Tonya Duncan Ellis's Blog, page 15

‘Twas the Day Before Christmas…Sophie Washington Stocking Stuffer Deal!

Christmas Day is tomorrow and you still need that last minute gift? The perfect present for the tweens on your list is just a click away! Ebooks make it to your inbox instantly, and this virtual stocking stuffer is sure to keep the recipient entertained once the other toys and games are put away. Download copies of the bestselling, award winning, Sophie Washington books today! Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks and Kobo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s the perfect last minute gift or stocking stuffer!!

 DOWNLOAD THE SOPHIE WASHINGTON SERIES TODAY!

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

www.tonyaduncanellis.com

Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks

Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

 

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Tonya Duncan Ellis Books: Upcoming Events

December 2018

12/15: Sugar Land Imperial Farmer’s Market 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

12/15: Sienna Plantation Farmer’s Market Holiday Market 3 p.m .- 7 p.m. 

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11 Activities to Make Your Holiday Season Bright

It’s definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas with glistening lights now shining in most businesses and neighborhoods. Besides decorating, there are plenty of other fun ways to make the holidays brighter. Here are some memory making activities to enjoy this season with your family and friends.

Go ice skating – What better way to exercise off that extra glass of eggnog than to zip around the ice at your local rink? At this time of year many ice rinks feature holiday music, Christmas trees and seasonal decorations to make the occasion even more festive.
Decorate a gingerbread house – Grocery and drugstores sometimes offer two-for-one price discounts on gingerbread kits toward mid-December, making it easy to purchase several for a family gingerbread house decorating contest. Who’s the best artist in your house?  
Play in the snow – Winter snow makes any home seem more picturesque during the holidays, and building a snowman, zooming down the hill in a sled, or having a good old-fashioned snowball fight is a great way to stay active. Snow doesn’t come but once every five to eight years in my home in Houston, but some local organizations bring in artificial snow machines each winter that give us enough of the white stuff to slide down neighborhood hills for a couple of days.
Attend a church Christmas program – In addition to teaching the true meaning of Christmas, many churches put on beautiful holiday programs highlighting the birth of baby Jesus that are sure to warm the heart of each member of the family.
Take in Christmas lights either in your neighborhood or at park/zoo events- Cruising your ‘hood to see who has the most creative light display is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit.
Brighten someone’s day – Those separated from family can be especially lonely during the holiday season. Consider having kids make Christmas cards to deliver to nursing home residents, or have musical children sing songs or play their instruments for senior citizens groups. Offer to help a single neighbor decorate. Catch up with friends or relatives you haven’t seen for a while.
Watch holiday classics – Curling up to view holiday classics like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Elf, The Polar Express or The Santa Clause are enjoyable ways to bond as a family and relax while waiting for Kris Kringle’s arrival. Just make sure not to eat all the cookies before he shows up.
Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry – The holidays are all about giving, and it’s always a good idea to remember those who are less fortunate by serving at local soup kitchens or helping stock shelves at food pantries.
Bake Christmas cookies – Have fun trying out new recipes each year and eat them with festive seasonal drinks like hot apple cider and cocoa.
Get a picture with Santa- Even if you are too big to sit on Santa’s lap it’s always fun to share whether you’ve been naughty or nice and to get that keepsake photo to update each year.
Read books – Share the story of Jesus from the Bible or holiday classics like ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas to soothe the anxious kiddies before bedtime on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

 

 

 

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Sophie Washington BOGO Sale

The holiday season is in full swing. Hope you’re busy making great memories with family and friends. I’m making gift shopping easier with a special Sophie Washington BOGO offer. Buy any Sophie Washington print book between December 1 and December 7, 2018 and I’ll send you a link for a free ebook copy of Sophie Washington: Secret Santa to forward as a gift, or read yourself.

Books purchased from my website are autographed. If you buy your print book(s) from Amazon or Barnes and Noble, submit a copy of your receipt to my website contact address (www.tonyaduncanellis.com) and I’ll forward you your free ebook.

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!

 

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

www.tonyaduncanellis.com

Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks

Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

 

 

 

 

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Sophie Washington: Black Friday Sale

It’s almost the day all shoppers love: Black Friday! To get in on the fun I’m offering a FREE book with the purchase of the Sophie Washington Super Saver Gift Pack. Buy the Sophie Washington Super Saver Gift Pack on my website anytime November 23-24 and get a FREE copy of Sophie Washington: Secret Santa. That’s seven books for just $35!

Hope your holiday season is getting off to a great start.

Happy Shopping!

 

*Super Saver Gift Pack includes: Sophie Washington: Queen of the Bee, Sophie Washington: The Snitch, Sophie Washington: Things You Didn’t Know About Sophie, Sophie Washington: The Gamer, Sophie Washington: Hurricane, Sophie Washington: Mission: Costa Rica. 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

www.tonyaduncanellis.com

Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks

Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

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Sophie Washington: Secret Santa Review Tour

Sophie Washington fan Reese dressed up as holiday Sophie for Book Character Day.

Sophie Washington: Secret Santa is going on an Internet review tour starting next week! Check out the stops below to find out what bloggers are saying about the book and sign up for a chance to win prizes!

Hope to see you there!

October 29: Locks, Hooks and Books

November 5: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews

November 5: The Tired Buyer

November 12: Bookaholic

November 12: Fabulous and Brunette

November 12: Kit ‘N Kabookle

November 12: Sybrina’s Book Blog

November 19: Andi’s Middle Grade and Chapter Books

November 19: Journey of a Bookseller

November 19: Hope. Dreams. Life.. Love

November 19: Notes From a Romantic’s Heart

November 19: The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

www.tonyaduncanellis.com

Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks

Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

 

 

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Middle Grade Book Reviews: Let’s Hear It For the Boys

This quarter I focused on reviewing books with boy main characters and had a lot of fun looking at the world from a male point of view. Below are some reads from my bookshelf:

 

 

 

Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Growing Up by Tommy Greenwald – This is the sixth and final book in a series about a middle school boy who doesn’t like to read and is not afraid to say it. In this installment Charlie Joe is getting ready to graduate from middle school and is hesitant to move forward to the unknown. Reminiscent of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, Charlie Joe Jackson’s antics should crack up the reluctant reader and keep them turning the pages.

 

 

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth – Eleven-year-old Jarrett is none too pleased when his mother takes in slightly older, foster kid, Kevon, and his little sister Treasure, in this heartwarming, coming-of-age story set in Newark, NJ. Kevon is taking over Jarrett’s room space and shaking up his social standing at his summer hang out, The Center. When Kevon crosses the line of the “bro code” threatening Jarrett’s budding romance with long-time crush Caprice, Jarrett exposes an embarrassing secret, and both their world’s explode. The book perfectly captures the emotional ups and downs preteen and teen boys go through on their journey to manhood and explores serious issues like sexual identity, mental illness, and fractured family structures, in an engaging way. I’d love to share this story with my kids.

 

Save Me A Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan – Books on kids dealing with bullies are popular these days and I really enjoyed this one by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan. Alternating chapters in the voice of protagonists Joe and Ravi give their unique views of life in Einstein Elementary, a place where bully Dillon Samreen reigns supreme and being different is definitely not cool. Fresh off the plane from India-Ravi, and learning disabled-Joe bond through their shared experiences of being tortured by Dillon, and show that outside appearances are not always what they seem.   

 

 

 

Wing & Claw: Forest of Wonders by Linda Sue Park – I recently met the Newbery Medal winning author of this book, when she was the keynote speaker a writer’s conference I attended, so it was an extra thrill to read her story about Raffa Santana, a gifted young apothecary, who takes a dangerous journey to save his forest friends. In this first novel of her Wing & Claw fantasy trilogy, Park has created an imaginative world that includes plenty of mystery to keep readers engaged. A bat, a bear, racoons and a menacing owl feature in the book to interest animal lovers. Dark and scary, at times, the book gets you thinking about deep issues like the ethics of animal experimentation and nature preservation, and family bonds and loyalty, while it enthralls with the excitement that builds, page after page. During her conference speech, Park shared that Echo, the bat Raffa heals and befriends in the story, was inspired by Texas Hill Country bats she’s spied. I was also tickled that she had the main character knit a tunic he wore, since Park named knitting as a favorite hobby. Fantasy-loving kids will devour this book and beg for the two others in the set.

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

www.tonyaduncanellis.com

Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks

Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

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Sophie Washington: Secret Santa/Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

 Secret Santa, the seventh book in the best selling, award winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series, geared to readers ages 8-12, is available now! Get this perfect stocking stuffer for the young reader(s) in your life today!

 

 

About the Book

Christmas is three weeks away and a mysterious “Santa” has been mailing presents to sixth grader Sophie Washington. There is no secret Santa gift exchange going on at her school, so she can’t imagine who it could be.

Sophie’s best friends, Chloe, Valentina, and Mariama guess the gift giver is either Nathan Jones or Toby Johnson, two boys in Sophie’s class who have liked her in the past, but she’s not so sure. While trying to uncover the mystery, Sophie gets into the holiday spirit, making gingerbread houses with her family, helping to decorate her house, and having a hilarious ice skating party with her friends. Snow comes to Houston for the first time in eight years, and the city feels even more like a winter wonderland.

Between the fun, Sophie uncovers clues to find her secret Santa, and the final reveal is bigger than any package she’s opened on Christmas morning. It’s a holiday surprise she’ll never forget!

Here are some early reviews for Sophie Washington: Secret Santa:

“In a world full of too young romances and artificial loves, this story of Sophie, her friends and family and the love and support they all share for one another is exactly what kids and teens should be reading about today. There are so many lessons to be learned in Ellis’ novel and her Sophie Washington series is well worth the read.”- Amazon Reviewer

 

“It’s an easy read but challenging enough for kids to keep them engaged. The narration was spot on for a 6th grade kid and my son found it very relatable. It was sweet and poignant and I loved the focus on the lessons of forgiveness and support.” –Amazon Reviewer

 

“Sophie Washington: Secret Santa is my favorite Sophie book to date. If a reader has read the first book from the series, they will meet again characters that they have not seen since. I enjoyed the little twist and mystery involved in the story…I am giving it five plus stars.” –Amazon Reviewer

 

“Author Tonya Duncan Ellis knows her readers quite well and her creative writing style makes for a perfect fit. And when finally the identity of the secret Santa is revealed, the story conveys the real meaning of Christmas, which is giving, forgiving, and spreading Christmas cheer to the most unlikely person in the world.” – Readers’ Favorite

 

Buy Sophie Washington: Secret Santa

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Smashwords

GET ALL SEVEN BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS!!

The Sophie Washington Series:

About the Author

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

www.tonyaduncanellis.com

Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks

Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

 

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Tonya Duncan Ellis Books: Upcoming Events

September 2018

9/27: Stafford Intermediate School – Author Visit; Stafford, TX

9/27: Cornerstone Christian Academy – Author Visit; Sugar Land, TX

 

October 2018

10/13: Gingerbread Market; Sienna Plantation; Missouri City, TX

10/20: Heritage Baptist Church Fall Festival; Missouri City, TX

10/27-10/28: Texas Book Festival; Austin, TX

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

www.tonyaduncanellis.com

Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks

Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

 

 

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Sophie Washington Show on the Road

I took the show on the road early this month, visiting Houston area festivals and fairs to get books in the hands of summer readers. With temperatures in the mid to upper 90s I was grateful for my handy tent and ice packs. It’s time for me to invest in a portable fan! Despite the heat, it was worth it because I love meeting young readers and seeing them excited about books.

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis

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