Planning science units can be hard, especially when trying to find the right read-aloud to go with your unit. Plus, home schooling parents might enjoy this book for making scientific connections in literature. I’m talking about the book “Think Like A Scientist”. It’s a story that features being brave, always asking questions and to never give up.
I had a chance to ask Brandon Green, the author of “Think Like A Scientist”, about his inspirations and writing routines. Brandon Green is an Australian author that uses his background as a businessman and entrepreneur to guide his writing. He runs a podcast sharing his experiences as a “Digital Nomad”, and has also written a book on self-help called “Become a Loser to Become a Winner”. I hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look into Brandon Green.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Brandon Green: My favourite memory reading as a child was having my favourite book read to me by different people, as everyone tells the same story differently.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Brandon Green: I just set myself a goal to do it, and try to knock it all out in one sitting. It’s very hard and distracting for me to work at a target over a longer period of time
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Brandon Green: To me, writing is all about the ability to put a story together. From constructing something well-detailed just from a small idea, and having it flourish.
Blurb for “Think Like A Scientist”
“Jack’s dad gets sick with strange symptoms that doctors can’t figure out. Feeling lost and worried, Jack decides to think like a scientist. He asks questions and looks for his own answers. This story shows how Jack uses his smarts to help his dad when the experts can’t. It’s a tale about being brave, asking questions, and never giving up.”
For those teachers and home school parents looking for a wonderful way to tie several subjects together into a thematic teaching unit for your young students or child, here is a unique alphabet book for you. “Moving Through the Alphabet an Animal’s Way” combines fun facts for each letter, coordinated animal exercises and care of the body for a healthy inclusion in the curriculum. Best of all, it has beautiful and engaging illustrations.
I was honored to talk to the author of the book, Catherine Anderson-Barnes. A former educator, Mrs. Anderson-Barnes created a fantastic new perspective for learning the alphabet that is engaging and crosses several curriculum subjects. I got the chance to talk with her about her inspiration and several important aspects of her book.
1) From where did you get the ideas/inspiration for your books?
Catherine Anderson-Barnes: I have taught nutrition and health education for over 25 years, specializing in educating young children. Although I cherished being an educator, I found it important to resign my position to care for my late husband who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. During this time I remained passionate about working with children and was inspired to write a series of children’s books that would focus on health and wellness and incorporate the A, B, C’s. I took many of the learning experiences that had worked so well for me in the classroom, over those many years, and successfully transferred the lessons to paper.
2) How can parents and teachers best use these books?
Catherine Anderson-Barnes: The books are filled with a great variety of learning opportunities: Learning colors, letters (upper and lower case), parts of our body, how foods play a role in our overall health, the importance of being physically active, fruit and vegetable recognition, animal recognition, and how animals are similar and different from us.
3) What do you think kids will like most about your books?
Catherine Anderson-Barnes: Children are sure to enjoy the vibrant colors, the whimsical fruit, vegetable and animal characters, be amazed by how fruits and vegetables assist different parts of our bodies, and act out each animal’s unique characteristics.
“Moving Through the Alphabet an Animal’s Way A to Z” is a picture book designed to focus on the role physical activity plays in our body’s health. Children are introduced to the ABC’s by animals from around the world. Each letter has a set of fun facts and physical activity associated with that animal’s movement. Role-play for physical activity while learning your ABC’s in an inspirational environment in this unique ABC book.
For many of you, school has started and Halloween is just around the corner. But it’s never too soon to start planning for the Holidays. I’ve found a great picture book author with a talent for whimsical illustrations. He captures the essence of each animal in his Whispers in the Woodland series. His new book, although not part of the same series, follows in the same footsteps. His hand-drawn style lends a comforting touch to his characters. I had the chance to ask him about how he became an author, his influences, and what he has in store in the future.
1) How did you come to write the book?
Michael Dibley: I have a friend called Iwa that I used to live with. Somehow, I can’t quite remember, but she started singing this children’s Christmas song entitled “Snowflake”. So I had her name, then snowflake, and the two clicked together for me. Well, there you go. She actually helped a lot with the ideas. We did discuss the book and the plot before pen was put to paper.
2) Who are your main influences when writing?
Michael Dibley: I love Beatrix Potter, Amy MacDonald and Nick Butterworth. Any book that has a good story and beautiful illustrations always helps. These are all authors from my childhood that I still cling onto.
3) I can see you’ve published quite a few children’s books, do you have anymore lined up?
Michael Dibley: I do. I have one that will be released later this year entitled “Sophie the Hedgehog”. It’s part of my Whispers in the Woodland series. I’ll put information on my author page below when it is available.
Book Blurb for “Iwa the Snowflake”:
A scary situation for any child is to be separated from their family. It’s no different for Iwa the Snowflake. She finds herself lost during a storm and desperately wants to get home. It’s the start of a new adventure as she discovers a new world. But can she get back in time before the sun comes back out?
Welcome back to day 4 of the 2023 Back to School Blog Tour. I have a fabulous book review today of a paranormal/spooky genre book. Check out the book review below. Please come back tomorrow for the last installment of this year’s blog tour.
Book Review: Devin Drake and The Family Secret
By R. M. Clark
School has started, but that means Halloween is just around the corner. This is a great time to introduce your child or students to the spooky genre before October hits. I’ve found a marvelous spooky mystery novel that is sure to be a great addition to your classroom or home library.
Devin Drake and the Family Secretis a not so average spooky mystery. It likes to tantalize the senses with Greek food clues and paranormal intrigue. Devin is your average sixth grader that loves magic card tricks and is excited about his new drone for his birthday. But when it ends up in a cemetery, he has to retrieve it which leads him to discover he has the ability to see and hear ghosts. He soon finds this ability runs in the family, and starts to try to get the hang of his new skills. Then, his classmate, Eva, asks for help. Her grandfather seems to be contacting her beyond the grave and she needs help understanding why. Can Devin solve the reason for this mysterious communication? Or are the clues distractions to the real problem at hand?
I enjoyed the real sense of voice in this story. Mr. Clark really puts you into the head of a twelve-year old boy dealing with real problems along with paranormal twists. This is a great read for kids that love a good mystery along with a ghost story. I used to love this kind of book when I was a kid, and that wasn’t just around Halloween time either. This would be a great middle grade book to introduce your preteen to the spooky/paranormal genre and get them interested in reading paranormal fiction all year long.
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.
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!
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!
Birds are singing. Flowers are blooming. Spring is finally in full swing. What better way to help your child connect with nature than with a good book! I’m continuing to feature spring related books on the blog during this season, and here is my next gem.
Princess and Scruffyis about a squirrel that has a fear of heights, and needs to work out his trauma with the help of his new friend. Sean O’Leary is the author. Mr. O’Leary does a fabulous job addressing the issue of making new friends and facing fears all set within a beautiful forest. The illustrations are adorable, and I hope you enjoy his interview. He shares about his reading memories, author inspirations and what he does to help his writing routine. Happy Spring!
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Sean O’Leary: My mother would read to me before I went to bed, and I very much looked forward to reading time.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Sean O’Leary: As a child I loved everything Dr. Seuss. The books are more than just entertainment; they have a message they are trying to convey. I remember talking about the themes with my mom. One that sticks out to me is Whoville. A person is a person, no matter how small. I think that is important today more than ever. Everyone is important. Teaching empathy for others is a valuable skill and an important attribute for people to have if they want to be an asset to society.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Sean O’Leary: I have always lived a very full life which makes it very difficult to keep a strict writing routine. I visualize a story before I write it down. Once I have the story in my head, it is like a splinter that keeps pestering you until you take it out. I have to write it down so I can get it out of my head. There are times I will think about the story for a few days before writing it down. Such was the case with Princess and Scruffy. Other times, it takes me several years before I have what I want to say all together in my head. That is how it was with The Road of Blood. I want to see the story in my imagination first, and then I just have to write down what I see.
Scruffy is a lovable, fluffy, tan squirrel that lives in a beautiful forest. He is a small animal with a big problem. Unlike all the other squirrels, Scruffy is afraid of heights. Instead of running up and down the trees and out across the limbs, he is stuck on the ground.
One day he makes a new friend who promises to help him as he tries to overcome his fears. Scruffy is afraid that if he does not learn to climb trees, he will lose his new friend. Will he succeed? Will he learn to climb trees like the other squirrels? With a friend like Princess, he cannot fail.
Princess and Scruffy is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.
For more information on Sean O’Leary, visit his author page here.
A very happy spring to you and your kin! Hopefully, it is starting to warm up and flowers are starting to bloom where you are. Our thoughts turn to hopeful tidings, and it is wonderful to reflect that with the literature we share with our children and students.
I have found a wonderful book that gives insight to a supportive structure to children in foster care. “Ronni Raccoon and the Foster Bunnies” is a picture book written by a former foster parent. Luci Hollenkamp captures the nurturing and supportive environment created to support children in any type of family. She used experiences as a foster parent and as a capable auntie to help write the book. Luci Hollenkamp shares some of her story inspirations from participating in foster care and from her nieces and nephews in her interview below. Enjoy!
What is your favorite memory reading as a child?
Luci Hollenkamp: When I was young I was a bit of an insomniac. I used to hide under my covers with a flashlight and read late into the night. In the winter, when it was cold out, you could hear the wind howling and the windows rattling. It was especially comforting to be reading and settled into a good book.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Luci Hollenkamp: “Ronni Raccoon and the Foster Bunnies” has been something I have thought about writing for a very long time. I was a foster mom for a while and loved every minute of it. It was not easy, but it was rewarding and worth every effort.
The story is loosely based on some of my experiences. I plan on writing more books in the series. Some of the stories will draw from the adventures with my foster children, some from nieces and nephews, and some from my siblings growing up. This book is my tribute to those I love. They mean the world to me.
I also hope it helps people realize a little kindness and care can go a long way. Different families, even within the same cultural groups, have their own traditions and their own way of doing things. If we just open ourselves up and give other ways a try, it can help open doors of understanding and goodwill.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Luci Hollenkamp: Writing for me is a way to leave a legacy of love and kindness.
Book Blurb: What do you do when two young bunnies get separated from their parents? If you are Ronni Raccoon, you open your home to them and keep them safe until they can be reunited with their parents. In this heartwarming tale, Ronni Raccoon learns about accepting others as they navigate these difficult times together and meet each other where they are. This beautifully illustrated story shows how family are the ones we let snuggle close to our heart.
As the summer starts to come to a close, I’d like to add in one more recommendation of a book that will help inspire your child at the start of the school year and all year long. Lee Erica Cruz loved to write as a child. It was her escape to create stories she could get lost in. Now, she is doing the same for other children as an author. “The Walking Butterfly” is a children’s book that encourages children to “spread their wings” to know how wonderfully gifted they are. The book helps children discover that they can have a purpose and to step out into the world in faith.
Lee Erica Cruz is the author of the new children’s book, “The Walking Butterfly”.
I got the chance to talk to Lee Erica Cruz about her memories of reading as a child, her writing projects and what inspires her, and words of wisdom for aspiring authors.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Lee Erica Cruz: My favorite memory as a child was reading “Dick and Jane” books. They took me on adventures that inspired my own creative writings as a child.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Lee Erica Cruz: My favorite author was Charles Dickens. I was influenced to achieve great things through my gift of written expression, because he had come from a background of lesser education. I also applauded his work in philanthropy with women and children.
3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Lee Erica Cruz: My father taught me to just write my heart out and not overthink. It helped me to write freely and efficiently because I did not keep stopping to worry if what I wrote was grammatically correct or if I was descriptive enough. He would tell me to keep the creative process flowing – you could always go back and fix the details later.
4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Lee Erica Cruz: I would love to continue to write stories for children to inspire them to know their God-given gifts and be motivated to pursue their aspirations.
5) What were the reasons you enjoyed writing as a child?
Lee Erica Cruz: I grew up during difficult financial times for my family. I would write hundreds of small books on scraps of paper my father brought home from work. It was a way for me to express my feelings and a way to dream of all the places I wished I could go.
6) What would you tell an aspiring junior author about writing their own story?
Lee Erica Cruz: Do it. Simple as that. We all have a story to tell and an audience waiting to hear it. You are as unique as your fingerprint.
7) What things helped you overcome your personal battles growing up?
Lee Erica Cruz: I’ve overcome anxiety and fear. These two things kept me from living out what was on the other side of that wall . . . Life.
8) What or who inspires you?
Lee Erica Cruz: The life of Jesus inspires me. Most of his life he was rejected and looked down upon. Through it all he kept spiritually poised, humble, merciful, and loving. In Him, I have found my strength, salvation, joy and peace.
9) What other areas do you share your passion for creativity?
Lee Erica Cruz: I write and sing. I just released a gospel album called “Releasing The Butterflies”. I also love being crafty and making my own personalized gifts for people.
10) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Lee Erica Cruz: Writing to me is healing and freedom.
Blurb for “The Walking Butterfly”:
“In a world filled with differences, we all are trying to find our place. Each of us is uniquely created, and wonderfully made. However, in this world, our differences can make us feel separated and alone. This story is about learning to embrace what makes us different and seeing the beauty and purpose in it. God gave us a fingerprint that no one else has so that you can leave an imprint that no one else can. It’s time to break through and fly!”
Laura Bridle-Smith is the author of the children’s book “Elizabeth Finds Her Brave”.
Summer is in full swing, and one of my fondest memories is going and learning about horses at the local stable with my Campfire Group. I never was an expert rider, but I got the basics down with activities through my girl group. It came in handy later when I was exploring and traveling, down to riding horses in Mexico along beaches and down steep mountain trails. I thanked my troop master for taking us to those stables so long ago.
But many children first experience obstacles and how to overcome them through books. Laura Bridle-Smith has written a book that combines her love for horse riding into a wonderful story of overcoming fears and obstacles. Elizabeth Finds Her Brave is a story collection in which horses and self-confidence combine in story telling expertise.
Laura Bridle-Smith attended university studying Creative Writing. Real life steered her into project management as a trade. But her love for writing, being a mom and helping to inspire her children helped bring this book to life. Her story brings her experiences as a mom into her storytelling by crafting a collection of tales to overcome fear and uncertainty while documenting how to face the obstacles.
I am excited to bring you her interview and introduce you to her latest book, “Elizabeth Finds Her Brave”. I got to talk with her about childhood reading memories, her inspiring books and authors, her writing routine and what she has in store for future projects.
1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Laura Bridle-Smith: So many of my memories stem from reading. Whether it was as a child wrapped in a blanket reading the hobbit late into the night, having my breath taken away by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or walking across a moor in Yorkshire and sitting on a rock to read a chapter of Jane Eyre, books evoke so many memories for me. A most recent one is walking in on my seven year old crying as Charlotte has just died in Charlotte’s Webb! That book will now be a core memory for her.
The author’s daughter, Elizabeth, posing with the book “Elizabeth Finds Her Brave”.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Laura Bridle-Smith: Jane Austen will always be my favourite author. Her wit, humour and characterization just pops out of the pages of every novel. These were the novels that engrossed me into the world of reading as a young teenager. They introduced me to more classic novels. They influenced my interest in history, my focus on language and lyrics. There is a reason my daughter is named Elizabeth!
3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Laura Bridle-Smith: I usually write at pace. The story will pour out of me, and I will scribble everything down. I then walk away, and leave it for a few days before coming back and actually beginning the harder process of editing myself. I reflect on my rushed words and making more thoughtful changes. I find my children are also fabulously honest critics!!
4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Laura Bridle-Smith: I’d like to continue to write about children’s fears and anxieties. These little people go through so much so quickly, and I really enjoy exploring difficult aspects I find interesting. Elizabeth Finds Her Brave is the first in the finding your brave collection which I’m really keen to expand and grow.
5) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Laura Bridle-Smith: Writing is escapism. It’s freedom, and sometimes the only things that can turn my brain off. I think it’s remarkable that the written word is always out there. My little book is available now, and children in 10-20 years from now could pick it up and think, “Wow, this is about me!”
Blurb for Elizabeth Finds Her Brave!
“Trying something new can be daunting and scary.
All children at some point are nervous and wary.
But Elizabeth is determined to find a hobby to love,
To find new friends and a club to be part of.
But not all friends have two legs, some of course have four,
With hooves, a tail and big brown eyes to adore.
As a pony named Sara enters the stage,
Will Elizabeth ever find her Brave?
The first story in the ‘Finding your Brave’ collection by Laura Bridle-Smith.”
The Indie Children's Authors Connection 