M.M. Hudson's Blog, page 9
April 30, 2024
#Spotlight: Mei's Mermaid Mission by Crystal Z. Lee #children's books
The mission of the Mermaids International Rescue Alliance (MIRA) is to guard the ocean and protect the sea creatures. There are many mermaid members in MIRA from all over Asia, such as Princess Hwangok (Korea), Roro (Indonesia), Jiao (China), Ningyo (Japan), Songkhla (Thailand), Duyung (Malaysia), Sovann Macha (Cambodia), Sirena (the Philippines), and Mei (Taiwan).
Princess Hwangok has tasked Mei to embark on a mission to gather all the MIRA mermaids. They will need to unite in order to stop the pirate from polluting. Will MIRA be able to stop the pirate and save the day?
Mei's Mermaid Mission is an elaborately illustrated picture book that makes an ideal gift:
Real locations from the Asia-Pacific region make for an inspiring geography, history and cultural lessonStoryline sparks dialogue around empathy, kindness, courage, perseverance, and friendshipExquisite illustrations of Asia-Pacific's ocean animals and endangered species fosters learning around ecological conservation and marine protectionBackmatter includes a glossary of over twenty sea animals and over twenty locations in the Asia-Pacific region
Crystal Z. Lee grew up in a bilingual household in Taiwan and in California. She is an avid traveler and has visited over thirteen countries in Asia. Her favorite travel memories include hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, cruising down the Yangtze River, chasing butterflies in Taiwan, attending literary festivals in Hong Kong, and visiting family in Singapore. Crystal is the author of children's books A Unicorn Named Rin and Kai the Dancing Butterfly. Her poetry was recently included in the UK anthology, Tabula Rasa. She is also the author of a novel, Love and Other Moods.
About the Illustrator:
Allie Su was born and raised in a village in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She attended Nanhua University in Chiayi city, majoring in Visual Arts. Allie once lived in Korea for some time, volunteering in the area of animal protection. She loves kimchi, Korean saunas, Incheon's snowy winters, and taking boat rides to Yeouido. She believes in bringing joy to people through art. Allie has worked as a children's art teacher and a professional illustrator. She also illustrated a picture book about Taiwan, Kai the Dancing Butterfly.
https://www.crystalzleeauthor.com
https://www.instagram.com/crystal.z.lee
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20927312.Crystal_Z_Lee
[image error]Certified Picture Book Reviewer
KittyBerry Approved
Review PENDING: Mei's Mermaid Mission by Crystal Z. Lee #children's books
The mission of the Mermaids International Rescue Alliance (MIRA) is to guard the ocean and protect the sea creatures. There are many mermaid members in MIRA from all over Asia, such as Princess Hwangok (Korea), Roro (Indonesia), Jiao (China), Ningyo (Japan), Songkhla (Thailand), Duyung (Malaysia), Sovann Macha (Cambodia), Sirena (the Philippines), and Mei (Taiwan).
Princess Hwangok has tasked Mei to embark on a mission to gather all the MIRA mermaids. They will need to unite in order to stop the pirate from polluting. Will MIRA be able to stop the pirate and save the day?
Mei's Mermaid Mission is an elaborately illustrated picture book that makes an ideal gift:
Real locations from the Asia-Pacific region make for an inspiring geography, history and cultural lessonStoryline sparks dialogue around empathy, kindness, courage, perseverance, and friendshipExquisite illustrations of Asia-Pacific's ocean animals and endangered species fosters learning around ecological conservation and marine protectionBackmatter includes a glossary of over twenty sea animals and over twenty locations in the Asia-Pacific regionCrystal Z. Lee grew up in a bilingual household in Taiwan and in California. She is an avid traveler and has visited over thirteen countries in Asia. Her favorite travel memories include hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, cruising down the Yangtze River, chasing butterflies in Taiwan, attending literary festivals in Hong Kong, and visiting family in Singapore. Crystal is the author of children's books A Unicorn Named Rin and Kai the Dancing Butterfly. Her poetry was recently included in the UK anthology, Tabula Rasa. She is also the author of a novel, Love and Other Moods.
About the Illustrator:
Allie Su was born and raised in a village in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She attended Nanhua University in Chiayi city, majoring in Visual Arts. Allie once lived in Korea for some time, volunteering in the area of animal protection. She loves kimchi, Korean saunas, Incheon's snowy winters, and taking boat rides to Yeouido. She believes in bringing joy to people through art. Allie has worked as a children's art teacher and a professional illustrator. She also illustrated a picture book about Taiwan, Kai the Dancing Butterfly.
https://www.crystalzleeauthor.com
https://www.instagram.com/crystal.z.lee
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20927312.Crystal_Z_Lee
[image error]Certified Picture Book ReviewerKittyBerry Approved
April 18, 2024
Spotlight: A Gift From God by Jacob Dwyer
Date Published: March 19, 2024
ABOUT THE BOOK: Baby Joan explores her vast potential in a world new to her. Teeming with challenges (not for the faint of heart) nature calls her to action! Armed with courage and called by God, Joan learns what matters most. Throughout her creative adventures she learns the value of life and that all along, she was loved right where she was.
Originally written as a poem, A Gift from God comforts many families suffering loss. Now available as a children's book, this precious addition offers illustrations that capture the beauty of life through the eyes of a child.
Dedicated to our our baby: Joan Estelle Dwyer
A Gift From God is proof of Joan's life on earth, the human experience she shared, and the way she changed the world for the better.
About the Author
Hello, friends! My name is Jacob Dwyer. I’ve enjoyed a wide range of hobbies over the years, but I never thought I would be a published children’s book author. My journey into storytelling was sparked by inspiration during what my wife and I consider the worst season of our lives. It is the single most character defining event of my life so, in a way, sharing this book is like sharing a piece of myself.
Currently blessed with my wife Ashley, and our second daughter, Genevieve, I am humbled by God’s love for me. As a paramedic by trade and a friend at heart, I hope to model a spirit of faith and healing; for we are not meant to live life alone.
Contact Links
Website: www.HugginsHouse.org
Purchase Links
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Tmgjci
PENDING #GuestPost A Gift From God by Jacob Dwyer
Date Published: March 19, 2024
Hello, everyone. Today on my blog I am featuring the book, A Gift From God. I have a guest poster today and I want to welcome them to my blog. Enjoy! Take it away.
~Michelle
GUEST POST
ABOUT THE BOOK: Baby Joan explores her vast potential in a world new to her. Teeming with challenges (not for the faint of heart) nature calls her to action! Armed with courage and called by God, Joan learns what matters most. Throughout her creative adventures she learns the value of life and that all along, she was loved right where she was.
Originally written as a poem, A Gift from God comforts many families suffering loss. Now available as a children's book, this precious addition offers illustrations that capture the beauty of life through the eyes of a child.
Dedicated to our our baby: Joan Estelle Dwyer
A Gift From God is proof of Joan's life on earth, the human experience she shared, and the way she changed the world for the better.
About the Author
Hello, friends! My name is Jacob Dwyer. I’ve enjoyed a wide range of hobbies over the years, but I never thought I would be a published children’s book author. My journey into storytelling was sparked by inspiration during what my wife and I consider the worst season of our lives. It is the single most character defining event of my life so, in a way, sharing this book is like sharing a piece of myself.
Currently blessed with my wife Ashley, and our second daughter, Genevieve, I am humbled by God’s love for me. As a paramedic by trade and a friend at heart, I hope to model a spirit of faith and healing; for we are not meant to live life alone.
Contact Links
Website: www.HugginsHouse.org
Purchase Links
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Tmgjci
April 5, 2024
Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth by Erik Christopher Martin #spotlight, #bookseries, #childrensfiction #middlegrade
Middle Grade/Paranormal Mystery
Date Published: Mach 15, 2024
Twelve-year-old supernatural sleuth Dotty Morgan becomes embroiled in an ancient conflict between rival factions who both want the Japanese sword her father gave her as a birthday present. The timing couldn’t be worse. She’s navigating the complications of middle school romance with her girlfriend, Hannah, and dealing with her mother who asks Dotty’s former bully to move in. To keep safe the people she loves, Dotty investigates a four-hundred-year-old murder even though undead ninjas, winged tengu, and a demon known as an oni stand in her way.
Purchase Link
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Case-Zombie-Ninjas-Morgan-Supernatural-ebook/dp/B0C6LTM584
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Erik lives and writes in San Diego. He has published four books for YA and middle grade readers under the In A Bind Books imprint. His latest book 'The Case of the French Fry Phantom' is available in all formats, including audiobook. It is Book One of the Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Series. Book Two, 'The Case of the Zombie Ninjas' will be released on 3/15/2024. His short stories can be found in A Year Ink 4, The Guilded Pen 2019, CoffinBell, Frontiertales.com, Tales to Terrify podcast, HauntedMTL, and other online journals.
Erik is a member of the SCBWI, SDWEG, and the HWA.
Erik loves all things book related. He is a former bookstore owner (In A Bind Books in Lakewood, Ohio opened in 2000 and closed 2 years later), former slush reader at Dark Recesses Press, and former part-time library employee.
Besides writing, Erik loves to read authors such as Vonnegut, Moorcock, Pratchett, Louis L'Amour, and Douglas Adams.
Contact Links
Author website: https://erikchristophermartin.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikcmartin/
April 4, 2024
Gob the Gnome: The Gnome and the Science Experiment by Marilyn Slaughter
Date Published: March 6, 2024
Publisher: Mindstir Media
This short story is about Nathan's adventures during a 5th grade science field trip to the Sunbrook Forest National Park. Nathan is familiar with the park because he and his sister Iris has visited the park before with the encouragement of their mom. Nathan overcomes some anxieties of not liking the subject science, having to buddy with the 5th grade bully, and worrying about other 5th graders, teachers and volunteers might see Gob the gnome and cause problems for Gob and the park. By the end of the science fieldtrip Nathan has built a level of confidence that he could make the best science presentation in his classroom and together with the 5th grade bully develop a monthly 'Clean the Park' project where he and his classmates join to clean up the forest. a mother wanting her children to enjoy the outdoors. Nathan meets an interesting park ranger who later become very instrumental in his interest in science, the environment and his future career plan after high school.
Since the 1400s, folklore has described gnomes as guardians of treasure and the protectors of Earth. Gnomes represents stability, growth, and good luck. This is the third book of the six-book series about Gob the gnome. The six books in this series all revolve around a gnome, the protector of a local forest, who becomes friends with Nathan and Iris and helps to educate them on the importance of caring for the environment.
About the Author
Marilyn Slaughter is an educator with experience teaching second through fifth grades, middle school science, and social studies. She now spends time authoring books for children and adults for engagement, learning, and entertainment. Marilyn’s first six books are a set with the theme of children, with their families enjoying the outdoors; and with teachers and classmates learning about the environment. The children are introduced to a magical and mythical being in the forest and they work to save the local forest. Her goal is to provide a fun read with an entertaining way for children to learn about science.
Contact Links
Website: https://gobthegnome.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GobGnome
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gobthegnome
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gobthegnome/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobthegnome/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobthegnome/
Purchase Links
Website: https://gobthegnome.com/the-gnome-and-the-science-experiment/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gob-Gnome-Science-Experiment-ebook/dp/B0CXFCZHVQ
March 9, 2024
#Spotlight:GRATITUDE: TWO HUNDRED SHORT POEMS by A. H. Morris
Book Details:
Book Title: Gratitude: Two Hundred Short Poems by A. H. Morris
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 214 pages
Genre: Poetry
Publisher: BluePen
Release date: Nov 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +MBook Description:
Travel through the human condition with succinctly worded verses that linger long in your mind even after you've closed the book. These poems offer a different perspective and a lovely way to view the world.Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to Goodreads
Meet the Author:A.H. Morris was born in NYC in December of 1949. He lived there until he married for the first time in 2006. He and his wife, Melissa, moved to New Canaan, Ct where they continue to live. His first book of poetry, Secrets of the Universe, was published in the fall of 2000. His daily meditations are the source of inspiration for these poems.
connect with author: X ~ facebook ~ instagram Enter the Giveaway:GRATITUDE; TWO-HUNDRED SHORT POEMS Spotlight Book Tour Giveaway
February 24, 2024
#Review: The Young Activist's Dictionary of Social Justice by Ryse Tottingham #socialjustice #tolerance #Childrensnonfiction #childadvocates #dictionary #anti-racism, #lbtq
About the book:
This essential new resource is packed with easily understandable definitions of timely concepts. Each beautifully designed spread represents a letter and provides concise, age-appropriate definitions, with subject matter spanning issues like racial justice, climate change, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, income disparity, voter engagement, and immigration.
My Review:
This has to be one of the most interesting book reviews I have ever done. The reason is, this book is essentially a dictionary, but not just any dictionary. This is a book of terms that are now used in the 21st century.
Designed in A-Z format, the terms are laid out clear and concise. The terms are great information for any child, and for that matter adult, to understand. The terms are accurate for today.
In addition, there are 15 side page illustrations that feature a prominent person throughout history that has advocated for justice as a young child. I found these to be helpful and great to coincide with different dictionary terms and corrects some history that had been previously altered.
I recommend this book as an addition to all classrooms and homes.
5 stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. NOTE:I am aware of others opinions on different subjects presented in this book. I review books based on the work, not on societal opinions. It is horrible that I must put this caveat to my review but if you leave any kind of hatred or bullying messages, I will remove them promptly and report you.
~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
February 13, 2024
#GuestPost: Author Anna St. John, Author of "Clocked Out"
Hello everyone.
On my blog today, I am welcoming guest author, Anna St. John, author of her cozy mystery, "Clocked Out". Find out more about the author and her book at:
Author Links Website
Purchase Link – Amazon
What an adorable cover! Take it away Anna.
~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
Inspiration in a Pickle Jar?
By Anna St. John
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Frequently I’m asked where I find inspiration as an author. The
answer is a simple one: I write about familiar subjects, or topics
that interest me. Every day, I search for inspiration for the next
chapter, or the next book. It would be so nice if we could
purchase it in a jar off the grocery shelf whenever we needed it.
Because I grew up during the days when exercise consisted of
“jumping jacks” and water came from the faucet (free), I am
fascinated by the complexities of today’s society. Who knew we
needed “goat yoga” classes and bottled water in every
backpack? And don’t even get me started on coffee shops where
you can order an oat milk pumpkin spice latte. All of these
things inspire me to write about them.
I once took a picture of a jar of pickles at a farmer’s market in
Oregon, because I thought it might be perfect in a future cozy
mystery. The sales message on the jar proclaimed: “Dill Death
Do Us Part.” Can we think of this as “pickled” inspiration?
It takes time to research and write a book. One way to assure the
story connects with a reader is to keep it authentic, with details
that ring true. So, when I decided to write cozy mysteries, I
thought first about some of the things I enjoy most in my
everyday life – where I live in a small town, play a friendly
game of mahjong each week, and own an Old English sheepdog.
It wasn’t a stretch to imagine a cozy mystery with an amateur
sleuth who owned a fluffy dog and joined a group of friends for
mahjong on Wednesdays.
Then I thought of Nancy Drew’s roadster and chose a little red
convertible for my sleuth, Josie Posey, to drive. The car is
important because it makes a statement about Josie’s desire to
stay young and active, in defiance of her recent retirement. And,
while you might also find a vintage red convertible in my garage
at home, Josie’s is much newer – with all the modern features,
like seatbelts and a radio.
Once I had the setting and the primary characters in my mind,
the similarities between real life and the fictional world came to
an end. Nothing in my past could have prepares me to choose a
victim or devise a murder weapon. For those important aspects,
I was free to imagine all kinds of possibilities.
Here are some of the small things that inspired the Josie Posey
series:
1. Ballet. I’ve always loved ballet and thought it offered an
opportunity to bring something exotic into the little
village -- including a beautiful dancer with a mysterious
past, a former dance partner, and her overbearing
husband. The friction between the ex-partner and the
current husband provided an interesting situation for
book one, Doomed by Blooms.
2. Naked Ladies. These flowers bloom in our yard every
summer. They inspired me to consider how similar they
are to a dancer, with a slender stem and a tutu of
blossoms. I thought they would be a natural compliment
to the story – particularly when my research indicated
the blooms could be poisonous.
3. Clocks. While I knew nothing about how to build a
clock, I was fascinated with time as a topic. I hoped
readers might find it interesting, as well. After a little
research, I was inspired to use the world of luxury watch
manufacturers as a central theme for book two in the
series, Clocked Out.
4. Blacksmith Shop. Near our local library, I noticed a
working blacksmith shop where “metal artisans” created
all kinds of interesting tools. Their dedication inspired
me to create my own blacksmith shop in the Josie Posey
series.
Because we are encouraged to “write what we know,” authors
generally draw from their own person experiences and
preferences for inspiration. I am convinced this is why so many
of us include bookstores and libraries as locations, and dogs and
cats as characters.
Regardless of where we find inspiration, authors work hard to
entertain their readers. To me, the best ideas are the ones that
are simple, but memorable. I want the details of the story to
create an emotional connection between my readers and the
story. I hope readers will fall in love with the characters, root for
them to succeed, and celebrate with them when they do – and
perhaps find a little inspiration of their own, in the process.
#Review: The Two-Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad #giveaway #InGodWeTrust #bookseries #childrensbooks
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Two-Cent Piece is a children’s picture book. The book is an American Civil War story about Anne, a young girl who collects coins. Anne’s three brothers enlist in the Union Army in 1864. To encourage their faith in God, Anne gives each brother a two-cent piece, the first coins with the inscription “In God We Trust.” One brother, Thomas, doubts his faith until there is a battlefield miracle involving his coin.
MY REVIEW:
In this first book of a series, the author introduces the art of coin collecting with a two-cent piece. Although, the book written as historical fiction, it tells the tale of three brothers going to the civil war.The sister in the book gives them coins that are meant to protect them.
The story has large Christian overtones with verses, prayer moments, and the coins themselves. "In God We Trust" is the key to it all. This is extremely intentional on the author's part but also historically accurate.
I liked this book's story. Children can certainly relate to coin collecting and the missing and hoping for a loved ones safe return.
What is a nice little addition is a glossary of terms, scriptural passages, terms about the particular coin, and how to collect coins.
Do you have an up and coming coin collector? Or maybe you have a history buff? Or want books related to scriptural passages? If so,this is the book series for you.
4 stars.
Disclosure: The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. PLEASE NOTE: I do review all different groups, ethnic groups, religions etc. I attempt not to place my own ideas into reviews but base reviews specifically on the book I am reading. ~Michelle,Reading Authors Network
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dennis Conrad Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. He is also a Fellow of the National Writing Project. Diamond Valley Writers’ Guild hosted his presentation “Writing for the Children’s Market.” Dennis’s book combines his love of the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins. The Two-Cent Piece is the first of seven books in the In God We Trust Series, coming from Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. At university, Dennis earned an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies and Political Science and a master’s degree in Speech Communication. He is a retired professor of Speech Communications, and he and his wife served teaching oral and written communication ten summers overseas. Learn more at https://dennisconradauthor.com/. Free resources for children are available on his website.
Giveaway:
