tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89185368658827395582024-03-13T21:04:32.742+11:00When I Grow up I Wanna Write a Kids BookJulie Anne Grasso, author.
Welcome to my adventure into the realm of self publishing and all the bumps and scrapes on the way. I love sci fi, yes I own a Tardis, and I write middle grade sci fi /fantasy and mystery preferably with a cupcake in hand.Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-70380887103870675772018-11-19T12:42:00.000+11:002018-11-19T12:43:29.891+11:00Stamp Safari Blog Tour<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the Stamp Safari Blog Tour</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXXle80Gw8tXL1zWdQCglwRVX3euZ6lPXgqkJU3Yv3iMnF0drCFPns2knqZ3Y6MGeyPEFLXaQiWKdUa8nolPhN6XirxgffcgmVbfXaeacx7s77vdE10Z8Dx72bh7jyoY6g8LrT1Afv38/s1600/Max+booth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXXle80Gw8tXL1zWdQCglwRVX3euZ6lPXgqkJU3Yv3iMnF0drCFPns2knqZ3Y6MGeyPEFLXaQiWKdUa8nolPhN6XirxgffcgmVbfXaeacx7s77vdE10Z8Dx72bh7jyoY6g8LrT1Afv38/s320/Max+booth.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About the book:</span></div>
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A tiny piece of paper from the year 2019 might not sound very interesting
to most people. But Max and Oscar – Bluggsville’s sharpest sleuths – aren’t
most people! Max has a hunch that this ancient patch of paper might be
valuable, and extremely rare.
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Max is right – this isn’t just any old piece of paper. It’s a strange,
sticky thing called a postage stamp, and it’s more than 400 years old! It’s
an exciting discovery, but before long, it leads Max and Oscar into some
very sticky situations… </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our review:</span></div>
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Book 3 in the Max Booth Super Sleuth series, we jump right into the action. Max finds a strange little sticky piece of paper among some of the junk Jessie, is curating for the Bluggsville museum.</div>
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Set in the future 2424 in Skyburb 6, a floating city in the sky, we journey with Max and his robot dog on the hunt to discover the origin of this mysterious sticky picture paper. What follows is a roller coaster adventure, with Max and Oscar weeding out the clues.</div>
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We especially loved how the mystery was solved. It spoke deep to our seriously nerdy sci fi/mystery loving core, and also tugged a little on our heart strings.<br />
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Cameron's writing style is instantly engaging and my 7 year old daughter and I were riveted to this book. Weighing in at 130 pages with its larger print and fun illustrations, I'm certain kids approximately aged 7-9, who are ready to move on from series like Zac Power, will really love this futuristic sleuth series. We certainly want to back track to read the first two books. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/books/max-booth-future-sleuth-book-3/" target="_blank">Where to buy</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTHQ53OkCbC5AGvja9vCFRYBksUUakyr4LRI1C8sGFFRV_zQPVGzuvpMb1-RB7AEbhoAaQV2EsCZtMBX2PHd1dbPztB6INKWmyyJsIuZy_EQvpzONDnstGv7EbU-HwYAwHvUEIXP9SMM/s1600/Cameron+Avatar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="243" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTHQ53OkCbC5AGvja9vCFRYBksUUakyr4LRI1C8sGFFRV_zQPVGzuvpMb1-RB7AEbhoAaQV2EsCZtMBX2PHd1dbPztB6INKWmyyJsIuZy_EQvpzONDnstGv7EbU-HwYAwHvUEIXP9SMM/s320/Cameron+Avatar.jpg" width="216" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About Cameron:</span></div>
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My writing career started at the age of 18, when I wrote a story about a
high-school computer hacker. No one wanted to publish it. Then I wrote a
poem about a piano-playing monkey. No one wanted to publish that either.
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Worried that no one would ever publish any of my own books, I became an
editor so that I could interfere with the books of others. Then, in 2008, a
lovely publisher asked me to write a book about the Beaconsfield mine
disaster. That was the beginning of a new direction - writing for the
classroom. And now, with the publication of the Max Booth Future Sleuth
series, I'm excited to be writing for an even wider audience. I hope you
enjoy.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cameronemacintosh.com.au/bio" target="_blank">Jump over to Cameron's Website</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hop on over to the blog tour below, for more zany adventures.... </span></div>
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Monday Nov 12 - Wednesday Nov 21
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog" target="_blank">
www.justkidslit.com/blog
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PLUS!
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Monday Nov 12
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<a href="http://sharingyourstory.com.au/" target="_blank">
http://sharingyourstory.com.au/
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Wednesday Nov 14
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<a href="http://www.readforfun.com.au/" target="_blank">
www.readforfun.com.au
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Thursday Nov 15
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<a href="http://www.meganhigginson.com/blog" target="_blank">
www.meganhigginson.com/blog
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Friday Nov 16
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<a href="http://www.intheirownwrite.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">
www.intheirownwrite.wordpress.com
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Monday Nov 19
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<a href="http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/" target="_blank">
blog.boomerangbooks.com.au
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Tuesday Nov 20
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<a href="http://www.kelliebyrnes.com/" target="_blank">
www.kelliebyrnes.com
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Wednesday Nov 21
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<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">
www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com.au
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-86788403484781771462018-06-29T10:32:00.002+10:002018-11-22T17:43:04.810+11:00Finding Granny<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the last stop on the Finding Granny Blog Tour</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SQ-AI5CvHcCEW490NL_xrwyTqdZi0nKPBdgwI1qL5Ay4nyIFK9jMAcQkhMrQEeem9gJwCzUahhRyYf90alZizQEl0OTHc2X8LWW_cJ1k46f5K2BYadCItOxnz28LbdWQ7UYAxEPKR9w/s1600/Finding+Granny+Cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SQ-AI5CvHcCEW490NL_xrwyTqdZi0nKPBdgwI1qL5Ay4nyIFK9jMAcQkhMrQEeem9gJwCzUahhRyYf90alZizQEl0OTHc2X8LWW_cJ1k46f5K2BYadCItOxnz28LbdWQ7UYAxEPKR9w/s320/Finding+Granny+Cover.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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by Kate Simpson</div>
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Kate is children's author and podcaster based in Sydney, Australia. Her debut
picture book, Finding Granny, will be in bookshops in July 2018. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhmZ9XjhJQnxpkupfXkBg8PIAIw74KqGhrpW55Fv2wy9ZfrOw9AyQBMKyxMjwbwujbcEqOOMOeHPxyjXuGgSKBPC1xVCKfbBSzgAKuMHkgAxsuQkIc7X5-T_YxxPvIhpsqUHhbQdqd5Q/s1600/Finding+Granny+Author+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhmZ9XjhJQnxpkupfXkBg8PIAIw74KqGhrpW55Fv2wy9ZfrOw9AyQBMKyxMjwbwujbcEqOOMOeHPxyjXuGgSKBPC1xVCKfbBSzgAKuMHkgAxsuQkIc7X5-T_YxxPvIhpsqUHhbQdqd5Q/s320/Finding+Granny+Author+1.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About The Book</span></div>
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Every two seconds, someone in the world suffers a stroke.
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In Finding Granny, that someone is Edie’s beloved grandmother. When Edie
comes to the hospital, she is confronted by the physical changes in her
grandmother: muddled words, a crooked face, a woman confined to bed. This
isn’t the ‘playtime, bedtime, story-time pantomime Granny’ that Edie knows.
But when her mother takes Edie to watch one of Granny’s art therapy
sessions, Edie starts to understand that the Granny she loves is still
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Review</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Edie's Granny is loads of fun. She's never one to shy away from the odd bucket of slime and when there's ice cream on offer, Granny is the first to share.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So when something happens to Granny, and she has to go to the hospital, Edie is convinced the lady who can't talk like Granny, or walk like Granny, can't possibly be Granny. </span></span></div>
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Edie is even a little scared of Granny, until Mama shows her all the wonderful ways Granny is learning to do things again.</div>
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In this heartfelt picture book, Kate Simpson touches on a topic which so many young children face. When an illness like a stroke, causes changes in a much loved family member.</div>
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With the beautiful water colours by Gwynneth Jones, we watch as Edie and Granny come to find the common ground again.</div>
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A place where they understand the world will never quite be the same, but they can navigate the changes with love and compassion.</div>
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This book reminded me of when my own Grandpa had a stroke, and the changes I witnessed as a child.</div>
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A book like this would have given me such insight into his daily struggle, but also the wonderful blessing of still having Grandpa with us, no matter how different life had become.</div>
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I highly recommend this book for any little folks who have family enduring the life changing effects of stroke....</div>
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Bravo to Kate and Gwynneth for tackling this difficult subject.</div>
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And don't forget to drop by Kate's website, </div>
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<a href="https://www.katesimpsonbooks.com/books" target="_blank">Go Here</a></div>
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And jump back to the other stops on the tour.</div>
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Sunday July 1 - Saturday July 7
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog" target="_blank">
www.justkidslit.com/blog
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Monday July 2
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<a href="http://sharingyourstory.com.au/" target="_blank">
sharingyourstory.com.au
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Tuesday July 3
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<a href="http://intheirownwrite.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">
intheirownwrite.wordpress.com
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Wednesday July 4
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<a href="http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/" target="_blank">
blog.boomerangbooks.com.au
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Thursday July 5
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<a href="http://readingtime.com.au/" target="_blank">readingtime.com.au</a>
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Friday July 6
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<a href="http://brydiewright.com/" target="_blank">brydiewright.com</a>
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-48778059321620461072018-04-29T08:22:00.002+10:002018-05-04T11:10:30.637+10:00Trouble In Toon Town by Maura Pierlot<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">About the Book</span></div>
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Title: The Trouble in Tune Town<br />
Author: Maura Pierlot Illustrator: Sophie Norsa Target: 6+ <br />
ISBN: 9781925545333 <br />
Hardback RRP: $24.95<br />
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Description:<br />
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<![endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Joint Winner, Best
Children's Illustrated E-Book in the IPPY Book Awards 2018</span></b><br />
Meg is Tune Town’s best music performer, but she’s having
trouble rehearsing. So much trouble, in fact, that the notes have run right
off the sheet! Can Meg find the notes in time for her big concert? Or are
they closer to home than she thought? A colourful book for
music-loving-and-learning kids of all ages. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our Review</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Right off the bat, or should I say <i>baton</i>, the sketch and water colour images in this delightful picture book really give it a melodious feel. Illustrator Sophie Norsa has created a color filled feast of musicality as we learn of Meg's dilemma. Her notes have gone missing, they've stepped of the page causing musical machinations in tune town.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM66-S68rUSVjoUbF_1PqyvFYS3y5T-o6oU51QilmB0GbGp2GuIObPysk8MDn5hyphenhyphenwB_cTJ9bOwNeSJ2HqDwJws28yrnY8AfslxSE11bBDkabymrBP3p-ruebhRohG9fjA76V1zbk3NqKo/s1600/Toon+town+image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="1024" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM66-S68rUSVjoUbF_1PqyvFYS3y5T-o6oU51QilmB0GbGp2GuIObPysk8MDn5hyphenhyphenwB_cTJ9bOwNeSJ2HqDwJws28yrnY8AfslxSE11bBDkabymrBP3p-ruebhRohG9fjA76V1zbk3NqKo/s320/Toon+town+image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As every child learns, when first starting out, music and making it doesn't come easy. It takes hours even years to get it right. Meg feels her song is all wrong, so she gives up. The notes take it personally and try to find a new home, but they just don't fit in anywhere.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eventually the conductor suggests Meg hum. The notes hear her tune, like they're being called home. On with the show, Meg takes a big step and makes melodies, regardless of them being prefect and the trouble in Toon Town is finally relieved. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maura Pierlot's words are peppered with musical jargon and along with giving the reader a fantastic visual of how notes work on the page.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I read this to my six year old, who thought it was interesting and entertaining, having very little musical knowledge, I'm ashamed to say, since her mother can sing and spent years learning piano.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ms Pierlot has also provided a grand glossary of all the musical terms, which was extremely helpful when discussing with my little one. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I highly recommend this beautifully created book to any young budding maestro, or perhaps those who've never been exposed to the wonderful world of music. </span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">About the Author: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ias-Nl96bCsWVjMfyKxSo4QMltHIHnDsiMQqaThE7ClmjTFqTgahFAdFgGzJIECSlT6Dsm-WwdOWHlcBJ9oyPRtu-XKpWRQ3GqJ1_S1dnaOau_ibaGjufWLHPqBTq69xsf3-cZm-e5Q/s1600/Maura+Pierlot+with+Millie+%2528002%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ias-Nl96bCsWVjMfyKxSo4QMltHIHnDsiMQqaThE7ClmjTFqTgahFAdFgGzJIECSlT6Dsm-WwdOWHlcBJ9oyPRtu-XKpWRQ3GqJ1_S1dnaOau_ibaGjufWLHPqBTq69xsf3-cZm-e5Q/s320/Maura+Pierlot+with+Millie+%2528002%2529.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maura loves words and has been writing ever since she can
remember. Her children started music lessons at an early age, but never
really enjoyed practising their instruments, often becoming frustrated when
they couldn’t play the right notes. Maura thought learning a song should
focus less on playing the notes correctly and more on experiencing and
enjoying the music. This was the inspiration for The Trouble in Tune Town,
Maura’s first picture book, and its heartfelt message: If you’re having
fun, then you're playing all right. Maura also writes for the stage and for
young adults. Over the years, she has crafted news and information as a
medical journalist, magazine editor, small business owner, marketing
consultant and ethicist. She has a PhD in philosophy and enjoys talking
about big ideas. Maura lives in Canberra with her husband and their three
children, now teenagers. She loves the touch and feel of books, old
typewriters, thunderstorms and cheesecake. She enjoys spending time with
family and friends, and travelling to new places. She tries to learn
something new every day, but to make it fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://maurapierlot.com/" target="_blank">Maura's Website</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">About the Illustrator </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sophie’s artistic talents were soon discovered by New
Frontier Publishing, as a work experience student there. She has written
and illustrated her own book, Lisa Absolutely Loves Art, and her
illustrated work for Yellow Dress Day put her on the shortlist for the 2013
CBCA Crichton Award. Her other illustrated works include Matilda Saves
Santa Claus, Emilia Mouse, Elephant Kitten and Where Do Teachers Go at
Night? Sophie enjoys playing across styles and mediums of illustration.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Don't forget to jump on and check out the tour...<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sun Apr 22 - Sat May 5
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog">www.justkidslit.com/blog</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mon Apr 23
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kelliebrynes.com/">www.kelliebrynes.com</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wed Apr 25
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://telltalestome.wordpress.com/">
telltalestome.wordpress.com
</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thu Apr 26
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingtime.com.au/">readingtime.com.au</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fri Apr 27
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
educateempower.blog
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sun Apr 29
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/">blog.boomerangbooks.com.au</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mon Apr 30
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sharingyourstory.com.au/">sharingyourstory.com.au</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mon Apr 30 Facebook Event Party
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Facebook.com/groups/thetroubleintunetownevent
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tue May 1
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://karentyrrell.com/">karentyrrell.com</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wed May 2
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://missielovesbooks.com/">missielovesbooks.com</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thu May 3
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://meganhigginson.com/blog">meganhigginson.com/blog</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fri May 4
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com.au/">
whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com.au
</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just Write For Kids & Books On Tour
<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/books-on-tour">
www.justkidslit.com/books-on-tour
</a>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/booksontouraus">
www.facebook.com/booksontouraus
</a>
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/booksontour_aus">
www.twitter.com/booksontour_aus
</a>
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/booksontour_aus">
www.instagram.com/booksontour_aus
</a>
</div>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-43112160207208202372017-12-07T11:09:00.001+11:002017-12-07T11:09:31.704+11:00Blog Tour: Brave and Strong All Day Long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhWU_2JI3j34VYQFHxWP6JePk_JIVfQhFyqUjtMrR3bmSwPFEOnkMdI1FqJFR7jNeGwIbaQqtIWJ4mtPb8YU0uEQviS_dLuTQZyiIbPA51UNh3sj2_Act6bUoJ0nNWPkLz-eiXmEuzTM/s1600/Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="828" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhWU_2JI3j34VYQFHxWP6JePk_JIVfQhFyqUjtMrR3bmSwPFEOnkMdI1FqJFR7jNeGwIbaQqtIWJ4mtPb8YU0uEQviS_dLuTQZyiIbPA51UNh3sj2_Act6bUoJ0nNWPkLz-eiXmEuzTM/s320/Design.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi folks, welcome back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today we are happy to be a part of the Just Write For Kids blog tour, for Elizabeth Cummings delightful new picture book.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Description:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Fiona, a lifeguard. She keeps everyone safe on her beach. Discover
her resilience and strength and how she came to be brave and strong all
day long. This is the fourth title in this series.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our Review</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DAyPHz1YMygf6Xp-3DiwqvgR5dNFo-vqnCEKSUdP_XlFPtYwvX7jSbD4cBGrTID8ZRXmikng6wwBeRoT7Mv3wmR3LV_j4DLfgliGxWoDlCPuX8jQENvhaON1YTpU3xrqBC1ZJMzVO3c/s1600/BASADL+final+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DAyPHz1YMygf6Xp-3DiwqvgR5dNFo-vqnCEKSUdP_XlFPtYwvX7jSbD4cBGrTID8ZRXmikng6wwBeRoT7Mv3wmR3LV_j4DLfgliGxWoDlCPuX8jQENvhaON1YTpU3xrqBC1ZJMzVO3c/s320/BASADL+final+cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As a little girl, Fiona loved to surf on her pink surfboard. The boys sometimes teased her, but Fiona didn't care. One day, she saw a little boy struggling to swim. She didn't hesitate, she helped him back to shore on her pink surfboard.<br />
As Fiona grew, she often helped the lifeguards, until she joined the surf club.<br />
Her love of the waves and her joy in helping people only grew, until she became a life guard herself.<br />
Rescuing people became part of her everyday, because Fiona is brave and strong all day long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRPpTDK6Be3BH4S9rrpWxx3jasGYOcYkyM_BPmGDeXHl1i0N5DMbspsB9-XJ8Tqu08lxA0nzENVFIsWdq1VF1BSiyeiA_PXs-57Bh7OwiNzdF4qlYl7ENBUubf3p6KoH7N2PsoucQgs4/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRPpTDK6Be3BH4S9rrpWxx3jasGYOcYkyM_BPmGDeXHl1i0N5DMbspsB9-XJ8Tqu08lxA0nzENVFIsWdq1VF1BSiyeiA_PXs-57Bh7OwiNzdF4qlYl7ENBUubf3p6KoH7N2PsoucQgs4/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
A lovely message, about a true hero on the shore. I was delighted to share this story with my little girl, showing her that she can do anything if she puts her mind to it, and no matter what others say, stay true to yourself and follow your dreams.<br />
<br />
That's what Elizabeth Cummings book imparts. Bravo!<br />
<br />
We recommend for children ages 3-8.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">About the Series</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy69kyg0u2AHjnzuvvi1RPozzGBW178OmIna8PezCs4emDAexFk3KOQS8Y9mdG16HHYIhNxl5diA_TW2QTrB6_kW4Qw5XDCdcuRv_W_l1ryAqbaIpUpkdxNfVmg25jCD1ccx-oM-PHg2M/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy69kyg0u2AHjnzuvvi1RPozzGBW178OmIna8PezCs4emDAexFk3KOQS8Y9mdG16HHYIhNxl5diA_TW2QTrB6_kW4Qw5XDCdcuRv_W_l1ryAqbaIpUpkdxNfVmg25jCD1ccx-oM-PHg2M/s320/IMG_1118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Have you wondered about what other people do? The ordinary, everyday people - the people that make our lives the way they are, those who help us, care for us, look after our town and do the little things that make a difference to our lives. Have you ever caught a little glimpse of their little routines or the daily habits? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be them?
In "Verityville" there are many amazing folk, all going about their daily business, making the town what it is. Their work and their efforts make "Verityville" a marvellous place to be, full of wonder, friendship and adventure!
Come take a trip to "Verityville" and meet some of the wonderful people who live and work there! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> About the Author</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQSGGjSpWVRq6l3r4zfp6kOzBqmni9Dr5ZXFn6VbPUpesn3XePg_ANdeXFM4mjCE5HLhvOetE-kNDVlGqVst3xXtPkXkkikkfs-IgGIRfMopA8R40cDYMh3Uk1-go5i5gPhf6dB_67vU/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQSGGjSpWVRq6l3r4zfp6kOzBqmni9Dr5ZXFn6VbPUpesn3XePg_ANdeXFM4mjCE5HLhvOetE-kNDVlGqVst3xXtPkXkkikkfs-IgGIRfMopA8R40cDYMh3Uk1-go5i5gPhf6dB_67vU/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" /></a></div>
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"Formally a primary school teacher from UK, I now live in Sydney writing for children and adults alike. My works often take a child's perspective to explain the world and to reflect on important life experiences. My poetry is aimed at general audiences and as well as working on some collaborative ventures and YA projects.
My work with 'Elephant in the Room' has lead to presenting at an international storytelling conference at Mansfield College in Oxford UK and a distribution contract with Dennis Jones & Associates. I have published four books to date and won last year's SCWC Writer's prize for a poem about gender and identity." - Elizabeth Cummings
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more of Elizabeth's books head to</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/search.ep?author=Elizabeth%20Cummings" target="_blank">Book Depository</a> </span></div>
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<b>
"For more information on blog tours at Books On Tour please visit</b></div>
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<b> <a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/books-on-tour" target="_blank">
www.justkidslit.com/books-on-tour
</a>
." </b></div>
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<b>Monday December 4 - Friday December 8</b>
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog" target="_blank">www.justkidslit.com/blog
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<b>PLUS!</b>
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<b>Wednesday December 6</b>
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Vanessa Ryan - <a href="http://www.educateempower.blog/">www.educateempower.blog</a>
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<b>Thursday December 7</b>
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Brydie Wright -
<a href="http://www.brydiewright.com/" target="_blank">
www.brydiewright.com
</a>
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<b>Friday December 8</b>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Georgie Donaghey -
<a href="http://www.creativekidstales.com.au/">
www.creativekidstales.com.au </a></div>
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Julie Grasso -
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com.au/">
www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com.au
</a>
</div>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-2620595531205911562017-11-08T12:10:00.000+11:002017-11-08T19:25:38.716+11:00So Wrong 2 by Michael Wagner and Wayne Bryant: Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span id="freeText6147756620505627921"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi folks,</span></span><br />
<span id="freeText6147756620505627921"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have another great book review to share with you.</span></span></span><br />
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<span id="freeText6147756620505627921" style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So Wrong 2</span> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UChBBIlni96X0hnriS8rB7Gp7cK7NlI21f8nK67_TejEokwrObi_Tt1tG46DSOhSeiZsek98D0VrPQlDqzwAXDH4BdHNA9i3lBldp4sNSGlGUeQfewWyapar3AvdMcdb3qJWWxapzR0/s1600/So+Wrong+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UChBBIlni96X0hnriS8rB7Gp7cK7NlI21f8nK67_TejEokwrObi_Tt1tG46DSOhSeiZsek98D0VrPQlDqzwAXDH4BdHNA9i3lBldp4sNSGlGUeQfewWyapar3AvdMcdb3qJWWxapzR0/s400/So+Wrong+2.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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<span id="freeText6147756620505627921">Michael Wagner and Wayne
Bryant are back with So Wrong 2 and it appears they’ve learned NOTHING
from their previous mistakes. With a fresh cast of inappropriate
characters, including: <br />Nan the Forgetful Nudist, <br />Warren the One-Legged Wonder Dog, <br />Steve McSpleen (a real human spleen), <br />BIG Red Riding Hood <br />and Tomas the Tank, <br />there
was never really any hope that this book would turn out sensible ... or
reasonable ... or even tolerable. And it’s lived up to all
expectations.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We loved So Wrong to bits...</span><br />
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If you are interested you can read my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1712152064?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank">Goodreads Review</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So Wrong 2 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Did not disappoint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">My six year old had her nose buried in it for quite a few nights, which is a clear sign of a hit. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once again we have the ever phonetically verbose Mitey Mikey with his life wisdom. My daughter did announce that she was smarter than Mikey, because he can't spell... he he, how humble they are with their youthly wisdom. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our favourite character is Warren the One-Legged Wonder Dog. I won't spoil it for you, but the little guy has guts and, well, only one leg, but his tail makes up for what he lacks in traditional appendages. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once again Michael has poked fun at some rather illustrious classics with wit and humour that keeps getting better. Our favourite add break was Body Parts R Us, and I am keen to put some So Inappropriate tips into action, so look out at the next wedding, or perhaps hospital visit for some wildly inappropriate behaviour...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wayne Bryant is a master at hilarious depictions of Michael's words. What a humourforce (I made that word up, if Mitey Mikey can, so can I...) they've become.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The verdict is in! This is going to be another book that reluctant and confident readers will gobble up. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We can hardly wait for a third installment...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">About Michael</span></span> </span><br />
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Michael Wagner is the Melbourne-based author of more than 70 books for children which include the much-loved <i>Maxx Rumble </i>series, six funny and heart-warming stories about a family called <i>The Undys, </i>the best-selling picture book <i>Why I Love Footy, </i>and many more.</div>
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Before becoming a children’s author, Michael worked for ten years as
radio broadcaster with the ABC, wrote and produced award-winning
television animations, and penned everything from advertising copy to
songs and comedy. He’s also the founder of Billy Goat Books.</div>
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You can find out more about Michael from his fun and revealing website.<br />
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<a href="https://www.billygoatbooks.com/" target="_blank">Billy Goat Books</a> </div>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-42357597960641154002017-10-30T14:03:00.005+11:002017-10-31T18:46:10.611+11:00Lizzy's Dragon Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrmSmoIHXB8572XimOpFCSVoxY0w1akWJXkocYYyJvd3znfnqY9tS0nrZAmTx0ir8n1m0Cfg06-5xLUq1saNibnaknWCh3cOXSM8SKEM0coM-uUCrORGuFbQHgNmnyWtSB5C7CyQ_hjU/s1600/Lizzys+Dragon+frontCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1047" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrmSmoIHXB8572XimOpFCSVoxY0w1akWJXkocYYyJvd3znfnqY9tS0nrZAmTx0ir8n1m0Cfg06-5xLUq1saNibnaknWCh3cOXSM8SKEM0coM-uUCrORGuFbQHgNmnyWtSB5C7CyQ_hjU/s400/Lizzys+Dragon+frontCover.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hi folks and welcome to the Lizzy's Dragon blog tour. This book is by my dear friend</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Melissa Gijsbers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I am so utterly proud of her achievement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm joining in as the last stop on the tour, so be sure to scroll down to visit all the other stops. You won't regret it. There are some great author interviews, teaching notes and general awesomeness about the book. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Book Description: </span></div>
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<span id="freeText2199779615069729911">When she finds an odd
looking egg in the forest behind her house she decides to hide it in her
bedroom in the hope that it will hatch into a lizard. What she gets is
'Bubbles', the oddest, fastest growing lizard she has ever seen. It
doesn't take long for her annoying little brother to discover her secret
pet. It also doesn't take long for Bubbles to grow out of her room.
Lizzy begins to wonder whether Bubbles is a lizard at all, or something
even more amazing. But how will Lizzy keep Bubbles a secret? And what
will happen to Bubbles if anyone finds out about him?</span></div>
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<span id="freeText2199779615069729911">Published 25 June by Morning Star Publishing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Review:</span></div>
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Lizzie finds an odd shaped stone in the forest behind her house. She takes it home, hiding it from her pesky little brother Joey, who gets in to everything. It doesn't take long for Lizzie to realise, that it isn't just any old stone. Its growing, and growing fast, into an egg...<br />
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When a cute little lizard hatches, Lizzie thinks all her dreams have come true. She's always wanted a pet, but her parents wouldn't let her have one.<br />
When the little lizard starts sneezing water, everywhere, and growing exponentially, Lizzie can't hide it in her room anymore. She finds a cave in the forest and deposits, Bubbles, the names she has decided to call her lizard.<br />
Lizzie grows to love Bubbles, and her lizard grows to become ... well, a water dragon actually.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A water dragon that can fly!</span><br />
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Bubbles and Lizzie have the best fun, flying over the town, and nobody knows what they are up to.<br />
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Tragedy strikes when a bush fire begins spreading throughout the town. Lizzie is desperate to help, and Bubbles begins to shine. His water wielding ways save the town and he and Lizzie become quite the hero's. They even manage to win over pesky little Joey, who was being a bit naughty earlier on in the story when he threatened to out Lizzie pet to her parents.<br />
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This was a beautiful little story, which I started reading without the six year old, but once she saw the cover, she wanted to read it herself.<br />
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Racing to catch up to my bookmark, she read it so voraciously. I had to chuckle when I would find her in her room reading while she was supposed to be getting ready for school.<br />
We soon caught up and read the ending aloud.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She announced it was a great book, and was keen for a second.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We highly recommend this delightful read to for kids aged 6-8 who are branching into chapter books, and love a sweet dragon story. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35792594-lizzy-s-dragon?from_search=true" target="_blank">Find it on Goodreads</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGijsbers/" target="_blank">Drop by Melissa's Facebook Page</a></div>
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And don't forget to swing by the other stops below. </div>
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<b><u>Monday October 23<sup>rd</sup></u></b>
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Romi Sharp - Review + Book Trailer
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog" target="_blank">www.justkidslit.com/blog</a></div>
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<b><u>Tuesday October 24<sup>th</sup></u></b>
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Character Q and A
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog">www.justkidslit.com/blog</a>
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<b><u>Wednesday October 25<sup>th</sup></u></b>
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Author Article </div>
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog">www.justkidslit.com/blog</a></div>
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Brook Tayla: Tell Tales to Me – Review
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.telltalestome.wordpress.com/"> www.telltalestome.wordpress.com
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<b><u>Thursday October 26<sup>th</sup></u></b>
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Activities
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog">www.justkidslit.com/blog</a>
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Megan Higginson: ‘In Conversation With…’ Interview
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.meganhigginson.com/blog"> www.meganhigginson.com/blog
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<b><u> </u></b>
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<b><u>Friday October 27<sup>th</sup></u></b>
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Giveaway / Chat Details
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog">www.justkidslit.com/blog</a>
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Vanessa Ryan: Educate Empower – Review
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.educateempower.blog/">www.educateempower.blog</a>
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<b><u> </u></b>
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<b><u>Monday October 30<sup>th</sup></u></b>
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#InterviewByBook / Excerpt
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/blog">www.justkidslit.com/blog</a>
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<b><u> </u></b>
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<b><u>Tuesday October 31<sup>st</sup></u></b>
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Lizzy’s Dragon Profile Page
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<a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/books-on-tour/on-tour-with-melissa-gijsbers-and-lizzys-dragon" target="_blank">www.justkidslit.com/books-on-tour/on-tour-with-melissa-gijsbers-and-lizzys-dragon</a></div>
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Julie Anne Grasso – Review
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<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com.au/"> www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com.au
</a>
</div>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-8860967476992182752017-10-16T14:45:00.003+11:002017-10-16T18:13:57.308+11:00The Scared Book by Debra Tidball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQzmVQsgYGAY9iOUaREW_7WEQIShdk-wJC9pfX0-2LC7eD2Q84wiqulhZUyfHDNE1264ajPBYVKGNoRTKzzI8EVp_H_CxcFPcdY5Ma-yAGpfmfGmTkzbdnqvvZTn8CoM3IydaNIeupW8/s1600/The+Scared+Book+cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQzmVQsgYGAY9iOUaREW_7WEQIShdk-wJC9pfX0-2LC7eD2Q84wiqulhZUyfHDNE1264ajPBYVKGNoRTKzzI8EVp_H_CxcFPcdY5Ma-yAGpfmfGmTkzbdnqvvZTn8CoM3IydaNIeupW8/s320/The+Scared+Book+cover.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi folks welcome back to my little corner of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I have a delightful new release for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Scared Book by my dear friend Debra Tidball </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Illustrated by Kim Siew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Published by Hachette in 2017 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We open with some scary monsters...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But oh, the book is too scared to continue...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With tingling spines that you might have to help scratch...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Goosebumps you must help rub away... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And one of my favourites, butterflies tickling insides, that must be blown away...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB911QYWA3rr8Gl4XROlCIboCmnppMnM4LQDQ_lb3fQmI_e-AG8jNwxPfjl5Zl95XLWTW-fi-BBcG6hOHIVFLo-eKzOr3oLUkrWdDJP-r-b2kXN5QXQrAZrCG7xwqkz_8btrvJg2vmpnE/s1600/butterflies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB911QYWA3rr8Gl4XROlCIboCmnppMnM4LQDQ_lb3fQmI_e-AG8jNwxPfjl5Zl95XLWTW-fi-BBcG6hOHIVFLo-eKzOr3oLUkrWdDJP-r-b2kXN5QXQrAZrCG7xwqkz_8btrvJg2vmpnE/s320/butterflies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kids will be clambering for this one....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I can't tell you how the books ends, but I will add, there are some tender moments too. It's not all just madness and mayhem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This page is my little G's favourite. She traced the entire spiral and reported how calm she felt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkedL8MgwJYW0cUAdbEzLjryphMw89ncmhvGURymbGPEl4jMNj9WJDTOmRz-cLapJdwuGq4FtkbJOeDts8aHHMt8P_ebTAoDYfbJ01-aTlV2MIIJiyeSoKWx-HgC7CiJ0_g_YO__CWao/s1600/Spiral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkedL8MgwJYW0cUAdbEzLjryphMw89ncmhvGURymbGPEl4jMNj9WJDTOmRz-cLapJdwuGq4FtkbJOeDts8aHHMt8P_ebTAoDYfbJ01-aTlV2MIIJiyeSoKWx-HgC7CiJ0_g_YO__CWao/s320/Spiral.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is no doubt, this is one awesome read aloud for ages 3-7. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To find out more about Debra's books head on over to</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.debratidball.com/" target="_blank">her website</a> </span></div>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-18403964664626485022017-09-16T16:02:00.001+10:002017-09-25T06:06:05.393+10:00Quick Review: Rusty Buster and Patch Versus The Opera by Adam Wallace, Illustrated by Serena Geddes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BcvqLC_IGYRL5pVXsf6h4rtV0jiGJiNeqBf5Hk7l_p9gUngkDoQuta1u_onhkln6taADwc2lrl5NBNASPSyJpGPkGpAzHAmf4_jSFCoN4KH895-1T1ItTfxpYFMOWgXSJr67OYTNUuQ/s1600/RB-and-P-Opera-Cover-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="606" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BcvqLC_IGYRL5pVXsf6h4rtV0jiGJiNeqBf5Hk7l_p9gUngkDoQuta1u_onhkln6taADwc2lrl5NBNASPSyJpGPkGpAzHAmf4_jSFCoN4KH895-1T1ItTfxpYFMOWgXSJr67OYTNUuQ/s320/RB-and-P-Opera-Cover-front.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Review:</span></div>
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Rusty, Buster, and Patch are up to their usual antics like surfing a silver tray in their underwear, and stomping their fathers flower patch.</div>
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Mum Marnie has had it, she is going to give them some class.</div>
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With the donning of pants and little boy suits and top hats, the boys are off to the OPERA.</div>
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Yes, you read that correct, the opera. Three little boys at the OPERA. Nothing could possibly go wrong!</div>
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Complete with a tub of Monkey Business, a jar of cultured yoghurt, not to mention a Tv with Oprah programmed in, even a cake nestled in their jackets, they set of with Mum to make their mark.</div>
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And make their mark they certainly do. I better not give away the ending, but there will be hot dog selling and a certain young lad singing the final stanza.</div>
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Told in Marx brothers style, this three act catastrophe will have your young-uns giggling in the aisles, and perhaps even singing the odd final note.</div>
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My six year old laughed her way through this entire book and had to take it as her book week book. </div>
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Illustrations by Serena Geddes, make this such a fun book.</div>
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Another great installment from Adam Wallace, who has firmly planted his feet in our hearts. We suggest for ages 6-9.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About Adam:</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Wallace</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">New York Times Bestselling author. Golfer. Napper. Singer. Collingwoooooood supporter. Right-handed. Right-footed. Left-parted. He also writes, daringly different and super awesome books. Plus, he loves Zombie's. Nuff said</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.adam-wallace-books.com/rusty-buster-and-patch/" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-15699546233873523762017-09-14T18:38:00.002+10:002017-11-08T10:56:21.998+11:00Quick Review: Family Hugs by Michael Wagner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNyf4pGiujIGW_rr9crxb2wIg1P7oj2VwbixxWcdNq7c4o4hSqGOExlMjX9Zw89A8uv3d7AAI78rOBhyphenhyphenntZG4hl_Bhk7P6boTXSbuIk07v8zvwY2iB2g5gHMfy7A6Ckagtkt7O6GEUSQ/s1600/Family+Hugs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNyf4pGiujIGW_rr9crxb2wIg1P7oj2VwbixxWcdNq7c4o4hSqGOExlMjX9Zw89A8uv3d7AAI78rOBhyphenhyphenntZG4hl_Bhk7P6boTXSbuIk07v8zvwY2iB2g5gHMfy7A6Ckagtkt7O6GEUSQ/s320/Family+Hugs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Family Hugs </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">by Michael Wagner</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and Adam Carruthers</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Description: </span></span><span id="freeText18062424249959409629">In this playful, but
thoughtful picture book, illustrator Adam Carruthers perfectly captures
the sentiments of four Michael Wagner poems about families and how they
support and nurture their members. Suitable for pre-schoolers and early
primary aged children, Family Hugs both warms the heart and tickles the
funnybone, while providing much to reflect upon about how loving
families function.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText18062424249959409629">We got this for our boy wizard, aged 2, to add to our rapidly expanding library.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText18062424249959409629">I was delighted Michael Wagner has published a book with Hugs as the theme. I love the idea of a book about hugs, as my kids can't seem to get enough of them. There must be something in them. Fuel for the soul I suspect.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText18062424249959409629"> </span></span><span id="freeText18062424249959409629"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Review:</span></span></div>
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview2123464383">A
big family cuddle, a spag bol dinner, a stern family meeting, even an
arty family party, Family Hugs has it all. Or if perhaps your having a
bad day, this book will chip away at at your despair. With such a motley
family tree, Family Hugs will leave you with one monstrous family hug.
Written in rhyme so delightful it will have you chortling from beginning
to end, and illustrations I wish I could cut out and stick on my walls,
we highly recommend this wonderful edition to your little people
library. Great for ages 3-6</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText18062424249959409629">A little about Michael:</span></span></div>
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Michael Wagner is the Melbourne-based author of more than 70 books for children which include the much-loved <i>Maxx Rumble </i>series, six funny and heart-warming stories about a family called <i>The Undys, </i>the best-selling picture book <i>Why I Love Footy, </i>and many more.</div>
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Before becoming a children’s author, Michael worked for ten years as
radio broadcaster with the ABC, wrote and produced award-winning
television animations, and penned everything from advertising copy to
songs and comedy. He’s also the founder of Billy Goat Books.</div>
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You can find out more about Michael from his fun and revealing website.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText18062424249959409629"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText18062424249959409629"><a href="http://michaelwagner.com.au/WP/bookshop/" target="_blank">Billy Goat Books</a> </span></span></div>
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-38260093541035122492017-08-10T20:02:00.000+10:002017-09-25T06:07:01.329+10:00Ruby Lane by R J Simon<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span id="freeText11938786563932075164">Well it's been a little while since I've written a review, and I am delighted to bring to you</span></div>
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<span id="freeText11938786563932075164">Ruby Lane </span></h2>
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<span id="freeText11938786563932075164">by RJ Simon</span></div>
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<span id="freeText11938786563932075164">Description:</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">Ruby is overexcited
again, and her brain is spinning creative ideas so fast it feels like
her head could explode! Luckily, it’s school holidays, so she’s allowed
to stay up late, reading adventure stories and playing dress-ups with
her cat. But when things get out of control, Ruby decides that helping a
crazy pirate cat return a malfunctioning book to its rightful owner is
the only logical solution…<br /><br />* Humorous and mysterious, this book is a fantastical adventure for middle-grade readers worldwide!</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">Ruby is super excited to be visiting her Grandmother for a week. However on her journey there, she encounters a peculiar little cat, dressed like a pirate, carrying a book. When the cat begins to talk like a pirate, Ruby is suitably astounded. The pirate cat is on a quest to return the book to the Great Poet Gerry.</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">Ruby is drawn into the quest, rather unwillingly to start. All Ruby has to do is help the little pirate cat get back to his ship. No worries, easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Oops, I better not give some of the story away, he he. Everything does not at all go to plan and what follows is a rollicking adventure, full of cat scans, which are not at all what you think. Picture a cat purring in your ear and claiming to fix all manner of ailments, as well as fairies powered by beans and a dread pirate rotter who is one dastardly villain. </span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">Ruby has to overcome many fears, face many dangers and put up with one very piratey pirate cat, in order to find his ship and return to the magic book to the Great Poet Gerry. What could possibly go wrong.</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">This was a fun read, and my six year old absolutely loved it. She was gripped from the first page and was adamant that we must read a chapter every night, until it was done.</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">RJ Simon has woven an entertaining tale, full of quirky characters and action packed adventure. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself talking like a pirate long after the book is through.</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">The little one gave it 5 stars. Great for ages 7-9.</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">For more information about the book, head on over to</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129"><a href="http://www.booksbyrjsimon.com/" target="_blank">RJ Simon's Website</a></span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129"> Note:</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17890330501190000129">We received a copy in exchange for an honest review. </span></div>
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-24274837509847661452017-03-20T07:10:00.000+11:002017-03-21T07:54:32.940+11:00How Do I Write With A Toddler In The House<div style="text-align: center;">
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I've been asked a lot lately, how do I write with a toddler in the house? To be more specific, with a toddler and a five-year-old kid in prep school, in the house.</div>
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I decided to put some thoughts on paper, because actually, until I really thought about it, I didn't realise I actually have strategies to make it happen.<br />
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I know there are millions of writer mum's out there, navigating the baby years, which inevitably move forward into the school years.<br />
I've seen a few lot of posts about the school years, none about with a toddler in the house, which is quite a deal different. When it comes down to it, what do I actually do to achieve my writing goals.<br />
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If I am going to be even more philosophical, why do we even have writing goals? <br />
Here are my reasons. <br />
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1. I value myself. 2. I value my writing. 3. I believe I can make a contribution to society in doing so. 4. I truly enjoy writing.<br />
I have managed to write and independently publish and market seven books to date, not including the unpublished manuscripts that I am submitting for traditional publication as well.<br />
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Sure my family comes first, but being a mum does not exclude me from being a writer. Sometimes we need to pan back from the microscope and look at the big picture.<br />
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<a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/angietribecatbs-26BRAOXYRG5xhpHVu">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<br />
<br />
I can do both, and in fact, I believe there is no better time in life to write than when you have a young family.<br />
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<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/spongebob-3oEjHV0z8S7WM4MwnK">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<br />
I have chosen to stay home with my kids, leaving the world of nursing behind me, and I can truly say I do not regret it for a moment. So how do I do it?<br />
<br />
I set myself realistic goals. I know a lot of authors profess that they write every day. I have a young family. I continually struggle with energy levels and I have a toddler at my side, 14 hours of the day, not to mention the demands of my five year old who has just started prep.<br />
She is gone for 6 hours of the day. My toddler sleeps for approximately 2 hours during the day. I want to write every day, but it doesn't happen. <br />
<br />
Once my girl is at school and my toddler's head hits the pillow, I have a snack, so that I'm not distracted. I sit at my computer, call up my latest manuscript, put on my dictation headset, enable DragonDictate, and I write. Usually an hour maximum.<br />
<br />
I do not dictate punctuation, it interrupts the flow. I manually add punctuation as I go, which gives me time to think about what I will dictate next. I write until I cannot write any more. When my energy runs out, I stop. I rarely push myself. I do not write well when I am fatigued. So I write what I can, then I save it.<br />
<br />
I save my documents by date. This gives me an idea of how many days in the week I have written.<br />
<br />
I also keep track of my word count. I don't have a great attention span, being perpetually tired. I do not beat myself up at a low word count. Even 50 words are still words. To me, 1200 words in a day is a minor miracle. But as we know, every word counts.<br />
<br />
Some days, the toddler doesn't sleep, or I have an appointment, or something fun to attend. Those days I know will be unproductive when it comes to writing. I have found my most efficient time for writing is during the day, so when that toddler goes to bed, I do not plan any housework, or even consider it. This is my sacred writing time.<br />
<br />
When my first child stopped sleeping through the day, I lost my daytime writing time. I struggle to write at night. I can edit at night, without any trouble as the words are already there, but I can't be creative. If I was going to have any writing time, I had to get up early, and hour before everyone else. 5 am became my sacred writing time.<br />
<br />
When my second child came along, sleep deprivation once again destroyed that plan. I needed to snatch sleep when I could. I didn't stop writing, but I did negotiate writing time with my husband.<br />
<br />
Every weekend, when I felt like I had enough energy, I would sneak upstairs with my computer and headset. I would shut the door and block out the world of family and obligations.<br />
It was my sacred writing time, even if it was only an hour on a weekend, sometimes two.<br />
Regardless, I managed to write an entirely new manuscript of 46 thousand words, by doing this.<br />
<br />
My office is a Harry Potter cupboard under the stairs. It's in our living area, so I can snatch moments on email and facebook etc during the day when the toddler is in the high chair, or I don't know, making his own lunch. Just kidding! Sure, there is no privacy, or quiet moments when your office is in the living room, but I gets it done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJwMa2IVUAFIZl_RjPiryv_zWSz3k5MgknmvPERHYkZ8f2QkZin9OOdsFN3t5MdXgAavhecRqADqvDdZI-l6Uq-i_nCxBBv21ZPQPfnx1npE83WazXP_UWixnovC6TSmfeBC4f6lbWGQ/s1600/My+office+2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJwMa2IVUAFIZl_RjPiryv_zWSz3k5MgknmvPERHYkZ8f2QkZin9OOdsFN3t5MdXgAavhecRqADqvDdZI-l6Uq-i_nCxBBv21ZPQPfnx1npE83WazXP_UWixnovC6TSmfeBC4f6lbWGQ/s320/My+office+2017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In essence, the long and the short of it is, writing is in my blood. It is my career, and so I pour into as much as I possibly can, without it effecting the everyday workings of having a young family.<br />
<br />
I often set myself deadlines, but I make them really generous. I am to have this manuscript finished by this month and then I calculate out the days until that deadline. Then I calculate the words needed to write to make my goal. This gives me a great incentive to get it done.<br />
<br />
I also book in editing with my editor well in advance. As I use a freelance editor, I have to be spot on in my delivery, so I also make that part of my motivation.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. How I write with a young family.<br />
The house may not always look like a vogue catalogue, but my family is fed and have clean clothes and I get to live my dream at the touch of my fingertips.<br />
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That is how I write with a toddler in the house.....<br />
<br />
Until next time.....</div>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-15562397391171169672017-02-16T06:20:00.001+11:002017-09-25T06:07:39.254+10:00Blog Tour: Pickle and Bree by Alison Reynolds + a Critique Giveaway and a Slush Pile pass!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<h3>
<b>
I am delighted to welcome my friend Alison Reynolds, author of numerous
books including the wonderful: A new friend for Marmalade and of course
the hugely popular Pickle and Bree series. </b></h3>
<h3>
<b>We are the last stop in the blog tour, but you can jump back to the other hosts, to find out more about Alison's books. Trust, me, there is some real gold to be read, so I hope you hop along.</b></h3>
<h3>
<b> </b></h3>
<h3>
<b> </b></h3>
<h3>
<b>Boomerang Books: <a href="https://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/doodles-drafts-blog-tour-alison-reynolds/2017/02" target="_blank">Click to read</a></b></h3>
<h3>
<b>Pass it on: <a href="https://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/blog/" target="_blank">Click to read</a> </b></h3>
<h3>
<b> Creative Kids Tales: <a href="https://www.creativekidstales.com.au/" target="_blank">Click to read</a></b></h3>
<h3>
<b>Buzz Words: <a href="http://diannedibates.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Click to read</a></b></h3>
<h3>
<b>Aussie Reviews <a href="http://aussiereviews.com/2017/02/meet-my-book-pickle-and-bree-by-alison-reynolds/" target="_blank">Click to read</a></b></h3>
<h3>
<b>Just Write For Kids: <a href="http://www.justkidslit.com/" target="_blank">Click to read</a></b></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
</div>
<div align="center">
<h3>
<b>Let’s start with a little about Alison and her books.</b>
</h3>
</div>
<div align="center">
<h3 align="center">
<b>
<i>So Alison, tell us, how did you get the idea for Pickle and Bree?</i></b><b><i> Did you pitch it to a publisher, or were you asked to write the
series? This always puzzles me.</i></b></h3>
<h3 align="center">
<b><i> </i></b></h3>
<h3 align="center">
<b><i> </i></b></h3>
</div>
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<h3 align="center">
<b><i> </i></b>
</h3>
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
I was fortunate to be commissioned to write this series. The publisher sent
me an illustration of Pickle and Bree and asked, “Would you like to work
with these characters?” I said “YES”. Previously, they had mentioned the
possibility of me doing a series on manners for 4 – 8 years. I’ve already
written quite a few series on manners. This is not something that I ever
would have thought would become a bit of a speciality, but I actually do
think manners help create a gentler, nicer world.
<br />
<div align="center">
<b> </b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b>
<i> </i></b></div>
<h3 align="center">
<b><i>After brainstorming, how much does the original text change for a
Pickle and Bree Story? </i></b></h3>
<h3 align="center">
<b><i> </i>
</b>
</h3>
<div align="center">
The gist of the original text stays the same, but the text does often
change. I really enjoy this process of chipping away at the text. One of
the amazing things for me when writing picture books is how important each
word is. The editor will often point out something, then I think and think
and come up with a new line. Unfailingly, this is always an improvement on
the original text. The more Pickle and Bree books I write, the easier it is
to dive back into their characters and the plot soon emerges.
</div>
<div align="center">
<b><i> </i></b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b><i> </i></b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b>
<i> </i></b></div>
<h3 align="center">
<b><i>Seeing the illustrations for the first time from Mikki Butterley,
were you blown away? We certainly think they are exquisite!!! </i></b></h3>
<h3 align="center">
<b><i> </i>
</b>
</h3>
<div align="center">
My first reaction was a gasp of disbelief. How does she do it? Whatever
situation I come up with I never need to think will Mikki be able to
illustrate this? She always can brilliantly. I also love the details she
adds to her illustrations and how she creates such a complete world. I feel
so fortunate to work with her!
</div>
<div align="center">
<b><i> </i></b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b> </b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b>
<i> </i></b></div>
<h3 align="center">
<b><i>Now you have two new books coming out by Five Mile Press to be
released February 2017.
</i>
</b>
</h3>
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<b>
<i>
I am dying to get my hands on this one below for my little G
starting school this year. Can you tell us about them?</i></b></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LYvOrBiXqDFi03s_8lF5V32leyJDYos4vRtRcTHehj11M06SQeGqTYxybQeIFQDUgYdL01yx5VBgRFZelkN-WAUA36onHX8BiG4omZXHuSO0sua2WsrefrrEEm5TRpZQrOlWSLZCWVs/s1600/Pickle+and+Bree_Playground+Meanies_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LYvOrBiXqDFi03s_8lF5V32leyJDYos4vRtRcTHehj11M06SQeGqTYxybQeIFQDUgYdL01yx5VBgRFZelkN-WAUA36onHX8BiG4omZXHuSO0sua2WsrefrrEEm5TRpZQrOlWSLZCWVs/s320/Pickle+and+Bree_Playground+Meanies_COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i> </i>
</b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b><i> </i></b>
</div>
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<b><i> </i></b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b><i> </i></b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
The editor suggested I write a book about bullying. My 7 year old niece was
staying with us, and said some girls bullied her by saying she wore pink
runners and she didn’t like feeling different. This resonated with me. Some
children wouldn’t care if somebody commented on their shoes, but others
would. So the THE PLAYGROUND MEANIES arose where Pickle and Bree are
spending a day outdoors with their good friend, Jason. They’re excited to
explore the playground, and are even more excited about making some new
friends―until they meet two little bears who are not very friendly at all!
Pickle is puzzled when the meanies try to tease him about his big feet,
because he knows they are big and he likes them that way. However, his
sensitive friend, Jason, is upset by the meanies’comments. Pickle and Bree
have to deal with the playground bullies.
</div>
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
My Review:</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Pickle and Bree and their friend Jason, meet two rambunctious koala bears in the playground, they don't quite know what to do. Howard and Gracie begin poking fun at Jason's panda bear feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pickle being a bear, offers them a slightly rude suggestion, but Bree encourages him not to be mean. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They try ignoring Howard and Gracie, but they seem intent on making even bigger fun of Jason's big feet. Pickle takes the matter in hand, as only a bear can with the most ferocious roar, but that doesn't really have the desired effect. Howard and Gracie just high tail it out of there, returning later with a picnic of honey buns. Intent on continuing their meany ways, the koala bears find themselves in a spot of... well, what can I say, that would give it away. When Jason steps in, literally to save the day, Howard and Gracie realise that different isn't always bad. It's what makes us special. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved the resolution here, and the fact that all the way along, Bree encourages Pickle and Jason to find a solution, without retaliation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The end pages sport a full page of Pickle and Bree's Guide to Good Deeds, which were just wonderful. Five practical ways that children can process what it means when people are being unkind, and strategies to help them see their way through it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must admit, I did shed a tear on the fifth, knowing that my little girl is at this very moment attending her third full day of prep school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cannot wait to share this beautiful book with her teacher, as I know it will go along way in setting the tone for the years to come. Great for ages 4-8.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brilliant story Alison and Mikki.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
I give it 5 stars! </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Now onto the next one, take it away again Alison</h4>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
THE BIG SNOW ADVENTURE explores why we should follow rules. Pickle and Bree
are off for a holiday in the snow! Bree can’t wait to try skiing, and
Pickle is excited about snowboarding — but Pickle and Bree are so
enthusiastic that they forget they’re sharing the space with their friends.
Pickle and Bree need to figure out how to have fun while making sure their
friends have fun too.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
MY REVIEW:</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pickle and Bree are ready for a snow adventure, but it seems, neither of them have remembered their manners. Pushing in line, ignoring the teacher's instruction, racing down the mountain collecting anyone on the way, and doing their level best to win regardless of anyone else. When the two finally realise that their friends no longer want to play, they examine their actions, and try to make amends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I really enjoyed this one equally, as we see the shoe on the other foot. Pickle and Bree being the ones to not follow the rules, and to suffer the consequences. I loved this opposite take on the traditional way of imparting the story, which usually has the main character doing every right, and pointing out what others are doing wrong. This really encourages children to examine their own behaviour, its impact on others and how to adjust according.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As per usual, we conclude with Pickle and Bree's Guide To Good Deeds, where we learn five reasons why rules are there to be followed, and the consequences when they are ignored. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another fantastic book, Alison and Mikki,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I give it 5 stars also! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<b>
Now, a little bit more about Alison. The way we met was through her generosity of spirit, and her
desire to create an event for aspiring writers to meet the super star
publishers of Australia.
</b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b>Will you tell us a little about KidlitVic?</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRExT0RjGKhw4abPmmMeVNw1fD5Jz1lyEt5HB_3icSMK_6MkNkHmJuyfnMb_lls8Uf9cQvKJ3EtERR3cisIqO3FmGieb4lul37Qde46xhNPUl3vOM5DWVfRgfZHpKIAAr8bCXmk3twKo/s1600/kidlitvicimage.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRExT0RjGKhw4abPmmMeVNw1fD5Jz1lyEt5HB_3icSMK_6MkNkHmJuyfnMb_lls8Uf9cQvKJ3EtERR3cisIqO3FmGieb4lul37Qde46xhNPUl3vOM5DWVfRgfZHpKIAAr8bCXmk3twKo/s1600/kidlitvicimage.com.jpg" /></a></div>
<b> </b>
</div>
<div align="center">
I love Melbourne and firmly believe that as a UNESCO City of Literature we
needed an event in Melbourne where writers and illustrators of children’s
and YA literature could meet with publishers. KidLitVic Meet the Publishers
was established giving new, emerging and established writers and
illustrators the opportunity to meet and hear from industry professionals
about publishing children's and YA books in the current Australian market.
</div>
<br />
This year we are extremely proud to have 20 publishing professionals
attending. With discussion panels of industry experts, the opportunity for
a fifteen minute one-on-one manuscript or illustrator portfolio assessment
with one of Australia's leading publishers, writing and illustration
workshops and the chance to network with other creators, KidLitVic 2017
will kick-start, build, reinvigorate and strengthen your creative career.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For information head on over to <a href="http://www.kidlitvic.com/" target="_blank">Kid Lit Vic</a> This year is completely sold out now, but I highly encourage anyone interested in gaining a foot into the Australian publishing industry, to check it out for next year. </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
NOW FOR THE INCREDIBLE PRIZES!!!</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
BOOK GIVEWAYS!
</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Just leave a comment on any of the posts in the blog tour, comment on
facebook or twitter or even email <a href="mailto:alrey@msn.com.au">alrey@msn.com.au</a> to win a copy of The
Playground Meanies or The Big Snow Adventure.
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
JUMP THE SLUSH PILE IS BACK!
</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Win an opportunity for a children’s editor at The Five Mile Press to look
at your picture book submission (strictly 500 words or less). Just comment
on any of the posts in the blog tour and add initials JSP.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OR
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Win a free picture book assessment by the author Alison Reynolds. Just
comment on any of the posts in the blog tour and add the initials PB.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember the more you comment, the more chances you have to win.
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
TEDDY BEAR CONTEST FOR ALL AGES!
</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Win a print of Mikki Butterley’s fabulous artwork from one of these two
books. Just send a photo or drawing of your favourite teddy to <a href="mailto:alrey@msn.com.au">alrey@msn.com.au</a> or upload to
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/alison.reynolds.524">
https://www.facebook.com/alison.reynolds.524
</a>
or Twitter @AlisonReynoldsa
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Competitions close March 24<sup>th</sup> and winners to be announced and
contacted by March 31<sup>st</sup>.
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you so much for joining us Alison and I am looking forward so
much for the release of your new books.
</b>
</h3>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be sure to stop by her website.</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.alisonreynolds.com.au/" target="_blank">Alison Reynolds</a></span></span></h3>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></h2>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-86412041795254220762016-10-13T10:18:00.001+11:002017-09-25T06:08:35.039+10:00Who is Fitzy Fox by Amelia Trompf: The making of a book trailer<div align="center">
Hi Folks and welcome to the Who Is Fitzy Fox Blog tour.<br />
I am so delighted to bring this to you in reading land, as this book has been delighting us for a few weeks now.<br />
<br />
We highly recommend it for ages 4-8, especially with Christmas coming up. Fitzy Fox's search for his identity, takes him through some truly wonderful places in Melbourne and beyond, and we absolutely loved reading it. The illustrations were so fantastic we want them in print form. Amelia and Jennifer have stopped by to give us the skinny on how they made their wonderful book trailer.<br />
<br />
Until next time folks, enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Making of a Book Trailer</u></b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gBhMwuzG8zA" width="560"></iframe>
<b><u> </u></b>
</div>
<b> </b>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Who is Fitzy Fox?</i>
is a newly released debut picture book written by Amelia Trompf and illustrated by Jennifer Bruce. When Amelia started researching ways to help promote her
book, she discovered the wonderful world of book trailers and decided she would like one for her book! Here Amelia and Simon Cottee (the book trailer’s
animator) talk about how the book trailer came into being.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Amelia, can you tell us how about your book trailer first came about?</b>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the release of my debut picture book <i>Who is Fitzy Fox? </i>being imminent, I have been frantically trying to do a crash course in picture book
marketing and for me, one very pleasant discovery was the existence of book trailers. Of course I knew about movie trailers but not book trailers!
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided that I would have a go at creating one for <i>Who is Fitzy Fox?</i> so I started searching the Internet for ideas. </div>
I did an online video-making
course and put together a fairly simply slideshow video with a few whizz (but definitely amateur) bang animations. I then started to think about the
soundtrack. Sitting in my son’s toddler music class listening to the teacher, Erynne Binns, soothing the crazy little folk at the end of the class by
beautifully singing <i>The Lion Sleeps Tonight,</i> I suddenly though how brilliant it would be if she could write a song for the trailer. She produced a
song way beyond my expectations that added another dimension and perspective to the story. I was thrilled; I love it when creative people get inspired and
take a project to a different level.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFThI_h1M3355xchHFlOhzVhWaswI4CMwwCDxN9tYAaZh9iGrfZU-fR2odwea_efeUNjqJQY4vDmNpa43kY3QfBiR-Y2_w_UX0eQWZygtjaSpa1RtsP4SpuyzO3b1ZjDZIYndjbO4tqw/s1600/Fitzy+fox+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFThI_h1M3355xchHFlOhzVhWaswI4CMwwCDxN9tYAaZh9iGrfZU-fR2odwea_efeUNjqJQY4vDmNpa43kY3QfBiR-Y2_w_UX0eQWZygtjaSpa1RtsP4SpuyzO3b1ZjDZIYndjbO4tqw/s320/Fitzy+fox+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
After I heard the song, however, I was in a quandary. The song Erynne had written was too beautiful for my simple little slideshow video and trying to get
the slides to fit the timing of the song was doing my head in. So I started asking around for anyone who could make simple animations. I considered online
animators who are very cheap but didn’t want to send the illustrations to someone overseas that I didn’t know. Then one night as I lay awake listening to
the snores of my husband, I suddenly remembered that he had a cousin who was an animator in Canada. I had only met my husband’s cousin once when he was a
teenager and conscious that my project was very small, I was a little tentative about asking him but thankfully he agreed. I sent him the video I had
already made to give him some ideas but just like Erynne, he created something way beyond my expectations and again added his own perspective.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_rHBF6KdzXIhYnN4Iv8TegSn1YzjzfYWcpAYBY9wrULeLAVWWcWKqntduQt8WcVuG0413CYYCnIbj0QuQRcBXkvwdoqjgHhY-t1NH4I5zf0w4Jy5xinUwowA35Kj9oEfFwtXL1jG_B0/s1600/Fitzy+fox+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_rHBF6KdzXIhYnN4Iv8TegSn1YzjzfYWcpAYBY9wrULeLAVWWcWKqntduQt8WcVuG0413CYYCnIbj0QuQRcBXkvwdoqjgHhY-t1NH4I5zf0w4Jy5xinUwowA35Kj9oEfFwtXL1jG_B0/s320/Fitzy+fox+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b> </b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Simon, can you tell us a bit about the creative process of making a book trailer? </b></div>
<b> </b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
G'day Guys! My names Simon Cottee and I put together the animated trailer for the beautiful book <i>Who is Fitzy Fox?</i>. Here is a brief rundown of the
creative process that went into it.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First, Amelia provided me with her story and the beautiful illustrations along with the song <i>What Floats for You</i> by Erynn Brinns. The trailer came
together easily because of Erynn's song! It has a great underlying rhythm to it, so I found the editing just needed to hit that rhythm and it would feel
good. I'll admit I came to that conclusion much later than I should of, as on reflection it's so obvious (a good learning moment for me)!<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1wZnS4L8ty5dD58WTnWZRteEGdHCCzUbNtjLCk9rWgHz-f8eBahgjqsowShO-5Jiqr3aMgCEwVzoBhzNJ38G-2rwmRl49qj35n1CEDHCs9VB3J4sO7TxkQMKe_qUXO8SZCmYIYGp9a4/s1600/Fitzy+fox+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1wZnS4L8ty5dD58WTnWZRteEGdHCCzUbNtjLCk9rWgHz-f8eBahgjqsowShO-5Jiqr3aMgCEwVzoBhzNJ38G-2rwmRl49qj35n1CEDHCs9VB3J4sO7TxkQMKe_qUXO8SZCmYIYGp9a4/s320/Fitzy+fox+3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
The fact that Jennifer's illustrations had such character and colour to them also made my job really easy. I sourced her original HD artwork for most of
the trailer and modified them here and there to create some movement (painting out characters and separating them from the backgrounds) and in a few cases
used them as a reference to create some new more "animated" movements. To animate this I used a digital animation software called TVPaint where I drew
frame by frame with a Wacom tablet into the computer. I compiled it all together in the software called After Effects, which I also used to make some
multiplane camera moves, which create a bit of depth. So the trailer is basically a montage of moments from the story, as I attempted to give a general
feel for the book, but also not give too much away.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was one of those rare projects where it all came together without a struggle and left me feeling relaxed and calm. What a pleasure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsxNTGB6rRw3CU1WhP16lT3Em1tFSdxiUsgE4DqstV7MJ7-T7sCv7FRCoqFbuqGbLtM0Hrnl-7rbrjYQakijKZMf5gsXVHauCOXLa-OWWhEgPuRglvGqq2AlmxGS12YzrwmYkLJR8XkE/s1600/Amelia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsxNTGB6rRw3CU1WhP16lT3Em1tFSdxiUsgE4DqstV7MJ7-T7sCv7FRCoqFbuqGbLtM0Hrnl-7rbrjYQakijKZMf5gsXVHauCOXLa-OWWhEgPuRglvGqq2AlmxGS12YzrwmYkLJR8XkE/s320/Amelia.png" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Besides writing, Amelia Trompf teaches part-time and spends the rest of the time with her young son who luckily loves reading as much as she does. They
spend many hours at the local libraries reading books together. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for Amelia’s son to discover mummy wrote a picture book on the
library shelf next time they go!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OXqC3xiXNSOB98cNg4YnGAosM3GkntwrUjaZH1127f2B_ce2-R0Lm0jegDi-JO2irRrSKjwZjQqGu4X-_uI2yCdgIsdePXiC9xQpRBbX924XBtYZt3dUSadDVAuTyj_E_yEB6HXgJfs/s1600/Jennifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OXqC3xiXNSOB98cNg4YnGAosM3GkntwrUjaZH1127f2B_ce2-R0Lm0jegDi-JO2irRrSKjwZjQqGu4X-_uI2yCdgIsdePXiC9xQpRBbX924XBtYZt3dUSadDVAuTyj_E_yEB6HXgJfs/s320/Jennifer.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jennifer Bruce grew up in Dunblane in Scotland. She loved reading and drawing when she was young and particularly liked drawing animals. After finishing
school, she went to Art College and then worked as a jeweller and a creative skills instructor in a hospital as well as a drawing tutor. <i>Who is Fitzy Fox?</i> is the first book Jennifer has illustrated and she had great fun creating the character of Fitzy Fox and drawing the places in
Melbourne and London that he visits.
</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<b><u>MEET THE BOOK</u></b></div>
<div align="center">
<b><u> </u></b>
</div>
<div align="center">
<b><u> </u></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Title: </b>
Who is Fitzy Fox?
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Publisher: </b>
Little Steps Publishing
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Author: </b>
Amelia Trompf
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Illustrator: </b>
Jennifer Bruce
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Available: </b>
Now </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fitzyfox.com/" target="_blank">Go To Fitzy Fox Website</a></div>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-50926987489165511952016-06-01T14:57:00.001+10:002016-06-02T16:08:53.426+10:00Aussie Authors Skype Visits<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am pretty excited to announce that I am finally able to offer skype visits in 2016.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Focused around my Frankie Dupont Mysteries</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGNxu9TzWqzuW2Ux4D86zkqR13mKMweCm8CXWtUZL2K2pS7ZCAMKrFPDZjUNM_HW1Okd_PKqvF2zAfXiKoqn_mSbWISEWYmfaMF3ildS3dHRq_2QONcPlwSFMjoz1zfQ-dAer0et-UGQ/s1600/FrankieDupont_Cover08_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGNxu9TzWqzuW2Ux4D86zkqR13mKMweCm8CXWtUZL2K2pS7ZCAMKrFPDZjUNM_HW1Okd_PKqvF2zAfXiKoqn_mSbWISEWYmfaMF3ildS3dHRq_2QONcPlwSFMjoz1zfQ-dAer0et-UGQ/s320/FrankieDupont_Cover08_web.jpg" width="202" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pEd8-XCPgRpEyF4ERM1ZUKdrwL5H0-ItqymHQNnZP6KuCo1dwUfU3hFqjPydXQWJHQ1omdl9ZCPSXfNlo8AmtihnK0zmZX4oh_gmHU85I4OZ_6rIXkskgi8mYaHcgj5BZukxZR7-wU0/s1600/Ebook+cover+Lemon+Festival+Fiasco+final+14+March+2015+Hi+Res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pEd8-XCPgRpEyF4ERM1ZUKdrwL5H0-ItqymHQNnZP6KuCo1dwUfU3hFqjPydXQWJHQ1omdl9ZCPSXfNlo8AmtihnK0zmZX4oh_gmHU85I4OZ_6rIXkskgi8mYaHcgj5BZukxZR7-wU0/s320/Ebook+cover+Lemon+Festival+Fiasco+final+14+March+2015+Hi+Res.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqyVjPcjmuerKcdd6hvia076cF_2-GkObNPAHeYd6t-k3vM5KwYD7hf6r6bhelOO3vn01LUSs63X3QdGHKtCxiDoSMXpYMGDVVAVXtHiTJ4YsteAqvrLg_oyMX3P7fqHJi3bUKuxl1uI/s1600/FrankieDupont-HighSeas-lo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqyVjPcjmuerKcdd6hvia076cF_2-GkObNPAHeYd6t-k3vM5KwYD7hf6r6bhelOO3vn01LUSs63X3QdGHKtCxiDoSMXpYMGDVVAVXtHiTJ4YsteAqvrLg_oyMX3P7fqHJi3bUKuxl1uI/s320/FrankieDupont-HighSeas-lo.jpg" width="197" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xjbpCQi63jyOVdJcL3_3WFsu8SHW_cgsTSY3ik2UpVdTs3jEPonJY2UZmLzJdP-Q3WGBorwTSuuf05-hAiwzleIRihCjuITSKOkRPH5dMAX2p7IewWsZsIHpY5BQs8wAiyKUxvmN7Jk/s1600/ScienceFairCover-CropLo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xjbpCQi63jyOVdJcL3_3WFsu8SHW_cgsTSY3ik2UpVdTs3jEPonJY2UZmLzJdP-Q3WGBorwTSuuf05-hAiwzleIRihCjuITSKOkRPH5dMAX2p7IewWsZsIHpY5BQs8wAiyKUxvmN7Jk/s320/ScienceFairCover-CropLo.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have developed some fun and engaging workshops tailored to the classroom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For ages 8-12.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more information you can check out <a href="https://julieannegrassobooks.com/teachers/" target="_blank">My Website</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a run down on my rates</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Skype Availablity </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Monday between 9:30am-2:30pm</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>Please note my current time zone is Melbourne:</b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="dataTab1 genericBlock" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr class="odd"><th style="text-align: center;"><br /></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="dataTab1 genericBlock" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr class="odd"><th style="text-align: center;">Standard time zone:</th>
<td style="text-align: center;">UTC/GMT +10 hours
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"><br /></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="dataTab1 genericBlock" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><th style="text-align: center;">Daylight Saving Time:</th>
<td style="text-align: center;">+1 hour</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<th style="text-align: center;"><br /></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="dataTab1 genericBlock" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr class="odd"><th style="text-align: center;">Current time zone offset:</th>
<td style="text-align: center;">UTC/GMT 11 hour</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"><br /></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="dataTab1 genericBlock" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><th style="text-align: center;">Time zone abbreviation:</th>
<td style="text-align: center;">EST</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u> Visit Costs:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$75 AU per hour for Australia</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$50 US per hour for United States</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
40 GBP per hour for United Kingdom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Discussion Topics </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mysterious Ways: The Inside Skinny On Writing A Mystery (ages8-12) <br />
Crafting Convincing Villians: (ages 8-12) <br />
Inspiration behind my books </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Generating story ideas </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Story planning </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Self editing </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Secret sticky date cake with caramel cardamom sauce recipe upon request! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>As I have a young family, I am not able to offer in person visits but skype is the new author visit, so be sure to drop
me a line at julie dot grasso @optusnet dot com dot au</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> if you are interested. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-18912537183417263262016-02-17T20:25:00.001+11:002016-02-18T09:52:36.506+11:00Kid Lit Blog Hop #72<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="325" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ljO2OhsVBdxDVn_5pMESNLfDM0urTVvwooW_pSKxhOCLZim3Gw6aJTj09DSVV2Z58uSTFb3gbhO0Owo_F5ghowlfpE7bEva3dpSq7O5MmKEXYyYJvcvgZO2xRu7FuyMp878dv10a" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.098); padding: 5px; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="325" /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello! Welcome to the February 2016 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!
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
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.
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
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.
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Also, it would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post.
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<b>
<br />
</b>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Our next hop will be March 16, 2016. The hostess will be around to see you. Happy Hopping!
</div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.com/">Reading Authors, Hostess</a>
</h3>
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<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/">Julie Grasso, Author</a>
</h3>
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<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/">Cheryl Carpinello, Author </a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/">BeachBoundBooks</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/">Pragmatic Mom</a>
</h3>
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<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/">The Logonauts</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/">A Book Long Enough</a>
</h3>
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<a href="http://allthehitsandmisses.blogspot.com/">Hits and Misses</a></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a> </h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FRky0aFHsrevmmqUmpybY6O1_TdyxpuupfmXuen9QLQWR3ghJRFIb2HOHHxAo4qfMuwhBJsAltEBaDQvgyVVCCM-zxYOMvHeXCM-5SWLcJl01VDAKEKywdR2CeF65ZA9rbNFKeOx5dg/s1600/sleepphoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FRky0aFHsrevmmqUmpybY6O1_TdyxpuupfmXuen9QLQWR3ghJRFIb2HOHHxAo4qfMuwhBJsAltEBaDQvgyVVCCM-zxYOMvHeXCM-5SWLcJl01VDAKEKywdR2CeF65ZA9rbNFKeOx5dg/s200/sleepphoto.JPG" width="166" /></a></div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Hi Folks, a short post today. </h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Sleep has still not really returned to our household. </h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
When I'm tired and feeding a baby, all I can manage is to read, so I am using it as research time for my latest novel. </h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Here's what I have been reading:</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8b8dOMfeZYn98VME3kSg65uKPHR0qJofhjtIvidt_uwdsOM14fdd8DdZGXQnjOl6OKXZJRKFo6ecumwO-1UqUUPhEZ51pfNjm06fgXlmSU58lZW49Ik11Pm4ZT5Ab7VUGW1HXy-jGlc/s1600/Snicket+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8b8dOMfeZYn98VME3kSg65uKPHR0qJofhjtIvidt_uwdsOM14fdd8DdZGXQnjOl6OKXZJRKFo6ecumwO-1UqUUPhEZ51pfNjm06fgXlmSU58lZW49Ik11Pm4ZT5Ab7VUGW1HXy-jGlc/s1600/Snicket+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="link:%20http://amzn.com/0316123048" target="_blank"> Link</a></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4FZEQX7l466roApriZQ_eBgoEuqIN-jXp6SAd0YJzKSewMFbWiMz7a9NJcR5jrrdTLtnftLXLJLY-zWpwcdfthg1I-saBRwKYCjxLiV-RapWpw-ijqnz-GxQFIpF8s5oB8D8gd4pipk/s1600/Ophelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4FZEQX7l466roApriZQ_eBgoEuqIN-jXp6SAd0YJzKSewMFbWiMz7a9NJcR5jrrdTLtnftLXLJLY-zWpwcdfthg1I-saBRwKYCjxLiV-RapWpw-ijqnz-GxQFIpF8s5oB8D8gd4pipk/s1600/Ophelia.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="link:%20http://amzn.com/038575356X" target="_blank">Link</a></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eaNkHewh3xmO-VrNPjcRxc3GvhtE1ndsOXcSrPp2ykfQNWXDaaPgfRDfPvRwwmAedRaGYhyphenhyphenyXkWMX4BkKu-rt4fOLkdPmmYXT_q1pMbr_g6y47UrHeVuOlt74r7o5BL5pfiFTSOPlSc/s1600/Mapmaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eaNkHewh3xmO-VrNPjcRxc3GvhtE1ndsOXcSrPp2ykfQNWXDaaPgfRDfPvRwwmAedRaGYhyphenhyphenyXkWMX4BkKu-rt4fOLkdPmmYXT_q1pMbr_g6y47UrHeVuOlt74r7o5BL5pfiFTSOPlSc/s320/Mapmaker.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.com/B00LA5KONW" target="_blank">Link</a></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCYaaBtB9ISvIKIJXsmbABFLPlco8rJEcT2oDv3eMq-uqwIw4YKjosXfGtwL0pXl2a6il6SACRwwJ9C2Zh_4CCZlKCDZOSeehfwih5IQlllOtp7c2nrYgwIN7mAghYAe_rFg4Y-vfhdc/s1600/League+of+seven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCYaaBtB9ISvIKIJXsmbABFLPlco8rJEcT2oDv3eMq-uqwIw4YKjosXfGtwL0pXl2a6il6SACRwwJ9C2Zh_4CCZlKCDZOSeehfwih5IQlllOtp7c2nrYgwIN7mAghYAe_rFg4Y-vfhdc/s1600/League+of+seven.jpg" /></a></div>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.com/0765338254" target="_blank">Link</a> </h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
I like to read a variety of books, to get an idea of their style and how other authors craft their stories. </h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
All of these books have been interesting, so I have been enjoying my research.</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Let me know if you have any circus themes books you love as I am keen to get my hands on anything in that genre.</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Happy Hopping Folks</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</h3>
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-1464856211368841632016-01-22T08:28:00.002+11:002016-01-22T08:34:38.047+11:00Kid Lit Blog Hop #71<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHu5_htu9XAyvusMk3dq4dfwfnM7mhFgLj0Q7Ap3K-cNUUqz0wykY4XNJtxLiDlLy_csYirHmtjP1bru483cwjCDqMYJR9_PkFZ9ujwqCtAjnpfBEd3Tjo1TDMeklE5eHhfM8r35W2F0/s1600/KLBH+Button+-FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHu5_htu9XAyvusMk3dq4dfwfnM7mhFgLj0Q7Ap3K-cNUUqz0wykY4XNJtxLiDlLy_csYirHmtjP1bru483cwjCDqMYJR9_PkFZ9ujwqCtAjnpfBEd3Tjo1TDMeklE5eHhfM8r35W2F0/s1600/KLBH+Button+-FINAL.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-9cc36368-5d44-d946-fd6b-3993d11671de" style="text-align: center;">
Hello! Welcome to the January 2016 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!
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
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.
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
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.
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Also, it would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
NOTE: This month is the annual Multicultural Children's Book Day which takes place on January 27th. Please stop by and see the reviews and projects from
bloggers all over the world. Want to know more? Go<a href="http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/about/mission/"> HERE</a>!
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Our next hop will be February 17,2016. The hostess will be around to see you. Happy Hopping!
</div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.com/">Reading Authors, Hostess</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/">Julie Grasso, Author</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/">Cheryl Carpinello, Author </a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/">BeachBoundBooks</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/">Pragmatic Mom</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/">The Logonauts</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/">A Book Long Enough</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/">Spark and Pook</a>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://allthehitsandmisses.blogspot.com/">Hits and Misses</a></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Well, I have been a bit busy with a new born, and writing a new manuscript, so I thought I would just share what is currently on my reading pile.</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
There is a decided circus theme/magician theme, which is all great research for my latest project.</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG2tGHoWiI8wlsbnOdfzSZ55y3TK3_nVJQn78n2Ia6PXPY4skS8T89IQmfwFk8msC5clUBxh4K4EuNrN4TZy2buhUBA0zRAxNwm7sM4XA57pSxalKPxZUvZfNE9Nh2slTyq2SImsy8Us/s1600/Hugo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG2tGHoWiI8wlsbnOdfzSZ55y3TK3_nVJQn78n2Ia6PXPY4skS8T89IQmfwFk8msC5clUBxh4K4EuNrN4TZy2buhUBA0zRAxNwm7sM4XA57pSxalKPxZUvZfNE9Nh2slTyq2SImsy8Us/s320/Hugo.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.com/0439813786" target="_blank">Amazon Link</a></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YT-uKMiYmkHmzg7CiUae2Nf79b6K4dcI-HCo5TZQnbjmL92_luVe8aHpNzbE_P83TBwN7Szed_a6du-sCCEIa-s7gwMtoKbOq9Q9RrT1nLSgRnHvcltbFpD294XbZWvbpSIFi4CV3Aw/s1600/CircusMirandus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YT-uKMiYmkHmzg7CiUae2Nf79b6K4dcI-HCo5TZQnbjmL92_luVe8aHpNzbE_P83TBwN7Szed_a6du-sCCEIa-s7gwMtoKbOq9Q9RrT1nLSgRnHvcltbFpD294XbZWvbpSIFi4CV3Aw/s1600/CircusMirandus.jpg" /></a></div>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.com/0525428437" target="_blank">Amazon Link</a></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3UyDMOgyIzfS6Na0ntvkpb1PrIiewZtPXgchZYYxtX-bd9Igwur_-22bkiAlPq4IfJjPt8KzQmUDckuxTa_8M3mW-c6MShDb5sOsgw8_VPGGPvuPkiwUyG2e27lQ6tr4qasehbEQTGU/s1600/Magicians+Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3UyDMOgyIzfS6Na0ntvkpb1PrIiewZtPXgchZYYxtX-bd9Igwur_-22bkiAlPq4IfJjPt8KzQmUDckuxTa_8M3mW-c6MShDb5sOsgw8_VPGGPvuPkiwUyG2e27lQ6tr4qasehbEQTGU/s320/Magicians+Elephant.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.com/B00EOHLFCM" target="_blank">Amazon link</a></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh_h5SRb1F1DAHAfYMGE25p7I0o_rcCPzgn78M3pWh9inU_A72HcFuxWBgttX2sMrwXrHW29s7qGJKNlYfZueUfxYntvdlkL7C3h96i-xx_Zm5ZNjCIbf-Woy0yDOwTpIr2cObChIivg/s1600/Night+Circus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh_h5SRb1F1DAHAfYMGE25p7I0o_rcCPzgn78M3pWh9inU_A72HcFuxWBgttX2sMrwXrHW29s7qGJKNlYfZueUfxYntvdlkL7C3h96i-xx_Zm5ZNjCIbf-Woy0yDOwTpIr2cObChIivg/s320/Night+Circus.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.com/0307744434" target="_blank">Amazon link</a></div>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Let me know if you have read any of these, and if there is any circus/magician themed books I must read for inspiration.</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Happy hopping folks</h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-3872110519897742432015-12-16T15:56:00.004+11:002016-01-22T08:29:32.353+11:00Kidlit Blog Hop #70 I took the PiBoidmo Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwB4N3Lq6wcc5ytqpzBuohepRjWydGSXQ2bnIzfs8nGEHLEeAVlXTINwSGDyd4g0qyvOjk4zEmCsFebmPV0jNQAtdBc3PFMtGEwQYUn1gZdUwBtXblbZOFAk59Zx8ggQaGMavFb2IddE/s1600/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwB4N3Lq6wcc5ytqpzBuohepRjWydGSXQ2bnIzfs8nGEHLEeAVlXTINwSGDyd4g0qyvOjk4zEmCsFebmPV0jNQAtdBc3PFMtGEwQYUn1gZdUwBtXblbZOFAk59Zx8ggQaGMavFb2IddE/s320/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello! Welcome to the December 2015 Kid Lit Blog Hop. This exciting, <b>now monthly hop</b>, 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!
<br />
<br />
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.
<br />
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.
<br />
Also, it would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post.
<br />
<br />
We want to welcome a new co-host to the blog hop, Ann from <a href="http://allthehitsandmisses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hits and Misses</a>. Welcome,
Ann, it is great to have you on board!
<br />
Our next hop will be January, 20, 2016. The hostess will be around to see you. Happy Hopping!
</div>
<h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reading Authors, Hostess</a>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Grasso, Author</a>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello, Author </a>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/" target="_blank">BeachBoundBooks</a>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/" target="_blank">Pragmatic Mom</a>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/" target="_blank">A Book Long Enough</a>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://allthehitsandmisses.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hits and Misses</a>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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</h3>
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<a href="http://www.piboidmo.com/" target="_blank">Go to Link</a></div>
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Yep, I did it. I took the Piboidmo challenge again this year.<br />
If you are wondering what it is, its the brain child of Tara Lazar. We are a huge fan of her books. You can <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=tara+lazar" target="_blank">Check them out here</a><br />
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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.<br />
I managed to make 30 ideas for new picture books in the month of November.</div>
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About 28 of them stink, but that doesn't matter.</div>
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I committed to it.</div>
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And I did it<span style="font-size: small;"><b> with a newborn in tow!!!</b></span></div>
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Hurrahhh</div>
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Now to make something of them.... That is my next challenge.</div>
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Or simply use some of my current ideas and re-invent them.</div>
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That is the beauty of the challenge. So much inspiration on a daily basis.</div>
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If you haven't hopped over to <a href="http://www.taralazar.com/" target="_blank">Tara Lazar's Blog</a></div>
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Do yourself a favor and hop on over.</div>
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We love her books and she has been an inspiration. </div>
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Happy Hopping folks</div>
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-72119621818564176702015-09-03T06:24:00.002+10:002016-01-22T08:30:02.877+11:00Kid Lit Blog Hop #65 Need your help on a little research project<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh2MkP389GI5qn4rTqkFys2U-2BK_I6eo-tqWqArL2i7TS0kiSd5b6OI0JHfB3HI_EAGQB7rfW9ya8JpCUxcv63mRyhyNxmfQ3l6oLzCR_30cyEE1uT6W2a7RqQjvygi-jdBzjsTJGc-r3plyPgdUa0f9IiYmS4t2Z_t6Mb9AuIOCWDAjgf7wIEvgFczpqxWZ9f6YiyIQ=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" height="200" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" width="200" /></a></div>
Welcome to the 65th <b>Kid Lit Blog</b> <b>Hop </b>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!
<i><b>*** 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.
</b></i>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Hostesses:</i></b></h4>
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<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/" target="_blank"> Mother Daughter Book Reviews</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger</a></h4>
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<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello, Author <i>/</i> Blogger</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.stackingbooks.com/" target="_blank">Stacking Books</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/" target="_blank">BeachBoundBooks</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com/" target="_blank">Music Teaching and Parenting</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/" target="_blank">Pragmatic Mom</a></h4>
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<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Reading Authors</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hi Folks, This week I have a bit of a research focus and I need your help.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I have been madly writing a steampunkish, timey wimey, mysterious society type adventure and I have come across some great comparative titles.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Tell, me which have you read from the list below and what are your thoughts on them. </span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_eTwgNpmLKWWN3bJ5dQ3GJXSachY7hlfsJTyKcWOH-KLXaMAxJJ3BX3nN9V8ImOF_62bTEUOazp99ccXVDOQ_wo0Ra2LGj1jPbOdFQ2f7pRAWR0AeaqAubJschToWo1k7b1yZ6t1Vi4/s1600/Serafina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_eTwgNpmLKWWN3bJ5dQ3GJXSachY7hlfsJTyKcWOH-KLXaMAxJJ3BX3nN9V8ImOF_62bTEUOazp99ccXVDOQ_wo0Ra2LGj1jPbOdFQ2f7pRAWR0AeaqAubJschToWo1k7b1yZ6t1Vi4/s320/Serafina.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B00RY6YXPG">Link to Amazon</a></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one I read a review of recently on the hop and it sounded enchanting.</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJQAneq10TQRxfaylUtXZQkMIS37QYsEZvsPpd8bXeVQuuwo6pWuUZ8hZoUg2eYT5AZ36Upkx54XQhwAb7A0jUc5Fh3luwYtcaDPfPmbsyt1zI_r6DDlpN2aT0AJY7Deg7M0KcabqpkA/s1600/Boundless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJQAneq10TQRxfaylUtXZQkMIS37QYsEZvsPpd8bXeVQuuwo6pWuUZ8hZoUg2eYT5AZ36Upkx54XQhwAb7A0jUc5Fh3luwYtcaDPfPmbsyt1zI_r6DDlpN2aT0AJY7Deg7M0KcabqpkA/s320/Boundless.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.com/B00LB698IC">Link to Amazon</a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kenneth Oppel is considered the master of this genre. What say you all.</span></span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSp1cEILe6G0C2xMVLLpo-k4ni6__Wjz93YxG6-jiZHjfuz2928glpNYalIi2QnNR63QdEMS9RL_FaXOqS7uXT-e9ywhoYXEHTp9xtZIRK7vDw_jh6UfkRKael3Q_59g5166yLagkr-UI/s1600/Benedict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSp1cEILe6G0C2xMVLLpo-k4ni6__Wjz93YxG6-jiZHjfuz2928glpNYalIi2QnNR63QdEMS9RL_FaXOqS7uXT-e9ywhoYXEHTp9xtZIRK7vDw_jh6UfkRKael3Q_59g5166yLagkr-UI/s320/Benedict.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://amzn.com/B00HVLMJWS">Link To Amazon</a></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 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. </span> </span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChMRIUSahBxzwSVWuwNoTjCFhzNRIZJxHe2spz2zbi_pYaVKiA-85WtFtIOOiYt2Vws4wY9FvOKfooPXA0eqhGkp0hSqXgwsG0c3AElDVjutNypM11oMpwVU-AMuQ_p1WwBSJNusLdTI/s1600/Hugo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChMRIUSahBxzwSVWuwNoTjCFhzNRIZJxHe2spz2zbi_pYaVKiA-85WtFtIOOiYt2Vws4wY9FvOKfooPXA0eqhGkp0hSqXgwsG0c3AElDVjutNypM11oMpwVU-AMuQ_p1WwBSJNusLdTI/s320/Hugo.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://amzn.com/B011J7Y27Y">Amazon Link</a></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">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 </span></span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHY3SL9zb8oypfQiL4tWCZX_s9QQ1kWv0wNPYC27fBaDXFXW4Rkj_mdz9fOkdIZLR8wQDx-tR6CS8k2o-guDkeUkDpizQdYoXxu-oLdXaGYDlr8ZGE3A4sJ8YWaUjhGgeWx7RqNN6XTU/s1600/Peculiar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHY3SL9zb8oypfQiL4tWCZX_s9QQ1kWv0wNPYC27fBaDXFXW4Rkj_mdz9fOkdIZLR8wQDx-tR6CS8k2o-guDkeUkDpizQdYoXxu-oLdXaGYDlr8ZGE3A4sJ8YWaUjhGgeWx7RqNN6XTU/s320/Peculiar.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.com/B008GOBQX2">Link to Amazon</a></div>
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This one has loads of reviewers saying its very peculiar, lol. How peculiar, too peculiar to capture a reluctant readers attention. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYEdc5EnatFqDHY267Zq5y9rCt-Nd6PILc9iy6wh5vf7uBU3g_GuyyhPgvIJloBb3s4DsrXxz1SCYCQaDYiP8zfmnrAkf6MY07vS58UyCb3W2R-u0tikS7-9lWBHvOlh0wuNKK74S_PY/s1600/Shouldn%2527t+you+be+in+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYEdc5EnatFqDHY267Zq5y9rCt-Nd6PILc9iy6wh5vf7uBU3g_GuyyhPgvIJloBb3s4DsrXxz1SCYCQaDYiP8zfmnrAkf6MY07vS58UyCb3W2R-u0tikS7-9lWBHvOlh0wuNKK74S_PY/s320/Shouldn%2527t+you+be+in+school.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.com/B00NZ76V9Y">Link to Amazon</a></div>
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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. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">What interests me is the length of these books, the darkness of their themes and the complexity. Would a reluctant reader cope.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">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. </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope to prove my theory correct one day... Love your feedback hoppers. </span></span></h4>
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<h2>
<b><b>Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*</b></b></h2>
1. <i><b>Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop</b></i>. 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.
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<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<i>* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.* </i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<i>* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<i>* </i><i>Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<i>* Feel free to link more than one post.*</i></div>
2. <b><i>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.</i> </b>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!
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<b>Happy Hopping!</b></h2>
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<h3>
<b>KID LIT BLOG HOP</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh2MkP389GI5qn4rTqkFys2U-2BK_I6eo-tqWqArL2i7TS0kiSd5b6OI0JHfB3HI_EAGQB7rfW9ya8JpCUxcv63mRyhyNxmfQ3l6oLzCR_30cyEE1uT6W2a7RqQjvygi-jdBzjsTJGc-r3plyPgdUa0f9IiYmS4t2Z_t6Mb9AuIOCWDAjgf7wIEvgFczpqxWZ9f6YiyIQ=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" height="200" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" width="200" /></a></div>
Welcome to the 64th <b>Kid Lit Blog</b> <b>Hop </b>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!
<i><b>*** 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.
</b></i>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Hostesses:</i></b></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/" target="_blank"> Mother Daughter Book Reviews</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello, Author <i>/</i> Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stackingbooks.com/" target="_blank">Stacking Books</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/" target="_blank">BeachBoundBooks</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com/" target="_blank">Music Teaching and Parenting</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/" target="_blank">Pragmatic Mom</a></h4>
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<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Reading Authors</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a></h4>
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<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/" target="_blank">A Book Long Enough</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a></h4>
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</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have a little bit of news.....</span></h4>
<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/baby%20fistpump" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="baby fistpump photo: baby fistpump fistpump.jpg" border="0" src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk65/darinaldi/fistpump.jpg" /></a>
<br />
About a month ago, I participated in a Twitter pitch party. It was called
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pit2pub?source=feed_text">#Pit2Pub</a>
<br />
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, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pitmad?source=feed_text">#Pitmad</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pbpitch?source=feed_text">#Pbpitch</a> to name a few and not just for picture books, for every genre.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This time, I got a favourite within an hour and another one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I sent
along my pages and she liked them very much and offered me representation.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lengthy skype conversation about the agency and vision for my books, which was nothing short of <i>Chicken Soup for my soul,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Contract reviewed and signed etc,
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and now I HAVE A US AGENT!
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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 <span style="font-size: large;">crocodile skin.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That it all I have for this hop folks, as I am still hanging off the chandelier.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!</h4>
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<b><b>Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*</b></b></h2>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Happy Hopping!</b></h2>
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<h3>
<b>KID LIT BLOG HOP</b></h3>
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<a href="https://tonyaloveslife.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/sons-of-the-sphinx-new-banner.jpg"><img alt="Sons of the Sphinx - New Banner" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-12225" height="349" src="https://tonyaloveslife.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/sons-of-the-sphinx-new-banner.jpg?w=625" width="625" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b>
</b></span></h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today I would like to welcome my good friend and publishing buddy, Cheryl Carpinello to the blog</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cheryl has a wealth of experience in INDIE PUBLISHING,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">so I thought I would ask her a few questions. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>How did you first get into writing?</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
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.
<b>
<br />
<br />
</b>
<br />
<b>2.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>What is your motivation for writing?</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>3.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>How do you come up with your ideas?</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
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 <i>The Iliad</i> and <i>The Odyssey</i>. Kids love these time periods as is evidenced by the number of role-playing games
set in these worlds.<br />
<br />
<b>4.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>Do you research your stories?</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>5.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>What is the most rewarding part of self publishing?</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>6.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>What is the most difficult part of self publishing?</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>7.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>What are you working on next?</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
Currently, I’m working on a sequel to <i>Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend</i>. 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. <i>Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Cedwyn’s Story</i> in the
works. My projected date for publication was late fall 2015, but I’m realistically looking at early spring 2016.<br />
<br />
<b>8.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>What advice would you give to an aspiring author?</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>9.</b>
<b> </b>
<b>Favourite food.</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
A smothered beef burrito with a margarita on the rocks.<br />
<br />
<b>10. If you could go anywhere, anytime, where would you go and what would you do?</b><br />
<br />
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.
<br />
<br />
Thank you so much Cheryl for your insights and we have enjoyed your adventures.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;">About The Book</span></h2>
<b>TITLE</b> – Sons of the Sphinx
<b>SERIES</b> – The Quest Books
<b>AUTHOR</b> – Cheryl Carpinello
<b>GENRE</b> – YA Historical Time Travel
<b>PUBLICATION DATE</b> – October 10, 2014
<b>LENGTH</b> (Pages/# Words) – 192/36,000
<b>PUBLISHER</b> – Beyond Today Educator
<b>COVER ARTIST</b> – Bernistevens Design<br />
<hr />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://tonyaloveslife.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/sons-of-the-sphinx-book-cover.jpg"><img alt="Sons of the Sphinx - Book Cover" class="alignleft wp-image-12096" height="520" src="https://tonyaloveslife.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/sons-of-the-sphinx-book-cover.jpg?w=625" width="338" /></a><span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b></b></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b>
</b></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two souls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Separated by three millennium</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One with a gift that is more like a curse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One on an almost impossible quest</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Only together can they fulfill The Prophecy, but in the process they must defeat the Pharaoh Horemheb.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dishonor and death are the fate of the defeated.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<hr />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b>BUY & TBR LINKS</b></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVGC96Y/" target="_blank">AMAZON KINDLE US</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00MVGC96Y/" target="_blank">AMAZON KINDLE CA</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MVGC96Y/" target="_blank">AMAZON KINDLE UK</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sons-Sphinx-The-Quest-Books/dp/1500554936/" target="_blank">AMAZON PAPERBACK</a> – </b> <b> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sons-of-the-sphinx-cheryl-carpinello/1120481788" target="_blank">BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK</a> – </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23296211-sons-of-the-sphinx" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/38745883/Sons-of-the-Sphinx-(The-Quest-Books)" target="_blank">SHELFARI</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>
</b></div>
<hr />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b>CHARACTER BIOS</b></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Rosa</b></span>: 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.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Tut</b></span>: 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.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<hr />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b>EXCERPT</b></span> </h2>
<strong>Excerpt from Chapter 11 of <em>Sons of the Sphinx</em> by Cheryl Carpinello</strong>
<br />
<br />
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.
<br />
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.
<br />
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.
<br />
“Tut, what is this for and what does it say?”
<br />
He hurries over, curious.
<br />
“Why the rope and this lump of mud?”
<br />
“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.”
<br />
“Does the seal say whose tomb this is? Is it a pharaoh?”
<br />
“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.”
<br />
“Do all the tombs carry this seal?”
<br />
“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.”
<br />
“Tomb robbers.”
<br />
“Yes. When they were caught, their hands were chopped off.”
<br />
I gasp at such horrible consequences.
<br />
“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.”
<br />
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.
<br />
“They only want the world to know about the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. How magnificent they were. How they lived.”
<br />
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!”
<br />
“Scholars have shared what they learned. They search for knowledge. I learned about you from the artifacts in the exhibit.”
<br />
“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.”
<br />
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.
<br />
“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.”
<br />
He says nothing; he doesn’t turn to look at me, but his breathing slows; his fingers unclench.
<br />
<blockquote>
</blockquote>
<hr />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b>AUTHOR BIO</b></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b>AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS</b></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-Carpinello/e/B002GGGZY6" target="_blank">AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.beyondtodayeducator.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE – Main</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.adventurequestbooks.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE – Shared</a> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BLOG</a> – </b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.carpinello1" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> – </b><b><a href="https://twitter.com/ccarpinello" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> – </b><b><a href="https://plus.google.com/110918922081424857545/" target="_blank">GOOGLE+</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ccarpine/" target="_blank">PINTEREST</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/cherylcarpinello" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a> – </b><b><a href="http://www.shelfari.com/o1515086070" target="_blank">SHELFARI</a> </b></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><b>GIVEAWAY PRIZES</b></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A $50 Amazon/PayPal GC</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #0bafe0;"><i>This tour has been organized & hosted by</i></span>
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Jambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704840860387375378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918536865882739558.post-8120499634520378872015-07-16T07:10:00.000+10:002015-07-16T07:10:00.624+10:00Kid Lit Blog Hop #63 Frankie Dupont And The High Seas Heist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh2MkP389GI5qn4rTqkFys2U-2BK_I6eo-tqWqArL2i7TS0kiSd5b6OI0JHfB3HI_EAGQB7rfW9ya8JpCUxcv63mRyhyNxmfQ3l6oLzCR_30cyEE1uT6W2a7RqQjvygi-jdBzjsTJGc-r3plyPgdUa0f9IiYmS4t2Z_t6Mb9AuIOCWDAjgf7wIEvgFczpqxWZ9f6YiyIQ=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" height="200" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" width="200" /></a></div>
Welcome to the 63rd <b>Kid Lit Blog</b> <b>Hop </b>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!
<i><b>*** 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). </b></i>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Hostesses:</i></b></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/" target="_blank"> Mother Daughter Book Reviews</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger</a></h4>
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<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello, Author <i>/</i> Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stackingbooks.com/" target="_blank">Stacking Books</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/" target="_blank">BeachBoundBooks</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com/" target="_blank">Music Teaching and Parenting</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/" target="_blank">Pragmatic Mom</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Reading Authors</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/" target="_blank">A Book Long Enough</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a></h4>
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I don't often do posts about my books, but today is the day.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am really excited to announce the release book 4 in my Frankie Dupont Mysteries.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRsrrdH3tEMY1TYNPaf5WnPlv8a4UKKaET15ksSMrl6bNAt021ILvEqCZhS23fI0fyxf4iGj6ZImMEZuyUFAcKhyphenhyphenAMsxnvjk9SaQqqb-r2n2_KI1QXwrHGSZ3ULuN-rJj8JSSi1ppdwE/s1600/FrankieDupont-HighSeas-hi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRsrrdH3tEMY1TYNPaf5WnPlv8a4UKKaET15ksSMrl6bNAt021ILvEqCZhS23fI0fyxf4iGj6ZImMEZuyUFAcKhyphenhyphenAMsxnvjk9SaQqqb-r2n2_KI1QXwrHGSZ3ULuN-rJj8JSSi1ppdwE/s320/FrankieDupont-HighSeas-hi.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://amzn.com/B0113QAIHE" target="_blank">Book Link on Amazon</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Description:</span> </div>
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Frankie Dupont seems to catch odd-ball cases in the most unlikely places. You would think he would be used to it by now.
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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.
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Although his mind is certainly up for the challenge, Frankie realises his stomach is yet to find its sea legs.
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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.</div>
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My illustrator Alexander Avellino (<a href="http://www.alexanderavellino.com/" target="_blank"> Check Out His Website</a>) has gone from strength to strength with Frankie. Here are some sneak peeks of the internal illustrations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D_35W0MQxoGErJnT9SF8lVpUx21YL6cOJeX9Iu4GCJdCzIP-L7rSIdGx6WA6WdNxxx0cT7-2MA5bOZeU9C1aXfw02PTnl0vflfqyb3v0pcXgaWNTiKHufVYQS0UMdL05zffiLUeoTOw/s1600/illustration3HSH25June2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D_35W0MQxoGErJnT9SF8lVpUx21YL6cOJeX9Iu4GCJdCzIP-L7rSIdGx6WA6WdNxxx0cT7-2MA5bOZeU9C1aXfw02PTnl0vflfqyb3v0pcXgaWNTiKHufVYQS0UMdL05zffiLUeoTOw/s320/illustration3HSH25June2015.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFkirTK1l-ZqEKtbiBYz3FHauQuxpyAJFsp4imC4uCB8CAOsmpwih7tWdxdGhrcZEj8R7BFSD8xzU7X8rX7gehnVeWOXmiQaU1X6Iry0dh1mHHXMlAAXVQ0eCHU6pC2EF32tagMeQ0bc/s1600/illustration4HSH25JuneFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFkirTK1l-ZqEKtbiBYz3FHauQuxpyAJFsp4imC4uCB8CAOsmpwih7tWdxdGhrcZEj8R7BFSD8xzU7X8rX7gehnVeWOXmiQaU1X6Iry0dh1mHHXMlAAXVQ0eCHU6pC2EF32tagMeQ0bc/s320/illustration4HSH25JuneFinal.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSBM4Oft9R14fsGJItaE0FTN8XwehMW3tNLk2OmSZrdaOi0J5_uyZBq5y_Cddsml5O8odrOrW-oB5ourm_tmi3mwDlRPXclqvhk_aCgscW67Z0UXaIfc1XYc6LLH2XNe1DWbhyphenhyphen9N_DOA/s1600/illustration1SHS25JuneFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSBM4Oft9R14fsGJItaE0FTN8XwehMW3tNLk2OmSZrdaOi0J5_uyZBq5y_Cddsml5O8odrOrW-oB5ourm_tmi3mwDlRPXclqvhk_aCgscW67Z0UXaIfc1XYc6LLH2XNe1DWbhyphenhyphen9N_DOA/s320/illustration1SHS25JuneFinal.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h_8spbACnoY" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OiCWcMZgWXg" width="560"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NGlsriYtqHw" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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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. <a href="http://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/whats-on/children/575-book-launch-frankie-dupont-and-the-high-seas-heist" target="_blank">Book Launch</a></div>
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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.</div>
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Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!</div>
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<pre style="background: none; border: currentColor; padding: 0px;"><textarea style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240); border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0px 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
</textarea></pre>
<br />
<h2>
<b><b>Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*</b></b></h2>
1. <i><b>Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop</b></i>. 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.
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<i>* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.* </i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<i>* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<i>* </i><i>Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<i>* Feel free to link more than one post.*</i></div>
2. <b><i>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.</i> </b>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!
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Happy Hopping!</b></h2>
<br />
<h3>
<b>KID LIT BLOG HOP</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh2MkP389GI5qn4rTqkFys2U-2BK_I6eo-tqWqArL2i7TS0kiSd5b6OI0JHfB3HI_EAGQB7rfW9ya8JpCUxcv63mRyhyNxmfQ3l6oLzCR_30cyEE1uT6W2a7RqQjvygi-jdBzjsTJGc-r3plyPgdUa0f9IiYmS4t2Z_t6Mb9AuIOCWDAjgf7wIEvgFczpqxWZ9f6YiyIQ=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" height="200" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" width="200" /></a></div>
Welcome to the 62nd <strong>Kid Lit Blog</strong> <strong>Hop </strong>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 <strong>Facebook</strong> <strong>Linky Party</strong> to be held in conjunction with the <strong>Kid Lit Blog Hop</strong>. 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.
<em><strong>*** 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). </strong></em>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Hostesses:</em></strong></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/" target="_blank"> Mother Daughter Book Reviews</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello, Author <em>/</em> Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stackingbooks.com/" target="_blank">Stacking Books</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/" target="_blank">BeachBoundBooks</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/" target="_blank">Pragmatic Mom</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Reading Authors</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/" target="_blank">A Book Long Enough</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
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.</h4>
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I can't seem to be able to save a cover photo, so It will have to just be the link</div>
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<a href="http://amzn.com/0316262919"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who Could That Be At This Hour</span></a></div>
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by Lemony Snicket</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Description from Amazon</span><br />
<div>
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.</div>
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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The illustration throughout were simple and kitchy, which I enjoy, but didn't really add very much to the story for me. </div>
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So, this is not so much review, but a research project.<br />
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How would this story captivate children, especially reluctant readers, and why are these kinds of books even pitched to kids. <br />
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It is a mystery to me, so if anyone has kids that love these books, I would love to hear it. <br />
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Until then folks, happy hopping.</div>
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<pre style="background: none; border: currentColor; padding: 0px;"><textarea style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240); border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0px 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
</textarea></pre>
<br />
<h2>
<strong><strong>Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*</strong></strong></h2>
1. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LINKY PARTY:</strong></span> <em><strong>Add the link to your Facebook fan page in the Facebook Linky Party list below. </strong></em>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. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">If you do not have a Facebook profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Pinterest, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, etc.).</span>
2. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP:</strong></span> <em><strong>Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop</strong></em>. 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.
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.* </em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* </em><em>Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* Feel free to link more than one post.*</em></div>
3. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP:</strong></span> <strong><em>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.</em> </strong>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!
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Happy Hopping!</strong></h2>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>FACEBOOK LINKY PARTY</strong></h3>
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<strong>(***Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop***)</strong></h4>
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<h3>
<strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP</strong></h3>
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Welcome to the 61st <strong>Kid Lit Blog</strong> <strong>Hop </strong>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 <strong>Google+</strong> <strong>Linky Party</strong> to be held in conjunction with the <strong>Kid Lit Blog Hop</strong>. 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.
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Hostesses:</em></strong></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/" target="_blank"> Mother Daughter Book Reviews</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger</a></h4>
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<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello, Author <em>/</em> Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stackingbooks.com/" target="_blank">Stacking Books</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/" target="_blank">BeachBoundBooks</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/" target="_blank">Pragmatic Mom</a></h4>
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<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Reading Authors</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a></h4>
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<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/" target="_blank">A Book Long Enough</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am so excited to bring you this book review.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lulu by Georgie Donaghey and Ann-Marie Finn</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vRZG7hPbK_8UbXvr3V0NWiL5AHS39wq_aPFG8a9TwyMSxHhEzcJz07HZGyChCZVEQwhMZ37KS8YrcQ94bfTBfxTpL9SH4lamTZgpbwUllJ7dOo7okD21z40Em6ddi0ZBd4I1YJH3ILM/s1600/Lulu-Cover-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vRZG7hPbK_8UbXvr3V0NWiL5AHS39wq_aPFG8a9TwyMSxHhEzcJz07HZGyChCZVEQwhMZ37KS8YrcQ94bfTBfxTpL9SH4lamTZgpbwUllJ7dOo7okD21z40Em6ddi0ZBd4I1YJH3ILM/s320/Lulu-Cover-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dragontalespublishing.com.au/store/p7/Lulu-_AVAILABLE_MAY_2015.html">Purchase Links</a></div>
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Book Description:</div>
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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…
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<strong> My Review:</strong></div>
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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.</div>
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Lulu longs for the lights of the stage, and will be never content to only dance in front of a pack of sea lions. </div>
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When her friends remind her of her place, Lulu packs up and heads for the city. </div>
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Opening night, the butterflies flutter and tickle her belly, but Lulu doesn't give in to her limbs wobbling like jelly. </div>
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She conquers the stage with polish and grace, night after night with a smile on her face. </div>
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Her dream of performing has certainly come true, but Lulu is lonely and misses her crew.</div>
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She heads on home, to find her friends have built her, her very own show.</div>
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Lulu's life is once again cosy and nice with her wonderfully supportive friends on the ice.</div>
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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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb3JTexRYRUNhtqvhuJ0fTtj_BAV0VnsQR8kgKejFiPdGnzoH1wZ2P8BhR_-4WDl7vupop-OL3r8pRo9tvqUVuFiPX9jLISVoE-0Hc4EWaStvE5nIfJlzT1x8z6inzaOAVsrdBqsIcac/s1600/Lulu+twinkled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb3JTexRYRUNhtqvhuJ0fTtj_BAV0VnsQR8kgKejFiPdGnzoH1wZ2P8BhR_-4WDl7vupop-OL3r8pRo9tvqUVuFiPX9jLISVoE-0Hc4EWaStvE5nIfJlzT1x8z6inzaOAVsrdBqsIcac/s320/Lulu+twinkled.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My final thoughts:</span> </div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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<a href="http://www.creativekidstales.com.au/">Link to Georgie's Website</a></div>
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<br />
<h2>
<strong><strong>Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*</strong></strong></h2>
1. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LINKY PARTY:</strong></span> <em><strong>Add the link to your Google+ profile page in the Google+ Linky Party list below. </strong></em>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. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">If you do not have a Google+ profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Pinterest, Facebook, etc.).</span>
2. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP:</strong></span> <em><strong>Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop</strong></em>. 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.
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<em>* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.* </em></div>
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<em>* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *</em></div>
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<em>* </em><em>Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*</em></div>
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<em>* Feel free to link more than one post.*</em></div>
3. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP:</strong></span> <strong><em>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.</em> </strong>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!
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<strong>Happy Hopping!</strong></h2>
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<h3>
<strong>GOOGLE+ LINKY PARTY</strong></h3>
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<strong>(***Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop***)</strong></h4>
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<strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP</strong></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh2MkP389GI5qn4rTqkFys2U-2BK_I6eo-tqWqArL2i7TS0kiSd5b6OI0JHfB3HI_EAGQB7rfW9ya8JpCUxcv63mRyhyNxmfQ3l6oLzCR_30cyEE1uT6W2a7RqQjvygi-jdBzjsTJGc-r3plyPgdUa0f9IiYmS4t2Z_t6Mb9AuIOCWDAjgf7wIEvgFczpqxWZ9f6YiyIQ=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" height="200" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" width="200" /></a></div>
Welcome to the 60th <strong>Kid Lit Blog</strong> <strong>Hop </strong>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 <strong>Goodreads</strong> <strong>Linky Party</strong> to be held in conjunction with the <strong>Kid Lit Blog Hop</strong>. 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.
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Hostesses:</em></strong></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/" target="_blank"> Mother Daughter Book Reviews</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello, Author <em>/</em> Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stackingbooks.com/" target="_blank">Stacking Books</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/" target="_blank">BeachBoundBooks</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/" target="_blank">Pragmatic Mom</a></h4>
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<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Reading Authors</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a></h4>
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<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/" target="_blank">A Book Long Enough</a></h4>
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<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a></h4>
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Today I have a very special book to share with you from one truly awesome author friend of mine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndZKcd8Wm4uEv0qsEZ05XyvQAAcxozqNFHE3xEw9Mqzx6j20efCvNkgu8oa1AojZ7GphW0SgVu6DIqfkI1CCjchGFggb0XsQuLm-xQV8TmaKgzLsXGtf0GoU1UwrWigT4tfkZ1KZeW14/s1600/Anzac.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndZKcd8Wm4uEv0qsEZ05XyvQAAcxozqNFHE3xEw9Mqzx6j20efCvNkgu8oa1AojZ7GphW0SgVu6DIqfkI1CCjchGFggb0XsQuLm-xQV8TmaKgzLsXGtf0GoU1UwrWigT4tfkZ1KZeW14/s320/Anzac.JPG" width="307" /></a></div>
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Anzac: The Story of a Little Goat</div>
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Written and Illustrated by Jacque Duffy</div>
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<a href="http://www.jacquesartandbooks.com/">Go to Jacque's website here</a></div>
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Description: What happens when a little goat wants to be part of a family. What lengths will he go to to win them over.</div>
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<u>My Review:</u></div>
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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He is banished to the barn with the cows, when the local butcher arrives.</div>
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Anzac looks at the family with sad Anzac eyes when the butcher drives off with him in the back of his truck.</div>
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Poor Anzac. What will his fate be? All he wants is to be loved by a family. </div>
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He befriends the butcher's little girl and finally gets his wish.</div>
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There ends the tale of a little goat named Anzac.</div>
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This is a sweet story, about perseverance as we journey with Anzac in his bid to find love and acceptance.</div>
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There is however, a little more to the story than first meets the eye.</div>
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If you are an Australian, you will need no explanation of how Anzac got his name.</div>
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For those of you who have no knowledge of our history, the name Anzac stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corp.</div>
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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.</div>
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This battle has great significance in Australian history, not for victory, but for devastating loss of life.</div>
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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.</div>
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At the service, An Ode To The Fallen, an excerpt from a poem by Laurence Binyon is read.</div>
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<em>They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; <br />Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. <br />At the going down of the sun and in the morning <br />We will remember them." </em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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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. </div>
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As an Australian, you cannot help but read stories like Anzac, without a tear close to the surface.</div>
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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."</div>
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LEST WE FORGET</div>
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Thanks for joining in our hop.</div>
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Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!</h4>
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<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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<br />
<h2>
<strong><strong>Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*</strong></strong></h2>
1. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LINKY PARTY:</strong></span> <em><strong>Add the link to your Goodreads profile page in the Goodreads Linky Party list below. </strong></em>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. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">If you do not have a Goodreads profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Pinterest, Facebook, etc.).</span>
2. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP:</strong></span> <em><strong>Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop</strong></em>. 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.
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.* </em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* </em><em>Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* Feel free to link more than one post.*</em></div>
3. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP:</strong></span> <strong><em>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.</em> </strong>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!
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Happy Hopping!</strong></h2>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>GOODREADS LINKY PARTY</strong></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<strong>(***Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop***)</strong></h4>
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=256273" type="text/javascript"></script>
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<br />
<h3>
<strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP</strong></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh2MkP389GI5qn4rTqkFys2U-2BK_I6eo-tqWqArL2i7TS0kiSd5b6OI0JHfB3HI_EAGQB7rfW9ya8JpCUxcv63mRyhyNxmfQ3l6oLzCR_30cyEE1uT6W2a7RqQjvygi-jdBzjsTJGc-r3plyPgdUa0f9IiYmS4t2Z_t6Mb9AuIOCWDAjgf7wIEvgFczpqxWZ9f6YiyIQ=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" height="200" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" width="200" /></a></div>
Welcome to the 59th <strong>Kid Lit Blog</strong> <strong>Hop </strong>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 <strong>Pinterest</strong> <strong>Linky Party</strong> to be held in conjunction with the <strong>Kid Lit Blog Hop</strong>. 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.
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Children's Book Week Kindle Fire (Kids Edition) Giveaway</h3>
If you haven't entered yet, be sure to check out the Children's Book Week Kindle Fire, Kids Edition Tablet giveaway hosted by <a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/childrens-book-week-kindle-fire-hd-kids-edition-tablet-giveaway-2015/" target="_blank">Mother Daughter Book Reviews</a> 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.
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/childrens-book-week-kindle-fire-hd-kids-edition-tablet-giveaway-2015/"><img alt="Children's Book Week Kindle Kids Edition Giveaway 2015" class=" size-medium wp-image-22558 aligncenter" src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/CBW-2015-Banner-228x300.jpg" height="300" width="228" /></a>
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<h3>
On to the Hop...</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Hostesses:</em></strong></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/" target="_blank"> Mother Daughter Book Reviews</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whenigrowupiwannawriteakidsbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Carpinello, Author <em>/</em> Blogger</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stackingbooks.com/" target="_blank">Stacking Books</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beachboundbooks.com/" target="_blank">BeachBoundBooks</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/" target="_blank">Pragmatic Mom</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com/" target="_blank">Music Teaching and Parenting</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingauthors.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Reading Authors</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thelogonauts.com/" target="_blank">The Logonauts</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abooklongenough.com/" target="_blank">A Book Long Enough</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sparkandpook.com/" target="_blank">Spark and Pook</a></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I have a book review by a fantastic author that I have come to admire greatly.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.thewsa.co.uk/winners2014/">Check It Out</a><br />
<br />
Edward won the 2014 People Book Prize Uk, and he does amazing book tours throughout the UK, independently promoting his books. <br />
<br />
His success is inspiring. Now onto the book.<br />
<br />
<strong>Description from Amazon</strong><br />
</div>
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.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Review </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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.
<br />
<br />
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.
<br />
<br />
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.
<br />
<br />
<br />
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.
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!</div>
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<br /></div>
<pre style="background: none; border: currentColor; padding: 0px;"><textarea style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240); border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0px 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/KLBH-Button-FINAL.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
</textarea></pre>
<br />
<h2>
<strong><strong>Kid Lit Blog Hop & Linky Party Rules *Please Read*</strong></strong></h2>
1. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LINKY PARTY:</strong></span> <em><strong>Add the link to your Pinterest profile page in the Pinterest Linky Party list below. </strong></em>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. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">If you do not have a Pinterest profile, you are welcome to link up a different social media profile (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).</span>
2. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP:</strong></span> <em><strong>Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop</strong></em>. 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.
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.* </em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* </em><em>Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*</em></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px;">
<em>* Feel free to link more than one post.*</em></div>
3. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP:</strong></span> <strong><em>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.</em> </strong>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!
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Happy Hopping!</strong></h2>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>PINTEREST LINKY PARTY</strong></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<strong>(***Please do not link a blog post here - see below for the Kid Lit Blog Hop***)</strong></h4>
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<br />
<h3>
<strong>KID LIT BLOG HOP</strong></h3>
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