Beware of the White: The Concord Chronicles by Kai Strand

Kai Strand’s new middle grade novel, Beware of the White, is the first in her new series, The Concord Chronicles. It features Terra, a twelve year old, about to embark on a new, very exciting chapter in her life, when she is awakened in the middle of the night by an elf-like creature. Hermie is her “Introguide” and takes her to the “Underworld, a world under our own. Terra is a new Natures Spirit from the “Outerworld” come to receive her training, like her mother, Flora, before her.

This is an engaging story from the beginning. We marvel along with Terra at the many new beings she encounters, the strange modes of transportation, and the different colored sectors of the underground city. It is wonderful and captivating. All this would be exciting enough, but it is also a very dangerous place for Terra. She is named in a prophecy and is being hunted by the Trepidus or death tribe. Blanco, the ruthless leader of the Trepidus, fears Terra will thwart his plans to take over the Underworld. He sends “Bringers” after Terra -- Trepidus whose smile is fatal. Now Terra must be protected, trained, and go on a quest.

Terra doesn’t have to face this threat alone. Her protector is Frank, a Security Spirit, and she is trained by several other Underworld beings. Terra needs all the help she can get to discover her talents, finish her training, figure out the prophecy, and develop a strategy to defeat Blanco and the Trepidus, or lose the whole Underworld. Although this is a lot for a twelve year old, Terra rises to the challenge.

This is a classic story of good versus evil, coupled with a coming-of-age quest. Terra has so much to learn about herself, her powers, the new world, dealing with so many emotions, and difficult situations. Terra is special, but feels she’s not so great. She’s easy for other ‘tweens to relate to, since they are also learning about themselves and how they fit in to their own changing world. What twelve year old wouldn’t want to have special talents and powers to save the world? There are also relationships to build, coming to terms with life and death, and normal every day activities that contrast with the strange new world where Terra has the central role.

This promises to be an exciting middle grade series, with strange creatures, difficult tasks, and new ways of teaching and learning. There will be new adventures, characters, twists, and turns to entertain us. Kai Strand has created a fantasy world that offers so much that is different and yet populates it with beings that we can appreciate, relate to, and understand. I am very much looking forward to the next Concord Chronicles adventure.

 

Published by  Muse It Up Publishing: 
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/

The Adventures of Lai Lai and Chub-Chub by Dr. Aaron Chokan

The Adventures of Lai Lai & Chub-Chub, Lai Lai Meets Chub-Chub, was written by Dr. Aaron Chokan, and illustrated by Amy Rottinger. It is a story about a preschool girl who is getting a puppy and needs to find the best name for her new little friend. Lai Lai spends her time outside in their lovely park-like yard, watching other animals, and trying out different names to see if she likes them. Nothing seems quite right to her.

The children reading the story, or having it read to them, are encouraged to think of names and “shout them out.” In the end, Lai Lai chooses Chub-Chub, when she sees a groundhog digging, which inspires the name “chub-chub.” Chub-Chub is the perfect name for her new puppy. She is very happy with her choice.

The Adventures of Lai Lai and Chub-Chub is lovingly written by Dr. Chokan, who wants to involve his preschool child, Calais, in the Lai Lai and Chub-Chub stories. Dr. Chokan uses an “audience participation” device to involve children in helping Lai Lai choose a nice puppy name. Clearly, there will be more fun and joyful adventures to come.

This story is beautifully illustrated by Amy Rottinger. Her character illustrations are happy, smiling, and appealing. Her animals and the beautiful park-like setting make you want to be right there with Lai Lai. Through the artwork, the reader is pulled into the story which becomes a mini-quest.

This is a warm and sweet little story that preschool through second-grade children will enjoy reading and hearing. The older children can write down their puppy names and even draw a picture of their own puppy. I’m hoping this story series means that there really is an adorable Chub-Chub puppy at Dr. Chokan’s home!  

 Available from Amazon.com

Liebster Blog Award

. . .and the Nominees Are....

First of all, I'd like to send out special thanks to Deanie Humphrys-Dunne (http://www.dhdunne.blogspot.com) for nominating me for this award! It's nice that you thought of me and an honor for me to accept. I like the Pink Ribbon Medal.  

Liebster means "dearest" or "favorite" in German.  I'm combining it and say it is an honor for me and my blog to be called a "dear favorite" and I hope to become one.

PS:  If anyone I nominated doesn't have time to participate in this "Blog Award-Chain," I totally understand.  (That's probably why this Liester Blog Award has expanded to 11 in hopes that half will participate.)

  Rules of the Liebster Blog Award:
- Tell 11 random things about yourself.
- Answer 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.
- Post 11 questions for those who will be nominated by you.
- Nominate 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers or up and coming bloggers.
- Get in contact with those 11 bloggers in order to inform them that you nominated them.

 Eleven Random Things about Me:

1.  I get a lot of my story ideas when I'm out dog walking.  There's so much that's inspirational out in nature.  My mind can wander anywhere as we walk along our familiar route.
2. I also get a lot of story ideas from dreams -- so many that I wonder if I'll have time enough to write them all.
3.  I wanted to be a writer for many years, but I thought it was too hard of a career.  I've written all my life in my two previous careers.  Now it's nice to be a children's author.
4. I love to see words on paper and on the screen.  The written word continues to fascinate and intrigue me.  Finding the right word, communicating ideas and feelings, it's amazing.
5.  My parents expected us to do our very best and I spent most of my school years trying to live up to their expectations.  Hard work has many rewards, but it can be isolating.
6.  I was naturally shy and had to come out of my comfort zone to do public speaking, to teach, and to sell (writing books isn't enough -- you have to sell them, too.)
7. It's funny the things you find out about your parents and loved ones after they pass.  My mother and my brother were both poets and he wrote songs.  My father loved opera; he even sang often with the local opera company.
8. I enjoy being outside -- day and night -- walking the dogs, watering the garden, looking at the trees and flowers.  I like listening to the crickets at night -- it means no pesticides.
9. I loved the weather in Hawaii -- in the 70's with gentle breezes and short misty rainfall.  I played tennis almost every day the two years I lived in Honolulu, and I competed in the Tin Man Triathlon, too! 
10. My teen and I became vegetarians two years ago, for health as well as sustainability.  We still eat some fish.  It's harder being non-meat eaters in our family, but I believe it is healthier.  I didn't eat pork for 20 years and feel better now not eating meat and poultry, just fish, eggs, tofu, beans, and cheese for protein. 
11.  I was born on a Sunday, just in time for church, my mother said.  Church and choir have always been important to me -- singing, praising, praying, being in fellowship is so good.

My Questions from Deanie Humphrys-Dunne:

1.  Does your name have a back story? What is it? Yes, I was named Penelope after my mother's ex-boyfriend's mother!  I guess that was okay with my father.  At least I wasn't named Penelope Jane (her full name). I do like my name, Penelope Anne.  
2. Is there anything you collect? If so what?- I used to collect Lladro figurines from Spain and dolls from the countries I visited (like Austria, England, Spain), also Native American Indian Dolls, but I ran out of room to display them.  Now I have a fluctuating book collection -- I find used books and trade -- though I still buy some new, too.
3. What's the one thing you wish you could brag about?  There are so many things I would love to brag about, but who likes a braggart?  I am proud that Magical Matthew, my first children's book, was published by Guardian Angel Publishing.  I am pleased that my teen is doing well, has good values, is a loyal and supportive friend, cares deeply about music and art, and still enjoys reading.
4. What would be your dream vacation spot? I would love a place we could go and bring our dogs.  It would have to have wide open spaces for them to run around, but safely fenced or closed in, maybe a cottage with a private beach with trails for dog walking, gardens, trees, and certainly our own private chef!
5. Who is your biggest supporter? My family and friends all support me.
6. What is your biggest pet peeve? I am completely up in arms about the trend now that everything you read, research, or buy on the internet is fair game for advertisers.  There is no privacy any more.  Sadly, that doesn't seem to bother the younger generation.  
7.  What books have most influenced your life? There are so many I can't name them, so I will generalize.  I have been influenced by books that speak to the universals:  problems with parents, with relationships, about children, dreaming big dreams, overcoming obstacles, and good triumphing over evil.  Books that touch your heart and stimulate your mind to think about the deeper meaning of life.  I want books to have happy endings that uplift and inspire.  I like the problems to all be solved at the end.
8.  So you believe in Extra Terrestrials? It's hard to believe that in the infinite universe there is only one planet that sustains life as we know it.  I'm in the wait-and-see-what happens camp on this one, though I love Star Trek and Star Wars.
9.  If you were stranded on a dessert island and could only have one thing, what would it be?  Dark chocolate with fruit and nuts and caramel and toffee and coconut.  
10.  What is your most controversial belief?  I am in favor of legalizing first marijuana and then all illegal drugs.  This would take the mob/underworld/criminal profit motive away.  If it were legalized, we could tax drugs as we tax alcohol and tobacco.  This would boost our government income. We could better help those who are addicted.  We could also clear out jails and prisons of those who have been caught three times with illegal drugs.
11. What music album are you still listening to now that you listened to years ago? Music is a great love and blessing to me.  I love the music of the 60's and 70's.  I love the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Jefferson Airplane.  I have my country music favorites, too.  I listen to Classical Music for inspiration and to be uplifted:  Chopin, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Liszt, Beethoven, Debussy, Schubert -- so many that are beautiful and stimulating.

My Nominees Are:
1.  Susan Hornbach - http://bagfullofbooks4kids.blogspot.com/

2.  Janet Ann Collins - http://onwordsblog.blogspot.com/

3.  Barbara Bockman - http://barbarabockman.wordpress.com/

4.  Connie Arnold - http://childrensauthorconniearnold.blogspot.com/

5.  Margot Finke - http://perfectmagiccarpet.blogspot.com/


6.  Sharon Stanley - http://sharonstanleywrites.blogspot.com/

7.  Nancy Stewart - http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com/

8.   Margo Dill - http://margodill.com/blog/

9.  Nicole Weaver - http://melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/

10.  Jennifer Gladen - http://www.jgladen.blogspot.com/


11.  Freya Pickard - http://dragonscaleclippings.wordpress.com/

My Questions Are:
 1. What is your greatest achievement so far and why?

 2. What is the most exciting thing you’ve ever done?

 3. How do you spend your free time?

 4. What was the last thing you made with your hands?

 5. What is your favorite season and why?

 6. Where do you live and what do you like most about living there?

 7. If you could live anywhere or in any time -- a place now or a time back in history -- where or when would it be and why?

 8. How did you get interested in writing as a career?

9. What advice would you give to a new writer?

10. What is your favorite genre to write in and to read? (These can be different.)

11. What are the five words that would best describe you?


Thank you all for participating!

Celebrate Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day.  This is a special day to celebrate the wonders of our natural world.  It’s a day to remember that we are stewards of this amazing planet, not simply residents.  Matthew and Lily, from my book Magical Matthew, understand the importance of this stewardship.  They take good care of their things, help clean up their neighborhood park, and support Earth Day activities such as Beach Clean Up days.  I hope everyone will follow their example.  Together we can make our world a little cleaner and a little healthier for all the plants and animals that breathe the same air we breathe and drink the same water.  Happy Earth Day!

A Moose at the Bus Stop by Terry Cook

A Moose at the Bus Stop, written and illustrated by Terry Cook, is a fun rhyming story about a moose that visits kids as they wait for the bus to school.  The story begins with the daughter coming home from school to tell her mother the exciting news of the moose that came to their bus stop.  The girl describes the moose and the feelings and actions of the kids in this adventure.  Of course, her mother is skeptical that this is a true story – a wild beast that sits calmly letting kids hang their belongings from its antlers, really?  If only she had proof.  It’s a sweet story with a cute ending.

Children will relate to the idea of a moose come to play with them and serve as a hat rack to store their clothing, lunches, and such while they play and wait for the bus.  It’s natural for kids to let their imaginations run wild.  It’s also not surprising that the girl’s mother wouldn’t believe her fanciful tale.  Of course, most parents love to hear the stories their kids have made up to while away their waiting time.  There’s never a dull moment with a vivid imagination.

Terry Cook illustrated her book with what looks like “crayon” or colored pencil artwork, which totally appeals to children.  Her pictures are realistic enough to convey the story and the emotions of the characters, but “cartoonish” enough to be entertaining and silly.  At every point in the story it’s clear what’s happening and how each character is feeling.

Teachers, parents and children will all enjoy this rhyming story.  It will be a fun read aloud for all.  Each stanza begins with a two word introduction, such as:   

Mom! Mom!  Moose! Moose!  Trees! Trees!  Wild! Wild!  Scared! Scared!  Then the story unfolds as follows:

Mom! Mom!                                                  Moose! Moose!

I’ve something to tell you!                             A moose at my bus stop!

I’ve something to say—                                A great hairy beast.

I want you to listen.                                      I am not pretending—

It happened today!                                       Twelve feet tall at least!

The ending is perfect.  The story is accompanied by "Moose Fun Facts" at the end for further discussion.

 

Available from Guardian Angel Publishing: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/moose.htm

Sharing a review by Tracey Cox of Magical Matthew

Thank you Tracey for this lovely review:

 Picture Book Review: Magical Matthew

April 9, 2013

By Tracey M. Cox

What if you had a gift, but were afraid to let anyone know? In Magical Matthew, Matthew has a gift to fix things. He can fix broken toys, watches, but he can’t fix his friend.
Through their playtime, Lily notices that her friend is just as special as she is, just in a different way. Matthew confides in his friend and together the begin to fix things. Only Matthew looses his gift of magical-fixes. He feels bad. Lily and his grandmother point out that he is a great problem-solver and that is a gift all to itself.
Magical Matthew shows readers that they are special in more than what they can do. Sometimes being someone’s friend and appreciating them for who they are is the best gift to have.
Magical Matthew is written by Penelope Anne Cole. Ms. Cole has a background in teaching and loves to involve children in her stories.
Keven Collier’s illustrations of magic and know-how bring the story to life.

Guardian Angel Publishing, 2012
ISBN# 9781616333256 (HC)
9781616333263 (SC)
9781616333386 (eB)


http://thereadtomereviewsletter.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/picture-book-review-magical-matthew/ 

Five Star Review on Readers' Favorite for Magical Matthew!

I'm pleased to announce that Magical Matthew has received a 5-Star Review on Readers' Favorite.  

Review

"What a cute story and and what sweet imagination! . . . I highly recommend this wonderful story. . . . You will not be disappointed with this little book!" - Readers' Favorite

Check out the complete review:

http://readersfavorite.com/book-review/8413

There are other 5-Star Reviews up on Amazon.com.

Magical Matthew is a sweet book in time for April's Earth Day celebration and promotion gifts:

http://www.amazon.com/Magical-Matthew-Penelope-Anne-Cole/dp/1616333251/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER