Blog Tour: Pickle and Bree by Alison Reynolds + a Critique Giveaway and a Slush Pile pass!!!!

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. 

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.

 

 

Boomerang Books: Click to read

Pass it on: Click to read

 Creative Kids Tales: Click to read

Buzz Words: Click to read

Aussie Reviews Click to read

Just Write For Kids: Click to read

 

Let’s start with a little about Alison and her books.

  So Alison, tell us, how did you get the idea for Pickle and Bree? Did you pitch it to a publisher, or were you asked to write the series? This always puzzles me.

 

 

 

 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.

 

After brainstorming, how much does the original text change for a Pickle and Bree Story? 

 

 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.

 

Seeing the illustrations for the first time from Mikki Butterley, were you blown away? We certainly think they are exquisite!!! 

 

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!

 

Now you have two new books coming out by Five Mile Press to be released February 2017.

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?

 

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.

My Review:

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.

Pickle being a bear, offers them a slightly rude suggestion, but Bree encourages him not to be mean. 

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.  

I loved the resolution here, and the fact that all the way along, Bree encourages Pickle and Jason to find a solution, without retaliation.

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.

 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.

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.

Brilliant story Alison and Mikki.

I give it 5 stars! 

Now onto the next one, take it away again Alison

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.

 MY REVIEW:

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. 

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.

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.

Another fantastic book, Alison and Mikki,

I give it 5 stars also!

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.

Will you tell us a little about KidlitVic?

 

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.

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.
 

For information head on over to Kid Lit Vic 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. 

 

NOW FOR THE INCREDIBLE PRIZES!!!

 

BOOK GIVEWAYS!

Just leave a comment on any of the posts in the blog tour, comment on facebook or twitter or even email alrey@msn.com.au to win a copy of The Playground Meanies or The Big Snow Adventure.

 

JUMP THE SLUSH PILE IS BACK!

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.

OR

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.

Remember the more you comment, the more chances you have to win.

 

TEDDY BEAR CONTEST FOR ALL AGES!

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 alrey@msn.com.au or upload to https://www.facebook.com/alison.reynolds.524 or Twitter @AlisonReynoldsa

Competitions close March 24^th and winners to be announced and contacted by March 31^st.

   Thank you so much for joining us Alison and I am looking forward so much for the release of your new books.

Be sure to stop by her website.

 Alison Reynolds

 

Kid Lit Blog Hop #52

Welcome to the 52nd Kid Lit Blog Hop  

We continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. 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! 

For the first time, we will also be including a Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Every two weeks, you will have the opportunity to join in a linky party focused on one social media network, helping you to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents. Be sure to check both linky's at the bottom of this post.

Now, today I have a review of a lovely chapter book by a fellow Aussie author.

 

Amazon Link

My Review:
 

Sam is starting a new school after returning from living in Nepal as a missionary. She wants to fit in, so when she is assigned to sit next to Felicity, one of the prettiest girls in the class, Sam is hopeful that her new school will be awesome. Things don't start off well, when Sam notices Felicity cheating off her. Sam is too timid to let her teacher know, and things get worse when Felicity seems to be doing everything she can to exclude and tease her. Things come to a head when Sam begins to make up stories about her mum being an evil genius, wanting to take over the word. This leads to even more alienation from Felicity and her minions, and eventually Sam snaps. She finds herself sitting in the principals office as a consequence of her behaviour, but she still can't level with her parents as to what caused her to act as she did.

A well meaning education session from the teaching staff to the school about bullying, didn't really solve Sam's problem but it was a great turning point. She eventually gains her courage and has the strength to come clean with her class about the stories she has made up. In the process she ends up giving a super presentation about her time in Nepal. Sam is astounded when the kids don't laugh at all, but begin to ask her some questions about her life in another country. She finds some common ground with a new group of friends in the playground and eventually leaves the behind Felicity's of the world. She embarks on a new school term with friends who understand her and are happy to include her.

This was a sweet book, that really struck a cord with me. I felt Sam's alienation, lonliness and feelings of helplessness, right along with her. It was great to watch Sam eventually find the strength to change her situation. The education session with the teachers was a great teaching moment, where they spell out quite simply the meaning of bullying. I especially liked the idea that if kids see others being bullied, they should take the initiative and stand up against it. I believe this would make a great resource for the school classroom, as the strategies Sam uses to over come her fears are really practical. I would recommend this for children ages 5-7.

Connect With Melissa


That's all from me folks, happy hopping....

We are pleased to be welcome the following co-hostess with us this week: Katie from The Logonauts, a blog focused on sharing and discussing great books for elementary and middle grade readers. Please take a moment to drop by and say hello. Welcome Katie!  

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual

Reading Authors

 

Co-Hostess:

The Logonauts

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

1. Add the link to your Facebook fan page in the Facebook Linky Party linky list below. Be sure to visit, "like", and/or comment on your hostesses' Facebook pages as well as the two links directly before yours. Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us and we will be sure to follow you back. 2. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop/Linky Party? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!

 

FACEBOOK LINKY PARTY

KID LIT BLOG HOP

Dreaming of Cash Giveaway

To Celebrate the release of

 

Stellarcadia #3

Due 30 January 2015

 

Book Link

 

I have joined with an amazing Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!!

Are you Dreaming of Cash? Here is your chance to win some!

1 lucky winner will receive $250 in Paypal Cash!

 

   

 

Be sure to enter the rafflecopter below and good luck everyone!!!!!
 

Sponsor List I Am A Reader Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and MORE Unshelfish The Discerning Reader A Tattered Copy My Book Self Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through The Ages Melissa M. Frye Leisure Reads Julie Anne Grasso Books Bonnie Blythe Pure Romance Author Camelia Miron Skiba Ann Swann ~ Author of Suspense Kimber Leigh Wheaton Glistering Bs Blog Krysten Lindsay Hager author Author Ednah Walters inspiredbooksguide D.E. Haggerty author Diana's Book Reviews Simple Wyrdings A Leisure Moment: A Casual Conversation About Our Love For Literature Melanie Crouse Jess @ Gone with the Words Author Deb Atwood

Giveaway Details $250 Paypal Cash Ends 1/30/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kid Lit Blog Hop #51

Welcome to the 51st Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

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Today I have a few books to share with you, that came from our Christmas list.

 

 

Link

 

Description From Booktopia:

A laugh-aloud picture book celebrating nannas everywhere from a talented author and illustrator team.

Some nannas dress in pink when they jog around the track.

But my nanna is a ninja … so she dresses up in black.

All nannas are different.

But what if your nanna was really different?

What if your nanna was a ninja?

 

This fun, poetic picture book portrays the many different guises, faces and personalities that nannas can have and demonstrates the significance of their role in the modern family.

 

Our Thoughts:



Gigi loved this book from the first read. The rhyme is fantastic, and it is loads of fun to see a Nanny being a ninja. We had to have it on our Christmas list.  I don't know any kid that wouldn't enjoy this book.

 

 

Next we have:

Link



 

Description From Amazon:

This innovative and wildly funny read-aloud by award-winning humorist/actor B.J. Novak will turn any reader into a comedian.

You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except . . . here's how books work. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say . . .

BLORK. Or BLUURF.

Even if the words are a preposterous song about eating ants for breakfast, or just a list of astonishingly goofy sounds like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and GLIBBITY GLOBBITY.

 

We saw the Youtube of B.J Novak reading this to a crowd and we decided to give it a go.  With only one child in the audience, it took a little longer for her to warm to it, because, of course there were no pictures.  Once she realised it was really very funny to hear mum and dad say those words, it was a hit.

 

I think this is ingenious and a great way to get kids to learn using auditory, as opposed to visual.

 

And next:

Link

Description From Amazon:
What’s big, blue, bossy, and turns up uninvited?
A slightly annoying elephant, of course!

Our Thoughts:

 This is a hoot of a book. It is a cautionary tale about always reading the labels and every page has more mayhem that Gigi just loves.  I recommend for anyone who loves a really silly book.

 

Last but not least:

 

Link

 

Description From Amazon:

Inspired by the evil villains and innocent damsels of silent movies, Willems tells the tale of a hungry fox who invites a plump goose to dinner. As with the beloved Pigeon books, kids will be calling out the signature refrain and begging for repeated readings. The funny details in the full-color illustrations by three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems will bring nonstop laughter to story time.

Our Thoughts:

Firstly the noir style, love it, the simple journey with mummy chicken, hilarious, the ending, in true Willems style, very naughty.  Gigi is partial to the odd macabre humour, and what kid wouldn't be with a mother like myself,  he he.

 

That's all folks, off you hop!!!!

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hosts. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Facebook * Twitter

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

Maria@ Music Teaching and Parenting Twitter * Facebook

Naila @ Reading Authors Facebook * Google+

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you!

4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links!

5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Billy And Monster's Golden Christmas

Got some news for you today.

My buddy David Chuka has released a book just in time for Christmas.

  Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas is now available to download on Amazon.

I had the pleasure to be interviewed on David’s blog last year and it was fun answering his questions. You can actually read the full interview here.

 

In this book, which is the fifth instalment in his bestselling series – The Adventures of Billy and Monster – David addresses that scenario we sometimes face during the Christmas: What do we do when we get a gift we don’t really like.

 

Billy gets a golden pen from Uncle Leland from England while his cousin Bob gets a Monster truck. Billy’s doesn't show any gratitude and his attitude makes his Dad mad and his uncle sad. An incident at the refrigerator while reaching for Grandma’s chocolate caramel pecan pie leads Billy filled with snow and colourful monsters. While he learns about one of the most important things about Christmas.

This sounds very cool so hop on over to check it out just in time for Christmas.

 

Connect with David

Facebook   

Twitter   

  Blog   

    Amazon Page

   

Kid Lit Blog Hop #47

Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #47

 

 

Today, I don't have a review for you, so I thought I would share 6 impossible things before breakfast....

 

 

1. Frankie Dupont was accepted for a Book Bub promo, so it will be going free on October 16-20 on Amazon.

 

http://amzn.com/B00LPPEA0A

 



For anyone who doesn't know what a Book Bub promo is. Book bub is a free and discounted book site. They have over 2 million subscribers, so if you want to get your book selling and ranking, many people do Book Bub promo's. It's extremely hard to be accepted for a promo, so I think that is an achievement in itself.

Check out the site.  http://landers.bookbub.com/bestsellers-covers-m/?

 

2. Book 3 "Stellarcadia" in my Caramel Cardamom series has been edited and is now ready for the painstaking task of proofing and formatting.

 

3. Frankie Dupont And The Lemon Festival Fiasco ( Book 2) first draft is down. I am doing a thorough review to get it ship shape and ready to face my beta readers.

 

4. I have hired another illustrator to do Stellacadia's Cover. I can't wait to see what he comes up with. Stay tuned for a cover reveal hopefully in November with a release early December.

 

 

 

5. On November 1, I will be joining with 12 other Authors and Illustrators for Inside Story.  Check out the promo I managed to put together.  Thank you Cool Mom, ( Aka StanleyNKatrina's tec guru) for introducing me to http://www.picmonkey.com/ 

 

Even a luddite like me can use it! 

 

 

 



6. I recently completed a 4 week picture book course, with Jodell Saddler. It was fantastic and I highly recommend it. I learned so much and I hope one day to get my picture books noticed by a publisher.

 

 



 



http://www.sadlercreativeliterary.com/webinars---classes.html

That's all folks. What are your six impossible things, share them with me in the comments!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

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Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hosts. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Facebook * Twitter

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max Twitter * Facebook

Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

Lina @ Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual Twitter * Facebook

Stanley & Katrina, Pawthors Twitter * Facebook

Co-Host:

Kimbra @ The Barefoot Librarian Twitter * Google+

 

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you!

4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links!

5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!

Kid Lit Blog Hop #46

Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #46

 

 



It is no secret that I have a major obsession with middle grade mysteries, so when I saw this one on Amazon, I snaffled it up

 

The Curious Disappearance of Professor Brown

by Tim Flanagan and illustrations by Dylan Gibson.

 

 

I was not disappointed. 

http://amzn.com/B00GP3HNRO

18 year old Lawrence Pinkley is Whitby's top private detective. Well actually he is the only private detective, complete with wardrobe of beige trenchcoats and trilby hats. When his father dies and leaves him a large inheritance, Lawrence can't touch it until he runs PIG for 5 years. ( Pinkley Investigation Group) So he sets out to follow in his father's footsteps and what follows is a laugh out loud adventure, with a cast of characters whose names often had me chortling.

 

 When Russet Brown arrives on Pinkley's door step, desperate to find her father Professor Brown, little does Lawrence know just how much of pumpkin of an investigation he has landed in. Mysterious notes begin finding their way into his office, and two thugs are watching his every move. Lawrence soon learns that this private detective gig is not as easy as he thought and he finds himself in one huge pickle, but not to worry. With a little help from some new friends, our dashing detective outsmarts the crooks and lives to investigate another day, just in time for his date with the lovely Vicky, his cafe crush.

This was one fun mystery, that had me laughing all the way to the end. I absolutely loved the colour illustrations by Dylan Gibson and found myself taking extra time to study each one, with their intricate and often hilarious details. I would recommend this to upper middle grade 12+ due to some of the events included and I am certainly looking forward to the next Lawrence Pinkley mystery.

 



Happy Hopping folks

Welcome to the 46th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. So, you are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors! We are pleased to be welcoming a few co-hosts this week: Stanley & Katrina, who have just released their latest book, The Observations of the Obstreperous Animals (Stanley & Katrina Book 2) and Rebecca, the author behind the book blog, A Book Long Enough. Welcome to Stanley & Katrina and Rebecca!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

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Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hosts. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Facebook * Twitter

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max Twitter * Facebook

Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

Maria@ Music Teaching and Parenting Twitter * Facebook

Co-Hosts:

Stanley & Katrina, Pawthors Twitter * Facebook

Rebecca @ A Book Long Enough Pinterest * Facebook

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you!

4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links!

5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!

Karmac: Book Blast

Title: Karmack | Author: J.C. Whyte | Publication Date: June 6, 2013 | Publisher: Muse it Up Publishing | Pages: 140 | Recommended Age: 7+

Summary: A strange little creature enters the lives of three tough guys at Higgins Elementary. And from that point on, pranks come back like boomerangs, smacking the bullies right in their fifth grade butts! Sully, the leader of the gang, is the only one who can see this creature, which he names Karmack. Sully learns that the creature’s job is to balance all the bad pranks the bullies have pulled over the years. Karmack warns that if this fails, “dreadful, awful doom” awaits them all. Sully soon realizes that he must save not only himself but his friends, who have no idea why they keep getting boomeranged by Karmack!

"Karmack" won First Place in the 2014 Purple Dragonfly Writing contest, a national contest for children's book authors, in the category of chapter books (e-Books).

Purchase the Book

Amazon (US) * Amazon (UK) * Muse It Up Publishing

Barnes and Noble * Omnilit * Bookstrand

 

The Buzz About the Book

"Karmack is a well-written, middle grade book tackling the difficult topic of bullying from the perspective of the bully. The character development is absolutely brilliant as the reader witnesses the transformation of Sully from an aggressive, angry bully to a positive role model and respected leader among his peers. While the concept of karma is not for everyone, I found myself agreeing with the main message of how our actions have consequences, intended or otherwise. I would recommend this book to middle grade classrooms as a great book to generate discussion around bullying." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

 

"A wonderful story about growing up and treating others with respect, Karmack is well paced, funny, and manages to teach important lessons without coming off preachy." ~ Jess W., Amazon

 

"A fun read with important lessons for us all about Karma, and why bullies have more to balance than most people. Great for ages 9 up, child centered, non-preachy, action packed, great classroom read aloud." ~ Carolyn W., Amazon

 

"What an AMAZINGLY FUN story! EVERYONE needs to read it! Full of FUN, FANTASY, and FANTASTIC REVENGE on a bully! Fun for ALL ages!" ~ Shauna W., Amazon

 

"Karmack is a captivating pre-teen fantasy and author J.C. Whyte has created a strong cast of characters that are well developed and quite likable. As the story progresses, the suspense builds to a delightful outcome that is sure to keep readers anticipating Whyte's next round of literary treasures. We look forward to seeing more from this author." ~ Literary Classics Book Review, Amazon

 

About The Author: J.C. Whyte

When J.C. Whyte was eleven, her 6^th grade teacher gave a class assignment to write a poem about a sport. Realizing her classmates would probably choose popular American sports like baseball or football, J.C. decided to write about something different: golf. And to her complete surprise, the teacher found it comical; she was thereby encouraged to keep writing. Then over summer break, students were told to choose 26 books from a reading list and write a book report on each. J.C. was horrified! She wanted to enjoy her summer, not spend it reading! You see, J.C. was a very slow reader and didn’t much enjoy the experience. Plus, kids back then didn’t have all the fun books to choose from today. But that same teacher who had assigned the sports poem told J.C.’s mother she could write 26 stories instead of reading them. That was absolute genius! Although she didn’t actually write 26 stories (perhaps six?), J.C. submitted one which made her teacher laugh out loud in class. And she got an “A” on her summer reading assignment. J.C. has never forgotten that wise teacher who let her play to her strengths. So from the age of eleven, J.C. knew she wanted to be a writer. Yet by the time she reached college, she understood that writing stories seldom paid the bills. So she got her degrees in Journalism and Communications Management. Then for many years she channeled her creative energies in the field of Public Relations. Marriage, kids, and several more degrees and occupations later (including stints as a travel agent and paralegal), J.C. entered law school – mostly for the challenge of writing creative arguments for the court. But while in law school, she became a columnist for the student newsletter, writing humorous pieces on the strange and quirky life of a law student. She was absolutely thrilled when one of these articles was chosen for publication in The National Jurist, a magazine distributed to law students throughout the US. But after graduating and passing the Bar, J.C. realized within a few years that creative writing was still what made her heart sing. So now, as a grandma, she’s returned to writing. And with publication of her middle grade novel Karmack, she’s come full circle, back to where her writing journey began.

Website | Goodreads

 

* Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize Contest ends: September 18, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. One winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, J.C. Whyte and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Kid Lit Blog Hop #43 Review Paw Prints And The Itchy Spots.

Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #43

* As with July, we will be hosting only one Hop in the month of August. PLUS, we will be keeping the Hop open for 2 weeks instead of 1 week. Also, please be aware that as hostesses, we will do the best we can to make sure that at least ONE of us visits each link and says Hello! *  

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!

Today I want to share with you another awesome book by the very talented Sarah Mounsey.

I have reviewed Sarah's first two books. To check out those links, 

Go Here:

And Here:
 

 

 

Eddie is covered from top to toe in lots and lots of itchy red spots!. How did they get there? And how can he stop scratching them? His mischievous friend William and his lovable dog Oscar come to the rescue again. But how long will it take them to itch their way out of another spot of bother?

 

Our Review:
Eddie is back again with another fun filled escapade. This time, Eddie wakes with a big red spot on his nose, but wait, there's more, hundreds more spots to be precise. Poor Eddy. His dog Oscar offers some consolation by teaching Eddie how to do a really good scratch, but poor Eddie is still itchy. 

Enter William, Eddie's clever and sometimes full of mischief friend, who has just the remedy, and well, I would tell you but that would give it away... Williams remedy lands Eddie in a world it of itchiness, so they resort to the car wash and a fire engine to help Eddie relieve his itchy scratchies, but nothing works. Well, not until Mum saves the day, dabbing special lotion on every single one of Eddie's itchy spots. 
Can you guess Eddie's ailment, and as we know with any good itch, ( if there is such a thing) they are quite contagious.  Eddie finally finds some relief, but he leaves a trail of itchy friends behind him.

Once again another delightful story by the fabulous Sarah Mounsey. Jade Fangs illustrations are just fantastic, bringing Eddie's predicament to true to life that it will leave you itching and scratching all the way to the end.

We LOVED IT.  5 stars from us.  

 

WHERE TO BUY

Happy hopping folks.  

 

 

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Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hosts. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)

Hostesses:

Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews Facebook * Twitter

Jaymie @ Snacks for Max Twitter * Facebook

Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews Twitter * Facebook

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger Twitter * Facebook

Reshama @ Stacking Books Twitter * Facebook

Stacie @ BeachBoundBooks Twitter * Facebook

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom Twitter * Facebook

Lina @ Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual Twitter * Facebook

Maria@ Music Teaching and Parenting Twitter * Facebook

2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you!

4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links!

5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? If you've joined us before, you are welcome to join us again! Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.

Happy Hopping!