Maranda Russell's Blog, page 108

"The Sandcastle Kids: A Mayan Adventure" review

"The Sandcastle Kids: A Mayan Adventure" picture book, written by Sonya Kimble-Ellis and illustrated by Matthew Hebert, contains an unusual combination of fantasy, history and life lessons.  The storyline of the book revolves around four kids named Rosa, Kamal, Richard and Daisy, who find themselves transported to an ancient Mayan village in Central Peten (now known as Guatemala) thanks to the help of a magical sandcastle.

Once there, the group of kids meet a Mayan native named Chamula, who teaches them more about his culture, including an introduction to Mayan hieroglyphics, local wildlife and all the different aspects of daily life in the village.  Luckily, this information is related in an interesting manner, one that doesn't slow down or ruin the story being told.

This story was an enjoyable read, not only because I personally like history, but because the story is told through the eyes of children, and likeable children at that.  Rosa, Kamal, Richard and Daisy take what could become a boring history lesson and turn it into something that kids can relate to, something exciting and new.

I would definitely recommend this book for any history or fantasy lovers, but think it would also be a good pick for any child who simply likes a good story.  I will say that this book has quite a bit of text, so it is probably better suited for middle or older elementary age children, perhaps age 7-12 or so.

To find out more about this book, the author or how to order a copy for yourself, please visit The Sandcastle Kids website.

Get your kids an awesome, one-of-a-kind gift!

Looking for something to get your kids that they will love and can keep for years?  An author signed picture book is a gift that is personal, exciting and fun for kids.  Most kids are thrilled to know that an author actually sent and even signed a book just for them.

For that reason, I am offering all potential customers the opportunity to buy a signed copy of my picture book "Ode to Icky" and have it shipped to them anywhere in the US or Canada for only $10!  This is quite a savings from the normal price to obtain a signed copy!  This deal only lasts from now until Christmas, so if you would like to order a signed copy of my latest book at this bargain price, please contact me by email at Shojobeatgirl@live.com or simply leave a message on this post and I will contact you!

If you would like to learn more about "Ode to Icky", feel free to check out the product description and customer reviews on Amazon.

Finding the blessings in our pain

Recently there has been quite a bit of pain introduced into my life.  Not necessarily my own, but that of my grandfather, who is dying from stage 4 lung and bone cancer, and from my new foster son who is dealing with emotional issues no one at his age should have to encounter.  Of course, I do have my own enduring pains, including the depression my entire family struggles with and the health problems that have plagued me for years, mostly due to my faulty immune system.

With all of this on my mind in recent days, I found myself in need of comfort.  While shopping the aisles of my local library, I picked up a book entitled "Why Me, Why This, Why Now", written by Robin Norwood, a well-known therapist and author.  I could tell that Robin was approaching life from a spiritual point of view rather than a scientific one, so I was hoping I would find more than just medical jargon within the pages.  Luckily, I found more than I even expected, including the following thoughtful affirmation:

"I didn't yet understand that God is always unknowable and that as we move closer to Him, God moves farther away, drawing us higher and higher as we seek and search and try to follow."

I must admit the above quotation threw me a bit at first.  After all, I had always been told that when me move closer to God, he moves closer to us.  As the Bible verse says, "Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you".  However, I can see the truth in the author's opinion.  If God always met us where we are, we would fail to advance upon our path of spiritual growth.  By being slightly elusive, God keeps us following him, thirsting for more.  In no way do I want to give the impression that God is cold and uncaring by turning his back on us and walking away.  He is more like the parent who encourages their child's first steps by standing out of reach and then calling for their child to follow.

The other thoughts the author shared that really hit home were actually part of a list explaining the purpose and reality of human suffering.  Here is the list as Robin Norwood gave it:

1. Deep healing always involves a change of heart and therefore an expansion of consciousness.

2. The cure of a physical condition or illness does not necessarily imply that meaningful healing has taken place.

3. The continuation of a physical condition or illness, even if death eventuates, does not necessarily imply that meaningful healing has not taken place.

4. In the emotional realm, the greater the trauma, the greater the potential for meaningful healing.

5. At the level of thought, the greater the distortion in the belief system, the greater the healing, should that distortion be corrected.

6. The healing of the individual affects the healing of the entire body of humanity; the healing of the body of humanity affects the healing of the entire planet.

Although the above list is fairly self-explanatory, I can't even begin to tell you how it freed me from untold pain and anguish.  Instead of fighting against the inevitable, making myself and everyone around me miserable in the process, I could allow life to happen, help where I can and leave the rest of it in the hands of someone who knows better than I.  I have always believed that everything, all the good, as well as the bad, happens for a reason, but when you are in the midst of turmoil, it is easy to forget what you have always known to be true.  This helpful book reaffirmed my belief in life and the purpose we are all here to fulfill.  Life is a classroom, and we are all here to learn.  So let us never forget that pain is one of our greatest teachers, and like a diamond, we will only be more beautiful and pure once we are refined.

Trick or Treat Blog Adventure Giveaway!

Logo Design by Tammie Gibbs

I want to invite you all to participate in the 1st Annual Trick or Treat Blog Adventure, hosted by the JLB Creatives Blog! To participate, simply visit the JLB Creatives blog between October 28-31st and check out all the freebies that are being given away by other authors and bloggers! My blog will be participating as well, if you visit this website between October 28th-31st and leave a comment on the "My Books" page, you will automatically be entered into a contest to win a signed paperback copy of my latest children's picture book, "Ode to Icky"!

"Ode to Icky" has already gotten two great reviews and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you don't win the contest, but would like a signed copy, feel free to contact me at Shojobeatgirl@live.com. The book retails for $9.99, but if you wish to buy a signed copy, the total is $14 with shipping and handling.

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Review of 'Man Shoes, The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband & Father'

[image error]Even though I normally only review books for children or young adults, I jumped at the chance to read and review Tom Watson's new book, 'Man Shoes, The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband and Father'.  As a foster parent myself, I love to read inspiring true stories of former foster children who have beat the odds and went on to break the cycle of abuse and neglect.

As Tom Watson describes in his book, he definitely had a rough start to life.  By the time he was five years old, he had already been in 13 different foster homes and suffered severe neglect and abuse, both at the hands of his biological family and from some of the foster homes that were supposed to be helping him.  Mercifully, at the age of five, Tom finally found a real home, one that would eventually adopt him.  The Watson family showed Tom all of the love, acceptance, kindness and support that he had always lacked.

Of course, no child changes overnight, so over the remainder of his childhood, Tom struggled with many of the same issues many other children with traumatic backgrounds endure.  Even with the love and support of a stable home, it wasn't until many years later that Tom Watson started to really change from the inside.  With the help of his wife and later his own children, Tom finally grew into the person that he was always meant to be, a great man, husband and father.

Of course, no life journey is without its tragedies and failures, but overall this story is an inspiring, beautiful story about healing and the search for a better way of life.  This book touched my heart in a way that is rarely achieved, and gave me hope that the children I am sharing my life with will have the opportunity to grow into the kind of adults I know they could be.  Tom Watson is a great example of what loving foster and adoptive parents hope to do for the life of a hurting child.

I would definitely recommend this book to any parent or spouse, regardless of whether they come from a background like Tom's.  I truly believe that anyone could find encouragement and wisdom within the pages of this great memoir.

To find out more about Tom Watson and 'Man Shoes', please visit the book's website, www.manshoes.net.  You can also visit the 'Man Shoes' Facebook fan page.

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Interview with Middle Grade Author Greg R. Fishbone

I was fortunate enough to get the chance to interview Greg R. Fishbone as part of his Galaxy Games Blog Tour. For those of you unfamiliar with Greg's work, he is a fantasy/science fiction author who normally writes for the 8-12 age group. His most recent work, "Galaxy Games: The Challengers", published by Lee & Low Books/Tu Books, is already creating quite a buzz, so make sure you check it out!

Now, on to the interview…

1. When did you first decide that you wanted to be an author? What made you want to choose this career path?

When I was in the third grade, I had a dream about a book. It was very vivid, and when I woke up I could remember every word and every detail, including the way that reading it made me feel. I was sure it was a real book I'd seen before, but the librarian couldn't find the title and said the plot didn't sound familiar to her at all. That had to be my "calling" because who else but a future author dreams about books that don't exist?

2. Who are some of the authors that greatly influenced your writing style? What were some of your favorite books as a kid?

* THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Douglas Adams

* A SPELL FOR CHAMELEON by Piers Anthony

* THE FOUNDATION SERIES by Isaac Asimov

* THE WESTING GAME by Ellen Raskin

* A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L'Engle

* A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA by Ursula LeGuin

* THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES by Ray Bradbury

3. Did you have a hard time getting your first book published?

I sent eight drafts of my first book, back and forth, to a single editor before I collected my first rejection letter. About a dozen more rejections followed before I put that book away and worked on something else, which also didn't get accepted anywhere. The first book I actually published, THE PENGUINS OF DOOM, was seven years in the making. But it's actually good that it took such a long time because the revision process made me a stronger writer, and that first book would really embarrass me now if it had come out when I originally wrote it!

4. Assuming that you write for children or young adults, what made you decide to write for those age groups? Do you still feel connected to your "inner child"?

I tried to write books that I would enjoy myself, and people would tell me that "kids would really love this." I think I am writing for my inner child, to some extent.

5. What are some of your hobbies, other than writing?

I like designing websites and taking nature hikes, but usually not at the same time.

6. Do you have any sage advice for new authors who are just entering the field?

If somebody presents you with a shortcut to instant success, avoid it at all costs!

7. Do you hold any other jobs outside of your writing? If so, do you find that this helps your writing or gets in the way?

Being able to pay the mortgage and purchase food helps my writing process immensely.

8. If you could meet one author, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

I met Neil Gaiman once, briefly, but I'd love a chance to sit down with him and chat. The ideas that come out of his mind and the style he uses to express them are just amazing.

9. Do you have any other information you would like to share, such as a website, author page, awards won, etc.?

My author page is http://gfishbone.com

My book site is http://galaxygam.es

You can also like my fan page or the Galaxy Games fan page on Facebook.

                                                                                                                                                                                          

Puzzle Piece #20 of 31 for the Galaxy Games Blog Tour Puzzle Contest:

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Halloween Giveaway Coming Up and Other Stuff!

Logo Design by Tammie Gibbs

First off, I want to invite you all to participate in the 1st Annual Trick or Treat Blog Adventure, hosted by the JLB Creatives Blog! To participate, simply visit the JLB Creatives blog on October 31st and check out all the freebies that are being given away by other authors and bloggers! My blog will be participating as well, if you visit this website on Halloween and leave a comment on the "My Books" page, you will automatically be entered into a contest to win a signed paperback copy of my latest children's picture book, "Ode to Icky"!

I also want to update all of you a little bit on what has been going on in my life. As you can tell, my first print picture book, "Ode to Icky" has finally been released to the public! It has already gotten two great reviews and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you would like a signed copy, feel free to contact me at Shojobeatgirl@live.com. The book retails for $9.99, but if you wish to buy a signed copy, the total is $14 with shipping and handling.

On a sadder note, I have spent much of the past two weeks at the hospital due to my grandfather's ailing health. The doctors still aren't sure what is actually wrong, but we are trying to make him as comfortable as possible in the meantime. I also came down with a nasty cold this week, so life has really been hectic. Hopefully I will get feeling better soon since my husband and I had planned on a romantic getaway this coming weekend for my 29th birthday (which is actually October 27th). Even if I am sick I'll still probably drag myself on the trip…after all, alone time as a couple is a rare thing for us foster parents! Wish me luck!

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Interview with Children's Author Katie Stewart

It's been a while since I did an author interview, so I was excited to get the chance to post this new interview with Katie Stewart. Katie is a children's and young adult author from Northam, Western Australia. Katie's preferred genre is fantasy, which shows clearly in her latest release, "The Dragon Box", an ebook that is currently available on Amazon.

Now, on to the interview questions:

1. When did you first decide that you wanted to be an author? What made you want to choose this career path?

I've always loved writing, but I loved art, too. As a young child I wanted to be the next Beatrix Potter and spent hours copying her illustrations. As I got older I moved away from the writing and more towards the illustrating, but I still had stories in my head and actually wrote a 'novel' when I was sixteen – which I disposed of when I reread it years later! I didn't start writing seriously until about 12 years ago when I took a writing course as 'something to do'.

2. Who are some of the authors that greatly influenced your writing style? What were some of your favorite books as a kid?

My favourite authors are Paulo Coelho, Ursula Le Guin, CS Lewis and Juliet Marillier. I'd like to be able to say I write like any one of them, but I can't. I love the magical way Coelho uses words, the fantastic world-building of Le Guin, the imagination of CS Lewis and the brilliant characterisation of Marillier.

As a child I read everything I could lay my hands on. I had a book called 'The Sam Pig Story Book' which I adored, partly because it had been given to me by a favourite aunt and partly because it involved fantasy and nature, still two of my favourite things. I also loved 'Peter Pan' (JM Barrie) and all the 'Katy' books (Susan Coolidge). In my teenage years I loved books by Hester Burton and Australian author, HF Brinsmead, as well as devouring every Charles Dickens book I could find. So quite a mix really.

3. Did you have a hard time getting your first book published?

Yes, which is why I finally decided to epublish. There are not many publishers in Australia who publish fantasy anyway, but I just didn't seem to be able to quite fit anyone's list. The feedback I'd had, though, suggested that my writing was good enough, so I took the plunge and ventured out on my own.

4. Assuming that you write for children or young adults, what made you decide to write for those age groups? Do you still feel connected to your "inner child"?

I was originally a teacher. Literacy and art were my favourite areas to teach. I firmly believe that a lively imagination is the greatest gift anyone can have. My own childhood was very happy, with a large family and a life filled with books, laughter and music. So yes, I'm still very much in touch with my inner child. In fact, some people might think I never grew up!

5. What are some of your hobbies, other than writing?

As I've said, I love art, especially working with pastels. I've done a lot of pet portraits and paintings of wildlife. I've illustrated a few books. Apart from that, I love reading and listening to music as well as playing my celtic harp.

6. Do you have any sage advice for new authors who are just entering the field?

Read, read, read. Anything and everything, especially in the genre you want to write. Also, if you're writing for children, you need a sense of humour (that's Aussie spelling). Kid's love humour even in a serious story.

7. Do you hold any other jobs outside of your writing? If so, do you find that this helps your writing or gets in the way?

I work three days a week as a school library officer and IT support. Being around children and children's books all day does give me a good idea of what works as a writer, but there are times, I must admit, when I'd rather just be home writing those books.

8. If you could meet one author, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

I'd love to meet CS Lewis. As I said earlier, his imagination was just wonderful and I'd love to talk with him about how he got his ideas and how he so carefully weaved his philosophy into his stories without preaching.

9. Do you have any other information you would like to share, such as a website, author page, awards won, etc.?

Website: www.katiewstewart.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Treespeaker

Amazon: www.amazon.com/The-Dragon-Box-ebook/dp/B005FWQ296

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"The Day No One Played Together" Picture Book Review

The new picture book, "The Day No One Played Together (A Story About Compromise)", written by Donalisa Helsley and illustrated by Sarah Harkey, is a beautiful, funny story about learning to be a good playmate.

As any parent of two or more children could tell you, compromise is not a concept that comes naturally to most kids.  In fact, I wish I had a dime for every time I heard two kids arguing about what they want to play, only to have them both stomp away mad.  Of course, when this happens both kids lose because they miss out on the fun of playing together.  This is the lesson that the main characters in this book, Jadyn and Genesis, learn as they spend a lonely day playing by themselves.

However, there is hope for these sisters when their mother introduces them to the word compromise, teaching them how to play together as a team instead of constantly demanding their own way.  With a little cooperation, Jadyn and Genesis learn that they can both play what they want, but do it in a way that doesn't exclude the other.

This is a great story for children, especially siblings or friends who lack the skills for cooperative play.  The illustrations are beautifully done, presenting a familiar family setting that children everywhere will be able to relate to.  As a parent, I loved the fact that the author used her own children's names and likenesses for the main characters.  Knowing that Genesis and Jadyn are real kids adds an element of intimacy to the story.

Overall, this book is one I would recommend for any children who still enjoy a good picture book story.  If you would like to find out more about the book or purchase a copy for yourself, please visit the author's website, www.wildaboutreading.net.

What's going on…

Cue the Marvin Gaye song.  Just thought I would write a list of stuff that has been going on in my life lately.  Feel free to comment or even share what is going on in your life!

*The biggest news, at least recently, is that I am now involved in a lawsuit  I can't really say much more than that at this point, but let me say that it is the first time I have ever been sued for ANYTHING and it has not been a pleasant experience.  Especially for a worrywart like me.  I do want to specify that this has absolutely nothing to do with my writing career…so don't worry about that.  It's just one of the personal inconveniences that is life.

*On a more positive note, my picture book, "Ode to Icky" is going to the printers within the next couple weeks!  It should be available before the holiday season, so keep it in mind for a great gift!  I also have another children's ebook entitled "Weezie, the Elephant with Allergies" that is almost ready for publication.  I plan to publish it in October, so keep a look out!  It will be available on Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes and Noble (just like my last ebook "In Memory of Dad").

*We just celebrated our one month anniversary with our new foster son who is 9 years old.  He has been a great kid so far, even if he is an EXTREMELY picky eater.  Hopefully he will grow out of that.  He recently joined the Boy Scouts which has been as much fun for us as it has for him.  At the last den meeting we even played dodgeball, parents vs the kids.  The parents won, although my foster son did manage to get my husband out of the game.  I survived till the bitter end though, even if I did it by hiding behind the men :)

Well, I think that's everything that is important for now.  Please drop me a line and tell me how your life is going.  Would love any advice on how to deal with lawsuit headaches and picky eaters as well!!!