Showing posts with label book promo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book promo. Show all posts

Monday, January 2, 2023

Mansa's Little Reminders: The Money Workbook for Kids Part 1 by AD Williams & Kendal Fordham

 



Children learn about financial literacy, wealth creation, and money management in this easy-to-follow workbook developed as a second step to Mansa’s Little Reminders book. In this workbook, children will learn the tools to normalize wealth and financial freedom. Learning is easy and long-lasting through the use of interactive exercises and fun assignments.

Parents, families, and educators can support their children in developing foundational skills to responsibly earn and retain money. Together, we can create a generation of future wealth builders.

This workbook will:
  • Teach children about budgeting & saving money
  • Introduce kids to the role of an entrepreneur
  • Have them run through real business scenarios appropriate for their age
  • Encourage them to interact with elders to seek guidance and mentorship

(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 is a mother, a Wealth Manager, business owner, real estate investor, and now author. She is passionate about her growing faith in Jesus Christ, financial literacy, and creating a legacy that supports and inspires her family.



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

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Review of Tucked In by Corey Wainman

 


It's a flash back in time to the late 1970s and all of the crazy growing up things that happen. Read an excerpt and my thoughts on Tucked In by Corey Wainman. Follow the tour for even more and remember to let him know what you think. Best of luck in the giveaway!

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Monster Truck Coloring Book by Dsignyc Books

If you have a child who loves cars and monster trucks, check out this new coloring book and pick up your own today!




The perfect coloring book for all Monster Trucks lovers.If you want to give your child something unique and creative that will catch his attention, this booklet of 60 pages will be the perfect gift for him.
This amazing coloring book is designed for children from the age of 4, includes full-page illustrations of Monster Trucks, SUVs, Supercars and more.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Preorder #GrowYourCircle (Mila on Purpose Book 1) by Professor Stork, illustrated by Diane Belgrad

  


Mila is a young girl with a strong sense of purpose. She also listens and pays attention to the words and thoughts of wise advisers, like her parents and teachers. Through everyday actions imbued with kindness and consideration, Mila is intent on fostering positive change in her community and across the globe.

#GrowYourCircle is a trailblazing graphic novel for children 6-10, their parents and teachers. The book nurtures children’s innate sense of purpose and helps build strong, positive leadership skills.


Preorder on Amazon
(Affiliate links included)



About the Author

Professor Stork is on a mission to write and publish books that help children build and nurture self-worth, creativity, compassion, leadership skills and a sense of purpose. He believes children are catalysts for positive change, and that reading is a way for them to begin the journey leading to a fulfilling, purposeful life.






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

Friday, July 1, 2022

Learn to Read and Write Secret Messages in Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs Jumbo Activity Book

Trying to write in secret code feels like a rite of passage in elementary school and beyond. Through in a little actual learning with it and learn how to do so with hieroglyphics! Now you can get a jumbo activity book about them! I know I would have been all over this in elementary school.


Thursday, May 26, 2022

Beyond the Birch by Torina Kingsley

 


Fantasy is one of the most popular genres in the middle grade years. And this one has faeries. Check out an excerpt from Beyond the Birch by Torina Kingsley and then follow the tour for more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

The New Enchantress (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions Book 3) by Sunayna Prasad

 


It's the third book in Sunayna Prasad's series Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions. Check out an excerpt from this installment and then read on to find out the author's thoughts on making this into a movie. Be sure to follow the tour for more. Best of luck in the giveaway!

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Kanga Superheros and Villans: Kangan Vs Mayhem by Patricia Bell

Interested in a middle-grade, YA for boys (10 to 15)? Here's a fun one to get them reading! Get a FREE copy with a newsletter subscription or $0.99 on Kindle!



A Bolt of Lightning. A Video Game. Kangan SuperPowers!

A lot can happen in the three milliseconds it takes for lightning to run through the body: Third-degree burns, singed hair, shredded clothes, explosives superheated five times hotter than the sun. Eardrums blow, cardiac arrest, or the heat could literally cook your brain … well, you get the idea, anyway.

So, imagine, the surprise after being struck by lightning at 4, while playing my favorite video game - KANGA: SUPERHEROES AND VILLAINS that I woke up with only a small scar on my wrist.

Shortly after, I began displaying the same powers as my character in the game, such as Super Punch and Mega Bounce to name a few. It’s a secret I’ve lived with for almost a decade, but recently it has been nearly impossible to keep.

Oh yeah, and as it turns out, I have an arch-enemy, Mayhem, and he’s out to harm someone very important to me.
There’s only one way to stop Mayhem, and I’m the only one who can do it.

Join me, Kangan, and my buddy Brennan, AKA Diesel, in this epic battle!


On Amazon:
(affiliate links included)






About the author:

Patricia Bell is a fifty-something-year-old whose brain has been scorched by the hot desert Arizona sun. Which, by the way, is the setting for most of her stories. She’s authored a handful of young adult and children's books and is continually writing, whether in her head or on the screen. Her characters are often sharp-witted and sarcastic and more often than not, find themselves in a bit of trouble.

Patricia is married to her best friend and has three grown children who think they know better than she. Who knows, maybe they do.

As a Christian, her stories each have a message of grace and hope as well as suspense and a tiny touch of romance. She is an Avid reader of Christian fiction of any kind, and sometimes dabbles into the unknown world of Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, and John Grisham.

She would love to hear from you on Facebook or Twitter: 


or you can join her newsletter here https://mailchi.mp/5c5c5df7530b/pbellauthor to get all the latest and greatest news on upcoming books, freebies, and cover reveals.




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

Friday, April 8, 2022

Check out Yvonne Abuda's illustrations from The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: The Robinsons by Terance L. Shipman and Prudence Williams




Filled with adventure, joy, and wonder, The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: The Robinsons is the perfect beginning to a fun middle-grade book about the bonds of love and family. Anyone looking for a little magic in their lives will find it here. Check out these great illustrations!



The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm

Mahalia and Malcolm know that they do not belong to the typical African American family, but that doesn't stop them from loving their family and just being kids. After their home is invaded by a masked stranger, the siblings set off on a brave and daring adventure to rescue their family. Plunged into an incredible battle to save the family, the kids struggle with the normal fears and anxieties, but they soon discover the enormous range of their superpowers! They also discover incredible secrets about their family: like Douglass: the family's robot and RedTail1, the family's aircraft. The most important discovery they uncover is the courage that it takes to keep a superhero family together. Filled with excitement and riveting escapades, The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: the Robinsons, is the perfect book to show young readers that superheroes come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages!





on Amazon
(affiliate links included)









Find more of their books here!





Visit www.teranceshipman.com for more!



More of our features of Terance Shipman's books:











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

Friday, March 11, 2022

The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: The Robinsons by Terance L. Shipman & Prudence Williams with illustrations by Yvonne Abuda

Filled with adventure, joy, and wonder, The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: The Robinsons is the perfect beginning to a fun middle-grade book about the bonds of love and family. Anyone looking for a little magic in their lives will find it here.



The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm

Mahalia and Malcolm know that they do not belong to the typical African American family, but that doesn't stop them from loving their family and just being kids. After their home is invaded by a masked stranger, the siblings set off on a brave and daring adventure to rescue their family. Plunged into an incredible battle to save the family, the kids struggle with the normal fears and anxieties, but they soon discover the enormous range of their superpowers! They also discover incredible secrets about their family: like Douglass: the family's robot and RedTail1, the family's aircraft. The most important discovery they uncover is the courage that it takes to keep a superhero family together. Filled with excitement and riveting escapades, The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: the Robinsons, is the perfect book to show young readers that superheroes come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages!


on Amazon
(affiliate links included)


Find more of their books here!





Visit www.teranceshipman.com for more!



More of our features of Terance Shipman's books:











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

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Little Mansa's Reminders: The Money Workbook for Kids by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham, illustrated by Taylor Bou

 


Children learn about financial literacy, wealth creation, and money management in this easy-to-follow workbook developed as a second step to Mansa’s Little Reminders book. In this workbook, children will learn the tools to normalize wealth and financial freedom. Learning is easy and long-lasting through the use of interactive exercises and fun assignments.

Parents, families, and educators can support their children in developing foundational skills to responsibly earn and retain money. Together, we can create a generation of future wealth builders.

This workbook will:
  • Teach children about budgeting & saving money
  • Introduce kids to the role of an entrepreneur
  • Have them run through real business scenarios appropriate for their age
  • Encourage them to interact with elders to seek guidance and mentorship

Book Links
(affiliate links included)
Available April 1, 2022!



BIO:

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 is a mother, a Wealth Manager, business owner, real estate investor, and now author. She is passionate about her growing faith in Jesus Christ, financial literacy, and creating a legacy that supports and inspires her family.



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

Website: https://mansaslittlereminders.com

Monday, March 7, 2022

Review of Jaxon and the Naughty Secret Monster by Madeline M. Pratchler


Welcome to the book review tour for Jaxon and the Naughty Secret Monster by Madeline M. Pratchler! Today I'm sharing with you an excerpt and my thoughts on this middle grade read. Be sure to follow the tour for even more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!



Jaxon's enthusiasm for the simplest things bubbles out of him, and ideas continually pop out of his very large brain. His delight in helping plant the garden with his family creates a magical learning opportunity, and he's well on his way to being as smart as his dad. But sometimes his zest needs to be clamped down, and his blurting embarrasses others.

When Dad shares a surprise for Mom, Jaxon discovers the secret monster: a naughty guy who lives inside him, waiting to blab as soon as his mouth opens. Jaxon swallows him down and tells him to be quiet inside his head, but will that monster listen? And what about the next time when Jaxon plots a prank on the ice cream man?


Read an excerpt:

Once our groceries were on the belt, I heard a whiny man’s voice. I was shocked because a whiny voice usually sounded like mine, not a deep voice like Dad’s. I turned around curiously, and here was a man with gray hair, holding a plastic bag with just one small thing in it. He was doing big breaths.

“Only one till open, hmmmm, only one till open,” he complained.

I stared at him in disbelief. I had never heard a grown-up act whiny before! I saw him look back and forth, then sigh loudly again.

“HMMMM, only one till open.”

A lady was between us and him. She had a basket slung over her arm with juice, bread, and some fruit inside. She said kindly to him, “You can go ahead of me if you like.”

“Hey, thanks,” he happily stepped right behind us. Now I could see inside his plastic bag. He had one thing only – a green pepper. I hated green peppers. He came into the store for just a green pepper? Seriously? Was he gonna eat that thing?

“Hmmm, just one till open,” he whined again and this time Mom turned around.

“Did you wish to go ahead of us?”

“Oh, thanks, yes!” He squeezed ahead of us and handed his pepper to the cashier who was just about to beep our order.

I felt hot rushing into my head and my mouth came all the way open. Before I could even think, the monster inside of me jumped out of my mouth, “That’s no fair! How come he gets his way when he’s being a whiny pants? You always say we shouldn’t whine, and –“ Mom poked me sharply and her face was super red but I couldn’t stop. “Then you actually totally listened to him!”

The man heard and looked at me. “Just super busy today, thanks.” He pulled out some money to pay.

“But it’s a pepper!” The monster in me refused to be swallowed and quiet, and it just didn’t make any sense! “If you’re so busy, you really needed a pepper? They are gross anyway!”

“Jaxon, HUSH!” Mom’s eyebrows were almost up to her hair.

Luke’s face looked amused…and horrified. “Peppers look like lizards when they’re cut up on pizza,” he said quietly, “I wouldn’t drive to the grocery store on a busy day just to buy a pepper either.”


Buy Links

Amazon * BN

(affiliate link included) 

The book is free during the tour.


**My thoughts**

This cute chapter book is told from Jaxon's point of view as he contemplates life and the world around him. Some of his vocabulary mix-ups are a little reminiscent of Ramona. He is very curious and very outspoken, much like other young men I have known at that age.


It is a snapshot into his life in the country one particular summer that actually took me back to my own childhood planting the gardens with my own parents. Readers may develop curiosity about starting one of their own! 


I will say it did feel more like reading a memoir than the adventures of a child, but it was still cute.


Thank you to the author, publisher, and Goddess Fish for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


As a young child, Madeline Pratchler was always telling stories, and as she grew she wrote stories and poetry, falling more and more in love with words, ideas, learning, reading and music. She is an accomplished musician on the organ and piano, and not so accomplished on the violin (yet!). A prairie girl through and through, she delights in big skies, clouds, horizons, fruit trees, and her garden. She lives in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, with her husband and their four children. Jaxon and the Naughty Secret Monster is her first book.

CONNECT WITH Madeline M. Pratchler

WEBSITE madelinepratchlerauthor.com

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069545053024



Madeline M. Pratchler will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, February 21, 2022

Read an exclusive excerpt from Kidventure: Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue by Steve Searfoss

On Tour with Prism Book Tours


Welcome to the book tour for Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue by Steve Searfoss! Today I have an exclusive excerpt for you for this tour. Download your own copy and be sure to check out the rest of the tour! Best of luck entering the giveaway!


KidVenture: Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue
(KidVenture #1)
By Steve Searfoss
Middle Grade Fiction, Contemporary
Paperback & ebook, 125 Pages
January 26, 2020 by Steve Searfoss

Chance Sterling launches a pool cleaning business over the summer. Join Chance as he looks for new customers, discovers how much to charge them, takes on a business partner, recruits an employee, deals with difficult clients, and figures out how to make a profit. He has twelve weeks to reach his goal. Will he make it? Only if he takes some chances.

KidVenture stories are business adventures where kids figure out how to market their company, understand risk, and negotiate. Each chapter ends with a challenge, including business decisions, ethical dilemmas and interpersonal conflict for young readers to wrestle with. As the story progresses, the characters track revenue, costs, profit margin, and other key metrics which are explained in simple, fun ways that tie into the story.

Read an excerpt:
When I was done, I emptied the bucket of debris into our large trashcan and I put up the nets. I headed to the kitchen for some of my mom’s iced tea. Addie was at the table drawing. She was always doing art. Ponies and puppies, bears and bunnies, that sort of thing. Lots of pinks and purples, sparkles and glitter. Girly stuff. Rainbows and sunsets. Boring stuff, if you ask me.

I reached into the fridge, poured myself a glass and took a big gulp. Ah, that felt good. I downed the full glass and then poured myself another one. As I sipped it I flipped through the newspaper my dad had left on the counter. Nothing caught my eye. Then I glanced over at what Addie was drawing. I bet she’s drawing a unicorn or something just as silly—

“Wait a minute! Addie! What are you drawing?” I said, shocked. 
She quickly scooped up her papers and stuffed them into her sketchbook and closed the cover. Mighty suspicious. 
“Nothing.” She grinned.

“That didn’t look like nothing.”

“Just drawing.“

“What were you doing?” 
“Why do you care?” she said defensively. 
“I want to know.” 
“It’s none of your business.” 
“Oh, it is my business.” I glared at her. “It’s very much my business. In fact, I think you were actually drawing my business. Was that a swimming pool you were drawing?”

“No.” She cracked a smile. “I was just drawing water.”
I scowled.

“Water inside four walls!” I said, accusatorily. She started giggling. “In a backyard! With a diving board!” By now she was laughing uncontrollably.

“Let me see that!” I reached for her sketchbook. She pulled it away from me, but as she did that, a bunch of papers went flying into the air. And there it was. One of her drawings floated slowly down to the ground and when it landed I could see it, clear as day. Not just a swimming pool, but in bright orange big letters it said Pool Cleaning Service.

“Addison!” I shouted. “What are you doing?!”

“It’s called marketing,” she said in the voice of a grown-up, tired of explaining the same thing over and over again to a child.

“You don’t even know what that is!”

“Yes I do,” she huffed. “Dad told me what it means.”

“Oh yeah, well what is it?”

“I am making flyers to promote my pool cleaning business.”

“You don’t have a pool cleaning business!” I stomped my foot. “I do.”

“Not yet, I don’t, but I expect that soon I will.”

I looked down again at the flyer she had drawn. There was a phone number on it. I pointed to it.

“Mom said I could use her number,” she said.

I was about to tell her this whole thing was crazy, it would never work. But I was stopped short in my tracks. I do believe my jaw was open. I might have even been drooling, if you want to know the truth.

“Addie!” I gave her a big hug. “This is a great idea! That’s exactly what I need to find new customers.”

“But you don’t know how to draw.”

“Yes I do,” I said defensively.

“No, you don’t,” she smirked. “Even your stick figures don’t look like sticks, they look like nervous spaghetti.”

“You have a point. Maybe you can draw them for me.”

“No thanks,” she said and quickly picked up her papers and started to head out of the kitchen.

“Wait! Addie wait!”

“I’ll pay you.”

“How much?”

“I don’t know. A dollar.”

“No way,”

“Two dollars?” I said hopefully.

She shook her head

“Three?”

“Half.”

“A half dollar?” I giggled. “Ok, sure.”

“No, I want half of everything you make cleaning pools.”

“What?!” I shrieked.

“That’s right, 50-50.”

“No way, not a chance! Get lost.”

“Ok,” she said in that you’re-going-to-regret-this tone of voice and started to walk away.

I swallowed. There was something stuck in my throat. Ok, you might even say it was pride. I swallowed my pride and called out, “Addie! Come back.”

“Yes, brother?” she teased.

“I’ll give you a third.”

She pretended to think about it, and then said, “No.”

“Forty percent.”

“No.”

“Forty! Addie, that’s a lot.”

“I don’t want forty, I want to be your partner. An equal partner.”

“My partner?” I said sarcastically.

“That’s right. Your partner.” 
“But you don’t know anything about cleaning pools. And you’re too little to carry heavy buckets of wet leaves.” 
“And you don’t know how to draw. And it sure doesn’t seem like you know much about marketing either.” 
“You want me to give you half of my business just because you can draw flyers? That hardly seems fair. I can get anyone to draw pictures of a pool for me.”

“It’s not just drawing, Chance. It told you, it’s called marketing. I have Mom’s phone ready to go, so we can take calls. I made a map of the neighborhood so we can write down which houses we visited and left flyers with, and what they said. I’ll find us new customers, if you make me your partner.” 
I scratched my head. There was something appealing about what she was proposing. It was no fun knocking on doors all day in the hot sun, hoping someone needed their pool cleaned. “Ok, ok. Maybe we can do half of any new customer you bring.”

“No,” she said. “I want to be a full partner in the whole business, or I’m not interested.” 
Excerpted from Kidventure: Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue by Steve Searfoss, Copyright © 2022 by Steve Searfoss. Published by Steve Searfoss.

(Affiliate links included.)




About the Author


Steve Searfoss: I wrote my first KidVenture book after years of making up stories to teach my kids about business and economics. Whenever they'd ask how something works or why things were a certain way, I would say, "Let's pretend you have a business that sells..." and off we'd go. What would start as a simple hypothetical to explain a concept would become an adventure spanning several days as my kids would come back with new questions which would spawn more plot twists. Rather than give them quick answers, I tried to create cliffhangers to get them to really think through an idea and make the experience as interactive as possible.

I try to bring that same spirit of fun, curiosity and challenge to each KidVenture book. That’s why every chapter ends with a dilemma and a set of questions. KidVenture books are fun for kids to read alone, and even more fun to read together and discuss. There are plenty of books where kids learn about being doctors and astronauts and firefighters. There are hardly any where they learn what it’s like to run small business. KidVenture is different. The companies the kids start are modest and simple, but the themes are serious and important.

I’m an entrepreneur who has started a half dozen or so businesses and have had my share of failures. My dad was an entrepreneur and as a kid I used to love asking him about his business and learning the ins and outs of what to do and not do. Mistakes make the best stories — and the best lessons. I wanted to write a business book that was realistic, where you get to see the characters stumble and wander and reset, the way entrepreneurs do in real life. Unlike most books and movies where business is portrayed as easy, where all you need is one good idea and the desire to be successful, the characters in KidVenture find that every day brings new problems to solve.
 

Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a print copy of KidVenture: Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue and a $15 Amazon gift card (US, UK, Canada only)

Ends March 2, 2022

 
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Tuesday, February 8, 2022

The Dark Beast by Dave Maruszewski



This one is for all of the kids and kids-at-heart who love epic fantasy. Read an excerpt from Dave Maruszewski's The Dark Beast as well as a guest post about how he crafts his fictional world. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for even more fun. Best of luck entering the giveaway!



Recently knighted squires Raven, Romda, and Ravai are tasked to help a nearby priest. However, this simple errand turns into much more. They cross paths with the Dark Beast. After that brief encounter, they soon realize the Beast’s plans to destroy an entire town. They journey to this town, meeting residents who tell large tales about the Beast. How much of stories are true? The three will find out. The Dark Beast is coming.


Read an excerpt:

The Dark Beast lunged toward Agnew and grabbed him, but his hand smashed into something. The wizard had put up as a barrier, invisible to the Beast.

“A nice spell,” the Beast said, “but there are ways around it, as well.”

“It will be too late,” the wizard said. He then shot out a large burst of blue energy. The Beast jumped out of the way, grabbed onto one of the rafters, and did not come back down.

“Do you know what your problem is?” the Dark Beast asked.

“Right now?” Agnew replied. “You.”

“No,” the Dark Beast continued, “even in my form, you are more than my superior. You have great power.” Agnew almost seemed pleased to hear this.

The Beast continued explaining. “However, you are too vain and unwilling to get your hands dirty. No one turned me into the beast that you see before you. I chose to do it. It made me stronger. You would never do it.”

The wizard released another blast, almost missing, but indeed striking the Dark Beast. He fell to the ground.

“It would appear that you have overestimated yourself,” Agnew proclaimed. “I stand above you, and you are defeated.”

The Beast looked up and said, “But you won’t touch me, will you, even if I am dead?”

“Of course not,” Agnew replied. “That is why I have guards.” He raised his hand to give the final blow.

The Dark Beast rolled and smashed another vial on the ground. The mist penetrated Agnew’s shield. When he smelled it, he immediately got sick and tried not to vomit.

The Beast slowly rose with a glare aimed directly at Agnew. The Beast was unaffected. His form was resistant to the sickly fumes.


Buy on Amazon 

(affiliate link included)

Just $0.99 during the tour!



Once, a very good artist and teacher said to me, “Don’t put every detail into your painting. If you do, the people will have no way of let themselves into it.” Even though I used quotes, this is a bit of a paraphrase. Nonetheless, what he meant was that if I put in too much detail in my painting, viewers won’t be able to use their imagination to “fill in the blanks” so to speak.

The above concept is a method I have kept in a lot of my creative endeavors. It is also what I employ in my Raven, Romda and Ravai series. In these books, you’ll see scant description of the three characters appearance. Furthermore, I practice this pretty much for every personality in the books. I want you, the reader, to make a picture of each person that is specific to you.

When I talk about a sunset, I don’t want to describe it perfectly to you with wonderful style. Instead, I want to take you back to a sunset you remember and put it into my book. This is part of my goal to create a little bit of interaction with the reader.

Another reason that I do this is to engage readers who are less apt to love reading. These type of readers see fiction as a static, impersonal way of presenting material and not a beautiful, expressive way that book-lovers have discovered since written stories were invented.

This style can be scary. My writing may turn off the traditional reader. Even more intimidating, this may gain me low scores with the professional critic, who evaluates books based on traditional methods. After all, I’d like to sell books and make a small living from it. However, what if I don’t choose this way? Who will reach these youth?

We are seeing a decline in reading, and I don’t see it coming back up to levels it was at before. Maybe, it isn’t important to start all children on the classical methods of writing. They are living different times than when reading was more prevalent. They may need different approaches to writing as much as they need different genres. And why not? So, they aren’t ready for Shakespeare or Milton as quickly. If they learn to read, they will learn to read more. Then, let’s see where it takes us.


Dave Maruszewski is blessed with a great family. He was originally inspired to write stories by his wife and son, when they encouraged him to put his bedtime stories on paper.

His stories are created from an accumulation of experiences from careers/backgrounds as a physicist, engineer, teacher, artist, video game designer and software developer. He strives to develop stories with sound moral values that will be enlightening as well as entertaining to youths and adults.

In between writing stories and running his own company, Digital Tumult (DigitalTumult.com), Dave enjoys video games, watching internet videos and hanging out with his family.


Book: www.ravenromdaandravai.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dave-Maruszewski-Books-100693982454237/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21946064.Dave_Maruszewski




Dave Maruszewski will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, February 4, 2022

The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: The Robinsons by Terance L. Shipman and Prudence Williams

 


The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm

Mahalia and Malcolm know that they do not belong to the typical African American family, but that doesn't stop them from loving their family and just being kids. After their home is invaded by a masked stranger, the siblings set off on a brave and daring adventure to rescue their family. Plunged into an incredible battle to save the family, the kids struggle with the normal fears and anxieties, but they soon discover the enormous range of their superpowers! They also discover incredible secrets about their family: like Douglass: the family's robot and RedTail1, the family's aircraft. The most important discovery they uncover is the courage that it takes to keep a superhero family together. Filled with excitement and riveting escapades, The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: the Robinsons, is the perfect book to show young readers that superheroes come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages!


on Amazon
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About Dr. Terance L. Shipman

Dr. Terance Shipman is a 28-year veteran teacher. He spent much of his teaching career working with elementary aged students. In fact, he spent his first 11 years teaching kindergarten! He is proud to say that he built strong relationships over those years and has an incredible network of his students and their parents and co-workers that he has remained in contact with over these years. Dr. Shipman calls this ever-developing network “Team Shipman”. Through Team Shipman, Dr. Shipman offers continual encouragement, leadership, and mentorship to his students, their families, and his professional peers. Dr. Shipman currently teaches middle school and extends membership to Team Shipman to his current students and their families, as well.

Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles are the stories of teaching kindergarten that make Dr. Shipman smile the most when he thinks about his years teaching kindergarten. Each book in the series celebrates the male teacher, in particular the black male teacher. Acknowledging the under-representation of black men in education, Mr. Shipman presents a positive and strong black male image that children need. Through his first series of books, Dr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles, Dr. Shipman hopes to make kindergarten an exciting and anticipated adventure for students, parents, and teachers, while casting an even wider net for Team Shipman.

Dr. Shipman received his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Tuskegee University in 1992. After obtain this degree, he attended Hampton University in Virginia and obtain a Master’s degree in Elementary Education in 1994. For the next 13 years, Dr. Shipman was an elementary teacher in Atlanta Public School System. Most of his time at APS was spent as a kindergarten teacher, and in 2009 he earned his Educational Specialist degree from University of West Georgia in Administration Supervision and soon after he complete his doctoral degree at Clark Atlanta University in 2013. Since completing his final degree, Dr. Shipman has worked with middle school and high school aged students. And through it all Team Shipman is still growing!



More of our features of Terance Shipman's books:











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

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Review of Mansa's Little Reminders

  


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
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**My thoughts**
Mark loves to daydream and doesn't yet understand much about money. Between his family and a little squirrel, he learns a lot.

His mother really does bring in a real world perspective of being frugal when you don't have a lot of money. Especially in our current climate, this is a reality that a lot of families are facing. She also works hard at teaching him about making a business plan with the lemonade stand he wants to start. Other family members end up contributing to his new store of knowledge. And he also reflects on some past conversations with people in his life. Plus there is a little squirrel named Mansa who drops a few nuggets (or should I say, acorns) of wisdom.

The book is definitely written with the inner city kid in mind and seems to reflect that culture. I admit that I cringed a little with a couple of passing moments, most notably his cousin riding in the car with no seat belt. But overall, I really liked the lessons being taught and the different way of doing so. We need more books like this for kids.

I received a requested review copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



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.



Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Creepy and Scary Tales: A Collection of Short Stories by Reuben Shupp

 


Do you enjoy creepy and scary stories? Not sure which one to pick? Then this will be the perfect collection for you!

Creepy and Scary Tales: A Collection of Short Stories is filled with brilliantly crafted stories which allows you to choose how quickly you want to read them. From Harry to Andrea, there is something for everyone.

Reuben Shupp has superbly created a fantastic collection of horror stories aimed at kids aged 8-12. Whether you’re looking for a new book or perhaps a present, this book collection is truly spine chilling.

So, what are you waiting for? Delve into a new story collection now!


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Read an excerpt:
Harry


“Hurry up,” I say.

Brendan slams the door and mutters, “I’m com’n.” He is my best friend and my comrade for this evening’s adventure. He moved across the street when I was in kindergarten and we have been best friends ever since. Brendan collects comic books like other kids collect baseball cards. His favorite Marvel character is Wolverine.

I asked him once, “Why do you like Wolverine so much?”

He said, “Knives are awesome and Wolverine can heal himself. How cool is that!”

Everyone calls me Spidey. It is not because I like Spiderman. I love spiders. It is not like I am going to marry a tarantula. But they are the most mysterious creatures on Earth.

Posters line my wall with creepy and scary spiders. I have every spider book known to man. I even talked my grandmother into buying a Spider Encyclopedia set.

Last Christmas, my Dad bought me an aquarium for when Mom finally lets me have a real spider in the house. My brother has a hamster so why can’t I have an arachnid? Did I say it? I love spiders. They are my thang.

We get on our bikes and head towards the fair. This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened in our small town. We have one of everything. One school, one road that leads in and out of town, one grocery store (Walmart), and now we have one fair. I do not care that it is going to be here for only the weekend. Halloween is tomorrow. How cool is that!

“I’ll beat you to the fair,” Brendan says.

“In your dreams.” After about two blocks, we are out of breath. It is a good thing the fair is not too far. We will never make it. Jocks, we are not. Spider nerd and Wolverine superfan are our thang.

The setting sun shimmers in our eyes as the faint music of the Merry-Go-Round echoes along the street. I look over at Brendan and say, “We are almost there.” He grins while we pedal harder.

The cool breeze whistles and combs my hair. A stranger appears out of nowhere. I slam on the brakes. Brendan swerves and hops on the grass and then skids. I stop inches from plowing over an old woman.

My heart skips a beat and I say, “Sorry.” Wow, I almost hit a Gypsy and the only thing that comes out of my mouth is “Sorry.” I am a jerk. She peers at me and smiles, showing her black teeth.

Creepy. A chill runs along my spine. “Do not go to the Spider House,” she mutters. I pedal around her and catch up to Brendan.

“Weird, old, coot, we need to get out of here,” I say. Brendan nods. I glance back and the Gypsy is gone. She vanished as quickly as she appeared. Poof.

Ten minutes later, we park our bikes at the school and walk over to the fair. The Ferris Wheel’s lights blink on and off. The Merry-Go-Round music echoes in the background.

“Where do you want to go first?” I say.

“You can’t go to the fair without riding the Ferris Wheel,” he says with a grin.

“The Ferris Wheel is for kids.”

“I’ll bet all the cool kids are riding the Ferris Wheel.”

I shove him and say, “You are an idiot.” We weave through the crowd at a steady pace.

Brendan yells, “There she blows,” as we approach the Ferris Wheel. He points to Scott Hazelton. “I told ya. All the cool kids ride the Ferris Wheel.” I glance at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Scott and a girl sitting next to him are laughing.

“I did not know Scott had a sister?”

“Hey stupid, that’s Sharon Moran.” He punches me in the arm. Scott Hazelton is the shortest kid in our fifth grade class. All the girls get gooey-eyed around him except for Sharon. She calls him names or trips him in class. Now, it makes sense.

Waiting is the worst. We hope the line will move faster. But of course, it does not.

Finally, we are next. After waiting in line forever, we get on the Ferris Wheel.

The ride moves at a snail’s pace. And then it moves faster and faster. It stops. I look at Brendan and raise my eyebrows as if to say, “Is that it?” He shrugs. The Ferris Wheel moves in reverse. We hold our hands above our heads and hoot and holler.

“We need to find the Haunted House,” I say.

“Not, yet. Let’s go on a few more rides,” Brendan says. Did he blow me off? That has never happened before.

We get on the Bumper Boats. It is like Bumper Cars but on the water. We exit the boats laughing. I squeeze the water from my shirt like a washrag.

“Are you ready to find the Haunted House?”

Again, he says, “Not Yet.” I am tired of him brushing me off. Halloween is tomorrow. I have to visit a Haunted House!

“Let’s play some games,” Brendan says. I agree, but I am not happy about it. We walk through the crowd and pause in front of a dunking booth.

“Do ya wanna play this game?” Brendan asks.”

“Nah, I am trying to save my tickets for the Haunted House.”

“You’re being a jerk,“ Brendan mutters.

“You are being a butt. I have been trying to go to the Haunted House all night. Every time

I ask, you brush me off. Why is that?”

Brendan shrugs. “I dunno.”

I walk away in a huff. When I glance over my shoulder, Brendan is still standing in line as if nothing happened. I continue stomping my feet in the opposite direction.

A neon sign flashes behind the Ferris Wheel. I quicken my pace. It seems like everyone is in my way. “Watch it kid,” says a man waiting in line.

“Sorry,” I say. I rush around him and walk for a few more minutes.

“How many tickets?” I say to the man behind the ticket counter. He slowly holds up his index finger.

“Are you sure?” he nods in slow motion. I hand him the ticket. The door creaks as I rush inside.

A flashing neon sign says, “Spider House.” Spider-shaped desserts cover the kitchen table. I grab a cookie and bite off one of its legs.

Several dozen spiders crawl across the table. I jump back and screech like a girl. Those can not be real. This house is supposed to scare me. Right? I bend down to get a closer look. A black spider crawls up my arm faster than I can blink.

I shake and dance to get it off. I dash out of the kitchen.

The hallway has black lights that shimmer through the spiderwebs hanging from the ceiling. Spiders crawl back and forth along the wall. I pause in front of a coffin resting in the middle of the corridor.

I lift the lid. A spider crawls out of a vampire’s mouth. He sits up and says, “Good evening.” My heart skips a beat. I walk a little faster.

A mummy with spiders crawling out of his eye sockets hobbles towards me. I crawl in between his legs and sprint down the hall.

I crash through a wall of spider webs as I breathe in the cool night air. It is pitch black. No lights. No music. Where is the fair?

I jog across the open field. The thump thump echoes in the moonlight. After a few minutes, the outline of the Ferris Wheel creates a shadow against the night sky.

I stop. No lights. No crowds. Where did all the people go? How long was I in the Spider House? It felt like ten minutes. I cross the fairgrounds to the school, grab my bike, and hurry home.

The porch light is on when I arrive home. This can not be a good sign. I open the back door and peer inside. CNN rings across the house. My parents look up as I enter the living room.


I am a Navy Veteran of the Persian Gulf War. In the Navy, I was given the rare opportunity to view parts of the world most of us never get to see..
 
In the Spring of 1974, I went to France for six months because my father was in charge of a foreign exchange program in Bourges, France. When I returned to the United States, I did not know English.

I have been writing short stories since November 2020. "A Collection of Short Stories or Tales" is my debut book (April 2021).

"Creepy and Scary Tales: A Collection of Short Stories" was published October 4, 2021.





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