Thursday, December 18, 2014

'The Amazing and Unbelievable Family History of Wanda Wollow' by J.Y. Klermaine


Blurb:

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who wished she had been born a mouse. And why not? Her life was meaningless and the people around her were tiresome. But everything changes when she discovers a red leather-bound book in the attic. Follow along as she learns how extraordinary her family truly is in this fun tale about dragons, secret agents, and a shattered ice boat.


Buy links


About the author:

J.Y. Klermaine writes fantasy fiction stories for people of all ages. Let's laugh, cry, smile, and gasp as we read along!
Website: http://klermaine.com 



Saturday, November 15, 2014

'Tommy Meets Dr. Zeus: A Tommy Tussle Adventure #2' by Larry Dean Jackson

Blurb:

Tommy and his friends would rather do anything than study Greek Mythology in their 5th grade class. And while their minds don't exactly change, they suddenly find an interest in the subject. But the interest is not what you would expect. It was certainly not what they expected. As a result they find themselves in a situation where the only thing that can save them is Greek mythology.

http://amzn.to/1y2RFv1

About the author:

Larry Dean Jackson has written over 100 books. While he got his start writing basketball coaching instructional books, he's written middle readers, psychological thrillers, books on survivalism and prepping, and even cookbooks. He's a versatile author with a definitive style. Larry has been a basketball coach and high school social studies teacher for 35 years.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

'A Month of Bedtime Stories' by Neil Roy McFarlane



Blurb:

A cow that eats bananas and lives in the trees! Bees that pilot submarines through uncharted puddles! An elevator that descends to the centre of the Earth! Cowardly dinosaurs! Alien Dogs! Vertiginous squirrels! Time-traveling slugs! Disco-dancing horses!

They’re all here in this collection of weird and wonderful bedtime stories, a month’s worth of fantastic tales to guarantee any child thirty-one dream-filled nights.


Read an excerpt:
From “Ethel the Soap Fairy” 
You still didn’t know where to find soap, so you decided to go and ask an owl because you’d heard that owls were quite wise, so you thought that they would probably know where to get soap from. So you began walking around looking for an owl. 
You looked for an owl for a long time but you couldn’t find one anywhere, so you decided to ask a mouse where you could find an owl, so then you started looking for a mouse. 
You looked for a mouse for a long time but you couldn’t find a mouse either, so you decided to ask an owl where you could find a mouse, so you started looking for an owl again. 
After looking for a long time, you finally ended up back where you started. 
And there, sitting on the grassy knoll, was an owl. 
“Excuse me, Mr Owl,” you said, “do you know where I can find a mouse please thank you very much?” 
“There’s one over there,” said the owl, “sitting on that old tree stump.” 
So you turned around and saw a mouse sitting on an old tree stump, and you went over to it. 
“Excuse me, Mr Mouse,” you said, “do you know where I can find an owl please thank you very much?” 
“There’s one behind you, sitting on that grassy knoll,” said the mouse. “I saw you talking to him just a moment ago.” 
“Oh yes. Thank you,” you said, feeling a bit silly.
Read rave reviews!
"Written with a great love of vocabulary, with a musical style [...] this book is not a month of bedtime stories, but a lifetime of them." - Carole P. Roman, Kirkus Best of 2012 Award-winning Author 
"Neil Roy McFarlane likely has as fine a sense of humor as anyone writing today… Looney, wacky, imaginative and borderline crazy tales that McFarlane pens with absolute abandon." - Grady Harp, Hall of Fame Amazon Top 100 Reviewer / Vine Voice 
"I keep trying to get Mama to read more than one at night time - there are enough for a whole month but I don't want to take that long to read them all!" - Raif (Age 5) San Francisco Book Review
Buy links


About the author:

Neil Roy McFarlane lives and works in Devon, UK. He knew he wanted to be a writer at the age of eight and after being many other things in the intervening years (an EFL teacher, a care assistant, an assistant editor, a film subtitler, a garbage collector, a postman…) he has now returned to his original dream. He writes in a variety of genres, including radio drama, screenplays, children's and adult fiction. He recently returned to university as a mature student to gain an MA in English.

Friday, October 31, 2014

'Ennara and the Book of Shadows' by Angela Myron


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Angela will be awarding a the winners choice of one of the following prizes (international giveaway -- All photos used from Etsy shops that she plans to purchase the gifts from. Actual gift will be sourced from winner's country and will likely look different for international winners):

1.  Dragon earcuff. A tiny dragon that wraps around your ear just like Ennara's wraps around her wrist! Ennara would not approve.

2. Potions master decal kit: Trick out your Kitchenaid with this decal kit! Ennara approved.

3. Emergency Potion Necklace: Potion/necklace dependent on winner's location. Ennara approved.

Or the winner may choose something from Ennara Swag (if they live in the US).




Ennara and the Book of Shadows
by Angela Myron


When strange accidents start happening around thirteen year-old necromancer Ennara and her friends, she must search for the mysterious stolen artifacts causing the attacks while learning the highest form of magic--the spells that could prevent the fruition of a terrible prophecy.




Now enjoy an excerpt:

Ennara dashed through the statue’s legs to the center of the room. This would be her one chance to get it right.

First, the Source. She focused on the clear light that was the source of all—the central possibility that made her world and her magic.

Then, the enlightened ones. The familiar tinkling filled the air once more. The dim room brightened slightly.

Finally, the creature before her. Kelach the Knight, a symbol of the gift of protection, twisted by dark magic into a force of violent abandon. Ennara visualized the hero of legend, standing firm at the tunnels of the Royal Way to ensure the people of Ililsa escaped the troll, goblin and wraith army of the Fallen Druid Ardewynn.

A sense of peace, strength and determination settled on her. The giant statue turned and raised his ax once more. He hesitated mid-swing. Was her meditation working? Ennara refocused, calling on the Great Protector’s spirit.

A column of orange-red light burst into the room above her, momentarily enshrouding the statue and herself. When it vanished, the room had shifted. She was no longer conjuring the great protector, she was the great protector.

A deep, hearty voice filled her mind. Fear not, Ennara. Touch this damned image of my former self. It will be freed from its dark curse.

Warm courage flooded her. Her stomach relaxed, her shoulders fell. The massive stone figure roared as it plunged its huge angular blade down. Ennara breathed deeply into her belly. She took a small step back and raised her hand. She lightly toughed the stone ax as it swung inches from her face.

An orange-red shimmer crossed the stone, rippling through the statue. The monster’s fierce expression softened, transforming once more into the courageous legendary soldier. He seemed to regard her briefly, an intelligence crossing behind those blank eyes, and returned to inanimate rock.

Ennara looked to her friends. She’d found the key to unlocking the spell on the statues. Now she just had to use it on the others before it was too late.



Buy links


Angela Myron was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1973. She grew up in the piney forests of southern British Columbia, studying tiny blue bells, dodging hidden cacti, and creating fantasy worlds in her back yard. She loved to imagine lands of fairies and goblins, then invite friends over to introduce them.

Angela studied biology and professional writing at university, starting her degree at the University of Victoria in Canada and finishing it at San Francisco State University. She wrote grant proposals for nonprofits, technical manuals for software, and freelance journalism before writing fiction.

www.angelamyron.com

https://www.facebook.com/myron.angela

https://twitter.com/AngelaMyron

http://www.pinterest.com/angelamyron/


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, September 21, 2014

'The Babysitter's Backpack' by Melissa Higgins


Book Description

Do you want to get started as a babysitter and be successful with kids and their parents? Everything you need to know is right here! You'll learn about basic childcare skills, staying safe while babysitting, and starting your own babysitting business. Also find out how to communicate with and be professional around parents, plan fun and safe activities for children of all ages, find where to go for first aid and CPR training, and market yourself as a great babysitter. Get the facts and skills you need to become a confident and responsible babysitter!


http://amzn.to/Z61NHW

See more on Examiner

Sunday, July 27, 2014

'The Dragonfyre Blade' by Aiden Storm

Blurb:

An epic tale of magic and adventure to inspire and delight young readers.

Thirteen year old Jack is spending the summer at his Aunt’s house in the country. Unfortunately, it’s done nothing but rain and he’s stuck in her old mansion without cable or internet. Bored and alone, he sets out to explore the house. When he reaches the attic, he finds an intricate and unusual mural painted on the walls. Life for Jack gets turned upside down when he stumbles and is transported through a portal into a magical world. 

For Jasyra, the daughter of the High King, life couldn’t be worse. Her father has been turned to glass, her kingdom has been taken over by the Demon Emperor, and she and her friend, Evooku, have been exiled. The only way to save the land is to reassemble the Dragon Fyre Blade, but the Demon Emperor has hidden all six pieces and each is guarded by great mythical beasts. There is only one person who can help restore peace, but it has been said that he is not of their land. 

When Jack awakens in the Great Forest of Karandur, he encounters Jasyra and Evooku. He discovers the only way home is to band together to fight the evil Lycanthor, a giant werewolf that guards a piece of the Dragon Fyre Blade. But first they have to make it through an enchanted land full of danger. 

The Queen of Light appears to Jack and delivers a gift, as well as a revelation. He, Jasyra and Evooku form an unlikely friendship along the way and lasting bonds are made when they realize they are Karandur’s only hope. Will the trio be able to defeat Lycanthor and save the kingdom from an eternity of despair?

The Dragon Fyre Blade: Lycanthor the Werewolf is the first book in a series of six and is written for children 7 - 11 years old.

Read an excerpt:
A thundering crash made Jack turn to the trees. Heavy footsteps shook the ground as a shadowy shape emerged, stepping towards them. Glowing red eyes glared and an animal mouth opened to reveal long rows of jagged, yellow teeth. The creature stood up on its two legs, an unnatural mix of wolf and man. 
Lycanthor. 
With a terrifying howl, it raised its head to the sky. A chorus of howls echoed from the woods. 
Evooku wasted no time in firing an arrow right at the beast, but Lycanthor batted the puny missile away with one hand. 
“Foolish creatures!” it roared. “You dare enter my domain!”

http://amzn.to/1lJZEpy



About Aiden Storm:

Aiden grew up a city boy, but always loved getting out into the country. As a kid, his great uncle always took him to old castles, famous battlegrounds and long hikes in the wilderness. These days, Aiden lives in old cottage next to the forest with his dog Blade. When not writing Aiden spends time exploring the woods, dead certain they’re full of fantastical creatures, long lost relics and ancient magic…

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

'WhipEye (Book 1)' by Geoffrey Saign


Blurb:

Samantha and her neighbor, Jake, have no idea that Samantha’s best friend, a parrot named Charlie, is a thousand years old. Charlie is also at the center of a secret battle between magical creatures and an ancient, evil man. When Charlie asks Samantha and Jake to protect him, they are chased by monsters from both sides. To save Charlie, and two worlds, Samantha and Jake have twenty-four hours to figure out how to use the supernatural staff, WhipEye, and find the courage to confront what they fear most…

Appropriate for middle grade/YA and up. (Age 9+)

Read an excerpt:
The monster slithers a dozen yards away, coming fast, both heads reared back. I want to scream. 
Ten steps ahead is a big birch. Jake reaches the east side of it, finds a rock, and throws it. He hits one of the cobra heads in the snout, and the beast hisses and veers toward him. Yelling, he bolts. 
Squawk! “Jump, kid!” says Charlie. 
The other snake head strikes at me. 
I leap sideways and the snake misses my legs, catching a mouthful of dirt instead. I’m inches from its long fangs and wrinkled mouth. It gives me a burst of adrenaline. 
Gasping, I spurt around the west side of the tree. The snake’s heads chase us on opposite sides of the trunk, one after Jake and one after me. Its body smacks into the tree trunk, the two heads twisting, trying to force the other around its side. Stupid monster. It buys us a few seconds. 
Not far ahead, a massive rotting log is leaning against another big tree, its high end four feet off the ground. It’s a natural deadfall in front of a small opening at the base of a pile of boulders. Dad showed it to me several years ago, explaining how dangerous it could be and warning me never to go near it. He said just bumping into it could knock it over. 
“Under the tree,” I yell. I watch Jake and trip over a tree root, my legs flying too far out as I try to remain upright. “Don’t touch it,” I croak. 
Jake dives beneath it and Charlie flies in low after him. 
I stumble to the slanted log off balance and bend over at the waist. The back of my head bangs against the wood when I try to duck beneath it. “Umph.” 
Dropping to my knees, I roll to the side several times, ending up on my back. Little rocks and sticks jab through my flannel shirt into my skin. 
Behind me, Jake scrambles into the opening in the rocks, shouting, “Sam.” 
I tilt my head to see beneath the crack under the log. The cobra is racing toward us, inches above the ground. Feeling exposed, I slide over farther to hide behind the low end of the deadfall. 
“Here I am, you stupid worm!” Charlie perches on a rock near Jake, trying to take the snake’s attention away from me. Squawk! “Do something, kid.” 
Bringing my knees to my chest, trying to time the snake’s speed, I kick the deadfall with both feet. It’s like hitting a boulder. It doesn’t budge. Huge disappointment. The way Dad described it, a big mosquito flying into it would topple it. 
The hissing cobra slides beneath the dead tree five feet from me, and stops abruptly, slowly raising its heads and eyeing Jake and Charlie. 
I go rigid while staring at the monster. Please don’t see me.

http://amzn.to/1jvgQ6S





Early Praise for WhipEye

"WhipEye is a thrilling magical adventure with surprises at every turn, a story that deserves to be read."
- Laurisa White Reyes, author of The Celestine Chronicles series and Editor-in-Chief of Middle Shelf Magazine

“WhipEye is a gripping, imaginative adventure from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down until the very last page!...I cannot wait to read book two!” -LitPick reviewer


About the Author: 

Geoffrey Saign can often be found looking for interesting critters, and magic, while swimming, snorkeling, sailing, or hiking in the woods. His passion for nature and wildlife led to his nationally endorsed book, Green Essentials: What You Need to Know About the Environment, as well as his books African Cats and Great Apes. He has assisted in field research with hummingbirds and humpback whales, and sailed as far away as Australia. With more than twenty years of experience working in special education, he has taught adults and children everything from sailing to novel writing. He won the Shabo Award in 2010. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. You can visit Geoff at www.geoffreysaign.net

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The second installment of 'Monsterjunkies' is now available!


Blurb:

The Monsterjunkies are an enchanting gothic family trying to raise their children in a world that is not. Talon Monsterjunkie is a cryptozoologist who travels the world, continuing an ancestral legacy of saving and researching rare and thought to be non-existent creatures from their Victorian estate at 1313 Road to Nowhere in Foggy Point, Maine. His partner in life and work, Pandora, is a botanist with pagan roots and a passion for otherworldly healing practices. They find joy and mirth in their lofty Thunderstorm Room, the bat colony below, an Odd Orchard, a labyrinth, gargoyles with an agenda, and their darkly decorated Halloween tree. Meanwhile, outside forces are scheming to rid the Monsterjunkies from the area, desiring the real estate their mansion sits on as well as wanting to expose them for illegally harboring exotic wildlife. It does not help that the Monsterjunkie name itself brings suspicion and rumors about what goes on at the odd and mysterious compound.

Cromwell (aka Crow) Monsterjunkie is their passive, macabre teenage son who prefers to cope with life by escaping into the world of comic book creatures and superheroes or spending time with unusual species. He laments that if his territory had not been invaded, plowed over, and contaminated by polluting commercial activities---the hubris of man, would The Creature of the Black Lagoon still be alive today? And why do the bullies of the world ---- the real monsters ---- always seem to win? Insecure, self-conscious, and risk-averse, his friends push him to ask a girl he likes out on a date while his older sister, Indigo and friend Winter Hodges grapple with life during their senior year. His sister is distant and less upbeat after two of her friends are outed and exposed in fake compromising situations online and other forms of harassment for being different.

Crow does not need any more stress. Not only does he not like his body but he endures random acts of micro-aggression. Retaliating last year in school only escalated the conflict with his nemesis, Ruth Grimes though the urge to get back at him is strong, nonetheless. Crow’s been targeted for his goth tastes, his Monsterjunkie name, and the unreal nature of his family’s generational legacy. He hates the haters but just wants to be left alone, free from the pressure to respond to other people’s vices. While in Africa with his father two years ago, they encountered men with guns, jeeps, and machetes, and numerous elephants slaughtered or left for dead. Crow cannot get their screams and cries out of his head. And his father used a gun that night. Crow has not forgotten those disturbing details but no one knows how this incident has affected him. His underground sanctuary is the one place he can block out those horrific sounds of suffering.

The Monsterjunkie family is soon confronted by the suicide attempt by Winter Hodges on their estate. This is the same Winter Hodges who is torn by grief, loss, and humiliation but who also believes in Crow and his talents, and who has a special connection to the family and their adopted pygmy elephant. In the aftermath, Crow finds Winter’s sketchpad and private journal entries. There, he discovers the depth of her emotional distress. For Crow, it is one more situation involving someone he cares about under siege. His private sanctuary below ground cannot continue to hold the tension that is growing inside. To add to his burdens, Talon Monsterjunkie announces that their intelligent, affable Sasquatch, Beau, who has a special relationship with Crow, must return to British Columbia. What would the MJ Manor be like without him? Crow cannot imagine it. This news sets off an honest yet painful eruption of emotion. He tells his father he’s stressed most of the time, and that even though he apologized to Ruth Grimes months ago for his own retaliation, it hasn’t made a bit of difference. Crow is upset that his sister is leaving, that Beau will be gone, and that his dad is missing in action. He also feels pressure to carry on the family’s legacy in cryptozoology while angry at his father’s preoccupation with his life’s work.






Bio

Erik, Daniel Shein
Visionary Entrepreneur, and Animal Welfare Advocate

Erik Daniel Shein was born Erik Daniel Stoops, November 18th ,1966 He is an American writer, and visionary, film producer, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, and philanthropist, pet enthusiast and animal health advocate. He is the author and co-author of over 30 nonfiction and fiction books whose writings include six scientific articles in the field of herpetology. His children’s book, “The Forgotten Ornament” is a Christmas classic, and was endorsed by Hollywood legends Mickey and Jan Rooney.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Review of 'Elliot K. Carnucci Is a Big, Fat Loser' by Catherine DePino


BLURB:

The kids at Ralph Bunche Middle School love to pick on Elliot Kravitz-Carnucci. He struggles with his weight, looks like a geek, makes top honors, and lives above the Carnucci Home for Funerals in South Philadelphia with his distant, workaholic father and Nonna, his quirky, overbearing grandmother.

Since his parents divorced, he splits spending his time with his funeral director father and his mother Rayna, who dreams of becoming the queen of commercials on the west coast.

At the hands of his peers, Elliot experiences a series of bullying episodes that escalate from entrapment in a school supply closet to a brutal “swirly” (head dunk in the toilet) that lands him in the hospital emergency room.

Elliot has a small circle of loyal friends and a mentor named Duke, an aging school custodian, who root for him to overcome his bullying issues so that he can enjoy his life as a teenager and a budding singer/performer. Can Elliot win his fight against the nasty bullies, or is he doomed forever? Read this funny, sad, and crazy book to find out.

Read an Excerpt:

What were they planning to do to me? Had they all gone over the edge? I tried to scream, but all that came out from under the gag was Mmmmmmmmm.

Most of the teachers and staff had already left to get an early start on spring break. Duke was probably somewhere in the building, though, giving the place a final once over before locking up. His doctor had told him to slow down after the tests proved he had lung cancer, but it only made him work longer hours.

Kyle slammed me on the back. “Tell you what, promise not to open your mouth and I’ll take the gag off.”

I nodded yes like my head was going to roll off.

“Mmmmmmm…”

He untied the gag, and I heaved in a gulp of air.

“We don’t want you to suffocate when your head hits the water.”

Were they going to throw me in the river? Drown me? Could they be that crazy?

I tried to make a run for it, but Kyle caught me before I could make it to the door. His biceps bulged like baseballs from his lean arms. How I wished I’d added weight lifting to my fitness routine.

Canfield looked at his friends. “Part of the fun is the anticipation. Right, guys?”

Why couldn’t they look at me?

I heard on the news that when you’re threatened if you call a person by name, maybe he’ll act more human and be less likely to hurt you. Was it worth a try?

“Kyle, you don’t want to do this…”
**My thoughts**

Bullying truly is a bigger problem today, than it used to be. Yes, it existed when we were kids, but nowadays kids have even nastier means of spreading their hatred and jealousy of others. This book encompasses a lot of the characters who would have been present when we were kids, as well as the modern day cast. You have the fat kid on who everyone picks. The bullying ringleader knows how to charm his way out of trouble and doesn't seem to learn from when he gets in trouble. Adults are so charmed that they don't seem to take the bullying seriously enough. They go after the kid being bullied, telling him that he needs to change, but don't focus enough on those who need to change their nasty ways. There are a few staff members who seem to catch on. Usually it is the custodian and other support staff who truly know every child in the school and what exactly is going on. And it always seems to take a massive event to finally get the wheels moving to curb the attacks.

I found myself getting angry. I was mad at Elliot for not speaking up for himself (though I totally understand why he didn't). I was mad at the administration for telling him that *HE* needed to change. I was mad at them for not doing enough to protect Elliot. I was mad at Elliot's parents for being so wrapped up in their own worlds that they didn't see what was going on with their son. I was mad at his grandmother for not following through on protecting her grandson. And, of course, I was mad at the kids doing the bullying.

At the same time, I was grateful for the hope. Hope in the adults who are actually paying attention to what is going on with these kids. Hope in Elliot who does try to find strength within himself. Hope in the school staff who tries to help. Hope in the other kids who do try to stand up for what is right. Hope that maybe someone who reads this book will be inspired to create some hope for at least one bullied kid.

As a teacher, I am reminded to be extra vigilant in my care of the children in my class and in teaching them to be respectful to others. If I were using this in an older classroom, I think it would be a great conversation starter about how to recognize bullying and what to do about it.

All in all, it was an interesting read. I felt like the end was rushed a bit. The bulk of the important stuff was in the beginning and the middle. I would be curious to find out how Elliot fares in the future.




AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Catherine DePino has sold thirteen books for parents, teachers, and children to mainstream publishers. She self-published her fourteenth book, Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying because she wanted to give it a wider forum. Her background includes a BS in English and Spanish education, a Master’s in English education, and a doctorate in Curriculum Theory and Development and Educational Administration from Temple University. The author worked for many years as an English teacher, department head of English and world languages, disciplinarian, and curriculum writer in the Philadelphia School District. After this, she worked at Temple as an adjunct assistant professor and student teaching supervisor.

Catherine has also written articles for national magazines, including The Christian Science Monitor and The Writer.

For many years she served on the board of The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference. She holds membership in the Association of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Her new self-help book, 101 Easy Ways for Women to De-Stress, Reinvent, and Fire Up Your Life in Retirement,appeared on the market in March, 2014.

Visit her website at http://catherinedepino.com

Additional Links

Facebook

Fire Up Your Life: 101 Ways for Women to Reinvent Themselves
http://www.paragonhouse.com/product.php?productid=508&cat=0&page=&featured=Y

Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying
http://www.amazon.com/Elliot-Carnucci-Big-Fat-Loser-ebook/dp/B00G3IUEDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393457610&sr=8-1&keywords=elliot+k+carnucci+is+a+big+fat+loser

Excuse Me, Your Participle’s Dangling: How to Use Grammar to Make Your Writing Powers Soar
http://www.amazon.com/Excuse-Me-Your-Participles-Dangling/dp/1475802773/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393457870&sr=8-1&keywords=excuse+me+your+participle%27s+dangling

Who Says Bullies Rule?: Common Sense Tips to Help Your Child Cope
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Says-Bullies-Rule-Common/dp/161048469X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393457997&sr=8-1&keywords=who+says+bullies+rule

Hi, God, It’s Me: e-prayers for teenage girls
http://www.amazon.com/God-Its–prayers-teenage-girls-ebook/dp/B0062F6FVK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1393458157&sr=8-3&keywords=hi+god+it%27s+me+e-prayers+for+teenage+girls

Real Life Bully Prevention for Real Kids
http://www.amazon.com/Real-Life-Bully-Prevention-Kids/dp/157886965X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393458248&sr=8-1&keywords=real+life+bully+prevention+for+real+kids

In Your Face, Pizza Face: A Girl’s Bully-Busting Book
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Face-Pizza-Girls-Bully-Busting/dp/1878076930/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393458385&sr=8-1&keywords=in+your+face+pizza+face

101 Ways to Help Preschoolers Excel in Reading, Writing, and Speaking
http://www.amazon.com/Preschoolers-Excel-Reading-Writing-Speaking/dp/1578865751/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393516967&sr=8-1&keywords=101+ways+to+help+preschoolers+excel+in+reading

Quick and Easy Grammar Games to Boost Writing Power
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=quick%20and%20easy%20grammar%20games%20to%20boost%20writing%20power

Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet: How to Deal with Bullies
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Cheese-Breath-Stinky-Feet/dp/1591471125

Hi, God, It’s Me: e-prayers for Teenage Boys
http://www.amazon.com/Hi-God-Its-Me-E-Prayers/dp/1585952117/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393518362&sr=8-1&keywords=hi+God+it%27s+me+e-prayers+for+teenage+boys

Ready, Get Set, Go, Grammar!
http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Get-Set-Go-Grammar/dp/1931334188/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393518500&sr=8-1&keywords=ready+get+set+go+grammar

Grammar Workout: Twenty-Eight Lessons, Exercises, and Activities to Jumpstart Your Writing
http://www.amazon.com/Grammar-Workout-Exercises-Activities-Jump-start/dp/0825142717/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393518818&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=grawmmar+workout+twenty+eight

Catherine will be awarding a $20 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

'The Complete Book of Football' by Chris Hunt

The Complete Book of Football

“The Complete Book of Football” is a Chris Hunt book dedicated, as its name suggests, to the football game.

It is part of a series of works wrote by the author about this sport.

All the series’ books: The Complete Book of Football – 2003, The Complete Book of Soccer – 2006, World Cup Stories – The History of the World Cup -2006, World Cup Stories: The History of the FIFA World Cup – 2006, World Cup of Soccer – 2010, The Compact Book of the World Cup – 2010, offer a comprehensive view on the history of this sport.

Due to his occupation, magazine editor and journalist, the writer traveled all around the world to see football competitions and write article about them.

As managing editor for 8 years at the best sold English football magazine - Match, he gathered a huge quantity of valuable information that latter presented in his books. His journalist experience is not limited to football; he was also a constant editorialist for FourFourTo and publisher of special editions under the brands Q, Mojo, Uncut and NME, covering a large variety of topics from U2, The Beatles, Kurt Cobain, to fashion or punk-rock.

Published for the first time in 2003 and for other two editions in 2006 and 2011, “The Complete Book of Football”, was translated in five foreign languages: Czech, German, Hungarian, Romaine and Russian.

The book is a real encyclopedia offering valuable and encompassing information regarding the most popular sport in the world.

Reading the book you can find about the evolution of this sport in different countries starting with the football clubs evolutions to each national team performance in the Football World Cup. Visit Visit Epyxa for your desire and learn attractive details about this year’s World Cup 2014.

Step by step we learn more about famous football players, legendary coaches or historical matches.

Page after page we see the football evolution at global, living the emotions of every world cup final tournament, finding about European Championship and major international clubs’ competitions.

When we finish the book, maybe we will do not know all about football, but certainly we will know much more before the lecture.



Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Review of 'Fright Train (Weirdville #3)' by Majanka Verstraete


Fright Train

Charlie’s parents drop him off at the train station so he can visit his grandma in Weirdville. It’s a cold winter evening, so when his usual train is cancelled at the last second, Charlie wishes he’d stayed home.

An hour later, shivering from the cold, he climbs on board the next train to Weirdville, even though he’d rather not. It looks like something straight out of the nineteenth century, as if it used a time machine to arrive at the station.

His shivering doesn’t stop, for soon after Charlie boards, he realizes just how right he was to be wary of this strange train. Something is seriously wrong with all the people onboard. If only he could figure out what was going on. If only he could get off the train...


**My thoughts**

This one almost reminded me of something out of The Twilight Zone, for kids, with a modern twist. No one in their right mind would leave a young child by himself to get on a train, anymore, which is what reminded me of that classic series. But had he been with his parents, he wouldn't have ended up getting on this train, and nothing would have happened. Plus the part about it being so old-fashioned and different, and people warning him to not get on it.

But Charlie has to do what he is told, and so he gets on that train to go to Grandma. I was able to quickly realize the secrets hiding on this train, as it is again a familiar storyline. But Majanka throws her own spin on it. Yet again, even though I am an adult and these are books for kids, I had that slight twist in my stomach as I moved from page to page. I had a pretty good idea what was going to happen, but I needed to read it for myself. As with the other two books, my inner child was delighted and I quickly devoured it. I think my greatest disappointment was knowing that now I have no more books in the series to read. I really hope she pens some more, because even I can feel a lot more stories swirling around in Weirdville!


Buy links


About the author:

Majanka Verstraete begged her Mom to teach her how to read while she was still in kindergarten. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had read through the entire children’s section of her hometown library.

She wrote her first story when she was seven years old, and hasn’t stopped writing since. With an imagination that never sleeps, and hundreds of possible book characters screaming for her attention, writing is more than a passion for her.

She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in.

Majanka is currently studying for her Master of Laws degree, and hopes one day to be able to combine her passions for law and writing. When she’s not writing, reading or studying, she likes watching “The Vampire Diaries” and “Game of Thrones,” spending time with her friends, or playing “World of Warcraft.”

Links

Author Website: http://majankaverstraete.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Majanka-Verstraete/398570476832115

Twitter: @iheartreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 26, 2014

Review of 'House of Horrors (Weirdville #2)' by Majanka Verstraete


Book Description

When her parents allow her to go to the fair, Jacky is over the moon. The fair is most famous for its haunted mansion, the House of Horrors, and her friend Ben can’t wait to try it out. Her best friend, Cass, is a little more reluctant, but then again, Cass has always been a chicken when it comes to getting scared.

Jacky and Cass are determined to act tough, so when Ben suggests they try out the House of Horrors, the girls tag along, even though the place gives them the chills.

As soon as the three of them enter the spooky monstrosity, the ride comes to a screeching halt, and the horror begins.

The lights fade, and a hooded figure appears and tells them they’re stuck in a twisted game of cat and mouse. He will show them their worst fears, and if the kids manage to face down those fears, they’ll have a chance of getting out of the House of Horrors alive. If they don’t, well....

Thirty minutes to go. Thirty minutes to face their nightmares... and the clock is ticking.

**My thoughts**

I have never liked those Houses of Horror at fairs and festivals. They really are super cheesy. Yes, I may jump when something pops out, but more from being startled than actually scared. You can usually quickly figure out how the stunts are done and then move on. 

This House of Horror, though, is quite different. In addition to the cheesy mechanical things and the made-up actors is the super creepy ticket seller who reappears inside. He is forcing them to face their biggest fears, which aren't quite what you would expect them to be. I wonder what mine would really end up being?

While I was reading this one, I kept thinking of Harry Potter and his friends facing the boggarts. To overcome them, you had to overcome your fears. Only this version of fears is much more sinister and could be deadly. It's not as easy to make them go away. 

Yet again, another spine-tingling read in the Weirdville series that made my inner child jump with joy. I highly recommend it for those who love those scary stories for the younger generation.
About the author:

Majanka Verstraete begged her Mom to teach her how to read while she was still in kindergarten. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had read through the entire children’s section of her hometown library.

She wrote her first story when she was seven years old, and hasn’t stopped writing since. With an imagination that never sleeps, and hundreds of possible book characters screaming for her attention, writing is more than a passion for her.

She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in.

Majanka is currently studying for her Master of Laws degree, and hopes one day to be able to combine her passions for law and writing. When she’s not writing, reading or studying, she likes watching “The Vampire Diaries” and “Game of Thrones,” spending time with her friends, or playing “World of Warcraft.”

Links

Author Website: http://majankaverstraete.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Majanka-Verstraete/398570476832115

Twitter: @iheartreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Review of 'The Doll Maker (Weirdville #1)' by Majanka Verstraete


Book Description:

Derek’s little sister wants one of those creepy-looking dolls, staring at him from the strange new doll shop in town, and what his sister wants, she gets. Now they’re stuck with a doll that looks so human, it gives Derek the creeps.

When Derek tells his friends, Martin and Jamie, about the new shop with creepy human-like dolls, they want to see for themselves. That has “bad idea” written all over it, but he takes his friends there anyway.

They meet the mysterious doll maker, who reminds Derek of Dr. Frankenstein, and who brainwashes Martin into buying one of those scary dolls. Derek and Jamie push and pull Martin out of the shop, but something isn’t right with their friend. He’s shivering all over, and he has no memory of what happened in the shop.

Martin’s condition worsens every day, and Derek’s sister grows more and more obsessed with her new doll. Derek and Jamie have to find out what’s going on, and fast, because...

...the doll maker seems linked to a bunch of mysterious disappearances, and the last thing Derek wants is his sister, or his friend, being next on the doll maker’s list.

**My thoughts**

This first book is a great introduction to this series! For me, these books are really short, only taking me about a half hour to read. There is just enough horror thrown in to keep it creepy, yet not so much that it is too much for kids to read. Majanka has found a good balance between scary and overkill, which is important when writing for a middle grade crowd.

The idea of lifelike dolls and a creepy shop owner isn't a new one, yet this book tells its own version in a captivating way that keeps you intrigued. I have been reading horror stories since the young age of 9 and don't often get scared, yet had a little knot in my stomach from the thrill of the ride. I knew where the story was going to go, but wanted to know how it came to its conclusion. I could predict the twists, but didn't care, because it was still well done. My inner child was screaming in delight, because I would have been all over these books at a younger age. 

If you are someone who is terrified of creepy dolls, then obviously this book isn't for you. If you are a fan of scary stories that make you chuckle in nervousness, get started with this one. At only 99 cents, it is a great deal. 


Buy links

About the author:

Majanka Verstraete begged her Mom to teach her how to read while she was still in kindergarten. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had read through the entire children’s section of her hometown library.

She wrote her first story when she was seven years old, and hasn’t stopped writing since. With an imagination that never sleeps, and hundreds of possible book characters screaming for her attention, writing is more than a passion for her.

She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in.

Majanka is currently studying for her Master of Laws degree, and hopes one day to be able to combine her passions for law and writing. When she’s not writing, reading or studying, she likes watching “The Vampire Diaries” and “Game of Thrones,” spending time with her friends, or playing “World of Warcraft.”

Links

Author Website: http://majankaverstraete.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Majanka-Verstraete/398570476832115

Twitter: @iheartreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, May 15, 2014

'Madison and Mason Learn the Values of Fitness' by A. Daniels FREE 5/15-5/19/14



Blurb:
Grades 3rd-8th 


Madison and Mason are twins who play video games and eat junk food on the weekends. The children barely spend time outside getting enough exercise. This eBook, written by A. Daniels, helps all children realize the values of exercising and how much fun you can have by incorporating physical activities into your daily lives. The bright illustrations will help keep your child's attention, while the message will encourage them to have fun. Parents/teachers there are 10 questions and answers located at the end of this eBook.

Read an excerpt:
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, Madison and Mason sat inside and played video games. They had been playing video games all morning and snacking on junk food. All the lights were turned off, and the only light was coming from the television screen. Madison and Mason’s mother walked into the living room and said, “It is a beautiful day outside. Why don’t we all go to the park and enjoy the sunshine?”


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

'Adventures of Jack: The Agent With a Bone to Pick' by D.R. Tara


Blurb:

This book comprises three short stories on the adventures of Jack, a 15 month old Jack Russell puppy who lives in Aberdeen, Scotland, with his Mummy and Daddy. After finding him on the road and adopting him, his parents give him a life that most dogs could only imagine, riding with Mummy on her scooter and playing cricket with Daddy.

In Story 1, Jack spies on Mummy as she shops in a mall. In doing so, he foils the efforts of a robber who tried to steal Mummy’s purse. His efforts result in an invitation to join the police force as a special agent.

In Story 2, Jack goes undercover to solve a case of looting in the neighbourhood.

In story 3 Jack finds a great friend in Scoobie, and the two friends spend quality time playing together. 


Amazon Reader comments on "Adventures of Jack: The Agent With a Bone to Pick":

"Adventures of Jack: The Agent with a Bone to Pick are fun kids picture adventure books. Author D. R. Tara brings to life the adventures of Jack, a Jack Russell, in these three hilarious tales.

My kids love kids illustrated books and since we started reading on the kindle they want kids picture adventure books for kindle. We look in the kids books by ages 5-8 and childrens books by ages 9-12 but have a hard time finding something to hold their interest. When we found this book my kids were so excited. They love animals and to have kids ebooks dogs included made it so much fun for them."

"The kids loved following Jack's adventures, and the photos that told the stories. This series of stories is fun, well written and quirky-it's easy to fall in love with Jack!

I would recommend this picture book to any kid who loves animals and adventure. It was a as fun for me as it was for the kids! We had never read this author before, but we will again-and often! Thanks for a great book!"

"Who can resist a kids picture adventure book with an undercover agent dog for a hero? Nobody, I say! Bestselling author D.R. Tara is back with Adventures of Jack: The Agent with a Bone to Pick. In this three-story picture book, we follow a 15-month old Jack Russell puppy, aptly named Jack, to his escapades as an undercover agent of a famous (but unnamed) spy agency. Jack bravely foils thieves and robbers, human or otherwise, and saves the day. And just like any other undercover agent, Jack has his downtime, but then he meets Scoobie and they become fast friends, and all is well again in Jack’s doggie world.

The pictures of Jack, mum, dad, agent cat, and other canine cast of characters are adorable. Children of all ages will be delighted to have this book read to them any time of the day. The book is fun to read and will make you want to have a crime fighting Jack Russel of your own."

"I have to say that D.R. Tara has created another adorable kids eBooks by all ages when it comes to "Adventures of Jack: The Agent With a Bone to Pick". The collection of childrens ebooks dog detectives stories is lively, cute, vividly engaging and short but sweet. Overall, this was another of the kids illustrated books that I got for my daughter that I would definitely recommend to other parents out there looking for cute and well-written stories for their kids to read."

"The writing of this book is so easy to follow and is a great kid’s illustrated book. This author is a great writer of kid’s eBooks by all ages. She’s the best."

"This is a kids picture adventure book for Kindle about a dog agent. My son loved the idea of a dog detective. Great book for kids between the ages of 5-8 as well as 9-12."

"This is a great kids illustrated picture adventure book for kindle. This book would make a great purchase for kids ages 5-8 and ages 9-12."

"A grade A kids illustrated books that is sure to be well received by kids who love dogs and dog detectives."

Monday, April 14, 2014

'Supernatural Hero' by Eran Gadot



Blurb:

  • WINNER of the 2014 Beverly Hills Book Awards
  • London Book Festival 2013 - Honorable Mention

Don't try to be someone else, be yourself!

Reading this book will make you see that being yourself is the only way for success, all you need is to believe.

Andy is the nerd everyone makes fun of. He's really skinny, wears
glasses and talks to himself, but he falls in love with the prettiest
girl in the class. One day Grandpa dies and turns into a ghost. Then,
Andy discovers a new power, he can see ghosts and talk to the dead.

Join Andy's journey and find out how a nerd can become a hero.
Supernatural hero is a great children's book with an outstanding story, for the whole family to enjoy. It is a book that will stay with you forever.

*Supernatural hero and the witches (2) coming soon...


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G3J1XGC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00G3J1XGC&linkCode=as2&tag=andsboorev-20


About the author

Eran Gadot, serial entrepreneur, publicist, ideas man, and chaser of dreams. Married father of three. Eran's "Supernatural Hero" is the first in the series.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

'Dingo Facts (Easy Learning for Kids)' by Sara Woods FREE 4/11-4/13


Blurb:

Newly Released ‘Dingo Facts’ eBook.

A fact filled, fun educational book. Large full color images.

The second book in the Amazing Australian Animals Series® a series of 18 factual educational books being released this year.

Description:

THIRD Book in a series of 18 Books on Amazing Australian Native Animals by Brisbane Author, Sara Woods. Dingo Facts - Easy Learning For Kids.

This book utilises colorful images and easy to read language to teach children about Amazing Australian Animals. The book is as much an educational book as a picture book for the younger children and will also serve as an educational reference book for the older child who can read the book themselves. Contains a Quick Facts Summary feature for reference purposes.

DINGO FACTS REVIEW
Exciting!! Full color photos and graphics. Informative. Educational. Factual. Fun. What a great way for kids and adults to learn about these Amazing Australian Animals. A very well researched and informative book that can be read to younger children by a parent, sibling or official carer while the child looks at the amazing full color photos throughout the book while learning at the same time. The older child will use this book as a learning resource and also as a reference for school projects and assignments etc. Read it and discover some amazing facts yourself. In summary a fun, easy to read pictorial and factual children’s learning book.

This is the third book in a must have series for children of all ages of 18 books to be released this year.

Great for educational centres, schools, teachers and child minding centres and learning at home.

Highly recommended.


BIO for Sara Woods:

I am a family person and live and work part time (besides writing) in the Gold Coast Region of Queensland, Australia.

This is my first formal venture into the writing arena and I hope to gain an insight into the world of authors prior to releasing some self help and motivational books at a later date.

I have created the Amazing Australian Animals Series ®, which will comprise a total of 18 books in the series. I will be releasing two and sometimes three books per month this year until the series is completed.
The series is intended to be fun for both adults and children, while educating the young children at the same time about Australia and its amazing native animals.
My books are designed so they can be read by an adult (or a teacher, carer etc) to a younger child who can look at the many colorful photos and illustrations and havev fun and learn at the same time OR read by an older (but still young) school age child. Each book will be able to be used as a reference for school projects, research assignments etc by older children.
The first book in the Series is called “Kangaroo Facts - Easy Learning for Kids” and all books will have similar titles and a similar cover design for ease of identification.

I have also written non fiction work in other categories and for adults which will be released towards the end of 2014.

If you would like any further information or wish to contact me please contact me at sarawoodsauthor@mail.com