Jessica Haight's Blog, page 140

Monday's Riddle! Opposites Attract

Hello Riddlers! Here's this week's puzzle. Can you guess the theme? It's two sides of the same coin, flipped ; ) ~ F

One and the other- what could they be? Without them, there would be nothing to see. Something right fights with what's wrong, pulling the strings forever along. A label of tides is a mark to be told, piecing together those stories of old. Timelessly spaced from an end to an end- seen black or white, as foe or friend. This theme shall continue as we pass through our space- flashing by pictures, showing our face. Sometimes lovely, but also bad- one makes you happy, and the other is mad. 

Oh, what is it that dwells inside of us all? What makes us reach heights, or sink, and then fall? A ying and a yang, a dark and a light- a purposeful blend mixes truthful insight. So tell me now, what do you think? Is it from the same fountain we drink? For, when we stir the scene and brew emotion, we set the stage forward, churning in motion. 

What are we?

I gave you a clue!


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Drawing Contest Announced!

Ruby Begonia by Gabby,
5th grade studentDrum roll please... Announcing the 5th drawing contest for The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow ! This is a fun event that will spark the imagination for both parents and kids. We enjoy the illustrations drawn by our readers and are very excited to see all the new artwork! Good luck, and have fun!



ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A * NOT FOR SALE* AUTHOR ILLUSTRATED, HARDCOVER EDITION OF THE SECRET DMS FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW, AN AUTHENTIC DMS NOTEPAD, PLUS A BONUS $25 GIFT CARD TO AMAZON.COM


Please send us a drawing of a scene from   The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow . You can read the first seven chapters online by clicking here . 

Submit your artwork by email to:  haightjess@gmail.com  or you can snail mail it to: Jessica Haight6 Butternut LaneNew Fairfield, CT 06812Contest Instructions: ☞ Stay in the loop on  Fairday’s Blog! ☞ Submit your drawing via email or mail☞ The winning picture will be chosen by a panel of judges.

** Contest ends Wednesday, January 2nd 2013. Mailed copies must be received by this date. The picture that reflects the most creativity and effort will be announced on January 3rd, 2013 ** 
HAPPY READING!!!
☟

CONGRATULATIONS JULIA!WINNER OF THE 4TH DRAWING CONTEST ANNOUNCED 6/2/2012
☟

CONGRATULATIONS GRIFFIN!WINNER OF THE 3RD DRAWING CONTEST ANNOUNCED 12/2/2011

Griffin, winner of the 3rd Drawing Contest ☟

CONGRATULATIONS SEBASTIAN!WINNER OF THE 2ND DRAWING CONTEST ANNOUNCED 9/5/11

☟

CONGRATULATIONS PATRICK!WINNER OF THE 1ST DRAWING CONTEST ANNOUNCED 5/17/11

Patrick, winner of the 1st Drawing Contest 



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle was a cold smack in the face, and Lizzy's review of Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles took us on a chilly journey into the freezing Minnesota air with a young girl named Evvy. Thursday, on Top of the Heap we told you about our favorite winter wonderlands, and Friday was fabulous with Margo's pick of The Boy Who Cried Fabulous by Leslea Newman . Sunday, we have an exciting announcement for some holiday fun, and today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: If you could take a trip to a magical winter wonderland, where would it be?

We'll tell you ours, if you tell us yours! 


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Margo's Musings! Everything is Just So Fabulous!

Margo has found a book that is truly close to her heart. The Boy Who Cried Fabulous by Leslea Newman struck gold with my little sister. This story takes you on a colorful journey through the everyday world. The main character, Roger, points out all of the marvelous things that we pass by each day and perhaps are too busy to notice. Roger likes to have fun, and, though he has somewhat of a tardy presence, he enjoys life and stops to, as they say, "smell the roses". Sometimes we get so caught up in what's running through our heads that we miss out on all of the spectacular things in the world that are just waiting to be experienced. The illustrations are extraordinary, and the story is a trip with quite a few exciting detours. This is such a great book to read out loud, and hearing my dad exuberantly shout out "Fabulous!" sends Margo into fits of delight. So remember, the next time you are late or have to be somewhere in a hurry; stop, take a look around, and notice all of those things that are just too FABULOUS to be ignored! Happy reading : ) ~ F

Roger is known for being tardy, and he is used to getting into trouble because of it. But, even though he wants to behave and be on time, he can't seem to take his eyes off of the amazing things happening all around him. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the wondrous world with Roger!




We were lucky enough to get to meet Leslea Newman at the 2012 UCONN C hildren's Book Fair , and we are excited to announce that she will be popping by to chat with us Friday, December 21st. We will be hosting a book giveaway for a signed copy of this fabulous book! 
Authors Stephanie Robinson & Leslea Newman
   FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle blew in on a chilly breeze, and Lizzy's review of Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles took us out into the cold air of Minnesota. Friday, Margo will be chiming in with her two cents, and Saturday, we can't wait to hear from you on The DMS Wants to Know! Sunday, we have something special planned, so be sure to check back!

All four seasons are spectacular, but there is definitely something magical about wintertime. It's cold, and there are some hassles that blow in with the north wind- shoveling immediately comes to mind- BUT, there is also so much beauty and cheer that belong to the season's spirit. Today, we thought it would be fun to tell you about two fabulous winter wonderlands.

This week's top of the heap: Winter Wonderlands! 

Fairday: I can't think of anyplace more magical this time of year than the mysterious realm known as the North Pole. My favorite depiction of it is in The Polar Express . How much fun would it be to hop on the train, grab a cup of hot chocolate with whip cream, speed away to see Santa, and then receive the first gift of Christmas. It's an excellent story, and a wonderful movie. The elves are really cool, and I love how the town is set up. So, yeah Santa! I'll be waiting for that train to stop by my house this year! ~ F



Lizzy: I am completely on board with Fairday. I absolutely love The Polar Express and its imagery of the North Pole. However, I also wanted to mention the amazingly creative ice hotels out there. I have never been to one, but they are so cool. Normally, I love to be warm. But, I would definitely like to visit a hotel like this and see it for myself. I think the pictures speak for themselves! Has anyone ever visited an ice hotel? ~ L



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Take a Deep Breath...

Eveleyn’s father drops her off at Loon Lake in May of 1940. Although she is thirteen, she is scared to be left at a sanitarium by herself. What is worse is that she is only allowed to bring a few items with her, and her stuffed animal gets taken away from her because it could contain germs. Evvy has tuberculosis and in order for her to get better she must be separated from her family and follow the rules. Because she has tuberculosis breathing isn’t easy. Being alone is hard too, and Evvy has trouble making friends. There are a few other girls in her room, but she is the youngest. Not to mention that the staff isn’t very kind to the patients. Imagine being exposed to the cold Minnesota air with only a water bottle to warm you up. As a treatment for tuberculosis, Evvy is exposed to lots of cold air to help her clear her lungs. Will Loon Lake help her to get better? Will she get see her brother, Abe, again? Will Evvy ever make some friends to make her days brighter? You will enjoy finding out what is in store for Evvy in this interesting historical fiction book for middle grade readers.

Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles is a wonderful book about a fantastic girl. Evvy has a quiet strength and she is brave even though she is fighting to stay alive. The characters in the story are all developed in such a way that I feel as if I know them. This is a super book for kids in fourth through eighth grade. Older readers will enjoy it as well! Be prepared to have history unfold for you as you read about Evvy’s experience. Adding to the scene are the old photographs that are included at the start of each chapter. I learned a lot about tuberculosis and the way it was, and still is, treated. At the end of the book, the author includes notes about her research. I liked reading the notes because it helped me to see what was real and what was made up.  This story touched my heart. I look forward to reading more books by Marsha Hayles! Take a journey back in time with Evvy, and you will come back a little different.
Has anyone else read Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles? Or read another book by Marsha Hayles?
Happy Reading! ~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! A Nip at Your Nose!

Great guessing Riddlers! This week is going to whip by on the cold north wind. Lizzy's review will be a breath of fresh air, and Thursday we will be heading into a winter wonderland on Top of the Heap . Friday will blow in on fabulous breeze, and Saturday, we look forward to hearing your chilly thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know . So, be sure to check back! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

With my biting breath your cheeks will glow red. Your nose runs fast as I clean out your head. I am fresh and sharp, though chilled to the bone. Wrap yourself up if you are alone. I am always cool, but I keep you awake, bringing delight with each sparkling flake. I am bound by the world, held in my place- after the smooth seasons pass, you'll get a smack in the face. 

What am I? Answer: The cold north windFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! A Smack in the Face : )

Hello Riddlers! Here's the puzzle. Can you guess our theme this week? ; ) ~ F
With my biting breath your cheeks will glow red. Your nose runs fast as I clean out your head. I am fresh and sharp, though chilled to the bone. Wrap yourself up if you are alone. I am always cool, but I keep you awake, bringing delight with each sparkling flake. I am bound by the world, held in my place- after the smooth seasons pass, you'll get a smack in the face. 
What am I? 
I gave you a clue!



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle was the ticket to this week's show. Lizzy's review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl took us into a chocolate palace, and we told you about our favorite golden ticket winners on Top of the Heap . Friday, we were visited by Derek the Ghost, and it was great to hear the story about his very  Scary School . There is still time to enter the book giveaway for a signed copy of Loser by Jerry Spinelli , so be sure to stop by and enter for your chance to win. Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS wants to know: 
What would you want to win with a golden ticket?

We'll tell you ours, if you tell us yours!FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Derek the Ghost

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Derek the Ghost , author of the middle grade novel  Scary School . Brocket the Rocket recently reviewed this haunting story, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind the story. So, without further ado... take it away, Derek! 


What inspired you to write Scary School?


The first novel I ever wrote was originally called SCARY SCHOOL: BOOK 1 - MY HOMEWORK ATE MY DOG!  - it's a middle-grade fantasy series very similar to Harry Potter. The only problem was, it didn't have a whole lot to do with a "scary school". I just thought of that title and wanted to use it before someone else did. So my editor at HarperCollins read the book, and almost acquired it, but in the end, they ended up passing on it, but gave me the recommendation to write a book series called SCARY SCHOOL that was lighter, funnier, and more school-centric. I took their advice, which became the Scary School series we know today.  It was also great because for inspiration I got to use all of my favorite characters from the horror movies I loved, like Jason, and Freddy, and even the dinosaurs from Jurassic Park! I wanted to imagine what it would be like if they had all gone to school together when they were kids, and in my silly head, the reality of that would be pretty dang funny.
By the way, the original book ended up becoming RUDY AND THE BEAST: BOOK 1 - MY HOMEWORK ATE MY DOG! which is available exclusively through my website at  http://www.scaryschool.com/bookstore.html   - and you can get it on Kindle (just $2.99!) or paperback! For those who like dark fantasies like Harry Potter, I've gotten many responses that young readers enjoy it even more than Scary School! 
How long did it take you to write Scary School?
It usually takes me about a month to write a first draft and then, of course, there is many months of editing. 
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
Louise Sachar's WAYSIDE SCHOOL series was probably my biggest influence. I also loved Dr. Dolittle , the Roald Dahl books, and everything by Dr. Seuss . 
Where did you come up with the characters Derek the Ghost and Principal Headcrusher?
Derek the Ghost is just the 11-year-old dead version of me, so that was pretty easy. I wanted the narrator to be the same age as the characters so that I would be able to accurately capture the middle-grade voice. Principal Headcrusher... hmmm... I guess I just tried to think of what would be the scariest name possible for a principal, and then the character formed from there. Or maybe I have a deep-seeded memory of the headcrusher sketch from Kids in the Hall and it came out in this weird way.
If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
Petunia because it's very hard for her to make friends due to the bees swarming around her all the time. I'm very allergic to bee stings, so I would have to be careful though. 
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
I usually wrote at my home. I don't listen to music when I write. I want as few distractions as possible. 
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
Pittsburgh. Why? Why NOT??
What is your favorite monster or scary creature?
I like zombies because they are fervently focused on what they want out of life. Brains. That singular determination makes their psychology extremely simple, and yet each moment of their existence is infused with purpose and meaning that I envy. Also they are gross.
 Where can we purchase your books?
Any bookstore or online bookseller should have them, but I suggest going through my website. I hope they will all check out. You can tour the school. Meet the students and faculty. And there's also lots of fun easter eggs. If you beat the video game on the website, you will win the weirdest trophy ever. And after you finish Book One, you'll have to go back to the website in order to unlock the secret last chapter that will lead you straight into Book 2!   
In the Scary Store section of the website, you can purchase Scary School as well as some of my other books and also get some really cool Scary School merchandise! 
Local Bookstores ☞ Amazon ☞  Barnes  and Noble

Connect with this author:☞ Author sit e  ☞  Fun & Games  ☞ Facebook  ☞ Twitter 





Read the reviews!
✭ Enter the giveaway for a chance to win an e-book copy of Scary School! Open to US and International  
  
Giveaway ends Sunday, December 9th! 




a Rafflecopter giveawayFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED