Maranda Russell's Blog, page 106

“Ode to Icky” featured on Storytime with Starfish!

If you have thought about buying my funny picture book “Ode to Icky”, but wanted to hear the story first, please feel free click on the following link and watch Storytime with Starfish read the entire book on youtube! I love how Natalie Starfish giggles throughout the reading, it is awesome to know that even adults find your book funny!

Even if you have no interest in buying the book, I still hope you will check out the video. I am most grateful to Storytime with Starfish for featuring my first published picture book, and would also encourage you all to check out her other videos. She reads some awesome books for children, both classics and creative new titles!

By the way, if you do want to purchase a copy of “Ode to Icky”, it is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and many other fine retailers! Or feel free to ask your local library to order it! Most libraries will order books if patrons request it

"Ode to Icky" featured on Storytime with Starfish!

If you have thought about buying my funny picture book "Ode to Icky", but wanted to hear the story first, please feel free click on the following link and watch Storytime with Starfish read the entire book on youtube! I love how Natalie Starfish giggles throughout the reading, it is awesome to know that even adults find your book funny!

Even if you have no interest in buying the book, I still hope you will check out the video. I am most grateful to Storytime with Starfish for featuring my first published picture book, and would also encourage you all to check out her other videos. She reads some awesome books for children, both classics and creative new titles!

By the way, if you do want to purchase a copy of "Ode to Icky", it is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and many other fine retailers! Or feel free to ask your local library to order it! Most libraries will order books if patrons request it

“The Fish Who Swam Too Far” picture book review

As a fellow scaredy-cat, I must admit that I really related to Harry, the main character of the new picture book “The Fish Who Swam Too Far”. Written by Danielle Kirrane, this little tale is about a clownfish who is so afraid of the world around him that he refuses to leave his mother’s side. Because of his cowardice, Harry’s siblings tease him mercilessly. Eventually, the teasing becomes more than Harry can bear, causing him to run away in anger. Before he realizes it, he has wandered too far and ends up having to face the very things he had always feared so much.

Before the story comes to its satisfying conclusion, many important themes are brought up, such as bravery, kindness, friendship and family loyalty. Whether your little one is a daredevil or a cautious tike, this story is sure to entertain them and reinforce the importance of self-confidence in every situation, even those that might be scary and new. The illustrations that accompany the text are simple but beautifully done. I especially liked the facial expressions on the characters, it really brought the story to life for me.

If you would like to find out more about this book, please visit the author’s website, http://daniellekirrane.tateauthor.com/. There you will find a link to the book trailer on YouTube, information on where to order the book and other fun stuff like contests and giveaways.

"The Fish Who Swam Too Far" picture book review

As a fellow scaredy-cat, I must admit that I really related to Harry, the main character of the new picture book "The Fish Who Swam Too Far". Written by Danielle Kirrane, this little tale is about a clownfish who is so afraid of the world around him that he refuses to leave his mother's side. Because of his cowardice, Harry's siblings tease him mercilessly. Eventually, the teasing becomes more than Harry can bear, causing him to run away in anger. Before he realizes it, he has wandered too far and ends up having to face the very things he had always feared so much.

Before the story comes to its satisfying conclusion, many important themes are brought up, such as bravery, kindness, friendship and family loyalty. Whether your little one is a daredevil or a cautious tike, this story is sure to entertain them and reinforce the importance of self-confidence in every situation, even those that might be scary and new. The illustrations that accompany the text are simple but beautifully done. I especially liked the facial expressions on the characters, it really brought the story to life for me.

If you would like to find out more about this book, please visit the author's website, http://daniellekirrane.tateauthor.com/. There you will find a link to the book trailer on YouTube, information on where to order the book and other fun stuff like contests and giveaways.

Once a sister, always a sister

My last blog entry was about my grandfather's death (he passed away just a couple weeks ago). Exactly ten days after he died, I got a call from my sister's fiance saying that she had also passed away. Of course, her death was unexpected since she is only 35 years old and wasn't severely ill that any of us knew about. We knew she had some health problems, but none of us thought her life was seriously in danger.

I was stunned when I got the news and before it even registered, I felt dry sobs rack my body. I think I was too shocked for real tears to even form, but the fresh wave of grief had to come out in some way. I kept hoping it was a mistake, but when I spoke to the hospital nurses and the coroner, I knew it was no mistake.

I don't want this post to be all depressing and whiny, but I also want it to be real. To be quite honest, my sister and I didn't see eye to eye on a lot of things. We weren't what you would call close, even though I think both of us really wanted that intimate relationship…we just didn't know how to overcome certain obstacles that stood in our way.

However, regardless of whether we were extrememly close as adults or not, I can't envision my childhood without my older sister. Growing up she was a mystery to me. Since we were six years apart in age, I always looked up to her. She was allowed to do things I wasn't and could easily accomplish tasks I struggled with. She seemed ultra cool just because she was my big sister.

Of course, since we shared a room until I was 11 and she was 17, there were plenty of fights to be had as well. I was tidy and she was messy, I was cautious and she was bold, I was a tomboy and she was feminine…pretty much whatever I was, she seemed to be the opposite. Yin and yang, peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper…two halves of one biological whole. Maybe that is why I now feel like a part of me has died with her.

So to my sister, my "sissy", wherever you are, if you can hear me, I just want you to know I miss you and I loved you more than you probably even knew. And as Diana Ross and the Supremes once sang, "Someday, we'll be together"…

In memory of my grandfather…

Sorry I haven't been around to post much lately, just have a lot going on. My grandfather passed away this past Sunday after a lengthy battle with cancer. I miss him greatly, but am so glad to see him at peace and finally out of pain. I know he is in a better place.

The picture to the left is an old one of me (on the far left), my grandmother, my grandfather and my sister. Both of my grandparents have now gone on to be with their Lord.

I have also been busy setting up several author events here in the Dayton area, so if you live around here, you just might see me out and about! I am also thrilled to say that the Dayton Metro Library has added a few copies of my picture book, "Ode to Icky" to their catalog, and the nearby Greene County Library is considering doing the same! Overall things are looking up. I also have several great books to review for you soon, so stay tuned!

“The Clever Hen” picture book review

I have had the pleasure of reading a couple other children’s books by Saragine Francois, so I was excited to get to review yet another of her illustrated books! This particular title is “The Clever Hen”, written by Saragine Francois and illustrated by Yoko Matsuoka.

As the title suggests, “The Clever Hen” is about an intelligent hen…one who has let her intelligence turn her into a snob. Ms. Cleever, as the hen is called, is a bird who likes to spend her time with intellectual pursuits. She has no time to chat with friends or to help out others in their time of need. She feels that her intelligence puts her above all the other barnyard animals, so she doesn’t think she needs any of them in her life.

Luckily, by the end of the story, our clever little hen learns a lesson. In an unexpected twist, Ms. Cleever finds herself thrust into the position of needing assistance from others. Of course, since she has so rudely turned others down when they needed help, no one is anxious to run to her rescue. The story does have a happy ending, but even more importantly, it teaches an important lesson about kindness and treating others the way you wish to be treated. The illustrations really bring the book to life and complement the storyline perfectly.

This story would be a great pick for children ages 3-9, especially for children who may have difficulties relating to their peers in a healthy manner. Kindness is a virtue that is needed at all ages and in all circumstances, so it is never too early to start teaching children this valuable lesson.

For more information about the book, or how to order it, please visit the author’s website, www.saragine.com.

"The Clever Hen" picture book review

I have had the pleasure of reading a couple other children's books by Saragine Francois, so I was excited to get to review yet another of her illustrated books! This particular title is "The Clever Hen", written by Saragine Francois and illustrated by Yoko Matsuoka.

As the title suggests, "The Clever Hen" is about an intelligent hen…one who has let her intelligence turn her into a snob. Ms. Cleever, as the hen is called, is a bird who likes to spend her time with intellectual pursuits. She has no time to chat with friends or to help out others in their time of need. She feels that her intelligence puts her above all the other barnyard animals, so she doesn't think she needs any of them in her life.

Luckily, by the end of the story, our clever little hen learns a lesson. In an unexpected twist, Ms. Cleever finds herself thrust into the position of needing assistance from others. Of course, since she has so rudely turned others down when they needed help, no one is anxious to run to her rescue. The story does have a happy ending, but even more importantly, it teaches an important lesson about kindness and treating others the way you wish to be treated. The illustrations really bring the book to life and complement the storyline perfectly.

This story would be a great pick for children ages 3-9, especially for children who may have difficulties relating to their peers in a healthy manner. Kindness is a virtue that is needed at all ages and in all circumstances, so it is never too early to start teaching children this valuable lesson.

For more information about the book, or how to order it, please visit the author's website, www.saragine.com.

Being indie isn’t easy!

There is one thing I have sure found out in a hurry, in the world of writing, if you aren’t one of the bigwigs, there is a definite stigma and many doors are slammed in your face. “Indie” writers is a term that you often hear used to refer to authors who self-publish or publish with a small publisher that isn’t well known.

There is some argument about whether authors published by small traditional publishers are really “indie” or not, but in the business, they are often considered so. I have self-published and signed contracts with small traditional publishers, so I figure I definitely fit into the “indie” group one way or another. Anyhow, here are a few things I have learned in the short time I have been a “professional” author:

Getting your book into a big chain bookstore is almost impossible. I figured Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million would be happy to have me sell my books at their local branches and do author events. Boy was I wrong! I mean, I knew that the entire chain wouldn’t carry my books unless they became popular enough, but I figured at least the local stores would work with me, but the corporate powers-that-be won’t let them.
Getting your book into an independent bookstore isn’t much easier. Yeah, they are normally more willing to take a chance on local authors, but with the way the economy is right now, many of our local bookstores are barely keeping afloat or are in the red, so they just aren’t willing to take those chances right now.
Libraries can be kind of snobby, at least some of them. They will carry crappy quality books from major publishers (why else would they carry books by Paris Hilton, Snooki and the like?), but they can be EXTREMELY picky when it comes to unknown authors and publishers. They may turn you down with a reason that seems flimsy and ridiculous, but swarm to the newest fluff put out by celebrities. Of course, not all library systems are like that and sometimes they turn indie books down for good reason (like lack of funds).
Getting into local schools isn’t a piece of cake either unless you know someone personally. Many schools seem almost suspicious of authors they have never heard of, maybe because our society has become so crazy and schools have to be extra-careful about what kind of people they allow near their students. I can totally understand their point of view, but it still makes it difficult on us children’s writers.
Lastly, if you really want to be a success, you have to take advantage of every opportunity you DO get. Most of the businesses I have found who are willing to hold author events aren’t the ones I expected. Try coffee shops, art centers, community organizations and anywhere else you can think of. After all, the worst they can do is say no, right?

Being indie isn't easy!

There is one thing I have sure found out in a hurry, in the world of writing, if you aren't one of the bigwigs, there is a definite stigma and many doors are slammed in your face. "Indie" writers is a term that you often hear used to refer to authors who self-publish or publish with a small publisher that isn't well known.

There is some argument about whether authors published by small traditional publishers are really "indie" or not, but in the business, they are often considered so. I have self-published and signed contracts with small traditional publishers, so I figure I definitely fit into the "indie" group one way or another. Anyhow, here are a few things I have learned in the short time I have been a "professional" author:

Getting your book into a big chain bookstore is almost impossible. I figured Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million would be happy to have me sell my books at their local branches and do author events. Boy was I wrong! I mean, I knew that the entire chain wouldn't carry my books unless they became popular enough, but I figured at least the local stores would work with me, but the corporate powers-that-be won't let them.
Getting your book into an independent bookstore isn't much easier. Yeah, they are normally more willing to take a chance on local authors, but with the way the economy is right now, many of our local bookstores are barely keeping afloat or are in the red, so they just aren't willing to take those chances right now.
Libraries can be kind of snobby, at least some of them. They will carry crappy quality books from major publishers (why else would they carry books by Paris Hilton, Snooki and the like?), but they can be EXTREMELY picky when it comes to unknown authors and publishers. They may turn you down with a reason that seems flimsy and ridiculous, but swarm to the newest fluff put out by celebrities. Of course, not all library systems are like that and sometimes they turn indie books down for good reason (like lack of funds).
Getting into local schools isn't a piece of cake either unless you know someone personally. Many schools seem almost suspicious of authors they have never heard of, maybe because our society has become so crazy and schools have to be extra-careful about what kind of people they allow near their students. I can totally understand their point of view, but it still makes it difficult on us children's writers.
Lastly, if you really want to be a success, you have to take advantage of every opportunity you DO get. Most of the businesses I have found who are willing to hold author events aren't the ones I expected. Try coffee shops, art centers, community organizations and anywhere else you can think of. After all, the worst they can do is say no, right?