Book/Author Spotlight: A Kid’s Guide to America’s First Ladies.

 

About the Book: Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award-winner Kathleen Krull is an expert at bringing history to life in her engaging titles and series, including Women Who Broke the Rules, Lives of . . . , Giants of Science, and A Kid’s Guide to America’s Bill of Rights. This time, she introduces readers to the women of the White House in A Kid’s Guide to America’s First Ladies! The book includes a section introducing kids to Melania Trump.

Find out what our country’s First Ladies thought, did, and advocated for as they moved into the White House.

Why did the Patriots love Martha Washington?
What causes did Eleanor Roosevelt support and lead?
What did Jacqueline Kennedy do to establish her legacy long after she left the White House?
How did Hillary Clinton turn her role as First Lady into a political career of her own?

Packed with anecdotes and sidebars, a timeline of the advancement of women’s rights, and humorous illustrations and portraits, Kathleen Krull’s introduction to the First Ladies of the United States brings vividly to life the women to hold the role as they paved the way for American women in times of change.  http://www.kathleenkrull.com/

 

 

• Age Range: 8 – 12 years
• Grade Level: 3 – 7
• Series: Kids’ Guide to American History (Book 1)
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (January 3, 2017)
• Cost: $16.99

 

 

 

 

About the Author: Kathleen Krull has garnered starred reviews and awards for her many books. The Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC, honored her with its Nonfiction Award for her body of work that “has contributed significantly to the quality of nonfiction for children.” She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband and sometime writing partner, Paul Brewer.  http://www.kathleenkrull.com/about/

Book/Author Spotlight: Mira Forecasts the Future

 

About the Book: Telling the future is a gift: you either have it, or you don’t. And Mira, daughter of the famous fortune teller Madame Mirabella, just doesn’t. When Madame gazes into the crystal ball, magic swirls. When Mira looks . . . nothing. Then one day Mira gets a pinwheel and a windsock, she finds her own form of “magic” in the science of predicting the weather—and saves the day for everyone! This engaging tale, with a fun touch of science thrown in, helps kids understand that we all have our own special talent. http://kellandrews.com/mira-forecasts-the-future/

 

• Age Range: 5 – 8 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3
• Cost: $10.40 at amazon
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books (June 14, 2016)

 

 Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25986216-mira-forecasts-the-future

 

About the Author: Kell Andrews writes novels and picture books for children and nonfiction for adults. A little bit of magic helps with both. Growing up, she spent a lot of time reading, writing, drawing, and looking for treasure in the woods and on the beach. Kell holds a humanities degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master of liberal arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her first novel, Deadwood (Spencer Hill Press), was published in 2014, and her debut picture book Mira Forecasts the Future (Sterling) came out in 2016. Her poetry and fiction will appear in upcoming issues of Spider and Ladybug magazines. A member of SCBWI, Kell holds a humanities degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master of liberal arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. A lifelong Philadelphian, she lives with her husband and two daughters in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, near a park that looks a lot like the one in Deadwood. Contact Kell here. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, or Goodreads. http://kellandrews.com/about_kell_andrews/

Book Spotlight: One to Ten: Squirrel’s Bad Day

About the Book: Squirrel is rushing along a tree limb when she trips, losing all her acorns into the rushing water of the river below. Angry and frustrated, she doesn’t know what to do. Her good friend, Rabbit, lends both a sympathetic ear as well as a solution. Rather than get angry, Rabbit tells her, rate the problem on a scale of one-to-ten. By identifying and realizing the true importance of the issue, the issue may not seem so overwhelming. Adorable forest creatures help the sad squirrel put everything into perspective so he does not to get stuck in a rut over something that may not be a big deal after all. http://www.caroleproman.com/

 

 

• Paperback: 38 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 30, 2016)
• Language: English
• Cost: $10.99

 

 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32827452-one-to-ten?ac=1&from_search=true

 

 

Book Spotlight: If You Were Me and Lived In…Israel

About the Book: Join Carole P. Roman when she visits the exciting land of Israel in the newest book of her informative series. Learn about the varied customs and cultures. Travel to the Middle East to discover what you would eat and do for fun. See the land through the eyes of a youngster like you and understand what life is like in this exciting place. Don’t forget to look at the other books in the series so that you can be an armchair world traveler. https://www.amazon.com/Carole-P.-Roman/e/B008ZOXI0W/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

 

 

 

• Series: If You Were Me and Lived in…
• Paperback: 34 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 2, 2016)
• Language: English
• Cost: $10.99

 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32921829-if-you-were-me-and-lived-in-israel

 

 

Book/Author Spotlight. Giveaway. Jorie and the Magic Stones. Ends Jan 6th

 

About the Book: When Marjorie went to live with her frosty maiden aunt, she couldn’t imagine the adventures she would have with dragons — good and bad — and all the strange creatures that live in a mysterious land beneath the Tarn. The spunky 9-year-old redhead forges an unlikely friendship with an insecure young boy named Rufus who lives with his crusty grandfather next door. When Jorie — for that is what she prefers to be called — finds a dusty ancient book about dragons, she learns four strange words that will send the two of them into a mysterious land beneath the Tarn, riddled with enchantment and danger. Hungry for adventure, the children take the plunge, quite literally, and find themselves in the magic land of Cabrynthius.

Upon meeting the good dragon, the Great Grootmonya, Jorie and Rufus are given a quest to find the three Stones of Maalog — stones of enormous power — and return them to their rightful place in Cabrynthius. Their mission is neither easy nor safe, and is peppered with perils in the form of the evil black half-dragon who rules the shadowy side of the land. They have to deal with a wicked and greedy professor, the tragic daughter of the bad dragon, caves of fire, rocky mountainous climbs, and a deadly poisonous butterfly.

Jorie must rely on her wits and courage to win the day? Can she do this? Can she find all three Stones? Can she save Rufus when disaster befalls him? Can she emerge victorious? She and Rufus have some hair-raising challenges, in which they learn valuable lessons about loyalty, bravery, and friendship.  https://ahrichardson.com/jorie-and-the-magic-stones/

 

Pages: 268

 

 

Book Review on Amazon:

 

 

 

 

About the Author: I have done a little of everything – I was an actress for a few years in England; I have loved horses all my life, and have taught Dressage which I loved. I paint in watercolors, oils and acrylics, I sculpt, and now I write…and have found this last activity wonderful, challenging, sometimes frustrating, but always uplifting – there is something about a spoken word written on a page, that brings one to life. It is creativity lived at the max!
My second book is a slight departure from flying dragons and brave little nine-year olds, titled ‘Murder in Little Shendon’ it pulls you into a tiny little village in England shortly after World War Two, and involves the talents of Sir Victor Hazlitt and his actor sidekick Beresford Brandon, along with a host of delectable characters that I feel the readers will love!
I had enormous fun writing this…however pulling all the strings together at the end is quite challenging. I love the combication of Hazlitt and Brandon, and plan a second murder mystery involving this winsome twosome!
I have written a sequel to my first book ‘Jorie and the Magic Stones’ which will be out soon; this had a very good following, and several people have been looking for further adventures of young Jorie and Rufus. https://ahrichardson.com/about/

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Rules

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be 1 winner.

Leave You Comments below.

This Giveaway is Open to the USA Only!

Winner will be selected by Random.org

Giveaway Ends Jan 6th, 2017

Mandatory:  Must be a Follower of this Blog or Facebook or twitter

Giveaway Guidelines and Disclaimer

Winners are selected via Random and notified by email. You have 48 hours to respond;

If no response, the prize is forfeited and an alternate winner is chosen.

This Giveaway Has Ended

Winner is #6 – Vicki Wurgler

 

Book/Author Spotlight: Milestones of Flight.

 

About the Book: Milestones of Flight. From Hot-Air Balloons to SpaceShipOne by Tim Grove.

Milestones of Flight takes readers soaring through the high points of American aviation: from the Wright brothers and their competitors to the military pilots who first circumnavigated the globe, from the initial space rocket to the moon walk, from the earliest manmade satellite to today’s spy drones. The book also describes what inventions—such as rocket propulsion, the wind tunnel, and the silicon chip—helped move flight upward and beyond. Profusely illustrated with objects from the Smithsonian’s collection, Milestones of Flight provides an inspiring look at America’s contributions to aviation. The book includes a bibliography, author’s note, and index. http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/milestones-of-flight_9781419720031/

 

 

• Age Range: 10 – 14 years
• Grade Level: 5 – 9
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Cost: $21.95

 

 

About the Author: Tim writes about surprising and fascinating topics in history and strives to make the past accessible to everyone (including those people who claim to hate history). His writing combines hands-on experience with research, observation, insider perspective and a conversational style. He lives in northern Virginia and works at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. His newest book is about the first flight around the world. https://timgrove.net/#content

 

 

 

 

Book/Author Spotlight. Giveaway: Drop the Puck Let’s Play Hockey. Ends Jan 6th

 

About the Book: “The Official Adventures” is a new children’s chapter book series that teaches the importance of sportsmanship, persistence, discipline, and most importantly respect – for referees, each other, and individuals with special needs.

In this third book, Blaine and Ann, two characters with Down syndrome, lace up their skates for the first time and play for the Minnesota Bears! You don’t want to miss how Jones and Dohm, have taken their love for hockey, kids and advocacy for children with special needs from pen to paper. This is a story that will steal everyone’s heart! 

Proceeds from book sales will benefit The American Special Hockey Association. ASHA strives to give people with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to play ice hockey in an environment which is adapted to the level of ability which the athletes are able to participate. http://www.officialadventures.org/summary  

http://www.officialadventures.org/fact-sheet

 

 

• Age Range: 7 – 10 years
• Grade Level: 2 – 5
• Series: Official Adventures (Book 3)
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Cost: $12.59 at Amazon

 

 

 

 

About the Author: Jayne J. Jones Beehler proudly wears many “helmets” including college professor, lawyer, author, wife, mother, advocate for children with disabilities, and is a lifelong fan of student athletics. A graduate of William Mitchell College of Law, this former live-in nanny, is passionate about children, education, foster care and adoption, and child abuse/prevention public policy. Jones Beehler worked for US Senator Norm Coleman from 2002-2006, then headed to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she was the Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the House, Steve Sviggum.

Jones Beehler teaches political science classes at Concordia University-St. Paul where her students have gained national attention and praise for their legislative activities and involvement.  Jones Beehler is proud of her work with Margaret’s Missions, ensuring travelers with disabilities get access to see the world and enjoy life’s greatest adventures!  In 2013, Jones Beehler was the co-author of Capitol Hell, an eleven time national and international fictional book award winner. http://www.officialadventures.org/the-team

Giveaway Rules

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be 1 winner.

Leave You Comments below.

This Giveaway is Open to the USA Only!

Winner will be selected by Random.org

Giveaway Ends Jan 6th, 2017

Mandatory:  Must be a Follower of this Blog or Facebook or twitter

Giveaway Guidelines and Disclaimer

Winners are selected via Random and notified by email. You have 48 hours to respond;

If no response, the prize is forfeited and an alternate winner is chosen.

Giveaway Winner

#1 – Annette Rochelle Aben

 

 

 

Book/Author Spotlight: The Naughty List

 

About the Book: When Bobbie’s hilariously bumbling efforts to save her brother’s Christmas actually land him on Santa’s Naughty List, she must travel to the North Pole to make things right again and save Christmas. Bobbie suddenly finds herself on an epic holiday adventure complete with rogue elves, dysfunctional reindeer, a lazy Santa, and more.

Fans of the Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will love this laugh-out-loud funny Christmas adventure packed with comic illustrations.

 

 

• Age Range: 8 – 12 years
• Grade Level: 3 – 7
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Cost:$12.99
• https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062354754/the-naughty-list

 

Book Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24331458-the-naughty-list?from_search=true

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author: Michael Fry has been a cartoonist/writer/entrepreneur for over 30 years.

In addition to The Odd Squad middle grade series of illustrated novels for Disney/Hyperion, Fry has created or co/created four international syndicated comic strips including Over the Hedge which runs in over 150 papers worldwide. Over the Hedge was nominated for Best Comic Strip in 2006 by the National Cartoonist Society Rueben Awards. The strip can be seen at http://www.gocomics.com/overthehedge.

Over the Hedge inspired the 2006 hit DreamWorks Animation feature animated film that grossed over $336 million dollars in worldwide box office. The film featured the lead voices of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling and Steve Carell. The film originated at Fox where I co-wrote the screenplay.

Another comic, Committed, was produced into a prime time animated series by Nelvana. It debuted on CTV in Canada in 2001 and later on the WE Network domestically. Committed featured the lead voices of Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy and Dave Foley. It has appeared in over 30 countries around the world. I was the Executive Producer.

He is also the co-founder and President of RingTales, a new media company that animates print comics for all digital media. RingTales produces short (15-30 second) ad-supported animations for the web, mobile and portable digital devices. RingTales has the exclusive rights to animate Dilbert, The New Yorker cartoons, Over the Hedge, Pearls Before Swine and many other popular properties. RingTales has produced over 1000 animations that have been viewed over 260 million times since 2007. Most can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/ringtales.

Fry writes and draws from his studio in the Hill Country near Austin, Texas where he lives with his wife, Kim, their dog, Jack and several shrub-eating cows.

 

Book/Author Spotlight: Moo a novel

About the Book: Fans of Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech’s Love That Dog and Hate That Cat will love her newest tween novel, Moo. This uplifting tale reminds us that if we’re open to new experiences, life is full of surprises. Following one family’s momentous move from the city to rural Maine, an unexpected bond develops between twelve-year-old Reena and one very ornery cow.

When Reena, her little brother, Luke, and their parents first move to Maine, Reena doesn’t know what to expect. She’s ready for beaches, blueberries, and all the lobster she can eat. Instead, her parents “volunteer” Reena and Luke to work for an eccentric neighbor named Mrs. Falala, who has a pig named Paulie, a cat named China, a snake named Edna—and that stubborn cow, Zora.

This heartwarming story, told in a blend of poetry and prose, reveals the bonds that emerge when we let others into our lives.  http://www.sharoncreech.com/books

 

 

• Age Range: 8 – 12 years
• Grade Level: 3 – 7
• Lexile Measure: 790
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Cost: $16.99
• https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062415257/moo

 

Book Reviews: check goodreads

 

 

About the Author: I was born in South Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, and grew up there with my noisy and rowdy family: my parents (Ann and Arvel), my sister (Sandy), and my three brothers (Dennis, Doug and Tom).
For a fictional view of what it was like growing up in my family, see Absolutely Normal Chaos. (In that book, the brothers even have the same names as my own brothers.) Our house was not only full of us Creeches, but also full of friends and visiting relatives.
In the summer, we usually took a trip, all of us piled in a car and heading out to Wisconsin or Michigan or, once, to Idaho. We must have been a very noisy bunch, and I’m not sure how our parents put up with being cooped up with us in the car for those trips. The five-day trip out to Idaho when I was twelve had a powerful effect on me: what a huge and amazing country! I had no idea then that thirty-some years later, I would recreate that trip in a book called Walk Two Moons.
One other place we often visited was Quincy, Kentucky, where my cousins lived (and still live) on a beautiful farm, with hills and trees and swimming hole and barn and hayloft. We were outside running in those hills all day long, and at night we’d gather on the porch where more stories would be told. I loved Quincy so much that it has found its way into many of my books–transformed into Bybanks, Kentucky. Bybanks appears in Walk Two Moons and Chasing Redbird and Bloomability. Bybanks also makes a brief appearance (by reference, but not by name) in The Wanderer. To read more visit her website http://www.sharoncreech.com/meet-sharon-creech

 

https://www.facebook.com/sharon.creech

http://sharonkaycreech.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/ciaobellacreech

 

 

Book/Author Spotlight: Argos: The Story of Odysseus as Told by His Loyal Dog

 

About the Book: From a compelling new voice in middle grade comes a reimagination of The Odyssey told from the point of view of Odysseus’s loyal dog—a thrilling tale of loyalty, determination, and adventure.

For twenty years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to Ithaka. After ten years beneath the walls of Troy, he begins the long journey back home. He defeats monsters. He outsmarts the Cyclops. He battles the gods. He struggles to survive and do whatever it takes to reunite with his family.

And what of that family—his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those twenty years, they wait, unsure if they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master. Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus’s voyage—and hope that one day his master will return. Meanwhile, Argos watches over his master’s family and protects them from the dangers that surround a throne without its king. http://ralphhardyfiction.com/books/

 

 

• Age Range: 8 – 12 years
• Grade Level: 3 – 7
• Lexile Measure: 930 (What’s this?)
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (May 31, 2016)
• Language: English
• Cost: $16.99
• https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062396785/argos

 

Book Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26244566-argos?from_search=true

 

 

 

About the Author: Ralph Hardy graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in English and received his MFA from Columbia College, Chicago. He now lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife and children and a dog named Harvey, who is nothing like Argos. He is the author of The Cheetah Diaries, Lefty, and a number of short stories. http://ralphhardyfiction.com/author/