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Interview with Leonard Jacobson, Author of In Search of the Light

C. C. Gevry — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:40:10 +0000

Joining us today is Leonard Jacobson, author of In Search of the Light. This is a children’s picture book geared toward children aged 3-93.

Thank you for joining us today, Leonard. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?

Well, I can begin by saying that I have lived in the United States for the past 15 years, but I was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. I studied law at the University of Melbourne and graduated in 1968. After graduation, I spent over five years traveling the world. I visited many countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and India. It was a wonderful time and I learned so much about all the different cultures of the world. I then returned to Australia and began practice as a barrister, complete with wig and gown. I practiced law for about eight years until I decided that it was not my true calling. Rather suddenly, and without any idea of what I would do in the future, I resigned. At first I felt elated, but after several months I began to feel depressed with no sense of what my future might hold.

This really was the beginning of a journey of discovery that transformed my life. I have been a spiritual teacher for the past 26 years. I have written 5 books, and I travel to many locations around the USA as well as Europe, Australia and Asia, sharing my teaching with those who are interested in living a more present, empowered and awakened life.

When did you first get bit by the writing bug?

I was never really bitten by the writing bug. As I said earlier, after giving up my career as a lawyer, I was rather depressed not knowing what to do with myself. A friend said to me, “Leonard, you are creative, why not write a book?” I asked her what kind of book she had in mind. “A children’s book!” she replied.

And so I began to write In Search of the Light, but it was a very gradual process that took over three years to complete.

I had just begun my journey upon a path of personal and spiritual growth. I had attended a few workshops and courses and I became very interested in healing myself and awakening to a higher level of consciousness. As I progressed along my own path of awakening, the book gradually unfolded. Chapter 1 came easily. But Chapters 2 & 3 took over 3 years to complete. It was as if I had to first complete the journey myself and go through all the experiences spoken of in the book. Then I was able to take the animals in the book along the same journey, in search of the light.

Why did you decide to write stories for children?

As I said, I wrote a children’s book because my friend suggested it, and I thought it would be fun. I have written four books for adults, each with a theme of spiritual awakening. In Search of the Light was actually the first book that I ever wrote, but it took many years to find an illustrator and get the book published. I was just more focused for many years on working with adults. About 4 years ago, I found an illustrator that I thought would do a beautiful job of illustrating the story and I am extremely happy with her illustrations. Ironically, it took me 3 years to write the book, and it took her three years to complete the illustrations. It really has been a very harmonious collaboration.

Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?

It really depends on what a children’s book author wants to convey. Children have a beautiful innocence about them and I believe that they can easily respond to simple messages of truth if they can feel and experience it within themselves. A child is much more present than his or her parents, and much more connected with the natural world. It is also a time of great discovery and development. However, there is a great deal of pressure on children to develop their ability to use the mind effectively. But there is not much guidance given to them about how to remain present throughout the various stages of development. What happens is that as they mature, they become more and more absorbed into the mind and they gradually disconnect from the deeper levels of themselves and the present moment. If they can sustain themselves at a certain level of Presence, their future will be much easier, and more fulfilling.

All of my books for adults are directed towards helping adults still the mind and become more present. This leads to a greater sense of peace, love, and joy in their lives.

What is your favorite part of writing for young people?

I enjoy writing for children in a way that connects with their innocence and their sense of adventure. I also like to convey a message that is empowering for them both within the family and at school.

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

In Search of the Light is a 32 page children’s picture book for ages 3 and up. The rhyming dialogue tells an enchanting story of animals in the meadow, who experience a sudden eclipse of the sun. Not knowing what has happened, they believe that somehow the sun has lost its way, and they are concerned that it could mean the end of light. Considering the situation to be most urgent, they form an expedition of four who journey to unknown places in search of the source of the light.

The first of three chapters introduces the four who journey in search of the light. Ned, the horse is the leader. Peter, the rabbit is his reluctant and somewhat fearful companion. They are joined by Bert, the brave little bumblebee and timid but very sweet Molly mouse.

Chapter Two takes them into a forest of darkness, where they encounter all sorts of scary things, including witches and ghosts hiding in shadows. Just when things seem hopeless, the wind speaks to them offering advice to seek a guide who has his own inner light. Shortly afterwards, they encounter Frederick Firefly, who guides them to a land where nothing seems right.

Finally, in Chapter Three they walk down the “path of the opposites” and a bird with a very large beak offers them guidance. Eventually they discover that when they are beyond all judgment, desire and fear, the source of the light is within them, and that it always has been.

In Search of the Light is beautifully illustrated by Italian illustrator, Fiammetta Dogi, who lives in Florence, Italy.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

The book will be available in bookstores nationwide in May 2011. It is available now through my website store at www.leonardjacobson.com.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

For more information, readers can visit www.insearchofthelight.com. There, they can view a video book trailer, which will give them a really good sense of what the book is all about. There is also a video featuring the beautiful illustrations by Fiammetta Dogi, with me reading Chapter 1 of the book.

What is up next for you?

I have at least two books for adults that I am working on. They are based on my lectures here in the USA and also in Australia and Europe. I am on a seminar and lecture tour of Japan, Taiwan and China in April/May of this year. That should prove to be very interesting and provide additional material for the new books. I have the beginnings of an idea for a second children’s book, but it is just an idea at this stage.

Do you have anything else to add?

Not really. Thank you for this opportunity.

Thank you for spending time with us today, Leonard. We wish you much success.

A.A. Milne: The World of Christopher Robin

ookthelibrarian — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:24:00 +0000

April is poetry month, and at the library, we’re making our poetry evening an annual event. This is a time for poetry lovers of all ages to come together and share their favourite poems. Ook will probably be having a representative read from one of his favourite poets, A. A. Milne.

Milne, of course, is the author of Winnie-the-Pooh. (Banish all thoughts of Disney from your minds and come to the library to sign out the REAL Pooh.) He also wrote two books of poetry for children, When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six. These have been published in one volume as The World of Christopher Robin, a companion to The World of Pooh, which contains both Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner.

Milne wrote to be read aloud to children, and you should do so. Don’t wait until they’re in school. Start with your wee ones. Even if the meaning of the words is lost on them, even if they’re not saying anything but, “Muhmuhmuhbah,” themselves yet, the rhythm of language and the patterns of the words are sinking deep into those tiny brains, preparing them for when they start to talk. Poetry is one of the most enjoyable ways I can think of to share time and language with your baby. Milne is a master. No missed rhythms or awkwardly-forced rhymes here to make your tongue stumble (except for comic effect).

These aren’t sleepy little lullabies either. Some capture beautifully a child’s perspective on the world. Some do so with affectionate irony. Some tell stories. All paint wonderful word-pictures in imaginations young and old, complemented by Ernest H. Shepard’s line drawings.

The library board has recently purchased a copy of The World of Christopher Robin. We don’t have it on our shelves yet, but it should be here (it is hoped) by our poetry evening. And if not, Ook will make sure someone brings a copy from home. The hard part will be deciding which poem to read.

Thomas Pakenham: Three Books on Trees

ookthelibrarian — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:56:45 +0000

2011 is the International Year of Forests, so in honour of forests, Ook would like to introduce some books by Irish author and photographer Thomas Pakenham, which he hopes will make you look at trees with new eyes.

Meetings With Remarkable Trees is about magnificent trees growing in Great Britain and Ireland: ancient trees, enormous trees, unique trees. There are thousand-year-old trees, historically-significant trees, and trees big enough to live inside. The photographs are beautiful, making this a book over which to linger. The essay on each tree provides history, science, and anecdotes, as well as Pakenham’s personal reflections on and reactions to that tree.

Remarkable Trees of the World does the same thing for trees from all around the globe: a bristlecone pine more than three thousand years old, a chapel that is an oak tree, an Australian baobob once used as a prison.

Pakenham is fascinated by the weird shapes of the trees in the genus Adansonia, the various baobobs found in Madagascar, Africa, and Australia. His third three book, The Remarkable Baobob, is dedicated solely to these, which he describes as resembling elephants and dancers. This book takes you to see groves of graceful baobobs in the Madagascar sunset, to witness “boabs” flowering in Australia, and to visit a giant in South Africa currently used as a pub.

Pakenham’s books are not only testaments to the beauty and wonder of the trees; they’re pleas for the preservation of these remarkable organisms and reminders of the impact they have had on humans, and we on them, throughout human history.

Dorling-Kindersley Eyewitness Series

ookthelibrarian — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:35:46 +0000

The publisher Dorling-Kindersley has a vast number of titles in its Eyewitness series of non-fiction books for young readers. These cover almost every topic imaginable. They’re designed to suit the needs of a variety of ages, too. Heavily illustrated, they combine larger-print short information captions (which will provide younger children with the basics), with small-print, more detailed, additional material that meets the needs of older readers. One problem with a lot of children’s non-fiction is inaccuracy. That’s not the case with DK’s Eyewitness books. They’re very well-researched. Ook has never found any errors in the material he has any background in, and they’re generally regarded as very reliable information sources.

The library has quite a few of these on topics including dinosaurs, dogs, horses, the First and Second World Wars, mythology, early man, evolution, music, rocks and gems, volcanoes, vikings, pirates, knights, medieval life … and more can be brought in from other libraries for almost any subject you’re interested in. Even adults find these books a useful introduction to a new subject.

Do you have a favourite DK Eyewitness book? Tell us why!

Testing ... just to get you started: Father Christmas, by Raymond Briggs

ookthelibrarian — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:30:21 +0000

Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs

The holidays are a time for old familiar rituals. One favourite Christmas book of Ook’s is Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas. You might also be familiar with Briggs as the author of beloved picture book The Bear.

Father Christmas and Father Christmas Goes On Holiday aren’t conventional picture books. They’re written and illustrated in comic-book from, with many panels on each page and only a few words. They’re not meant for reading out loud, but they’re definitely something the whole family can sit down and enjoy together. Much of the story is carried in the art, as is the humour. Father Christmas is an overworked, crotchety man who dreams of holidays in the sun. He lives alone with his cat, dog, two deer (called “the deers”) and a small flock of hens who provide his breakfast eggs. He is not a lover of the season. “Blooming Christmas here again,” he mutters, waking up on December 24th, his dreams of a deckchair on the beach shattered. The pictures follow him as he does his chores, fixes his breakfast, says good-bye to dog and cat, and heads off on his rounds, grumbling all the way about tight chimneys, soot, the modern tendency to leave a bottle of Coke instead of a nice glass of brandy …. He gets tangled in tv aerials, parks on a lighthouse’s beam of light to make a delivery off the coast of Scotland, and finishes up at Buckinghmam Palace, returning home, nodding off in his sleigh, just as the sun is rising. That’s not the end of his day. There are his animals to take care of and his own Christmas dinner to prepare. (And a stack of travel brochures to read.) Take your time over it and ask your kids to help you explore the details: his teeth in the glass at his bedside, chamber pots under a farmhouse bed, his dog watching sadly from the window as he goes off to work, weather headlines in his newspaper promising yet more snow.

Other Goose Giveaway Winner!

C. C. Gevry — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:35:54 +0000

Congratulations go out to Beverly, our winner of a copy of Other Goose by J. otto Siebold. I’ll contact Beverly now to get her mailing address.

Thanks to all who participated. Look for more giveaways coming soon!

Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Nepa

C. C. Gevry — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:43:51 +0000

A beautifully told, rhyming story of interracial adoption awaits you in Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Nepa.

The story of adoption is told using nature’s beauty. A poppy lets her seeds go east and west to where they will find their best home. One seed lands in a garden patch and the flowers are thrilled to have her, waiting to see what the tiny seed will turn into. When she finally blooms into a pretty red poppy, she knows she has found her family and she complements them perfectly.

Nepa is the adoptive mother of a young Vietnamese girl named Leah. The book is dedicated to her daughter, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Leah’s cancer is currently in remission.

This lyrical story captures the essence of adoption in a new and unique way. Red in the Flower Bed shares the feelings of both adoptive parents and their children in a symbolic fashion, and its unusual artwork will catch the eye of young and old alike.

This would make a lovely gift for families blessed by adoption. The book can be purchased from the publisher’s website at http://tribute-books.com/shop.html#children4.

Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Nepa is an excellent addition to the offerings at Tribute Books. I will be on the lookout for more by this author. You can read an excerpt from this book at: http://www.tribute-books.com/redfirst10.pdf.

Book web site: http://www.redintheflowerbed.com

Andrea Nepa Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1664060822

Tribute Books website: http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Rating:

Publisher: Tribute Books
ISBN: 9780981461991
SRP: $12.95

Other Goose by J. otto Seibold (Giveaway)

C. C. Gevry — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 05:48:04 +0000

From the author of Olive, the Other Reindeer comes a rhyming collection of updated Mother Goose rhymes for the modern reader.

See Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Little Boy Blue, and other favorite Mother Goose characters like you’ve never seen them before when you open the pages of Other Goose: Re-Nurseried!!! and Re-Rhymed!! Children’s Classics.

As I was working through Picture Book Idea Month in November, I thought about new twists on nursery rhymes. So, when the chance to review J. otto Siebold’s new book, Other Goose, I was eager to get my hands on it. This is a funny, colorful book filled with favorite characters in all new scenes. Humpty Dumpty’s story is told in four parts, Jack and Jill have a new friend named Bill, Little Boy Blue is going to blow his tuba, and the little old woman who lived in a shoe has now moved into a sneaker.

Couple these new rhymes with Seibold’s vivid and zany artwork, and you’re sure to have a book that kids will enjoy.

Rating:

Publisher: Chronicle Books

ISBN-10: 0811868826

ISBN-13: 978-0811868822

SRP: $19.99

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WIN A COPY OF OTHER GOOSE BY J. OTTO SIEBOLD!

1) Leave a comment with your email address (so we may contact you if you win).

2) Get one additional entry by becoming a subscriber of The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection. Be sure to leave us a comment to let us know.

3) Get one additional entry for liking Chronicle Books on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChronicleBooks?ref=ts&v=wall#!/ChronicleBooks. Be sure to leave us a comment to let us know.

4) Get one additional entry for following Chronicle Books on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ChronicleBooks. Be sure to leave us a comment to let us know.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday, December 12, 2010 . Winner must be a resident of the United States or Canada and have a mailing address in one of those locations. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed. The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection is not responsible for lost or damaged goods.

A Winter Solstice Celebration by Didi LeMay

C. C. Gevry — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 06:46:08 +0000

One day, Miya travels out to the forest with a bag of old bread and stale biscuits to feed the animals so they don’t go hungry during the winter. An angry squirrel insists upon knowing why this human is in the forest. But when Miya tries to leave, she realizes she has gone very deep into the forest and is now lost.

She meets up with the other animals, who are having a meeting to discuss what the humans are doing to the forest. Miya is on a mission to save the forest. With the animals’ help, she makes it back to her village determined to do what she can to convince the people they must change their ways.

A Winter Solstice Celebration by DiDi LeMay is a small book with a big message. Young readers are treated to an enjoyable story of talking animals who interact with humans–at least one human anyway. Miya has been taught to respect the animals and the environment, so she is the perfect person to deliver the animals’ message back to her village.

LeMay is obviously passionate about protecting the environment. The book is printed on acid-free post consumer waste paper. Perhaps at some point it will be available in electronic format.

The author tells an engaging story, one I feel will do well if read aloud. The different personalities of the animals are well done. I have to admit, however, that I wish the reader met Miya sooner. One whole page and three-quarters of the next page are spent describing the village before Miya appears. There are also other areas where so much is described that it slows down the pace of the story. It’s a tiny nitpick, but I felt it made the story longer than necessary, which may have something to do with the high selling price.

Other than that, this is an excellent way to share the important message of protecting the environment with young people. It’s a delightful story that is nicely complemented by the illustrations from Jacquie Campbell.

Rating:

Publisher: AuthorHouse

ISBN-10: 1438909985

ISBN-13: 978-1438909981

SRP: $23.99

'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

C. C. Gevry — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:24:49 +0000

The timeless classic poem by Clement C. Moore comes alive again in ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, illustrated by Kat Whelan.

Santa Mouse lands on the Mouse family’s roof in this delightful sharing of Moore’s beloved poem. With his “eight tiny reindeer” Santa Mouse arrives at the Mouse family’s house dressed “all in fur, from his head to his foot”, and leaves presents for the family as Mr. Mouse looks on.

Kat Whelan’s artwork is absolutely beautiful. The attention to detail and the stunning colors make this a book you’ll want to display on the top of your bookshelf or a coffee table all season long. The pages are highlighted with a glitter varnish, which little hands will love to touch and feel.

This poetic tale is always a great read-aloud story, but when you couple it with Whelan’s lovely artwork, it becomes a not-to-be-missed Christmas reading experience.

Rating:

Publisher: Tiger Tales

ISBN-10: 1589258584

ISBN-13: 978-1589258587

SRP: $12.95

The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale by Sneed B. Collard III

C. C. Gevry — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:01:49 +0000

For a fascinating look into The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, pick up a copy of the book by the same title, authored by Sneed B. Collard III. Collard, the author of several titles for children in a variety of ages, brings readers up close to the annual event that celebrates rodeos, ranching, and culture.

In this book, filled with stunning photographs and tons of trivia about The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale and rodeo history, Collard does an excellent job of making the reader feel like she’s there. Thoroughly researched, this account has regional appeal, but will definitely engage readers across the country with its action-filled accounts, interviews with rodeo and ranching professionals, and the thrill of a multi-day event that celebrates the Old West in a modern way.

Here in Massachusetts, we have the Eastern States Exposition, more commonly referred to as, The Big E. This three-week event includes horse shows, and we are sure to stop by each year to watch these beautiful animals in action. Rarely, however, is the danger level anywhere close to what you’ll find at The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, as depicted in Collard’s book.

While I have to admit to a high level on interest in the pioneering era and the settling of the Wild West, lovers of horses, rodeos, ranching, and anyone who would like to read about an important part of Montana’s history would enjoy The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale by Sneed Collard III. It makes learning about these topics fun for young people, while also engaging adults. Don’t be surprised if your child asks to move to a ranch in the midwest after they read this one.

I’ll certainly be looking at more of Collard’s work soon.

Rating:

Publisher: Bucking Horse Books; first edition

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0984446001

ISBN-13: 978-0984446001

SRP: $18.00

The Christmas Pumpkin by Debbie Reece

C. C. Gevry — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:55:45 +0000

“A Christmas pumpkin? Who ever heard of such a thing?”

When James’s father gives him a green pumpkin left all alone in the pumpkim patch, James decides he is going to decorate it for Christmas. But when he tells people what he plans to do, they all say the same thing, “A Christmas pumpkin? Who ever heard of such a thing?”.

Will James get a chance to turn his green pumpkin into something special for Christmas?

Those of you who know me are certain of one thing–I love Christmas! I enjoy reading almost any book that is centered around this holiday. And yet, Debbie Reece’s book got me to stand up and take notice because it is unique, fun, and inspiring.

How often are children’s ideas discounted simply because they come from a young person? How often are children teased by their peers for suggesting something that isn’t the status quo?

The Christmas Pumpkin shares a valuable lesson with its readers– ”if you believe in something, you can make it happen”. The best part about this message, though, is that it is offered so gently readers don’t feel like they’re learning at all; to them, it’s just a great story.

This is destined to become one of my favorite Christmas stories because it goes right to the heart and inspires children to have faith in themselves and their ideas. The Christmas Pumpkin could become just as much of a holiday tradition in your house as the reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Ron Head provides the illustrations for this touching Christmas tale. He also designed the book. I’m interested in learning more about him, as his artwork in The Christmas Pumpkin is absolutely beautiful.

Buy The Christmas Pumpkin. You won’t be disappointed!

Rating:

Publisher: BeeBop Books

ISBN-10: 0-615-29072-8

ISBN-13: 978-0-615-29072-0

SRP: $8.00

Celebrate Black History Month with a Good Book

C. C. Gevry — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:21:02 +0000

The Children’s and Teen’s Book Connection encourages you to celebrate Black History Month by selecting a few good books. Here are some of our picks!

America’s Black Founders by Nancy I. Sanders

Amazon.com description: America’s Black Founders celebrates the lesser known but significant lives and contributions of our nation’s early African American leaders. Many know that the Revolutionary War’s first martyr, Crispus Attucks, a dockworker of African descent, was killed at the Boston Massacre. But far fewer know that the final conflict of the war, the Battle of Yorktown, was hastened to a conclusion by James Armistead Lafayette, a slave and spy who reported the battle plans of General Cornwallis to George Washington.

Author Nancy Sanders weaves the histories of dozens of men and women—soldiers, sailors, ministers, poets, merchants, doctors, and other community leaders—who have earned proper recognition among the founders of the United States of America. To get a better sense of what these individuals accomplished and the times in which they lived, readers will celebrate Constitution Day, cook colonial foods, publish a newspaper, petition their government, and more. This valuable resource also includes a time line of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and Web resources for further study.

Note: We will be reviewing this title at a later time.

D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet by Nancy I. Sanders

Scholastic description: A rich, poetic, alphabetical presentation of African-American history, including the Great Migration, the March on Washington, Malcolm X, and more.

Also available at Amazon.com!

The Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Was Shot: A Photo History of the Civil Rights Movement by Jim Haskins

Scholastic description: A stirring look at the history of the fight for civil rights and the gains made since the fateful day of King’s death. With powerful photographs, illustrations, and more.

Also available at Amazon.com!

Cornerstones of Freedom: The Civil Rights Movement in America by Elaine Landau

Scholastic description: Dramatic and defining moments in American history come vividly to life in this series designed to make children feel they are on the scene as history is being made. Through text, illustrations, photographs, and engravings, these titles support history, social studies and geography curricula. Index included.

The history of slavery in the United States extends from 1619 to the Emancipation Proclamation, but the story of racial injustice is much longer. Relive the struggle against segregation and inequality from the Civil War through the Montgomery Bus Boycotts to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Also available at Amazon.com!

Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women by Tonya Bolden

Scholastic description: Ellen Craft, Ida B. Wells, Toni Morrison – featured here are just a few of the African-American women who have enriched American life. Refusing to yield to discrimination and prejudice, these 10 women strove to be heard, to succeed, and to be free. Includes index and table of contents.

Also available at Amazon.com!

Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen

Scholastic description:

Sassy tries out for a summer dance festival in Washington, D.C., despite the other girls’ taunts that she is much too tall.

Also available at Amazon.com!

Note: This is by dancer and actor Debbie Allen known to people of my generation as the dance teacher from Fame (the movie and the series). My oldest daughter borrowed this book from the school library numerous times. It has an excellent storyline and is very inspirational.

Tilly's Tale by Harry Porter

C. C. Gevry — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:44:38 +0000

Children and parents will enjoy Tilly’s Tale by Harry Porter, the heartwarming story of a rescued dog who finds love and a new purpose in life.

When Tilly’s owner becomes ill and is no longer able to care for her, the man’s son brings Tilly to his own house, where she is mistreated by his wife and ignored. Scared and uncertain, Tilly’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is dropped off at the sanctuary and adopted by a new family that includes two other rescued dogs.

Told in Tilly’s words, this is a story of hope restored and one dog’s journey to find love again.

In this well-written, inspiring tale, readers get a glimpse into animal abuse and neglect from a dog’s point of view. That scared me at first, as I was wondering how young people would handle it. I feel the author did an excellent job of showing the reader the emotional ride Tilly finds herself on after her beloved owner falls ill. I believe many of these emotions are ones that children will easily relate to.

Even though, at 8, my daughter is slightly younger than the target market for Tilly’s Tale, which is readers ages 9 to 12, she was able to not only understand what was happening, but also be touched by Tilly’s story.

Tilly’s Tale could also be read as a family, which could open discussions for the level of responsibilities involved in caring for a pet. Your family will cheer when Tilly is adopted by the author and his wife, and once again finds the love and appreciation such a special dog deserves.

Mandy Hedrick provided the illustrations for this book. I couldn’t get over how well she captured the essence of Tilly. If you go out to the author’s website, you’ll find pictures of Tilly, and the many other rescue dogs the author and his wife have brought home. Tilly’s Tale was just voted Best Children’s Book in the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Poll for 2009. The book also received the award for Best Artwork in the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Poll for 2009.

Porter and 4RV Publishing plan to release additional stories of rescued dogs as part of Harry Porter’s Dog Tales series. I look forward to seeing more of these books.

Tilly’s Tale is one story that every member of your family will love!

Rating:

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC

ISBN-10: 0981868592

ISBN-13: 978-0981868592

SRP: $10.99

http://twitter.com/ccmalandrinos

Winner of For the Love of St. Nick by Garasamo Maccagnone

C. C. Gevry — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:47:20 +0000

Congratulations go out to authorphilipkledzik, the winner of a copy of For the Love of St. Nick by Garasamo Maccagnone that we offered as a giveaway last month.

We’ve emailed Philip, so hopefully we’ll here from him soon and be able to ship out his prize.

Thanks to all who participated.

If you are interested in picking up a copy of For the Love of St. Nick visit Amazon.com. You can view a trailer for this book at YouTube.

Tweet for Literacy Giveaways - Prize Package 12 Announced!

C. C. Gevry — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:47:13 +0000

Our Motto: “The family that reads together has a lot of fun!”

The Tweet for Literacy Giveaway is a campaign designed to raise awareness of the importance of involving the whole family in a child’s reading activities. Tweet for Literacy will be giving away literacy-related prizes every two days throughout the month of November in honor of National Family Literacy Month. Help a child to read, and let the fun begin!

How to Enter the Tweet for Literacy Giveaways

Step 1: Follow our 7 sponsors on Twitter. This step is required. We will all follow you back!

http://twitter.com/lindathieman

http://twitter.com/hollyhardin

http://twitter.com/susieqtpies

http://twitter.com/cafeofdreams

http://twitter.com/nicole_odell

http://twitter.com/sherikayehoff

Step 2: Re-tweet (RT) any post about the giveaway. Use the hashtag #Tweet4Lit on each RT. Be sure to add the bit.ly URL link for this contest page. It’s .

Sample Entry Re-tweets

RT @ccmalandrinos Tweet for Literacy is giving away 12 prize sets and a grand prize thru Nov. Enter here. http://bit.ly/7miVdh #Tweet4Lit

RT @ccmalandrinos Enter Tweet for Literacy giveaways here! New prize sets every 2 days. #Tweet4Lit http://bit.ly/7miVdh

Step 3: That’s it! See the Official Rules below.

Official Rules

You can re-enter as many times as you like. Prizes are awarded every 2 days starting on November 8. First day to enter is November 6, 2009. Last day to enter is November 30. A prize package will be awarded on each even day of the month. Each prize package will be a set of items that are literacy related. See below for specific information on prizes.

The name of the winner will be selected at random and will be drawn at approximately 6pm CT. The winner will have 3 days to respond. If we don’t hear from the winner, we will select another winner for that prize package. We will notify our 13 winners by Direct Message (DM) on Twitter.

Whereas you can enter as often as you like, if you are not following all 7 sponsors on Twitter, which will be verified, your entries will be disqualified. All entries that comply with the above rules will be valid for each drawing, including the Grand Prize. The Grand Prize will be awarded on December 1, 2009.

Open to residents of the U.S. only. Must be at least 18 years old to enter.

If you have any questions or comments about the giveaway, please contact Linda Thieman at blog (at) katieandkimble (dot) com.

Our Sponsors

Authors

Holly Hardin, author of the children’s picture book Aurora of the Northern Lights

Twitter name: @hollyhardin

Blog: Holly’s Helpful Hints

http://hhhelpfulhints.blogspot.com/

http://www.lifeisjoyful.org/id1.html

Sheri Kaye Hoff, Life Coach and author of Keys to Living Joyfully

Twitter name: @sherikayehoff

Blog: Coach Sheri’s Living Joyfully Everyday blog

Nicole O’Dell, author of the Scenarios books for girls ages 10-15

Twitter name: @nicole_odell

Blog: Nicole O’Dell blog

http://nicoleodell.blogspot.com

http://www.nicoleodell.com

www.scenariosforgirls.com

Linda Thieman, author of the Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story chapter book series for ages 7-10

Twitter name: @lindathieman

Blog: The Katie & Kimble Blog

http://www.katieandkimbleblog.com

Bloggers

Susan Buetow, homeschooling mom/blogger

Twitter name: @susieqtpies

Blogs: The Homeschool Messenger; Scraps of Life

http://homeschoolmessenger.blogspot.com/

http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

Cheryl Malandrinos, writer/mom/book blogger

Twitter name: @ccmalandrinos

Blog: The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

April Pohren, mom/book blogger

Twitter name: @cafeofdreams

Blog: Café of Dreams

http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com

Prizes and Winners

The Tweet for Literacy campaign was designed to encourage family literacy. Our motto is “The family that reads together has a lot of fun!”

Our goal is to empower children and teens, especially girls, who are so often overlooked. We also seek to teach tolerance and self-acceptance through reading and through family interaction.

Our twelfth prize package winner will be selected on November 30, 2009, at 6pm CT. Total value of Prize Package Twelve is $109.

Prize Package Twelve (Final Drawing before Grand Prize)

1) 2 codes for e-books at the iTunes App Store from PicPocket Books (combined value up to $7.98). These picture book apps are downloaded to an iPhone or an iPod Touch. For children 2 to 8. Donated by PicPocket Books.

2) Aurora of the Northern Lights by Holly Hardin (autographed — an $18.95 value), the delightful Yuletide-themed picture book by one of our Tweet for Literacy sponsors. Donated by the author.

3) The Katie & Kimble chapter book series by Linda Thieman, for ages 6 to 10. Lexile® measures: 280L and 290L. This set includes Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story and Katie & Kimble: The Magic Wish. These are stories of love and healing, and are not scary! Donated and autographed by the author, one of our Tweet for Literacy sponsors. (Value: $11.90 per set)

4) Persephane Pendrake and the Cimaruta (autographed) by Lady Ellen. This book is the first of a planned 9 book series made up of 3 trilogies called “The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles.” For ages 9-12; a $16.95 value. Donated by the author.

5) All that Glitters (autographed), Book 2 from the Scenarios for Girls interactive series by Nicole O’Dell. For ages 10-15. ($7.97 Value) Donated by the author, one of our Tweet for Literacy sponsors.

6) Kids in the Kitchen: Easy Recipe & Craft Cookbook, for all ages. Creative foods kids make themselves! Value: $16.95. Donated by Barb at Gooseberry Patch.

7) Focus on Reading Strategies: Standards-based Instruction, Level C by Perfection Learning. 3rd grade. Value: $11.95. Donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor Linda Thieman.

8) I Just Want My Kids to Be Happy!: Why You Shouldn’t Say it, Why You Shouldn’t Think It, What You Should Embrace Instead by Aaron Cooper, Ph.D. & Eric Keitel, M. Ed. (Parenting), advanced readers copy (ARC). Value: $15.95. Donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor Cheryl Malandrinos.

Last prize package before the Grand Prize!

http://twitter.com/ccmalandrinos

Tweet for Literacy Giveaways - Prize Package 8 Announced!

C. C. Gevry — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:49:51 +0000

Our Motto: “The family that reads together has a lot of fun!”

How to Enter the Tweet for Literacy Giveaways

Step 1: Follow our 7 sponsors on Twitter. This step is required. We will all follow you back!

http://twitter.com/lindathieman

http://twitter.com/hollyhardin

http://twitter.com/susieqtpies

http://twitter.com/cafeofdreams

http://twitter.com/nicole_odell

http://twitter.com/sherikayehoff

Step 2: Re-tweet (RT) any post about the giveaway. Use the hashtag #Tweet4Lit on each RT. Be sure to add the bit.ly URL link for this contest page. It’s .

Sample Entry Re-tweets

RT @ccmalandrinos Tweet for Literacy is giving away 12 prize sets and a grand prize thru Nov. Enter here. http://bit.ly/29sSk3 #Tweet4Lit

RT @ccmalandrinos Enter Tweet for Literacy giveaways here! New prize sets every 2 days. #Tweet4Lit http://bit.ly/29sSk3

Step 3: That’s it! See the Official Rules below.

Official Rules

Open to residents of the U.S. only. Must be at least 18 years old to enter.

If you have any questions or comments about the giveaway, please contact Linda Thieman at blog (at) katieandkimble (dot) com.

Our Sponsors

Authors

Holly Hardin, author of the children’s picture book Aurora of the Northern Lights

Twitter name: @hollyhardin

Blog: Holly’s Helpful Hints

http://hhhelpfulhints.blogspot.com/

http://www.lifeisjoyful.org/id1.html

Sheri Kaye Hoff, Life Coach and author of Keys to Living Joyfully

Twitter name: @sherikayehoff

Blog: Coach Sheri’s Living Joyfully Everyday blog

Nicole O’Dell, author of the Scenarios books for girls ages 10-15

Twitter name: @nicole_odell

Blog: Nicole O’Dell blog

http://nicoleodell.blogspot.com

http://www.nicoleodell.com

www.scenariosforgirls.com

Linda Thieman, author of the Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story chapter book series for ages 7-10

Twitter name: @lindathieman

Blog: The Katie & Kimble Blog

http://www.katieandkimbleblog.com

Bloggers

Susan Buetow, homeschooling mom/blogger

Twitter name: @susieqtpies

Blogs: The Homeschool Messenger; Scraps of Life

http://homeschoolmessenger.blogspot.com/

http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

Cheryl Malandrinos, writer/mom/book blogger

Twitter name: @ccmalandrinos

Blog: The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

April Pohren, mom/book blogger

Twitter name: @cafeofdreams

Blog: Café of Dreams

http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com

Prizes and Winners

The Tweet for Literacy campaign was designed to encourage family literacy. Our motto is “The family that reads together has a lot of fun!”

Our goal is to empower children and teens, especially girls, who are so often overlooked. We also seek to teach tolerance and self-acceptance through reading and through family interaction.

Our eighth prize package winner will be selected on November 22, 2009, at 6pm CT. Total value of Prize Package Eight is $116.

Prize Package Eight

1) A stuffed Dr. Suess’ Cat in the Hat doll, 24 inches high. A $25 value. Donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor April Pohren.

4) The Raucous Royals: Test your Royal Wits: Crack Codes, Solve Mysteries, and Deduce Which Royal Rumors are True by Carlyn Beccia, for ages 9-12. A $17 value. Donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor April Pohren.

5) How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff (Value $7.99). (Young Adult). Donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor Linda Thieman.

6) The Shiniest Jewel: A Family Love Story by Marian Henley (A Memoir) $21.99 value. Great for the entire family. Donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor April Pohren.

7) The Truth (I’m 10, I’m Smart and I Know Everything) by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein. (Women’s Edition) Value: $12.95. Donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor Cheryl Malandrinos.

Check back here daily as we will continue to update the list of prizes.

Bookmark & Share

Tweet for Literacy Giveaways - Prize Package 4 Announced!

C. C. Gevry — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:51:33 +0000

Our Motto: “The family that reads together has a lot of fun!”

How to Enter the Tweet for Literacy Giveaways

Step 1: Follow our 7 sponsors on Twitter. This step is required. We will all follow you back!

http://twitter.com/ccmalandrinos

http://twitter.com/lindathieman

http://twitter.com/hollyhardin

http://twitter.com/susieqtpies

http://twitter.com/cafeofdreams

http://twitter.com/nicole_odell

http://twitter.com/sherikayehoff

Step 2: Re-tweet (RT) any post about the giveaway. Use the hashtag #Tweet4Lit on each RT. Be sure to add the bit.ly URL link for this contest page. It’s .

Sample Entry Re-tweets

RT @ccmalandrinos Tweet for Literacy is giving away 12 prize sets and a grand prize thru Nov. Enter here. http://bit.ly/YpqN2 #Tweet4Lit

RT @ccmalandrinos Enter Tweet for Literacy giveaways here! New prize sets every 2 days. #Tweet4Lit http://bit.ly/YpqN2

Step 3: That’s it! See the Official Rules below.

Official Rules

Open to residents of the U.S. only. Must be at least 18 years old to enter.

If you have any questions or comments about the giveaway, please contact Linda Thieman at blog (at) katieandkimble (dot) com.

Our Sponsors

Authors

Holly Hardin, author of the children’s picture book Aurora of the Northern Lights
Twitter name: @hollyhardin
Blog: Holly’s Helpful Hints
http://hhhelpfulhints.blogspot.com/

Sheri Kaye Hoff, Life Coach and author of Keys to Living Joyfully
Twitter name: @sherikayehoff
Blog: Coach Sheri’s Living Joyfully Everyday blog
http://www.lifeisjoyful.org/id1.html

Nicole O’Dell, author of the Scenarios books for girls ages 10-15
Twitter name: @nicole_odell
Blog: Nicole O’Dell blog
http://nicoleodell.blogspot.com
www.nicoleodell.com
www.scenariosforgirls.com

Linda Thieman, author of the Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story chapter book series for ages 7-10
Twitter name: @lindathieman
Blog: The Katie & Kimble Blog
http://www.katieandkimbleblog.com

Bloggers

Susan Buetow, homeschooling mom/blogger
Twitter name: @susieqtpies
Blogs: The Homeschool Messenger; Scraps of Life
http://homeschoolmessenger.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/ccmalandrinos
http://twitter.com/lindathieman
http://twitter.com/susieqtpies
http://twitter.com/cafeofdreams
http://twitter.com/hollyhardin
http://twitter.com/nicole_odell
http://twitter.com/sherikayehoff

Cheryl Malandrinos, writer/mom/book blogger
Twitter name: @ccmalandrinos
Blog: The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

April Pohren, mom/book blogger
Twitter name: @cafeofdreams
Blog: Café of Dreams
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com

Prizes and Winners

The Tweet for Literacy campaign was designed to encourage family literacy. Our motto is “The family that reads together has a lot of fun!”

Our goal is to empower children and teens, especially girls, who are so often overlooked. We also seek to teach tolerance and self-acceptance through reading and through family interaction.

Our fourth prize package winner will be selected on November 14, 2009, at 6pm CT. Total value of Prize Package Four is $105.

Prize Package Four

This special Gift Package (items 1-4) is being donated by Sourcebooks, Inc., (www.sourcebooks.com).

1) The Tree That Time Built (book & CD, autographed), edited by the Children’s Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston—a cultural anthropologist. This collection of poetry is made to teach kids all about the wonders of nature. There are explanations of scientific terms, as well as an accompanying CD with some of the most recognized voices in poetry. It’s REALLY sweet. (Value $19.99) (For ages 9-12; great for the entire family.) Donated by Sourcebooks.

2) Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon and Tony Ross (Value $4.99). (For ages 4-8) Donated by Sourcebooks.

3) Horrid Henry’s Christmas by Francesca Simon and Tony Ross (Value $4.99). (For ages 4-8) Donated by Sourcebooks.

4) Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble and a signed poster of Dreaming Anastasia (Value $9.99). (Young Adult) Donated by Sourcebooks.

5) Aurora of the Northern Lights by Holly Hardin (autographed — an $18.95 value), the delightful Yuletide-themed picture book by one of our Tweet for Literacy sponsors. Donated by the author.

6) Close Encounters of the Third-grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood by Phillip Done ($22.99 value). Donated by Hachette Book Group.

7) The Bethel Lutheran Cookbook, edited and donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor Susan Buetow. 700 family-favorite recipes! Take reading outside the box and into the kitchen! ($10 value) (For all ages!)

8) The Unexpected Gift by Michelle Bulmer Atha & Meaghan Gonzales Wagar (Value $12.95) (For Mom.) Donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor April Pohren.

Check back here daily as we will continue to update the list of prizes.

Sneak Peak: Tweet for Literacy Grand Prize! $600 Value!

C. C. Gevry — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:06:43 +0000

In honor of National Family Literacy Month, the Tweet for Literacy campaign extends throughout the month of November. Our Grand Prize drawing will be held on the morning of December 1, 2009.

The Tweet for Literacy Grand Prize drawing is a little different. It is actually a two-part giveaway, open even to winners of the first twelve of the Tweet4Lit prizes.

The first part of the Grand Prize drawing is a prize package that the winner receives. The cornerstone of the prize package is author and Life Coach Sheri Kaye Hoff’s book Keys to Living Joyfully. If you knew Sheri, you would know that she really lives what she teaches. Sheri, a Tweet for Literacy sponsor, is also donating the Keys to Living Joyfully Telesummit mp3 recording. These two items combined are a $400 value.

The Grand Prize winner will also receive additional items in the prize package, including Tweet for Literacy sponsor and author Holly Hardin’s Yuletide-themed picture book called Aurora of the Northern Lights. Aurora is a beautifully illustrated book with a lesson about tolerance. Other prizes will be announced as the drawing nears.

The second part of the Grand Prize is a giveaway of a different sort. One elementary school will receive a classroom set (10 each) of both of the Katie & Kimble books: Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story and Katie & Kimble: The Magic Wish (a $119 value). These books are being donated by author and Tweet for Literacy sponsor, Linda Thieman. Their Lexile(R) measures are 280L and 290L, and here on the Katie & Kimble blog, there are free, downloadable classroom (and homeschooling) materials to make life easier for teachers and parents while helping children learn to read. These Activity Packets meet the national standards for 3rd Grade reading and language skills.

The winner of the Grand Prize will select which elementary school is to be the recipient of the Katie & Kimble book package. Yes, the winner of the Grand Prize gets to pay it forward! We thought that would be fun and fulfilling.

Click here to read more about Tweet for Literacy and to enter the contest. We’re giving away a set of prizes every two days for the month of November!

Enter as often as you like. Must be at least 18 to enter and a resident of the United States.

Tweet for Literacy Giveaways

C. C. Gevry — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:00:35 +0000

Tweet for Literacy Giveaways

Our Motto: “The family that reads together has a lot of fun!”

How to Enter the Tweet for Literacy Giveaways

Step 1: Follow our 7 sponsors on Twitter. This step is required. We will all follow you back!

Step 2: Re-tweet (RT) any post about the giveaway. Use the hashtag #Tweet4Lit on each RT. Be sure to add the bit.ly URL link for this contest page. It’s .

Sample Entry Re-tweets

RT @ccmalandrinos Tweet for Literacy is giving away 12 prize sets and a grand prize thru Nov. Enter here. http://bit.ly/2P3Lgb #Tweet4Lit

RT @ccmalandrinos Enter Tweet for Literacy giveaways here! New prize sets every 2 days. #Tweet4Lit http://bit.ly/2P3Lgb

Step 3: That’s it! See the Official Rules below.

Official Rules

Open to residents of the U.S. only. Must be at least 18 years old to enter.

If you have any questions or comments about the giveaway, please contact Linda Thieman at blog (at) katieandkimble (dot) com.

Our Sponsors

Authors

Holly Hardin, author of the children’s picture book Aurora of the Northern Lights
Twitter name: @hollyhardin
Blog: Holly’s Helpful Hints
http://hhhelpfulhints.blogspot.com/

Sheri Kaye Hoff, Life Coach and author of Keys to Living Joyfully
Twitter name: @sherikayehoff
Blog: Coach Sheri’s Living Joyfully Everyday blog
http://www.lifeisjoyful.org/id1.html

Linda Thieman, author of the Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story chapter book series for ages 7-10
Twitter name: @lindathieman
Blog: The Katie & Kimble Blog
http://www.katieandkimbleblog.com

Bloggers

Susan Buetow, homeschooling mom/blogger
Twitter name: @susieqtpies
Blogs: The Homeschool Messenger; Scraps of Life
http://homeschoolmessenger.blogspot.com/

Cheryl Malandrinos, writer/mom/book blogger
Twitter name: @ccmalandrinos
Blog: The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

April Pohren, mom/book blogger
Twitter name: @cafeofdreams
Blog: Café of Dreams
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com

Prizes and Winners

The Tweet for Literacy campaign was designed to encourage family literacy. Our motto is “The family that reads together has a lot of fun!”

Our goal is to empower children and teens, especially girls, who are so often overlooked. We also seek to teach tolerance and self-acceptance through reading and through family interaction.

Prize Package Two

Winner to be chosen Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 6pm CT. Total value of Prize Package Two is $114.00.

1) Aurora of the Northern Lights by Holly Hardin (autographed — an $18.95 value), the delightful Christmas-themed picture book by one of our Tweet for Literacy sponsors. Donated by the author.

2) Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates by Carolyn Crimi and John Manders for ages 4 to 8. ($15.99 value) This is the sequel to Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies. Donated by Blue Slip Media.

3) The Katie & Kimble chapter book series by Linda Thieman, for ages 6 to 10. Lexile® measures: 280L and 290L. This set includes Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story and Katie & Kimble: The Magic Wish. These are stories of love and healing, and are not scary! Donated by the author, one of our Tweet for Literacy sponsors. (Value: $11.90 per set)

4) Lexi by L.S. Matthews (Grades 4-8) ($14.99). Donated by our Tweet for Literacy sponsor, Linda Thieman.

5) Mark My Time, a totally cool digital bookmark/timer ($11.90 value), donated by our Tweet for Literacy sponsor Susan Buetow.

6) Light Up Your Child’s Mind: Finding a Unique Pathway to Happiness and Success by Joseph S. Renzulli, Sally M. Reis, Andrea Thompson ($25.99 value). Donated by Hachette Book Group.

7) And a little something for Mom! The Sidewalk Artist by Gina Buonaguro and Janice Kirk ($13.95 value), donated by Tweet for Literacy sponsor Linda Thieman.

Check back here daily as we will continue to update the list of prizes.

Snow Valley Heroes by Robert J. McCarty

C. C. Gevry — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:34:06 +0000

A story of how dogs came to earth and how they helped save Christmas is what you’ll find in Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale (Planet of the Doge Volume 3).

Banished to the Ice Castle, the King of the North seeks revenge. What better way to get revenge than to ruin Christmas? When Tip and Top, two of Santa’s elves discover that Dasher and Dancer are missing, the Dog Council calls upon Daisy and Bean to help some of their friends from the Planet of Dogs travel to earth to save Santa’s reindeer.

There is so much to like about Snow Valley Heroes. Christmas stories are always huge hits in our house because we love the season; but when you combine that with imagination and creativity, those stories are even better. With the elves, reindeer, the dogs, the evil King of the North and his Royal Guards, and the Tundra Town Traders, McCarty has brought together many captivating elements to create a beautiful story. The illustrations provided by Stella Mustanoja McCarty are absolutely stunning and add a great deal to an already charming story.

This series has a ton of potential, but I have to admit that I see this being a story that should be read out loud because it depends heavily upon narration to carry the storyline. Not surprisingly, these stories were inspired by those the author told to his children and grandchildren, which explains the large amount of narration. Storytelling and writing a story are different. Because Snow Valley Heroes uses so much narration to tell the story, even though there are excellent descriptions of the surroundings, character development suffers a bit. I felt unconnected to the characters throughout the story and by the end I felt I didn’t know much more about them than when I started.

This challenge aside, dog lovers, children who enjoy fantasy, and anyone who likes to read a fun Christmas story will want to read Snow Valley Heroes. I am eager to see what Robert McCarty comes up with next for Planet of the Dogs.

Rating:

Publisher: Barking Planet Productions

ISBN-10: 0978692829

ISBN-13: 978-0978692827

SRP: $14.95