Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440, page 16

Journey to Camelot in "Tales from the Round Table"

Hello, fellow adventurers and legend lover!

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all — my latest book, "Tales from the Round Table," is finally here! This has been a labor of love, diving deep into the legendary world of King Arthur and his noble knights. Every day felt like a new adventure as I pieced together the valiant quests of Sir Lancelot, the wisdom of Merlin, and the undying spirit of King Arthur himself.

One of the most fun parts of this project was reimagining these iconic characters and their stories in a way that honors their legacy while making them accessible to modern readers. Whether it's the thrilling battles, the heartfelt romances, or the epic quests for the Holy Grail, each tale is packed with excitement and intrigue. And let's not forget the enchantments and prophecies that add a touch of magic to their legendary world!

I can't wait for you all to dive into these stories and experience the heroism, the drama, and the mystique of Camelot. "Tales from the Round Table" is an invitation to embark on a journey through time and myth. So grab your swords, mount your trusty steeds, and get ready to join the ranks of the greatest knights in history.

May your adventures be legendary!

Warm regards,
Samuel DenHartog

Join "Winnie-the-Pooh and Christy Too" on a Whimsical Journey into the Hundred Acre Wood!

Step into the enchanting world of the Hundred Acre Wood with my latest book, "Winnie-the-Pooh and Christy Too." Writing these stories and trying to respect the wonderful world created by A.A. Milne was truly a pleasure!

Join Christy Robin, granddaughter of the beloved Christopher Robin, as she embarks on delightful adventures alongside Winnie-the-Pooh and all his friends. From treasure hunts to surprise parties, every chapter brims with whimsy and wonder, promising a heartwarming journey for readers of all ages.

In this charming collection of tales, Christy discovers the true magic of friendship as she bonds with Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, and Baby Roo. Each story is a delightful celebration of imagination and camaraderie, filled with laughter, love, and the occasional misadventure.

Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey filled with laughter, love, and the joy of friendship. From picnics gone awry to daring expeditions to the North Pole, "Winnie-the-Pooh and Christy Too" is a treasure trove of endearing moments and timeless lessons. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Hundred Acre Wood or discovering it for the first time, this book promises to whisk you away to a world where every day is brimming with magic and mirth.

See you in the Hundred Acre Wood,
Samuel DenHartog

Spark your imagination in "The Alphabet Adventures"

Are you ready to embark on a fantastic journey from A to Z? My latest book, "The Alphabet Adventures" is here to whisk you and your little ones away on an enchanting adventure that spans the entire alphabet! Each letter brings a new character and a thrilling tale that sparks the imagination and teaches important lessons along the way.

From Astrid, the astronaut's space explorations, to Zoe, the zoologist's exciting discoveries in the animal kingdom, this beautifully illustrated book is a treasure trove of stories. Each page turns into a portal to a new world where children not only learn about various professions and hobbies but also master their ABCs and expand their vocabularies.

Imagine hunting for treasure with Pete the Pirate, or perhaps you’d prefer a serene visit to Ellie’s enchanted garden. Designed with vivid illustrations and engaging narratives, this book is perfect for bedtime storytelling or as a wonderful addition to classroom reading sessions. Ideal for young readers and early learners, this collection of short tales is bound to be a cherished addition to any child's library.

Whether you're a parent looking for a fun way to teach the alphabet or a teacher seeking engaging stories for your class, "The Alphabet Adventures" offers something special for everyone. Let’s turn the pages and jump into adventure after adventure — because learning is best when it's fun!

A child at heart,
Samuel DenHartog

Follow the clues in "The Alphabet Mysteries"

Get ready to solve mysteries with Mary Mead, the smartest detective in Marpleville, in my latest captivating book series "The Alphabet Mysteries"! Each of the twenty-six chapters in this enchanting collection brings a new mystery, cleverly tied to a different letter of the alphabet. From the mystery of the missing amber amulet to the curious case of the zebra without stripes in the zoo, young readers are invited on a thrilling adventure that promises both excitement and a healthy dose of brain-teasing fun.

Mary Mead is a curious, quick-witted eight-year-old who sees clues where others see confusion. Follow her as she navigates through the twists and turns of Marpleville, encountering intriguing puzzles that encourage readers to think critically and pay close attention to detail. Each story is designed not only to entertain but also to enhance vocabulary and problem-solving skills, making "The Alphabet Mysteries" a fantastic way to combine fun with learning.

What makes "The Alphabet Mysteries" unique? It ignites a passion for reading and learning through interactive storytelling. As Mary solves each alphabetical puzzle, readers learn alongside her, developing their literacy skills in an engaging and dynamic way. Ideal for budding sleuths aged 6-8, So, grab your detective hats and join Mary on her quest to uncover the secrets of Marpleville—one letter at a time!

From my mysterious mind,
Samuel DenHartog

Letters and magic meet in "Alphabet Fairies"

Are you ready to sprinkle some magic dust on your child’s alphabet learning? My latest children's book, "Alphabet Fairies" is a gateway to a magical realm where each fairy, from Ariel the Artistic to Zinnia the Zestful, brings a letter of the alphabet to life. Crafted especially for kids aged 4 to 7, this enchanting book combines the joy of fairy tales with the essential building blocks of learning—letters and values.

Imagine a place where streams sparkle under the dance of tiny fairy feet, and meadows bloom with flowers whispering tales of courage, kindness, and friendship. In "Alphabet Fairies," your child will not only learn their ABCs but also the values that make us better friends and kinder people.

Perfect for bedtime stories or a fun, educational session in the classroom, "Alphabet Fairies" ensures learning is always wrapped in fun. Whether read aloud or explored independently, these tales are sure to inspire little ones to dream big and learn eagerly. Who knows? Maybe they’ll find their favorite fairy dancing between the pages, ready to lead them on an adventure of a lifetime!

I believe in fairies,
Samuel DenHartog

Fly on a learning adventure with "Alphabet Dragons"

Are you ready for an adventure that soars beyond the ordinary? My spellbinding new children's book invites young readers to explore a fantastical world where each letter of the alphabet is represented by a delightful dragon with its own unique tale. From Amelia, the adventurous apple eater, to Zara, the zealous zoo zipper, these dragons are fun creatures who can't wait to introduce kids to the wonders of the alphabet!

Each page of this enchanting book turns into a vibrant, action-packed story that not only captivates but also educates. As children meet each dragon, they're learning about the joy of discovering new words. Imagine your child's delight as they join dragons who dance under the moonlight, forge friendships deep in enchanted forests, and spread their wings high above cloud-capped mountains.

Perfectly suited for children aged 4-7, this book is a magical introduction to literacy that goes beyond the traditional ABCs. It's about sparking curiosity, inspiring adventure, and creating moments of wonder with every flip of the page.

Whether it’s story time before bed or a daytime adventure in reading, these dragon tales offer endless enjoyment and learning opportunities. So, let your child open this book and let their imagination fly high with the dragons of the alphabet.

Who knows what heights they’ll reach?

Enchanted by dragons,
Samuel DenHartog

Unveiling the Heart's Mysteries with "Cardiac Affair"

Greetings, fellow seekers of passion and perseverance!

The human heart is a marvel, not just in its ceaseless physical rhythm, but as a vessel of our deepest emotions and connections. As an author who has explored various realms of science and human drama, I am excited to introduce you to my latest novel, "Cardiac Affair," a story where the precision of medicine meets the unpredictability of the human heart.

In "Cardiac Affair," we journey alongside Dr. Emily Cortez and Dr. Alex Grant, two brilliant cardiac surgeons at the cutting-edge of medical innovation at St. Luke's Hospital. Thrown together by fate and a shared past, they navigate the high-stakes world of groundbreaking heart transplant techniques. As they strive to save lives, they also rediscover feelings for one another, proving that the heart, in all its forms, remains mysterious and compelling.

I invite you to scrub in and join Emily and Alex as they make medical history while redefining their own histories. "Cardiac Affair" is your pass to witness the harmony of love and science, each page pulsing with the heartbeats of our heroes.

Here's to the power of the heart, both literal and metaphorical, and to the stories that pulse with life's most profound truths.

With heartfelt regards,
Samuel DenHartog

Join the fight against the future in "The Calypso Effect"

Hello, Visionary Readers and Future Guardians,

Prepare to delve deep into the quantum folds of time with my newest novel, "The Calypso Effect." This thrilling sci-fi adventure catapults you into a world where past and future collide, driven by the daring endeavors of Marcus, a brilliant Particle Physics Engineer, and Calypso, a tenacious rebel from a dystopian future.

Marcus stumbles upon a quantum anomaly in his lab, igniting a chain of events that reveal harrowing visions of a world dominated by a totalitarian regime. Enter Calypso, who travels back from this bleak future to prevent her world's downfall. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, harnessing Marcus’s newfound abilities to reshape the fabric of time itself.

Join our heroes as they navigate intrigue and resistance, from covert operations in hidden labs to heart-stopping escapes from regime forces. Witness their struggle to forge a bond amidst chaos and their fight not just for survival but for the soul of the future.

"The Calypso Effect" represents the human spirit's resilience and the enduring fight for freedom and justice. Through Marcus and Calypso’s eyes, we explore the potential for change in the darkest of times and the moral complexities of wielding power over destiny.

Dive into this quantum leap of courage and conviction and discover how the actions of a few can ripple through the annals of time to inspire a revolution.

With the pulse of the future,
Samuel DenHartog

Meet The World's Newest Super Hero, "Toilet Paper Man"

Hello, Clean Dreamers and Super Hero Believers,

Get ready to roll out with my latest creation, "Toilet Paper Man," where whimsy meets the every day in the most sparkling of tales. Dive into the pages where Wayne Thompson transforms into the hero our cities never knew they needed—but always wanted.

"Toilet Paper Man" isn't just about tackling the literal spills of life—it's a journey of laughter, unexpected friendships, and the magic found in the mundane. With each chapter, Wayne wipes away the grime, revealing the brighter side of the streets we walk and the places we visit.

Unroll this adventure, revel in the cleanliness, and discover how, sometimes, the hero you need most might just come wrapped in... toilet paper.

With a twirl of the roll,
Samuel DenHartog

The truth about Johnny Appleseed

In my research for the historical fiction book, "The Journey of Johnny Appleseed", I uncovered some fascinating, lesser-known facts that I chose not to include in the narrative but felt worth sharing:

The apples Johnny Chapman carried to the frontier were unlike any you'd find in today's grocery stores or farmers' markets. These apples were not typically eaten but were mainly used to produce hard apple cider, the favored drink in America at that time.

Grafting is a crucial technique in apple, grape, and other fruit tree cultivation. Apples that grow from seeds are often so tart that they earned the nickname "spitters," because that's probably what you'd do after tasting one.

On the frontier in New England, it was common for people to consume 10.52 ounces of hard cider daily, a stark contrast to the average modern American's consumption of 20 ounces of water today. Hard cider was as staple a part of the meal as meat or bread.

John Chapman passed away in 1845, and many of his orchards and unique apple varieties did not last much beyond his death. During Prohibition, FBI agents chopped down many apple trees that produced the sour, bitter fruits used for cider. This act nearly wiped out the traditional cider apple, obscuring a significant part of Chapman’s legacy and America's alcoholic heritage.

These insights, while not included in my book, enrich the backdrop against which my story is set and highlight some intriguing aspects of early American life.

The article attached is just one of many that discuss this somewhat sad reality and ending.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-c...