Welcome to day four of the Back to School Blog Tour 2021. I have a fabulous author to introduce you to today. May I introduce, Lisa Carter.
At the age of fourteen, Lisa Carter was bitten by the writing bug. Now, she specializes in writing books about social issues within families. Her new book, “Brown Like Mommy” deals with a child learning to be happy in her own skin. I had the chance to ask Lisa Carter about her childhood reading memories, favorite author, and what future projects she has in store for us all.
Lisa Carter is the author of the children’s book, “Brown Like Mommy”.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Lisa Carter: Hiding a book under my pillow at night, waiting for everyone to go to sleep so I could enjoy reading it without interruptions. My highlight of the day was bedtime so I could read.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Lisa Carter: Judy Blume. She really influenced me to express myself without restrictions.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Lisa Carter: No, a writing routine doesn’t work for me. I tried it before but it feels forced. I never do well when I feel forced. My way of writing is just putting it on paper when it comes to my head.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Lisa Carter: I only write about social issues. In the future, I would like to write in the academic field.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Lisa Carter: Writing is taking the reality of my world and using my imagination to complement it.
“Brown Like Mommy” is a story where a child learns to be comfortable in her own skin. Kim has always wondered why she did not have brown skin like her mommy. It seemed unfair that her sister and brother had brown skin like her mommy. A lot of Kim’s friends had brown skin too. When Kim started school, she saw different shades of skin. It made her feel better until she saw the other kids’ parents. The kids at school had the same skin as their parents. After a series of events that made Kim sad, her father explained to Kim that her skin was beautiful because she had skin from both her mommy and daddy. Kim was now happy in her skin.
Don’t forget you’ve got a couple more days to enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card. It’s a big thank you for stopping by and participating in the blog tour this year.
Hopefully, you’ve been able to find out about some fantastic new authors and their books. Please come back tomorrow for our last day of the Back to School Blog Tour. Until then, stay safe and please, wear a mask! -Mrs. Turner
Welcome to Day 3 of the Back to School Blog Tour for 2021. I have another amazing, talented author to introduce you to today. Linda S. Gunther is an author that dabbles in many different genres. She writes romance, mystery and children’s books. I’ve met her through one of my writing groups, and I have been wanting to feature her for awhile on my blog.
Linda S. Gunther is the author of the children’s picture book, PANICKY POLLY.
Linda S. Gunther has been featured in numerous literary publications, and her passion for travel fuels her writing. She has six suspense novels with the most recent being DEATH IS A GREAT DISGUISER: A Santa Cruz Murder Mystery and three self-published illustrated children’s picture books. PANICKY POLLY is her most recent children’s book release that involves a girl dealing with anxiety as a child. I had the chance to talk to Linda about her inspirational authors, writing routine, advice for aspiring authors, and what future projects she has in store for us.
Who is your favorite author from childhood?
Linda S. Gunther: My fav children’s book author was Maurice Sendak. I loved Where The Wild Things Are ever since I can remember. When I was a primary school teacher in NYC, Santa Clara, California and in London, England, my “go to” children’s book was definitely this one, winner of the top honor – the Caldecott Award. I have to admit in London, I did also love reading The Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain. There is a series of these which was also made into an animated series.
Do you have a writing routine?Please explain your routine.
Linda S. Gunther: I’m going to be honest here. I’ve authored 6 suspense novels and 3 illustrated children’s books. I don’t have a writing routine. I write at odd times whenever I feel compelled to craft a character or build a story with twists and turns. It might take all day or be a few hours late at night. Like my adult fictional works, with my children’s stories I just get an idea, and go!
I take a walk by the beach where I live and in my iPhone Notes app, I write notes and sometimes even dialogue related to what’s on my mind in terms of potential plot, action, or the underlying message that I think will help children grow and learn lessons about life.
For my latest children’s book, PANICKY POLLY, I imagined a little girl who panics about the little things that go wrong in her day to day life. She learns a little bit of yoga meditation which literally changed her life. I found a young artist in South Africa that crafted the illustrations that were in my head. I sent her photos of what could be made into art for each page.
When I wrote PANICKY POLLY, I had no idea that the pandemic was coming, but it turned out to be very apropos. Polly’s story can help children deal with little things and big things like the COVID pandemic. I published this book in February 2020. Unfortunately, my planned book events and signings were cancelled in schools and at bookshops.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Linda S. Gunther: Write down the ideas swimming in your head that might make an interesting children’s story. Don’t let your ideas fade away. Wherever you are, whether waiting for a dental appointment, or in line at the grocery store, or sitting in a parking lot waiting for a friend – WRITE DOWN YOUR IDEA and a possible outline (bullet points work well) for the story (if it comes to you)! When you start doing this, like writing down your dreams in the morning, you will be amazed at the budding ideas you have for good stories. Also, pay attention to the news of the day because you may find something about an animal or child or a situation that is absolutely fascinating. DON’T LOSE IT! WRITE IT DOWN.
What projects are you working on?
Linda S. Gunther: Well, I have an idea for a story about a famous owl who is found in the Christmas tree that is being erected in Rockefeller Center in New York City. I’m thinking about writing that one, develop the character (Rocky) and give him a backstory and also feature an overall learning message, maybe: hopefulness no matter what the scenario.
Also, I’ve been writing short stories (both fiction and personal essays), and lately, I’ve been getting my stories published in a variety of literary journals. It’s my new adventure. For example, I’m writing stories about growing up in the Bronx. I didn’t realize before that I really have a talent for writing stories about my real-life whether about my childhood or related to things that I experienced in my young 20’s or 30’s while traveling.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Linda S. Gunther: I search for the soul in the story I’m aiming to tell and then write around it, fill it out. Some writers call it the “through line.”
PANICKY POLLY is an honest and forthright story to help children deal with their own anxiety. Polly is a young girl that panics at the little things in life. If something goes wrong, she goes into a panic. It gets so bad for her that she has trouble sleeping and eating. Her family, teachers and friends all try to warn her off of panicking, but it takes the kind words of Mr. Chang, the local vegetable store owner to give her the valuable advice to ease her panic attacks. His advice leads to the golden secret to end all her panicking. Share this story with children having similar anxiety to help them learn the golden rule and deal with anxiety. This is a book many parents may wish they had as a child.
PANICKY POLLY is available in print edition at Amazon.com.
For more information on Linda Gunther and her other books, please visit her website here.
Don’t forget to enter the $25 Amazon Gift Card giveaway going on right now during the blog tour.
You’re welcome to come back each day to enter the giveaway and find out about the new featured author of the day. I hope all the students, teachers and parents are enjoying this unusual and eventful return to school this year. Please stay safe and wear a mask. Until tomorrow, -Mrs. Turner
It’s Day Two of the Back to School Blog Tour for 2021. I’m starting with an exciting author and her book, “Kita and the Magic Paint” that can help instruct about secondary colors.
Laura Schaumer is a children’s writer with a degree from George Brown College and Certificate in American Sign Language. She has a background in knowing how to communicate with children, and uses this ability in her writing. She currently lives in Ontario, Canada, and loves to go camping, listen to live music and create arts and crafts. She lives with her husband and daughter. I had the chance to ask Laura about her favorite childhood reading memories, writing routine and what writing means to her.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Laura Schaumer: As child, my favorite thing to do was read under my blanket with a flashlight and immerse myself in any book I could get my hands on. It was one of my favorite things to do in my elementary years.
What future projects are you working on?
Laura Schaumer: Right now, I am working on my 2nd and 3rd book. I love to write about everything and anything. The most amazing thing about being a children’s author is that there is nothing that confines you to explore any idea that arises in your imagination.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Laura Schaumer: Writing is endless freedom to share and discover with everyone.
“Kita and the Magic Paint” is a story where magic happens in art. Meet Kita the Raccoon and all her friends. They discover the magic of painting and a way to create new colors with primary colors. By combining certain colors, new colors called secondary colors, can be formed. It’s all a journey to the mystery of forming new out of what you have. This book will spark an experimentation mindset in your child to dip into their curiosity and explore their creativity. Basic color theory comes alive in relatable characters and reminds us that magic can be found everywhere, especially through making art.
For more information on Laura Schaumer and her other books, please visit her website here.
Thanks for stopping by for today’s featured author. Please don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card! It’s a big thank you for stopping by and supporting the participating authors. Winner will be announced Monday, Sept. 13, 2021.
Welcome to the first day of the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour hosted by the Indie Children’s Authors Connection blog. I’m excited to host this very different school year, as many children return from online or hybrid learning to in-person school. Along with diverse and inspirational titles and authors this year, I want to tank all of the readers and followers of the blog that have part of the several years of this blog tour. You’re behind the success of this event. So, up front, thank you for coming back year after year.
Plus, check back each day for a new featured author and enter the $25 Amazon Gift Card giveaway. Fill out your class or home library. Winner will be chosen Monday, September 13, 2021.
Andreas Minnis is an eleven-year-old children’s author that has written the featured book, “Joshua Holt and the Bully.”
And without a further adieu, here is our first author of the blog tour, Andreas Minnis. He is an eleven-year-old author that inspires many children his age to get involved and help others. He lives in New Orleans, but is originally from the Bahamas. He’s been featured on several international news sites, and shares his messages to kids at schools and conferences worldwide. Andreas and his mom work together to run their own publishing company called Universal Impact Press. His new book, “Joshua Holt and the Bully” is a book with a journey of resilience, courage, and forgiveness. I had the chance to talk with Andreas Minnis about his writing process, how he gets his ideas, and what kind of writing projects he has in store for the future.
1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Andreas Minnis: My favorite memory of reading as a young child is reading the book “Strega Nona” with my mom, it was her favorite book when she was a kid!
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you? Andreas Minnis: My favorite author is my mom! Aisha Wonderfull. She has encouraged me to share my story to help other people. She always says: Your story is about you, but it’s not for you.
3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you. Andreas Minnis: I like to plan out my books, and then dedicate specific times to work on it. Usually the weekend! I work better when I block out time to get it all done.
4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Andreas Minnis: I am going to keep writing about topics to help kids navigate being kids!
5) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Andreas Minnis: I love to write, and to share my experiences in stories that everyone else can relate to.
“Joshua Holt and the Bully” is the story of where bullying leads to friendship. Joshua is excited to be starting a new school year in the middle school. But his excitement disappears when he confronts his first enemy at school, a bully. Can Joshua learn that finding the courage to forgive can be the secret that saves everything?
Thank you for stopping by on the first day of the Back to School Blog Tour 2021. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card below. Return for a new chance each day, and for a new featured Indie Children’s Author.
The 8th Annual Back to School Blog Tour for 2021 is now taking sign-ups for the blog tour that will start on Labor Day, September 6, 2021.
Please sign up below to apply to be in the blog tour. I’m taking a limited amount of authors, so please sign-up ASAP. I will feature up to 2 authors a day. Last year, we had one per day, but I’d like to get a few more. This has been a special blog event that has been going on for several years now. And I think this year will be especially important to support teachers and students as they return to school during COVID. I want to be able to supply them with children’s literature that will be resourceful and relevant to the times.
Plus, I’d love to have some featured books that will help motivate children to read more. Basically, let’s help make this a great start to what has been a difficult period for many of us. Reading a good book can be comforting to a child when all else around them can seem out of sorts. Let’s bring the joy of reading to children at the start of this new, unique school year.
Here is the form to fill out to apply for the blog tour:
Deadline to apply is Friday, September 3 unless all the author slots fill up. If they do, I will post on the Blog Tour page when all slots of filled. Please mention that you are applying for this year’s blog tour and what kind of children’s book you have.
I have a surprise for everyone. I have written a picture book to help support all the parents and teachers during these strange times. It’s called “I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!”. It helps children validate their feelings with all the strange routine changes, and models a parent lovingly supporting and validating their little one’s emotional turmoil. With all the different return-to-school programs through out the country, structure and safety is what kids need to help them right now. I wanted to help reassure them, and support their emotional needs.
“Back to School” has never been so difficult. Some school districts are returning to in-person school, some are remaining online with distance learning, and others are doing a combination of both depending on their communities. With so many changes, parents and children need support in adapting to these new structures. So, I wrote a loving and supportive book to help children understand the changes around them.
I targeted the preschooler and kindergartener, even though the book could be read up through third grade. It will hopefully lead to discussions and communication with parents, teachers, and the children that are going through this huge, educational upheaval together.
Tiffany Turner is the author of “I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” and head editor/writer of this blog.
I am an elementary teacher that has been writing and self-publishing for children since 2007. I’ve also been a teacher for 20 years. I have a middle reader series, and another self-published picture book called “Pumper the Pumpkin.” For this new book, I hired a fabulous illustrator from Columbia, Natalia Cuno. She captures the beautiful warmth and caring that I wanted to convey with this book.
I invite you to check out the book on Amazon.com. It is available as an ebook for many tablets and the Kindle phone app as well as a print edition. I welcome feedback in its many forms, such as reviews or as comments below in this post. I would love to hear what you think and how your child reacts to the book.
We can all get through this together, and remember to wear a mask.
As we ease into a new school year, kids are likely missing things about traveling, their friends, and having fun. I have managed to find a fantastic book about dogs on motorcycles sightseeing around the United States. Hopefully, it can bring a little fun and charm back into your little ones day.
In the book, “Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups go to Washington, D.C.”, kids will get a chance to explore the United States capital city and discover the history while having fun with the pups. I had a chance to talk with the author, Louisa Mastromarino. She is a certified counselor educator. She uses her specialized expertise to create her children’s books and contemporary artwork. Louisa shared with me her favorite authors, future projects, and what writing means to her.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Louisa Mastromarino: One of my favorite authors is Maya Angelou. I love her work because she writes about socially relevant themes such as racism and tolerance. Key themes today include such areas because we all know that literature has the capability of empowering others during challenging times. I love to write about these key areas and hope that the Cycle Pups travel series empowers others to work together and create social peace.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Louisa Mastromarino: Subjects that I would like to write about in future projects include inclusion, tolerance, which I am working on Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Teach Tolerance now, family cohesion, and self-identity. These areas are key, especially for teens and children.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Louisa Mastromarino: Writing to me in one sentence is extreme joy in spirit.
“Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups go to Washington, D.C.” is a fabulous adventure with the Cycle Pups through our country’s capital, Washington D.C. Travel on max cycle bikes as the leader, Spifford Max, takes the pups on an adventure over stairs, through rivers, and even through history. Filled with love and friendship, this book is sure to bring a little adventure as your child learns about historical landmarks of Washington D.C.
Greetings to everyone that stopped by and checked out the blog tour last week. I appreciate all of my followers that read my blog and have followed through the years. It makes it especially important since I’m trying to support all the teachers, parents and children going through the strangest Back to School in our life times.
With the pandemic, we are looking at things differently, facing new challenges and just trying to support each other to get through all the challenges this year. From the pandemic to natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes and heat waves, 2020 has unleashed a fury. I hope the tour this year helped connect you to authors and their books that will give comfort, help teach your little ones, and inspire your classroom.
With that said, I’d like to announce the winner of the giveaway for the blog tour this year. I am giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to help give a shopping spree to the lucky winner. Hopefully, they can use it to support authors and maybe enjoy some of the fabulous books featured this last week.
And drum roll please, the winner of the Back to School 2020 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card is:
April P.
Congratulations! You’ll be contacted by the email on file for the giveaway.
To everyone else, thank you so much for stopping by and making last week a fabulous event again. Until next year, stay safe, wear a mask, and take care of your family and friends.
Welcome to the last day of the Back to School Blog Tour. I hope you have enjoyed all of our featured authors this week, and have added to your home or class online library. I’d like to wrap up this fabulous week by introducing you to my last featured author, Thomasina M. D’Arezzo. She is a published poet, and has written children’s books and women’s fiction. She lives in New England citing autumn being one of her favorite seasons. She enjoys hiking, acting and listening to music when not involved in writing. She’s proud of her recent college graduate son.
Thomasina M. D’Arezzo is the children’s author of the mystery children’s book, “Marco The Mini Sleuth: Where did the Kitten Go?”
Her recent book, “Marco The Mini Sleuth: Where did the Kitten Go?” is a fun mystery adventure that any kid can get lost in. Great for writing assignments or studying the mystery genre, this book will introduce your child to her fantastic Marco The Mini Sleuth series. I had a chance to talk to Thomasina about her childhood reading interests, writing process, and what writing means to her.
1) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Thomasina M. D’Arezzo: For Children’s books there are multiple that I like. I enjoy a lot of classic tales. I particularly enjoyed “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter and “Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll.
2) Do you have a writing routine?
Thomasina M. D’Arezzo: When writing a novel I have a routine where I try to write 5000 words per day. When writing a children’s book, I will sit on the idea for a while in my head before I bring it all to life. 3) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Thomasina M. D’Arezzo: It’s a beautiful escape from reality! A world where you can create what you want!
“Marco The Mini Sleuth: Where did the Kitten Go?” is a great mystery for any child to get lost in. Marco’s cousins have recently lost their new kitten. Marco is on the case. By using his magical magnifying glass, he goes out looking for clues. They all work together to solve the mystery, but they get side tracked along the way. Will the clues lead them to the kitten in time?
“Marco The Mini Sleuth: Where did the Kitten Go?” is available at Amazon.com.
To close out this year’s blog tour, I’d like to announce two things.
It’s not too late to still enter the Back to School 2020 Blog Tour $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. The giveaway will be open through the end of the week, and will close for entries on Sept. 7, 2020. The winner will be announced next week on the blog. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
I’ve been working feverishly on this project the last few months, and I’m happy to announce it’s release during this year’s Back to School Blog Tour. This picture book is a great way to help children validate their anxiety and concerns about the pandemic and how it is changing our lives.
A little about my new book:
Trying to teach your child about the importance of wearing a mask in school?
Albert is returning to school. But this year is different than all others before. He has to wear a mask. The COVID-19 Virus has spread around the world in the first pandemic in one hundred years. He has been studying at home, and has missed a lot of things. He misses his friends in preschool. He misses his teacher. He misses being outside and playing on the playground. But for his first day of Kindergarten, he has to wear a mask. Will talking with his mother about the reasons to wear masks help Albert understand how he can be a superhero?
This picture book helps children understand the importance of wearing a mask in school. They can be a superhero just like Albert as they wear a mask like other adult heroes in grocery stores, post offices or libraries. Teach your little one the importance of mask wearing as they return to in-person school or prepare for online distance learning. Help children understand the new normal happening around them and why it is important. This book is recommended for ages 3 to 8. It’s available on Amazon.com as a print or ebook edition.
I want to thank all of the participating authors for sharing a little of themselves and their fabulous books. I look forward to this blog tour highlighting unique, Indie children’s authors at the beginning of each school year.
This year is so very different than many others, and I hope the book recommendations, interviews and my resources are supportive and helpful to parents and teachers during this school year of 2020 -2021.
***Please follow my blog to find out about wonderful, fabulous Indie children’s authors and their books all year long!
Until next year, remember to keep reading and writing,
Welcome to Day 4 of the Back to School Blog Tour. I’ve got an inspirational author that is also a teacher and principal. He is going through all the educational changes with parents, students and teachers. Craig Hazen was born and raised in Canada, but has made his home in Australia. He’s an experienced Primary School Principal with a Master’s Degree in Education. He loves to write books that help grow confidence and inspire children with a humorous flair.
“My Dad is Braver Than Your Dad” is his latest book just released on Sept. 1, 2020. This book tells the story of show and tell in the classroom leading to the bravest dad of all? Can you guess who it might be? Also coming up, Craig’s second novel, Anzac Brothers, will be released by Austin Macauley Publishing later this year. He is excited to share his narrative about resilience and bravery.
I got the chance to talk to Craig about his childhood reading memories, what he does as his writing routine, and what writing means to him.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Craig Hazen is the author of the children’s book, “My Dad is Braver Than Your Dad”.
Craig Hazen: As a child I loved reading Canadian author Robert Munsch books because of his insane imagination and how well he developed his characters. The Paper Bag Princess and Mortimer Be Quiet are still two of my favourites to this day.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Craig Hazen: I am normally inspired to write about things that are personal to me or happening in my life. My Dad is Braver than Your Dad was inspired by my job as a school principal and my incredibly strong mother. I am also currently working on My Radioactive Brother which is about dealing with cancer which has sadly impacted by family.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Craig Hazen: Writing is my third space and allows me to reconnect with friends and family.
For today’s supportive materials, I’d like to offer the link to my list of posts and activities that are supportive for parents during these crazy times. From activities to some keeping-sane advice, look over the different posts that other parents/teachers/guardians have found helpful on my blog over the last few months.
Plus, there are just a few more days to enter the Back to School 2020 Blog Tour Giveaway. Enter by doing simple activities such as tweeting about this blog tour, commenting on how you are enjoying it, and signing up to follow my Facebook page.
The Indie Children's Authors Connection 