Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! As we get nearer and nearer to the 25th, you might be stuck looking for the right gift. So, I’m going to continue giving you info on some newly discovered authors and their books for your Christmas List and what will make great additions to under the tree or in a stocking.
I’d like to introduce you to Sola Oluwande. She lives in Illinois with her family, and has a background in pediatric speech language pathologist. As a retired teacher, I have respect for those that work with children’s speech issues. I also used to be one of the kids that went to “speech” as a child back in the 70s. So, I know the work she does is very important. Sola loves helping kids develop their speech and language skills through books and play activities.
Sola Oluwande is the author of the children’s picture book, Polka the Dotted Sock.
Her book, Polka The Dotted Sock, is an engaging book about a unique sock that loves who she is, but has some issues facing a thing she doesn’t like, the dryer. It takes her on a unique journey that will bring a smile to children and their parents.
I had the chance to ask her about her childhood reading memories, influences, her writing routine, and what she has in store for us.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Sola Oluwande: I loved reading nursery rhyme books – Little Miss Muppet, Hickory Dickory Dock, and Itsy Bitsy Spider etc. were my favorite.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Sola Oluwande: I loved Enid Blyton books “Famous Five” books in elementary school. I always wanted to turn the page to find out the next thing.
3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Sola Oluwande: I write once an idea comes to me – I jot down on paper or send a text to myself. I get ideas on my walks, when working out, even late at night and I have to jump up and send a text.
4) What subjects would you like to write about in the future?
Sola Oluwande: Speech impairments, being unique, everyone having at least one talent and discovering how to use it. Basically books that celebrate each person and reminds people we’re all different and we all have different things to offer.
5) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Sola Oluwande: Writing to me, is passion and bliss put together.
Book Blurb:
Polka The Dotted Sock is a fun and creative children’s book about a sock named Polka who lives in a tidy mismatched drawer. Polka loves life, loves being worn, loves folding herself into different shapes and she really enjoys being washed. BUT… she doesn’t like going into the dryer. To avoid it, Polka catapults herself into a life-changing adventure. Where will she go? The mountains? The ocean or even Santa’s workshop? Her heart will lead her, and she’ll take you with her too.
Polka The Dotted Sock is available at Amazon.com and is a Kindle Unlimited title.
Welcome to the last day of the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour. I have really enjoyed introducing you to these fantastic authors and their books all week. It’s always a highpoint of my year and my pleasure to help support teachers, parents and children in their reading journey and learning paths. I’m closing this blog tour with a fantastic author and artist, Z. B. Sanders.
Z. B. Sanders is the author of the children’s books, “Hands” and “The Little Blue Worm”.
Z. B. Sanders loves to connect art appreciation and basic skills into literature. Her first book, “Hands” teaches art to young readers by transforming an average Joe into an artist through a series of comical events. Her second and most recent book, “The Little Blue Worm” deals with bullying by combining storytelling and art. I had the chance to talk with Z. B. Sanders about her childhood reading memories, her inspirational author, writing process, and future projects.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Z. B. Sanders: My favorite childhood reading memory is from storytime at the public library after school. Growing up I had nearly perfect reading comprehension scores and a creative mind. I attribute this to group storytime sessions my mom would take me to afterschool. The library made a special room where an entertaining librarian would read out the stories in funny voices. Afterward, they would ask children what was the moral of the story. These questions sparked group discussions.
When I decided to write my own children’s book, I kept group discussion in mind. That’s why my book addresses bullying. I hope to create an open dialogue with elementary schools about bullying with my book. Conducting an open discussion doesn’t target anyone to embarrass (because early aggression in children can be the result of mimicking behavior they don’t even know is wrong. For example, a child that watches wrestling may mimic a wrestler on the playground unaware of their behavior). An open dialogue addressing this issue early will hopefully provide a number of students with several positive courses of action so they do not feel powerless. My goal with the book is to take some early preventative steps towards preventing fights and more serious issues down the line.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Z. B. Sanders: My favorite author is Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author and illustrator of “The Little Prince.” This was a book my mom loved so much that it followed the family from childhood to adulthood. As a child, I read a story about a little prince guarding a rose. As an adult, I read a story about love. Similarly, I aspire to create work that speaks to children, but also carries greater wisdom so that it can be revisited later with greater insight. I wrote “The Little Blue Worm” as a tool to prevent bullying from an early age. My greater aspiration for my book is that the lessons learned can be referenced later on, as a teenager or even as an adult. I want people to keep it with them, pass it down, and cherish it.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Z. B. Sanders: Right now I have two books out and both were created differently. “Hands”, my first book, was created in a series of blog posts. I dedicated roughly fifteen minutes at least (longer if I was compelled by the story) towards my single post. After a good year, I pulled down the blog to create the book. This was a fun way to write because I had “followers.” In fact, while I wrote “Hands” I ran into readers on the street. I got instant feedback in knowing that it must be entertaining to have people following my online work.
“The Little Blue Worm” was more or less an art project. Art is an activity I do to relax. I had a very stressful job when I developed “The Little Blue Worm.” I would use a couple hours on the weekends to create a couple of pages (while I put on some good music, or listened to a show). The important part of the creative process is that I let myself feel free. My illustrations carry a very childlike quality for this reason.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Z. B. Sanders: I was actually inspired by my children’s book, “The Little Blue Worm” to expand into the subject of bullying for an older crowd. I recently finished “Hollywood Park” by author Mikel Jollett, and found a new energy to revive a project I put on the back-burner. A while back, I was developing a fictional teen drama inspired by some of my life events. I lost focus on the project.
After taking a step back to reflect, especially when developing “The Little Blue Worm,” I feel inspired to add more on the topic of bullies. I feel it is essential that I add an educational message, greater lessons, inside of my work.
One of my inspirations in writing is Charles Dickens for creating work that inspires social changes. He picked the “have vs. have not” themes in order to shed light on social issues in a way that didn’t preach or condemn. In that way, he was “heard” by people who would not listen otherwise. Dickens simply wanted to show the world to itself and raise the question, “is this fair?” In that respect, writing that influences behavior should put the readers in the character’s shoes, then ask, “is it fair?” Writing provides us with a mirror in which we see ourselves in other people.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Z. B. Sanders: Purposely reiterating: Writing provides us with a mirror in which we see ourselves in other people.
“The Little Blue Worm” is a new take on the old tale, “The Ugly Duckling” to address bullying with an artistic twist. The Little Blue Worm is ridiculed for his inability to fly, connecting children to the discussion of bullying. Helpful as a read-aloud to create a safe learning environment, this book will make a great addition into any class or home library.
“The Little Blue Worm” is available as a print edition at Amazon.com.
So, this is going to wrap up the blog tour for this year. I want to thank you, the reader, for stopping by and checking out these fantastic authors. There is still time to enter the $25 Amazon GC giveaway. It will still continue through the weekend, and the winner will be chosen on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. Click on the button below to enter. Giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter.
Welcome to day four of the Back to School Blog Tour 2021. I have a fabulous author to introduce you to today. May I introduce, Lisa Carter.
At the age of fourteen, Lisa Carter was bitten by the writing bug. Now, she specializes in writing books about social issues within families. Her new book, “Brown Like Mommy” deals with a child learning to be happy in her own skin. I had the chance to ask Lisa Carter about her childhood reading memories, favorite author, and what future projects she has in store for us all.
Lisa Carter is the author of the children’s book, “Brown Like Mommy”.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Lisa Carter: Hiding a book under my pillow at night, waiting for everyone to go to sleep so I could enjoy reading it without interruptions. My highlight of the day was bedtime so I could read.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Lisa Carter: Judy Blume. She really influenced me to express myself without restrictions.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Lisa Carter: No, a writing routine doesn’t work for me. I tried it before but it feels forced. I never do well when I feel forced. My way of writing is just putting it on paper when it comes to my head.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Lisa Carter: I only write about social issues. In the future, I would like to write in the academic field.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Lisa Carter: Writing is taking the reality of my world and using my imagination to complement it.
“Brown Like Mommy” is a story where a child learns to be comfortable in her own skin. Kim has always wondered why she did not have brown skin like her mommy. It seemed unfair that her sister and brother had brown skin like her mommy. A lot of Kim’s friends had brown skin too. When Kim started school, she saw different shades of skin. It made her feel better until she saw the other kids’ parents. The kids at school had the same skin as their parents. After a series of events that made Kim sad, her father explained to Kim that her skin was beautiful because she had skin from both her mommy and daddy. Kim was now happy in her skin.
Don’t forget you’ve got a couple more days to enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card. It’s a big thank you for stopping by and participating in the blog tour this year.
Hopefully, you’ve been able to find out about some fantastic new authors and their books. Please come back tomorrow for our last day of the Back to School Blog Tour. Until then, stay safe and please, wear a mask! -Mrs. Turner
I’m always on the alert for helpful books for the classroom or at home for parents. I think I’ve found a series that will be helpful for children suffering from different traumas life can throw at you. A.C Morris has written an amazing book that touches children and helps to heal them. “Beyond the Scars” is her first book in the series, and it models how friendship can help a child mend from within. I had a chance to talk to A.C Morris about childhood reading memories, favorite authors, writing and what she has in store for us.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
A.C Morris: There was a book named “Sam” by Ann Herbert Scott. It was about a young boy, the youngest of his siblings like myself, and Sam had a big age gap between his older siblings. So, he had no one to play with, as he kind of didn’t fit in. He was too young or too small or too, not enough, for everyone and couldn’t figure out what to do. I felt he was similar to me because I was the only girl with two older brothers. That book actually taught me how to have fun alone. I played and used my imagination. I was inspired by Sam. Ever since then, I loved reading.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
A.C Morris: My favorite author is Toni Cade Bambara. She wrote amazing short stories, which I love, short and sweet.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
A.C Morris: My writing routine is to write down a general idea. Then, rewrite it again as a concept/outline and rewrite again. After, I get someone’s opinion, and ask if I am clearly expressing myself with the concept. Then, I start writing and rewriting, following that outline, adding in details. I like to actually write at night or by the lake where I can hear and feel nature the best.
What subjects would you like to write about in the future?
A.C Morris: I like to write about anything that will inspire a child to be their best and to be fearless.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
A.C Morris: Writing is Magical. I say magical because, just before your eyes, you can have this tiny vision only you could see, and you turn it into something the rest of the world can feel, see and hear.
“Beyond the Scars” is a book to help a child begin healing from trauma with a friend. Modeled with the relationship of Celeste and Miguel, the reader goes on a journey of healing as the two talk over their past traumas and heal. Celeste is an amazing ballerina, and Miguel is talented pianist. Together, their friendship forms the way to healing and dealing with the past.
“Beyond the Scars” is available at Amazon.com. This book is a Kindle Unlimited title.
For more information on A.C Morris and her books, visit her soon to launch website on August 1.
Prudence Williams is the author of the book “Ruby Smiles”.
I’ve got another fabulous summer read for your child. With school just around the corner, it’s a great idea to get some books lined up to get in the rhythm of reading again too.
Author Prudence Williams knows a thing or two about school. She’s a 25-year veteran teacher that uses her experience with children to inspire them in her writing. Her new release, “Ruby Smiles”, is about a big sassy dog that needed her own book. I loved the way that a child is brought into Ruby’s world from a dog’s point of view. I had the chance to talk with Prudence Williams about her favorite reading memory from childhood, subjects for future projects, and what writing means to her.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Prudence Williams: My favorite memory from reading as a child is reading “Down These Mean Streets” by Piri Thomas. It was the first novel I picked by myself, and it was good! I was about nine years old and the book was probably too mature for me, but I loved it. It introduced me to new cultures, languages, foods, and ideas, and since then I’ve been a strong reader.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Prudence Williams: I would like to write a book for teen girls about being an African American girl and enjoying life and being happy and falling in love. Most of the literature about young African American girls is very heavy and serious. I want young black girls to know they can be playful and just enjoy growing up. I want to represent a stable two parent home with loving and consistent parents and sibling. I want to show the black girl as the heroine and the popular girl who get the guy, grades, and joy.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Prudence Williams: Writing is an old friend that I always can depend on to help me understand the problem, share the news, and tell the story.
“Ruby Smiles” is a day-in-the-life of Ruby, a busy dog with responsibilities all day. But she has fun doing them, and you get to join her. Find out what a dog likes to do and how being responsible can be fun.
Stephanie Jane Markham is the author of the picture book, “Maisie Mae From Sunnyside Street”.
Summer is soon upon us. So, I’ve been scouting for some great summer reads for your kid(s). I think our first author has got a real inspiring picture book that will set your kid’s imagination on a roller coaster adventure.
Stephanie Jane Markham is an actor, filmmaker, and singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. Her book, “Maisie Mae From Sunnyside Street”, utilizes her memories of growing up in Scotland and Kentucky. It’s a book that will show your child how to take their imagination into a big adventure. I was pleased to be able to interview Stephanie Jane Markham about her childhood reading memories, writing routine and what future projects she has in store for us.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Stephanie Jane Markham: My favorite memory reading as a kid was that snuggly, safe feeling I got from my parents reading books at bedtime. It really is such a magical thing to read to a child. My Dad used to tell me what I could dream about before I went to bed at night. I’d make these elaborate plans in my head on where I could go while asleep. I try to instill that same sense of wonder in my little boy.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Stephanie Jane Markham: My favorite author is Mary Shelley. Not just because she gave us Frankenstein or because every Hollywood screenwriter owes her a royalty check. Her voice as a writer is so strong and clear and a bit fragile. She was fearless in a way that I’m not. I’m also very influenced by Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre. That book changed me. Her sense of wild independence coupled with a need to belong and a strong inner compass that urged her forward, despite the struggles she kept facing. That is very much who I am.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Stephanie Jane Markham: I don’t have any sort of routine except general chaos dealing with my kid. I’m usually squeezing in whatever free time I can to write, albeit usually late at night when I am most inspired.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Stephanie Jane Markham: Right now, I am focused on the other books in the Sunnyside Street Series. The next book is about Maisie’s introverted friend Duncan and his exuberant unicorn, Letty Lou. I also have an unhealthy obsession with pirates. There’s a lot to explore there.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Stephanie Jane Markham: Writing is how I express myself fully.
Join Maisie Mae and her friends from Sunnyside Street as they dream up new adventures!
Maisie Mae imagines herself all the way to Mars, slides down rainbows and even sails a pirate ship! Her best friend Duncan and his unicorn, Letty Lou, take Maisie for a magical ride around the town. They drop in on the zoo and meet up with their good friends Simon, Sabrina and the twins, Ann & Emma.
Kids will love the lush color illustrations in this 8×8 storybook.
Judi Heights is the author of the children’s picture book “Leah Stays Home From School”.
With summer soon upon us, it’s going to be a busy time getting all that energy out that the kids have built up over this strange and unusual school year. It’s also going to be a time to help ease kids back into some kind of normal when it comes to school life for the fall. A great way to prepare them is to start by getting some summer reads that will help with sooth anxiety and fears about regular issues that might start happening again, especially when it will be in regards to returning to school. I think I found a wonderful author that can help with that.
Judi Heights is a Life Coach with over ten years of diversified experience. She’s created a series of books called “Children’s Books for Parents 2” so parents can participate in a discussion on topics as they read to their children. Her most recent book, “Leah Stays Home From School” teaches the importance in staying home when a child is sick. I had a chance to interview Judi Heights about her childhood reading memories, her writing routine, and what writing means to her.
What is your favorite memory as a child?
Judi Heights: My favorite memory from reading as a child was being with my dad and feeling that someone was paying attention/giving me attention. I grew up in a home where my parents were busy, and my mother was not interested in helping us with homework. So, reading time as a child made me feel as if I mattered because my father would listen and pay attention to it.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Judi Heights: I write at any time but prefer to write during the nighttime when everyone is asleep. That has worked out for me since I was a teen as I can concentrate in my writing and not be interrupted. I feel that most of my creative writing comes from being alone and calm.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Judi Heights: Writing to me is the highest level of creativity & expression; with writing I can create anything my heart desires with a simple sheet of paper and a pencil.
“Leah Stays Home From School” is a story about a girl named Leah that wishes we lived in a world where no one got sick, and that way, no one would have to miss school. But the world is full of germs, and unfortunately, they can be a problem for everyone. Follow along as Leah learns why it’s important to keep her germs at home when she is sick.
“Leah Stays Home From School” is available from Amazon.com in ebook and print editions.
James Lamb II is the author of the new children’s book, “Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hares and the Bears. Shown with his dog, Pacific.
As we start to get near the end of this strange and historical school year, I like to start posting some fabulous end of year, summer reads. I think I’ve found a great book to help keep your child’s love of reading engaged through the summer. “Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hares and the Bears” is a story that deals with Jimmy, Jimmy meeting up with new friends, and how they all deal with a bullying situation. It’s a great way to get your child back into the frame of mind of being around and meeting new people, and how maybe everyone might not get along at first.
James Lamb II grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. He has a background in early child development, and has other books in his series that he enjoys voluntarily reading to local schools, day care centers, and libraries. His love for hip-hop and storytelling led him to writing children’s stories. I had a chance to ask James Lamb II about his childhood favorite authors, inspirational influences as a writer, how he came up with his characters, and what other projects he has in store for us.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
James Lamb II: Dinosaur Books and Shark Books.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
James Lamb II: Edgar Rice Burroughs and Anthony Edward Pierce. They were science fiction writers that wrote adventure books that I enjoyed reading while growing up.
Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
James Lamb II: Yes! I write down my ideas in a commonplace notebook. Then, I review my thoughts. After that, I begin to formulate a plan to write my stories.
What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
James Lamb II: Family, my life story, science fiction, animal stories and plays.
How do you get ideas for your stories?
James Lamb II: Childhood experience, love for animals and observing childhood behavior.
How does hip-hop influence your story telling?
James Lamb II: Rhythm and rhyme. Also, it helped with words coming together to create a story.
What was your inspiration for your new story, “Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hare and Bears”?
James Lamb II: My experience of being bullied and that bullying has become a prominent problem in this day and age.
Why did you start your own publishing company, Ultimate Sky Publishing LLC?
James Lamb II: After publishing my first children’s books with self publishing companies, it was apparent to me, and my illustrator Marlon Chang, that we should start our own book publishing company and eliminate the middle man.
What advice would you give to new, aspiring authors?
James Lamb II: Believe in yourself and your ability to write. Research and take some writing courses so you can improve your skills as a writer. Finally, study other authors and they’re writing styles.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
James Lamb II: Writing to me is communicating to the world my passion for story telling.
“Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hares and Bears” is a book that deals head on with the issue of bullying. Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb is heading north. He bumps into the Hares and they form a friendship. But the Hares have a problem, the Bully Bears. Can they work together to face this group of bullies?
“Jimmy, Jimmy the Jumping Lamb Meets the Hares and Bears” is available in the Kindle store at Amazon.com and Apple iTunes/eBooks. Price for the ebook is $6.99.
“I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” has won the Silver Award in the Children’s Books Ages 0-5 category in the 2021 Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards.
I am proud to announce that my most recent picture book, “I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!”, has won the Silver Medal award in the Children’s Books 0-5 age category. I am awfully pleased to accept this award and want to thank my illustrator, Natalia Cano, for her fantastic illustrations that capture perfectly the message and theme of the book.
Also, to my father, who supported me in all of my writing and always encouraged me. I lost him in 2018, and dedicated the book to him. I’d also like to thank my husband, family and friends for their continued support in my writing endeavors. Without all of you, it would be hard to keep going.
Most of all, I’d like to thank all the readers of my books through the years. I started writing back in 2005 with the self-publishing of my first children’s book in 2007. It’s been a long path, but I want to continue bringing you unique voices and perspectives in my books. You’ve made it all possible. Thank you.
“I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!” is available as an ebook or as a paperback edition at Amazon.com.
I always like to look high and low for new, interesting children’s authors. I really do love it when I find a new children’s fantasy author. She has a background in children’s development that gives her books that extra insight to support children.
Let me introduce you to Lia Ginno. Her unique, fantasy books deal with characters struggling to fit into normal and realizing often that they are fine the way they are. Her newest picture book, “Turmeric and Magic”, deals with a dragon trying to find her magic.
I had the chance to talk with Lia Ginno about her childhood reading, favorite author, and what writing means to her.
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Lia Ginno: I loved going into another world.
Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Lia Ginno: I loved Enid Byton’s, Secret Seven series and Famous Five series. I think I was at an age when I could imagine such adventures with friends. I remember I had a group of friends and an old tumbledown building as our headquarters for a ‘secret club.’ Unfortunately we never ‘lived’ the adventures in the books, but we all read them. They inspired my imagination and the first book and a play, I ever wrote, was when I was twelve. Also, a local reporter in an interview compared my first Legend book to one of EB’s books. So, she had more of an influence than I realized.
What is writing to you in one sentence?
Lia Ginno: A book is a dream you hold in your hand as imagination, problem solves, and creates everything on earth.
“Turmeric and Magic” is a picture book that deals with the diversity in all of us. Tumeric is different from other dragons. She cannot fly and is allergic to fire and smoke. She dreams to be like other dragons. Being an avid reader, she discovers that there is a book that will teach you magic if you are determined to find it. She begins a journey to find the book. Will following her dreams lead her to the book? Can it help her magic to appear? This delightfully illustrated picture book will enchant and help children explore their unique differences that can turn into inner strength.
