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. As you keep browsing, you’ll see reviews written by (ahem) me.

Off the Beaten Track

If this sounds like an opportunity you don’t want to miss, you may contact Jennifer through her Contact page.

Jennifer Hallmark Contact

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!

Lavanauts Book Review

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.

Bold & Brave Blog Tour Kickoff

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.

Wolfbane Books Kickstarter

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.

K.A. Cummins’ Book Review

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.

Why Add Maps to Your Books

This here is a map of Astarkand. To learn more about Kercher’s Legends of Astarkand, here’s an overall look at the series:

Legends of Astarkand

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.

S.D. Smith Books