Category Archives: Early Chapter Books

Jul21

Interview with Rob Quicke

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Being stuck inside is hard on kids this summer. What better way to go on an adventure than in a book? Here’s a recommended pirate adventure for any child stuck at home or on an isolation vacation. Rob Quicke wrote “Salty Jack and the Golden Pineapple”. With his love for fantasy and sci-fi, Rob Quicke has brought to life a fantastical world of pirates and adventure. I had a chance to ask Rob about his influential childhood memories, about his favorite authors, and what writing means to him.

pineapplecoverfinal1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Rob Quicke: I used to love reading books like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I would love to be transported to another magical world, which was rich with magic and beauty! For me, reading was an escape, and it allowed my imagination to really flourish. That’s what I really want to do with my Salty Jack books, to create another world that will excite and invite the reader to explore it.

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

Rob Quicke: I was really into an author called Piers Anthony, who did fantasy and sci-fi books. I discovered his books in my school library and couldn’t get enough! I remember that my friends wanted me to fool around during the required library hour at school, but I had other ideas as I was engrossed in reading!

3. What is writing to you in one sentence?

Rob Quicke: Writing is the imagination captured on a page, with the words an invitation for others to read and share it.

“Salty Jack and the Golden Pineapple” is the story of pirate adventures and self-discovery. Salty Jack used to be a sea-faring, fighting-for-treasure pirate. However, he grew tired of the pirate life, and decided to retire to the little sea town of Barnacle. But when his pirate life past comes back to haunt him, can he give up his new life to help two kids? Will change his life forever?

“Salty Jack and the Golden Pineapple” is available at Amazon.com.

Jan18

Interview with Tracy Kauffman

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Tracy Kauffman is the author of the book “Captain Honey Bear”.

Here is a sweet, caring fairy tale story to start off the year, and I’d like to introduce you to the author, Tracy Kauffman. Tracy has written a beginning chapter book called Captain Honey Bear. It’s an adventurous tale in which Papa Honey Bear learns to be the superhero of the forest. I had a chance to talk to Tracy about her favorite memories reading as a child, her writing routine, and what future projects she has planned for us.

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

Tracy Kauffman: My favorite memory was reading Alice in Wonderland. I loved the characters and the way they seemed to come to life through this book.

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

Tracy Kauffman: My writing routine is pretty much that I have a basic idea of what the book will be about and brainstorm ideas before writing.

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

Tracy Kauffman: I would like to continue a series of books started from this first book: Captain Honey Bear.

captainhoneybearcoverCaptain Honey Bear is caught stealing honey from a bee’s nest and is sentenced to start helping as the forest superhero. His first assignment, find Squirrel Goldie Locks that has been kidnapped. Captain Honey Bear is off to the rescue, having to face challenges that will turn his grumpy self into a superhero.

Captain Honey Bear is available at Amazon.com.

 

Jan18

Interview with Family Traditions Children’s Book Author Margaretta James

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Got someone in the family with tattoos? Well, here is a great gift idea! Plus, it’s a great way to share something that is becoming more of a passed down tradition. I was able to interview Margaretta James, the author of the book “Mummy and Daddy Have Matching Tattoos”. Margaretta is a teacher and writer. She likes to focus her writing on contemporary family issues. I had a chance to sit down and talk with her about her memories of reading as a child, subjects should would like to explore in her writing, and what writing means to her.

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

Margaretta James: I loved it when my mother would spend all afternoon reading traditional tales to us.

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

Margaretta James: I am currently working on my novel set in the Australian outback. It is slowly taking shape; however, I keep getting new ideas for children’s picture books!

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Margaretta James: Writing is a compulsion and a joy. I become so immersed that days fly by!

bookcovertattoos2amazon“Mummy and Daddy Have Matching Tattoos” is a rhyming book about the weird and wonderful tattoos in a little girl’s family. Where is Aunt Sue’s secret tattoo? And of course, it all ends up with the little girl joining in the tradition and getting her own tattoo. But what will it be?

“Mummy and Daddy Have Matching Tattoos” is available at Amazon. It will also be on sale for FREE this weekend only, January 19-23.