Category Archives: Children’s Books Recommendations

Nov15

A Second Interview with Stephanie Jane Markham

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As we head into November, it is time to start thinking about the Holidays and what gifts your little one may love. Plus, with supplies for toys dwindling, maybe considering a fabulous book for your little one this year is a great solution. So, I’m looking high and low for the right gift books to recommend for this Holiday Season.

Stephanie Jane Markham is a children’s author, actress, director, and musician. Her second book, “Duncan and His Unicorn” is available now.

I’d like to start with a previously featured author on my blog. She has a new book out, and I can’t resist recommending it for your next purchase. Her new book, “Duncan and His Unicorn” is the next book in her Second Street Series.

Stephanie Jane Markham is an actor, filmmaker and singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. Her Sunnyside Street Series draws from her memories from growing up in Scotland and Kentucky. I had the chance to ask more in depth questions on how Stephanie’s acting career has affected her writing, her reasons for writing children’s books, and what advice she has for aspiring writers.

  1. What was your inspiration for writing your new book, “Duncan and His Unicorn”?

Stephanie Jane Markham: Duncan is Maisie Mae’s best friend. I like the friendship between the two. Maisie is this overly tall, outgoing girl and her best friend is a younger boy. Growing up with two brothers and five boy cousins, I can relate. The book touches on Duncan’s anxiety when he is separated from his unicorn, Letty Lou. I have struggled with anxiety since I was a child. I want to give my son, and any kid who reads the book acceptance. I want them to know they are not alone, even when it seems like it.

2) Why did you decide to start writing children’s books?

Stephanie Jane Markham: I’ve always had ideas, but never took the time or committed to writing a book. Also, I’m writing them for my son, Henry. It’s so fun to hear his feedback. He has lots of opinions.


3) Has working as an actress helped you as a writer? If so, how? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: I’m not sure. I have always had a flair for the dramatic and a sense of storytelling. Probably.

    
4) What advice do you have for aspiring children’s authors? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: Just tell your story. Don’t take it too seriously. Kids don’t put limits on their imaginations. It’s so freeing to let go of that inner critic that comes with being an adult.


5) What other future writing projects do you have in store next? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: In December, Maisie Mae’s Christmas Cheer will be released! It’s Maisie and Duncan and the whole Sunnyside Street gang. I had so much fun writing that one, Christmas is my favorite holiday. 

Book Blurb:

“Duncan and His Unicorn” is a tender story of childhood anxiety and true friendship.

Duncan and His Unicorn, Letty Lou, go everywhere together. They climbed Rainbow Mountain all the way in Peru, swung on the vines in the jungles of Kanha and flew to Cebu just to eat a banana!

Then, Duncan’s unicorn ran away. Duncan feels anxious without his favorite toy. He’d always been able to count on Letty Lou. Follow Duncan and Maisie Mae as they search high and low for Duncan’s lost unicorn. Will they be able to find her or has she decided to run away forever? Filled with the fearfulness of a lost pet, this story will show the bond of friendship during times of anxiety.

“Duncan and His Unicorn” is available at: Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

To read the first interview with Stephanie Jane Markham on my blog, please link here.

For more information on Stephanie Jane Markham, please visit her social media links below.

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/MaisieMaebooks/


Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/maisiemaesunnyside/

Jul23

Interview with A.C Morris

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I’m always on the alert for helpful books for the classroom or at home for parents. I think I’ve found a series that will be helpful for children suffering from different traumas life can throw at you. A.C Morris has written an amazing book that touches children and helps to heal them. “Beyond the Scars” is her first book in the series, and it models how friendship can help a child mend from within. I had a chance to talk to A.C Morris about childhood reading memories, favorite authors, writing and what she has in store for us.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

A.C Morris: There was a book named “Sam” by Ann Herbert Scott. It was about a young boy, the youngest of his siblings like myself, and Sam had a big age gap between his older siblings. So, he had no one to play with, as he kind of didn’t fit in. He was too young or too small or too, not enough, for everyone and couldn’t figure out what to do. I felt he was similar to me because I was the only girl with two older brothers. That book actually taught me how to have fun alone. I played and used my imagination. I was inspired by Sam. Ever since then, I loved reading.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

A.C Morris: My favorite author is Toni Cade Bambara. She wrote amazing short stories, which I love, short and sweet.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

A.C Morris: My writing routine is to write down a general idea. Then, rewrite it again as a concept/outline and rewrite again. After, I get someone’s opinion, and ask if I am clearly expressing myself with the concept. Then, I start writing and rewriting, following that outline, adding in details. I like to actually write at night or by the lake where I can hear and feel nature the best.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in the future?

A.C Morris: I like to write about anything that will inspire a child to be their best and to be fearless.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

A.C Morris: Writing is Magical. I say magical because, just before your eyes, you can have this tiny vision only you could see, and you turn it into something the rest of the world can feel, see and hear.

“Beyond the Scars” is a book to help a child begin healing from trauma with a friend. Modeled with the relationship of Celeste and Miguel, the reader goes on a journey of healing as the two talk over their past traumas and heal. Celeste is an amazing ballerina, and Miguel is talented pianist. Together, their friendship forms the way to healing and dealing with the past.

“Beyond the Scars” is available at Amazon.com. This book is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on A.C Morris and her books, visit her soon to launch website on August 1.

Jul16

Interview with Dr. Terance Shipman

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Dr. Terance Shipman is the author of the new book, “Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC”.

Look no further, Dr. Terance Shipman has a winning smile that wins over parents, students and I’m sure, everyone he meets. Being a teacher for almost 28 years, he’s got a lot of stories. Some of the best are from his eleven years teaching Kindergarten, and he’s put them together in a book called “Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC”. Each book in his new Kindergarten Chronicles helps to celebrate and emphasis the African American male teacher as a role model. He presents a positive and strong black male image in his book that children need to see. I had the chance to talk with Dr. Shipman about future projects, memories of reading as a child, and his writing routine.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Dr. Terance Shipman: I would like to write a motivational book. I post daily motivational and inspirational quotes each day on social media. I think it would be great to have them in a book.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Dr. Terance Shipman: One of my favorite memories was having my mother read to me each day. We would start a book and read a little each day. I remember placing the bookmark in the book to make sure we started in the right place.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Dr. Terance Shipman: I think about a story in my head for days sometimes weeks at a time. I write an outline of the story. Afterwards I sit with pen and paper and write. I have to get the story out of my head and on paper.

Great for early readers and English language learners, “Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC”, is a delightful presentation of the alphabet. Your child will enjoy the pictures, learning and humorous introduction written by a real teacher.

“Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Dr. Terance Shipman, please visit his author page here.

Apr8

Interview with Davide Amante

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“The Guardian of the Stars – The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is the newest release from award winning author, Davide Amante.

I love searching high and low for books that are inspirational and have a girl protagonist. I think I’ve found a hidden gem emerging from the European book market by celebrated award winning author, Davide Amante. Many things have led to his recent book release. With a background of studying at American and Italian schools, traveling extensively, and teaching modern literature, he has crafted already four brilliant novels.

His new book, “The Guardian of the Stars –The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is reminiscent of “The Little Prince” with a girl leading the adventure. I had the opportunity to ask Davide Amante about his childhood reading memories, author influences, and what future writing projects he has in store for us.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Davide Amante: I remember reading Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows and de Saint-Exupery’s Little Prince in the hot summer afternoons, on an old chair in the backyard of my grandfather’s summerhouse on a small island. From the backyard you could barely catch sight of the sea, but with the hot wind came all the anticipation of the summer and its unexpected hours.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Davide Amante: I loved so much reading that there really was no favorite author. Every author seemed to me to unveil a world so big and so boundless that really every author seemed to me to hold the secret of life.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Davide Amante: I write three or four hours a day, the rest of the time is what happens before actually writing: it is observation and inspiration.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Davide Amante:  I didn’t expect the success “The Guardian of the Stars – the journey of Anais with the Wind” is having. It all began as a tale I told every night before going to sleep to my children. At one point, I realized it was becoming a novel and I wrote it. Although I don’t usually write for children, I am certainly thinking of another book like this.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Davide Amante: It is the only way I know to express what I feel inside.

“The Guardian of the Stars- The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is an incredible journey of a girl connected to nature and driven by the wind. The wind leads her through a Forest of Talking Trees, connects her with a wolf, and helps her connect with the deserted island that she shares with her grandfather that works as a lighthouse keeper.

The summer the wind arrives is the turning point in her life. The wind helps guide her to see the other side of things, leads her to learn about loneliness, connects her with emotions, and points her in the direction of how to live. It’s a charming and powerful story of finding the essence in life and growing up.

“The Guardian of the Stars-The Journey of Anais with the Wind” is available at Amazon.com.

Book Trailer:

For more information on the author Davide Amante, please visit his website here.

Apr2

“I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” has won the Silver Medal in the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards 2021!

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“I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” has won the Silver Award in the Children’s Books Ages 0-5 category in the 2021 Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards.

I am proud to announce that my most recent picture book, “I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!”, has won the Silver Medal award in the Children’s Books 0-5 age category. I am awfully pleased to accept this award and want to thank my illustrator, Natalia Cano, for her fantastic illustrations that capture perfectly the message and theme of the book.

Also, to my father, who supported me in all of my writing and always encouraged me. I lost him in 2018, and dedicated the book to him. I’d also like to thank my husband, family and friends for their continued support in my writing endeavors. Without all of you, it would be hard to keep going.

Most of all, I’d like to thank all the readers of my books through the years. I started writing back in 2005 with the self-publishing of my first children’s book in 2007. It’s been a long path, but I want to continue bringing you unique voices and perspectives in my books. You’ve made it all possible. Thank you.

“I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” is available as an ebook or as a paperback edition at Amazon.com.

-Tiffany Turner

Mar21

Interview with Lia Ginno

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I always like to look high and low for new, interesting children’s authors. I really do love it when I find a new children’s fantasy author. She has a background in children’s development that gives her books that extra insight to support children.

Let me introduce you to Lia Ginno. Her unique, fantasy books deal with characters struggling to fit into normal and realizing often that they are fine the way they are. Her newest picture book, “Turmeric and Magic”, deals with a dragon trying to find her magic.

I had the chance to talk with Lia Ginno about her childhood reading, favorite author, and what writing means to her.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Lia Ginno:  I loved going into another world.

Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Lia Ginno: I loved Enid Byton’s, Secret Seven series and Famous Five series. I think I was at an age when I could imagine such adventures with friends. I remember I had a group of friends and an old tumbledown building as our headquarters for a ‘secret club.’ Unfortunately we never ‘lived’ the adventures in the books, but we all read them. They inspired my imagination and the first book and a play, I ever wrote, was when I was twelve. Also, a local reporter in an interview compared my first Legend book to one of EB’s books. So, she had more of an influence than I realized.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lia Ginno: A book is a dream you hold in your hand as imagination, problem solves, and creates everything on earth.

“Turmeric and Magic” is a picture book that deals with the diversity in all of us. Tumeric is different from other dragons. She cannot fly and is allergic to fire and smoke. She dreams to be like other dragons. Being an avid reader, she discovers that there is a book that will teach you magic if you are determined to find it. She begins a journey to find the book. Will following her dreams lead her to the book? Can it help her magic to appear? This delightfully illustrated picture book will enchant and help children explore their unique differences that can turn into inner strength.

“Turmeric and Magic” is available at Amazon.com. This book is a Kindle Unlimited title. Links to Amazon.co.uk Kindle sales here.

For more information on Lia Ginno, visit her at her FB page here.

Jan15

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activity: Close Reading Activity for Distance Learning and Home School

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Photo by LeeAnn Cline on Unsplash

With the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday fast approaching, I thought I’d let all my readers know about the FREE close reading lesson available to download. I’ve had it on my teacher store on Teacherspayteachers for a couple years now, but would like to make it available for families and people teaching at home for this weekend. I know people like to do activities on MLKjr. Day, and it may be hard to go out and do community service this year due to the pandemic. But you can still participate by doing an activity at home to help your child understand why this holiday is important.

I developed this lesson in my classroom to specifically be taught around this time. I had noticed children were coming up from the grade before, 2nd or 3rd grade, without clearly understanding what his dream was. When asked about Martin Luther King Jr, they would respond that “He had a dream.” It was mostly due to the fact they were concrete thinkers and didn’t understand the abstract notion of what MLKjr’s Dream symbolized. I also would have a week of reading material on the civil rights movement using my district’s available reading books. So, this is a great lead into civil rights studies.

I would read the speech as a guided reading/read-aloud in my classroom. I’ve included a link to one book that is available like this. There are others, or you may already have one in your class or home library. Reading it before this downloadable lesson is recommended. It’s to show where the context is for the “I Have a Dream” references. Plus, focus on why he repeats the phrase, “I Have A Dream”, and discuss why he may have done that.

“I Have A Dream (Book & CD)” Link to purchase. There are other books like this available, but this is one that can be used with the downloadable lesson or another similar book with the speech text illustrated.

So, that is how I used this lesson in my classroom. I offer it now for use for other classrooms, online studies and of course, at home for families to discuss what Martin Luther King’s Dream actually was. And of course, talking or reading material about the civil right movements will help with this. I’ve included some links below.

All this will help children understand what is currently going on in our own country right now, with the current protests and BLM protests. Please let me know if you found this useful or general feedback in the comments below.

Download FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Speech PDF Below!

22i-have-a-dream22-speech-close-reading-acitivtyDownload

Other Reading Material links for Children on the Civil Rights Movement:

“If You Were A Kid During the Civil Rights Movement”

“The Civil Rights Movement for Kids”

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend! Stay safe out there, and please, wear a mask!

-Tiffany Turner

Tiffany Turner is a children’s fantasy writer of the Crystal Keeper Chronicle series. She is the head writer and editor of the Indie Children’s Authors Connection blog.

Jan11

Interview with Wolf Cub Chlo

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With the first interview and book recommendation of this New Year, I thought all of us could use a good laugh. Not only have I found a book likely to make you smile, but also it will guide you into reading and how to tell jokes to brighten up your family’s day.

Wolf Cub Chlo is the author of the children’s joke book, “Once ‘a pun’ a Time: A Guide to reading and telling jokes”.

Wolf Cub Chlo is a child author that loves to tell a good joke. So much, she’s written a book about it. There’s nothing like a child giving insight to something that can make us all feel much better. What a great gift this little cub has given us all in her book, “Once ‘a pun’ a Time: A Guide to reading and telling jokes”. I had a chance to talk with Wolf Cub Chlo about why she writes, what she loves about reading and writing, and what future projects she is planning.

  1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us why you wanted to write your book, “Once ‘a pun’ a Time”?

Wolf Cub Chlo: Hi! My name is Chloé, but I write all my books under the name Wolf Cub Chlo, and I’m 6 years old. I like to think of silly words and create stories around a simple word. But, for my book, I turned those silly words into jokes.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Wolf Cub Chlo: For my next project, I would like to write silly stories using sight words to help other kids learn to read while having fun. I want it to be a series like Bob books. I really love those books too.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Wolf Cub Chlo: To me, writing is a way to relax and bring a smile to my face. Just like coloring.

“Once ‘a pun’ a Time” is a book that is medicine to help you heal others through laughter. Laughter is something people need in their daily lives. Jokes are one way people can support each other during these difficult times during COVID lockdowns. Learn tips and tricks on how to tell and write your own jokes. Share laughter with friends and family through video conferencing and help others heal. Remember, we’ll all get through this together.

“Once ‘a pun’ at Time” is available from Amazon.com as a Kindle edition.

For more information on Wolf Cub Chlo, visit her website here.

Dec4

Interview with Mac Hernandez

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I’m excited to present my first Christmas book of the season. I found a darling picture book called “The Christmas Elf-e-phant” by Mac Hernandez. Mac is a Texas filmmaker, graphic artist, and storyteller that has had a passion for storytelling since he was a child. His new book helps bring children into the magical world of the Christmas Elf-e-phant. It’s a story of not fitting in with a positive message to its ending, and it’s a modern Dumbo story with Christmas at its heart. I had the chance to talk with Mac Hernandez about his childhood reading memories, future writing projects, and what writing means to him.

  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Mac Hernandez: I loved learning about adventurers in history. From people fighting off pirates and looking for treasure to knights exploring far off lands.


2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Mac Hernandez: I’ll probably explore more fantasy and magical elements in my future projects.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mac Hernandez: The process of imagining and telling stories is a thread that pulls at my heart and soul.

“The Christmas Elf-e-phant” is a humorous rhyming story illustrated to bring alive the joy of a Christmas inspired world in which Elf-e-phant resides. Centering on a lovable elf character that doesn’t fit in, children are transported to Santa’s workshop and what it’s like to be within. But being different from the other elves can be hard. Comparable to a modern Dumbo, this Christmas themed story will bring delight and joy to any child and their family. It will make a great read-aloud to get into the Christmas spirit and take minds on a journey of humor and positive self-discovery.

“The Christmas Elf-e-phant” is available at Amazon.com. This is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on books by Mac Hernandez, visit his author page here.

Nov24

Interview with Solonge L. Robinson

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I’ve found another great book to help with math concepts at home and during online learning. Solonge L. Robinson has written a book called “Shaping Families” combines math shapes with introducing diverse families. Solonge has been inspired by her travel journaling. In 2018, a horrific fire destroyed many of her family’s belongings, including their precious books. The tragedy inspired her to replace her children’s books with some written by her. Dive into what Solonge had to share about her childhood reading memories, future projects, and what writing means to her.


1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Solonge L. Robinson: Childhood memories of reading bring me directly back to The Babysitters Club series. Going to the Scholastic Book Fairs in the fall and spring at school was always a much-anticipated event. I’d often beg my mother, weeks in advance, for enough money to buy the next few chapters of my most beloved Babysitters Club books. I was hooked after the first six books, which I probably read about a dozen times each.

Even now, several decades later, when I see the titles and book covers for the first six books, Kristy’s Great Idea, Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, The Truth About Stacey, Mary Anne Saves the Day, Dawn and the Impossible Three, and Kristy’s Big Day, I am immediately transported to the 3rd-floor bedroom in my parents’ house in Brooklyn, NY. It’s a Saturday afternoon and I am curled up under a cover, next to my window, deeply engrossed in one of these amazing adolescent stories. The only thing to break my attention is the church bells ringing every hour, on the hour, until dusk. By then, I would have been part of Kristy, Claudia, Stacey, and Dawn’s world, so sad to have to leave.


2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Solonge L. Robinson: Oh, there are so many. Right now, my future projects include subjects on self-love and financial literacy for children. I also have collaborative works in motion on topics dealing with health and wellness; one a children’s book series inspired by my daughter and the other an adult fiction book about Physical Therapy.


3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Solonge L. Robinson: Writing is freedom in its purest form.

“Shaping Families” is a unique, mathematical tale of diverse families. Join Poly-Anna, the polygon kid, as she learns about all the shapes that make up her unique family. From Triangles to Decagons, her journey will guide the reader to discover that families come in different sizes and form together a circle of love.

“Shaping Families” is available at Amazon.com. This is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Solonge L. Robinson, visit her author page HERE!