Tag Archives: back to school blog tour

Sep4

Back to School Blog Tour 2025 Day 4 – Tomeko Brown

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Welcome to Day 4 of the 2025 Back to School Blog Tour. Today’s featured author is Tomeko Brown, author of the children’s early chapter book, An Instrument for Florenda.  I reviewed her book a few months ago, and was happy to get the opportunity to interview her for this Back to School event.

Tomeko Brown has a background in education and health care. This unique perspective gives her an insight to the emotional, social and academic challenges kids face each day. Combining her own love for playing the clarinet and her son’s creative feedback, An Instrument for Florenda grew from a writing project into a book. I had the opportunity to hear more about Tomeko’s inspirations as an author, her creative process, and what she has planned for future books.

Tomeko Brown is the author of the early chapter book, An Instrument for Florenda.

What made you want to become an author?

Tomeko Brown: I have always enjoyed writing. When I was growing up, I liked writing poems and songs. I remember writing a poem for my ninth-grade home economics teacher when she retired. The poem was framed and given to her by the FHA (Future Homemakers of America). I still have the thank-you card she gave me. It really encouraged me.

In college, I studied education and instructional design. That gave me the chance to write and create training materials. But after working with kids in the public school system, I wanted to find a way to encourage them outside of school.  What better way than through stories?

I have always believed books can make a big difference—especially for kids. They can inspire dreams and help during tough times. I used to read a lot to my own children when they were little, and I remember how happy they were when I read their favorite book(s). Even how happy I was when I read my favorite book, Charlotte’s Web, growing up. That joy is what made me want to become an author.

  • Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?

Tomeko Brown: My family and friends are my greatest inspiration. They travel with me to book events, take pictures, cheer me on, and are always ready to celebrate every milestone.

Outside of my family and friends, I try to surround myself with other writers. Becoming a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) has helped me do that. It gives me a place to connect with others, support each other through the submission process, and celebrate the wins together.

  • Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.

Tomeko Brown: That’s a great question. Honestly, ideas can come to me at any time, on any day. I laugh because there have been times when I’ve woken up at 3:00 AM with an idea or something to add to a story I’m working on.

I write things down on anything I can find—scraps of paper, sticky notes, the Notes App on my iPhone, or even a napkin! That’s where the fun starts.

Remember in school when the teacher gave you a graphic organizer to help plan your writing? I still use that same idea today to organize my thoughts and help build my stories.

  • For your featured book, how did you get the ideas to write it?

Tomeko Brown: The idea for the book came from my time playing the clarinet. I’ve always loved the arts—drawing, crafting, and music. My son, Chris, also played the clarinet, and his input and experiences were so valuable in shaping this story. I’m even planning to start playing the clarinet again.

Our experiences of being in a school band and learning to play an instrument helped turn this into a story that would inspire kids to follow their dreams and believe they can reach them.

  • What writing projects are you working on right now?

Tomeko Brown: Right now, I’m working on a couple of different projects. I’m continuing to build my brand, Moving Notes Books TM, which includes both the first and second editions of An Instrument for Florenda. This early chapter book is more than just a story—it’s meant to help build confidence and encourage kids to go after their hopes and dreams.

In addition, I am getting ready to send a picture book manuscript to a small traditional publisher.

Book Blurb for An Instrument for Florenda

Florenda has always wanted to play in a band. Surrounded by the sounds of music in her small Louisiana town, she is thrilled when her school announces a new band class starting after summer break. But when a visit to the local music store with her mother reveals that the instrument she wants to play is beyond their budget, Florenda faces a tough challenge. Will she be able to play the instrument she’s dreamed of, or will her musical aspirations have to wait?

An Instrument for Florenda is available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

For a review of this book on this blog, link here.

For more information on the author, Tomeko Brown, please visit her website at:

https://tomekobrown.com.

Sep2

Back to School Blog Tour 2025 Day 2 – Kenneth Haines

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Welcome to Day 2 of the Back to School Blog Tour. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Haines, a children’s fantasy author. Mr. Haines has written immersive children’s fantasy tales. Being known for his titles, Sea of Shadows and Whispering of the Sand, he builds worlds where eerie meets the heartfelt. I had a chance to ask him about his inspirations, writing journey, and plans for future books.

Kenneth Haines is the author of children’s fantasy novels.


1)    What made you want to become an author?

Kenneth Haines: I became a single father to three boys and two girls. Plus, I must have inherited it from my great, great Aunt Helen Keller.

2)    Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?

Kenneth Haines: My writing journey was inspired by my children growing up and things we did together. Plus, their struggles growing up and things I seen and done growing up. While my younger ones were in elementary school, I started writing short stories for them. So, I would read before bedtime to them and when they had sleepovers. After they all grew up, I continued reading to some of their friends. I still remember my stories. My youngest son mentioned that I should look into publishing ones I wrote and just had hidden away in a filing cabinet.

3)    Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.

Kenneth Haines: I take care of a parent with dementia. Since I have to be close by during Mom’s nap time, I found time to bring my stories to life especially when the weather doesn’t permit me to go outside.

4)    For your featured book, how did you get the ideas to write it?

Kenneth Haines: My books start with meeting people and finding out their inner strengths and have a unique name. Then at night while sleeping, it comes to me so vividly. I’m able to put it down on paper the next day. I also design my own covers for all my books.

5)    What writing projects are you working on right now?

Kenneth Haines: Jasey’s Secret: The World Beyond the Glass is my newest book. I am working on the second book right now. Jasey’s Secret is a heartwarming tale of wonder, courage, and the unbreakable spark of childhood imagination. It’s for anyone who has ever refused to let go of magic.

Jasey’s Secret: The World Beyond the Glass is a children’s fantasy that takes the reader beyond their imagination into a fantastic, eerie world. Jasey’s discovery of her inner magic builds into a courageous story as she refuses to let go of her gift. This heartwarming tale will inspire any child to pursue their own journey of discovery and look to themselves for the magic inside.

Jasey’s Secret: The World Beyond the Glass and other Kenneth Haines books are available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and the Google Book Store.

For more information for books by Kenneth Haines, please visit his website at: HERE!

Thanks for checking in for our featured author today. Check back tomorrow for a new featured book review.

-Tiffany Turner

Head Writer/Editor

Indie Children’s Authors Connection Blog

Sep1

Back to School Blog Tour 2025-Day 1: Karin LaScola

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Karin LaScola is the author of the picture book, “Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”.

Welcome to the first day of the 2025 Back to School Blog Tour. Each year, I gather together book reviews and interviews for Indie Children’s Authors to share with all of you. I’m kicking off this year with the fabulous author, Karin LaScola, author of the picture book, “Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”. With a background in education and TV news reporting, she listened often to issues children needed help and support with.

The idea for Sam the School bus came about by watching a local school bus climb a hill near her home every morning and afternoon. Stories started to speak within her mind, and she now proudly brings Sam the School bus’s world and friends to young readers to help with challenges in reading and life. I had the chance to interview Karin LaScola about her school influences as a young reader, her plans as an author, and what it means to write.

  1. What made you want to become an author?

Karin LaScola: I’m not sure I ever saw myself as an author, however, I very much wanted to enable and excite youngsters about reading so it became the likely avenue for me.

2) Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?

Karin LaScola: Definitely, the school bus near my home.  I heard the gears churning as it chugged its way up the hill past my house, and started to empathize with its job. From the literary field, I became enamored with children’s picture books where the text was simple, but the message loud and clear. There are so many delicious examples of this but Leo Lionni’s book “Swimmy”, remains one of my favorites even though it was published back in 1963.  I like the stories where there is an unlikely hero. 

3) Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.

Karin LaScola: I am what you might call a spontaneous writer.  I jot down notes and inspiration on my phone and transfer them to my computer as soon as I can. I re-visit and re-work my “Sam” stories periodically. The initial story might take me a half-hour to write, the final story could take months.

4) How did you get your ideas to write the book, “Just The Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story”?

Karin LaScola: The Sam the School Bus series was born, after watching the bus I mentioned, while I was holed up in the office for my graduate program. It didn’t take long before I began to anthropomorphize and the bus became Sam. The plot line of “Just the Way I Am” began to develop when I started playing with words that rhymed with school.

5) What writing projects are you working on right now?

Karin LaScola: I have three more books in the Sam series already on paper, now the fine-tuning begins. I hope to have the second book in the series available this time next year. I will be concentrating on early literacy components to add into each one, as getting ready to read in the early years is so important.

Book Review: “Just the Way I am: A Sam the School Bus Story”

“Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story” is a great back-to-school story for those little ones nervous about going back to school. Whether it’s a new school, new grade or their first day of kindergarten, this book helps address the anxiety of starting something new. It might stir inside fear inside a young one’s mind. This book helps with facing the inner fear and realizing you are enough.

Sam the School Bus is the experienced helper for the new school bus on the route, Sabrina. She has prepared so hard for her first week. But her anxiety of pleasing the children starts to overcome her when she starts to dress in different outfits. She tries dressing up each day of the week, presenting a new Sabrina to the school kids along her route. But will this help her win over her students? Or will she find that being herself is the key?

I have to say, my first impressions of this book were the absolutely beautiful and charming illustrations. They really draw you into the world of the school bus route. Plus, the soft edges and cartoon playfulness really will be appealing to younger minds.

I really like the theme for the picture book. All the different ways Sabrina tried to present herself for school was a great way to make her relatable and emphasize the theme of being yourself. I loved the educational tie-ins for days of the week and showing how teamwork is important. The format of showing each day of the week really makes it a strong read-loud for the classroom or at home.

I can see this as a great ice-breaker for the start of school, whether starting a new school, or going for the first time, this picture book will help ease those fears and teach some helpful life lessons. I recommend it for home and class libraries, especially as a back-to-school read-aloud to start any school year.

“Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com starting September 2, 2025.

*I received an advanced review copy for this book.

For more information on Karin LaScola and her books, visit her website at:

SamtheSchoolbus.com

Remember to check back each day this week for new book reviews and author interviews of fabulous Indie children’s authors. Happy Back-to-School to all teachers, students and parents! I hope you enjoy finding out about all these fabulous authors and books this week.

-Tiffany Turner

Head Writer/Editor

Indie Children’s Authors Connection Blog

Sep1

Day 5 of the 2023 Back to School Blog Tour: Recap of the Week/Resources

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On the final day of the blog tour this year, I’d like to thank all of the participating authors for taking the time to submit their books and/or participate in the interviews. These authors take the time to write incredible books and then allow me to bring them to you. So, a big thank you to all of them.

And I’d also like to thank all of my readers that follow this blog. Over the years, I’ve tried to provide resources to help in the classroom and support parents at home in educating and helping their child to appreciate new voices in literature. So, thank you for returning again and again to see what new books and authors I have found for you.

Meanwhile, let’s recap the authors that have been participating this week.

If you missed any of the posts, these are short cuts to get you connected with each author and book that has been featured. Plus, there are a lot of different resources for the classroom and for home schooling on my blog. I’ve listed some of the free lesson plans and units you can find on my blog below.

Free Online Novel Study for my book, “The Lost Secret of Fairies”.

Parent Support for Homeschool: Free Ebook & Online Novel Study

Free Spooky Story Online Activity: Write Your Own Spooky Story

Write Your Own Spooky Story For Halloween

Link to Online Writing & Reading Lesson Plans

(With Selected Free Lesson Plans)

TPT Making Writing Fun Store

Thank you for a fantastic Back to School week of ideas, books, authors and organizational fun. I do hope that I’ve helped you plan more towards your 2023 curriculum, and that you have a fabulous start to your school year.

Until next time, keep safe and keep writing,

-Tiffany Turner

Retired Elementary Teacher

Head writer/editor for the Indie Children’s Authors Connection Blog

Aug30

Day 3 of the 2023 Back to School Blog Tour- Book Review for Mr. Tickety-Toc Clock: The Travel to Washington

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Welcome back, everyone! Today I have a book review for a very unique book series. This author started writing and publishing his books when he was eleven years old, and is still writing his children’s book series today.

Davon Miller had severe asthma as a child, and found himself in and out of the hospital a lot. He started writing and illustrating his books at an early age, and now donates some of his proceeds from his books to the hospital that treated him as a child. He is also a very active volunteer, hosts a radio segment on writing, has won several awards, and started a campaign called #IMAGINE2020CHILDRENSTORIES in support of African-American Authors.

BOOK REVIEW: Mr. Tickety-Toc: The Travel to Washington

By Davon Miller

Does your child or classroom like a good mystery? Do they wish they were an illustrator? I’ve found a book that is a great introduction to what the imagination and the pen combined can do. Mr. Tickety-Toc is part of a series of books exploring and teaching while engaging the imagination. Written by Davon Miller, children are taken into a world of fun, inventive characters while they learn about historical places, lessons of life, and are gifted with a bit of humor.

Mr. Tickety-Toc: The Travel To Washington starts out with opening a gift. Mr. Tickety-Toc receives a box full of animal travel companions that immediately start out on an adventure to travel the country and try to solve the mystery of the box. Off they go to New York, Texas, Washington state, California, South Dakota and finally arriving in Washington D.C. They encounter famous monuments such as the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial while trying to solve the surprise box mystery. Will Mr. Tickety-Toc be able to find all the homes of the animals? Or will he be hopelessly lost?

This charming story is illustrated with colorful, crayon medium pictures giving that kid-like feel to the whole story. It may even inspire children to maybe try their own attempts at illustrations. Through working together, the mystery is solved, stressing the great life lesson of teamwork. I recommend this picture book as an introduction to U.S. historical monuments and as a working together read-aloud for the home or the classroom.

Mr. Tickety-Toc: The Travel to Washington can be purchased on Amazon.com.

For more information on Davon Miller and his books, please visit his Amazon Author Page.

Link to Davon Miller’s Facebook Page Here.

For an interview with Davon Miller on “Beautiful People: Tampa Bay”, link here.

Thank you for supporting all these great authors by following my blog, reading posts, and commenting. It really means a lot to get the word out about these fabulous books and the authors that wrote them. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you like or what could be improved.

We’ve just got a few more days left. So, check back tomorrow. Until then, enjoy the start of the 2023 school year!

Aug29

Day 2 of the 2023 Back to School Blog Tour: Interview with Marin Darmonkow

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Welcome to day two of the 2023 Back to School Blog Tour. I have another author interview for you today. I have found a fabulous author that has the extra talent of being an amazing illustrator as well. It seems this is a great bonus combination for becoming an indie author. His picture book is called “The Smile”, and it is an always free or permafree book on Amazon and other online retailers. The illustrations have a noble look that imbues a vibrant charm to the characters and the story. Centering around an Inuit girl and her dog, it is sure to have a special place in any home library or classroom bookshelf.

Marin Darmonkow lives in Canada with his family. He has retired from advertising and wanted to find a worthy way to give back to the community. Writing children’s books is his chance to do just that, and he even started his own publishing company to do so. I had the chance to interview him about how he became an author, how he gets his ideas, and what projects he is writing now.

1) What made you want to become an author?

Marin Darmonkow: I started late – after I retired. Both of my children attended medical school, they became independent and my parental obligations significantly reduced. For the first time in my life, I had time for myself and I wanted to make a product; preferably something without an expiry date. I solely create children’s books for the reason that I possess the skills not only to write but also to illustrate, design, and put together the layout. This is a perfect fit for publishing picture books. 

2) For your featured book, how did you get the ideas to write it?

Marin Darmonkow: I was probably influenced by contemporary media – Indigenous affairs are one of the daily topics discussed on radio stations, TV channels and the Internet. I live in Canada, so I decided to create a humane story about the most famous Inuit symbol, the innunguaq, and its relationship with people. You know that the stony sculpture is like a person but it is also a signpost and plays a significant role in Inuit culture.

On my search for an editor of Inuit origin, a University professor from the Department of Linguistics told me that I had no right to create such a story as I did not belong to the Inuit group of people. The professor’s warning struck a chord with me as I am an adamant defender of freedom of expression. My unapologetic answer was that I published the story – I uploaded the book as perma-free to all major online book retailers. I even included the professor’s correspondence in the book’s description. Amazon is the only exception to this as from time to time the behemoth unilaterally adds a price to the book.

3) What writing projects are you working on right now?

Marin Darmonkow: I am currently working on a story about the only child in the world born without a heart. The title of the publication is BEMBE’S HEART. Bembe is an ancient Mayan name and it means “son of a prophecy”. Everyone should read the book to their child as it is a book about the extraordinary bond between mother and child. It is a stunning story about know-no-limits motherly love. 

Book Blurb:

Living in the land of six months night and six months day, challenges are always around the corner. The young Inuit girl, Ahnah, and her dog, Akiak, must survive while her parents leave to find food. She learns to endure and lets her dreams lead her. In the end, she will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

“The Smile” is available for free at the following online retailers:

For more information about Marin Darmonkow, please visit his website at: Fontreal.com.

I hope you are enjoying the blog tour event so far. Please leave a comment to let me know what you like or suggest what to include next year. I would love to hear all the feedback for future planning. Look for a featured book review tomorrow. Until then, have a great start to the school year!

Aug28

Day 1 of The Back to School Blog Tour 2023: Interview with Peter Aronson

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Greetings and welcome to the 2023 Back to School Blog Tour. I have some great indie children’s authors and books to introduce you to this week. I am hoping you’ll find some fabulous home study or classroom resources for the 2023 school year. Having taught in the classroom for 18 years, I know that you want to find new and inspirational role models and books with themes that are helpful for teaching in the curriculum. I’ve lined up some fabulous titles and author interviews as well as book reviews.

So, let’s get started with our very first author for the week: Peter Aronson.

Peter Aronson is a former award-winning legal affairs journalist, former New York City attorney, and now writes essays, short stories and children’s books. His book, “Mandalay Hawk’s Dilemma: The United States of Anthropocene”, is a look at a futuristic kid take-over inspired by a middle schooler with a different view of how the world should be. Set in the year 2030, it’s a wake up call for the adults in the world to do something or the kids will instead. Mandalay herself is a rebel with a passion for the environment, and doesn’t seem to let breaking some rules stop her mission to save the world.

I got a chance to ask Mr. Aronson about why he became an author, what gave him the idea for his book, and what future projects he has planned.

1) What made you want to be an author?

Peter Aronson: I have been writing for a long time, because I was a journalist for approximately 20 years earlier in my career. I became interested in writing fiction when I read more novels and saw the limitless creative opportunities. When I am making up a story and I like what I am writing, I get a wonderful sensation of feeling free, of feeling like I can do anything. It’s a sense of accomplishment, or achievement, I don’t get doing anything else. I began writing short stories, then a I tackled a novel.

2) For your featured book, “Mandalay Hawk’s Dilemma: The United States of Anthropocene”, how did you get the idea to write it?

Peter Aronson: My daughters, Mabel and Maisy, were young then, in middle school, and they were reading apocolyptic-type books and I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if they read a novel that dealt with a real-world problem? It was 2015 and I believed then and even more so now that global warming was the biggest problem the world faced. So I decided to write a novel about kids fighting global warming, about taking the fight to the highest level. I got the idea before the amazing Greta Thunberg burst onto the scene and made such an impact.   

3) What writing projects are you working on now?

Peter Aronson: I am writing a TV mini-series based on my non-fiction middle-grade book “Bronislaw Huberman: From Child Prodigy to Hero, the Violinist who Saved Jewish Musicians from the Holocaust.” The story is still little known outside the music world. Huberman was a great humanitarian who overcame great odds in the 1930s to save Jewish musicians from the Nazis by establishing a orchestra in what was then Palestine. Huberman was a pacifist. A true maestro, he used his violin as his sword and enlisted people like Einstein to help him. 

Book Blurb:

“Mandalay Hawk’s Dilemma: The United States of Anthropocene” is a middle grade novel that presents an all-too-real 2030. The Big Heat hits that causes temperatures to rise to extreme heat waves that kill thousands. The world has a hazardous future, and one 13-year-old decides she’s had enough and wants to do something about it. Only her idea of what to do might break a few rules along the way. From creating her own group called KRAPP (KIDS REVOLT AGAINST ADULT POWER) where the adventure leads to Washington D.C. and rapping to a captive president, it’s a novel that may lead to a call of action for kids around the world.

“Mandalay Hawk’s Dilemma: The United States of Anthropocene” is available on Amazon.com.

For more information on Peter Aronson, please visit his Amazon author’s page here.

Be sure to bookmark and come back every day this week for new interviews with authors and book reviews of featured books.

May you have a fabulous start to your school year!

Until tomorrow,

-Tiffany Turner

Sep19

Back to School Book Alert #1

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Greetings everyone. I am disappointed about having to cancel the Back to School Blog Tour this year. But I have found a way to be supportive by giving a type of shout out to new books that I’ve discovered from great, new Indie Children’s Authors. I know how many teachers need to stock their class libraries right now, and how parents want to support their child at home with quality reading material.

So, here is the first introduction to help build your Back to School Buying List.

GENRE: Children’s Middle Grade Realistic Fantasy

His Silent Killer

by Rich Unkel

Special things are to be cherished and protected. For Burton, this held a different sentiment. He had a treasure that was from the past, but it measured his future. It calculated his life through pain. The more pain he experienced, the more his treasure let him know he was closer to his mortality. He could not escape this faceless clock that kept track of his past, present, and future. That is until the hand hit the Omega. Was this clock accurate? Could it really tell him when life was over? Will Burton be able to live without the pains of life overtaking him?

The book is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle and print edition.

Buy Your Copy

The book is also available at www.richunkel.com.

Damon Piletz is the creator of the pen name Rich Unkel. Mr. Piletz is a teacher and writer. He has had the opportunity to be a part of many areas of education over the last twenty-three years. Working with thousands of students, Damon’s love of writing comes alive in the classroom motivating both reluctant and seasoned writers. Many of his published works have been used with students of all ages. Damon lives in Vermont with his wife and family.

Learn more information about the author here: http://richunkel.com.

Sep14

Back to School Blog 2022 Canceled

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I’ve ended up having to cancel this year’s blog tour due to lack of sign-ups. Not sure if it’s the pandemic or what. I did have to push back the date to mid-September due to my vacation this year. So, that might have been something to do with it. Or just so much going on now that there are more vaccines to beat the Omnicron variant of COVID19, or who knows. But it feels kind of sad after so many years of running this event that I didn’t get much interest.

But I’ll try again next year, maybe pushing it up to end of August. It’s been 10 years since I’ve done this, and I love supporting teachers and students as they go back to school. But the pandemic has changed things a bit, gotten people out of routines. Plus, I’ve had a lot of personal things I’ve had to catch up on due to delays of the pandemic. I think most people have had to do this during 2022 too.

But hey, there’s next year. 2023 should be better all around. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years; take everything with stride. The pandemic has just made things have to be adapted and changed, and it’s taking awhile for all of us to return to some kind of normal. Until then, enjoy my features of Indie Children’s authors over the next several months. There is still a lot of great book and authors to find out about. Feel free to sign up for my blog and stay informed about all that is to come.

So, until next year, 

-Tiff

Sep14

Winner Announcement for the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour Giveaway

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So, another successful blog tour event has come to a close. And with that, it’s time to announce the winner of the giveaway from last week.

I am happy to announce the winner is:

Helen S.

Your email from the entry has been mailed to let you know you are the winner. Plus, the $25 Amazon Gift Card has been sent to your supplied email from the giveaway. Congratulations on being the winner for this year.

And with that, I’d like to wrap up the festivities from this year’s Back to School Blog Tour. I’d like to thank our authors:

But most of all, I’d like to thank you, the reader, for stopping by and continuing to support Indie Children’s Authors. It’s because of you that many of us still keep writing and creating books for the next generation.

Until next year,

Tiffany Turner

Editor/Head Writer for the Indie Children’s Authors Connection Blog