Robyn Opie Parnell's Blog

Review of Jo-Kin VS Lord Terra, A Children's Book by Award-winning Author Karen Tyrrell

MEET Karen Tyrrell, award winning children’s resilience author.  Karen launches her second book in the Super Space Kids series, Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra , an action-packed FUN space adventure for kids 7-12 … into the cosmos.


Jo-Kin Battles the It  and Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra (Super Space Kids) are out NOW on Amazon and in book shops across the galaxy.

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra
“Reluctant hero, Jo-Kin never wanted to be a Super Space Kid. Not until Lord Terra kidnaps his Commander’s little sister and starts destroying the galaxy. Jo-Kin reunites the mighty Super Space Kids for an inter-planetary hunt for Lord Terra, finally meeting in a legendary winner takes all battle on Planet Deelish-us.
Can Jo-Kin defeat the all-powerful Lord Terra?
Blast off with gadgets, robots and funky food in a hilarious outer space adventure that empowers you via teamwork, problem solving, and resilience. 
My Review of  Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra
Recently I was given the pleasure of reading Karen Tyrrell's latest children's book  Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra . Here is my review of this fun, action-packed book:
Once upon a time, Josh Atkins was a computer geek and science nerd. But not anymore. Now Josh Atkins is cool and life at Sunny Hills School is awesome.
So Josh isn’t thrilled to see the teenage leader of Super Space Kids, Commander Nova, turn up at his school. And the reason for Nova’s visit is bad news for everyone: You have to help save the junior Super Space Kids and stop Lord Terra from destroying planet X. If you don’t, he’ll be on his way to planet Earth to destroy us as well.
Josh, code-named Jo-Kin, has a horrible feeling that he and his partner Sam, code-named Sam-Wich, can’t win this battle against Lord Terra. But what do you do when the world is counting on you?
You have an accident and break your arm. At least that is what Sam-Wich does. Could this situation get any worse?

Yes, because Jo-Kin needs a new partner and is teamed up with his archenemy Mitch.
Not an auspicious start to a mission to save planet Earth. Looks like we’re all doomed.
What follows is an exciting and fun adventure, full of danger, spaceships, gadgets, robots and aliens. Luckily for us, this wonderful novel reveals the power of teamwork, problem solving and resilience. Otherwise, planet Earth might not be here today and then you wouldn’t be reading this review. 

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra  is perfect for middle grade readers aged 7 to 10 years. Kids will love the adventure which is sometimes fun and sometimes full of danger, suspense and ugly aliens. This big kid loved it. The characters are great. I felt like I knew them, as if I was part of their team. Plus, the action and humor make this book an enjoyable read. I highly recommend Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra to all the kids in the universe, big or small.

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra  is the latest release from award-winning author-teacher Karen Tyrrell and is book 2 in the Super Space Kids series. There are more adventures to come. Yes, Josh Atkins, life is awesome.

Please connect with Karen Tyrrell here: Website Facebook   Twitter
Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra Blog Tour 23 May–I June
To celebrate Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra   launch Karen is hosting Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra Blog Tour and Book Giveaway. Co-hosts will share out-of-this-world book reviews, interviews and blog posts.
Karen will zoom away signed copies of her book Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra and galactic prizes via the websites below. Please leave a comment on the websites to WIN.
23 May 2016Amazon Launch & Book Reviews
http://www.karentyrrell.com
24 May 2016
Writing Kids Humour, Melissa Wray
http://melissawray.blogspot.com.au
25 May 2016
Creating a Hero Character, Alison Stegert
https://ali-stegert.com
26 May 2016
Creating Teacher Resources, Romi Sharp
http://www.justkidslit.com
27 May 2016
Book Review, Robyn Opie Parnell
http://robynopie.blogspot.com.au
30 May 2016
Book Review, Jill Smith
https://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com
31 May 2016
Creating Themes in Kids Books, Kate Foster
http://www.katejfoster.com/blog
1 June 2016
Illustrate a Children’s Novel, June Perkins https://gumbootspearlz.org
Book Giveaway
WIN two signed copies of Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra OR 3 eBooks OR signed artwork from illustrator, Trevor Salter.
For a chance to WIN prizes … Just leave a comment on any of the above websites. REMEMBER: Leaving comments on more than one site, increases your chances to WIN a prize. 
Winners announces on 6 June.  Good luck. 
Please comment below to win prizes.

      
www.robynopie.com

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra Blog Tour and Book Giveaway

Karen Tyrrell, award winning author, launches Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra on Amazon in print and ebook.
Blast off with gadgets, robots and funky food in a hilarious outer space adventure that enlightens you with STEM science, the power of teamwork, problem solving, and resilience.
Reluctant hero, Jo-Kin never wanted to be a Super Space Kid. Not until Lord Terra kidnaps his Commander’s little sister and starts destroying the galaxy. Jo-Kin reunites the mighty Super Space Kids for an inter-planetary hunt for Lord Terra, finally meeting in a legendary winner takes all battle on Planet Deelish-us.
Can Jo-Kin defeat the all-powerful Lord Terra face to face?       
To celebrate Karen will give away copies of her Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra via the websites below.
Please a comment on Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra reviews, blog posts and interviews below to WINJo-Kin vs Lord Terra Blog Tour
23 May 2016
Amazon Launch & Book Reviews
http://www.karentyrrell.com
24 May 2016
Writing Kids Humour, Melissa Wray
http://melissawray.blogspot.com.au
25 May 2016
Creating a Hero Character, Alison Stegert
https://ali-stegert.com
26 May 2016
Creating Teacher Resources, Romi Sharp
http://www.justkidslit.com
27 May 2016
Book Review, Robyn Opie Parnell
http://robynopie.blogspot.com.au
30 May 2016
Book Review, Jill Smith
https://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com
31 May 2016
Creating Themes in Kids Books, Kate Foster
http://www.katejfoster.com/blog
1 June 2016
Illustrate a Children’s Novel, June Perkins 
https://gumbootspearlz.org
Book Giveaway
WIN one of two signed copies of Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra  OR 3 eBooks OR signed artwork from illustrator Trevor Salter.
For a chance to WIN prizes … Just leave a comment on any of the above websites.

Winners announces on 6 June.  Good luck.



www.robynopie.com

How You Can Be Involved In An Award-winning Short Film

THE MOVIESTORY GIANT is proud to announce commencement of pre-production activities for its multi-award winning short script, Cupcakes. The film will be produced into a 5 minute-animated short by Story Giant Films and Northlight Productions in association with Rochester Institute of Technology's School of Film and Animation.

The Story
Story inspired by local Ronald McDonald House CharitiesA glance into the human spirit through eyes of a feisty 5-year-old girl (Mia) who’s propelled to action for the love and care of her older sister who has leukemiaStory has been embraced across 2015 Global Film Festival circuit – multi-award-winning screenplayCupcakes has evoked a heartwarming response around the world
The Project
Film produced on RIT campus. College students get real film experience and IMDB film creditMulti-Award winning animator, producer/director attached to the projectWill bring AWARENESS to childhood cancers and to inspire a CALL TO ACTION through the medium of film/animationProceeds to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of RochesterFilm completion/launch late spring - early summer '16


Film proceeds to benefit local Ronald McDonald House 
How YOU can help 
Seeking financial support from corporate and private donors to assist with the production and release of CupcakesOur goal - $78,000TOGETHER, we can make this heart-warming film and raise awareness of childhood cancers and support an amazing local charityDonor levels include:Executive Producer - $10,000 or greaterCo-Producer - $5,000 or greaterAssociate Producer - $2,500 or greaterPhilanthropist - $1,000 or greaterPatron - $500 or greaterIndividual -  less than $500Donor award package details furnished upon request
For more information or to donate to this worthy cause, please visit the Story Giant Films website: www.storygiantfilms.com/cupcakes

www.robynopie.com

Jo-Kin Battles The It - A Review By Robyn Opie Parnell

Jo-Kin Battles the It by Karen Tyrrell, illustrated by Trevor SalterPB RRP $14.95ISBN 9780994302106
Josh Atkins is an eleven year old kid who dreams of being an intergalactic game fighter. A superhero. Protector of the universe. But there’s not much chance of that. In reality, Josh sees himself as a goof ball. A geek.
One day, Josh reads an advert: Wanted Super Space Kids to save the galaxy. He can’t believe his eyes. This is his dream come through, his big chance to zoom off into space. That is, if he can win the contest.
Soon, Josh (aka Jo-Kin) is off to Space School for special training. He’s teamed up with Sam Jones (aka Sam-Wich). Jo and Sam have to learn to work as a team.
Their training is a disaster. Jo and Sam fail again and again. Sam wants to give up and go home. Jo tries to convince Sam to stay at Space School.
Then they hear the terrible news. A deadly alien called the It has kidnapped Captain Astra.
Sam definitely wants to go home!
But someone has to blast off into space, rescue Captain Astra and save the galaxy from the terrifying It.
That someone turns out to be Jo and Sam. This time the training is for real and failing is not an option – if they want to survive.
Time is running out.
Jo-Kin Battles the It is out of this world – perfect for middle grade readers aged 7 to 10 years. The story is action-packed and fast-paced. The characters are likable (except for the It, of course, who is very scary). Kids will love the adventure which is sometimes fun and sometimes full of danger, suspense and ugly aliens.
Jo-Kin Battles the It is the latest release from award-winning author-teacher Karen Tyrrell. Not only is this book a great read, the story also deals with important topics such as team work, resilience, self-esteem and friendship.

The book is kid-friendly with its bright, colorful cover, black and white illustrations and appealing internal design. Whether the kids are superheroes or geeks, the story will keep them turning the pages until, at the end, they will be left wanting more.   
To purchase a copy, see Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Jo-Kin-Battles-Super-Space-Kids-ebook/dp/B01623R5X8
Jo-Kin Battles the It is also available on LSI, library services and selected stores including some Dymocks and Angus & Robertson.  
Book GiveawayWin a signed copy of Jo-Kin Battles the It
www.robynopie.com

Jo-Kin Battles the It Blog Tour Featuring Children's Author Karen Tyrrell

Karen Tyrrell, author of Jo-Kin Battles the It, celebrates the launch of JO-KIN on Amazon, Goodreads and bookshops via a world tour … Join the FUN and win lots of fabulous prizes.

Jo-Kin Battles the It  by Karen Tyrrell

Jo-Kin is not only a FUN space adventure with incredible gadgets, robots, and monsters … AND kids will learn how to become HEROES in their own lives with resilience, teamwork and brain power skills.



Teachers, school counselors and parents gave *5 STAR Reviews over on Amazon HERE

Now check out Karen's Blog Tour and all the TOP authors and writers hosting this event…

Jo-Kin Battles the It Blog Tour

Blog Tour Book Giveaway
https://www.facebook.com/SuperSpaceKids

19 October 2015
Dee White 
http://writingclassesforkids.com

20 October 2015
Di Bates
http://diannedibates.blogspot.com.au 

21 October 2015
Alison Stegert
http://ali-stegert.com
Jackie Hosking 
https://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/

22 October 2015
Georgie Donaghey
http://www.creativekidstales.com.au

23 October 2015
Robyn Opie Parnell
http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com.au

25 October 2015
Rebecca Sheraton 
http://www.rebeccasheraton.com/blog

26 October 2015
Sandy Fussell
http://www.sandyfussell.com 

27 October 2015
Jill Smith
https://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com/ 
Melissa Wray 
http://melissawray.blogspot.com.au

28 October 2015
June Perkins
http://gumbootspearlz.org 

29 October 2015
Sally Odgers 
http://promotemeplease.blogspot.com.au

30 October 2015
Kate Foster
http://www.katejfoster.com/blog

Win one of two signed copies OR one of four eBooks of Jo-Kin Battles the It OR signed artwork from the illustrator.

To qualify please LIKE Karen’s Super Space Kids book series page on Facebook
AND then leave a comment on any of the Blog stops to win. Good luck



www.robynopie.com

Solar Pizza Oven Published In Spider Magazine July/August Issue

I was pleased to receive my copy of the July/August issue of SPIDER magazine. My activity, Solar Pizza Oven, starts on page 18.

Solar Pizza Oven includes art work by Dan Krall. What a great image. Making your own solar pizza oven couldn't look any cooler. 

Solar Pizza Oven was my first submission to a children's magazine, and I've enjoyed the experience. Right now, though, I'm back to novel writing. More on that soon...
www.robynopie.com

Harry Helps Grandpa Remember Blog Tour With Award-winning Children's Author Karen Tyrrell

Congratulations to award-winning children's author Karen Tyrrell on the release of her new picture book Harry Helps Grandpa Remember.
Karen is doing a blog tour to celebrate the release of her wonderful new picture book, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember. Today, Karen is visiting my blog to answer questions about how to develop classroom resources. Thank you, Karen. 

How to Develop Classroom Resources
1. How can Harry Helps Grandpa Remember be used in the classroom?
“Harry” is a read aloud fully illustrated picture book that can be shared with children to kick-start discussion on the clever ways Harry boosted Grandpa’s memory. Then you can ask the children: How does Harry help Grandpa remember?  Later you can broaden the discussion to memory loss, memory boosting, brain health, grandparents, aging, and coping skills. All these suggestions should be listed in the teacher notes, and be available for free from the author’s website. 
2. How to Create High Standard Resources for the classroom?
Research! Find similar books and research their activities. If you’re a teacher, you’ll probably be able to produce teacher notes and activity sheets yourself. For more advanced activities like puppet making, jigsaws, and dot-to-dot you may need to sub-contract to a graphic designer, who will develop the activity sheets from strong vector lines on the illustrations. Please remind your illustrator to produce these vector lines as they go.
3. Who should use Harry Helps Grandpa Remember as a resource?
Besides children in general, teachers, counselors, and librarians, families with specific needs can use “Harry” to support children who may have a family member who is facing challenges or are seeking solutions.
Adults such as Aged Care Workers or Carers can a use “Harry” as a resource to explain to children what their role is. 
4. How can Harry Helps Grandpa Rememberbe used as a resource on Grandparents Day?
The teacher reads “Harry”, following up with discussion on memory loss, aging, brain health, and/or heart health. After that, children choose from a selection of children’s activities including puppet making, dot-to-dot, cut and paste story sequencing, and various activities that promote thinking skills and problem solving.
Download FREE teacher resources here http://www.karentyrrell.com/free-teacher-resources-free-kids-activities/
Buy your Copy of   Harry Helps Grandpa Remember  … HERE“Harry is about the special love between a little boy and his grandpa who has Alzheimer's. Harry will do ANYTHING to help his grandpa remember. A heart-warming story, full of humor and HOPE.”ISBN: 97809 8727 4083
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember Blog Tour HOPS June 22 - July 122 June: Harry Helps Grandpa Remember Now on AMAZONhttp://www.karentyrrell.com23 June: Ali StegertInterview  http://ali-stegert.com/

24 June: Di Bates
Buzz Words Review http://diannedibates.blogspot.com.au25 June: Robyn Opie ParnellInterview http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com 25 June: Jackie HoskingReview  http://www.jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com 26 June: Charmaine ClancyAuthor Platform http://charmaineclancy.com/ 29 June: Sally OdgersInterview http://promotemeplease.blogspot.com.au 30 June: Jill SmithReview https://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com 30 June: June PerkinsInterview http://gumbootspearlz.org/ 1 July: Dimity PowellReview http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com.au/

Blog Tour Book Giveaway

Please leave a comment on any of the sites above for a chance to win a signed print copy OR 5 eCopies of  Harry Helps Grandpa Remember . 6 Copies to be won in total. Six Winners announced on 3 July. Good luck.


About Karen Tyrrell
Karen Tyrrell is an Australian award winning resilience author-teacher of five empowering books, a motivational speaker and workshop presenter. Karen is a survivor of parent-teacher bullying , PTSD and mental illness.Her empowering adult books include Me and Her:A Memoir of Madness and  Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery . Her children’s books include Bailey Beats the Blah (coping skills picture book) and STOP the Bully (bully prevention mid-grade novel).Karen has appeared on TV Today Tonight,  the Courier Mail,  and on ABC and 4BC radio.


www.robynopie.com

Harry Helps Grandpa Remember Blog Tour Now on

Harry Helps Grandpa Remember  picture book is now on Amazon world-wide as a print book and as an eBook. Author Karen Tyrrell is celebrating with a FUN Blog Tour!“Harry is about the special love between a little boy and his grandpa who has Alzheimer's. Harry will do ANYTHING to help his grandpa remember. A heart-warming story, full of humor and HOPE.”ISBN: 97809 8727 4083Buy your Copy of   Harry Helps Grandpa Remember  … HERE
To celebrate, Harry will be visiting these AWESOME author sites on a blog tour. Many of these authors are top Australian children’s authors or upcoming authors.

Harry Helps Grandpa Remember Blog Tour HOPS June 22 - July 122 June: Harry Helps Grandpa Remember Now on AMAZONhttp://www.karentyrrell.com23 June: Ali StegertInterview  http://ali-stegert.com/

24 June: Di Bates
Buzz Words Review http://diannedibates.blogspot.com.au25 June: Robyn Opie Parnell Interview http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com 25 June: Jackie HoskingReview  http://www.jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com 26 June: Charmaine Clancy Author Platform http://charmaineclancy.com/ 29 June: Sally Odgers Interview http://promotemeplease.blogspot.com.au 30 June: Jill Smith Review https://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com 30 June: June Perkins Interview http://gumbootspearlz.org/ 1 July: Dimity Powell Review http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com.au/


Blog Tour Book Giveaway
Please leave a comment on any of the sites above for a chance to win a signed print copy OR 5 eCopies of Harry Helps Grandpa Remember . 6 Copies to be won in total. Six Winners announced on 3 July. Good luck.

About Karen Tyrrell
Karen Tyrrell is an Australian award winning resilience author-teacher of five empowering books, a motivational speaker and workshop presenter. Karen is a survivor of parent-teacher bullying , PTSD and mental illness.Her empowering adult books include Me and Her:A Memoir of Madness and  Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery . Her children’s books include Bailey Beats the Blah (coping skills picture book) and STOP the Bully (bully prevention mid-grade novel).Karen has appeared on TV Today Tonight,  the Courier Mail,  and on ABC and 4BC radio.

www.robynopie.com

A Writing And Art Competition For Students Fifteen Years Of Age Or Younger

So if you know kids fifteen years or younger who like to draw or write, here's the competition for them!



www.robynopie.com

Interview with Award-winning Children's Author Naomi Burman-Shine

Naomi Burman-Shine is the English author of Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur, which recently won the silver medal in the pre-school picture book category of The 2014 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards. 

Naomi’s fun and colorful rhyming book has also been nominated for a prestigious annual UK book award: The 2015/2016 People’s Book Prize. This national competition was set up to find, support, and promote new and undiscovered authors. It is judged by the general public only, so please help Naomi’s book reach the finals by visiting The People’s Book Prize website and voting. 
Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur is being showcased in the children’s category of the 2015 summer collection of The People’s Book Prize, and the general public can vote between 1st June and 31st August 2015 by visiting The People’s Book Prize website. It only takes a few minutes and is free! Thank you!

Naomi’s website is www.stonelyspetdinosaurbooks.com.
A big thumbs-up for rhyming picture books!
Robyn: Why did you start writing picture books?
Naomi: Picture books are fabulous for sharing, and I love the experience of reading picture books to – and with – my two young sons. These beautiful books transport us into a magical world where we can set our imaginations free.
Not only were my boys captivated by the wonderful words and pictures in these charming and uplifting stories, but I was too.  Robyn: When did you start writing?
Naomi: I never had a burning desire to become a writer, but I enjoy fresh challenges and as I continued to read picture books to my boys at bedtime, I thought it would be amazing to know that young readers everywhere were tucked up in their beds, just before lights out, listening to – or reading – a book that I had written. I therefore set myself the task of writing a fun children’s story – and so I began my journey to becoming a writer of picture books.
Robyn: How did you come up with the idea of Stonely and his pet dinosaur?
Naomi: When my sons were pre-school age, they were fascinated by all things dinosaur. At this time, they were constantly asking me to buy them a pet, but unfortunately my husband is allergic to all things furry so I had to appease them by buying them the plush kind instead.

The boys’ interest in dinosaurs, coupled with their constant requests to own a pet, sparked my idea for Stonely, a determined cave boy who longs to own a roaring red dinosaur. Who wouldn't want to own such a cool creature?   Robyn: Stonely’s Pet Dinosauris a rhyming text. What made you write this story in rhyme?
Naomi: Many of the picture books I read to my sons were written in rhyme. Particular favorites of the boys included Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson (illustrated by Axel Scheffler), All Afloat on Noah’s Boat! by Tony Mitton (illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees) and Smelly Peter: The Great Pea Eater! by Steve Smallman.


Rhyming books are always fun to read aloud. The boys were always engaged and loved guessing the rhyming words at the end of each stanza, which helped build their listening skills and language skills. Rhyming text makes a story lively, captivating, and memorable. As a musician, I love the intrinsic rhythm of the text, which enhances the mood and pace of the story.

Robyn: Did you find it difficult to write in rhyme?
Naomi: Yes! To write a well-written rhyming book certainly isn't an easy task for a novice writer.
I had to make sure that the story wasn't sacrificed because of the need to use rhyming words. Online rhyming dictionaries and thesauruses thus became my best friends.
Finding the correct meter to allow the words to fall off the tongue naturally was more of a challenge, and having a great editing team was essential to produce a smooth-flowing final text.
I must thank you, Robyn, for all your editing assistance. I would also like to thank my proofreader, Jane Hammett, for casting her expert eye over the text before I submitted my final manuscript to my publishing editor, Sarah Scotcher at Rowanvale Books.



Robyn: What advice do you have for aspiring writers of picture books?
Naomi: The most important piece of advice I have is to read lots of picture books before putting pen to paper. Analyse the text and the pictures separately, then see how they marry up.
Many aspiring writers join writing classes or embark on college courses. As well as reading various online articles on picture book writing, I read your invaluable book, Robyn, How to Write a Great Picture Book (now available on Amazon Kindle, renamed The Easy Way to Write Picture Books That Sell ).


In addition, I sent my initial unedited drafts to The Writers’ Workshop, which positively critiqued my work, and I found this process extremely helpful.

I would also advise joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Their mission is to "support the creation and availability of quality children’s books around the world". There are regional and network branches of the SCBWI worldwide and each network holds its own events throughout the year. I particularly enjoy reading the SCBWI’s international bi-monthly magazine, scbwi, which features informative articles on writing and illustrating picture books.
Lastly, I'm an advocate of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, where many online groups are dedicated to promoting the world of children’s books. I must mention one community, Kid Literature, which is particularly supportive in championing picture books, including my own. Please check out its website at www.kidliteratureauthors.com – it’s excellent! 

Robyn: Thank you, Naomi, for generously offering your time to participate in this interview, and good luck with The People's Book Prize. It's an incredible achievement that Stonely's Pet Dinosaur is being showcased. Congratulations and well done! 
Naomi: Thank you, Robyn. I hope people will vote for Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur, which is being showcased in the children’s category of the 2015 summer collection of The People’s Book Prize, and the general public can vote between 1st June and 31st August 2015 by visiting The People’s Book Prize website. It only takes a few minutes and is free! Thank you! 


www.robynopie.com