Tag Archives: children’s book

Author Spotlight Book Review: E.S. Pete Sixth Grade Sense

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E.S. Pete is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

E.S. Pete is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

This month’s author spotlight review is on E.S. Pete Sixth Grade Sense by Arnold Rudnick. I always like a good story with a psychic twist. Pete, like other boys, wants to be normal. But has a strange twist to life; he can read minds. Most of us would love to have this super power. For Pete, sometimes it’s a curse. Like being able to read the mind of a teacher that is going to rob the school and no one believes him. Sometimes he wishes he couldn’t do what he could. Factor in his crush on his friend Casey, and you got a recipe for a mystery adventure.

This middle grade novel is a cross between Encyclopedia Brown and the Mentalist, except with a school boy crush in the middle. Unlike Encyclopedia, Pete has fallen for his sidekick or at least she becomes his sidekick in the first of what proves to be an interesting series. From trying to save the day to going on a field trip as bait for the robbery, Pete is the unsung hero. He has to believe that he is right even with the ability to read people’s minds. He still has doubts on whether he should use the information or not. It often gets him in trouble.

I liked this twist of fate. What would happen if you could read minds? Rudnick digs deep into this dilemma giving Pete that morality of good vs. evil that is often missing from today’s literature for children. With the basics of a good ole’ fashion mystery, ESPete: Sixth Grade Sense will charm any child reader into believing that reading minds isn’t easy, and having super powers means you have to still be like everyone else. I think they’ll relate to Pete on an everyday level and enjoy the idea that reading minds wouldn’t be easy. I recommend for children that enjoy a good mystery series that might enjoy fantasy or paranormal twists.

Rating: Four Stars  ****

ISBN: 0981587909

Publisher: Paraphrase, LLC

****Available on: Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

FB Fan Page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ES-Pete-Sixth-Grade-Sense/239256356097969

ARNOLD RUDNICK has written for many television shows, including THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, STAR TREK: VOYAGER and THE NEW ADDAMS FAMILY.

Author Website: http://espete.com

Follow on

Twitter: arnoldrudnick

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/arnold.rudnick

Back To School Blog Tour 2014: Featured Author Rachel Elizabeth Cole

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b2schblogtour2014Welcome to day 2 of the Back to School Blog Tour. If you haven’t signed up for the Book Bundle Giveaway, there are still several days left. Entering is easy. From liking authors on Facebook to commenting on their blog, you can enter to win the fabulous book bundle of children’s books each day. So, keep coming back each day and enter.

ENTER FOR BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY HERE!

 

Today’s featured author is Rachel Elizabeth Cole. 

Rachel Cole writes middle grade novels and is featuring her “The Rabbit Ate My Homework” middle grade ebook for this blog tour. She has answered questions about her favorite memories of school and how teacher’s have influenced her writing. Rachel Elizabeth Cole writes a mix of genres, from heartfelt to humorous, but her favorite will always be middle grade fiction. When she’s not writing, Rachel works as a graphic designer specializing in book covers. Her favorite season is autumn, she prefers tea to coffee, and wishes every morning began at ten a.m. Even though she hates the rain, Rachel lives just outside Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, their two sons, and two very spoiled house rabbits.

Rachel Elizabeth Cole is the author of "The Rabbit Ate My Homework".

Rachel Elizabeth Cole is the author of “The Rabbit Ate My Homework”.

1) What is your favorite memory from the beginning of a school year?
I don’t have a particular favourite memory. But when I think about the beginning of the school year, I think about how everything always felt so new and fresh–from the freshly polished hallway floors which squeaked under your new shoes to the brand new school supplies with your name neatly printed on them–and full of possibilities. New teacher, new things to learn, new friends to make.

2) Who was your most inspiring teacher? Why?

My high school English teacher, Mr. Gerlitz. He was very supportive of my early writing efforts.

3) What is the advice you would give children authors to get started?

Read a lot and write a lot. Like anything, you get better with practice!

4) Who is your favorite character from a children’s book?

I don’t really have a favourite. There are so many characters I love. Misty of Chincoteague, the Enormous Crocodile, Ramona Quimby, Wilbur the pig, Curious George, Ratty and Mole, the Borrowers (yes, all of them!), Mrs. Frisby, Bunnicula, Ralph Mouse, Rudy Miller, Origami, Yoda, Alex Morningside, Tom and Liz Austen, Anne of Green Gables and that’s just off the top of my head!

5) How could you sum up what writing means to you?

Writing is as much a part of me as my hands or my eyes. I could live
without them, but I wouldn’t be whole.

6) What are your current writing projects?

Current children’s writing projects include three middle grade novels: the sequel to my newly-released novel, The Rabbit Ate My Homework, a book about a girl who gets her first pony, only caring for and learning to ride is nothing like what she’d imagined, and one top secret project that I hope to share soon!

How To Find This Author:

Website: www.rachelelizabethcole.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/rachelelizabethcole/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/rachel_e_cole

The Rabbit Ate My Homework by Rachel Elizabeth Miller is available at Amazon for the Kindle.

 

The Rabbit Ate My Homework Amazon Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MUE1C6A

 

 

 

 

A Special Way to Say “I Love You”

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I Love You! by Calee M. Lee

I Love You! by Calee M. Lee

When searching for the perfect Valentine’s Gift for your child, try sharing your love over and over again through a unique picture book. I Love You! by Calee M. Lee is a wonderful way to tell your youngster those special words for Valentine’s Day. The book is unique in that it repeats all the different ways love can be expressed. From a secret pillow fort to a birthday crown, the pages flow through kid friendly events to share over and over.

I really loved the illustrations and layout for this book. The text looks as if it is written on mini-notebook paper, and the pictures are adorable.The illustrator, Tricia Tharp, captures the whimsical charm of every kid event with cartoon style images. You’ll want to read this book over and over. It’s a great way to tuck your little one into bed this week. It’s a great Valentine’s Day gift that can be enjoyed all year long.

***** 5 Stars
Available as a paperback and ebook at Amazon.com Also available at Barnes and Noble as a paperback edition.

A Gift of Old School Adventure

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The Treasure of Devil’s Hole by Jody M. Mabry

What do caves, boys on adventure, and gold all have in common? They are combined into a wildly good historical adventure that is hard to put down. The Treasure at Devil’s Hole by Jody M. Mabry is a combination of a Hardy Boy’s adventure and home cooked apple pie. It’s an old school recipe for some good reading. I ate it right up.

A young boy growing up in 1945 goes on an adventure looking for treasure with his two younger brothers. There is a legend told about bandits that hid their treasure in the nearby cavern of Devil’s Hole. One afternoon, they all decide to find out if it’s true. They get more than they bargain for. A mysterious old man tries to nab them as they escape the dangers of the cave.

Bug, also known as Francis, is convinced it must be there. But having been whooped and grounded for trying to find the treasure in the first place, he must find an excuse to outwit his mother to lead another trip down into the cave. With his best friend Billy, Bug runs into more of a mystery than planned. Trapped into a conflict with the local bully, Bug must solve the riddle of the treasure as well as save the local miner that faces the ultimate punishment.

This is a great mystery adventure to get lost in for the coming Holiday break. It’s got a fast pace, keeping you gripped in the story. I couldn’t put it down. It takes place in a small town in Possum Flats, Arkansas. Mabry sprinkles real stories from his grandmother raising her rowdy boys with a mix of traditional mystery storytelling. He was inspired by stories of the “Old Dutchman Mine” as a kid, and uses the classic lost treasure plot with a lot of fun, new twists. There is a nice set up for a sequel in the ending. I am hoping for Bugs to have further adventures with his brothers. Hopefully, Mr. Mabry’s grandmother told enough tales to fill more books. I’m looking forward to them.

***** 5 Stars
The Treasure of Devil’s Hole is available in paperback and ebook at Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles.com. Plus, it is also available as an ebook at Ibooks.com, the Apple Store, and Lulu.com.

Not a Vampire, Not a Superhero, But A Kid That Saves the Day

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Chaderick Not a Vampire. Not a Zombie. Not a Superhero written by Lauren DW Luchsinger Fox

Chaderick is a typical nerdy kid. He reminds me of Encyclopedia Brown, if he lived in a town of superheroes. Chaderick, which doesn’t prefer Chad, is a not so average kid with not typical neighbors. He stands out since he’s one of the few people that isn’t a superhero, vampire, or zombie. Really, what could be left? The biggest lesson of all to learn, that being yourself can save the day.

Chaderick Not a Vampire. Not a Zombie. Not a Superhero. is by Lauren DW Luchsinger Fox. The book focuses on the problem of what to do when you don’t fit in. With his sidekick Hollanda, or Hole, Chaderick searches for the solutions to different mysteries in the town of Hero Town. Why did someone tie up the cafe owners and steal the mustard? Why was there a mysterious fire? Could there be evil afoot with a town full of superheroes? But of course, Chaderick isn’t the only one on the case. Pyroman, Super Dan, and if the local police are out to catch the culprits. But Chaderick wants to prove that you don’t have to be a superhero to save the day.

This is a great book for kids to build self-esteem and have trouble reading. The language is simple and direct for a middle reader. Chaderick is a misfit in a hero filled world. He’s very endearing to anyone that has felt like they don’t stand out in a crowd. The interplay between his friend Hole is masterful. It’s a sidekick relationship you can buy into. Plus, the plot leads to an ending that is satisfying, but with a fun twist. I only had trouble with Chaderick getting tricked into a box trap by the villain. I thought he’d been established as being smarter than falling for it.

Overall, Chaderick Not a Vampire. Not a Zombie. Not a Superhero. is a great read for those wanting a book of misfits in a world full of superheroes. Parents will love the direct humor that will help a lower reader. With lots of free summer time, this would be a great book to entertain during any family vacation.

**** Four Star Rating
Available at Barnes and Nobles and Amazon.com.

What Happens When A Villain Turns Good

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Featured Indie Book and Author

Welcome! I am featuring an Indie Author that writes amazing Middle Grade/YA fiction. Author Laura Lond has written a book series with a balance of humor and a twist to the normal hero. Her protagonist is a villian.

I’ve reviewed her first book, My Sparkling Adventure, and have recently reviewed her second book, My Royal Pain Quest. Your blog tour begins with the book review of My Royal Pain Quest. Follow the links below to enjoy an interview with Laura Lond from last summer. Plus, the review for her first book is also linked. I hope you enjoy this fabulous Indie writer.

Characters usually have the problem of not drifting to the dark side. In the second book of the Lakeland Knight series, My Royal Pain Quest by Laura Lond, Lord Arkus has the opposite problem. He’s already a villian, and keeps drifting towards the light, goodness, and all those pesky hero traits. He’s tried his hardest not to be good. But after he is stuck with a sparkling, an inherently good creature, his deviant path of badness keeps leading him to be a hero.

My Royal Pain Quest by Laura Lond

In the first book, My Sparkling Misfortune. Jarvis, the now incognito sparkling, infleunces Arkus with goodly ways. At the end, his sword is used in evil misdeeds, and he is put into a coma state as punishment. The second book opens with Lord Arkus guarding his friend Jarvi, and trying to figure out how to restore him to normal. It’s a very big step to becoming a hero, a very unvillain-like thing to do.

The book takes you on a quest of hero feats, all to help restore Jarvi to normal. Along the way, Lord Arkus picks up a sidekick, a highway woman named Cassandra, that only helps for the right price. Lord Arkus treads down the path to heroism and becomes less of a villain as he completes each task.

The hero elements are there, like having mermen allies after Lord Arkus inadvertently saves a mermaid. He has to work with a previous enemy, Prince Kellemar, as a quest. And lastly, helps with a new group of critters to find a lost boy. The hodgepodge of completing them lends to the humor. Hero acts keep piling on Lord Arkus, and the inner rebellion against being a hero starts to wain.

Cassandra, the highway woman, is an fantastic character. She’s a woman that can kick serious butt with a sword. Prince Kellemar, from the previous book, plays a part in the quests, going through a transformation of his own. All the twists in opposites does keep the plot interesting.

I enjoyed the way the book continued the villain struggle for Arkus. It’s a unique twist in character inner struggles. However, there is a sense of seriousness that seems to lose the humor from the previous book. It does fall in line with the plot of trying to save the sparkling. I also thought the ending was a bit too fairy tale like. It lent to some humor, but I think there could have been more to Cassandra and Lord Arkus building their relationship.

In the end, the plot and characters are so strong, they pull you through the book. My Royal Pain Quest works as a sequel, and I am definitely ready for book 3. This can be a great start to your child’s summer reading list, or for any adult that enjoys a fun read.

***** Five Star Rating
My Royal Pain Quest is available at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Barnes and Noble.

*Link to a Review of the first book, My Sparkling Misfortune.

*Link to an interview with author, Laura Lond.
To continue with your INDIEpendence Day Blog tour event, link back to the Indibles Writers Blog.

Caterpillars Don’t Check Email-A Cutting Edge Epicture Book

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Caterpillars Don't Check Email by Calee M. Lee

Looking for a way to charm the little one over and over? Take a look into this new Epicture Book. Caterpillars Don’t Check Email captures the imagination. It propels you into the world of a caterpillar and a little girl, and what a caterpillar really wants.

A little girl and caterpillar meet. What do they want? Definitely not email, coffee, or a carrot. This picture book leads you to the realm of possibilities, and leaves you with a message you’ll want to share on your Iphone again and again.

The illustrations are photos of the girl and caterpillar on their adventure. The photos capture some classic moments as she tries to please the caterpillar. Attempt after attempt fail. After much trial and error, the girl discovers the final truth of what a caterpillar really wants. You’ll discover the secret too if you read this lovable tale of fascination with nature.

**** 4 Star Rating
Available on Amazon.com

An Otherworldly Adventure for the Young at Heart

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Otherworld Tales: Irish the Demon Slayer by C.T. Markee

You’re an average kid hanging out with your friends. Then, weird things start to happen. Boulders try to run you over. The trees start to talk to you. Then, you’re cornered by a lady that seems like a witch from a fairy tale. Could it be real?

Otherworld Tales: Irish the Demon Slayer by Charles Markee starts out like any other day. Riding bikes on trails near their houses, a group of boys race their BMX bikes. Pete, nicknamed Irish, hears a warning voice before a boulder comes out of nowhere and almost kills them. Thinking it was an earthquake, the boys head home until they run into a strange old woman. She talks of Celtic legends as if they are real.

But when Irish’s sister, Kathy, goes missing, the prophecy from the old woman seems to come true. Irish must face the demon Abaddon and find his sister. Journeying into the Otherworld, Irish and his friends, Streak and Huff, soon discover a hidden world with the Queen of the Sidhe. They must overcome obstacles, warriors, and learn from each other to save the world from a terrible demon.

This is a great adventure for anyone who loves Celtic lore. From Ogham sticks to the Tuatha de Danann, Markee twists in Irish poetry appearing on a helpful Ogham stick to meeting the legendary Celtic warrior, Cuchulain. The legends mix into an adventure story packed full of fighting, suspense, and cheering for the good guy.

I really enjoyed the Celtic references in this book. It really made it fun. I think some of the explanations might have slowed the pace, and some of the kid character’s dialogue needed more variety in the slang. But overall, it’s a fun read for those that like a great adventure.

**** 4 Star rating
Available as ebook or paperback on Amazon.com. Also available as an ebook on Smashwords.com.

*Read an interview with Charles Markee.

Interview with Laura Lond, Author of The Lakeland Knight Series

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The summer interview series continues with an interview with Laura Lond. Her middle reader novel, My Sparkling Misfortune, is told from the perspective of the villain protagonist with lots of twists to keep you guessing. Laura discussed her plans for a sequel, her writing routine, and what to expect from her next.

1) How did you get your ideas for your book, My Sparkling Misfortune?
The overall setting and theme are inspired by traditional fairy tales and I guess Disney classics. I’ve always loved a good adventure with knights, swords, castles, and of course some miraculous happenings. As to the specific idea for the book, they usually come to me in the form of a small seed that plants itself deep inside and starts growing. In this case, it was a villain who had a lot to say, and, I thought, deserved a chance.

2) Why did you pick the villain perspective for My Sparkling Misfortune?
Lord Arkus’s sense of humor had won me over. I heard him “talk” and I knew it would be best to let him tell his story.

3) What other adventures are planned for Lord Arkus and the sparkling, Jarvi?
Lord Arkus is not happy with the situation he finds himself and his sparkling friend in in the end of Book 1. He tries to remedy that, which turns into a whole new quest, more heroic than Arkus would be willing to admit.

4) What is your writing routine?
When I come up with a book idea, which is usually a theme, a character, or a scene, I try to expand it, develop the story as much as I can. I am not a good planner, my stories prefer to write themselves as I go, but it helps to have at least all the major turns mapped out, so I try to do that.

I write in the evening or late at night, when all the other work is done and there are no distractions. Writing is a slow process for me. I often wish I could complete a book sooner, but every writer is different, and I have to accept that I’m a slow one.

5) Could you summarize what writing means to you in one sentence?
Letting out stories I have inside of me.

6) What advice could you give to young authors?
Don’t give up, don’t be discouraged, write as much as you can.

7) What are some current projects you are working on now?
I am writing the sequel to My Sparkling Misfortune. When I’m done with that, I plan to return to another unfinished fantasy novel. Other ideas will have to wait.

My Sparkling Misfortune is available in Paperback and Hardback Editions at Amazon.com. Ebook editions available as Kindle and Smashwords editions.
*** For more information on Laura Lond and her other books, please visit her website at: http://laura-lond.tripod.com/.

**For a link to a review of My Sparkling Misfortune, click here.
**Link to her second book’s review, My Royal Pain Quest.
To continue with your INDIEpendence Day Blog tour event, link back to the Indibles Writers Blog.

Summer Reading For The Goblin In Your Life

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Goblin Brothers Adventures Vol 1 by Lindsay Buroker

Looking for good summer reading for your child? Here’s a great fantasy adventure with a twist, the main characters are goblins. Not your ordinary goblins; the kind you might think that smell bad and maybe eat cats. No. These are a book worm and science obsessed pair of goblins that will win you over. Enter the world of Goblin Brothers Adventures by Lindsay Buroker. Enjoy short stories of how two goblin brothers get into and out of all sorts of trouble.

From saving human children, surviving bullies, or even almost being turned into goblin slaves, these two brothers get into all sorts of problems. But there seems to be an underlining theme to all the stories, they stick together. No matter what problems they encounter, Malagach and Gortok never give up. Their interest in books and science are a charming balance of skills they use to solve their problems.

I would recommend this book for children that still enjoy a good fantasy read, but may have trouble focusing on a full chapter book. The short story adventures can be read aloud and enjoyed one at a time. This is especially wonderful for kids that have trouble reading. Your child will enjoy this as a start to their summer reading adventure.

**** 4 Star Rating
Available as a Kindle and Smashwords editions.
An interview with the author, Lindsay Buroker, is available in the Interviews Section of this blog.

For more information on Lindsay Buroker, visit her website at: http://www.lindsayburoker.com.