Benjamin Ellefson's Blog, page 3

Award Winning Illustrator Kevin Cannon is Back!

The fantastic, award-winning illustrator Kevin Cannon is back to illustrate my new 7 book, middle grade series. He is currently reading the latest drafts of the entire series and coming up with ideas. Soon he will begin sketching the initial character concepts. This will be followed by the rough draft of each illustration. Then the final illustrations for the books.

Book Review: The Tuttle Twins and the Creature from Jekyll Island

Imagine a sinister creature that sneaks into your house at night and eats the money in your piggy bank. Before you know it, everything costs more and you are not able to buy as many things with it. This creature is real and out there. In The Tuttle Twins and the Creature from Jekyll Island, the young characters learn all about the truth of this vile creature. This book is a delightful read that will entertain and educate young readers.

Meet Ty Allan Jackson

Ty Allan Jackson is an award-winning children’s author of multiple books, including my favorites Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade and The Supadupa Kid.

Book Review: The Toothpaste Millionaire

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own company? How would you like to be a millionaire before finishing sixth grade? With some ingenuity and the help of his friends, twelve year old Rufus works hard and does just that. Soon he becomes The Toothpaste Millionaire. Come along on the journey as they work together and discover the pitfalls of starting your own company. You will be amazed at the possibilities you can achieve when you put your mind to it.

Book Review: Among the Hidden

When the government has outlawed having more than two children, growing up as a secret, third child is difficult. You can’t go to school. You’re not allowed to have any friends. Even your grandparents don’t know you exist. In order to stay alive, you must forever be Among the Hidden. Discover the thought provoking world in the first book in the Shadow Children series. It’s a riveting read that will keep you glued from cover to cover.

Activities for Kids Added to Website

Looking for something for your kids to do between reading books? I have the perfect solution! I have just added an activities section to my website. On that page, you’ll find lots of free downloads to give your kids hours of fun. I’ve got a collection of crossword puzzles and word searches to find characters or locations from my books. There are also eighteen different coloring pages of the brilliant illustrations from Kevin Cannon.

Inspiring Back to School Books

Fall is here and school is finally back in session. It’s time to put away the play of summer and get back into focus on studies. Reading, writing, and arithmetic. It’s the ideal time to inspire young readers with exciting books about school.

My New Series Will Be Published Through Beaver’s Pond Press

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be publishing my new seven book, middle grade series through Beaver’s Pond Press. They are the same publisher that published all of my Land without Color books. Everyone at the “pond” is so great to work with and I am now confident that these books will be printed with the highest quality.

Book Review: The City of Ember

Living in a small city deep underground is a difficult life. There are blackouts. As each year rolls by, more and more things are falling apart. Supplies are running out. And the fear is growing that the lights will go out forever. Immerse yourself in the amazing world of The City of Ember as Luna Mayfleet and Doon Harrow follow the clues to discover the wonderful mystery of the city had has been lost for generations.

Finished Writing 7 Book Middle Grade Series

After years of long nights writing my next middle grade book series, I am finally done. The last sentence, in the last chapter, in the last book is written. I’ve read and re-read the entire series start to finish several times making sure nothing is missing and everything is in place.