Review of The Sherwood Proof (Lily Sparrow Chronicles #3) by Kristee Ravan

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the tour for The Sherwood Proof by Kristee Ravan! Today I am reviewing the third installment of this fun series.

The Sherwood Proof

(The Lily Sparrow Chronicles #3)

By Kristee Ravan

Middle-Grade, Fairy Tale, Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 569 Pages

November 23, 2021 by Kristee Ravan

Lily Sparrow has finally created an equation for being a good princess. Things are adding up and making sense, and she’s even growing a measurable amount more excited about her future. But unexpected variables keep being tossed into her equation:

1. Carole Claus is facing her first hurdle as Santa. She needs Lily’s help.
2. Lily’s Half-Birthday--an important Smythian tradition--is coming up, requiring her to find time to prepare for it.
3. Her algebra teacher has an unusual (and stressful plan) for Lily.
4. Lily remains convinced that her mom is hiding something from her.
5. The investigation into the traitor is an on-going source of stress and tension at work for Lily and Calo.
6. Oh, and Calo’s still betrothed to Su’Sauna, making life difficult and confusing all around.

Will Lily be able to place these variables securely in her equation? Will the Sparrow family find a way to convince their critics they are good for the Kingdom? Or will everything fall apart--subtracting all the good will Lily has already earned from her citizens?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

**My thoughts**

Lily has come a long way since the first book. And yet she still has a long way to go. After all, living in our world for the first 15 years of her life and then suddenly finding out she's a princess and being thrust into that fairy tale world isn't going to make her successful overnight. But she's getting there.

I think the hardest part is learning how to put the needs of others before your own, and performing the duties you are bound to uphold. I think it's a life lesson a lot of us have to go through. We're just fortunate enough to not have to do it in the fairy tale world where things do not feel as logical. And for her mathematical mind, that's quite a feat!

We still have a lot of strong feelings and whimsical characters that keep the pages turning through this long book. But don't feel overwhelmed by its length. It's entertaining with plenty of plot twists. And while I read all three books in order, I think you would be okay to read this one without having read the first two. But as I always say with standalone books. you'll better enjoy them if you read them all.

I felt a hint of more to come in this series, and will be looking forward to the next installment!

Thank you to Prism Book Tours and the author for my requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author


Kristee Ravan lives in Oklahoma with her husband, daughter, and pet fish, Val (short for Valentine). She wanted to be many things as she grew up including a general, an artist, and an architect. But she never bothered to say, "I want to be a writer when I grow up." She was always writing stories and thought of herself as a writer anyway. She sent her first story to a publisher in the sixth grade. (It was rejected - in a nice way.) When she is not making up stories in her head, she enjoys reading, juggling, green smoothies, playing dollhouse with her daughter, and hearing from her fans. You can contact Kristee at the Facebook page for her Lily Sparrow books: The Lily Sparrow Chronicles.

The Lily Sparrow Chronicles | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon 

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

Three winners will receive a print copy of The Sherwood Proof (US only)

Ends December 15, 2021

ENTER HERE

 

Review of Calculating Christmas (Lily Sparrow Chronicles #2) by Kristee Ravan

 

A month after Lily and Calo rescued the characters from Cinderella and The Candlemaker’s Daughter, they’ve been assigned to a new case. Santa’s rebellious daughter, Carole, has had enough of her family and needs a change. And if that change isn’t handled carefully, it could wind up derailing Christmas for everyone—a fact the will equal lots of unhappy citizens potentially vanishing. So, no pressure for Lily, right? Wrong.In addition, Lily is dealing with the ever-increasing demands on her time, leaving her very little time for her beloved math. Multiply that by the fact that she can’t seem to please her parents, her friend Corrie is mad at her, and her unsolvable relationship status with Calo, and you’re left with a pretty stressed out Lily.Will she and Calo manage to save Christmas? Will Lily find a way to be the Princess the kingdom expects? And how will things turn out with Carole, who is openly naughty in front of Santa Claus?

Goodreads / Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I'm so engrossed in this series! And I really like Lily a lot. I've become so attached to her that I really felt a lot of what she was feeling in this book. I flashed back to my own teen angst. The poor girl just can't seem to catch a break. It's not her fault that she was kept in the Other World for the first 15 years of her life and has only been in Smythe [my shortened name for it] for a couple of months. Of course she isn't going to know much! And all of those laws and rules that have been put in place to prevent others from revealing to much to her...

And then to have the responsibility of saving Christmas thrown at her as well? That's a really tall order. I can't say I blame her for bending rules again. And her struggle continues with balancing this fantasy world of the fairy tales with her strongly mathematical mind.

I did notice she used fewer equations this time. And I still did not read most of the footnotes. I'm sorry!

But I loved this book like I loved the first one and love watching her grow and evolve and am looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to the author and Prism Book Tours for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of The Cinderella Theorem (Lily Sparrow Chronicles #1) by Kristee Ravan

 

Fairy tales are naturally non-mathematical. That is a fact, and fifteen-year-old Lily Sparrow loves factual, mathematical logic. So when her mother confesses that Lily’s deceased father is (a) not dead, (b) coming to dinner, and (c) the ruler of a fairy tale kingdom accessible through the upstairs bathtub, Lily clings to her math to help her make sense of this new double life (1 life in the real world + 1 secret life in the fairy tale world = a double life). Even though it’s not mathematical, Lily finds herself being pulled into a mystery involving an unhappy Cinderella, a greasy sycophant called Levi, and a slew of vanishing fairy tale characters. Racing against the clock, with a sound mathematical plan, can Lily save her fairy tale friends before they vanish forever?

Goodreads / Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

When I first started this book, I was a bit overwhelmed by Lily. She has an obsessive need to turn absolutely everything into math. I appreciate the logic and was originally a math major in college. But it did make a bit of the storytelling awkward at first. 

But then very quickly I got drawn into the story when she finds out that she is actually a princess, her father is actually alive, and her entire life up until now has been a lie. She now has to spend part of her time in this fantasy world, learning how to become its princess. It's amusing because she's constantly trying to rationalize things - which is understandable because math you can control and she is losing control of her life - but you can't rationalize magic. Her lack of fairy tale knowledge is appalling. And yet it makes sense - if you're more interested in math and logic, you're not going to pay as much attention to the fantasy.

I was amused by meeting all of these characters from familiar stories and seeing a different side of them. It's like Smythe (my shortened name for it) is a parallel universe to the fairy tale world. And many of the supporting characters in Lily's kingdom are also amusing.

I also felt like I learned a lot about happiness and friendship and things like that, but on a different level. Lily, of course, also learns a lot.

The book is quite long, but if you can handle reading through a Harry Potter, you can handle reading one this long. There are a ton of footnotes throughout where Lily explains her mathematical equations and whatnot. I admit that I didn't read very many of them. I have a hard time doing that in a paperback, let alone all of the clicking on a Kindle. But I also understood the math terms.

I fell in love with Lily in this book and am looking forward to continuing her adventures.

Thank you to the author and Prism Book Tours for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Ethan's STEM Adventures: I Can Be a Scientist! by Louis J. Desforges

 Welcome to the book tour for Ethan's Stem Adventures by Louis J. Desforges! Today I'm sharing with you an excerpt and my thoughts on the book. Then the author tells us about creating an environment that invites curiosity, which is something this educator loves! Be sure to also check out the rest of the tour and enter the great giveaway!

Like the infinite-shade of colors, the richness of life is enhanced by our natural inclination, as creative beings, to hold distinct perspectives on just about any subject. Collectively, however, I believe we all appreciate the profound significance of all the things that influenced and molded us from an early age—the moments and events that are weaved intricately into our memories.

Who amongst us cannot recall a story, no matter what artistic form used to bring it to life: a book, a show, a play, a comic, a song, a movie, or even a real-life character (that family member, teacher, coach, or friend) who shaped the lens with which we view the world then, now, and always.

For this very reason, I believe children should see themselves represented in all areas of human endeavors, cementing deep within their framework the possibilities that await, regardless of prevailing circumstances.

My hope is to bridge the diversity gap in STEM by creating excitement around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through diverse representation.

"I see me, therefore I can be."

So it remains, like the infinite shades of color, the richness of life is enhanced by the stories and experiences that holds us.

-Louis J. Desforges

Read an excerpt:

Of all the paths I can explore,
Of all the subjects I adore,
The world of science excites me more.
Science helps us see
What was, what is, and what can be
You’ll get a million questions from me!
I observe, I explore…
I’ll get to the core, that’s for sure.
What will I find...maybe a cure?
Or a giant fossil
Of a DINOSAUR!

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.COM * BOOKSHOP * BARNES & NOBLE * BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

This is a fun book that I'd read with children kindergarten and above. Ethan's love of science and exploration really comes alive in all of the illustrations and help to clarify some of the ideas in his rhyming prose. The world of science is much more vast than we sometimes realize, and Ethan pretty much covers them all. It's a great way to start a conversation with kids about what they can explore and learn. Read it at home or put it in the classroom library to invite questions and curiosity.

Thank you to the publisher and Goddess Fish for a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Creating an Environment That Invites Curiosity

I wrote this book not from the perspective of an educator or a child psychologist, as I have no relevant credentials to speak of. But rather I wrote it from the perspective of a parent—a parent wishing to instigate in my son a curiosity for the way the world works, both in STEM and in the nuanced interplay of creativity, trial and error, experience, failure, and ultimately success.

I believe my lived experience as a child affords me at least a partially qualified opinion of how to foster a nutritious environment for the growth of ideas and possibilities. And so, for both my writing and my parenting, it is this inner child I draw upon, to guide my thoughts, words, and my actions so that I can sow small seeds of creative possibility.

Of course, if we are to achieve this ideal as parents, then we need to have actionable steps to take, to champion our children in their pursuit of knowledge and fulfillment.

Suspend judgment

I believe a fundamental practice, albeit extremely difficult, is to try to suspend judgment of our children: of their thoughts, their ideas, and their actions. We, ourselves, come with a set of preconceived ideas of how things should be based upon our own upbringing. However, it is imperative we learn to temper this (except where safety is concerned!) to truly allow them space to foster their own imaginations. And of course, this requires monk-level patience and self-control!

Create space for imperfection

We all know the common mantra “no one is perfect.” However, I believe we still intrinsically expect exactly that of ourselves and our children. And so we want our environments to be perfect (read: our messy lounges that are testament to the existence of happy children), our actions, our thoughts, our parenting, and ultimately our children. However, this simply cannot be, and in fact, is mutually exclusive to learning and creating. We, and our children, must fail to succeed.

And so for us, the action here is to make peace with the “messy,” the “imperfect,” and the “failures.” Because therein lies the key to true deep learning and boundless innovation.

Paint your children’s experiences with diversity

It is natural for humans to gravitate towards the familiar and the easy. After all, this is where our comfort zone keeps us well-insulated from anything remotely “threatening.” And we do this especially when we are tired or busy as the familiar is quicker and easier in the moment. However, I believe it is our duty to instill in our children a love of diversity, a curiosity of the differing minds and thoughts of people around them, and a healthy fascination with cultures and beliefs that contrast with their own.

To do this, we must take the time to study the different cultures that comprise our neighborhoods and our world for ourselves, in order to teach them to our kids. And perhaps the first and most important part of this is teaching them to ask respectful questions and to seek answers in a non-judgmental fashion, so that they may gain an understanding of the beautiful diversity of humans.

I really believe changing the world as we know it starts with changing ourselves and how we parent, what environments we create to support unhindered growth and realization of dreams, and what snippets of humanity we impart to our children in the form of curiosity, imagination, love, respect, and confidence. If we sow these little seeds now, who knows what the resulting forest will look like in its time.

Having endless curiosity, Louis has always been enthralled by the inner workings of everything around him.

With a natural and insatiable drive to build, explore, and understand, one of his fondest childhood memories is harvesting toasters, microwaves, TVs, and other discarded electronics in his Brooklyn neighborhood so he could take apart and rebuild them, or scavenge parts to build his own remote-controlled cars or planes.

He is the first to admit that nothing ever worked as intended, or at all, for that matter, but that never really mattered to him. As long as he was dissecting, constructing, exploring and learning, his cup was always full.

Today, his tinkering looks very different. Louis spends countless hours building and rebuilding Lego sets with his four-year-old son.

With any free time left after work and family life (usually late at night), you can find Louis in his workshop (any available free space with a flat surface) writing, painting, sculpting or toiling over his photography; nonetheless, his deep love for STEM remains, and at its core feeds his endless curiosity and desire to understand the inner workings of everything.

CONNECT WITH LOUIS

WEBSITE: https://louisdesforgesbooks.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/louisdesforgesbooks/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21739120.Louis_Desforges

Louis J. Desforges will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Fodi

 

It's a new entry into the middle grade wizard category! Take a peek inside of Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Fodi and read my take on it. Be sure to follow the tour for more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

There's nothing magical about wizard school
. . . at least, not for Cara Moone.

Most wizard kids spend their days practicing spells and wielding wands, but Cara? She’s on the fast track to becoming a MOP (a.k.a. Magical Occurrence Purger). You see, when a real wizard casts a spell, it leaves behind a residue called spell dust—which, if not disposed of properly, can cause absolute chaos in the nonmagical world. It’s a MOP’s job to clean up the mess.

And no one makes more of a mess than Harlee Wu. Believed to be the Chosen One, destined to save the magical world, Harlee makes magic look easy. Which makes her Cara’s sworn nemesis. Or she would be, if she even knew Cara existed.

Then one of Harlee’s spells leaves something downright dangerous behind it: a rift in the fabric of magic itself. And when more rifts start to appear around the school, all in places Harlee has recently used magic, Cara is pretty sure the so-called “Chosen One” isn’t going to save the world. She’s going to destroy it.

It will take more than magic to clean up a mess this big. Fortunately, messes are kind of Cara’s thing.

Read an excerpt:

* * *

How magic works

(and why we have to clean it up)

* * *

In books and movies, wizards stroll around, flicking their wands, turning people into toads or zapping recalcitrant dragons into submission. In reality, it’s not that simple.

Magic is messy.

It’s like when you squeeze toothpaste onto your toothbrush—there’s always a bit that ends up on your brush handle, the counter, or dripping down your chin. Magic works the same way.

The first thing you learn in wizard school is that there is a Field of Magical Matter. When wizards want to perform a spell (or, if you want to get all official about it, a Magical Occurrence), they have to access the Field. Basically, they have to squeeze a giant magical toothpaste tube. And, like I said, it’s messy, always leaving something behind. We usually refer to it as spell dust, but it’s essentially leftover enchanted residue. How much depends on the Magical Occurrence. A wizard utters a simple spell? You just circle your broom around her feet and go for lunch. Someone magically relocates, let’s say for the sake of argument, a giant statue of the school’s founder? You better strap on your full spell sweeper kit because it’s going to be a loooong day.

But you do need to strap on the kit, because spell dust is definitely not the sort of thing you want to leave sitting around for very long. It causes ALL sorts of problems.

Buy Links

Harper Collins * Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I noticed a lot of echoes of Harry Potter right from the beginning. But Lee Edward Fodi adds in his own twists. I mean, have you ever heard of MOPs? I guess you would say it's essentially what Filch does, but these are kids who are still forced to clean up the magical messes of the actual wizards, even when they are good and happy spells. And the common perception of "The Chosen One" is kind of blown out of the water in this one.

Cara is also snarkier than you would have found in HP, which I appreciated as an adult. She does learn a lot and grows a lot as a person, so there are plenty of learning moments within. You get a balance between the heavy and the humor. It's another fun addition to the magical wizard genre.

I received a requested review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lee Edward Födi is an author, illustrator, and specialized arts educator—or, as he likes to think of himself, a daydreaming expert. He is the author of several books for children, including The Secret of Zoone and the Kendra Kandlestar series. He is a co-founder of the Creative Writing for Children Society (CWC), a not-for-profit program that helps kids write their own books. He has the joy of leading workshops for kids in Canada, the US, Korea, China, Thailand, and other places here and there. Lee lives in Vancouver, where he shares a creative life with his wife Marcie and son Hiro.


Website: www.leefodi.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/leefodi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorleeedwardfodi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leefodi/

Lee Edward Födi will be awarding a Spell Sweeper prize pack: Hand-made miniature broom, hand-made magical creature egg, spell bottle, and bookmarks to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Interview with Scott P. Southall, author of the Order of Time series

 

Today I'm bringing to you a middle grade fantasy series featuring fraternal twins who are complete opposites. You'll have an excerpt to read plus a chance to get to know author Scott P. Southall a little bit better as he tells us about himself and his Order of Time series. Be sure to follow the tour for even more. Best of luck in the giveaway!

*********************

About the Series

Picture two twelve-year-old fraternal twins who are like night and day. She is a smart and highly organised MMA fighter. He’s not a fighter, he’s a lover of history, art and Star Wars. Despite their differences they are one formidable team. Together Anastasia and Edward Upston travel through time and navigate ancient civilisations, angry gods and mythical monsters in their quest to protect the integrity of human history.

About The Order of Time

Anastasia and Edward Upston are eleven year old twins who are different in almost every way. Despite this they are inseparable and he best of friends. They tackle the highs and lows of sixth grade together whether they are fending off bullies at the elite Blake Academy or examining rare antiquities at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Then: life gets complicated.

They discover that their friend and mentor, Dr. Gregorian, is part of a secret society called the Order of Time. It turns out that time is not fixed, it’s a fluid continuum where changes to the past can create ripples all the way through to the present. It unwittingly falls to the twins to travel back through time to ancient Egypt where they must overcome deadly assassins, evil high priests and vengeful gods in order to prevent disaster. Together Anastasia and Edward must navigate all obstacles to preserve the past and find their way back home.

Read an excerpt:

The large, blue gem on the top of the scepter started to glow. It transformed from a light blue like the sky to a golden yellow. A beam of the golden yellow light leaped off the surface of the gem and shot straight into the clay pot. The previously dull mixture took on the color of the sun as its light shone from the ceramic container.

“Aten’s rays,” Anastasia said to herself in a mixture of both understanding and wonder. It’s like something from Harry Potter. It’s magic.

“Yes, child. Aten’s rays,” Akhenaten said with a smile.

Akhenaten parted the dead man’s lips and slowly poured the glowing liquid into his mouth. “By Aten’s will, I command you to return to the land of the living to answer my questions.”

Nothing happened at first. Then the dead man’s skin started to change, turning brighter and brighter until it glowed. It was as if sunshine were leaking out through his pores. The man’s eyelids opened to reveal two luminous, white eyes without pupils or irises. Salah grabbed Anastasia’s arm in fright, and she couldn’t help but gasp.

Then the dead man opened his mouth and spoke. “I am here as commanded, Pharaoh.” It was the same voice as when he was alive but empty and devoid of emotion. It was chilling.

Now available on Amazon

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About The Order of Time and Odin’s Door 

The orange light bathed the snow-covered fields as the fiery globe began to dip below the horizon. It was strange that something so beautiful could signal the arrival of something so evil. One thing twelve-year-old twins Anastasia and Edward Upston knew for sure was that when mortals were caught between two bickering gods nothing good would come of it. Surviving the Viking Age may be the hardest thing they ever do, if they can…

Preorder on Amazon

Arrives January 20, 2022

Q: Do you ever wish you were someone else? Who?

A: This is a great question. I’ve always been fascinated by history so the hardest part is having to pick just one person. If I do have to limit my pick to one person it would be Leonardo Di Vinci. There was nothing that man couldn’t do. He was an inventor, draughtsman, engineer, sculptor, theorist and painter.

“Hey Leo, can you theorize a machine that can fly?”

“Yeah, I got it.”

“Hey Leo, can you tell me how the human circulatory system works?”

“Sure thing.”

“Hey Leo, can you paint one of the most famous paintings ever?”

“No problem.”

He was the very definition of a renaissance man during a time in which the human race was advancing at an exponential pace.


Q: What did you do on your last birthday?

A: Unfortunately, we were three months into an extended covid lockdown in Sydney, Australia. Luckily, the State government had approved outdoor picnics a few days before my birthday so we were still able to have a wonderful picnic in the botanical gardens with views of the water, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House. After being cooped up for three months it was just great to be able to get out and enjoy a meal and time together. Plus my kids love to feed and pet the long-finned eels in the ponds. It totally creeps my wife out.


Q: What part of the writing process do you dread?

A: It’s definitely receiving the first round of feedback from my editor. Writing, for me, is a very personal endeavour. You’ve poured so much of your heart and soul into the process that it’s hard not to be defensive and protective of what you have done. I find I really have to make an effort to open myself up to any constructive feedback so that I can move the story forward. I know it’s the only way for me to really hone the story but I still have to brace myself when I open the cover notes and edited file.


Q: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

A: I am lucky that I don’t suffer from writer’s block. I think it’s because I don’t have as much time to write as I would like. Between my day job as a banker and my young kids there is not a lot of extra time. I typically write late at night when the rest of the house is asleep. By the time I get writing I usually have more things stored in my head than I have time or energy to type.


Q: Tell us about your latest release.

A: Picture two eleven-year-old fraternal twins who are like night and day. She is a smart and highly organised MMA fighter. He’s not a fighter, he’s a lover of history, art and Star Wars. Despite their differences they are one formidable team. Together Anastasia and Edward Upston travel through time and navigate ancient civilisations, angry gods and mythical monsters in their quest to protect the integrity of human history. This is essentially the premise for The Order of Time series.

In book one, The Order of Time, the twins discover that their friend and mentor Dr. G is a member of a secret society of time-travelling museum curators sworn to protect the integrity of history. The twins learn that time is a fluid continuum where changes in the past can disastrously alter the present. When Dr. G is ambushed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History by the nefarious Corsairs they are forced to travel back to ancient Egypt. They must foil a plot between the Corsairs and Anubis to assassinate the Pharaoh in order to protect their own future.

In book two, Dr. G and the twins are summoned to the Order’s London headquarters. Dr. G must face charges for breaking Order rules by allowing the twins to time travel to ancient Egypt using the Order’s Refractium Crystal. Needless to say things again get complicated as the twins navigate the politics of the Order and are forced to face an entirely different set of people, gods and mythical beasts in the Viking Age.

Across both books in the series I try to weave my passion for history, archeology, and mythology into a single tapestry. My hope is that I have created a story with heart that educates without forgetting to laugh (a lot).

Scott is an American author and banking executive who lives in Sydney, Australia. He grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C. and attended Georgetown University. While he loves his job as a global banker, his true passion is making up stories with his children. His debut novel, The Order of Time, reached #1 in its category on Amazon and was the 2021 Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Children’s – Mythology/Fairy Tale genre.


https://www.scottpsouthall.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-southall-6bab5a4/

https://www.instagram.com/scottsouthallauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/scott.southallauthor

https://twitter.com/SSouthallAuthor

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

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Mansa's little Reminders: Scratching the surface of financial literacy by A.D. Williams & Kendal Fordham, illustrated by Taylor Bou

 

Mansa’s little Reminders is a book long overdue that highlights the life of an inner-city kid with big dreams but no direction, a strong and loving family with few resources. Mansa’s little Reminders introduces the fundamental strategies that can help bridge the financial literacy gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” in a way that is fun, relatable, and needed. Mansa’s little Reminders is the first of many fun-filled adventures of a young and curious boy named Mark and his wise furry companion, Mansa. 

Our journey begins on an unusually bright morning, with the sunshine piercing through Mark’s window, blinding him into reality. As he prepared himself for the hot summer day, he noticed a squirrel perched outside of his window. Mark did not know that Mansa had been watching him for a long time. You see, Mansa knew that Mark had the potential to change the path of his life, and he was going to do everything he could to give him the tools and encouragement needed to do so. Will Mansa be successful at helping to change the trajectory of Mark's life?

On Amazon

Kindle * Paperback

(affiliate links included)

About the authors:

A.D. Williams learned early on how powerful representation is in books. Ensuring that kids can see and feel success through the lens of characters that look and face many of the same challenges they do. When I was growing up no one talked about investing, wealth, business plans or how to acquire real wealth, said A.D. His underlying motivation is that this book will ignite discussions around finances in households across the world and be a seed that blossoms until wealth equity for our children. In addition to his writing, A.D. is a children hospital administrator, private investor, and entrepreneur.

Kendal Fordham grew up in a home brimming with financial literacy. Her father tried eagerly to engage all his children in economics, financial planning, and investing as children. Out of the three children, Kendal found it fascinating. Straight out of college, Kendal studied hard and became a fully licensed Financial Professional. A year later as a Dave Ramsey endorsed financial professional, she started her own business as a financial and investment advisor. It didn't take long for her to realize the value in her skillset, but after becoming a mother, Kendal saw how crucial it was to plant the seed of this knowledge into our youth. Kendal is the mother to 2 young children, a landlord, a multi business owner, a mentor, and now, an author.

I was compensated for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interested to my readers. Get your book promoted via my children's book gigs on Fiverr.

Amberly and the Secret of the Fairy Warriors by Gina Vallance

 

Twelve-year-old Amberly doesn't quite fit in with all the other fairies in Whimsical Land. One of her wings is undersized and paralyzed and instead of flying she has to run and leap through the air with the help of a stick. It's awkward, it's no fun, and she sometimes gets bullied for it, too. Worse than that, her mother worries about her disability and won't let her take sword-fighting lessons with her sorcerer uncle. But Amberly's been reading a fascinating book, Secret of the Fairy Warriors, and it's given her a clue to where her father disappeared when she was a young fairy. If she doesn't learn how to be a fairy warrior, she'll never get the chance to rescue him. Dark forces are at work, though, and Amberly and her fairy-butterfly watcher Safflower fall through a magical portal to where everything's in dark and scary contrast to the brilliance and light of Whimsical Land. Someone she meets and what she does there will change her life forever. This middle-grade fantasy bursts with imagination and tucked into all the fun and adventure are unforgettable lessons on self-acceptance, personal-empowerment, and overcoming adversity.

Available on Amazon

Kindle * Paperback * Hardcover

(affiliate links included)

Gina Vallance has an AA degree in child development and a BA in English. She has worked as a preschool teacher and also as an art activity facilitator in a courthouse's children's waiting room. A childhood illness that sometimes left her marginalized and bullied was the inspiration for Amberly, a fairy who refuses to be sidelined by her disability. Gina works in Social Services in Los Angeles County and is happily married to her soulmate. They have a Shorkie dog named Emma, a Malshi dog named Raffaele, and two feline sisters named Belle and Jasmine. The next book in Gina's series, Onyx, is on the way.


Website: https://www.authorginavallance.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinaVallance20

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_vallance_author/

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers. 

Cover Reveal: The Sherwood Proof by Kristee Ravan

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

 

The next installment of The Lily Chronicles by Kristee Ravan is coming soon! Check out the cover and synopsis for The Sherwood Proof and catch up on the first two books in the series!

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

The Sherwood Proof

By Kristee Ravan

Coming November 2021...

The Sherwood Proof

(The Lily Sparrow Chronicles #3)

By Kristee Ravan

Middle-grade, Fairytale, Fantasy

Lily Sparrow has finally created an equation for being a good princess. Things are adding up and making sense, and she’s even growing a measurable amount more excited about her future. But unexpected variables keep being tossed into her equation:

1. Carole Claus is facing her first hurdle as Santa. She needs Lily’s help.
2. Lily’s Half-Birthday--an important Smythian tradition--is coming up, requiring her to find time to prepare for it.
3. Her algebra teacher has an unusual (and stressful plan) for Lily.
4. Lily remains convinced that her mom is hiding something from her.
5. The investigation into the traitor is an on-going source of stress and tension at work for Lily and Calo.
6. Oh, and Calo’s still betrothed to Su’Sauna, making life difficult and confusing all around.

Will Lily be able to place these variables securely in her equation? Will the Sparrow family find a way to convince their critics they are good for the Kingdom? Or will everything fall apart--subtracting all the good will Lily has already earned from her citizens?

Other Books in the Series

Buy the series thus far on Amazon!(affiliate link)

About the Author


Kristee Ravan lives in Oklahoma with her husband, daughter, and pet fish, Val (short for Valentine). She wanted to be many things as she grew up including a general, an artist, and an architect. But she never bothered to say, "I want to be a writer when I grow up." She was always writing stories and thought of herself as a writer anyway. She sent her first story to a publisher in the sixth grade. (It was rejected - in a nice way.) When she is not making up stories in her head, she enjoys reading, juggling, green smoothies, playing dollhouse with her daughter, and hearing from her fans. You can contact Kristee at the facebook page for her Lily Sparrow books: The Lily Sparrow Chronicles.

The Lily Sparrow Chronicles | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Tour Giveaway


A print copy of The Cinderella Theorem and a $25 Amazon card (US only)

Ends October 19, 2021

ENTER HERE

Gigi and the Paris Puzzle by Nicole Levin

  

Jojo has a project to research and give a presentation to her class about the city of Paris. She is very nervous to stand up and speak. Through her research, she becomes intrigued and dreams of visiting Paris - the antithesis of the small town where she lives.

One day, while playing with her Eiffel Tower snow globe, she finds herself transported back to Paris of the 1920s. She is renamed ‘Gigi’ and gets to live in the plush apartment of her dreams, where the furniture and kitchen equipment have a life of their own. Fifi, the French poodle, becomes her dog, and she meets a mysterious boy named Jean Pierre.

While visiting the Rodin Museum with Jean Pierre, the sculpture of The Girl with The Flower Hat challenges Gigi to free her. An amateur sorcerer accidentally turned her into a sculpture while entertaining guests at the opening of the museum. The Girl in the Flower Hat sets Gigi a five-day task to solve a series of interconnected puzzles that will free her. If Gigi fails, she too will be turned into stone.

Gigi and her accomplices (Fifi, Jean Pierre, her new friend Francine and a doll named Amelie) embark on a frenetic journey around different landmarks in Paris. Through finding the hidden clues and solving each step of the puzzle, Gigi finds her confidence, learns to trust in her abilities and discovers her compassion for the trapped girl.

Finally, Gigi and her friends succeed in solving the puzzle and the statue of The Girl with the Flower Hat explodes and leaves the real life girl, Fleur, in the middle of the museum floor. Fleur leaves the museum with the children and moves into Gigi’s apartment.

When her task is over, Gigi has to return home to her family, leaving behind her new friends. Fifi comes home with Gigi and delights her younger brothers. No one in her family knows where she has been, and the reader is left wondering if her visit to Paris was actually real. Gigi gives a spectacular and confident presentation about her adventures in Paris to her class.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link)

I am an Australian/South African children’s writer, currently living in Cape Town, South Africa with my husband, two children and two cats.

As a writer, I am inspired to capture the world through the eyes of a child. I have written and published six picture books. Four of my books tackle philosophical questions from the perspective of a young child. I have also published many educational readers for primary and middle school children. My writing spans different genres: picture books, fiction, non-fiction, textbooks, poetry and plays. My books are published in South Africa with publishers such as Cambridge University Press, Shuter & Shooters and Imbizo Education. In addition to my published work, I develop learning materials for teachers and work as a freelance Drama and English teacher. Please see my full publication list below.

Educationally, I have a Masters Degree in Creative Writing from the University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia, an Honours Degree in Drama and Performers Diploma in Speech and Drama from the University of Cape Town, and a Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Inlingua Language School, Cape Town.

I was compensated via Fiverr.com to share this post. I only share those books that I feel would be of interest to my readers.

Nat Geo Kids Books Fall Prize Pack #Giveaway Ends 10/31 @NGKidsBks @HomeJobsByMom

These books are some of my favorites and meant for kids of all ages. Adults, too! And I'm so excited that I was able to find another giveaway to give you a second chance to try to win a set for yourself to use at home or at school. Check them out and then enter to win this great prize pack. Best of luck to you!

Welcome To The Nat Geo Kids Books Fall Prize Pack Giveaway!

This giveaway is part of our Fall Gift Guide. Stop by to see all the great giveaways and products!

It's a new season and these fall favorites from National Geographic Kids Books are the perfect thing to add to your familys bookshelf, supplement distance learning, or check people off your holiday gift lists!

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS

 

Prize:

Nat Geo Kids Books Prize Pack

One Lucky Winner Will Receive the Nat Geo Kids Books Fall Prize Pack Valued at $108!

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Hosted By:

Home Jobs By Mom

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Co-Hosted By:

COOLAGN & Nerdy Dad RP & Deliciously Savvy & Michigan Saving And More

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Below Is A List Of All The Bloggers Involved In The Gift Guide

A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator Home Jobs by Mom, Jessica Inspired by Faith, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Silly Little Gang, Simply Sherryl, Tales From A Southern Mom, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family, Versatileer, My Freebies Deals & Steals

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WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ YOUTUBE ~ AMAZON

Learn More Here

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Rules: Use The Rafflecopter Form To Enter Daily. The giveaway ends 10/31 And Is Open To The United States. Entrants Must Be 18 Years Old To Enter. The Winner Will Be Notified Via Email.

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Are You A Blogger? CLICK HERE To Get A FREE Link Added To One Of Our Giveaways. Just Post And Report!

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If You Have Any Questions Or Are A Brand/Company And Would Like To Work With Home Jobs By Mom Please Contact Me. Also, To Be Informed Of New Giveaways And Blogger Opps CLICK HERE.

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Good Luck! Enter Below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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One entrant will be selected by the entry form to win a Nat Geo Kids Book Prize Pack. Open for entry in the United States, 18 years and older from 10/04/21 thru 10/31/21. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media networking site. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. Once a winner is drawn and confirmed, the name will be announced on the Rafflecopter form. Nat Geo Kids will be responsible for sending the winners their prizes.

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Thank You So Much For Visiting Today!

Nat Geo Kids Fall Favorites #Giveaway Ends 11/2

 

These books are among some of my favorites. And I know they are for a lot of you as well. Check them all out and then enter to win the collection! Best of luck to you!

Sponsored By: National Geographic Kids

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner Will Receive: 

This 6 Book Collection from National Geographic Kids! 

A $108 RV!

Read all about this collection here:

(affiliate links included)

Ultimate Book of African Animals by Emmy Award-Winning Filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert (ages 8-12, hardcover)

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? With National Geographic photographer-filmmaker duo Beverly and Dereck Joubert as their guides, readers are transported to the plains of the Serengeti, the sands of the Sahara and the shaded nooks of the rainforest. Dereck and Beverly are eight-time Emmy award-winning filmmakers, National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence and wildlife conservationists who have been filming, researching and exploring Africa for over 35 years.  By sharing their stories of life on safari and Beverly's jaw-dropping photography, this dynamic duo gives the reader unique, behind-the-lens access to Africa's wildlife, how they live, play and hunt and how they have adapted to their wild, one-of-a-kind environments.  A big, beautiful guide to animals that roar, race and "totally rule," this gift-worthy book is overflowing with facts, stats and photos of animals of all behaviors, shapes and sizes -- including the tiny bombardier beetle, the sneaky desert viper, mischievous monkeys, elusive Ethiopian wolves, as well as fan favorites like lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, gorillas, rhinos, and so many more.   

Zeus the Mighty Series: The Trials of Hairy-Clees (ages 8-12, hardcover) 

Attention Percy Jackson/Greek Mythology Fans!: 

"Readers will appreciate the overlay of this mythological world atop the real-life operations of a pet rescue center and how Boyer manages to fit all the plot pieces together perfectly. Great characters, action, adventure, and lots of humor" -- School Library Connection

"A treat for proto–Percy Jackson fans.” — Kirkus Reviews

Welcome to Mount Olympus, a pet supply and rescue center that sits high on a hill in Athens, Georgia. The overconfident hamster Zeus, wise cat Athena, and other rescued pets live there under the watchful eye of their caretaker, Artie, who's obsessed with Greek mythology. The pets overhear her favorite podcast, Greeking Out, and believe themselves to be the actual megastars of mythology! Get ready to laugh, cheer, and learn with Zeus and his minions in their rollicking romps through Greek mythology and unforgettable adventures. Check out the Zeus the Mighty website for books, fun printables, games, fun Greek facts and episodes of the real life Greeking Out podcast.

Little Kids First Big Book of Rocks, Minerals and Shells (ages 4-8, hardcover) - This new addition to the wildly popular Little Kids First Big Book series introduces a fascinating variety of Earth’s rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, and shells -- from granite to gold, marble to malachite, and conchs to clams. Discover how rocks are formed, the three kinds of rocks, and the difference between rocks and minerals. Learn how rocks and minerals are used in art, architecture, industry, and science. Then journey to the oceans to explore seashells and the amazing animals that once inhabited them. Packed with more than 200 stunning photos, including closeups of each specimen, this colorful book showcases breathtaking natural sites such as the Giant’s Causeway and human-built structures like the Great Wall of China. Filled with fun facts, this book is designed for interactive learning, the Little Kids First Big Book of Rocks, Minerals, and Shells.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2022 (ages 8-12, paperback) - The number one selling kids almanac on the planet!

 "...this gathering of upbeat, vividly illustrated, browser-friendly dips into topics ranging from black holes to blue-footed boobies to Bolivian street food is hard to put down, and the pop quizzes and research guides at each chapter’s end will give studious sorts a leg up, too." - Kirkus

The latest installment of the New York Times best-selling almanac features amazing animal stories, explorer profiles, and outrageous attractions that kids know and love, plus more of the incredible inventions, awesome games, and fresh challenges for curious kids who want to learn all about the world and everything that's in it.  Tons of fun facts, crafts, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, conservation help kids keep up with our quickly changing world and is why this is the number one selling kids almanac on the planet.  There's a whole chapter full of fun and games, including activities, jokes, and comics and the colorful compilation also includes an Almanac Challenge 2022 — which inspires kids to reduce their plastic waste.  

NG Kids World Atlas 6th Edition (ages 10+, hardcover)

"No one does maps or atlases with as much panache and knowledge as National Geographic" - Washington Post

This Fall, the map experts at National Geographic debuts the sixth edition of their Kids World Atlas -- the perfect reference for kids to learn about lands close to home or oceans away. This title is an authoritative and well-designed with completely updated maps, stats, and facts about the people, places, trends, and developments of our world.  Highlights include the latest geographic and political information, a new map on global migration that introduces kids to the movement of people around the world, new graphics that present facts in an easy-to-read format, a place-name index with more than 3,000 locations, colorful photography that shows the beauty and diversity of our world and more than 120 maps, each one telling a story.   Now more than ever, kids need to understand the world from a global perspective -- this is an invaluable resource for using in the classroom or reading at home.

NG Kids Why?:  Over 1,111 Answers to Everything (ages 8-12, hardcover, 192 pgs) - The concept is simple. Got a question? Well now you have an answer! 1,111 of them, in fact. Want to know why your snot is yellow? Flip to the human body chapter. What's on the inside of a turtle shell? The animal section's got you covered. What's in the deepest part of the ocean? Why doesn't Earth just float off into space? Check, check, and check. With hundreds of topics ranging from silly to serious, this book has the expert information kids need in a fun and entertaining format that will keep them digging for answers. 

Open To US entrants and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 10/5 9:00AM EST through 11/2 11:59PM EST

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.