Wednesday 16 December 2015

Kidlit Blog Hop #70 I took the PiBoidmo Challenge

Hello! Welcome to the December 2015 Kid Lit Blog Hop. This exciting, now monthly hop, is where we develop an engaged group of people who love everything that has to do with children’s literature. Everyone is welcome to join us: bloggers, authors, publicist, and publishers!

Simply make a post and add it to the linky. (Please make sure to add your direct post only) If you are an author, feel free just to link to your blog.
Once you are done, then hop around to visit others. Please follow the co-host and visit at least the two people above your link. Please leave a comment when you do visit, we all like those.
Also, it would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post.

We want to welcome a new co-host to the blog hop, Ann from Hits and Misses. Welcome, Ann, it is great to have you on board!
Our next hop will be January, 20, 2016. The hostess will be around to see you. Happy Hopping!



Julie Grasso, Author

Cheryl Carpinello, Author

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Spark and Pook

Hits and Misses











Yep, I did it. I took the Piboidmo challenge again this year.
If you are wondering what it is, its the brain child of Tara Lazar.  We are a huge fan of her books. You can  Check them out here

Her idea was to help inspire people to come up with 30 ideas to then convert into picture books.  During the month of November, she collaborates with the best and most current in the picture book industry and gets them to impart their wisdom.
I managed to make 30 ideas for new picture books in the month of November.

About 28 of them stink, but that doesn't matter.

I committed to it.

And I did it with a newborn in tow!!!


Hurrahhh

Now to make something of them.... That is my next challenge.

Or simply use some of my current ideas and re-invent them.

That is the beauty of the challenge.  So much inspiration on a daily basis.

If you haven't hopped over to Tara Lazar's Blog
Do yourself a favor and hop on over.

We love her books and she has been an inspiration. 

Happy Hopping folks

 

Thursday 3 September 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #65 Need your help on a little research project


Kid Lit Blog Hop
Welcome to the 65th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! *** Please note that we are back to 2 Hops per month. The Hops will take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Music Teaching and Parenting

Pragmatic Mom

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

Spark and Pook

 

  Hi Folks, This week I have a bit of a research focus and I need your help.

I have been madly writing a steampunkish, timey wimey, mysterious society type adventure and I have come across some great comparative titles.

 Tell, me which have you read from the list below and what are your thoughts on them.

 

 Link to Amazon

This one I read a review of recently on the hop and it sounded enchanting.

 

Kenneth Oppel is considered the master of this genre. What say you all.

 Link To Amazon

 I have a this on my kindle and I am enjoying it, but I am struck by the length of these kinds of books.  Any thoughts. 

 Amazon Link

Loads of mixed reviews on this one, should I bother as it appears to be mostly a graphic novel, and by some reviewers not at all what the blurb presents... Thoughts

This one has loads of reviewers saying its very peculiar, lol.  How peculiar, too peculiar to capture a reluctant readers attention. 


I am 3/4 through this one and enjoying it, but as per a previous blog post, I wonder at the wandering plot, the complexity, the character who is supposed to be 13 but reads like a 40 year old, the use of the word look at least 1300 times throughout the book LOL.  Is this story appealing to kids aged 8-12 as target.

 What interests me is the length of these books, the darkness of their themes and the complexity. Would a reluctant reader cope.

I  have a theory that this kind of story can be done, without the excessive word counts and dark themes, but still engage reluctant readers, who would usually dismiss books like these as too challenging. Are many of these books loved by adults, but not so much by kids.  Any experience on these books are welcome.

I hope to prove my theory correct one day...  Love your feedback hoppers. 

            

 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
2. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 3. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 4. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

KID LIT BLOG HOP

Thursday 20 August 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #64 I have a little bit of news!!!!!!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
Welcome to the 64th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! *** Please note that we will only be hosting 1 Kid Lit Blog Hop during the months of July and August. These will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (July 15 and August 19). We will be returning to our normal schedule (the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month) beginning in September. The next Kid Lit Blog Hop will take place September 2.  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Music Teaching and Parenting

Pragmatic Mom

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Spark and Pook

 

 I have a little bit of news.....

baby fistpump photo: baby fistpump fistpump.jpg
About a month ago, I participated in a Twitter pitch party. It was called
‪#‎Pit2Pub‬
The aim is you tweet the premise of your picture book in 140 characters. For this particular comp, it was small publishers and a couple of agents. There are quite a lot of these competitions, ‪#‎Pitmad‬ and ‪#‎Pbpitch‬ to name a few and not just for picture books, for every genre.

If you get a favourite from someone, you are invited to send along your query letter and for picture books, the whole manuscript and it will be priority read. These are mostly US agents and publishers. Etc. I have done quite a few of these over the past few years and gotten nowhere.
This time, I got a favourite within an hour and another one. 

I sent along my pages and she liked them very much and offered me representation.
Lengthy skype conversation about the agency and vision for my books, which was nothing short of Chicken Soup for my soul,
 Contract reviewed and signed etc,
and now I HAVE A US AGENT!

The next step is submission to publishers, which I won't pretty up. It will be fraught with rejection, but after self publishing 7 books, and experiencing reviews from every side of the coin, I have crocodile skin.

I know I have made this sound like an easy, quick process, but in reality, I have been on this journey 7 years, and have pursued my dream passionately. I hope, in some way, this little update, will encourage anyone on the journey too.

That it all I have for this hop folks, as I am still hanging off the chandelier.

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
2. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 3. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 4. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

KID LIT BLOG HOP

Saturday 18 July 2015

Sons of the Sphinx Blog Tour and Author Interview

Sons of the Sphinx - New Banner



Today I would like to welcome my good friend and publishing buddy, Cheryl Carpinello to the blog

Cheryl has a wealth of experience in INDIE PUBLISHING,
so I thought I would ask her a few questions.


1. How did you first get into writing?
 
An avid reader, writing was a natural progression for me. Also, before I taught, I worked as an editor/news writer for a couple of magazines in the Satellite Communications industry. I’d written several fictional pieces over the years, but didn’t tackle anything too ambitious until I retired from teaching in 2007. As a high school English teacher, I didn’t have a lot of spare time.


2. What is your motivation for writing?
 
As an educator, I’ve worked with all types of kids. While many may not see the value of being able to read and write fluently, educators and parents do. The tremendous influence of social media and technology in kids’ lives today doesn’t leave much room for reading. Add this to kids who aren’t good readers—ages 8 and up—and tend to shy away from reading, and society ends up to a huge number of adult non-readers. I hope my adventurous romps through the ancient and medieval worlds will entice these non-readers to pick up more books at a younger age.

3. How do you come up with your ideas?
 
All of my ideas come from my years in the classroom teaching Arthurian Legend and the stories/myths from the ancient worlds: Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In particular, the classics like The Iliad and The Odyssey. Kids love these time periods as is evidenced by the number of role-playing games set in these worlds.

4. Do you research your stories?
 
Yes, I do. A lot of my research was done in preparation for teaching particular units in high school. I also conduct research on the internet and use books/texts. I’ve been most fortunate in that, as of now, I have been able to spend time in Egypt and, more recently, in the United Kingdom doing my research first hand.

5. What is the most rewarding part of self publishing?
 
Probably the most rewarding part of self-publishing is seeing my final product published and knowing that it is the best that I and others could make it.

6. What is the most difficult part of self publishing?
 
Everything about self-publishing is difficult! As the writer, I am responsible for making sure that my writing is at its best, the editing is top-notch, the final formats are up to industry standards including the cover, and that the marketing of all my books is ongoing and productive. Unless an author makes a ton of money and/or has talented family/friends, all of those duties above take away valuable writing time.

7. What are you working on next?
 
Currently, I’m working on a sequel to Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend. I always meant for this to be a stand alone, but over the years, Cedwyn—Guinevere’s friend—has been pressing me to make him a knight. I finally gave in. Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Cedwyn’s Story in the works. My projected date for publication was late fall 2015, but I’m realistically looking at early spring 2016.

8. What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
 
Perfect your craft. Writing doesn’t just get better; it needs constant work. That is a truism I told my students everyday. Keep writing and reading. It is imperative that you find a professional editor. Far too many books are out there in the public eye that haven’t been edited by a professional. Be proud of your work and make it your best.

9. Favourite food.
 
A smothered beef burrito with a margarita on the rocks.

10. If you could go anywhere, anytime, where would you go and what would you do?

I would like to travel the ancient worlds of Troy, Persia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome just to name a few. These ancient civilizations contributed so much to our modern world. It would be fascinating to actually see what daily life was like then and to interact with the people.

Thank you so much Cheryl for your insights and we have enjoyed your adventures.

  About The Book

TITLE – Sons of the Sphinx SERIES – The Quest Books AUTHOR – Cheryl Carpinello GENRE – YA Historical Time Travel PUBLICATION DATE – October 10, 2014 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 192/36,000 PUBLISHER – Beyond Today Educator COVER ARTIST – Bernistevens Design

Sons of the Sphinx - Book Cover

Two souls
Separated by three millennium
One with a gift that is more like a curse
One on an almost impossible quest
Destinies entwined; one seeks to find herself while the other seeks his lost queen. To succeed, the pair must right the injustices 3,000 years in the past.
Only together can they fulfill The Prophecy, but in the process they must defeat the Pharaoh Horemheb.
Dishonor and death are the fate of the defeated.

BUY & TBR LINKS


CHARACTER BIOS

Rosa: Hi! I’m Rosa. I’m 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. I’m your typical teenager—well, almost. I don’t have many friends anymore, but it’s hard to blame the other kids. If I was them, I’d probably steer clear of me too, at least most of the time. No one is ever mean to me; I’ve grown up with most of them, and on my bad days, they try to ignore me. Wish I could do the same to those who talk to me. Mostly I just shake my head and carry on. It helps that I have a sarcastic sense of humor.
My daily life consists of trying to pass all my classes, getting a date for school dances, and dealing with Nana’s gift nearly every day while I try not to lose my mind.
Tut: My name is Nebkheperure Tutanhkame. I ascended the throne of Egypt upon the death of my father, Pharaoh Akhenaten. There has been much speculation in modern day on my death. My concern is finding the final resting place of my beloved queen, Ankhesenamun and making right that which was wronged centuries ago.

EXCERPT 

Excerpt from Chapter 11 of Sons of the Sphinx by Cheryl Carpinello

A well-traveled dirt road leads back into the valley formed by the hills on either side. Although not high by my experience, rising up from the sandy floor, the Theban Hills are impressive. Jagged crevices run up and down the sides of the hills, and in many places, man-made square arches can be seen. The Tombs of the Pharaohs. I’m walking in the footsteps of an ancient people. How cool.
I hurry to catch up with him. A mistake, sweat stings my eyes and grit scrapes my cheek when I wipe my face. My shirt is sticking to me by the time I come even with him. Does Re never find a cloud to hide behind? Did I say Re? Now I’m starting to think as an Egyptian. Good grief. Must be the heat. There is no shade anywhere. Like a shimmering mirage on a hot highway, the heat rises in waves off the barren hillsides. No trees can withstand this burning furnace. The only shelter exists under the entrances to the tombs.
Tut hurries ahead, but I may never get here again, so I take my time. We pass one entrance, and I walk over closer to it. Heavy wooden doors covered in hieroglyphs bar the way. Ancient rope—rough, scratchy, and strong—twisted around the door handles and knotted tight, holds them closed. On the right door handle there is a clump of mud molded like those wax seals used on letters. It covers the handle and the rope. Symbols are pressed into it.
“Tut, what is this for and what does it say?”
He hurries over, curious.
“Why the rope and this lump of mud?”
“Lump of mud? Oh Roosa, you are looking at the Necropolis Seal placed here by the priests. That it is still here means that the tomb is intact. No one has entered since the burial.”
“Does the seal say whose tomb this is? Is it a pharaoh?”
“No, not a pharaoh. Here.” He points to a set of hieroglyphs. “These state that this is the tomb of the dignitary Ramose.” He pauses. “I remember hearing stories about him when I was young. He was the governor of Thebes during Thutmosis IV’s time.”
“Do all the tombs carry this seal?”
“Yes, but even in my reign, it was becoming difficult to keep the tombs sealed. Thieves continually broke in to steal the property of the dead.”
“Tomb robbers.”
“Yes. When they were caught, their hands were chopped off.”
I gasp at such horrible consequences.
“You are shocked. I understand that in your time, there does not exist an undisturbed tomb here.” He waves his hand around the entire valley. “Who are these people who think they have the right to touch a Pharaoh of Egypt, even a dead one? They disturb our sacred resting places and steal the items left for our journey into the afterlife. May they all be cursed along with their families.”
I stand beside him, my mouth agape. Up to now, Tut has been determined in his mission, angry at Horemheb, but he hasn’t lost his composure. Until now. I try to find words to soothe him.
“They only want the world to know about the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. How magnificent they were. How they lived.”
He turns on me. “You don’t learn about a people by stealing what is sacred to them. In my time and yours, they are nothing more than common tomb robbers!”
“Scholars have shared what they learned. They search for knowledge. I learned about you from the artifacts in the exhibit.”
“Harrumph! What do you and they know? Nothing. Nothing at all! All you do is seek the treasures and the gold to make yourselves rich.” He spits in the dirt. “You wouldn’t know wealth if you were buried in it. Tomb robbers, the whole lot.”
He stomps away almost at a run, propelled by his anger. I hurry to keep up with him. We round a bend and to the left a small path winds up a cliff and then disappears. His chest heaves with ragged breaths and he’s actually vibrating he’s so enraged.
“We aren’t all like that, you know.” I whisper, wanting to avoid a harsh response. “Some of us understand that true wealth comes from within, from one’s heart, from love for others, and from respect for family.” I pause. “Some of us do.”
He says nothing; he doesn’t turn to look at me, but his breathing slows; his fingers unclench.
 

AUTHOR BIO

I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS


GIVEAWAY PRIZES

A $50 Amazon/PayPal GC
This tour has been organized & hosted by 33c16-mini2bbutton



Thursday 16 July 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #63 Frankie Dupont And The High Seas Heist

Kid Lit Blog Hop
Welcome to the 63rd Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! *** Please note that we will only be hosting 1 Kid Lit Blog Hop during the months of July and August. These will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (July 15 and August 19).  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Music Teaching and Parenting

Pragmatic Mom

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Spark and Pook

 I don't often do posts about my books, but today is the day.
I am really excited to announce the release book 4 in my Frankie Dupont Mysteries.

 Description:
Frankie Dupont seems to catch odd-ball cases in the most unlikely places. You would think he would be used to it by now.
When his next case lands him on a luxury cruise liner full of devious chocolatiers with ulterior motives, Frankie will be expected to solve the crime, even before it's committed.
Although his mind is certainly up for the challenge, Frankie realises his stomach is yet to find its sea legs.
If you don't know much about my books, this one has been a truly awesome one to finalise. You see, I am now 30 weeks pregnant and I had originally planned this one for release early 2016, but I decided I wanted to set myself a goal of producing 4 books this year.
My illustrator Alexander Avellino ( Check Out His Website) has gone from strength to strength with Frankie. Here are some sneak peeks of the internal illustrations. 
I haven't done a youtube video for this one yet, but I will hopefully have the energy for that in the next few weeks. Here are the other book video's you might want to check out.




 




For anyone who lives in Melbourne, I will also be having a book launch at my local library, which I am super excited bout.  Check out the link. Book Launch

Lastly, thank you to everyone for their unfailing support. There are too many people to name individually, but it has been a wild year and I am really proud of my achievements.
 Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
2. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 3. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 4. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

KID LIT BLOG HOP

Saturday 20 June 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #62

Kid Lit Blog Hop
Welcome to the 62nd Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! This week, we are excited to be including a Facebook Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms. *** Please note that we will only be hosting 1 Kid Lit Blog Hop during the months of July and August. These will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (July 15 and August 19).  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Spark and Pook

Today, I am going to embark on a book that is fairly well known in the universe, but I am keen for our blogger community's take on it.

 
I can't seem to be able to save a cover photo, so It will have to just be the link
 
 
 by Lemony Snicket
 
Description from Amazon
In a fading town, far from anyone he knew or trusted, a young Lemony Snicket began his apprenticeship in an organization nobody knows about. He started by asking questions that shouldn't have been on his mind. Now he has written an account that should not be published, in four volumes that shouldn't be read. This is the first volume.


This starts out with a great deal of intrigue when Snicket finds himself in a café with people he calls his parents, but things are not what they seem. As I am a huge fan of mystery in any form, I am naturally taken in.  I actually started reading this as a research endeavour, for a steam punkish middle grade that I am intending on writing as my next project.

Snicket is certainly famous for this kind of genre, so I thought I would read the best in the business.  Interesting how the writer in me, became instantly critical.

The story for me, meandered along, with excessive details, and descriptions I found myself getting very tired with. Lemony is apprenticed to an eccentric women, who seem to do nothing but want to control him, and teach him little, and she constantly uses large words then explains them, which felt so jolting and lesson like.

I did like the quirkiness of the mystery, but as the book drew to a close, I was 300 pages in and no wiser as to what was happening.  It set up for a second book very much so, which has been published, but I couldn't help wondering, what kid would read this at the age of 10, with all that I have mentioned so far.

The illustration throughout were simple and kitchy, which I enjoy, but didn't really add very much to the story for me.   
 
 So, this is not so much review, but a research project.

How would this story captivate children, especially reluctant readers, and why are these kinds of books even pitched to kids.

It is a mystery to me, so if anyone has kids that love these books, I would love to hear it.

Until then folks, happy hopping.
 
 
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Facebook fan page in the Facebook Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours as well as your hosts' Facebook pages. Be sure to follow some folks with similar interests and like & share posts that catch your eye. If you do not have a Facebook profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Pinterest, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, etc.). 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
3. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

FACEBOOK LINKY PARTY

(***Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop***)


KID LIT BLOG HOP

Wednesday 3 June 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #61 Lulu by Georgie Donaghey

Kid Lit Blog Hop
Welcome to the 61st Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! This week, we are excited to be including a Google+ Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms.  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Spark and Pook

 


 
I am so excited to bring you this book review.

Lulu by Georgie Donaghey and Ann-Marie Finn
 
 
Book Description:
Lulu’s life was quite cosy and nice, with mountains of fish and even more ice. But something was missing, something wasn't quite right. She dreamed of the stage, she yearned for the lights. Join Lulu on her adventure and see what she discovers…
 
 My Review:
 
From the first page, you can't help falling in love with Lulu. This beautiful polar bear with something more on her mind than her cosy life of fishing amongst the ice.
Lulu longs for the lights of the stage, and will be never content to only dance in front of a pack of sea lions.
When her friends remind her of her place, Lulu packs up and heads for the city. 
Opening night, the butterflies flutter and tickle her belly, but Lulu doesn't give in to her limbs wobbling like jelly.
She conquers the stage with polish and grace, night after night with a smile on her face.   
Her dream of performing has certainly come true, but Lulu is lonely and misses her crew.
She heads on home, to find her friends have built her, her very own show.
 
Lulu's life is once again cosy and nice with her wonderfully supportive friends on the ice.
 
I read this with my almost 4 year old who was captivated from start to finish. We loved the whimsical rhyme that flowed so smoothly, making this a great read aloud.  The stunning illustrations by Ann- Marie Finn bring Lulu to life. Every page is so beautiful I wanted to print them to put upon my little girls walls. My absolute favourite illustration is this one.
 
 
The overarching theme of following your dreams but keeping grounded in yourself is expertly woven into the story, making this a book I suspect will be read over and over again in our household.
 
My final thoughts:
Georgie Donaghey has a true sense of what entertains children and I believe this will be a great addition to any child's book shelf ages 3-6.
 
FYI, This is Georgie's debut of which we are incredibly impressed.  Not only is she an author, she is also runs an amazing Aussie children's book review site, with loads of tips, tricks and links for new and aspiring authors. 
 

 
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Google+ profile page in the Google+ Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours as well as your hosts' Google+ pages. Be sure to follow some folks with similar interests and share posts that catch your eye. If you do not have a Google+ profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Pinterest, Facebook, etc.). 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
3. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

GOOGLE+ LINKY PARTY

(***Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop***)


KID LIT BLOG HOP

Thursday 21 May 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #60

Kid Lit Blog Hop
Welcome to the 60th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! This week, we are excited to be including a Goodreads Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms.  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Spark and Pook

Today I have a very special book to share with you from one truly awesome author friend of mine.
 
 
 
 
Anzac: The Story of a Little Goat
Written and Illustrated by Jacque Duffy
 
Description: What happens when a little goat wants to be part of a family. What lengths will he go to to win them over.
 
My Review:
 
Anzac was won in a two up game and sent to live on a cow farm. The cows happen to be an unfriendly bunch, so Anzac decides he will live in the house with the family.
 
The family are not so convinced. Anzac does every thing he can think of to get the family's attention. He plays with the kids, impersonates the family dog, tries to help the father in the vegetable garden, ( that doesn't end well) and even curls up in bed like the cat, but the family will have none of it.
He is banished to the barn with the cows, when the local butcher arrives.
Anzac looks at the family with sad Anzac eyes when the butcher drives off with him in the back of his truck.
Poor Anzac. What will his fate be?  All he wants is to be loved by a family. 
He befriends the butcher's little girl and finally gets his wish.
 
There ends the tale of a little goat named Anzac.
 
This is a sweet story, about perseverance as we journey with Anzac in his bid to find love and acceptance.
There is however, a little more to the story than first meets the eye.
 
 
If you are an Australian, you will need no explanation of how Anzac got his name.
 
For those of you who have no knowledge of our history, the name Anzac stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corp.
Two up was a game that soldiers played during war time. The Anzac's as we remember them every year on April 25, were the brave soldiers that attempted to capture Gallipoli peninsular during World War 1.
 
This battle has great significance in Australian history, not for victory, but for devastating loss of life.
 
For as long as I can remember, I attended dawn services on April 25. Leading up to the day, we buy red poppies as a sign that we will never forget the sacrifice the soldiers made.
At the service, An Ode To The Fallen, an excerpt from a poem by Laurence Binyon is read.
 
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
 
The last post, a melody that signals the end of a soldiers day, is played, a minutes silence is observed followed by Revielle, which means wake up.
 
As an Australian, you cannot help but read stories like Anzac, without a tear close to the surface.
 
This is a lovely little book, that will hopefully open up dialogue with children all over the world, when they ask, "What Does ANZAC mean."
 
LEST WE FORGET
 
Thanks for joining in our hop.
 

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!


 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Goodreads profile page in the Goodreads Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours as well as your hosts' Goodreads pages. Be sure to friend or follow some folks with similar interests and like any reviews that catches your eye. If you do not have a Goodreads profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Pinterest, Facebook, etc.). 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
3. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

GOODREADS LINKY PARTY

(***Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop***)


KID LIT BLOG HOP

Thursday 7 May 2015

Kid Lit Blog Hop #59

Kid Lit Blog Hop
Welcome to the 59th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! This week, we are excited to be including a Pinterest Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. These linky parties are designed to give you the opportunity to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents through your various social media platforms.  

Children's Book Week Kindle Fire (Kids Edition) Giveaway

If you haven't entered yet, be sure to check out the Children's Book Week Kindle Fire, Kids Edition Tablet giveaway hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews where you can enter to win a brand new Kindle Fire HD 7", Kids Edition tablet + a $50 Amazon gift card to buy some new books (can substitute a $200 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash). This giveaway is open worldwide and ends May 31, 2015. No purchase necessary. Just click the image below to take you there. Children's Book Week Kindle Kids Edition Giveaway 2015

On to the Hop...

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Music Teaching and Parenting

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

A Book Long Enough

Spark and Pook

 
 Today I have a book review by a fantastic author that I have come to admire greatly.

Edward Trayer, writing under the pen name of Billy Bob Buttons, also runs the Wishing Shelf Independent Book awards, of which Frankie Dupont book 1 won the silver award for 2014
Check It Out

Edward won the 2014 People Book Prize Uk, and he does amazing book tours throughout the UK, independently promoting his books. 

His success is inspiring.  Now onto the book.

Description from Amazon
 
My name is Tiffany Sparrow and my job is to slay spooks. It can be messy work, but I enjoy it. Mostly. I get to do a lot of travelling which is fun, but often just to crumbling tombs and spidery cellars. My mum was a slayer too; and so was my grandmother. I miss them terribly. They were killed, you see, by Grimdorf the warlock, so now there's only me and my old grandad left. But the word on Voodoo street is... GRIMDORF'S BACK! And he's brought a few of his pals with him.

  
My Review 
Billy Bob Buttons has done it again, with this fast paced, action packed, super engaging story for middle grade readers. Tiffany Sparrow is not your average girl. She is the only scythe wielding, but kicking, spook slayer left in Devil's Ash since her mum and grandmother were will killed by Grimdorf, the warlock. She lives with her gramps who gives a new meaning to gourmet cooking, and is mostly happy. That is until she has a run in with Atilla The Hun, a rather pesky pizza eating spook, at the Crusty Crypt Inn and learns that Grimdorf is BACK. Tiffany knows that's just not possible.

Her mum and grandma may have perished at Lurch Manor during their shown down with Grimdorf, but they did eliminate him. Or so the townsfolk and her gramps thought. Tiffany is no longer so sure. A strange boy spook keeps visiting her, giving her odd clues as to Grimdorf's intentions.

Tiffany realises that she has one battle royale on her hands when spooks, who should be all mist and goo, are starting to actually throw things at her. If she is going to keep her reputation as well as free Devil's Ash from her arch nemesis, she will have keep her wits about her, and Hell's Talon of course, her trusty scythe. Oh did I mention, Grimdorf stole it from her.


A fun and engaging story, that will keep even the most reluctant reader on the edge of their seat. I am fast becoming a firm fan of Billy Bob Buttons.
 
Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

 

Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*

1. LINKY PARTY: Add the link to your Pinterest profile page in the Pinterest Linky Party list below. Be sure to visit at least the two links directly before yours, say hello and repin something that catches your eye and follow folks as per your interests. If you do not have a Pinterest profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). 2. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
3. KID LIT BLOG HOP: Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

PINTEREST LINKY PARTY

(***Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop***)


KID LIT BLOG HOP