INTRODUCTION Carolyn Fraiser is not new to my blog; her last book I featured was Moon Tree. Carolyn has an exceptional talent of making what might appear to be ordinary, something quite spectacular! Her newest picture book is not just any ol' alphabet book. And it's not just a nod to farmers and to a… Continue reading M is for Mason Jar: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway
How do you tackle something as complicated as gravity in a picture book? Author Henry Herz (author of I am Smoke) and Illustrator Mercè López did just that in another impressive picture book published by Sleeping Bear Press. Because it tackles an advanced scientific concept, I recommend this book for middle-grade classrooms as well as… Continue reading I AM GRAVITY- How’s That For An Intriguing Picture Book Title? A STEM Review and Giveaway
As some of you know, I love teaching and mentoring teens and tweens. One way I do that is by inviting them to review books on my blog. I provide feedback on their book reviews, they learn during the revision process, and I get wonderful content! Today I am happy to introduce two young fantasy… Continue reading Introducing Two New Young Authors
Introduction Dorothy H. Price and I go way back. She was one of the first members of a SCBWI-Carolinas critique group I organized in Charlotte. Nine years ago I posted about her first picture book, Nana's Favorite Things and more recently about her chapter book series, Jalen's Big City Life which now includes eight books.… Continue reading Daddy Daughter Day: Win an Inspiring Picture Book by Dorothy Price
Get ready for more epic adventures with Eli and Tirza Nesbit, also known as the Children of the Ancient Heroes. They’re the heroes of Book 2 of Russell Fellows' Lighted Lands series, entitled Hope and Despair. I gave rave reviews to the first novel in Fellow’s series, Children of the Ancient Heroes: Dreams and Nightmares, and this… Continue reading Children of The Ancient Heroes- HOPE AND DESPAIR: An Enthusiastic Book Review by Kate Lundeen
Congratulations to Gauri Dalvi Pandya (author) who won the Grand Prize Award from Sleeping Bear Press's "Own Voices, Own Stories Award" for this debut picturebook. Illustrator Avani Dweivedi vivid illustrations bring the story to life. Review A little girl has a problem. How can she leave her beloved Aaji and Ajoba--her grandmother and grandfather? Her… Continue reading Gauri Dalvi Pandya’s Picture Book: A Journey of Connection
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24 My BFF writing partner emailed me this verse today. I AM rejoicing in all that the Lord did to help me get to my publication day. One of the ways I am celebrating is by sharing… Continue reading Launch Event for Half-Truths: Join the Celebration!
Little did I know when I started posting about my publication journey that it would be 18 years before I could announce my book is up for preorder! In two weeks I'm launching HALF-TRUTHS at Park Road Books and I am super busy! Here's a peek into what's been happening in my neck of the… Continue reading Discover ‘Half-Truths’: My 18-Year Journey to Publication
INTRODUCING A NEW GUEST BLOGGER and INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS I "met" Isabelle when I saw her interview with Irish children's fantasy author, Valinora Troy and read her review on Greg Pattridge's MMGM blog. I was so impressed with her maturity and love for books, that I asked if she would be interested in sharing her reviews… Continue reading Why ‘The Potion Experiment’ Is a Must-Read for Kids
Bowers and Shady by Margaret Dardess is an entertaining and thought-provoking historical adventure. In the aftermath of the Civil War, times are hard for everyone. Thirteen-year-old Bowers Jamison embarks on a trip from Iowa to Colorado to track down his uncle, who stole his father’s magical pocket watch. The watch is believed to bring good luck… Continue reading Bowers and Shady: A Middle-Grade Book Review by Kathryn Dover