Looking for new books?
Here’s a list of books releasing in May, courtesy of Lou Allen of Christian Faith and Fiction. The books are for adults and high schoolers. Anything strike your fancy?
Disclaimer: I haven’t read any of these myself.
My Book-in-Progress…and Dog Treats
Hi, everyone.
I’m still writing my book, The Galdur Snow Dog. For those of you who are just reading this blog, it’s a middle-grade book about a special breed of dog from the fictional island Galdur. They have magical traits, such as:
Sneezing colors into the snow
Running across water
Smelling like vanilla peppermint
Did I mention their fur has out-of-this-world colors? Some of the Snow Dogs are blue-and-silver while the others are red-and-white with gold glitters.
Every good story has a problem. In this case, a Snow Dog puppy named Joy and her siblings get kidnapped by humans and sold to a family. The family treats them well, though, and they become sled dogs. But the dogs come across more problems. They deal with a persnickety apothecary lady, a fae who seems to have stolen the human daughter’s heart, and a loss of something vital to them: jolenberries. They must get more berries, for without them, they will turn into leafless, spindly shrubs, and that is not a metaphor. Joy, as an adult, plays a key role in her pack’s rescue, which I won’t give away here. Ha ha.
Every protagonist has a weakness, right? Well, Joy is notorious for self-indulgence, including gorging on sweets. Even though I may be enabling her addiction, here are videos featuring dog-friendly desserts that she would approve! And since Snow Dogs are similar to huskies and malamutes, these videos feature these dogs.
Disclaimer: I’m not sponsored by any of these YouTubers. Also, feed your dog these goodies on special occasions rather than every day. 🙂
How About an April Poem?
Hi, all.
Do you want a poem that honors April with all its freshness and beautiful flowers? Here’s one called “Light and Wind” by Ellen Grace Olinger. It’s low-key and pretty, complete with a lovely clip art picture of a hyacinth.
A Summer (Or Spring) Dessert
It’s April, you all, and I’ve been having spring weather, complete with rain. Oh April showers, bring May…okay, I’ll stop.
But summer will be here before you know it, and why not prepare for it with an ice cream recipe? Or, you can make a new recipe now while it’s spring. Here’s one for a caramel butter pecan ice cream, originally posted by Elizabeth McD on her blog “Creative Wending.” Take it away, Elizabeth!
Happy Resurrection Day!
Hello, you all. This day may be known as Easter, but most importantly, it’s a day to sing, reflect, and have joy in what Jesus did on this special day. His death and resurrection are His precious gifts to unworthy sinners like you and me, and He promises new life with Him, here on earth and in heaven, to those who have faith in Him.
Here’s Storytime Anytime reading The Quiet Crazy Easter Day, written by Jill Roman Lord and illustrated by Kelly Breemer. Young children will witness animals celebrating Christ’s resurrection in their own unique way, including ladybugs flying loop-de-doos and groundhogs hopping. The animals’ joy will be contagious, and readers will see how kids can rejoice with as much happiness.
“No, we can’t swoop big loop-de-doos or soar like eagles soar. But we can sing and shout ‘Hurray,’ and we can do much more!”
Happy Resurrection Day!
Easter Crafts and Recipes
Getting ready for Easter? Or to be truer to why Christians celebrate, Resurrection Day? If you’re still looking for things to do that day, Clubhouse Magazine has recipe and craft ideas for you to check out. Here are a few examples:
Aren’t these sock bunnies cute?
This recipe for Easter Crown Bread is an Eastern European tradition. If your child doesn’t like raisins, you can leave the raisins out.
This keychain craft is great for older kids and teens.
To see more Clubhouse Magazine activities for the holiday, click on the button below.
Book Review: Grumpy the Gator by Melissa Henderson
Do you want to observe and learn about wildlife in a safe way? Grumpy the Gator, written by Melissa Henderson and illustrated by Mark Brayer, shows us how. I wrote a review on this picture book, and it’s posted on Story Warren’s site. Click on the link below to read more.
How Do You View Your Favorite Fruit?
Have you ever thought of writing a poem about your favorite fruit? Maybe one of these days I ought to write a poem about apples or strawberries. I just need to look at them from a different angle and notice the reddest parts of their skin or the size and texture of their seeds.
Oh, and maybe I ought to write an ode to dates. They count as fruit, right? And they’re delicious.
In the meantime, enjoy this poem by John Malone. I don’t think I’ll look at figs the same way again. *smile*
Book Review: The Hundred and One Dalmatians (Picture Book)
You may have read the original The Hundred and One Dalmatians (I’ve listened to the audiobook version myself. It’s good, by the way.), but did you know there’s a picture book version for five to eight-year-olds? Check out my review on this book, featured on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog.
Ignite by Kara Swanson
There’s a new young adult book coming, full of phoenix flames!
Kara Swanson, author of the Peter Pan retellings Dust and Shadow, will release this story August 20, 2024.
Summary:
Can Mara survive in a world where the fire in her veins is worth killing for?
In a frozen wasteland suffocating beneath a dying sun, Mara is a young phoenix raised by her father to explode at his command. He’s the only one who can help her control her fire, and Mara desperately follows his orders to protect their phoenix family from relentless human hunters.
Her sheltered existence is shattered when her family mysteriously vanishes, thrusting Mara into a perilous quest to find them. Along the way, she unravels a devastating truth: her people may not be the innocent victims she’s been taught to believe.
When she comes face-to-face with the kindhearted Eli, she begins to wonder if the humans aren’t the monsters she’s always feared. What if the greatest danger doesn’t lie in the icy world outside—but in the truth of who Mara really is?
To preorder your copy, here’s the link:
Take a look at this fiery cover. 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day, You All
May you have a fun day today, spending it with friends and loved ones. Here are a few picture books, read by various YouTubers, that celebrate the holiday of love. Not just romantic love, but all kinds of love.
Here Comes Valentine Cat, written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Claudia Rueda
“I know he’s a dog. Maybe he’s a nice dog.”
Read (or watch) this book to see if Cat befriends his new neighbor.
A Charlie Brown Valentine by Charles M. Schultz
“Charlie Brown is too scared. ‘She’s something, and I’m nothing,’ he explains. ‘If I were something and she were nothing, I could talk to her. Or if she were something and I were something. Or if she were nothing and I were nothing—’
‘You know, Charlie Brown, for a nothing, you’re really something!’ Linus says.”
Will Charlie Brown ever tell the little red-headed girl he likes her? Find out in this book.
Note: Don’t tell your friends that your dog is really a kid in a costume. It won’t work.
If You Were My Valentine, written by Lynn Plourde and illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer.
“If you were my valentine, there’s something you should hear. You would be my valentine…EVERY day of the year.”
I shared this book with you in a past blog post, and it’s worth mentioning again. Look at all the gorgeous illustrations.
A Video to Make You Smile
In the spirit of my work-in-progress, The Galdur Snow Dog, here’s a video of cute husky puppies. The dogs in my book are more like Malamutes, but huskies are similar, right?
The main character in my story is a magic, Malamute-like dog named Joy. She starts out as a little pup, then she grows into a teenager and finally an adult. Aah, the sweetness of growing up.
The dogs in this video are ordinary huskies, but imagine if they’re like my fictional dogs. That is, dogs who can sneeze colors into the snow, run across water, and smell like vanilla peppermint. Oh, and some of them are cherry-red and gold-speckled white, while others are deep blue and silver.
This Wednesday is the Last Day
For all of you who have looked at my beta copy of The Galdur Snow Dog, this Wednesday is the last day to submit your input to my email. Don’t you love it when I keep reminding you? 🙂
Again, thank you for your help. You are very much appreciated.
Don’t Forget! Beta Read Input on January 31
Hi, all.
To all of you who are reading my manuscript of The Galdur Snow Dog, thank you very much! If you haven’t sent your input to me yet, don’t forget to send it no later than January 31. 🙂
Lou Allen Ranks Books, from Middle Grade to Adult
Which of these books do you want to read? I want to read Fortress of Snow by Melanie Dickerson, and I would try out the adventure in The Architect by Jonathan Starrett. If you’ve visited my other blog posts, you may have seen me post Allen’s review on Starrett’s story.
A Unique Prayer Activity
Here’s a prayer activity that’s great for any Christian, young and old. You write prayer requests on cards, complete with photos of people and things you’re praying for. Keep them in a box, then pull the cards out as reminders on who or what needs prayer.
Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Magazine has the directions on how to make these artistic cards. Check it out here:
My Children’s Book-in-progress
Hi, all. I hope you are all enjoying 2024 so far.
Throughout this year, I’m giving sneak peeks of my story-in-progress. It’s a middle grade novel called The Galdur Snow Dog, and the main character is—that’s right—a dog. Only this dog has golden sparkles in her fur, can sneeze colors into snow, and run across water.
The dog’s name is Joy. She starts out as a puppy on the island Galdur, then gets taken by humans who sell her to a human family on the island Brinnacla. The family owns a tailoring business, and they need Snow Dogs to pull their sled for transporting tailored clothes. Joy can talk, though her words are garbled at first (if you’re familiar with how huskies and Malamutes vocalize, you would have an idea what that sounds like). But when the family sprays Velvet Maple Sap at her, she speaks human (though she starts out talking with a toddler’s lisp).
This video I found captures how I’d imagine her speech sounding like before the Velvet Maple Sap.
What is Joy’s personality like? Her passion in life is to have fun and eat yummy treats. She’s a go-getter when she wants to be, and as long as she gets rewarded with a toy or a treat, she’ll do what you ask her. However, she is expressive about her dislikes, and the following video is how I’d like to picture Joy the puppy when she’s having a fit (though she uses more words than this video’s puppy, ha-ha).
If you’re bored this January, there’s still time to beta read a copy of The Galdur Snow Dog. Click on the link to learn more. The deadline for sharing your input is January 31.
Happy New Year!
Hi, friends.
I wish you all a happy and blessed 2024.
Before the holidays are officially over, here’s one last Christmas video. Remember Cheryl’s stories about Luna the beagle (if you’ve been following this blog)? Here’s the last chapter of her story.
And here’s the button that leads to the page containing the other Luna stories. See you in the new year!
Merry Early Christmas!
I hope you will all have a happy Christmas starting tomorrow.
If you would like a Christmas tale, here are a series of stories from the YouTube channel “Cheryl’s Stories.” They’re about a Beagle puppy named Luna, who experiences many Christmas festivities. She and her friends model helpfulness, giving, and remembering the true meaning of Christmas.
These short tales are perfect for preschool children, and each subsequent story builds on the events of the previous story. Cheryl tells of Luna’s happenings to the camera, and each tale ends with a cliffhanger. If your child has trouble sitting still for a story, you can act out the stories together using puppets or wearing costumes to play the characters.
Disclaimer: So far, Cheryl has posted three stories, and the last one ends with a MAJOR cliffhanger. We shall hope she continues. 🙂
The Dog in Wolf’s Clothing: A Review
Hi, friends. Here’s a book that’s fitting for winter, especially if you’re a fan of huskies and malamutes. It’s The Dog in Wolf’s Clothing by Pam Atherstone.
It’s about a little girl who’s terrified of wolves. Her uncle stops by with his sled dogs, and one of them has a cut paw. She’s scared of the dog at first, as he looks like a wolf. However, after interacting with him, she sees him as a gentle creature.
Kindergarteners through first graders can easily follow the story, and the illustrations are vibrant and welcoming to both a child and an animal-lover. In one picture, where the girl and the dog hang out in the snow, the dog’s smile is a little human with its curved-up corners, yet it’s cute.
You can get your copy through these stores:
And don’t forget my dog-sled tale for middle graders: The Galdur Snow Dog. You can learn more here:
Christmas Tales for Your Delight
Looking for Christmas stories to read during this season? Why not beta read my middle grade novel The Galdur Snow Dog? 🙂 I know, I have to mention that again, but it’s nice to have a little reminder, right?
It’s a story full of sled dogs, fae, and Christmas traditions. Not to mention it includes the Northern Lights!
[This isn’t a picture from my book. It was downloaded from Unsplash for inspiration.]
The beta read copy will be available until January 31. I’m open to any input you may have on how to improve this wintry adventure. More details are in the following link:
I also wrote a review on another middle grade book called Santa’s Puppy. Click on the link to learn more about Catherine Hapka’s work.
I Wrote a Novel. Looking for Beta Readers.
Hi, all. I have big news: I’ve written a novel.
Well, it’s a beta read copy of my middle grade book, “The Galdur Snow Dog.” It’s a Christmas-y story about a dog named Joy with magical powers, and she and her siblings get kidnapped and sold to a family. The family is nice, but something awful happens, and Joy must rescue her pack.
One-sentence summary: Joy the magical dog and her two human friends must save her siblings’ lives, or they’ll never spend another Winter’s Hope holiday together.
[The following image isn’t from the book; it’s from Pixabay and made by cocoparisienne. Just imagine these dogs like how I would imagine them: some have red-and-white fur with glitter, and the rest have blue-and-silver fur.]
If this sounds like a fun read, you can download the DocSend copy here. I include tips on how to critique the story. After you make your suggestions, you can email the document with the suggestions back to the email address mentioned on page 1. The deadline for this beta read is January 31.
It’s Out!
Newsflash!
Adare Elyse’s middle grade novel On Hidden Wings is officially out. You can order it on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle book.
Why should you buy this book? Well, if you’re a fan of the following tropes, then get your copy.
Here’s the blurb:
—
First rule: hide your true self.
Becka‘s secret endangers her life. She’s a winged Centaur in a kingdom now systematically hunting all non-Humans to enslave them—or worse. Her one hope is to use her shapeshifting abilities to hide until her father returns to take her family to safety. But when the army closes in on her secret, Becka can’t wait anymore. If she doesn’t find her father now, she may lose him—or her chance to escape—forever. She’ll do anything to reunite her family—even break into the palace archives to discover her father’s fate.
The last thing she expects to find is a potential ally among the enemy. Locked away in his own castle, young Prince Ryandru also has a secret that has left him desperate for a friend. They’ll have to trust each other to discover the truth they both seek. But with traitors grasping for the throne and Becka’s family in jeopardy, revealing their secrets could destroy all they hold dear.
Jump into the adventure of this clean middle grade fantasy featuring forbidden friendship, accepting your unique self, and a world of mythical creatures including Fauns, Griffins, Pegasi, and more! A perfect choice for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia.
—
Reminders, Reminders, Reminders
How do you feel about reminders, whether they’re sent via email, text, or voicemail? I at least tolerate them. After all, if I’m super-swamped with the to-dos, it’s nice to have someone remind me of an appointment or opportunity I don’t want to forget.
That said, here’s a reminder of several opportunities. One is the chance for teen readers to beta read The Years Eaten: Changeling Restrainers Book 1. Click on the link to view my post on it.
(These images are for reference only.)
If middle grade books are more your jam, don’t forget the chance to be a book reviewer for Jennifer Hallmark’s blog “Off the Beaten Track.” She’s looking for reviewers of speculative fiction works for young readers.
Last but not least, Adare Elyse’s middle grade novel is coming in one week! Here’s the cover reveal.
Isn’t this cover gorgeous? I’ll send you off with the book’s blurb:
First rule: hide your true self.
Becka’s secret endangers her life. She’s a winged Centaur in a kingdom now systematically hunting all non-Humans to enslave them—or worse. Her one hope is to use her shapeshifting abilities to hide until her father returns to take her family to safety. But when the army closes in on her secret, Becka can’t wait anymore. If she doesn’t find her father now, she may lose him—or her chance to escape—forever. She’ll do anything to reunite her family—even break into the palace archives to discover her father’s fate.
The last thing she expects to find is a potential ally among the enemy. Locked away in his own castle, young Prince Ryandru also has a secret that has left him desperate for a friend. They’ll have to trust each other to discover the truth they both seek. But with traitors grasping for the throne and Becka’s family in jeopardy, revealing their secrets could destroy all they hold dear.
Jump into the adventure of this clean middle grade fantasy featuring forbidden friendship, accepting your unique self, and a world of mythical creatures including Fauns, Griffins, Pegasi, and more! A perfect choice for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and How to Train Your Dragon.
Coming Soon: On Hidden Wings by Adare Elyse
Mark your calendars! In two weeks, the middle grade novel On Hidden Wings, written by Adare Elyse, will be released.
What is this book about? Here’s the blurb:
First rule: hide your true self.
Becka’s secret endangers her life. She’s a winged Centaur in a kingdom now systematically hunting all non-Humans to enslave them—or worse. Her one hope is to use her shapeshifting abilities to hide until her father returns to take her family to safety. But when the army closes in on her secret, Becka can’t wait anymore. If she doesn’t find her father now, she may lose him—or her chance to escape—forever. She’ll do anything to reunite her family—even break into the palace archives to discover her father’s fate.
The last thing she expects to find is a potential ally among the enemy. Locked away in his own castle, young Prince Ryandru also has a secret that has left him desperate for a friend. They’ll have to trust each other to discover the truth they both seek. But with traitors grasping for the throne and Becka’s family in jeopardy, revealing their secrets could destroy all they hold dear.
Jump into the adventure of this clean middle grade fantasy featuring forbidden friendship, accepting your unique self, and a world of mythical creatures including Fauns, Griffins, Pegasi, and more! A perfect choice for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and How to Train Your Dragon.
Sounds exciting, huh? Look for it November 21, 2023.
What Does Your Dream Land Look Like?
How would your dream home—or even bigger, your dream homeland—look like?
You may have remembered the post I wrote about my imaginary mansion. Here’s the post if you haven’t seen it.
But you know, I were to describe my dream land…well, for starters, it would include my own dog sled team, and I can zoom underneath the Northern Lights. It would also be cool if instead of a mansion, I would live in a tree house like the tree houses Tiger Lily and her people have in Kara Swanson’s Heirs of Neverland books. Maybe add a zipline, too?
Okay, you might be thinking, how can I simultaneously live in a snowy land and what might be a jungle? Hey, one can dream, right? *grin*
Anyway, check out this poem by Kaley Kriesel about a fairy tale castle.
Beta Readers Needed!
A big announcement for all you young adult readers:
My author pal Andrea J. Graham is looking for beta readers for her speculative fiction novel The Years Eaten: Changeling Restrainers Book 1. She needs constructive input on this book to make the changes needed to have the story be superb.
(These pictures from Andrea’s website represent two characters from her book: Brendan and Jesse. For reference only.)
The following is the blurb. If the story looks like your thing, click on the link after the blurb to download a beta copy through Dropbox.
Sixteen-year-old changeling Jesse Anders mind-bonds with outsiders like him, giving them his ability to charge their powers and heal by loving each other. His ability drains their mental powers when they act like the folklore monsters inspired by his underground race. And Jesse’s powers backfire, making him believe his name is Chris while he re-lives his twin sister’s last twenty-four hours alive in 1993. He returns to 1996 feeling like a stranger in his own body. A Norman Bates copycat has framed him for suicide. And he’ll die without one more act of mercy from his forgotten ex, Brendan Freemon. Brendan’s left Jesse for God, who Jesse misses but doesn’t know how to reconnect with alone.
Meanwhile, Jesse’s estranged father, Raphael, is bond-adopting Samantha Clanton. Jesse knows her from precognitive dreams where they’re a couple. He’d despaired, thinking, why would such a sweet, pure girl want him after the sexual abuse he and Brendan have endured and the choices they’ve made due to trauma?
Add your comments to the document and return it to the email address located at the bottom of page 1. Andrea’s open for your input until the end of November. If you have any questions, you can email me through my Contact page, and I can refer them to her.
If you want to learn more about Andrea’s stories, you can visit her website through the following button.
Food For Thought
The following is insight from Lorene M.’s blog “Writing about…Writing.” Do you agree with this? I do.
Ideas on Improving Your Story, With Jessi L. Roberts
What do you think makes a great book? Do you think you need to improve your story some?
Science fiction author Jessi L. Roberts lists traits of well-written books on her blog. I re-blogged it here. Enjoy!
Note: This is one person’s opinion, of course. I personally would forgive a long prologue if the world and characters intrigue me enough. I do think, though, that the main character/s in the prologue must have morals and be relatable in order to be likable and sympathetic.
New Book Review! A Dragon-friendly One.
Remember how I promoted the book When Your Dragon Is Too Big for a Bath? Well, on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog, I have a review on this special story by my author friend C.E. White.
God’s Fireflies
Can God answer prayer in a way that seems magical?
Here’s a short story by Kathleen Mincer that shows something like that. Actually, this tale is based on the true story of a young woman who did mission work in Australia.
Take a look at this beautiful illustration by Kevin Keele.
Read more to watch God using fireflies to lead a missionary team out of a rainforest.
Calling for Book Reviewers!
Do you love reading fantasy and sci-fi chapter books geared toward ages 8 to 12?
Jennifer Hallmark, my partner-in-crime in reviewing books, is looking for more book reviewers for her blog “Off the Beaten Track.” She’s interested in fantasy and sci-fi readers who’ll review, from a Christian point-of-view, middle grade novels. These readers are only to review books they enjoy, not books they want to trash.
To get acquainted with the blog and see how to review from a Christian perspective, click on the link below. You’ll also see a review written by (ahem) me.
If this sounds like an opportunity you don’t want to miss, you may contact Jennifer through her Contact page.
Book Review: Lavanauts
Here’s a review I wrote on Amy Shook’s book Lavanauts: Hot Lava Pirates and Sharks. Kindergarteners through second graders will love going on this lava-faring adventure.
The review is featured on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog. Enjoy!
Dachshunds, Dachshunds
Want to be bombarded by dachshunds? You can read a book called Dozens of Dachshunds by Stephanie Calmenson. It’s a counting book that’s filled with all the colors and furry textures of these long-bodied clowns.
Here’s a video of the book read by the author.
Bold and Brave by K.A. Cummins
A new book is releasing August 31! This one is about a girl with autism who dreams of singing a solo. She gets scared, and readers will be waiting to see if she overcomes her fear.
A blog tour has just started for the book, and you can read reviews and more details of the story on the blogs listed on the following link. You can also enter a giveaway and have the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card and your own copy of the book.
Biblical Books for Young Kids
Are you looking for books that expose young ones to biblical truth (especially in this day and age where relativism and ungodliness are running rampant)? If there’s a publisher that makes such books, wouldn’t it be worth supporting them financially?
Wolfbane Books is such publisher, and the following pictures show the books they publish.
They have a Kickstarter campaign. Check out the following link and watch their special trailer. Pledge as much as you want; in return, they’ll reward you with gifts like books, note cards, wall decorations, t-shirts, and more.
Book Review by K.A. Cummins – Drive-Thru Miracle
Today, I’m sharing a review of a book that tackles tough situations like bullying, disability, and questions about prayer. It’s the book Drive-Thru Miracle by Dana Edwards, and it’s geared toward middle grades. I haven’t read the book, but author K.A. Cummins wrote an excellent review on this and convinces me that this is an emotional and engaging story with quirkiness to lighten the mood.
Winter Puppy Books
Wish you can escape the heat for a little bit?
How about some wintry adventures with a husky puppy named Birki? Here are videos of The Brave Little Puppy and The Puppy’s Wish, both read by kids. These books for young children were written by Lori Evert, with photographs by Per Breiehagen. Enjoy the cuteness!
Why Make a Map?
Hi, writers out there!
Do you think you should make a map that features lands from your stories? Expect your readers to thank you for it, as they may appreciate a visual illustration of your world’s layout. It might ease the readability as they try to picture your story’s scenery. Even if you don’t write fantasy but write historical fiction, a map would also be beneficial, especially if readers may not be familiar with the country or state.
What does the process look like? The following link shows how author Krystine Kercher created her maps. Here, she illustrates what color schemes make the best maps for her worlds of Astarkand and Altesse. Colors that stand out yet are easy on the eyes.
This here is a map of Astarkand. To learn more about Kercher’s Legends of Astarkand, here’s an overall look at the series:
National Rat Catcher’s Day?
Did you know that today is when we remember today’s exterminators? That’s right; we should all remember the folks who work hard to control wild rats and other pests who would make our lives miserable.
The day also commemorates the famous Pied Piper story. Here’s a read-along by Emerald Game Cave of the famous fairy tale. Hopefully none of us will ruffle the feathers of this zany exterminator.
Free and Discounted Kindle Books!
Middle grade author S.D. Smith has a sale on his Kindle books that you wouldn’t want to miss! Books include the Green Ember series, Tales of Old Natalia series, and the Green Ember Archer series.
Here’s a video intro of the Green Ember tales.
I myself have listened to the audiobook version of the first Green Ember book, so I do recommend it if you’re a fan of Redwall or any medieval-style adventure story.
Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key, which Smith co-wrote with his son, is marked down to 2.99. Here’s a peek at how the story came to be:
Hurry and get your copies! This sale ends after July 12.
Happy Independence Day!
Hi all! I hope you’ll have a blast watching the fireworks tonight (Notice the little pun I made.).
In honor of this holiday, here’s a book read by Happy Cultivated. It’s called Apple Pie 4th of July, written by Janet S. Wong and illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. This story shows that you can be traditional and nontraditional as you celebrate.
Creative Writing for Kids
Still trying to find ways to have fun during the summer?
How about activities that expand the imagination, like creating make-believe worlds worthy to be found in stories?
Author Carmen White has ideas that would spark your child’s cleverness. You can find them on her website.
One fun activity she lists is designing a house with eleven rooms. You may only have one of each room (i.e. one bedroom, one kitchen, etc.). Otherwise, you can imagine anything you want. If I were to design my own house, it would look like this:
1 bedroom
1 kitchen
1 dining room
1 bathroom
1 living room
1 laundry room (Yes, I do need clean clothes.)
1 tool room/cleaning supply room (I’d have cleaning ladies and maintenance people to help me maintain my eleven rooms, so they would appreciate a room like this.)
1 office (I would decorate it so as to inspire me to sit down and write.)
1 room with an indoor racing track (I would take up running again, and my dogs may run with me, too.)
1 supply room for dog supplies (If you look at the next room listed, you’ll see why.)
1 room for my dogs (I would have all sorts of sensory activities, chew toys, and games for them so they’d never get bored.) The following video would be something like it (and maybe I’d add a fountain and dog-friendly plants for them to gnaw on):
Here’s the link to more of Carmen White’s creative prompts, including an out-of-this-world pet, a biography of a bug, and a zany plant. Enjoy!
How about a room of aquariums, all containing fish that float over lava?
“The Key to Reality” by F. Ted Atchley, III
A new book is released!
No, it isn’t written by me. This one is written by my writer pal Ted Atchley. I actually got to critique a manuscript of this sci-fi thriller.
Here’s the book’s official blurb:
An Elite Cybersecurity Analyst. A Desperate Rebellion’s Best Hope.
Brandon thought the assignment was just another standard security assessment. Wrong. As he peels back the layers of a deepening conspiracy, he discovers everything he thought he knew about his reality is a lie.
And he’s the only one who can save it.
Exiles from another reality see Brandon’s new knowledge as the key to victory over their tyrannical king and his immortal army. Pursued by both loyalists and rebels as he crosses the borders between realities, Brandon must protect his family, while figuring out who to trust.
Choosing well means rescuing his family, and saving both worlds, but choosing poorly will empower a malevolent evil to wipe out humanity.
Sounds exciting, huh? If you’re looking for a story rich in dangerous secrets, fast-paced action, and relationship tensions—and bird-like people in an alien world—look no further than The Key to Reality.
Time for Father’s Day
Stumped on what to get Dad for Father’s Day?
Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Magazine has a plethora of craft, dinner, and dessert ideas for the occasion. Follow the link here:
How about this for a gift idea? A barbecue kit! Clubhouse has both a recipe for barbecue seasoning and craft instructions to make a special apron.
A teen can make these, too. If he or she isn’t sure about making handprints for the barbecue grill’s flames, they can use a “fire” stencil and paint their own flames, like this one:
Coloring Pages and Science Experiments!
Are you on summer vacation yet?
If you don’t want your kids spending hours in front of the screen during the summer, there are many things you can do as a family. For starters, you can do science experiments at home!
K.A. Cummins has compiled a package of science experiments based on her children’s book Super Doople. The grade level is PreK through 4th, and it also contains coloring pages and activities like an “egg race” and an “egg-scape.”
Speaking of Super Doople, if you haven’t read my review of this whimsical story, you can read it on this link:
Want more coloring pages? Diginstall has an assortment of coloring and activity books to buy and download. The following pictures are some of the books available on their site.
They even have books for teens and adults, too.
Here’s the button that leads to the site. Have fun, you all!
Book Review: Super Doople
Looking for another book for your young child? How about one that features a superhero?
Try Super Doople by K.A. Cummins. Not only does the main character become a superhero, he is a walking and talking…egg?
I wrote a review on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog, which you can read here:
Psst! Mother’s Day is Next Sunday
Scrambling to find a gift for Mom or Grandma? M Liz Boyle has an idea for you. It’s a craft that’s so easy, a child can make it. Even a preschooler can team up with a parent to assemble it. Take it away, M Liz!
Are you struggling to come up with something nice to give your mom or grandma for Mother’s Day? I have a solution if you want to give a sweet gift but you are: a. limited on money b. limited on time c. limited on creativity d. limited on crafting ability (everything you try to make […]
Easy DIY Mother’s Day Gift — M Liz Boyle
Did You Know I Wrote Another Book Review?
To answer the title question, I did write a review that was posted last month on Story Warren. There you’ll read more about the historical novel for middle graders called The Bobtails Meet the Preacher’s Kid. But this is no ordinary preacher’s kid; this preacher’s kid is a troubled one.
This book was written by Arthur Yeomans, who, like me, writes book reviews for Jennifer Hallmark’s blog “Off the Beaten Track.”
If you want to see what kinds of books Arthur reviews, check out Jennifer’s blog or his website. He reviews science fiction and old children’s books.
Sunday is Around the Corner
Happy Early Resurrection Day!
In honor of this very special day, here’s a children’s book about how a little girl and her family impacted a man’s life. Thank you, Ms. D, for sharing The Flowering Cross with us.
Note: This video was made three years ago, so that’s why she mentions social distancing. But the ideas she shares apply to even today.
K.A. Ramstad 
