Book Review—Hannah Hattington Goes on an Adventure

Imagine being in a world where you’re stepping on clouds and trees hang from the sky. In other words, the sky and the ground have switched places.

You’ll enter this world in Hannah Hattington Goes on an Adventure, written by Gracie York. I wrote a review on this chapter book for early middle grades, and it’s on Jennifer Hallmark’s blog.

Enjoy!

A Peter Pan Book – Captain Hook’s Shadow

Hi, all.

Here is a treat for you: a read-along of “Captain Hook’s Shadow.” It’s read by Big-Mamas Storytime, a channel on YouTube that has a plethora of read-along videos.

[This is the cover of the ebook version found on Amazon.]

Peter Pan was my favorite Disney movie when I was little, back when we had VHS tapes instead of DVDs. It’s amazing that our old VHS copy hadn’t worn out after my watching it so much.

Without further ado, here’s Big Mama reading “Captain Hook’s Shadow” from Disney Scary Storybook Collection. Don’t worry, this story isn’t scary at all. Besides, you get to see little Michael be a hero, fighting the pirate’s shadow to protect his big sister.

Meow Meow Milks the Cow — Help Fund the Book

Do you find it intriguing when animals teach us lessons? Especially lessons that allow us a deeper look into God’s heart?

Allen Brokken, author of The Towers of Light series, has written a picture book for young children, where the hero is a little kitten. I’m a dog person, but I do have a soft spot for cats. *smile*

Blurb:

When disaster strikes her family’s farm, Lauren must do a big job. But does she have the right help to finish the task? Meow Meow Milks the Cow is an allegory of perseverance through tough times, as God often uses the least of his creatures to accomplish big things. This whimsical tale is perfect for bedtime reading, and the fanciful pages will capture your child’s imagination so that they can read over and over.

-Towers of Light website

[Video is from the “Allen Brokken – Author” YouTube channel.]

Allen Brokken is looking for more people to fund this book and other goodies, including a Meow Meow plush toy.

If you want to support this project, learn more through this link.

Need A Haiku? Here You Go.

Here’s a good haiku written by CDPunt(igam). It’s a poetic retelling of the last plague on the Egyptians who enslaved the Israelites.

The plague that meant death for the Egyptians’ firstborn sons.

This haiku also alludes to the fact that the deaths of the Egyptians’ sons happened eighty years after the Egyptians killed the Israelites’ sons. Thank goodness God preserved Moses from cruel murder and used him to save His chosen people.

Dystopia? From a Christian Perspective?

What is the point of having dystopian novels? Can you even find a story like that with a Christian point-of-view?

Author Jeremiah Friedli thinks so, and he even has one for teens called CORE Deception, Book One of the CORE Series. Read M Liz Boyle’s interview and find out how Friedli’s spiritual journey through fear—even during 2020—influenced him in his creation.

BONUS for parents with younger children:

Even if you don’t have teens in your home, Friedli also shares insight on how to encourage your kids to be creative through play. AND how siblings can collaborate on their own fictional tale together.

Take it away, M Liz Boyle!

Develop a Thick Skin? Maybe? Maybe Not?

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “thick skin,” especially if you’re a writer and listen to advice on dealing with critiques on your stories. Mentors tell you, “Have a thick skin,” or in other words, “Don’t let what they say wreck your spirit.” At least, I think that’s what they mean.

But should we simply tell ourselves to buck up? Keep a stiff upper lip? Can I think of more mantras? Shouldn’t we acknowledge our hurt and bloodstained pages while we fight through them and scribble the words itching to come out?

Author Lara Lee gives a hilarious look into the trials and tribulations of the author life and how to live through them. Maybe you can relate to some of this. I know I have.

Road Trip Rescue Series

Have you found anything that might be a great read?

I have. It’s a middle grade series called “Road Trip Rescue” by Becca Wierwille. I haven’t read any of these books yet, but they’re filled with road trip adventures, the complications of friend and sibling relationships, and a canine friend.

Click on the following link to visit Wierwille’s website and learn more about her series.

Note: The Kickstarter campaign for Road Trip Redemption is over, but you might find a copy this spring.

Looking for YA Books?

Have teen girls?

Take a look at M Liz Boyle’s interview with YA author Melissa Knight. Knight writes teen romance as well as devotionals, so if that sounds like your jam, let M Liz Boyle take you away.

Book Review—Tuesday by David Wiesner

Guess what? Another book review!

This time, it’s the picture book Tuesday by David Wiesner. This story will take you for a ride on a flying lily pad. Curious? You can click on the link below to Jennifer Hallmark’s blog, where I review the fantastical adventure experienced by…frogs?