Monday, February 27, 2012

Interview and Review for My Little Book of Bald Eagles

My Little Book of Bald Eagles



My Little Book of Bald Eagles by Hope Irvin Marston
Windward Publishing, An Imprint of Finney Company
July 9th, 2009
ISBN-10: 0893170682
ISBN-13: 978-0893170684
Ages 6 and up
32 Pages
Fiction     Children’s Books   Birds 

Hope Irvin Marston is a native of Beech Creek, PA, the eighth child in a farm family of nine. She started school about the time World War II began. Since there were no children's books in their home, the monthly visit of the bookmobile to the little one-room schoolhouse on the corner of the farm was a wonderful event in her eyes. Once she learned to read, Hope never grew tired of books. She decided at an early age, she would write a book some day. Thus far that dream has been fulfilled twenty-eight times. Hope enjoys writing in several genres. Her current projects include two historical fiction books and another junior biography. In 1990 she retired to devote her time to writing. When she isn't working at her computer, you will find her reading, making author appearances, doing research or attending workshops as a presenter or a learner.


Reviewer: Renee Hand

A Delightful Series for Animal Lovers Everywhere!

My Little Book of Bald Eagles is a wonderful tale about the bald eagle and their nesting rituals. The story begins with a new family of bald eagles and follows them along their journey of having eaglets. Then it continues on as the reader learns about the newborn’s first lessons in life to their first solo flight and them becoming adult bald eagles.

This story is a dramatically colorful, 32-page, softcover picture book for children ages 6 and up. The illustrations are so life like that bird lovers everywhere will feel as if they are a part of the bald eagles adventure. Though the story is strictly about the bald eagle's journey, the author's passion for the bald eagle is easily conveyed in the story creating a love from the reader for the bald eagle. The author also adds info in the back of the book about the bald eagle and the fact that it is a protected species and that there are penalties for anyone wishing to hurt one.

Any child that is passionate about wildlife, will love this series and the interesting truth the books convey. The reader learns a tremendous amount about the topics discussed and is perfect in creating discussion in a classroom setting.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Interview for Treasure Kai Book And How To Make Book Apps

Come and join me as I talk with author Karen Guinn Robertson on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 2pm est on February 20th.

Author's Guide to Book Apps and eBooks for Illustrated Children's Books







Author:

It all started with a dream. In 2007, Karen had a dream about a new kind of book where kids got to physically interact with the book to drive the story forward. From that dream came Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island, an interactive book that combined the magic of stories with the fun of little toys and treasure. After much success in Australia and winning a Gold Mom’s Choice Award in the US for Treasure Kai, Karen decided to launch “Treasure Kai” as a series of apps. Originally from Texas, Karen lives in Sydney with her husband and two sons. She loves spending time with family and friends, writing and creating, reading, entertaining, walks on the beach, eating out and has a passion for dark chocolate! Visit Karen’s website, Digital Kid’s Author to follow her blog.



Treasure Kai cover only 663w Copy 150x150 Shop


Get your copy of the book that started it all! This interactive, choose- your-own adventure book has thrilled thousands of kids worldwide. Featuring eight treasure chests holding toys that are clues to finding gold, each time kids turn the page, they get to open a treasure chest and either find the gold or find a toy clue that leads them on the next adventure.

Description:

For children's authors, writers and illustrators wanting to turn stories into book apps or eBooks, children's writer, Karen Robertson presents the book she wishes she would have had before she turned her book into a book app for iPad and iPhone. With the mobile device and eReader market growth exploding (think iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Nook), there's never been a better time for children's writers to present their stories as digital books.With lower production costs than printed books, no inventory to manage, global distribution, higher royalty percentages and marketing freedom, digital publishing is an opportunity every children's writer can consider.

In this eBook, Karen provides insights on how to assess whether the digital opportunity is right for you, determine what you'd want your eBook/book app to be, what functionality you'd want and why, what your development/production options are, who you might work with and what costs are involved, what your production plan would be,tips on marketing and more.

She presents a warts-and-all look at her experiences turning her book into a book app, including the things her team did right and the mistakes they made that you must avoid.

This eBook is written by a children's author for other children's writers so you can assess the opportunity for yourself. It's not a technical document, in fact Karen is as "non technical" as they come! Rather, she provides a list of questions to ask potential developer or production partners and even provides a list of companies that specialize in publishing book apps for illustrated children's books.

Karen has written and spoken about this topic for the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators (SCBWI), Self Publisher's Online Conference, Children's Book Council of Australia, Write4Kids TV (Children's Book Insider), NSW Children's and YA Writer's Festival and other writing organizations and blogs.

She sends out free updates to eBook buyers as she adds more information, suppliers and resources to the eBook.

In 2011, Karen converted her Gold Mom's Choice Award winning book, "Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island" into a book app. It hit #5 in iPad books in June 2011. She's created a dedicated website with edutainment content for kids. See a video of her book app at http://www.treasurekai.com and blog at http://www.digitalkidsauthor.com

Review:


The concept of this book was well thought through. The children's book of this book app is fun for all children. Children are able to use the treasure chests on the side of the book to bury their treasure and take certain pieces out as the story is being read to determine where to go next. What a fun and creative book that will entertain children for hours. The book apps are fun and educational. Children will spend hours learning about history and treasure. These are great adventures that children will want to know more about.   

Friday, February 17, 2012

Interview for My Little Leo by Kristen Hamel-McEvoy

My Little Leo


Come and join me as I talk with author Kristen Hamel-McEvoy on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book My Little Leo on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 2pm est today.



  • Paperback: 28 pages
  • Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing (July 10, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 1612041043
  • ISBN-13: 978-1612041049

  • Summary and Bio:

    Can astrology predict personality and really advise you on the best time to participate in activities? Are the stars all knowing? This wonderful book for children is the first in a series of 12 planned by author Kristen Hamel-McEvoy. Each book will cover a different sign of the Zodiac. My Little Leo: A book for your child, all about your child born July 23-August 22 begins the series with the astrological sign of Leo. Named after Leo the Lion, the Zodiac's symbol represents the element of fire. A person born under the sign of Leo is generous, warmhearted, creative, faithful and loving. But a Leo can also be bossy, interfering and intolerant. Those born July 23 to August 22, belong to the most dominant sign of the Zodiac. Just like the lion in the animal world, a Leo is a born leader, and is confident, ambitious, courageous and intelligent, but a Leo can also be extremely temperamental. Learn all about the characteristics generally associated with this birth sign when you read My Little Leo. Kristen Hamel-McEvoy of Newburgh, New York, has been writing since she was ten years old and has always wanted to publish a book. "I never gave up my dream, but put it on hold. After I gave birth to my daughter, Avery, I was inspired to write again. I want to show her by example that she can become anything she wants, the sky is the limit." The next book in her series is My Little Virgo. Publisher's website: http://sbpra.com/KristenHamelMcEvoy

    Review:

    My Little Leo is an interesting story about what certain astrological signs mean to a person who was born under them. This book is about the sign Leo and for children born between July 23rd and August 22nd. Children from ages 6 and up will find the information intriguing, inspiring them to learn more about astrological signs and their meanings, wondering if the qualities and characteristics of each sign match who they are and what truth they hold. Believing in the Zodiac signs or not, this story certainly is filled with a wealth of information that will appeal to every child as will the simple and colorful illustrations.

     

    Thursday, February 16, 2012

    Interview with Darrell House about the King of Fish

    Come and join me as I talk with author Darrell House on Stories From Unknown Authors about his book The King of Fish on http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 2pm est today.
    The King of Fish
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Maggie Music, Inc.; 1st edition (November 1, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 061546534X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615465340


  • Description:

    Young Ray spends his days in a wheelchair dreaming of fishing for the big ones in the lake. Friends and neighbors suggest a trip to the country and that is where our hero comes face to face with the King of Fish. Their connection drives this story with tenderness and action while teaching, by example, that you re never too young to speak up for ideals in which you believe. At the most basic level, The King of Fish is a catch and release story. Yet, it is so much more. Told in verse, it is a tale of wishes and dreams, heroism and sacrifice, and the wisdom and strength that are sometimes found only in the heart of a child.


    Author Bio:

    Children s author, poet, storyteller, musician and singer/songwriter Darrell House wears a lot of hats. Described as Grizzly Adams meets Key West, he has a magnetic personality and is a powerful performer. Having presented in more than 80 schools and a hundred libraries, he is also a regular performer, nationwide, at Reading Festivals and Early Childhood Education Conferences. Miller the Green Caterpillar, his first illustrated children s book, is an inspirational story of setting goals, and his two CD s of original music, Underneath the Cushions on the Couch and Makes Me Feel Like Singing are full of original songs enjoyed by kids and parents alike. Speed-b-b-b-bumps, a spoken word CD collection of mostly humorous poems, earned a 2010 Parents Choice Gold Award, and Autumn 2011 heralds the arrival of his latest book, The King of Fish. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, Darrell captivates an audience like few can, and the way he embraces literacy and family values get kids excited about reading and writing.

    Review:

    The King of Fish is a sweet story told in verse of a boys dream to go fishing. One day Ray's dream comes true and he's able to go to a lake and fish for 'The Big One'. His determination is inspiring, but what is even more so is what he does after he catches the king of fishes. He could have made the fish into a trophy and keep him in a case, but he doesn't, because the point was to catch the fish, not necessarily keep him. Ray made it to his goal with much patience and faith, then he showed kindness by releasing the fish back into the lake. How will this affect his life? In a simple way, this story speaks of positive values to children. The author keeps the story fun by creating rhyming sentences. Children from the ages of 6 and up will enjoy this 32 page hardcover picture book.

    Sunday, February 12, 2012

    Interview With Mary Lee Corlett for Belle

    Come and join me as I talk with author Mary Lee Corlett on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book Belle, The Amazing, Astonishingly Magical Journey of an Artfully Painted Lady at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 6:30pm est today.

    Belle: The Amazing, Astonishingly Magical Journey of an Artfully Painted Lady



  • Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  • Paperback: 56 pages
  • Publisher: Bunker Hill Publishing; 1st edition (November 16, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 1593730845
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593730840

  • Summary:

    Belle, a painted butterfly, has been quietly hovering over a beautiful white poppy in a seventeenth-century Dutch painting that hangs in the National Gallery of Art. Magically dislodged as her painting is being moved by museum staff, Belle and fellow butterfly Brimstone lose track of the cart carrying their painting and so are on their own to find their way back home. Because they are made of paint, they discover that they can blend into any of the other paintings in the museum, which they must do to avoid becoming a meal for the painted bird in hot pursuit.

    Author Bio:

    Mary Lee Corlett is a research associate in the department of Special Projects in Modern Art at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., and has been in the museum world for more than twenty years. She has written on numerous contemporary American artists, including Romare Bearden, Roy Lichtenstein, Jackson Pollock, and Robert Stackhouse. In 2011 her first children's book, Belle: The Amazing, Astonishingly Magical Journey of An Artfully Painted Lady, based on the National Gallery's collection, was published by Bunker Hill Publishing, New Hampshire. She lives in Falls Church, Virginia.
    Review:

    Belle and Brimstone find themselves on a journey they were destined to make. Being butterflies, and stuck in a painting for centuries, their life was uneventful and motionless, until that one day when fate stepped in, not only educating the butterflies, but educating the reader, as well. In trying to find their own painting, they had been popped out of when it was being taken to the Conservation Studio, the butterflies find themselves on an adventure, eluding danger, meeting new characters in other paintings. Belle's humor will delight children as they read the story, wondering if the butterflies will ever reunite with their painting. Mary Lee Corlett has created a masterpiece of her own, while the artist, Phyllis Saroff, brings her fun and illuminating story to life. What a fantastic pair. Children and adults of all ages will devour and relish this 56 page softcover picture book.


    Wednesday, February 8, 2012

    Interview for Jekyll Says... Series by D.C. Blackbird

    Come and join me as I talk with author D.C. Blackbird on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book Jekyl Says...Good things cats do that you should, too. at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 2pm est today.


    Jekyll Says ...: Good Deeds Cats Do That You Should, Too! (Volume 1)



  • Paperback: 36 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace (December 9, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 1468057243
  • ISBN-13: 978-1468057249


  • Author Bio:

    D.C. Blackbird is an American poet, songwriter, and author, along with being a world-renowned adventurer and traveler to places that stamp passports with bark and tree sap. But the main stuff you are interested in is that D.C. is dedicated to telling stories about awesome experiences and adventures with cool earthlings around the world, and teaching readers to be compassionate to all living beings, while promoting and encouraging goodness, civic virtues, high principles, and values.


    Book Summary:


    “Jekyll Says …” (Good Deeds Cats Do That You Should, Too!) is a series of amusing and educational poems told from the perspective of a wise and warm-hearted cat named Jekyll. 

    Each perky poem epitomizes something about Jekyll’s vivacious personality and the lessons he teaches are designed to encourage compassion for all living beings, while promoting and encouraging goodness, civic virtues, high principles and values.   

    Our mission is to teach children, teenagers, and adults about values and principles that encourage them to be more just, kind and considerate in their relations with others, and how to live simpler, happier, and healthier lives. Profits from the sale of this book benefit animal adoption, care, liberation, rescue, and welfare organizations.


    Review:

    Jekyll Says... Is a fabulous children's book that children and adults of all ages will enjoy. In a fun way, Jekyll reminds children to be wonderful people. He teaches them this in many lessons, which include, waking up happy, being clean, being a hard worker, making people smile, and much more...but the story also encourages children to have fun and shake their booties.

    Being inspired by the author's cat, this story is filled with love, expressing to the reader the importance the cat was to the author. Cat lovers around the world will be able to empathize. They will also delight in the meaning the story has for it is filled with great values everyone can learn from. The story has extensive rhyme and rhythm that will make this 36 page picture book an instant classic to have on the nightstand.








    Monday, February 6, 2012

    Interview for The Adventures of Martin Tyrone Sanchez Dupree

    The Adventures of Martin Tyrone Sanchez Dupree


    Come and join me as I talk with author Teirrah McNair on Stories From Unknown Authors about her book The Adventures of Martin Tyrone Sanchez Dupree at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 2pm est today.





  • Perfect Paperback: 52 pages
  • Publisher: Soul Shaping Publications; First edition (September 1, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0984249419
  • ISBN-13: 978-0984249411


  • Book Summary:


    Boys will be boys and boys require reading books that tickle their funny bones. Your boys will split their sides laughing and learn valuable lessons to as they read about Martin's escapades. Martin is on punishment for the 3 day holiday weekend and they've taken away every electronic device he owns. Stuck in his room, Martin has 3 long days to entertain himself and think about his crime.


























    Review:


    The Adventures of Martin Tyrone Sanchez Dupree is a story many children will be able to relate to. When becoming grounded for getting into a fight, Martin's parents take all the electronics out of his room.That left Granny's books that she had given him to read about African-American inventors. But will Martin find solace and wisdom in those books?


    Nowadays children are glued to the TV, gameboys and the like. Sometimes they forget that entertainment can also come from books. The author did a terrific job tying in this information into her story. The story is also told as if the character is talking right to the reader, some children will enjoy reading the story from that direction as if they were having a chat from a friend. The only quibble is that the story doesn't mention if the punishment worked and if Martin learned his lesson about not getting into trouble at school. Other than that, some children from the ages of 10 and up will enjoy Martin's discovery and be able to relate to his plight, learning a valuable lesson in the process.





    Sunday, February 5, 2012

    Review for The Wierd Book Machine by Geronimo Stilton

    Geronimo Stilton #9: The Weird Book Machine

    Geronimo Stilton #9: The Weird Book Machine by Geronimo Stilton
    Papercutz
    January 31st, 2012
    ISBN-10: 1597072958
    ISBN-13: 978-1597072953
    Ages 7 and up
    56 Pages
    Fiction     Children’s Books     Comics & Graphic Novels    

    Born in New Mouse City, Mouse Island, Geronimo Stilton is Rattus Emeritus of Mousomorphic Literature and of Neo-Ratonic Comparative Philosophy. He is the director of The Rodent's Gazette, New Mouse City's most widely read daily newspaper.

    Stilton was awarded the Ratitzer Prize for his scoops on The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid and The Search for Sunken Treasure. He has also received the Anderson 2001 Prize for Personality of the Year. One of his bestsellers won the 2002 eBook Award for world's best ratling electronic book. In 2006 he won the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards and in 2008 he won the Cartoomics prize 'Beyond Comics'. His works have been published all over the globe.

    In his spare time, Mr. Stilton collects antique cheese rinds. But what he most enjoys is writing books where he tells his fabmouse adventures!

    Reviewer: Renee Hand
    The Weird Book Machine is another interesting and ratastic tale dealing with mystery, suspense and history.
    This is another story in the series dealing with The Pirate Cats, which is a group of cats led by Tersilla of Catatonia. This band of trouble makers are hitting Geronimo Stilton where he lives! They have traveled back in time in order to steal Johannes Gutenberg’s original printing press! What mad scheme do the Pirate Cats have for the Purr-loined presses? Geronimo Stilton and his friends intend to find out when they travel to the city of Mainz, Germany in the year 1455 to stop the Pirate Cats from tampering with history!

    Children from the ages of 7 and up will love this new hard cover book in this comic book series. The story is adventurous and provides lots of historic bits throughout concerning the printing presses and Johannes Gutenberg. The story stays true to the series and is filled with Geronimo’s humor and wit. Fans of comic books will love the detailed illustrations that Papercutz is known for providing.

    Geronimo Stilton fans will enjoy the new historic topic and the added information that makes this series the wonderful and thought provoking series that it is. Filled with mystery, suspense and educational information, children will love what this book has to offer.

    Review for I Love You More Than Chocolate by Melanie Milburn

    I Love You More... Than Chocolate

    I Love You More Than Chocolate by Melanie Milburn 
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: InstantPublisher; First edition (December 6, 2010)
  • ISBN-10: 1604587202
  • ISBN-13: 978-1604587203

  • Book Summary:

    This book was originally a song, and inside the back cover, you have a CD of Melanie singing the song. When Melanie would tuck her children into bed at night, she made sure they knew how much they were loved. She told them she loved them more than anything even chocolate! Her children knew she was a chocoholic, so they had no doubt, they knew they were loved! Every child wants to know they are loved, and this book conveys what parents want their children to know in a way that speaks clearly and impressively to the child's mind and heart.

    Review:
     
    For any child who has a parent who loves chocolate, to hear them say that they love the child more than chocolate, certainly means something. This is a simply told delightful children's story that reminds children how much their parents love them, but not only that, it's about how to express that love frequently. Children need to hear the reassurance that no matter what they do, they are always loved. Love is the building block of many things in everyone's life. The author has created an upbeat rhyming story that children will sing to and enjoy for years to come. The colorful pictures in this 32 page hardcover picture book will capture children's attention from 3 years old and up.
     
     
    Author Bio:

    This book was originally a song, and inside the back cover, you have a CD of Melanie singing the song. When Melanie would tuck her children into bed at night, she made sure they knew how much they were loved. She told them she loved them more than anything even chocolate! Her children knew she was a chocoholic, so they had no doubt, they knew they were loved! Every child wants to know they are loved, and this book conveys what parents want their children to know in a way that speaks clearly and impressively to the child's mind and heart.
     
    Melanie has been teaching preschool for nearly two decades, and has been writing songs for even longer. Melanie is known for her passions kids, music and... CHOCOLATE!! Melanie is an award winning song writer, and when she is not teaching preschool, she enjoys sharing her songs at family concerts.