate was opposite. It wasn’t until his shadow began to embarrass Phil that he decided that he could do without him.

Shadow left, and Phil was happy. Well, happy at first. He then began to miss his shadow. Where did he go? Phil didn’t have to wait long to find out. He saw his shadow traveling the world on TV and in the newspapers, experiencing some really great things, and all without him. Phil was envious. Here, in his life he was expected to live, he felt alone and dull. Why couldn’t he be adventurous as his shadow? 

This is a story about friendship and acceptance. In order for Phil to ever have a harmonious relationship with his shadow again, he must accept Shadow for who he is and not what he wants him to be, and Phil must also accept himself. Children of all ages will enjoy that message. They will also love the well-detailed in-depth graphics that bring this 24-page story together. The characters are realistic, colorful, and lifelike. Just like in his other books, Biedrzycki brings humor to this fast paced story. He also adds in some of his signature hidden details for readers to discover. Fans of Groundhog Day will enjoy this year after year. 

Groundhog's Runaway Shadow

Review for One Lonely Fish by Andy Mansfield

One Lonely Fish by Andy Mansfield and illustrated by Thomas Flintham

Bloomsbury USA Childrens

January 31, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1681192017
Ages 2-5
22 Pages

 Children’s Picture Book ​General

One Lonely Fish is a counting book with a bite! With fun shaped pages children will be able to count from 1 through 10 in a fun and simple way.

Each page in this colorful book has ocean characters that are consistently hanging around as they watch the nature of life unfold in front of them. One lonely fish swims in the sea looking for food, but what he doesn’t realize is that he might be the food for someone else who is on the prowl. The odd shaped pages make it very clear that there is always a bigger fish out there.

Young children will delight in counting how many fish show up on the pages. As they get to 10 a surprise awaits them when all the fish, except for one, suddenly disappear.

Children will love the colorful and repetitive pictures in this 22 page picture book. Young children as early as 3 can easily grab the durable pages and begin to count the number of fish as well as to see the number on the page to recognize it.Children will also be able to visually see how the fish are getting bigger the higher the number is, which builds anticipation to the end where they meet the biggest fish of all.

Overall, this is a well-developed, simple concept book, that is visually appealing to young children, and who will want to reread over and over again to learn the concepts of counting and sizes.

Leon and Lulu Special Author Event

I will be at the Leon and Lulu special author event with over 50 authors. Stop by and see us. The event is from 11-5pm. I will be there signing my award winning books.

AUTHOR EVENT

HOURS

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 8pm
Sat. 10am - 6pm
Sun. 11am - 5pm
(Mon. Oct 31st 10am - 6pm)
96 w. 14 Mile Clawson, MI 48017

Sit. Relax. Take a nap.

Explore Metro-Detroit’s Award-Winning Lifestyle Retail Store

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July everyone, and thank you to our military for keeping us safe here and abroad.
Enjoy the day!

Review for Putter and the Red Car by Kate K. Lund

Putter and the Red Car

• Age Range: 6 - 8 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 2
• Paperback: 42 pages
• Publisher: Kate Lund (January 21, 2016)
• ISBN-10: 0997151625
• ISBN-13: 978-0997151626

Putter and the Red Car is the story of one family's cross country road trip narrated by a lively 7 year old Airedale terrier. The book incorporates ideas related to family, change, and geography with a backdrop of brightly colorful illustrations.

This story takes the family from Boston, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington. With lots of attractions to see as the family travels cross country the reader learns more about the inside of hotel rooms than the amazing outdoors. Granted, the story is told by a dog but even so the author missed the opportunity to educate the reader by making the story more interesting by detailing more of the attractions and cities they had to drive through than being in the car and in various hotels. There was a few interesting pieces such as Mount Rushmore and a tipi museum, but that was quickly lost.

The illustrations weren't as adventurous either showing lots of pictures of the family and dog in the car and in hotels, but again not focusing on the great things going on around them through their travels. Instead of making the road trip exciting and fun, or even using comparisons and contrasting about of the landscapes, the author made it sound boring by focusing too much on how the dog feels on the trip instead of what he sees. The author noted more of the every day type stuff that the reader doesn't need to read this book to know more about, though it is true to its title. The book focuses on the car and the dog.

Though the story is assuredly simple, children who have dogs will enjoy reading a story told by a dogs point of view learning more about how a dog may feel on such a long and tiresome trip. Focusing on a younger age group the kids will enjoy the dogs adventure more, an older age group will need more substance.

Review for Blue & Other Colors by Henri Matisse

Blue & Other Colors by Henri Matisse

Phaidon Press

Series: First Concepts with Fine Arts

April 18th, 2016


ISBN-10: 0714871427


ISBN-13: 978-0714871424


Ages: 2-4 years old


30 Pages   

Children’s Book                 Board Books     Colors and Shapes

Brilliantly colorful cut-outs are used to teach colors and shapes in this board book designed with artwork by Henri Matisse.

Blue & Other Colors takes children through Matisse's color palette by showing his various collages.  From simple collages to more complex each page focuses on certain colors. Though the book doesn't focus on shapes, it could have. Matisse uses various abstract shapes in his cut outs where many are randomly set.  The author also focuses on the color blue, yet they do mention various other colors.

Matisse tries to use various shapes, depth, and scale to his cut outs, but many seem very elementary. Children will be able to relate to this simplicity trying to duplicate his work. The text is straightforward, easy for young children ages 1-3 years old to be able to listen to and repeat.

The information about Matisse will interest young readers that is found in the back of the book, though many will not understand his cut out technique. Using gouache paint and various sized scissors to create his affects Matisse really tried to create something different in the later part of his life when his mobility began to fail him. The cut outs in each collage are relateable to children and is something that parents might appreciate as well.

Romance Novel That Will Touch Your Heart!

Miranda Mayne, the daughter of a notorious pirate, spent most of her life in the hustle and bustle of London society, though her true love was always the sea. Promising her father she will stay away from the life that killed her mother, Miranda accepts the marriage proposal of a man she thinks she can trust—only to discover that his true intentions are to secretly capture her father. Trapped between loyalty and deceit, Miranda’s heart falls prey for her true match only to find that he is out of her reach. Will she lose everything she holds dear or can she save her father, find true love, and most of all—find herself before reality prevails?

What others are saying!

"Wow this book had me captivated with a true romance novel with the heroine, hero, and villain along with innocent bystanders made this story one of a kind yet reminded of a Jane Austin classic with the time period of the story. I chose the marking of some violence and sexual content because there was some but it was all so romantic and intriguing. There were times when it was hot and heavy, ruthless, dangerous, on the edge of the seat kind of relationships that you could really feel and be drawn into the story line. This is a book that is very hard to put down until you finish it! I have read many of Renee Hand's books for her younger audiences and since this is the first adult novel I have read of hers I was pleasantly surprised and very pleased to have been able to read a different genre of Renee's. Kudos for a job well done!! Loved it!"--Missy Mae-Amazon

"Loves' Conqueror is a well-developed historical romance that will take the reader on a journey of two characters and their struggle to find true love. Beginning with the most notorious pirate on the seas and the woman who dared to love him. Her death in childbirth caused many changes in the hard core pirate. Forcing his daughter to live a pampered life in London away from him. Knowing that her father would approve, Miranda Mayne accepts a marriage proposal from an accomplished man who has ties with the crown. It isn't until she discovers that her fiancé’s goal is to find and destroy her father, that she realizes she made a mistake. Forced on a journey where she is used as a pawn, she finds love with the captain of the ship, only to learn that he is out of her reach. Determined to find her father before her fiance does, and wiggle her way into the heart of the man she loves, Miranda digs deep within herself and finds a strength she never knew she possessed.  This is a well written page turner that will capture the hearts of others." Children's Book Reviewer

Loves' Conqueror E-Book Link

Review for Where's Warhol? by Catherine Ingram and Andrew Rae

Where’s Warhol by Catherine Ingram and Andrew Rae

Laurence King Publishing

May 3rd, 2016

ISBN-10: 1780677448

ISBN-13: 978-1780677446

40 Pages    

Reviewer: Renee Hand

Where’s Warhol is an incredibly detailed journey through various historical locations around the world. 

Similar in style to Where’s Waldo, this book has readers looking through 40 pages of vibrant scenes that Andy Warhol explored; he is placed among them in places such as the famous Studio 54, The Bauhaus, and Basquiat at Washington Square Park. 

Andy Warhol is well known for blurring the lines between commercial art and fine art. His silk-screen renderings of banal objects like Coke bottles and a Campbell’s Soup can established him as the leader of the Pop Art movement, as does his multi-image portrait of Marilyn Monroe.

Readers are going to have fun scouring each page to find Warhol somewhere in the scene. Certain pages are easier than others. With so much going on in the scene one really has to focus, but while doing so it’s easy to miss small details the illustrator threw in there—which is why the author and illustrator created pages in the back to look at the scene more closely to find more famous people. The info in the back also tells more about each place and the people of that time and their connection with Warhol. 

Not only are art lovers and Warhol fans going to enjoy this book, but also readers of all ages who like to search and find. This book is a unique piece to add to any picture book collection.  

Review for Magic Cakes by Christelle Huet-Gomez

Magic Cakes by Christelle Huet-Gomez
Hardie Grant Book
March 8th, 2016
ISBN-10: 1784880175
ISBN-13: 978-1784880170
Ages: All
72 Pages  

Cook Book Desserts

Reviewer: Renee Hand

“bakers of all ages will enjoy this 72-page dessert extravaganza . . .”

Magic Cakes is a simply delightful way to make three cakes with just one cake batter. A magic cake is very different than other cakes. The three layers are unique in texture and taste. One layer is dense and moist. Another layer has a delicate cream filling that tastes like pudding, while the third layer is light and spongy. The secret in all this is not some magical enchantment but the separation of egg whites at low cooking temperatures.

There are around 30 recipes from classical cakes to cupcakes, cheesecakes, quiches, and much more. The ingredients to each recipe are simple with less than 10 ingredients per recipe.

The measurements are laid out in two different ways: in grams and in ounces. This might need a little bit of getting used to depending on which country one lives. Some recipes are meant to be baked in smaller baking dishes, especially some of the cakes.

The egg whites are definitely key in these recipes. If your whites are not whipped well enough it will taste accordingly in the final product. Some of the ingredients can be modified that are more familiar to certain countries.

Though these recipes are simple in nature it does take time to have them turn out right. But don’t fret, the author gives the reader every tip needed for success, the baker just needs to be patient with the process.
Illustrations on every page help the baker with what the final outcome of the dessert should look like.

This is a great guide. Overall, bakers of all ages will enjoy this 72-page dessert extravaganza and the challenge to make these flavorful, yet simple recipes.

Review for President Lincoln: From Log Cabin to White House by Demi

President Lincoln: From Log Cabin to White House by Demi
Wisdom Tales
February 7th, 2016
ISBN-10: 1937786501
ISBN-13: 978-1937786502
Ages: 6 and up years old
32 Pages  

Children’s Book Historical Reference

Reviewer: Renee Hand

Abraham Lincoln From Log Cabin to White House is an accounting of Lincoln’s humble beginnings in Kentucky to the height of his prominence and prestige as president in the White House.

The timeline of events begins on February 12, 1809, when Lincoln was born in Kentucky. It then progresses to his home life and his various moves, highlighting the importance of his mother and father in his life. His love of animals is prevalent throughout the pages in the various things that Lincoln does. His love of reading fueled his desire in becoming a lawyer and throughout his life he proves to be honest and kind.

From his start in being elected to the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC, to his election as president, Lincoln’s journey wasn’t easy, especially with slavery and the Civil War going on. He was a man torn between his wishes for peace and his belief that slavery was wrong.

Readers are going to love using this book as a secondary source for learning more about Abraham Lincoln, one of our country’s most beloved presidents. Though this book doesn’t cover all the facts of Lincoln’s life it does give a good summary that young readers will understand and enjoy.

The author also added in one of Lincoln’s greatest speeches, “The Gettysburg Address,” as well as a quick timeline of his life in the back of the book with fascinating facts that will interest young readers. With colorful illustrations and fabulous quotes on each page, children of all ages will enjoy learning about Lincoln’s life and his journey to the presidency.

Author Visit for The Case of the Missing Sock and my Crypto-Capers Series

The Case of the Missing Sock!

Thank you to Sequoya Elementary for the great author visit we had this week. The students read my book The Case of the Missing Sock. It is book 1 in my Crypto-Capers Series. The students asked me questions about the book and about being an author. What a great day!

Summary:

The Team: In this story siblings Max and Mia Holmes, along with their good friend Morris and their flamboyant Granny Holmes, are known as The Crypto-Capers. They are a group of detectives who unravel crimes by solving cryptograms that criminals leave behind. Mia is an expert puzzle solver. Max is great at deduction and reasoning. Morris is a computer genius, and Granny . . . well, Granny is the muscle of the group. Don't let her size or age fool you she is quite handy. 

The Stolen Items: An antique sock (just one) and Prada sunglasses. 

The Assignment: The Case of the Missing Sock leads the Crypto-Capers to Florida, where they are hired by a Mr. Delacomb. The mystery leads the team to different locations. Clues flourish throughout the mystery. Suspects by the handful seem to pop up at every turn, but who committed the crime? Help the detectives solve the case by solving the cryptograms and puzzles. Good luck!

Book Review for Wish by Emma Dodd

Wish by Emma Dodd

Nosy Crow

December 8th^th, 2015
ISBN-10: 0763680095
ISBN-13: 978-0763680091
Ages: 2-5 years old
24 Pages    

Wish is a delightful 24-page story about the relationship between a wolf and her cub, which is relateable to a parent and child. This hardcover picture book features a tenderly composed rhyming text, heartwarming blue and gray illustrations, and flurries of foil throughout which makes certain pages look silver.

Each scene expresses the bond between a parent and their child. As the story is read it can be emotional. The texts echo the thoughts of most parents and how they feel towards their child during various phases of their lives.

Children between the ages of 2-5 years old will delight in the story which revels in the knowledge that when they grow up there will always be someone special who only wants what’s best for them. 

Book Review for National Geographic Kids Funny Fill In: My Bug Adventure

National Geographic Kids Funny Fill In:My Bug Adventure

National Geographic

December 8^th, 2015
ISBN-10: 1426321996
ISBN-13: 978-1426321993
Ages: 8-12 years old
48 Pages

My Bug Adventure is a funny fill-in by National Geographic that is colorful and fun. Similar to Mad Libs, funny fill-ins can be played alone or with a partner. Using the parts of speech and other terms, children can create wild and funny stories over and over again.

What sets this fill-in apart from others is that it is in full color instead of black and white. It also has fun facts about bugs on every page that children will find interesting. Directions are given in the front of the book as well as break downs of the parts of speech and other terms children will need to know.


Children 8-12 years of age will enjoy this new type of fill-in activity book. This is a fun activity to also do as a family to create wild and crazy stories while traveling in the car on long trips. Children who love this type of fill-in will also enjoy the dozens of other fill-ins by National Geographic all with a different theme that will appeal to the reader.    

Interview with Heather Harlow for her Sci-Fi Novel The Argon Factor

Come and join me as I talk with author Heather Harlow about her Sci-Fi novel The Argon Factor on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 3pm EST today.




Book Summary:

In a futuristic world, where Earth's cities are still recovering from being ravaged by gang wars, cyber crime is at its peak and threatens the world's digitized monetary supply. 

Susan Caldwell is a newly hired security development manager at GTS, the company that controls the world's monetary supply and data. The sophisticated systems have been hacked and now people on Susan's team are being killed while they try to fix the breach. 

Susan, who trusts no man, must rely upon the GTS CEO, Christoph Baldric, to keep her safe. Little does she know that he's the Argon alien commander on Earth. She's not interested in him, doesn't want a hookup with him, but is extremely attracted to him. Susan has her own plans and will be having a baby through the fertility clinic. She's excited about her pending future, that is, if she is still alive. 

Christoph Baldric's mission is to protect the Earth's humans and nurture them so that eventually his people can merge with the humans. Christoph's planet, Argon, was blown up when their major sun exploded into a black hole. The people of Argon have been studying and nurturing Earth for many millennia as a new, potential home. Now is the time to make Earth their home and begin merging with Earth's humans, making both races stronger. 

But first, the Argonians must save Earth from the Grogan's, the Argon nemesis from their home universe, Baldracon, who want to eliminate all life on Earth and take the planet for their own.

Author Bio:

She likes sci-fi movies and series, like Star Trek and Battle Star Galactica. More recently, she's been enjoying the Avenger movies. In addition to her sci-fi interests, she's a romantic. Therefore, it was natural for her to write about science fiction and combine it with a human interest story that has sex and romance in it.

Heather graduated from University of Memphis (BBA) and Tennessee Technological University (MBA). She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her dogs, Mickey (13) , a Golden Retriever, Jack (5mos), a black lab/shepherd mix, and two cats, Smokey and Cali.

She loves wine, good music, great food, the beach, swimming, football (college and NFL), World Cup Soccer, and NHL Playoffs.

• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: Heather Harlow Books (October 19, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1627471715
• ISBN-13: 978-1627471718

Interview with Matt Bergles for Larry Saves The Prarie

Come and join me as I talk with author Matt Bergles about his children's book Larry Saves The Prairie on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.

Larry Saves The Prairie 

About the Book:

"Hi! I'm Annabelle. And I'm Angus. We are black-tailed prairie dogs who live in Kansas. We want to tell you a story about a real wildlife hero, our friend Larry Haverfield." 

Through the voices of Annabelle and Angus, discover what almost happened to wildlife on the Kansas prairie. When Larry receives a letter that says he must destroy the prairie dogs on his land, he and some of his neighbors join together to make certain that all wildlife remain unharmed. Not only were black-tailed prairie dogs at risk of destruction but the already-endangered black-footed ferrets were at risk of becoming extinct. 

In Larry Saves the Prairie, with the help of Annabelle and Angus, you'll discover what it means to be a true hero, and most especially, what it took to save prairie wildlife in Kansas.

• Publisher: Merry Dissonance Press (September 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1939919290
• ISBN-13: 978-1939919298

About Matt:

Matt Bergles is a Colorado native who grew up in Pueblo, Colorado. He earned a bachelor's degree in social science from CSU-Pueblo, his master's degree in U.S. history, and a Ph.D. in public affairs at CU Denver, as well as a certificate in alternative dispute resolution. 

Matt currently teaches at a K-8 private school in Denver, where he has witnessed firsthand young, inner-city kids' curiosity and love of animals and nature, observing that every time they are asked what community service project or charitable cause they'd like to be involved with, most K-3 students pick something related to domestic animals or wildlife. This natural love and curiosity led Matt to write Larry Saves the Prairie for young children.

Matt is an independent researcher and advocate for wildlife conservation, especially conservation of prairie habitat. Matt lives in Denver with his wife, Kate, two children, Luke and Mary, and dog Samuel. He is a volunteer coach, a private pilot, and has helped teach his teenage son to fly.

Interview with Cindy Helms for Outside/Inside

Come and join me as I talk with author Cindy Helms about her children's book Outside/Inside on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.

Book Summary:

As a child, did you ever think all of your friends had forgotten about you? Did it ever feel like your friends were deliberately avoiding you or were out doing something totally awesome without you? 

This is exactly where Birdie finds himself one day in this beautifully produced picture book, Outside Inside. When Birdie does not see his friends around, he decides to look for them. Just when Birdie is about to give up and go back to his nest, his friends surprise him. They open up, invite him inside and reveal what they had been up to all along.
 

Outside Inside is a simple and clever story about the joy of friendship and giving. Using 35 easy words and 26 pages of vivid illustrations, it is geared toward the youngest of readers, but the catchy story is attention grabbing for adults as well. The adults will appreciate the deeper double meaning as Birdie's change of heart corresponds with the action around the outside and inside settings.

About Cindy Helms
Cindy Helms is a visual artist, author and illustrator known for designing unusual projects. For Cindy, art is created from curious and whimsical combinations of shapes, textures and colors. In her unique and simple children’s books, Cindy’s art work comes to life in characters that enchant children and adults alike. Cindy lives in the Denver, CO area with two artistic boys and two fat black cats.  She loves road trips, camping and discovering new places.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1N7jYka

Web: http://www.cindyhelms.com

Blog Stop for The Argon Factor by Heather Harlow

From the Author

Writing this book was very challenging but extremely fulfilling, more like releasing.  Finally, releasing this start of an adventure that has been building in my head for years.  This first book of the Argonian Series is your introduction the Argon aliens.   The idea first came to me when I lived in the Virgin Islands.  The people I saw at the bars and restaurants were all so different from typical Americans.  Everyone greeted you in the grocery, walking down the street --- always with a smile and a formal greeting like "Good Morning", etc..  I started to think that these people are really from another planet.  Everyone was so intelligent too.  It was all so strange and surreal sometimes.

Summary:
In a futuristic world, where Earth's cities are still recovering from being ravaged by gang wars, cyber crime is at its peak and threatens the world's digitized monetary supply.

Susan Caldwell is a newly hired security development manager at GTS, the company that controls the world's monetary supply and data. The sophisticated systems have been hacked and now people on Susan's team are being killed while they try to fix the breach.

Susan, who trusts no man, must rely upon the GTS CEO, Christoph Baldric, to keep her safe. Little does she know that he's the Argon alien commander on Earth. She's not interested in him, doesn't want a hookup with him, but is extremely attracted to him. Susan has her own plans and will be having a baby through the fertility clinic. She's excited about her pending future, that is, if she is still alive.

Christoph Baldric's mission is to protect the Earth's humans and nurture them so that eventually his people can merge with the humans. Christoph's planet, Argon, was blown up when their major sun exploded into a black hole. The people of Argon have been studying and nurturing Earth for many millennia as a new, potential home. Now is the time to make Earth their home and begin merging with Earth's humans, making both races stronger.

But first, the Argonians must save Earth from the Grogan's, the Argon nemesis from their home universe, Baldracon, who want to eliminate all life on Earth and take the planet for their own.

Paperback: 266 pages
Publisher: Heather Harlow Books (October 19, 2015)

• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1627471715
• ISBN-13: 978-1627471718