Category Archives: General

Jul28

Book Review: “An Instrument for Florenda” by Tomeko Brown

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“An Instrument for Florenda” by Tomeko Brown is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

As summer is starting to wind down, I wanted to let you all know about a wonderful story with heart. “An Instrument for Florenda” by Tomeko Brown takes you into a small town in Louisanna through the eyes of Florenda. Her dream is to play the clarinet. Filled with challenges and life lessons, this chapter book will inspire and validate any reader to follow their dreams.

Florenda is an eleven-year old living in a small Louisiana town. When her school announces a new band class starting during the summer break, she is excited to take advantage of the opportunity. But when she visits the local music store with her mother, she finds out the instrument she longs to play is out of her budget. Will she find a way to acquire an instrument before the new class starts? Can she make her family proud when confronted with how difficult learning to play an instrument can be?

I really did enjoy this chapter book as a choir kid. I knew a lot of band kids in school too, and it really does give you an insight into what it’s like to begin that journey. It also really shows the struggles of Florenda’s family in making the dream come true, and how she doesn’t want to disappoint them when she finds learning an instrument to be harder than she realizes. It’s a great journey in finding the strength inside to fulfill your dreams, and how family support really does make dreams come true.

This is a great book with an African-American protagonist that reaches into your soul and takes you on a band kid’s journey. I can see this as a great gift for a child starting band class, teacher’s needing to add to their class library, or as a reading circle novel study book. Tomeko Brown does a wonderful job pulling you into the world of her characters and showing the struggles of a Louisanna family making musical dreams come true. A few black and white pencil illustrations add drama to the story. The support and love comes through strongly in the actions and dialogue of the book. I would recommend it as a great addition to any home or school library.

“An Instrument for Florenda” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

And just an FYI to add, the 2025 Back to School Blog tour will be starting Labor Day weekend. It will include author interviews and book reviews for the latest Indie children’s books. If you’re an author and would like to apply, please fill out the form here.

Jul2

Tiffany Turner has 15-Minute Play, “Meet in the Park” chosen for 2025 UpStage Napa Valley PlayFest

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I am proud to announce that I have had my 15-Minute Play, “Meet in the Park” chosen for the upcoming 2025 UpStage Napa Valley PlayFest. I am just absolutely over the moon about being chosen this year. I moved to Calistoga a few years ago, and found out about a local playwright festival hosted by the local theater group, UpStage Napa Valley. So, being locked down and in a new town, I thought I’d give it a try to enter. I have been trying each year, around the early spring. I’ve been making it a regular writing project to write a new play following the theme of the annual festival. After three previous attempts, I finally was selected this year.

The one thing I’ve learned as a writer is not to give up. Every time you try to write, you learn and improve. Each new 15-minute play I worked on, I grew and learned more about the genre. I had written a play as a drama major in college. It seemed like the thing to do back then, and I attempted a one act play. I still have it, often looking back if I could do it again. I didn’t win that play contest, but I had learned a lot. This new play festival opened up the idea to try again at writing plays. I would like to thank UpStage Napa Valley for supplying this opportunity to aspiring playwrights like myself to go after that dream. I’ve expanded myself as a writer. Giving play writing a try again has been a great experience.

To me, writing a 15-minute play was similar to writing flash fiction. I’ve tried that particular genre though online contests too. For some reason, I seem to work well having a competition and deadline to work towards. I’ve found it’s been nothing but rewarding. Going down this playwright path, exploring my writing chops, and giving my all has been uplifting during these last few years. I wanted to see if I could create a play that would be able to touch someone, or everyone. I thank UpStage Napa Valley for this incredible honor, and I look forward to seeing the final production in October.

To add to this, my play will also have a staged-reading performance at the opening of the new Brannon Center in Calistoga on Oct. 4th. I am extremely thrilled by this announcement as well.

To all the aspiring writers and playwrights out there, just keep trying. Don’t give up. You have something special inside. With every writing project you create, you polish that sparkle within. Keep going. I want to hear your story, see your play, and so does everyone else.

UPDATE July 24, 2025:

Auditions will be starting soon for the PlayFest! If you live in the Napa Valley area and would like to try out for the festival shows, there are a variety of parts needed. My play, “Meet in the Park” needs three actors. Randall is a late 20s, early 30s male role. Claudette is along the same age, late 20s to early 30s, but they could cast a little older depending on people that come out for the audition. Mary-is an older woman, in her 60s, and mother to Randall. This is a great way to break into doing local theatre. The plays are no longer than 15 minutes, and you get a $100 stipend. Great to add to a resume!

Auditions are July 30th, 7pm -9pm at 1428 Spring St, St Helena, CA 94574.

Performance dates are on the weekends in October.

**IF you can’t make the date above, they are arranging appointment readings to meet your schedule.
Here is the information link on the UpStage Napa Valley website.

https://www.upstagenapavalley.org/auditions

For more information about the UpStage Napa Valley PlayFest 2025, please visit the link below.

UpStage Napa Valley PlayFest 2025

Jan19

Book Review: “The Ballerina” by Catherine Follestad

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Greetings and Happy New Year! I’m excited to start out 2025 with a fabulous chapter book for all those dancers out there. Whether you enjoy ballet, dance history or have a little one that is taking dance classes, this will be a great chapter book for a beginning third grader up through sixth grade. The book, “The Ballerina” is a great inspirational read for young readers that need that push to believe in themselves.

Alina, a young girl that is into dancing herself, finds a beautiful ballet costume along with other items that connect her to a prima ballerina. She begins a journey to discover more about the art of ballet. As she finds out more, it feeds her passion for ballet while giving her the confidence to reach inside and believe in herself.

I enjoyed this magical journey of a girl in search of inspiration from the greatness of the past. I love how it teaches youngsters to believe in what you love, follow your dream, and work hard to achieve what you feel passionate about. Alina is a relatable character for any young reader, especially if they are currently enrolled in a dance class. There is a lot of information in relation to the ballerina, Anna Pavlova, and how she helped better the art of ballet. This book is an excellent read for any child that enjoys a good book on dance, history and following your dream.

Book review written by: Tiffany Turner, a retired elementary teacher with over two decades of teaching experience and is currently retired. She is also a children’s fantasy author and has written the Crystal Keeper Chronicles.

This book is available at: Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

Jun9

Interview with Shanna Ward

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Shanna Ward is the author of the picture book “Little John T. Ward and the Quilted Code: Let Ward Do It“.

Summer is upon us, and it’s time to think about keeping your child’s mind engaged in learning by reading. This is a crucial time to continue to stress reading so as to not lose the gains that happened during the last school year. This is easy to do with selected educational bedtime stories or on your child’s at home D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) time.

I have a great summer reading and Juneteenth recommendation along with an interview with the author. “Little John T. Ward and the Quilted Code: Let Ward Do It” is a way to bring historical references to teaching about unity, friendship and the courage to speak out and make a difference. Using her connection to her ancestor, Shanna Ward has brought to life the story of a boy that helped fight oppression. She brings the insightfulness of a boy helping others with beautiful illustrations expressing the struggle and story. I had a chance to ask her some questions about what inspired her as a child, what her writing routine is like, and what she has planned along her writing path.

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

Shanna Ward: One of my favorite memories from reading as a child was sitting with my Grandparent’s parents before bedtime as they read my favorite story to me. It was such a comforting and bonding experience, and I always looked forward to spending summers with them. The characters and adventures from the story would come to life in my imagination, and it was a magical time that instilled in me a lifelong love for reading.

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

Shanna Ward: I have always been drawn to Judy Blume’s relatable and honest depictions of the joys and struggles of growing up. Her characters faced real-life challenges and emotions, making her books deeply resonant for me as a young reader. Blume fearlessly tackled topics like friendship, family, and the complexities of adolescence with authenticity and empathy. Her writing normalized the experiences and feelings I was navigating, making me feel seen and understood. Judy Blume’s ability to address sensitive subjects with compassion and understanding has had a lasting influence on my own approach to empathy and storytelling.

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

 Shanna Ward: I make it a habit to write every day, usually late at night when my mind is more creative. I start by outlining my main points and organizing my thoughts. Then, I dedicate uninterrupted time to writing and setting specific goals for the day. I find that this routine helps me maintain focus and productivity. Additionally, taking short breaks between writing sessions helps me stay energized and maintain a clear perspective on my work.

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

 Shanna Ward: I would like to explore writing about topics such as African American History, Insurance, and travel experiences. These subjects align with my interests and allow for creativity and exploration in my writing. Additionally, I am open to branching out into new areas that can expand my knowledge and offer fresh perspectives to my audience. I’m currently writing a psychological thriller and tap into narcissistic characteristics.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Shanna Ward: To me, writing is a creative expression that allows me to articulate thoughts, share stories, and connect with others on a deeper level.

Book Blurb:

Join Little John T. Ward on a journey of kindness and courage as he, alongside his ponies Libby and Dom, discovers the power of unity and friendship. As he aids escaped slaves in finding their way to freedom, John T. and his community learn that even a small boy can make a big difference. With vibrant illustrations and heartwarming moments, this tale is perfect for young readers aged 6-9, teaching them the importance of helping others and working together. This book is an essential element to teaching about the injustices of slavery to the younger generation.

“Little John T. Ward and the Quilted Code: Let Ward Do It” is available on Amazon.com and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

Purchase Here

For more information on Shanna Ward and her book, visit her website at: https://www.bequest1820project.com/.

Meet Shanna Ward in person at the Columbus Book Festival in the Indie Authors Alley.

Dec17

Interview with Pompey Poppleton

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Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer? Does your child or grandchild like books with a sense of humor? Do they like books with dogs? If so, I’ve found a great combination that will make the perfect Holiday gift for your young reader.

“Billy Boxter Meets Snotser” is a farcical book that tells the story of a troublesome foster dog. Billy thinks he can tame the dog, and the story that unfolds will warm your heart.

Pompey Poppleton is the author of this book. He lives in a small village on the west coast of Ireland, and he draws from his childhood and literary background to write his stories. I had the opportunity to talk with him about his writing journey and how he wrote his debut book.

What is your favourite memory from reading as a child?

Pompey Poppleton: I read only Sinead de Valera books as a very young child for many years. Sinead’s stories were all based on Irish myths, fairies, ghosts and witches. During the summer months, my granddad and I, with his beloved cocker spaniel Suzie, would walk every evening. We’d walk together past an old cottage by a towering gnarly, oak tree and hop over a large metal gate through poppy fields that led into a dark forest. We would be gone for hours.

It was thrilling to visit ancient sites like a hill fort as well as my cherished mystical forest. Enchanted lakes, forests and witch’s cottages were often the locations for many of Sinead’s books, which brought her stories to life when I would later be in bed reading them after my walks. I would have a perfect image in my mind based on where we had explored and the stories became so much more invigorating and realistic to me. Her books instilled in me a love for reading, history, the Irish landscape and the other world, the world of mythology.

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

Pompey Poppleton: From the age of eleven, I started reading P.G. Wodehouse books, and he was a major influence in how I wrote the Billy book. I love the fun and farcical element to his stories with silly names thrown in. My favourite is The Blanding book series. The dotty Lord Emsworth, who faithfully adores his pet pig, is my favourite character out of all the P.G. Wodehouse books. Mr. Kringle is loosely based on him. He also adores and spoils his pet cat, an old Ragamuffin, called Orangutang.

Do you have a writing routine?

Pompey Poppleton: Not in terms of time, I wouldn’t ever decide to sit daily for a certain number of hours to write. But as regards to story writing and plotting, I would always follow a particular routine and that is to write everything by hand.

I like the freestyle method. I just write whatever comes to mind, and then later organize into characters, names, traits, themes, chapters and so on. I could get an idea for a name, Billy’s dog for example, but then how I want Billy to look could just pop into my head so I would write that down too. Everything looks a mess in my A4 notebook with random lists and words like names, locations, plots and anything that comes to mind just written down. It really is chaos to anyone else looking at my notes. My ideas would come to me, always when I am out and about, like a quirky name or location. So, I would make a note of it in my phone or into a notepad.

The next stage would be to decide how many chapters I would like. Again, I would write under each chapter title, add rough ideas, and organize what event or story would happen. That would give me direction as to where the book was coming from and going to. If that felt right, I would proceed with more details and particulars in relation to plot and character.

This book has been fifteen years in the making. It wasn’t easy in the beginning to write so freely and to be farcical. When I decided to let go of what I thought the book should be, I then began to write the way I really wanted. That was when the story truly came alive and the ideas flowed readily. The book was finished in no time.

Book Blurb for “Billy Boxter Meets Snotser”:

Snotser is a 2-year old parson terrier. Injured and starving, he was brought to the shelter after being abandoned. He’s fostered many times, but none of the fosterers have any patience with him. Billy finally adopts Snotser, but chaos ensues just as Mrs. Dank, the rescue warden, arrives for a final unannounced visit.

Snotser must now go to obedience school and pass his course. This is Snotser’s last chance to stay with The Boxters. Will Snotser be denied his forever home? Can Billy devise a plan that will work? Or will Snotser get drawn into more trouble that could sabotage Billy’s plan to keep him.

“Billy Boxter Meets Snotser” is available at: Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Pompey Poppleton, please visit his Amazon author page here.

Website link will be available soon.

Dec2

Second Interview with Simone Chasey

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Greetings and happy holidays! With December looming with its oodles of activities and holiday cheer, it’s good to take the time to connect and read with your child. One of the authors I’ve featured before has a second book in her short story series. Her series is a great way to connect and build morals during bedtime and read-aloud time.

Simone Chasey loves to build a bridge with her literary works that bring parents and children closer together. With her second book, “Beyond the Horizon: Everlasting Life Lessons for Kids Part II”, she is continuing her mission to use reading to build and enrich family bonds. I had the chance to catch up with Simone with her writing journey over the last year and find out what she has planned for further parent-children relationship enrichment.

1) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Simone Chasey: Writing is the creative art of weaving thoughts, emotions, and ideas into a tapestry of words that helps the reader use their imagination, learns to communicate, and resonates with others.

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

 Simone Chasey: At first, it was merely an idea that sparked in my mind — a desire to impart moral lessons to children. As new ideas continued to emerge, I began jotting them down on a notepad, laying the foundation for future books I have yet to create. This approach ensures a constant stream of projects to work on.

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

 Simone Chasey: In considering future projects, my focus transcends subjects; rather, I envision crafting experiences that transform learning into a captivating and interactive journey. My ultimate goal is to infuse the joy of discovery into education, making the process not only enlightening but also entertaining.

Moreover, I aspire to contribute to the strengthening of family bonds, creating literature that not only facilitates learning but also serves as a conduit for parents to engage with their children. Through stories that resonate with both young and old, I aim to mend the bonds of family, fostering shared moments of reading that become cherished memories, and nurturing connections that endure beyond the pages of a book.

Book Blurb:

“Beyond the Horizon: Everlasting Life Lessons for Kids Part II” is a compilation of short stories that transports young readers to a world where imagination converges with wisdom. This collection explores essential life lessons through captivating tales, ranging from the thrill of success to the valuable teachings hidden within failures. Each story introduces endearing characters on unique journeys of self-discovery, engaging children’s imaginations while imparting morals that linger throughout their lives. From resilience to compassion, courage to the true meaning of success, this book weaves storytelling magic with life’s richness, providing a blend of entertainment and enlightenment. These tales gently guide children to explore emotions, confront fears, and make wise choices, making it a valuable tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers. This timeless collection not only entertains but also educates, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of young readers.

To find out more about her first book, please click here. This is a Kindle Unlimited series.

For more information on Simone Chasey and her other books, please visit her Amazon authors page here. Also available is her Instagram account here.

To read her first interview on my blog, please visit here.

Oct26

Interview with Brandon Green

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Planning science units can be hard, especially when trying to find the right read-aloud to go with your unit. Plus, home schooling parents might enjoy this book for making scientific connections in literature. I’m talking about the book “Think Like A Scientist”. It’s a story that features being brave, always asking questions and to never give up.

I had a chance to ask Brandon Green, the author of “Think Like A Scientist”, about his inspirations and writing routines. Brandon Green is an Australian author that uses his background as a businessman and entrepreneur to guide his writing. He runs a podcast sharing his experiences as a “Digital Nomad”, and has also written a book on self-help called “Become a Loser to Become a Winner”. I hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look into Brandon Green.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Brandon Green: My favourite memory reading as a child was having my favourite book read to me by different people, as everyone tells the same story differently.

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

Brandon Green: I just set myself a goal to do it, and try to knock it all out in one sitting. It’s very hard and distracting for me to work at a target over a longer period of time

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Brandon Green: To me, writing is all about the ability to put a story together. From constructing something well-detailed just from a small idea, and having it flourish.

Blurb for “Think Like A Scientist”

“Jack’s dad gets sick with strange symptoms that doctors can’t figure out. Feeling lost and worried, Jack decides to think like a scientist. He asks questions and looks for his own answers. This story shows how Jack uses his smarts to help his dad when the experts can’t. It’s a tale about being brave, asking questions, and never giving up.”

Get Free Ebook

“Think Like A Scientist” is available at his website letsgobrandongreen.com for free as a free downloadable ebook.

Oct10

Book Recommendation: Charming ABC Picture Book Series

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Sometimes I come across a helpful selection of books that I can see would add to any classroom’s curriculum. Then there are times I find a series of books that would be helpful for specific needs in the classroom. I like to point these out to help out teachers and parents that home-school. It can be hard going through all the different websites and library catalogs trying to find what you need. Let me help you from time to time. When I come across books I know that are going to help, I always present them to you as a book recommendation.

For this book recommendation, I’ve found a set of ABC picture books with a unique connection to the curriculum that will help you tie your teaching with alphabet letter recognition, science and health science, physical education, and imagination.

They are a set of ABC books written by Catherine Anderson-Barnes. She has written two books that introduce the alphabet by means of animals and by fruits and vegetables. Each book can be used for a daily letter introduction, or even, at certain times during the week, in a lesson or as a read-aloud introduction to the letter.

Catherine Anderson-Barnes says about her books:

“The books are filled with a great variety of learning opportunities: Learning colors, letters (upper and lower case), parts of our body, how foods play a role in our overall health, the importance of being physically active, fruit and vegetable recognition, animal recognition, and how animals are similar and different from us.”

“Moving Through the Alphabet an Animal’s Way A to Z” introduces an animal from around the world with each letter. The colorful and fantastic illustrations dazzle the eye as facts about the animal are listed on the page to read-aloud. At the end of the facts, a fun physical activity can be done that mimics the animal’s natural movement. It’s wonderful to help associate the letter with the movement and build connection with literature.

“Be Your Best…Eating Fruits and Vegetables A to Z” introduces each letter with a tasty fruit or vegetable. Diagrams point out which areas of the body the food supports with a rhyming connection to the letter. Colorful illustrations showing kids in positive activities support the need for a healthy, eating lifestyle.

I love the fact that these books can be combined to help build letter recognition, theme for a food and animal of the week, and even help review later in the year. These can be a staple for any preschool or kindergarten classroom, and a great way to review the alphabet at the beginning of first grade. I highly recommend these books for the classroom and home library. They are a fun and interactive way to learn letters for any child.

Link to ABC Book Series on Amazon.com

Both books are available on Amazon.com as hardback, paperback or Kindle editions.

The books are also read by the author on YouTube as well. Here are the links below! These are great for modeling text and reading aloud skills.

Link for “Moving Through the Alphabet an Animal’s Way”.

Link for “Be Your Best…Eating Fruits and Vegetables”.

Oct4

Interview with Catherine Anderson-Barnes

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For those teachers and home school parents looking for a wonderful way to tie several subjects together into a thematic teaching unit for your young students or child, here is a unique alphabet book for you. “Moving Through the Alphabet an Animal’s Way” combines fun facts for each letter, coordinated animal exercises and care of the body for a healthy inclusion in the curriculum. Best of all, it has beautiful and engaging illustrations.

I was honored to talk to the author of the book, Catherine Anderson-Barnes. A former educator, Mrs. Anderson-Barnes created a fantastic new perspective for learning the alphabet that is engaging and crosses several curriculum subjects. I got the chance to talk with her about her inspiration and several important aspects of her book.

1) From where did you get the ideas/inspiration for your books?

Catherine Anderson-Barnes: I have taught nutrition and health education for over 25 years, specializing in educating young children. Although I cherished being an educator, I found it important to resign my position to care for my late husband who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. During this time I remained passionate about working with children and was inspired to write a series of children’s books that would focus on health and wellness and incorporate the A, B, C’s. I took many of the learning experiences that had worked so well for me in the classroom, over those many years, and successfully transferred the lessons to paper.  

2) How can parents and teachers best use these books?

Catherine Anderson-Barnes: The books are filled with a great variety of learning opportunities: Learning colors, letters (upper and lower case), parts of our body, how foods play a role in our overall health, the importance of being physically active, fruit and vegetable recognition, animal recognition, and how animals are similar and different from us.

3) What do you think kids will like most about your books?

Catherine Anderson-Barnes: Children are sure to enjoy the vibrant colors, the whimsical fruit, vegetable and animal characters, be amazed by how fruits and vegetables assist different parts of our bodies, and act out each animal’s unique characteristics.

“Moving Through the Alphabet an Animal’s Way A to Z” is a picture book designed to focus on the role physical activity plays in our body’s health. Children are introduced to the ABC’s by animals from around the world. Each letter has a set of fun facts and physical activity associated with that animal’s movement. Role-play for physical activity while learning your ABC’s in an inspirational environment in this unique ABC book.

Buy @ Amazon

“Moving Through the Alphabet an Animal’s Way A to Z” is available on Amazon in hardcover and paperback editions. It is available as a Kindle Unlimited digital title.

Sep11

Interview with Michael Dibley

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For many of you, school has started and Halloween is just around the corner. But it’s never too soon to start planning for the Holidays. I’ve found a great picture book author with a talent for whimsical illustrations. He captures the essence of each animal in his Whispers in the Woodland series. His new book, although not part of the same series, follows in the same footsteps. His hand-drawn style lends a comforting touch to his characters. I had the chance to ask him about how he became an author, his influences, and what he has in store in the future.

1) How did you come to write the book?

Michael Dibley: I have a friend called Iwa that I used to live with. Somehow, I can’t quite remember, but she started singing this children’s Christmas song entitled “Snowflake”. So I had her name, then snowflake, and the two clicked together for me. Well, there you go. She actually helped a lot with the ideas. We did discuss the book and the plot before pen was put to paper.


2) Who are your main influences when writing?

Michael Dibley: I love Beatrix Potter, Amy MacDonald and Nick Butterworth. Any book that has a good story and beautiful illustrations always helps. These are all authors from my childhood that I still cling onto.


3) I can see you’ve published quite a few children’s books, do you have anymore lined up?

Michael Dibley: I do. I have one that will be released later this year entitled “Sophie the Hedgehog”. It’s part of my Whispers in the Woodland series. I’ll put information on my author page below when it is available.

Book Blurb for “Iwa the Snowflake”:

A scary situation for any child is to be separated from their family. It’s no different for Iwa the Snowflake. She finds herself lost during a storm and desperately wants to get home. It’s the start of a new adventure as she discovers a new world. But can she get back in time before the sun comes back out?

“Iwa the Snowflake” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.


For more information on Michael Dibley, please visit his Amazon Author’s Page.