Tag Archives: read-aloud books

Sep3

Back to School Blog Tour 2025 Day 3 – Book Review of “Brave Enough: Atlan and the Farm Animals”

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“Brave Enough: Atlan and the Farm Animals” by Bowe Balhoff is a charming picture book of facing fears and unknown experiences on a farm. The main character, Atlan, is a quiet 4-year-old boy based on the author’s real son. He is experiencing his first trip away from his parents by spending time on his grandparents’ farm. The kindness and love that surround the little boy start the story. The grandparents start with comforting things to calm his fears of his new surroundings. Home-made ice cream is the ticket. But of course, new experiences, such as feeding chickens and a pig, could be overwhelming for any 4-year-old. They kindly guide him through these activities.

The unique aspect of this story is that Atlan changes into an animal several times when scared, expressing how he feels in relation to meeting the other animals. First, he turns into a snail while feeding the chickens. Then, he turns into a mouse when meeting the pig, and so on. The animals he turns into embody his feelings. These are such relatable symbols for children dealing with new experiences and the real fear that goes along. When he has acknowledged his feelings for the situation, he changes back into a boy. It’s such a nice way to show this emotional change for the character. His grandmother’s voice is the catalyst for the emotional growth as she guides him into navigating his fear of the farm animals.

New experiences such as feeding chickens and a pig could be overwhelming for any 4-year-old. I loved the way that this story acknowledges those fears, and brings comfort to the character and the reader alike. Techniques to help with anxiety are shared within the story, such as slow breathing, trying to look at a new point of view, and trying to focus on the fun aspects. Granny’s protective arm, showing the support of family, is another life line for the character and reader.

Overall, this is a great story showing a young boy facing the unknown with support from his family. I would recommend this book to any parent or teacher that is trying to model how a child can face unknown challenges, navigate their complex feelings, and look to their family for support. This would be great for any class or home library. Grandparents would find this a fabulous gift to give their grandchildren, especially if they own a farm.

“Brave Enough: Atlan and the Farm Animals” is available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

For more information on books by Bowe Balhoff, visit her website at: https://www.bowebalhoff.com/.

Sep10

Day 5 of the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour: Z. B. Sanders

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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.

For more information, please visit and follow Z. B. Sander’s Facebook page.

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.

Enter to Win $25 Amazon Gift Card

Until next year, keep reading, writing and please stay safe! Best wishes for a great year to all those teachers and students out there.

-Tiffany Turner

Head editor/writer for the Indie Children’s Authors Connection Blog

Mar14

Interview with Chris Lewis

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Chris Lewis was kind enough to write a guest blog post on engaging young readers already on my blog. Today, I will be introducing you to this fabulous British author, and to the new book, Jax and Sheba Get Messy. I had the chance to ask Chris Lewis about current projects, what it’s like to write a book, and all about Jax and Sheba.

1) What are you currently working on?

Chris Lewis:  I’m playing around with some ideas for another children’s picture book series, Jax and Sheba.  For the older reader, I am toying with the idea of an Artificial Intelligence thriller in the long term.

2) How long does it take you to write a book?

Chris Lewis: That’s like asking how long is a piece of string. My longest book took three years and my shortest took six months. I usually need to go through several versions until I am ready.

3) What is your latest book about?

Chris Lewis: Jax and Sheba Get Messy is the first in a series about best friends Jax and Sheba. Jax is a floor-cleaning robot who loves to zoom, and Sheba, a cat who likes to point. They live at the edge of a faraway forest in a distant world with their good friend, Velo, a dinosaur dance teacher. This short 500-word story is designed to be a fun read for little ones to read to or read by themselves.

Book Blurb for Jax and Sheba Get Messy

At the edge of the forest in a distant world, live two best friends, Jax and Sheba. Velo is their dinosaur friend that teaches dance. Jax is a floor-cleaning robot that loves to zoom while Sheba is an ever-ready practical cat that likes to point. Together, they make an odd team. But what happens when Jax wants to clean too much? Will the two be able to work together again? This humorous story will make a great read-aloud for school or home. Help your child understand that it’s okay to take a break.

Recommended for ages 3 – 5.

Jax and Sheba Get Messy is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. **Ebook available now. Paperback edition releases on March 16, 2021. Pre-order available!

Please visit Chris Lewis’s website to find out more information about Jax and Sheba.

For a look at the guest blog article, “Tips to Encourage Children to Read” by Chris Lewis, follow this link!

Nov9

Interview with Jane Owen

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Jane Owen is the author of the book, “Tom Woof and Max the Owl”.

With turbulent online distance learning, teachers and parents need more resources to teach social and literary skills more than ever. I’ve found a powerful book written by the author, Jane Owen. It’s called “Tom Woof and Max the Owl”. It’s uses fantasy to model literary skills and social behavior for children. I had the chance to talk to the author about her childhood reading memories, favorite authors growing up, and some upcoming projects.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Jane Owen: I grew up loving books. According to my Mummy I was able to read by the age of three. I remember being young, 6 or 7 and reading books under the bedcovers till late at night. I hope my little girl loves books just as much.

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

Jane Owen: I loved the Narnia books! I loved The Secret Garden and National Velvet. I feel like those books inspired me to be more imaginative and a bit braver.

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

Jane Owen: Since the pandemic took away a lot of my regular work I’ve tried to write a little every day. Even if I throw away everything I wrote that day, the action is great for my progress.

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

Jane Owen: Tom Woof and Max The Owl are characters based on the real life writer Thomas Wolfe and his editor, my great-grandfather Max Perkins. I’m working on books that introduce characters based on F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. As well as a completely different series about a Unicorn that focuses on teaching children not to be racist.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Jane Owen: My great-grandfather Max Perkins always used to say, “There’s nothing as important as a book can be”.

“Tom Woof and Max the Owl” is a story of a puppy with a love for writing. He writes wherever he can, and is misunderstood for this trait. But Max the Owl understands. He guides the little puppy to develop his stories and bring joy to all the other animals on the farm. Bases on a real writer and editor in the life of the author, this book will touch the hearts of any literary focused soul.

“Tom Woof and Max the Owl” is available at Amazon.com.

Aug17

Interview with Charlotte Safieh

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Cover 3With school starting in many states, it’s not too late to start building your school or home library for the new school year. Charlotte Safieh has written a picture book called “A Cry for the Ocean” to help create awareness and support to clean the plastic littering our oceans.

Charlotte lives in Toronto, Canada with her family. She has been in the teaching profession for many years and specializes in teaching creative writing. She is celebrating her first published book. Charlotte has also started her own imprint called Blue Jay Press to help support new authors with stories needing to be told.

I had a chance to ask Charlotte about her childhood reading memories, favorite authors and impact that writing has had and the influences she hopes to accomplish.

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

Charlotte Safieh: My favourite memory from reading as a child was reading Gerald Durrell and following his adventures collecting exotic animals from exciting far away countries. Something that would not be allowed anymore! I recently learned that he was very influential in changing how we manage zoos, so that instead of simply being a source of entertainment we are protecting endangered species and learning more about their natural environment and behaviour.

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

Charlotte Safieh: My favourite writer for children is Roald Dahl. He is very entertaining and irreverent with such a unique imagination. I also love Barbara Kingsolver, and I’m just reading her new book “Unsheltered” which is a remarkable story that can tell us so much about our current time and the challenges we face with our poor treatment of the natural environment.

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

Charlotte Safieh: I need to be accountable with my writing and love doing courses and being a part of a writing group. I love sharing ideas and talking over writing with fellow writers.

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Charlotte Safieh is the author of the new picture book “A Cry for the Ocean”.

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

Charlotte Safieh: I would like to continue to write stories about the natural world to help children to understand how important it is to protect nature and wildlife. Maybe Sukara can go on to do more great things in the future!

  •  What is storyquest.com, and how did it influence you to become a writer?

Charlotte Safieh: Storyquest is a creative writing project that I have been running for several years. After I qualified as a teacher I began working in classrooms with students teaching them how to write stories and putting their stories together as published chapter books. This has been very enjoyable and rewarding, and I have seen hundreds of students write incredibly exciting, imaginative and powerful stories. I feel very lucky to have done this work, as I see how much they enjoy writing the stories, and I love creating a space to allow that to happen.

  •  What other environmental issues would you like to address in future books?

Charlotte Safieh: I would love to write more about protecting nature, and have been considering a story set in the rainforest, as we are losing our forests so rapidly. I would also like to write about the kids 4 climate movement, as I have been very excited to see that grow in the last year. I am a really big fan of Greta Thunberg and have been following her journey across the Atlantic on a yacht this week.

  •  Why did you start your own independent publishing company, Blue Jay Press?

Charlotte Safieh: I started Blue Jay Press because I love publishing books. It is a true passion, and although this is the first book I have authored I have published over 400 children authored chapter books. I hope to continue to grow Blue Jay Press with books by other authors as well as more of my books.

  •  What advice do you have for aspiring writers who are interested in self-publishing?

Charlotte Safieh: I would say go for it. The self-publishing industry has grown exponentially. Now it is very achievable for anyone who has a story they are passionate about to self-publish. I used Kickstarter very successfully to fund the first set of books and my wonderful illustrator Tamara Piper, who I found on Fiverr. Self publishing makes up a significant proportion of sales of books, especially ebooks.

  •  For our younger authors, what can they work on now to help them become better writers?

Charlotte Safieh: When I teach creative writing I work a lot on encouraging children to be confident in their writing, and to ignore the critical voice in their head that can stop them from enjoying writing. When they are getting ideas down I also tell then not to worry about spelling or grammar so they can let their imagination flow.

  •  What is writing to you in one sentence?

 Charlotte Safieh: Writing is sharing our inner worlds, our lives, ideas and connecting with each other.

“A Cry for the Ocean” is a picture book that brings forward the cause of helping clear our oceans of plastic pollution. Sukara meets a mermaid and learns about the plastic pollution in the ocean and finds a magical way to save it. It will bring awareness to the plight of our oceans and be a great addition to any school or home library. It will be a wonderful teaching tool for ocean and environmental units. Teaching resources accompany the book to help teachers and parents.

“A Cry for the Ocean” is available at Amazon.com.

For more information on Charlotte Safieh’s new book “A Cry for the Ocean” and free resources, lesson ideas, activities, and to order wholesale books, please visit her website at: https://www.bluejaypress.ca/.

 

 

 

 

 

Feb27

Interview with Karolina Marques Pereira: Author of “Blue Like My Shoe: Red Like My Head”

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Karolina Marques Pereira is the author of the picture book “Blue Like My Shoe, Red Like My Head”.

With all the rain and weather happening at this time of year, it’s great to find a book to talk with kids about the colors they can see during rain storms. Karolina Marques Pereira has written a darling picture book that introduces the colors of the rainbow in a fun game between a witch and a dragon. She lives in Germany with her family and works as a primary school teacher. In her book, “Blue Like My Shoe: Red Like My Head”, she creates a delightful way for any child to learn colors. I had a chance to interview Karolina about her childhood reading adventures, which are her favorite authors, and what she’d like to write about in the future.

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

Karolina Marques Pereira: As a child I love to listen to stories. Later in school I loved to write stories on my own. You learn so much from stories and they are so wonderful.

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

Karolina Marques Pereira: Eric Carle and Astrid Lindgren are my favourite authors. As a kindergarten child I loved Eric Carle. The repetitions and the easy structured stories are perfect for children and help them to learn the language.

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

Karolina Marques Pereira: I love to write stories for young learners. Topics like “colours” and the “weather” and other interesting topics for kids are my favourite. I think it is important that children are able to learn something out of it. My new book “Blue Like My Shoe” helps learners to remember the names of rainbow colours.

BluelikemyShoe“Blue Like My Shoe: Red Like My Head” is a story about a little witch and her dragon friend that play a Q & A response game to guess favorite colors. Introduce your little one to all the colors of the rainbow, how they mix together to form other colors, and rhyming patterns associated with colors. This cute picture book is recommended for ages 2 and up. A repetition and pattern song is at the end of the book to help with read aloud instruction.

This book is available on Amazon.com.

Feb11

Interview with Elsa Joseph: Author of “Dylan’s CosyDoze”

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valentineclipartLooking for a cute Valentine’s Day gift for your little reader? Here’s an adorable book that I found called “Dylan’s Cosydoze” by Elsa Joseph. A graduate of South Bank University in London, Elsa has pursued her love of writing with a passion. She combines her interests of travel, art, and theater to build interesting plots and develop memorable characters. I had a chance to interview Elsa about her favorite childhood memories and authors, what inspires her and what upcoming projects are in the works.

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

Elsa Joseph: When I think back to what spurred my undying love for reading, I can date it back to the classic children’s book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carie. I remember being introduced to this book by my reception teacher and studying the life cycle of a caterpillar. I can recall joining in discussions of what the caterpillar ate each day and being amazed when, at the end of the book, he becomes a beautiful butterfly.

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

Elsa Joseph: Paulo Coelho is my favourite author. I read The Alchemist two years ago and at first I didn’t like it. However, over time this book has grown on me. The book uses words and storytelling in their simplest forms as a means of portraying something so profound, divine and spiritual. It does it in a way that dissolves all attempts at classification or recapitulating. It is a quick read (at only 170 pages) and the plot is relatively a straight forward one. The style of prose is also clean and an uncomplicated, a-tune to that of a religious parable or childhood fairy tale, both of which this could be likened to.

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

Elsa Joseph: Yes, I do indeed! My alarm starts to ring. It’s 7am. I swing my legs out of bed, stretching as I walk into the bathroom. I splash some water on my face, and head to the kitchen and gulp down a refreshing glass of warm lemon water.

Then I take it back to my desk, where I read for half an hour and jot down some notes that will be important for today’s projects. Once I’m done, I shower and put on my clothes, ready to start the day.
I don’t work well at home, so after eating breakfast I grab my laptop and head on down to the local coffee shop. There, I’ll sit and drink coffee and make a start on the to-do list I wrote out the previous evening.
The day is spent busily tapping away at my keyboard, with the occasional break to eat something or gaze out the window at the busy shoppers as they rush by. Around 5pm I’ll go home, make dinner, chat with my family for a while, and then hit the gym.

I come back fully exhausted but satisfied. The gym is great for clearing your head. Then I’ll shower and watch a movie, read a book, or browse the Internet for a while. I take a few minutes to reflect on the day and write my to-do list for tomorrow. Then I’ll turn the lights out and drift off to sleep at around 10:30pm. I wake up feeling refreshed the next morning, pumped to do the whole thing all over again.

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

Elsa Joseph: I have so many! I have an author blog (http://www.elsajoseph.co.uk) which I am in the process of re-organizing. I would like to write more about some of the things related to my hobbies which are travelling, cooking, health, etc. I am toying around with writing another children’s book — something about disability, something about acceptance, something about how children with conditions such as Spina bifida and Down Syndrome are normal and talented and not abnormal like how the media can sometimes portray.

  • During all your travels, what was the most place that was inspirational and why?

Elsa Joseph: That’s a tough question because each country I have visited is special in its own way. If I had to pick a place it would be Venice. I love the uniqueness of the city, especially its watery canals. I love the architecture, the Grand Canal, the beautiful Rialto Bridge. I love the fact you don’t see cars but boats and gondolas.

So many things make Venice unique from any city in this big world. It’s truly a magical city.

  • With your background in theater, are you planning a series or book?

Elsa Joseph: Last month I made my debut as a playwright at the Young Vic Theatre in London. As much as I enjoy writing books, at the moment I want to solely concentrate on my playwriting.

  • What teacher inspired you when you were younger and why?

Elsa Joseph: When I went to Sixth Form College I was taught English Language & Literature by Lisa James (Ms. James to me), and it was as though she walked into my head and turned all the lights on.

She lent me poems, plays and books she liked. I showed her poems I had written, which weren’t really poems but more an explosion of words. But she took me completely seriously. She introduced me to Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Henrik Ibsen, Eugene O’Neill– all people who have meant more to me than anyone else. Her way of teaching was very searching but also very passionate and scrupulous. She definitely inspired me to write.

  • What do you do to research your books?

Elsa Joseph: It depends on the kind of book I am writing. It also depends a great deal on what topics I am researching, and why I need to research those topics for that book.

For example, let’s say I want to write a novel that has a lawyer as the primary character and don’t know any lawyers. Right away, the kind of book I am writing is fiction — so I would ask myself what’s important to my story. Am I going for technical accuracy, or sensory? Do I want the reader to feel like I know what I am talking about when it comes to the details of the law or am I trying to convey the analytical and judgmental skills of being a lawyer because I want a realistic character? These are some of the questions I would ask myself.

  • How does living in London influence your writing?

Elsa Joseph: It influences my writing a lot. London is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world. For my book Best Kept Secret which is set primarily in London, I drew inspiration from the cities ethnically diverse population.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Elsa Joseph: “Writing” is the process of using symbols (letters of the alphabet, punctuation and spaces) to communicate thoughts and ideas in a readable form.

Dylan's Cozydoze“Dylan’s CosyDoze” is a younger reader’s rhyme book that delves into that toddler problem of losing your favorite toy. On a visit to grandma’s, Dylan’s blanket or “CosyDoze” gets lost. Can Mum and Dad find it? Or will he have to find another way to get to sleep? Delve into this real life problem that many toddler’s can relate with. A great example of problem solving as a family, “Dylan’s CosyDoze” will be a read-aloud to help any child fall asleep.

“Dylan’s CosyDoze” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

For more information on Elsa Joseph, please visit her website at: http://www.elsajoseph.co.uk.

Jan26

A Great Picture Book About Differences Becoming Superpowers: Lucky, The Left-Pawed Puppy

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luckycvrHere is a must for your read-aloud library. It’s a heart-felt story that was written by left-handed author, Billie Kelpin, to encourage children living in a right-handed world. Lucky, the Left-Pawed Puppy is a picture book that looks at being different as an asset in life. Teachers and parents can use this book to teach a lesson in how to embrace our differences and challenges, not as obstacles, but as superpowers.

Lucky, the Left-Pawed Puppy lives under the “H” of the Hollywood sign with his owner, Mrs. Poppyset, and his two puppy brothers. But Lucky has a problem. He often does things the opposite direction of others. While his brothers lead with their right paws, he leads with his left.

06Things change when William T. Stagent, the Hollywood agent, books them for a Bow-Wow-Chow-Now commercial. But Lucky has trouble following Hector the Director’s cues. Lucky turns left while his brothers turn right. Leslie, a famous dog trainer, is called in to look over Lucky and discovers he is left-pawed. Just as she is showing what to do be done, an earthquake hits the studio. Lucky saves the day, and it is all thanks to his left-pawed ability of naturally turning left.

11Lucky, the Left-Pawed Puppy is a read-aloud for children ages 4-8. With adorable illustrations by artist Julie Parker, we are drawn into Lucky’s self-discovery journey and into the world of Hollywood with puppies center stage. As a follow-up, matching games, online flashcards, and narration of the story can be found at the website: www.leftpawedpuppy.com. Parents and teachers will love this as an addition to their library. It is a great book for teaching understanding of differences that all children can appreciate.

Lucky, the Left-Pawed Puppy is on sale at Amazon.com and through the website, www.leftpawedpuppy.com.

Link here for an interview with the author, Billie Kelpin.

 

 

Sep20

After Back to School Blog Tour Interview: Belle Green

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Belle Green is the author of the picture book, I Am Good In My Heart.

I have another special After Back to School Blog Tour Interview. I’d like to introduce you to Belle Green. She is a lifelong writer that specializes in inspirational fiction and children’s books. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son. I had a chance to find out about her wish to help inspire children, her book I Am Good In My Heart, childhood reading memories, and what writing means to her.

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

Belle Green: Before I could read I would memorize books word for word and then “read” them to my mom or myself. But that wasn’t enough for me. I started to write by scribbling lines on a piece of paper. Then, I’d run to my mom to ask her if it said anything. I guess writing has always been in my heart, even before I knew my letters!

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

Belle Green: My son, Will, is four years old. So, most of my inspiration is coming from him. There are two more projects currently in the works for this series to follow I Am Good In My Heart. They are I Am A Good Friend: Helping Kids Understand Friendship and I am Bigger: Helping Kids Understand Growing Up. I love writing books that help preschoolers understand the world, but we need to have fun too! So I am also working on two entertaining stories about robots. My son is obsessed with robots!

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Belle Green: Writing is the act of pouring your heart out onto paper in an endless attempt to translate feelings into words.

goodatheartcvrHer book, I Am Good In My Heart, is designed for children at the preschool age to help them feel self-confidence while knowing that making mistakes is okay. It helps them realize that choices can be made better the next time. They are always good at heart and can improve with each new life lesson they accomplish.

I Am Good In My Heart is available at Amazon.com. It is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Belle Green, visit her website at: https://authorbellegreen.com/.

Sep15

Post Back to School Blog Tour: Interview with G. Lee

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G. Lee Photo

G. Lee is the author of the picture book, Anxious Annie: First Day of School.

I have a Post Back to School Blog Tour treat. I have an author interview with the fabulous G. Lee, author of the book Anxious Annie: First Day of School. I managed to sit down and talk to her about her favorite books and authors, writing routine, and future projects. Enjoy one more author to kick off the school year.

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

G. Lee: The absolute magic of a book to transport us into the lives of other people and sometimes other worlds.

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

G. Lee: I loved Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl. They made the seemingly impossible possible and goodness always prevailed.

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

G. Lee: I am more of a night owl. So, I tend to do all my writing in the evening at least four times a week.

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

G. Lee: I am doing another children’s book and it will be ready for purchase soon. It is about making friends.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

G. Lee: The ability to create and inspire.

anxiousanniecvrLee’s featured book is Anxious Annie: First Day of School. Join Anxious Annie as she overcomes her anxiety to fast her fears about her first day, and grows in strength and understanding how school can be fun while building her confidence to face the world.

Thank you for stopping by this week. Teachers, Students and Parents, have a fabulous Back to School!

-Tiffany Turner