Tag Archives: children’s adventure

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/.

Sep14

Interview with Louisa Mastromarino

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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.

“Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups go to Washington, D.C.” is available at: Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Louisa Mastromarino, please visit her website at: https://www.intuitivegalleries.com/.

Jul21

Interview with Rob Quicke

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

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

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

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

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

3. What is writing to you in one sentence?

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

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

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

Sep21

Interview with Kevin Hindriks

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As the weather starts to turn, it’s a great time to start looking for books to read for your little ones. More time indoors means more time to read books. I found a wonderful author that creates charming stories with a little girl, dapper cat, and quests of adventure. Meet Kevin Hindriks. He is the author of the picture book Tasha & Pierre. Kevin is a self-published author living in the Philippines. When not writing children’s books, he is working in film as a director for documentaries and music videos. I had the chance to talk to Kevin Hindriks about his childhood reading memories, writing routine, and future projects.

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

Kevin Hindriks: My favorite memory from reading as a child was reading “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss. I must have read that book hundreds of times – in those days we only had a few books in the house. Those illustrations will always be etched in my mind, and the moral value at the end will always stay with me.

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

Kevin Hindriks: My writing routine is basically just trying to put in a few hours everyday. I have a full time job as a filmmaker, so I can only dedicate a couple of hours a day. I don’t force myself to the point of frustration. I feel that it’s better to be relaxed and take things as they come. When it comes to illustration, I sketch everything myself then pass it to my illustrator, who then makes nice versions of my sketches.

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

Kevin Hindriks: In the future I would like to make more children’s book related to parenting. I am a new parent, and so it would be enjoyable for me to share some of my experiences. I also love Brazilian jiu jitsu, and I’d love to make a baby book about that, targeted to jiu jitsu parents.

0 coverTasha & Pierre is a delightful picture book that tells the story of a charming girl and her dapper cat as they go on a journey to discover the world. Beautiful illustrations their page-turning adventures creating valuable together time for toddlers and their parents.

 

Tasha & Pierre is available at Amazon.com.