Tag Archives: books

Oct1

Day 4 of the 2026 Back to School Blog Tour

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Welcome to Day 4 of the Back to School Blog Tour. Today, I have a helpful book for those children going through a trauma with a parent that is doing drugs. As a retired teacher, it is sometimes part of teaching to try to help support children with trauma at home. It is also helpful to let other children know some of the difficulties other children might be experiencing in their daily lives.

The book, “It’s Not Your Fault: A Child’s Story of Drug Addiction” is a picture book that goes through the process of a child saving her mother from a drug overdose and what happens after. It’s a great read for any classroom during Red Ribbon Week to help understand the process of drug addiction and how it affects children.

Cindy is a third grader with a family that might differ from others. She tells her story about her mother’s addiction to drugs and how that has affected her. It’s a brilliant telling of how she calls 911 when her mother overdoses. She talks about the steps she goes through and all the people that help her and her mother along the way. From the police officers, to the judge and child services worker, Cindy relates her point of view of all that happened, including finally going to live with her grandparents. The message of it not being her fault is skillfully described through character dialog and personal thoughts from Cindy. It’s a beautiful depiction of what a child struggling through this kind of trauma might experience and want to share with others.

I would recommend this picture book as a great read-aloud during Red Ribbon Week to illustrate what illegal drug use does to families. Told through the sensitive point of view of the daughter of a drug user, children will relate with the protagonist and understand that this kind of situation is not the fault of any child. Plus, it opens up the classroom or home to discussions about this topic, whether there is a family member or friend going through a similar situation.

“It’s Not My Fault: A Child’s Story of Drug Addiction” is a read-aloud that tells the point of view of a child of a drug user and how it affects her family and life. It will be an asset to any classroom or home library to help explain how drug use isn’t the fault of the child related to the user, and that there are a lot of helpful safety nets available to help through this type of trauma.

“It’s Not My Fault” is available on the Wildfire Rose Book Company Website.

Purchase Your Copy Here

You can also donate this book as a gift to CASA workers, DJFS, foster care groups that can use this book in their work with children.

Info Here
Sep30

Day 3 of the 2026 Back to School Blog Tour

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Welcome to day 3 of the Back to School Blog Tour. Today, I have a fantastical, magical surprise for you. It’s Ellie’s Magical Surprise, a picture book that will help beginning readers with their phonics and imagination. Written by Erin Davenport, this beautifully illustrated picture book will sparkle in the minds of any child that wanted to own a unicorn, including myself when I was a child.

Ellie is waking up on what she thinks is a normal day. But after breakfast, she discovers, with help from her mother, someone else living in the horse stables on her farm, a magical unicorn. After exploring each stable, she bonds with the new creature living with the other horses. It’s a pleasant surprise that will enchant any horse owner and child that loves horses.

The first thing that stands out about this picture book is the repeated rhyming words that help with phonics identification for beginning readers. This is a picture book that beginning readers will be able to follow along or read themselves. It brings to mind the early rhyming text used by Dr. Seuss to help children with decoding words. But even better. After exploring the stables on her farm, Ellie discovers a new friend, a unicorn. I am sure the adventures that await them will be enchanting.

I recommend this picture book for teacher’s needing beginning reader books in their reading groups or if teaching reading workshops. It also has a little girl protagonist to give variety in storytelling heroes. The rhyming patterning of the text is great for beginning decoding. It will also be a great fantasy picture book read for parent’s that are homeschooling, especially if your child adores horses and would love to own a unicorn.

Ellie’s Magical Surprise is a beautifully illustrated book that will help any horse-loving child with their phonics and decoding.

This Kindle unlimited book is available on Amazon as a ebook or in print.

Purchase Here!

For more information on Erin Davenport and her other books, visit her author page here.

Sep29

Day 2 of the 2026 Back to School Blog Tour

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Welcome to Day Two of the Back to School Blog Tour. I’m sure about now, thoughts are turning to fall and reading unit planning. I’ve got a wonderful picture book with the theme of kindness and sharing to add to any reading unit. Enyonam’s Kind Heart is a beautifully illustrated picture book told from the perspective of a kind Ghana girl that chooses kindness and transforms her neighborhood. It’s a great book to dive into for this new fall season.

Enyonam is a Ghana girl that lives in a wealthy home, but is gifted with a kind heart. When talking with her grandmother, she learns that sharing often leads to spreading kindness. Through actions of buying oranges from the older market woman with no sales, sharing the oranges as snacks, and showing her cousin how to share, love and kindness spreads in her neighborhood. Her cousin, Ale, also learns the lesson when he finally decides to share his locked up toys with his other classmates.

This is a beautifully told story highlighting Ghana culture, vocabulary and traditions. The culture is reflected in the story and illustrations with loving details. We’re taken into Enyonam’s neighborhood and shown aspects of Ghana that many readers will enjoy learning about. There are very helpful discussion activities and questions at the end of the book which will help any teacher or parent with home schooling.

I found this to be a great introduction to morals and themes in a story as well. Plus, this would be a great picture book to start with the social morals that have to be emphasized in creating the classroom community each school year.

I highly recommend Enyonam’s Kind Heart as a beginning of the year read-aloud or literature circle story to heighten the community building in a classroom or at home.

To purchase the book at the Bright Love Learning Hub website, please hit the button below.

Purchase Here

Sep28

Day 1 of the 2026 Back to School Blog Tour

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Welcome to the 2026 Back to School Blog Tour event. This year, I’ve decided to heavily focus on book reviews to give a fresh look at books that can sweep your child into the world of reading. Each day this week, I’ll be featuring a new book and review ranging from picture books to middle readers. Please bookmark and check back each day to find out about a new book. Like what I’m talking about? Please subscribe!

For the first book review, I’ve chosen a beautiful drawn picture book with a mermaid at its center. “Penny Lane in Florence” is a journey of a mermaid dreaming to become an artist. It’s written and illustrated by the author, Sarah Arias.

Penny Lane has heard the legend of the magical hat given to any aspiring artist in Florence that has real talent. But trying to find the hat is the hard part. Along her journey, she’s helped by flamboyant Italians, a mysterious mouse, her animal friends and her own intuition. Will she be able to find the hat? Or is it something to be earned?

The one thing that strikes me about this book is the beautiful, whimsical artwork. It is amazing! A whole world of fantastical friends and creatures accompany Penny Lane on her adventure. The artwork keeps you anchored in her quest. I really enjoyed seeing the interactions and comical betrayal of her animal friends. It creates a fantastic world of fantasy to dive into.

The book is also divided into chapters to make it easy for beginning readers to join in. It’s a great way to help introduce the chapter structure in stories. There is the strong theme of finding the artist within which goes well with combining literature and art for reading units.

Sarah Arias is the author & illustrator of the picture book, Penny Lane in Florence.

 As far as the plot, Penny seems to find the hat within herself and her artwork which the whole story leads to easily. It is very predictable, which any children’s book should be to an extent. But I think the moment of the discovery could have been more dramatic then nonchalant as it’s shown in the book. A magical moment of self-discovery might have been lost, or it just became less important to her at the end, maybe symbolizing the journey being more important than the hat itself.

Overall, I found it to be a fun, fantasy story to help inspire children to not give-up on their artistic impulses. It does lend itself to the idea of exploring your artistic side and less to trying to find the recognition of being a real artist. I did relate to the action of burying myself in pillows when feeling the artistic rejection or failure. That’s relevant at any age. But that drive to keep going has to be intrinsic, which is delightfully illustrated and told throughout the book.

Children with artistic interest will enjoy this mermaid led adventure in self-discovery.

“Penny Lane in Florence” is available at Amazon.com as a print hardcopy or ebook. It’s recommended for ages 4-8.

Purchase on Amazon

Bookmark this blog and return tomorrow for another book review. Please leave in the comments if you enjoy this week of reviews. It is truly a labor of love to help connect teachers, parents and readers to fabulous Indie children’s authors and their books.

-Tiffany Turner

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

May29

Interview with Paromita De

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Paromita De is the author of the picture book, “Paromita: The Value In a Name”.

Summer is on the approach. Teachers are thankful for the upcoming break, and parents are wondering what to do when the kids are home full-time. Besides the vacations and outings, consider adding daily book reads to the routine. It helps to keep the skills that were learned during the school year engaged in your child’s brain. Keep your child ahead of the game by keeping up their reading skills this summer. Follow my blog or look over past posts to get some great reading suggestions.

Speaking of suggestions, here’s my first book suggestion to help keep your young ones in that reading frame of mind. “Paromita: The Value In a Name” is a darling, picture book telling the story of a young girl finding confidence and cultural connection with the disrespect done to her name in school. It is a personal connection to the theme of bullying by the author, Paromita De. I had the chance to talk with her about what influenced her as an author, some reading memories, and what she has planned next.

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

Paromita De: My favorite memory is simply the feeling of getting lost in a story. I loved the magic of opening a book and suddenly being in a whole new world right from my bedroom.

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

Paromita De: Jhumpa Lahiri is a writer I deeply admire, and her work is a constant reminder of what I aspire to achieve. Her ability to find deep meaning in ordinary, quiet moments taught me that a story does not need to be loud to be powerful.

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

Paromita De: Some days, I love going to local coffee shops with my laptop and notebook. The environment helps me focus. Other days, I stay cozy at home. I make my own chai, light a candle, and play music to create a peaceful space.

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

Paromita De: I want to write books that celebrate Indian culture, weaving in the same deep focus on family and identity that I admire in Jhumpa Lahiri’s work. Alongside those, I am excited to create a children’s book series about Paromita’s wisdoms and adventures, helping young readers build confidence and pride.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Paromita De: Writing is my source of joy, healing, and true self-expression.

Blurb: “Paromita: The Value In a Name” by Paromita De

Some kids worry about homework. Paromita worries about her name. When her teacher twists her name into something that sounds like a sputtering car engine, the whole class laughs, and Paromita’s confidence hits the floor. “Paromita” follows a young Indian girl who once loved her beautiful name and the kathak dances she learned from her grandma. But at school, her name becomes a target. Between “Parooometer” and “Parrot,” she decides that life might be easier if everyone just called her “Pat.” Spoiler alert: it isn’t.

What follows is a story about pride, identity, and a seven-yard sari. Paromita finds her voice again at the school talent show, where she performs her kathak dance and tells everyone exactly what her name means, where it comes from, and why mispronouncing it is more than a simple mistake. By the next day, her classmates see her differently, and she learns that being herself is far stronger than trying to fit in.

For more information about the author and her books, please visit her website at: www.paromitadebooks.com

“Paromita: The Value In a Name” is available at: Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com.

Dec4

December Featured Author: Interview with Mona Liza Santos

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Mona Liza Santos is the author of the picture book, The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic.

The holiday season is here, and many of your thoughts are likely drifting toward what to get for your little ones. Picture books are a wonderful way to promote reading and create meaningful connection time with your child or grandchild, especially during this cozy time of year. Consider adding a heartwarming story to your holiday traditions and share the magic of reading together this season.

I’ve got another great recommendation for your holiday gift list! The author, Mona Liza Santos, is an accomplished children’s author with nearly forty titles to choose from each filled with messages of kindness, courage, and self-worth. She is also our Featured Monthly Author for December 2025. Her newest release, The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic, is a beautiful story that connects imagination with the special wonder of the holidays. With its uplifting message about dreams, courage, and believing in yourself, this story promises hours of magic and meaning for readers of all ages.

I was honored to interview Mona Liza Santos for my blog and talk with her about how reading shaped her as a child, how writing influences her life today, and what she envisions for her future books.

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

Mona Liza Santos: I’ve always loved reading rhyming books and stories that were super colorful. I still remember sitting with my grandma — she had this way of bringing every page to life and making the stories feel like little adventures. Those moments were pure magic. And in elementary school, I was obsessed with the Scholastic order forms they’d pass out in class. I’d circle books for hours and get so excited when my order finally came in. It felt like opening a treasure box every time.

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

Mona Liza Santos: As a kid, I was a huge fan of The Babysitters Club and Beverly Cleary’s books. I loved how real and relatable the characters felt. As I got older, I fell in love with authors like Danielle Steel, Dr. Seuss, and Shel Silverstein. Each one taught me something different — how to write from the heart, how to play with rhythm, and how to find beauty in both the happy and hard moments of life. They made me believe that stories can heal, connect, and inspire — and that’s what I try to do with my own writing.

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

Mona Liza Santos: I don’t really have a set routine. Writing for me happens whenever inspiration shows up — in the car, while I’m working out, in the shower, or right before bed. It’s random, but it’s real. I’ll grab my phone or a notebook and jot down whatever thoughts come rushing in before they fade. Some of my best ideas have come when I wasn’t even trying to write.

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

Mona Liza Santos: Even though children’s books will always be my favorite to write, I also see myself writing women’s empowerment stories one day — about healing, self-worth, and finding your voice again. But no matter what I write, I’ll always come back to children’s books. They make me happiest. Helping kids see their own worth and know they matter — that’s the kind of impact I want to keep making for as long as I can.

5. Do you write other books besides children’s books?

Right now, I only write children’s books, but I can definitely see myself expanding in the future. I’d love to write novels centered on women’s empowerment and maybe even some heartfelt fictional stories that come to mind. I’m keeping my ideas open because I believe stories have a way of finding you when the time is right.

6. Do you love to travel? If so, where have you explored?

Mona Liza Santos: Travel is one of my greatest inspirations. I’ve been fortunate to visit more than seventy countries, and each one has taught me something new about people, culture, and compassion. Some of my favorite places have been Greenland, Egypt, Switzerland, Albania, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and even Russia — places that many might see as too far or too different, but each one showed me the same thing: the world is not as dangerous as it seems. People everywhere are just living their lives, loving their families, and trying their best. Our differences — in culture, language, and traditions — are what make the world a more beautiful and connected place.

7. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Mona Liza Santos: Write what feels true to you. Don’t chase trends or compare your journey to anyone else’s. Start small, be patient with your growth, and write from your heart — that’s where the magic happens. There will be days you’ll doubt yourself, but if you keep your “why” close, it’ll guide you through every moment of uncertainty.

8. How has your son and being a parent inspired you to write?

Mona Liza Santos: My son is the reason I began this journey. Watching him grow reminded me of how powerful stories are in shaping how children see themselves and the world around them. Every book I’ve written has a little piece of him in it — his wonder, humor, and courage. As a parent, I want to encourage other parents to nurture that same self-acceptance and confidence in their own children — to help them embrace who they are, speak kindly to themselves, and understand their worth. Being a mom made me realize that stories can heal, connect, and bring light where it’s needed most.

9. What do you want to accomplish through your writing?

Mona Liza Santos: I want every child who reads my books to walk away feeling proud of who they are. I want them to know that being different is not something to hide but something to celebrate. My hope is that through my stories, children learn kindness, empathy, and confidence — and that they carry those lessons with them long after they close the book. More than anything, I want kids to feel empowered for who they are, no matter where they come from or how they look.

10. What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mona Liza Santos: Writing, to me, is pouring out your heart and thoughts into words that touch children and parents — knowing you’ve made a difference in how they see themselves and the world around them.

Book Blurb:

Every night, Ellie’s dreams take her somewhere new—where dragons soar, fairies dance, and jellyfish light up the sea. But when morning comes, her dreams start to fade—until her grandmother gives her something truly special: a glass jar to keep them safe. As Ellie begins to fill the jar with her wildest dreams, she learns that what makes her imagination unique is exactly what makes her shine.

The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic is a gentle, luminous story about imagination, courage, and remembering who you are. Reading is a reminder for every child (and every grown-up, too) that the magic we’re searching for is already inside us—just waiting to be seen. This tale is perfect for promoting reading and imagination, and is highly recommended for fans of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and What Do You Do with an Idea? It will leave hearts glowing long after the last page is turned.

The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic is available on Amazon.com as an ebook or paperback and is part of the Kindle Unlimited collection.

Purchase Copy

For more information on Mona Liza Santos and her books, please visit her website at: https://www.monalizasantos.com/.

Instagram: @momosvoyage.

**Mona Liza Santos is the featured author for December!

Link Here to see our other featured authors.

Nov21

A Second Interview with Michael Dibley

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The holidays will soon be upon us. Likely, thoughts of what gifts to get are churning in your mind for your child or grandchild. Books are great gifts! Picture books are wonderful ways to connect with your child during read-aloud time before bed and to stimulate their imagination. So, I’ve been gathering info on some great new picture books for you to consider for your child’s home library. Teachers, these would be great for your class library.

 “The Magpie’s Reflection” is my first choice for your gift giving list. It’s a great story about losing something you take for granted and then trying to recover. Your child will meet Magnus, a magpie thrown into a moment of turmoil and shown kindness to survive. This touching story will warm your heart as it did mine. I had a chance to interview the author, Mike Dibley, about his love for writing and reading, and what he’ll be up to in future projects.

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

Mike Dibley: Probably reading Peter Rabbit books. There was something magical about them. I also fell in love with the watercolour style of the books, something that has kept with me after all this time.

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

Mike Dibley: Children’s books are what I want to keep writing about. It’s all an adventure, whether it’s stories told or stories to learn. It’s all fine with me.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mikie Dibley: Writing is relaxing and a way to declutter thoughts.

Book Blurb/Cover:

High above the bustling city, two magpies Millie and Magnus perch on a rooftop, judging the world below with sharp eyes and sharper beaks. But when a powerful wind sweeps them apart, Magnus is thrust into a journey he never expected. Lost and alone, Magnus is rescued by a kind old woman who shows him a different side of life, one filled with warmth, kindness, and self-discovery.

As he heals, Magnus begins to see himself and others through a gentler lens. But will he ever find Millie again? And if not, can he find the courage to fly forward into the unknown?

“Magpie’s Reflection” is available on Amazon in Kindle or paperback format.

Purchase on Amazon

Link here for the first interview with Mike Dibley and information on his book, “Iwa, the Snowflake”.

For more information on Mike Dibley, please visit his Amazon Author Page.

Sep8

September Featured Author: Interview with Jennifer Ferrell

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I hope you enjoyed the 2025 Back to School Blog tour last week. I have one more surprise for you. Consider it a post blog tour treat. I’d like to introduce you to the author, Jennifer Ferrell. She has a darling book about two sweet characters, Fran and her pig, Benny. I am partial to kid adventure stories since I’ve written a children’s fantasy adventure series. So, I couldn’t wait to let you know about this new find. The Story of Benny and Fran is a charming story of a fun kid adventure that will pull any child into an imaginative reading experience. The info on her book is below the interview.

Jennifer Ferrell is also our featured author for September. So, get ready to read all about her. I have an exclusive interview in which I was able to find out about her inspirations, writing routines, and plans for future projects. Enjoy!

Jennifer Ferrell is the author of the picture book, The Story of Benny and Fran.
  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Jennifer Ferrell: My favorite memory from reading as a child is hearing my dad’s excitement while reading. We could go on so many imaginary adventures together. I will always have that precious memory.

2) Who was your favorite author as a child?

Jennifer Ferrell: I love Dr Seuss. The simplicity of his books with amazing rhymes and characters has always amazed me.

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

Jennifer Ferrell: My writing routine has been to write when I can, but mainly in the evening. I will shut myself in my room and start typing away.

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

Jennifer Ferrell: In future projects, I’d love to continue creating stories that inspire children with themes of friendship, courage, and discovery. My next idea is about a character named Sammy. She is an adventurous pigeon. Because of her curiosity, she seems to find herself in different situations that she, with the help of her friends, will have to get out of. I want to teach children life skills in a fun and relatable way.

5) What themes would you like to include in future books?

Jennifer Ferrell: The themes I would like to include in future books are experimenting and curiosity. My new book series, Sammy the Pigeon, is full of curiosity.


6) Who were the inspirations for the characters Benny and Fran?

Jennifer Ferrell: The inspiration for Benny and Fran came from my really good friend Frances and her pig, Benny. I do plan to write another book about my pig named Penny. I got her from Frances, so I am going to intertwine the two books.

7) What kind of pets did you have growing up?

Jennifer Ferrell: I had a cat named Sassy. She definitely was a little sassy pants.


8) Why do you enjoy photography as a hobby?

 Jennifer Ferrell: I love to take photos of nature. So, I guess it is calming to me too.


9) What kind of adventures did you do as a kid?

Jennifer Ferrell: The adventures, as did as a kid, were to explore the woods with my best friend, Amanda; and go to the mountains with my parents.

10) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Jennifer Ferrell: Writing to me is a creative outlet that I can use to bring new characters alive.

Book Blurb:

The Story of Benny and Fran (A Picture Book)

Benny and Fran are inseparable. Their days are a whirlwind of excitement filled with all sorts of surprises. The silliest things can spark an adventure. Benny is a curious pig that loves to sniff out fun. Fran is a spirited girl with a big heart and a bigger sense of adventure. When things get tough; Fran comes up with a plan to save Benny. They learn about friendship and how to lend a helping hand while on their kid adventures. Come join them on their journey through the countryside finding butterflies, bubbles and exploring the great open skies.

This story is a playful romp of antics and fun with charming illustrations. It will have you and your little one giggling and smiling along with the characters. Age range is 4 to 8 year olds. It’s the kind of book that families will find themselves reading over and over.

The Story of Benny and Fran is available on Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title ebook and as a printed paperback book.

Purchase Here

For more information on Jennifer Ferrell and her books, please visit her website at:

https://jenniferdawnferrell.com/.

Also, find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NMifYkWZn/.

Sep5

Back to School Blog Tour 2025 Day 5 – Jeff Boldt

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Welcome to Day 5 of the 2025 Back to School Blog Tour. On our final day, I’d like to introduce you to a fabulous, children’s poet, Jeff Boldt.  With a background of teaching English in Shanghai for twenty years, he employs his humor and English literature knowledge into his poetry. He grew up in Texas immersing himself in books as a kid. He has been published in the Humor Times, the e-edition of the Orlando Sentinel, and in Doug Weller’s book, Six Word Wonders. I had the opportunity to review his children’s poetry book, It’s Raining Bats and Frogs and ask Jeff all about his inspirations, writing routines, and about his future projects.

Jeff Boldt is the author of the children’s poetry book It’s Raining Bats and Frogs.

What made you want to become an author?

Jeff Boldt: When I was young, I was immersed in books – they were such a big part of my life. Whenever I didn’t want to be in my own world, I would just go to Narnia or Oz or Wonderland instead. But books were more than a form of escape, they also challenged me intellectually and creatively. They had such a profound influence on my sense of self and my place in the world. Because of this, I wanted to be able to share that same experience with others. 

  • Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?

Jeff Boldt: Shel Silverstein, more than anyone, has had an impact on my writing. And not just on my style but on the way I think about writing as well. His work was always so funny and so brilliantly realized. I couldn’t believe that there were entire books filled with ridiculously hilarious and nonsensical things – like “Carrots” and “Everything on It” and “Snowball”. So much of school (and learning) to me was serious and boring and safe – and I thought that was what awaited me in the “real world”. Writers like Silverstein and Dahl and Carroll showed me a completely different way.

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

Jeff Boldt: I have never been good at schedules and structure, but I do make time for writing. I join writing clubs, take online classes (Oxford and UC San Diego), and generally push myself to do things that will challenge me and get me writing more. In other words, I don’t have a writing routine, per se, but I do make it a priority. Along those lines, I am applying to MFA programs right now because I want to pursue writing full-time.

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

Jeff Boldt: Many of the ideas for my poems come from everyday life (work, spending time with my daughters, going out to eat, etc.). For example, the poem “If” came to mind after walking up some stairs to get to my office. The line goes like this: “If I took a set of stairs / and they led to nowhere / how far would I go / before I would know?” Reading it now, though, it’s hard not to see Pablo Neruda’s influence. Back in university, I used to carry The Book of Questions around with me wherever I went. It’s such a great little book. If you’re interested in philosophy and the absurd, I highly recommend it.

  • What writing projects are you working on right now?

Jeff Boldt: I’ve been tinkering mostly with picture book manuscripts lately (but also writing poems whenever I can). As for the picture books, I have a vowel series and I’ve completed manuscripts for e, o, and u. The u story actually appears as a poem in my latest book. It’s called “The Cnrious Case of the Lowercase u” and it’s a humorous rhyme about two letters, y and a, who can’t seem to find their missing friend.

Book Review

It’s Raining Bats and Frogs by Jeff Boldt is a marvelous children’s poetry book that reminds me of the humorous poetry of Jack Pelutsky. This collection of poems sparks the imagination as it described dressed up dinosaurs, dancing with potatoes in the moonlight, and ridiculous rhymes to recite. It’s a riot of humorous word salad as you read each poem making it a great read-aloud. It had me laughing, remembering when humor was much more simple as a kid.

The illustrations are beautiful. Black and white pencil drawings bring the imagery of the poetry to life. Sometimes the cartoon renditions would make me burst out with giggles. The pictures definitely touched my inner child.

I loved Jeff Bodlt’s silly and mischievous mind that thought up these poems. They remind me of the children’s poems by Jack Prelutsky that wrote “Homework, Oh Homework”. I used to read-aloud his book during Poetry Month. I appreciate the use of humor to help kids connect with poetry. These poems do the job nicely. There is a lot of read-loud chanting and word play that will spark the creative side of any child.

I used to do a poetry collage project as a book report each year during poetry month. I would have loved to place this in my class library for my students to read and use for that project. In fact, I’ll place a link below where you can find it now on Teachers Pay Teachers.com.

I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. These poems are a joy to share and to read out-loud. They will have whole families and classrooms laughing together. Perfect for read-aloud at home or any classroom.

It’s Raining Bats and Frogs is available on Amazon.com and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Jeff Boldt, visit his website at: https://jeffboldt.com/.

Thanks for following along with the Back to School Blog tour for 2025. This will conclude the blog tour event for this year. Please show some love to the featured authors and check out their websites, look over their books, and consider your purchasing power when choosing an Indie author. They are so often overlooked for libraries and schools, but really can give new perspective, POVs and protagonists that speak to so many children.

As promised, here is the link to the poetry book report project available on Teachers Pay Teachers. I developed it over the years, making it a poetry collage and memorization project, mostly during Poetry month in March. But it can be done all year long. I wrote and developed it myself.

Poetry Collage Book Report

Thanks for stopping by all week. The Back to School Blog Tour will return next year. For more information on sign-ups, check out the Back to School Blog Tour page.

This is Mrs. turner, signing-off. Until next year, keep reading and writing!

-Mrs. Turner

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.