M.M. Hudson's Blog, page 19
April 25, 2023
#Review: If You Were Me and Lived In Germany by Carole P. Roman #childrensnonfiction #countries #multicultural
I love the "If You Were Me and Lived In..." series of books by Carole P. Roman. I am privileged to have almost the entire collection from around the world. This one is a view of Germany.
As with all of her books from this series, she follows a general format which includes: city capital, name for parents, names for children, money used,foods eaten, places to visit, school name, holidays.
Terms used throughout the book have a pronunciation key but as always, there is also a glossary in the back of the book.
This is the twentieth book in this series. As the author has gone along in the series, the books have become more sophisticated. As the books were originally written for her grandchildren, she has made them so as they have aged or are interested in a subject.
This particular book is closer to my heart because I have a nephew who was born and raised in Germany and a niece who was also born there. My nephew's mother is a native of Germany and I love hearing her dialect.Carole P. Roman notes that there are different dialects in Germany and her book is a compilation of them.
One of the interesting things, which I have actually lived through, was the division between East and West Berlin. The author mentions this in the book and how the wall between came down. Awesome information for kids that would have not known about this.
Her illustrator, Kelsea Wierenga, mixed real-life photos with her bold illustrations. This too is awesome as it allows children to see what places are truly like. I love this concept!
Want to learn more? I highly recommend this book and the whole series. If you do not believe me, then it should be noted this series has won multiple awards and is noted to be an excellent homeschool resource.
Another 5 star book to me.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Where to find the author:
Amazon
Goodreads
April 19, 2023
Did you know? #GeorgeWashington #Presidents #Libraries #fines #ReadingAuthorsNetwork #randominformation
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In 2010, one of the two books he borrowed was returned.
April 11, 2023
The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad #middlegrade #spotlight
Middle Grade fantasy
Date Published: 10-20-2018
ABOUT THE BOOK:Sent to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love. Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the window that will change everything.
"Your life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere."
Before long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.
WHERE TO FIND THE AUTHOR
Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging. She is passionate about modern-day life in fantasy stories, worldbuilding, and even humor. She is constantly brainstorming new ideas and using her creativity.
Sunayna has been writing stories since the age of six. Many sources that have inspired include various books and movies, all of which are fantasy.
She is lives in New York with her parents.
Contact Links
Website: https://www.sunaynaprasadbooks.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5002639.Sunayna_Prasad
Purchase Links
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Frights-Alyssa-McCarthys-Magical-Missions-ebook/dp/B07HXMJ6GB
The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad #middlegrade #spotlight #giveaway
April 4, 2023
Spotlight: The Catcher Dream by Kelly Anne Manuel #poetry #childrensbooks
Date Published: 07/29/2022
Publisher: Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc.
In this story the Child is invited on a journey where self-empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream.
This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self-assessment.
"The Catcher Dream" offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space. It is an example of how imperative it is to process the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that uncomfortable matters provoke.
Contact Link
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/161946041-kelly-manuel
Purchase Link
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B92V9H33
Giveaway: HERE
March 23, 2023
Guest Post: & Giveaway: Introvert or Extrovert by Valerie Taylor #WhatsNotLost
Hello my readers,
Today I have a guest post from author, Valerie Taylor. She is a multi-winning author with her most recent book, What's Not Lost. Welcome to my blog and take it away. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Introvert or Extrovert?
By Valerie Taylor
Multi-award-winning author of the What’s Not trilogy — What’s Not Said, What’s Not True, and
What’s Not Lost
Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs personality test? Perhaps in high school, college, or through your
employer? If not, it’s possible, though, that you’ve heard about it. The test starts with “an introspective
questionnaire” in which the individual indicates their psychological preferences, how they perceive the
world, and ultimately make decisions.
The output of the test is a four-letter acronym that slots the test-taker into one of 16 personality types
outlined on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® “test table.” You may be—or heard someone referred to
themselves as—an ISTJ or and ENFP, as examples.
I think my first exposure to this test was in college, where I took it several times as required by the course
I was enrolled in. And then throughout my career with various companies, Human Resources thought it
was a great tool to help build teams. And, oh yes, a couple of times when I was in therapy. Um, yes,
therapy. Sorry for TMI! Another acronym, yikes. Too much information?
I have no intention of explaining all of the 16 personality types, or defining each of the letters, except for
two—the “I” and the “E”—which form the first letter of each of the types. Not surprisingly, “I” means
introvert; and “E” means extrovert.
What do you think you are? Introvert or extrovert? Does it matter in your daily life?
For most of my years, I was a writer in some fashion; either in a supporting role where I wrote memos
and articles for my managers, or in a lead marketing and communications capacity where I created my
own original content. All these years I tested mostly as an introvert, but not a flaming introvert. Almost
always, my results vacillated in the center, almost like a scale tipping back and forth before settling on
either characteristic. One time it tilted toward extrovert, but that was a fleeting score. I must have been in
a sociable frame of mind the day I tested and checked off one outgoing indicator too many.
Since I retired in 2016 and moved back from Seattle to Boston and then CT, I’ve taken my writing to
another sphere. I’ve penned and published three dramatic comedies in five years. It is true, as you may
have heard, writing novels is definitely a solitary undertaking, which I enjoy immensely.
Even the production process—working with cover and interior designers, copyeditors, and
proofreaders—is well within my introverted comfort zone. Once published, though, I discovered a
personality change is necessary.
Today, whether traditionally, hybrid, or self-published, an author is expected to not only publicize their
work, but also to market it. Marketing includes digital where introverts like me can hide behind our
keyboards and screens, as well as public events like book signings, fairs, and talks.
How is that possible for a shy person like me?
In all honesty, it isn’t easy. I’ve discovered that as I approach a public gathering I need to take a deep
breath, dig deep inside myself, and find that one bit of extroversion that tipped the scales on the Myers-
Briggs test from years ago.
Smiling helps. So does asking questions such as, “What types of books interest you most? What are you
currently reading? Do you gift books?” Or even a quantitative question, like “How many books do you
read each year?”
Anything to get the people at ay table to talk! Over time I’ve realized I’m better at continuing a
conversation than instigating it. However, once engaged, my inner self relaxes and the beat goes on. In
fact, I quite enjoy being out there with readers.
What I’ve learned in the process is that introverted authors are really extroverts in disguise. No
personality test required.
Please contact me at: www.valerietaylorauthor.com
Come along with me in my journey. Subscribe to my newsletter: Behind and Ahead at
www.valerietaylorauthor.com/subscribe
Follow me: Facebook.com/valerietaylorauthor
Twitter: @ValerieEMTaylor
Instagram: ValerieETaylor
March 7, 2023
#Review and #Giveaway: The Adventures of Lefty and Righty and the Windy City by Lori Orlinsky #poetry #adventure #childrensbooks
Book Details:Book Title: The Adventures of Lefty & Righty: The Windy City by Lori Orlinksy
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Mar 7, 2023
Content Rating: G for everyone.Book Description:
Do you ever wonder what happens to socks that get lost in the dryer? Join Lefty and Righty for the adventure of a lifetime as they sneak out of the laundry room with a destination in mind.My Review:This is the story of a pair of socks that hop out of the dryer and go on a great adventure in Chicago. I have always wondered where the socks went and now, I know. This pair thought they should go find the ultimate socks, The White Socks! How fun!The book, in rhyme, follows the duel as they go to different landmarks. In the book, the landmarks are highlighted in red which corresponds with "fun facts" in the back of the book. I have seen other glossaries in other books, but this was a cool way to include them.The rhyming was great and for older kids they will love the sing-song rhythm. Younger children will enjoy the illustrations which are boldly displayed on each page.Great book to read over and over. 4 stars!Disclosure: I received this book from the author. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors NetworkBuy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:
Award-winning children’s book author Lori Orlinsky lives in. . . you guessed it . . . Chicago! Lori is the mother of three little ladies, who are small but mighty. At 5’1”, she wishes her children’s picture book, Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All), was around when she was growing up. Lori also wrote The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache and Balloons for Tiger. Her latest book, The Adventures of Lefty and Righty: The Windy City, was inspired by her daily struggle to find matching socks when they come out of the dryer.
connect with the author: website
Lori Orlinsky's ADVENTURES OF LEFTY AND RIGHTY Book Tour Giveaway
March 2, 2023
Paperboy by Dan Romanello #giveaway #spotlight #thriller
Book Details:
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 332 pages
Genre: Coming of Age Contemporary Thriller
Publisher: Sanitas Publishing, Inc.
Publication Date: August, 2022.
Content Rating: R: A series of explicit sex scenes, minimal bad language and drug use are utilized for character and plot development.Book Description:
Abandoned by his father as an infant and raised by a single mother among the wealthy and privileged in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Dylan Tomassi grew up poor. As a boy he is befriended by a mysteriously reclusive widow he meets on his paper route. She mentors him with sage advice on matters facing a young man growing up without a father. She never pays for her newspapers, and he never asks for the money because of all the good advice she dispenses. When she finally does square up, it changes his life forever.
Dylan relocates to Florida and becomes a successful private investor, wealthy beyond his wildest dreams. His newfound socioeconomic status introduces him into the upper echelon of Florida society where he finds many things going on in the world simply don't make sense. With the help of his old friend and mentor, he navigates life in a turbulent modern-day society and vows to use his wealth to make a difference when he’s not sidetracked running into nefarious characters or busy keeping his best friend, wealthy playboy Alex Malloy, out of hot water. With corruption, debauchery, deception, and murder swirling around him, Dylan proves nice guys can finish first.Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads
Meet the Authors:DAN ROMANELLO began his career working for a large Florida newspaper before attending law school at the University of Florida. After serving as an assistant state attorney, he entered private practice where he spent more than 20 years as a civil trial lawyer litigating cases in courtrooms throughout Florida. He retired from the active practice of law in 2017 and, before writing PAPERBOY, spent four years coaching college athletics. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
connect with the authors: website
PAPERBOY Book Tour Giveaway
February 17, 2023
The Adventures of Charlie and Jayden: Big Brother Superhero by Adrian Port #Childrensbooks
Children's Book
Date Published: June 24, 2021
What would you do if you found out that you were getting a new sibling?
Find out what one dog dreams when he sees his new baby brother!
About the Author
Adrian Port is a children's book author currently residing in Boynton Beach, FL with her husband, Jayden (son), and Charlie (4 yr old pug). While she works as a middle school Language Arts teacher, she was inspired to write a story about her son and dog. Observing how they interacted when her son, who is now 2, first came home from the hospital, Adrian wondered how her dog felt about the new addition. From that idea, the world of Charlie came to life.
Purchase Link
February 15, 2023
Jokes Make You Smarter by Trey Reely #Childrensbooks, #humor #jokebooks
Children's Humor
Date Published: June 2, 2022
Read this book and you too can laugh and create new brain cells at the same time! Kids of all ages (including young-at-heart adults) can plunge into the fathomless, oceanic depths of knowledge with jokes about animals, foreign language, geography, math, science, health, holidays, music, poetry, sports, and pop culture. But that’s not all! There are even Dad jokes that will out-dad a dad. Read, O Grasshopper, and grow smart.
About the Author
Trey Reely earned his Bachelor’s of Education and Master’s in Education from Harding University. He began his teaching career at Paragould Middle School in 1985 and assumed the position at Paragould High School in 1991 where he taught for 17 years. He was the director of bands at Riverview High School in Searcy, Arkansas from the fall of 2008 until his retirement in 2019.
In 2018, he was selected as the Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year. Trey has served as a region chairman, a state chairman of the American School Band Directors Association, and he is an Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association past president. He is a contributing editor to The Instrumentalist and has authored over 275 articles and 7 books.
He has served as an adjudicator and clinician in Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Illinois, Oklahoma, California, and Pennsylvania. He is currently the Executive Secretary of the Arkansas Small Band Association and spends many hours teaching lessons to area students and conducting the White County Community Band which he co-founded in 2022.
Contact Link
Purchase Link
