Jessica Haight's Blog, page 145

Author Interview with M.P. Kozlowsky

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  M.P. Kozlowsky , author of the middle grade novel Juniper Berry. Lizzy recently reviewed this spooky, new 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, M.P. ! 


What inspired you to write Juniper Berry?


I was in a certain place, a certain frame of mind, when I wrote Juniper Berry.  I had something very specific and personal to say and, thus, created her journey to closely mirror that of mine as a writer. There are many parallels, many similar doubts and frustrations, but can also be interpreted to reflect many varying themes aside from the one I primarily intended.
How long did it take you to write Juniper Berry?
The first draft was produced at a rather frantic pace, perhaps just three months.  But with rewrites and edits and much second-guessing, the entire process might have lasted close to a year.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
I tended to stick to the classics as a child. Authors like Roald Dahl , Ray Bradbury , Shel Silverstein, Charles Dickens , C.S. Lewis, and books like Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, Watership Down, Charlotte’s Web, Treasure Island, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Alice in Wonderland, and  Wizard of Oz , among hundreds of others. Comic books, too, played an important role in my literary upbringing.
Where did you come up with the characters Juniper and Skeksyl?
When I wrote Juniper Berry, my wife was pregnant with our daughter, Margeaux (I would later dedicate the book to her). I wanted to create a character she could admire, that any young girl could look up to. And so I made her an inquisitive girl who knows exactly who she is - a quality that is becoming more and more rare in this day and age - a girl who sees no need to blend in with others, no need to go along with the crowd. She is strong but also vulnerable, intelligent but always wants to learn more. She is quirky and different and accepts the same in others. I couldn't think of anyone better for my daughter to identify with.
Skeksyl is a combination of many frightening characters, but none more so than evil incarnate, the Devil, Satan, Mephistopheles, etc. To be as terrifying as possible, he had to have something that a good person would want, he had to be a salesman of sorts, the ultimate seller of dreams. Of course, beneath that cloak he is barren of a soul, eaten away by his own evil.
If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?
I suppose if I were a young boy again, there is no one I would rather spend time with than Juniper.  I could only imagine all the fun times to be had with her, all the exploring and intriguing adventures we would be involved. She is definitely somebody who would pull the best out of those around her.
Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?
I write at my desk, which, when I have a bigger home, I hope to put in an office lined with books. As I work, I need complete silence and as little distraction as possible. Nothing should be able to penetrate my thoughts, as I always feel, at nearly every point in my life, very vulnerable to such invasions.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
If it were possible, I would love to live in a secluded part of the country, a very small town with few neighbors and a quaint village and beautiful scenery. I’d like to escape, much like J.D. Salinger did, and people would have a difficult time tracking me down.
Where can we purchase your books?
My books can be purchased in the usual places: in most bookstores and online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and pretty much everywhere else. I have completed another children’s book, a YA book, and an adult book, which you should keep an eye out for in the near future as well.
Author Website ☞ Harper Collins Children's ☞ Read the reviews! 




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle clicked, and we opened up the topic of books and blogs. Lizzy's review of Millicent Marie is Not My Name by Karen Pokras Toz took us on a fun adventure into the life of an the anonymous blogger caught up in the drama of the sixth grade- thanks to her brother! Friday, we will be hosting a special guest that will really catch your attention. Also, the Fall into Fantasy Book Giveaway Hop will be running until October 21st, so be sure to enter for your chance to win a copy of the spooky middle grade novel, The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson , plus a $10 gift card to Amazon.com, and fall into any fantasy that you wish, our gift to you! Saturday we are participating in the Millicent Marie book tour , as well as asking all of you what your thoughts are about blogging on The DMS Wants to Know. It's going to be an excellent time.

Today, we thought it would be great to tell you about a few of the amazing authors that we have had the privilege to chat with. It has been fascinating as readers for us to get the chance to talk to these wonderful writers, and we were thrilled to be able to share a little more about their stories with all of you. We hope that you will enjoy our re-cap of these awesome books! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

This week's top of the heap: Excellent middle grade authors we have hosted! 


Where the Mountain Meets the Moon 

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin is an extraordinary book that magically weaves chinese folk lore into an exciting adventure of a young girl who is discovering herself and her place in the world. A twist to the classic tale The Wizard Of Oz, this book would be adored by anyone who loves to read a good story. The artwork is enchanting and truly captures the feeling behind the words. It is definitely one for my book shelf and I am thrilled to have stumbled upon it. Read more of our review...

2011 UCONN Children's Book Fair
We were lucky enough to get to meet with Grace Lin at the 2011 UCONN Children's Book Fair! It was an honor to meet this author, and exciting to get my copy of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon signed! 

We were also very pleased for a chance to interview Grace Lin and bring the story behind the story to all of you. Check out the interview! 

Author, Grace Lin
*I am so excited to get my hands on Grace Lin's latest novel, Starry River of the Sky , which I'm sure is just as magical! 

Connect with this author! 

Belle Teal 

Belle Teal by Ann M. Martin is a wonderful book about a fantastic girl. Belle stands up for what she believes in and tries to make the world a better place. It is a super book for people of all ages and I think kids in fourth through seventh grade will especially relate to Belle. The book touches on issues in history, social problems, and emotional problems. Watching the family struggle through the grandmother's illness is hard and touching. I found myself totally engrossed in the lives of the people in the story. This is a book that is easy to relate to and the characters come alive. I really like Belle and think she has many qualities that make me want to be friends with her. Without a doubt, this is a story that made me want to make a difference in the world! If you have not read it, I highly recommend it. It just may remind you to be extra kind to those around you. Read more of our review...

It was so amazing to host Ann Martin, and we were thrilled to bring her story to all of you! Lizzy and I both enjoy The Babysitter's Club , and it was exciting to get a chance to chat with this author. Check out the interview!

Connect with this author! 




Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio was one of the best books I have ever read. I instantly liked the main character, Auggie, and my heart went out to him. Getting to know him was fun because he is just like a lot of my friends and I love his sense of humor. Auggie’s story made me think about how the kids at my school would treat someone who looked so different from everyone else. The book was broken into sections and we got to learn about Auggie’s fifth grade experience through the eyes of some of the other characters. At first I thought I wouldn’t like this, but it actually turned out to be quite fascinating. I liked the change in perspective and it really made me think about how everyone close to him felt. If the author had only told the story from Auggie’s point of view then I really wouldn’t have been able to see the whole picture. I think anyone from fourth grade and up should read this remarkable book. If everyone read it they would know how important it is to be kinder than necessary. I know, if starting today, we were all a little kinder- the world would be a better place for everyone. When you read this book you will laugh out loud and you will cry. You will discover what it means to be a better person and you will find out some universal truths. You will learn how to deal with the mean people you encounter. One thing is for sure- you will not be the same person when you get to the end of the book. You will be better! Read more of our review...

It was excellent to host R.J. Palacio, and we were thrilled to bring her inspirational story to all of you!  Check out the interview! 


Connect with this author! 

The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel 

I just finished reading The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel by Gregory Slomba and it was a wonderful story.  I liked Eric because he was smart and braver than he knew. He also had to rely on friends to help him solve the problems that arise and this seemed very real to me. The action started right in the first chapter and continued to pick up from there.  I think that kids in fourth grade through eighth grade would really like this book- older kids and adults would also find it to be an interesting read! A story that includes pirates, talking animals, dwarfs, and ancient magic will appeal to anyone that enjoys The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings. A great way to introduce kids to the fantasy genre! Read more of our review... 

*We were excited to get to meet Greg, and Stephanie welcomed him into her classroom. The kids all had a fabulous time! 

We also hosted Greg here on Fairday's Blog! It was great to learn a little more about his fun middle grade novel! Check out the interview!

Connect with this author! 

Happy Reading! 


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

To Blog or Not to Blog?

When Millicent’s annoying younger brother logs on to her computer and starts a blog based on her diary, she is horrified. Thank goodness he at least used a different name. Amanda is way better than Millie! Before she can delete the blog, someone comments. She can’t help but feel a little flattered that people are out there reading her posts, even if the writing was supposed to be private. She decides to keep it up- just for a little while. The blog becomes somewhat addictive, and Millie decides it won’t hurt to continue posting. After all, the other sixth graders seem to enjoy hearing her thoughts about what is happening at school. Amanda/Millie is full of advice and the latest gossip. She is making things happen at Springside Elementary. Millie’s best friend can’t stop raving about the blog being run by Amanda, and only wishes that they knew who she was so that they could use the blog to their advantage. Millie really wants to come clean, but she is also afraid if she tells anyone, word will get out and people won't understand. With some of the advice she is dishing out, she is afraid to stop blogging because people need her. Is it possible for Millie to keep her identity hidden? If word gets out, will her life be ruined? Are there any pitfalls with blogging anonymously about the school you attend? What would you do if your brother started publishing parts of your personal diary as a blog? Wait until you see how everything ends up!
Millicent Marie Is Not My Name by Karen Pokras Toz is a fantastic middle grade book that will keep you turning the pages to finds out what happens to Millie and her friends. Right from the start I could relate to the main character, because I would be furious if my brother put any part of my diary online for others to read. I would be worried even if he changed the name on the blog or the post! Millie is very much a typical 12 year old girl and her thoughts and feelings reminded me of my own. I think she is someone I would like to be friends with because she is smart and funny. The fact that Mille was running an anonymous blog had me worried because I didn’t know what would happen if everyone found out it was her blogging. I was glad the storyline was happening to her and not me- I couldn’t handle the stress! Mille is funny and anyone with a sibling will be able to relate to her relationship with her brother. Even though the main character is a girl, I think that this is a book that could be enjoyed by both boys and girls in the middle grades. I am amazed at how the author created such believable characters. After reading this book you just may want to start your own blog. This is a book you don’t want to miss!

Has anyone else read Millicent Marie is Not my Name ?  Or have you read another book by Karen Pokras Toz ? What did you think?

Happy reading! ~L  FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Answer to Monday's Riddle! It's About All of Us!

Just a few of the amazing writers and book bloggers that we have met!Great guessing everyone! We think that you guys are seriously amazing! And, because you are all so amazing, we are excited to bring you a few fun-filled days of chatting about the inspirational artists who we get to cross "paths" with on a daily basis, not to mention all of the great friendships that we've made along the way. Lizzy's review is what sparked the idea for this week's theme, and we are looking forward to hanging out with all of you on Top of the Heap . Don't forget to stop by the Fall Into Fantasy Book Giveaway Hop , and enter for your chance to win a $10 gift card to Amazon.com and a copy of the spooky middle grade novel The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow . Friday, we will be hosting a special guest, so be sure to check back! Here's to a week of shouting out to each other! See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

You can't see me, and I can't see you- though we can both read each other to see something new. We are invisible friends that pass through a wire, sharing good stories like Catching Fire. We watch our worlds pass by with a click, and then visit each other, getting ideas to stick. On the screen, in this wide, wide place, it's your words that show your anonymous face. So, welcome in to this sorted land! We will write for the people, taking all in at hand. 

Who are we? Answer: Bloggers



Thanks to all of you for your support! We love to hear your thoughts and comments! It's great to connect : ) ~ Jess & Stephanie




Friends in Collage: 
The Write Game 
Carry Us Off Books 
The Children's War 
Rainy Day Ramblings
Shredded Cheddar
A Belle's Tales
Bookworm Blather
Millie's Blog
Sarah Seven Days
Random Thoughts
March House Books
She's Got Books on Her Mind 
Believe in Yourself: PAWS for Success
Mary Ann Deborde Writes (and Reads!)
Kelly Hashway's Books
Grace Lin
Ryan SanAngelo 

FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Fall into Fantasy Book Giveaway Hop!

Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and The Write Path for hosting the Fall Into Fantasy Book Giveaway Hop !  Fairday's Blog!  is featuring a giveaway prize pack, including a $10 gift card to Amazon.com and a signed, hardcover edition of the middle grade novel, The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by J. Haight & S. Robinson.
The Fall Into Fantasy Book Giveaway Hop will run from October 16th-21st, so, join in the fun! This is a creative hop, and there are lots of wonderful blogs participating, giving away all sorts of great books and other fabulous prizes. Be sure to visit the hopping blogs! ( click here for the list )

Thanks for popping over! We hope that you will stay and visit with us for a while. Below, you will find an overview of the topics that we discuss on Fairday's Blog! They range from riddles, to reviews, to just things that we like to shout out about : )  
Enter to win:1) Follow Fairday's Blog!2) Leave a comment and let us know: 
What fantasy would you like to fall into?3) Fill out the Rafflecopter form below 


Fall into any fantasy that you wish!
Happy Reading! ~ F & L



The Begonia House keeps its secrets. Everyone knows that. Everyone, that is, except for clever eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow, whose family has just moved in. Being the Senior Investigator in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly known as the DMS, she’s ready to uncover the mysteries hidden within the strange manor. As the investigation gears up and the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, the DMS enters into a world where anything is possible, and the danger is most definitely real. Follow along with Fairday and her friends, as spooky meets lovely in this twisting tale of dark secrets and hidden pasts.  Read the first seven chapters...



Read the reviews!
Author Website ☞ Facebook ☞ Twitter
Get a clue in the Begonia House...  
What Fairday's Blog! is all about...

Fairday's Riddles  are posted on Mondays- they can be written about anything and everything, all at the same time!
Lizzy's Book Reviews  are posted on Wednesdays. Lizzy has read just about every middle grade novel out there, and she loves to share her thoughts and, of course, her opinions.
The Top of the Heap  is a post we put up on Thursdays. We thought it would be fun once a week to put up two things that we appreciate and have been thinking about during the week. I enjoy doing this post because I love the google hunt for the perfect image to accompany the topic of discussion.
Margo's Musings  Fridays belong to Margo, Fairday's little sister. This post focuses on reviewing local children's book authors, which we follow up with an  Author Interview .
The DMS Wants to Know  was a post we came up with for Saturdays because when we get together to hang out on the weekend, we always chat about different situations and ideas that are floating around in our brains and we like to listen to what other people think about them- some of the comments we've gotten have been absolutely fascinating!
a Rafflecopter giveawayFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Monday's Riddle! Who's There?

Hello Riddlers! Here's this week's puzzle. Can you guess the theme? Just think, we're all connected, and so the same. It's our uniqueness of voice that flavors the game ; ) ~ F

You can't see me, and I can't see you- though we can both read each other to see something new. We are invisible friends that pass through a wire, sharing good stories like Catching Fire. We watch our worlds pass by with a click, and then visit each other, getting ideas to stick. On the screen, in this wide, wide place, it's your words that show your anonymous face. So, welcome in to this sorted land! We will write for the people, taking all in at hand. 

Who are we? 

I already gave you a clue!FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Welcome to the Gorey house...

We wanted to throw in something fun and spooky on this chilly October Sunday, so we've decided to take you all on a journey into the mysterious theater of the Edward Gorey House...

Edward Gorey was a unique writer and illustrator. His work has a very interesting style- the writing being somewhat non-sensical and twisted. But, I find the moody illustrations set in detailed ink to be fascinating, and I love his dramatically engaging stories. I was introduced to his work by a friend, who gave me a copy of the book, The Gnashlycrumb Tinies. It is a truly creative piece that just absolutely tickles my imagination : )  ~ Jess


The Gnashlycrumb Tinies is a simple rhyme - the alphabet set up as a little story. But A isn't for something as innocent as an Apple. Let me tell you about another alphabet- one that's a bit more sinister...


A is for Amy who fell down the stairsB is for Basil assaulted by bears
C is for Clara who wasted awayD is for Desmond thrown out of a sleigh
E is for Ernest who choked on a peachF is for Fanny sucked dry by a leech
G is for George smothered under a rugH is for Hector done in by a thug
I is for Ida who drowned in a lakeJ is for James who took lye by mistake

Check out the rest of this excellent rhyme...
8 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouthport, MA 02675
(508) 362- 3909The Edward Gorey house is a great place to learn more about this amazing artist. His writing and illustrations effortlessly capture the essence of the spooky world of mysteries. So, the next time you find yourself in Cape Cod, be sure to stop by and check out this unique museum. It's sure to be an extraordinary day! 

☞ A fun thing to notice while you are walking through the house, if you look closely, you will see the children from the story scattered about in the manner of their death. Out back lies their sparse graveyard; a constant reminder of a character's mortal contribution to the whim of a writer ☟ 

Here's my rendition of the alphabet rhyme: You guys know I couldn't resist putting one together!

A is for Abby bitten by a spiderB is for Bucky who drank poisonous cider
C is for Clarice bludgeoned with a chairD is for Diggory decidedly to fair
E is for Evan tricked by a liarF is for Fran who got lost in the mire
G is for Gregory who was lost and not foundH is for Hector whose head got stuck in the ground
I is for Isabel worn down by a miserJ is for Jerry who couldn't see through his visor
K is for Karen done in by a hagL is for Lori kicked by a nag
M is for Morton who lifted a boulderN is for Nathan who suddenly became older
O is for Offred who married too youngP is for Patience dead of black lung
Q is for Queenie who fell off her rockerR is for Rosa trampled over by a blocker
S is for Stephen who lost in a fightT is for Tibby who just wasn't quite right
U is for Unice deathly afraid of miceV is for Vicus who was not very nice
W is for Walter who tripped over a rockX is for Xena strangled by a sock
Y is for Yori done in by a lionZ is for Zelpha who couldn't stop cryin' 
~ JH
Here are a few pictures from my last visit to the Edward Gorey House . Thanks to my dad for taking these awesome shots! Enjoy : ) 
About Edward Gorey:A truly prodigious and original artist, Edward St. John Gorey (1925-2000), gave to the world over one hundred works, including The Gnashlycrumb Tinies , The Doubtful Guest, and The Wuggly Ump ; prize-winning set and costume designs for the innumerable theater productions from Cape Cod to Broadway; a remarkable number of illustrations in publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Times , and in books by a wide array of authors from Charles Dickens to Edward Lear , Samuel Beckett , John Updike , Virginia Wolf, H.G. Wells , Florence Heide , and many others... 
Learn more about Edward Gorey and his work!



Spooky fireplace!















Edward Gorey's sketch pad





















FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle walked us into a dreamy week. Lizzy lifted the hazy veil and showed us a different world with her review of the new middle grade book Juniper Berry by M.P.  Kozlowsky . We told you about a couple of our interior landscapes on Top of the Heap . And Friday, we were lucky enough to host Grace Lin , author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. It was great to hear more about the story behind her story, and interesting to learn about her latest novel, Starry River of the Sky . We have something spooky and fun planned for Sunday, so be sure to check back! 

To bring a little nightmare into this seasonal fun, we want to know about you and your dreams- what would you be willing to trade to have them come true? Just like the classic story of Faust , whose dissatisfaction with life drove him to make a deal with the devil so that he could have his wildest dreams come true- today, we want to hear from you! 

The DMS wants to know: What is your dream? What would you be willing to give up to see it come true? 

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



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Author Interview with Grace Lin

The DMS was lucky enough to interview  Grace Lin , author of the middle grade novel Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Fairday reviewed this whimsically, magical book, 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, Grace! 


What inspired you to write Where the Mountain Meets the Moon?


I grew up in Upstate New York, the only Asian (except for my sisters) in my school. Because of this, my childhood was always tinged with a strange sense of identity. Was I Chinese? Taiwanese? American? Books and stories were always a source of comfort. I loved folktales and fairytales as a child. I love the classics East of the Sun, West of the Moon, The Light Princess, and The Wizard of Oz – all with gorgeous illustrations, which I devoured and gazed at in awe. It was because of my love for these stories that my mother knew she could pique my interest with the Chinese fairytale books. At the time, she regretted that I knew and had so little interest in our cultural heritage – this was a way of “sneaking” it in. And it worked!
I began reading the Chinese folktales and was at first disappointed. Used to lush illustrations and descriptions, the Asian books were plainly translated with an occasional simple b/w line drawing and seemed an inadequate comparison. However, slowly I discovered the stories had a magic and I began to image details of my own, tinged with Asian-American sensibilities. When I grew older and was able to travel to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China – the stories came alive. And that’s when Where the Mountain Meets the Moon came into existence. An homage to the folktales and fairytales I read in my youth, it is a mixture of Asian fairytales and North American classics. Not a traditional retelling of stories from either cultures, it is a mix – like me, Asian-American. Hopefully, it is full of the magic from both that will satisfy readers everywhere
How long did it take you to write Where the Mountain Meets the Moon?
It took about 3 years.
What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?
The books I loved as a child and still love are the Shoes books by Noel Streatfeild. I think my favorite is Family Shoes ,anything by Rumer Godden. I love Miss Happiness and Miss Flower , anything by Beverly Cleary. Ramona and Her Father still makes me feel warm and fuzzy. The Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace, anything by Ruth Chew The Witch’s Buttons . I also LOVED Anne of Green Gables ( so much so that I even went to PEI) A Search For Delicious by Natalie Babbit, and, of course the Narnia Books and the Oz books . All of those books and authors have inspired me.
Where did you come up with the character Minli?
Hmm, Minli is kind of an idealized version of myself in my youth—the heroine I wanted to be. In reality, however, I’m probably most like the Ma character.
If you could ask the Old Man in the Moon for anything, what would you ask for?
How can I make cake, candy, cookies and all the things my sweet tooth craves into health food?
No, really, I don’t know. The problem is the things I want to know change. Five years ago I might have asked for the cure for cancer. Right now, perhaps I’d ask how to make sure my daughter’s life was long, happy and healthy. Maybe what I’d really ask is how to live without any regrets.
You are your own illustrator. What is the process you use for deciding on the illustrations that accompany your story? 

 I wanted the chapter headers to be simpler, more of a teaser or clue to the upcoming story rather than a window into it (which is how I wanted the full page images to be). For those, I looked at Chinese paper cuts. Paper cuts, to me, have always been an interesting art form – all the abstract shapes suddenly coming together to make an image, rather like how (hopefully) the chapters come together to make a story. So, I thought it would be a good approach for the chapter headers.

For this book, I really wanted my art to have a traditional Chinese-inspired look. I didn’t want to reproduce a traditional Chinese painting style, as I feel that the book is not a re-telling, not a historically accurate tale; but an original fantasy with a Chinese influence. I wanted the art to be influenced, but not an imitation. So, like the writing, I tried to do research and blend what I found with my own sensibilities. I took thousands of my own photos during my trips abroad that I used as a photo reference, but I also looked at Chinese paintings, ceramics, and paper cuts. In China, we visited a cloisonne factory (a tourist standard!) and I found the many steps that the artists do to create cloisonne images fascinating. The intricate patterns, the ornate borders, had a certain jewel-type richness that I felt fit the magical atmosphere I wanted to achieve in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. So the cover illustration was very much inspired by that. The full-page illustrations also had cloisonne as its muse, but they were also mixed with influences of traditional Chinese paintings and the art of antique Chinese vases and ceramics.

If you could choose a magical creature to befriend, what would it be? Why?
Oh, good question! Right now I’ve been reading about a Chinese fairy called the Ginseng Boy—a healing and benevolent spirit. I might want to befriend him…or a unicorn. When I was 12, I loved unicorns, so that would be fulfilling a dream!


Where can we purchase your books?


Anywhere books are sold—your local bookstore : ) 

Author Website  ☞ Blog ☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble ☟




Read the reviews! 






*We were lucky enough to meet  Grace Lin at the 2011 UCONN Children's Book Fair . It was wonderful to get to chat with her in person, and we are excited to tell you about her latest novel Starry River of the Sky, which just hit bookshelves in October! 
Preview this excellent middle grade read!



FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED

Top of the Heap!

The hint of a dream... Monday's Riddle has faded into a dream, but we're still on the topic! Wednesday, Lizzy took us into the thick of it with her review of Juniper Berry by  M.P. Kozlowsky . And, today, we are excited to share some of our inner landscapes with you. So sit back and relax while we tell you about a couple of our own crazy dreams!

This week's top of the heap: Dreamscapes 

Fairday: Dreams are amazing! A topic with endless possibilities. I find it fascinating that while I'm here in reality, they seem so insignificant, but while I'm there (wherever dreamland exists), here is so insignificant- not even a blip. I love to dream, and I love to remember my dreams if I can. So much of me is wrapped up in them. There are familiar places, things, and people that I come across. I thought I would tell you about Tiffany. Tiffany is the gypsy girl who pops in whenever there is some sort of marketplace or fair that arises. It's always the same person, and she is always selling something fancy, like jewelry or music boxes. Tiffany has a butterfly tattoo on her right shoulder and a beauty mark above her lip. She wears lots of really eclectic jewelry and is somewhat standoffish at first. I thought I'd sketch her selling some of the interesting trinkets that she peddles while I'm sleeping : ) ~ F


Lizzy: I love to sleep, and most of my dreams are very pleasant. One dream that I remember very clearly was about flying. It was the most exhilarating experience ever! In the scene, I was flitting around from branch to branch, soaring through golden leaves that rustled gently all around me. There was no point to the dream. I just glided easily through trees. I have tried many times to go back and experience that wondrous feeling again, but, as you all know, it just doesn't work that way! Wishing you all the sweetest dreams ; )  ~ L




FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED