Carol Baldwin's Blog, page 5

JUNIA: A Heart-Warming Picture Book Review by Lori Keating

REVIEW

JUNIA, written by New York Times bestselling author Kim Michele Richardson, and illustrated by David C. Gardner, (Sleeping Bear Press) follows the story of Junia, a mule with the important task of carrying the Pack Horse librarian, Book Woman, through rugged terrains in Kentucky to deliver books to remote communities. Despite challenging conditions, Junia remains steadfast, reliable, and dedicated to their mission, ensuring the library patrons receive their materials consistently.

The work they do is no easy feat, as they tirelessly traverse hundreds of miles each month to fulfill their delivery obligations.

Readers will be entertained by Junia’s encounters with surprising wildlife like bullfrogs, rattlesnakes, and skunks.

This image transports me back to our days in Arkansas, near a lively farm echoing with the sounds of mules. Whenever we passed by, my daughter would eagerly request to pet and interact with the mules. A special photograph holds a moment dear to me: my daughter standing beside the weathered fence, surrounded by five mules pulling at her hands and clothes, as they playfully nuzzle. Her bright eyes and smile, filled with laughter, bring a contagious sense of happiness to the photo that I will forever cherish. 

The storytelling and artwork depicts Junia’s challenges as she explores diverse landscapes. From the icy chill of snow-covered terrain to the constant downpour of rain, each detail is vividly portrayed. 

David C. Gardner’s artwork is amazing. Through vibrant colors and intricate details, he breathes life into the world of Junia, beautifully portraying its distinct landscapes and characters. Each illustration invites viewers to immerse themselves in a sense of wonder and adventure. 

The back matter provides a deep dive into historical context, shining a light on the real-life Pack Horse Librarians of the 1930s. This program was a unique initiative that delivered books to the most remote parts of Appalachia during the Great Depression. By including this information, readers not only learn about a significant period in American history but also gain a deeper understanding of the commitment and resilience of those involved.

Within the journey of Junia and the Book Woman, themes of perseverance, community, and the transformative influence of books are seamlessly integrated into the storyline. The narrative demonstrates how literature can overcome barriers, create bonds, and instill hope even in challenging situations.

With each page, you’ll be transported to a bygone era where the influence of books and the essence of community shine brightly. The compelling writing by Kim Michele Richardson and the beautiful illustrations by David C. Gardner make JUNIA a gem for readers of all ages, making it a delightful addition to any home or school library.

Get your copy from  Amazon,  Barnes & Noble, or BookShop.org and embark on an inspiring adventure with Junia and the Book Woman. The story not only honors Junia’s resilience and determination but also pays homage to the dedicated Pack Horse librarians who spread knowledge and happiness to numerous people in remote regions.

Lori Keating is an award-winning, multi-genre author with a unique talent for weaving tales that resonate with readers of all ages, blending humor, heart, and a touch of magic. Whether she’s penning a heartwarming children’s story, or an inspiring romance, her passion for storytelling shines through. She enjoys actively participating in the literary community by providing insightful reviews.

GIVEAWAY

If you want to win this book for yourself or the young reader in your life, leave a comment by December 18. I’ll mail it ASAP so hopefully you can get it by Christmas. U.S. addresses only. Educators and media specialists get two chances! Just let me know in your comments.

The post JUNIA: A Heart-Warming Picture Book Review by Lori Keating first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

Share Faire Famous: A Fine Book Review by Kathryn Dover

Share Faire Famous by Stephanie Henson is the perfect balance between a lighthearted, entertaining story and addressing deeper themes such as bullying. With the start of sixth grade quickly approaching, Marshall Hope has a lot to be anxious about. He’s been internet famous since his mother posted baby pictures of him on an app called Share Faire and is struggling to find his identity apart from his internet persona. Yet another challenge arises when Marshall receives messages from an unknown bully. Marshall must decide what kind of person he wants to be.

REVIEW

The story is told from Marshall’s point of view, and I love how his character develops throughout the book. He has to learn to choose to do what is right instead of what is easy. Middle schoolers today can identify with Marshall’s struggles and learn from his choices. I think this book is especially relevant with the prevalence of social media today, as readers can see Marshall’s struggles with being internet famous and how he learns to unplug from social media. Other characters in the book develop, including Marshall’s oldest sister Ruby and his dad. These secondary characters are important to the story, and readers can learn from their development as well.

“Will I be able to have a normal middle school experience or will I have to deal with invasions to my pride and privacy from minute one? I am not even sure who I am at this point. I could just embrace the fame and popularity. Or I can try to carve out my own path, on my own terms” (18).

The author also does a good job of incorporating vivid details and comparisons in the story to help readers understand how Marshall is feeling, and several passages stuck with me. The similes used throughout the story make it especially memorable and convey the author’s points effectively. Marshall’s sense of humor and sarcasm added lighthearted moments to the story and kept me reading. I found Marshall’s relationship with his mother especially interesting.

I really enjoyed reading this story and recommend it to both boys and girls ages ten through twelve.

OUR GUEST BLOGGER

Kathryn Dover lives in South Carolina with her family including five cats, a dog, three fish, and many house plants. She recently graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and was a valedictorian of the Class of 2024. She’s not sure what she wants to do as a career, only that she wants to write, but is trusting that God has a plan for her life to use her in a powerful way. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, playing with her pets, and growing plants.

GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment by December 9 to enter the contest. Stephanie is offering an autographed copy PLUS swag to one fortunate winner. With the holidays coming up, this will make a great gift! U.S. addresses only. Share this on social media for an extra chance to win.

The post Share Faire Famous: A Fine Book Review by Kathryn Dover first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

UNSINKABLE CAYENNE: An Outstanding MG Book Review by Elliott Kurta

Audience: 6th – 9th graders

In Three Words: poetic, empathetic, clear-eyed

One Sentence Synopsis: Cayenne’s family begins to fracture after they abandon their nomadic lifestyle and settle in a small town.

Final Verdict: 4.5/5 stars

REVIEW

            Unsinkable Cayenne is a new take on a classic coming-of-age story perfect for middle schoolers who are ready to take on a more challenging and complex book. Set in 1985, the story sees Cayenne, a 7th grader raised by her two freewheeling hipster parents, thrown from her nomadic lifestyle and into a traditional school system after her father decides to settle down and find a stable job. The transition is jarring, to say the least, and Cayenne finds herself ostracized by her classmates and overlooked by her distracted and overworked parents.

A protagonist of unique grace, empathy, and tenacity, Cayenne proves a role model for young readers. Cayenne faces numerous dilemmas throughout the novel—losing her home, facing peer pressure, and managing her crush on classmate Beau—but meets each struggle with quiet resolution. She encourages readers to act with empathy and eschew conformity, embodying a unique brand of quiet strength even among the awkward missteps that come from being the new kid. 

Cayenne’s unique poeticism adds a new twist to the story. Told in verse, the novel will enrapture fluent readers, but may prove difficult for the average middle schooler. In Jessica Vitalis’s hands, motifs collide, becoming inverted and multi-fauceted: the sinking of the Titantic comes to symbolize Cayenne’s struggles to hold her family together as well as the dehumanizing effects of poverty; birds represent freedom and Cayenne’s strained relationship with her mother; and even the scent of patchouli oil and honey, previously a comfort, becomes a mark of ostracization. Similarly, the novel’s many plotlines and character arcs build to create a complex storyline. While many middle-school novels are propped up by one central conflict—say, a main character struggling academically, unable to make friends, or dealing with their parents’ divorce—Unsinkable Cayenne touches on the setbacks and triumphs Cayenne faces within her school, home, and friend group.

While emotionally moving, Unsinkable Cayenne references some heavier subjects. Specifically, Cayenne’s father is frequently found smoking marijuana, with Cayenne herself alluding to her father experiencing PTSD after the Vietnam War. Not much backstory is given, leaving readers to deduce the source of her father’s presumed addiction, with author Vitalis expecting that her readers will understand the basic context behind the Vietnam War and the political climate in the 1980’s. Younger readers, especially those unfamiliar with the past few decades of history, are likely to find the story’s time period and themes confusing. A few additional casual references to 80’s culture (say, by introducing dated slang; referencing a popular musician, like Prince or Michael Jackson; or having Cayenne engage in a conversation that alludes to the Vietnam War) would go a long way in helping readers better understand and relate to the pop culture of the 80’s.

Despite some of the more complicated themes it addresses, with a little context and guided discussion beforehand, reading Unsinkable Cayenne can be a valuable exercise in empathy. The novel’s thematic and linguistic complexity make it a uniquely rewarding experience for mature readers, but younger readers can still benefit from reading the novel with the guidance of a parent or teacher. Overall, Unsinkable Cayenne is unmistakably worth reading.

Elliott Kurta is a writer, student, and book reviewer. Currently a junior in high school, he enjoys reading and cross-country running in his spare time. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his family and dog. He has won multiple awards for his writing, including a silver key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Make sure you check out other fine middle-grade book reviews on Greg Pattridge’s MMGM blog.

The post UNSINKABLE CAYENNE: An Outstanding MG Book Review by Elliott Kurta first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

SPLASH! A Picture Book Review by Lori Keating

SPLASH! written by Elisa Boxer and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley, (Sleeping Bear Press) is the story of Ethelda Bleibtrey, a trailblazing swimmer who broke barriers and made waves in the world of sports. Known for her determination and resilience, Ethelda’s journey began at a time when women were often discouraged from participating in competitive athletics. Despite societal expectations, she pursued her passion for swimming with unwavering dedication.

REVIEW

Ethelda’s story is not just about her extraordinary achievements in the pool, but also about her courage to challenge the status quo. From a young age, she faced numerous obstacles, including being diagnosed with polio, yet her love for the water and her indomitable spirit propelled her forward. Training tirelessly, she honed her skills and soon began to outshine her competitors.

Ethelda’s influence extended beyond her athletic prowess. She became a vocal advocate for women’s rights, using her platform to promote equality in sports and beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of breaking down barriers, proving that with grit and determination, anyone can make a splash in their chosen field.

Her perseverance paid off when she became the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming at the 1920 Antwerp Games. Ethelda’s victories were groundbreaking, inspiring countless young women to dive into their ambitions, regardless of the limitations imposed by society.

RECOMMENDATION

The back matter provides additional information about Ethelda Bleibtrey’s life and accomplishments, offering readers a deeper understanding of her impact on the world of sports and beyond. It includes historical photographs, and interesting facts that further illuminate her legacy.

By sharing Ethelda Bleibtrey’s story, SPLASH! not only honors a pioneering athlete but also encourages readers to reflect on their own potential to effect change. The book highlights essential themes such as resilience, courage, and the importance of advocating for oneself and others. It demonstrates that history is shaped by those who dare to defy conventions and pursue their passions with relentless fervor.

As young readers turn the pages, they will be captivated by the dynamic illustrations that capture Ethelda’s spirit and the vibrant energy of her era. The book’s engaging narrative and visual appeal make it an excellent tool for educators and parents to discuss the broader context of gender equality and the evolution of women’s roles in sports and society.

Ultimately, SPLASH! is more than just a biography; it is a celebration of a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of female athletes. It is a story that resonates with anyone who has ever faced obstacles on their path to achieving their dreams. Through Ethelda’s journey, readers are reminded that with passion, hard work, and a fearless attitude, they too can make waves in their own lives.

Dive into the pages of your copy from Amazon,  B & N, or BookShop.org. 

GIVEAWAY

This book will make a great addition to any school or home library. Please leave a comment by November 29. Let me know if you are an educator or librarian and I’ll put your name in twice. U.S. addresses only.

Lori Keating is an award-winning, multi-genre author with a unique talent for weaving tales that resonate with readers of all ages, blending humor, heart, and a touch of magic. Whether she’s penning a heartwarming children’s story, or an inspiring romance, her passion for storytelling shines through. She enjoys actively participating in the literary community by providing insightful reviews.

The post SPLASH! A Picture Book Review by Lori Keating first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

CHILDREN OF THE ANCIENT HEROES: A Remarkable Review by Kate Lundeen

New from Monarch Publishing! A middle grade fantasy novel entitled Children of The Ancient Heroes: Dreams and Nightmares by Russell Fellows. 

I grew up wishing that literary worlds like Narnia or Middle Earth were real places to explore. Fellows addresses this type of wanderlust. What if fantasy characters were social outcasts and had important roles to fulfill in a fantasy world as part of their destiny? I find a plotline that blends fantasy and reality to be intriguing.

REVIEW

Children Tirza and Eli Nesbit feel adrift in this world without a place to call home. Their parents uproot the family quite often and the children have very few chances to form friendships. The parents also regale Tirza and Eli with Greek Myths and paint lifelike portrayals of mythical creatures or fantastical scenes. Such storytelling is so convincing that the children believe characters might leap off the page or canvas and inhabit the real world. 

Tirza and Eli stumble upon a mysterious book of magic that unleashes a portal to another world. Tirza lands in a beautiful light-filled landscape with fairies and animals that seem to reognize her. Eli ends up in a dark dragon’s cave plagued by a menacing voice that gives him chills.

The siblings’ tender concern over each other’s well-being right from the entrance into the fantasy world paves the way for Tirza and Eli to uncover their heritage and forge their destiny as the children of the ancient heroes.  When Tirza and Eli reach the fantasy world their first thought is worry for each other as separation splits them apart. Dragons, nymphs, tigers, and fairies come alongside the siblings in reunification efforts, heritage exploration, and development of their magical abilities. When crisis comes to the fantasy world, do Tirza and Eli have what it takes to step into their roles as children of the ancient heroes and save the world from destruction?  

One of the themes in Children of the Ancient Heroes is the treasure of family support that shapes an individual’s heritage or destiny. Papa’s bedtime stories and Mama’s murals encourage a love of fantasy in the children’s hearts.  Papa’s books called out to Tirza at the same time that her mother’s decorative murals held her spellbound.  Fellows writes on page 12, “Giant murals decorated the walls and ceiling, hand-painted by Mama…, their beautiful brushstrokes bringing to life epic tales of adventure…The depth and details of Mama’s paintings were magic on their own.” 

A read of Fellow’s story recalls the saying “No man is an island” and that we all need loved ones and community to flourish as individuals. Fantasy is a fun escape but when push comes to shove, it is a treasure to have family and friends who stick with a person through life’s hard knocks and wonderful joys. Children of the Ancient Heroes is both a mythological page-turner and a touching exploration of family heritage and bonds that bridge two worlds.

The book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the sequel!

***

Readers: Stay tuned for news of the sequel, Children of the Ancient Heroes: Hope and Despair. I’m sure Kate will be anxious to read and review it here!

GIVEAWAY

Russell Fellows is giving away an autographed copy of Children of the Ancient Heroes: Dreams and Nightmares to one fortunate individual, school, or library. To enter, please leave a comment by November 19. If you are an educator or librarian or share this on social media, please let me know. I’ll put your name in twice. U.S. addressses only. It would make a wonderful holiday gift to the young reader in your life!

MEET GUEST BLOGGER, KATE LUNDEEN

The Lord’s hand of watchful care and protection blessed my life from my start as a tiny premature infant. Doctors diagnosed me with cerebral palsy from birth complications which mainly affected my legs and motor skills.  I also have a learning disability that does not allow me to write down or process thoughts as fast as other people.  I am a former homeschooler and obtained an Associate in Arts degree from a North Carolina community college after five years of hard work! I discovered and developed a love for writing in college. Now I pen articles for my local church newsletter and write book reviews. I enjoy my current job as a part-time library assistant in a Christian library in Matthews, NC. I have a servant’s heart and a willing attitude to grow in old skills and develop new ones along whatever path the Lord chooses to take me.

The post CHILDREN OF THE ANCIENT HEROES: A Remarkable Review by Kate Lundeen first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

FLIGHT: An Excellent Book Review by Teen Reviewer, Janelle Ekpo

I started Flight  (Monarch Educational Services, 2024) not sure what the story was about or how I would like it. What I found was unique lyrical poems and beautiful haikus sending the age-old message that grief isn’t the end.

The story follows Cassie, a fifteen-year-old girl who is thrust into heartbreak and heavy responsibility at the death of her father and the subsequent drug addiction of her mother. Before life started falling apart, Cassie was close to her younger sister, Courtney – but that was before. She was also good friends with her little brother – but he ran away, hiding in video games. 

When Cassie’s mom leaves for a temporary stay at a “better place”, Cassie decides that they’ve reached the end. Of course, they haven’t. Their neighbor, Mrs. Lee stays and takes care of the kids, and through her personal grief at the loss of her husband, she helps Cassie and her siblings to heal. Cassie is also given a unique assignment for her science class – one that makes her think about her life, who she really is, and where her battle with hurt is going. 

There were a lot of elements of Flight that I really liked, most of which are small details that add bursts of color to the poem. I liked the references to specific songs the characters would play throughout the poem, like “Stand By Me” and “Sweet Caroline” – because those kinds of connections make readers smile. The references to Edgar Allen Poe, The Giver, and other works of literature were also cool to see. They added depth – specifically relatableness – to the story. I also liked how school, a mundane, seemingly unimportant part of Cassie’s life, became influential to her struggle with grief. She studied butterflies, and the definitions of the word “butterfly”, and then compared both her own life, finding the ways in which she reflected the definitions. These comparisons added so much depth to the story! 

None of the characters were perfect. Whiting showed the growth of all of the main characters so beautifully.  No one is perfect in real life, but writers, (I speak as a writer), often have a hard time making their characters flawed, and then letting them heal. Cassie is imperfect, just as much as her drug-addict mother – and that’s real. They both heal, and that makes the story sweet.

The themes of change and hope in dealing with grief were beautifully woven throughout the poem, and Sandy Whiting expertly tied them into the mundane things of life, making the experience of reading this book feel very real and true. This book would be great for tweens and teens dealing with grief, or anybody who wants something that shows pain and healing in a way that will stick with them. 

These were some of my favorite lines:

Haiku for Jeremy, Chapter 113

A breeze passes by

My fears, whisked away with it

Now replaced with hope

********

Chapter 109

The sun is starting to set when
we finally finish our memory garden. We
planted it on the right side of
our house, closest to Mrs. Lee’s.

Our special meeting place.

A place between anger and loneliness, where
acceptance and love begin to bloom.

**********

Chapter 100

Mrs. Lee turns the station to the
oldies, again. I’ve come to enjoy it,
actually. It has a certain pep to it.

I’ve never listened to ‘60s music before
Mrs. Lee, but I’m finally starting to
realize – change doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

********

A Haiku for Mrs. Lee, Chapter 148
I almost burnt out
You hovered over my flame
And kept me alive

Janelle is a junior from South Carolina who is passionate about Christian fantasy, realistic fiction, and writing. She often helps students with their papers and write book reviews to encourage people to read quality books. She is working on growing her personal library! Janelle last reviewed Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So.

GIVEAWAY

Sandy will send an autographed copy of FLIGHT to one of you! (U.S. Addresses only). Please leave a comment by November 11 to enter. If you share this on social media or are a librarian or educator, you get extra chances. Just let me know in the comments.

The post FLIGHT: An Excellent Book Review by Teen Reviewer, Janelle Ekpo first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

Blue Willow -PART III: Comments on a Surprisingly Influential Book

By the time you read this, I hope to be well on the road to recovery from pneumonia. Getting sick got my attention. I had to rest! I put aside my pile of revisions for Half-Truths courtesy of my mentor, Joyce Moyer Hostetter, but I didn’t put aside the “thinking about” process that all writers experience. I’m re-reading Blue Willow by Doris Gates. I’d forgotten that the main character’s step-mother gets pneumonia in the story. I could relate to that!

As I wrote in my first blog post about Blue Willow, Half-Truths’ two main characters, Kate Dinsmore and Lillian Bridges, both read this Depression-era book. That is one of the ways they begin to connect as friends. On this re-read I’m realizing additional connections between Half-Truths and Blue Willow can be made which will increase emotional resonance. Exciting work ahead!

In my couch potato hours, I’m also enjoying paging through The Best of Norman Rockwell

and Norman Rockwell’s America. I’m not only re-discovering beautiful paintings, sketches that inspired my characters, and snapshots of 1940’s-1950’s Americana, but a magazine which my protagonist, Kate Dinsmore, would have leafed through.

Given that I’ve had a week of coughing and fatigue, I thought today I’d encourage you to read my first blog post about Blue Willow in which I talked about how that 1941 Newberry Honor winner was influencing my developing manuscript. I wrote that post almost ten years ago. Needless to say, Blue Willow hasn’t changed, but my story has. When Half-Truths comes out in 2025, you won’t read that opening in Chapter One. And later in the book you won’t find Kate with a little sister named Maggie, because I wrote her out of the story! But, you will find a budding friendship between Kate and Lillian Bridges. And a few lines that believe it or not… didn’t change one bit.

Many of you are new to my blog so I hope you will enjoy looking back at a book that I am still learning from. Two years ago, some of you read the follow up to that post, BLUE WILLOW: A BOOK that LILLIE AND KATE READ PART II and INSIGHT INTO REVISION. As I go into this last round of revisions, I once again see how the work of revision is such a HUGE part of writing.

Look for at least one more post about how this short classic from 1941 has impacted a book written 80 years later. If you chose to become a part of my launch team–a copy of Blue Willow will be one of the prizes. In fact, here’s the QRC code to sign up now!

Make sure that you check out Greg Pattridge’s MMGM blog for more great middle-grade suggestions.

The post Blue Willow -PART III: Comments on a Surprisingly Influential Book first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

A is For Asian American: Read this Awesome Book Review by Lori Keating

REVIEW

A is for Asian American: An Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Alphabet written by Virginia Loh-Hagan and illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop, (Sleeping Bear Press) is a delightful book packed with facts about Asian culture. Each page features a letter from the alphabet, accompanied by engaging rhyming text and historical, cultural information in the sidebar. 

In the opening pages, you’ll discover lesser-known APIDA milestones in U.S. history that were not typically taught in school. These moments play a vital role in expanding cultural understanding.

FOR YOUNG and OLDER READERS

From A to Z, the book introduces young readers to influential figures, traditions, and contributions of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community. The sidebars provide more detail and engage older readers with such information as what people groups are included under “Asian American”; the experiences of immigrants to the United States; as well as examples of Asian Americans pioneers in sports, writing, politics, and other professions.  

“G” stands for Grandparents, highlighting the deep respect and reverence for elders in the community. 

Bubble Tea is one of my daughter’s favorite drinks! The page not only describes the origins and popularity of this delightful beverage but also provides a fun rhyme that captures its essence.

The vibrant illustrations by Tracy Nishimura Bishop bring the stories to life, adding a visual treat that complements the educational content. Several illustrations include children of all ages so that middle-school students will also be able to identify with the content.

The back matter includes activities for Filipinx American History Month and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American History/Heritage Month, inviting young readers to explore the vibrant heritage and history highlighted in the book. These activities consist of crafts, recipes, dances, and more, all aimed at enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures found within the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community.

Through its engaging format and beautiful illustrations, “A is for Asian American” serves as an excellent resource for K-8 classrooms, children, and parents as it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures within the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community. It’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and the many threads that weave together to form the rich tapestry of American life.

You can get your copy at Amazon,  B & N, or BookShop.org and fosters a sense of pride and identity among young readers, exploring the beauty and complexity of their heritage. The book is excellent for classrooms and homes alike, offering a springboard for discussions about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of cultural awareness.

Lori Keating is an award-winning, multi-genre author with a unique talent for weaving tales that resonate with readers of all ages, blending humor, heart, and a touch of magic. Whether she’s penning a heartwarming children’s story, or an inspiring romance, her passion for storytelling shines through. She enjoys actively participating in the literary community by providing insightful reviews. She last reviewed MUSHROOM RAIN.

GIVEAWAY NEWS

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment by October 29. U.S. addresses only. Let me know if you are a librarian, teacher, or home school educator and you’ll get an extra chance. Congratulations to Pam Halter who won THE SWAMP OF DOOM.

You’ll find more MG books on Greg Pattridge’s MMGM blog that posts on Monday. Check it out!

The post A is For Asian American: Read this Awesome Book Review by Lori Keating first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

The Swamp of Doom: A Review by Lucie B., a New Guest Blogger

I’m happy to introduce a new young book reviewer to you. Lucie B. read Riley Cross’s new chapter book, THE SWAMP OF DOOM: The Cursed Champions Club Book One. (Monarch: 2024) and here’s what she thought.

REVIEW

This story presents a girl named Blip (short for Bad Luck Princess) who lives in a small, mythical town in a section called Zone 13.  The Galactic Government wants to drain the swamp in her backyard of all radioactivity, which will kill all the animals and plants like aligarks and mermaids.  Although sometimes dangerous, she loves the swamp because it has been near her home for as long as she can remember.  Blip has to find a sword, a rock, and some magic writing to save the swamp and stop the Galactic Government.  Can she do it, despite her bad luck?

The imaginary world Blip lives in is dangerous and hilarious.  First, the interesting swamp creatures are mostly dangerous.  There are aligarks that may eat you, unless it is the friendly one named Danny.  The spitting spiders’ poison will burn holes in anything it touches—Yikes! In her library, Blip is frightened by the stone gargoyles that turn to look at you mysteriously.  Second, her world is hilarious.  Her cat has two tails, her phone is a skull that shrieks instead of rings, and the lionhead door knocker roars instead of bangs.  All in all, I think this book is a good read.  The author created a story that is dangerous and hilarious at the same time.

Make sure to check out Greg Pattridge’s wonderful Marvelous Middle Grade Monday blog post for other middle grade reviews.

GIVEAWAY & NEWS

Riley Cross is giving away an autographed copy of THE SWAMP OF DOOM! Leave a comment by October 22 to enter. Riley told me that Book 2 is in the works and a whole pack of giggling library gargoyles can’t wait to escape! U.S. addresses only.

Congratulations to Joan Edwards who won GOAT’S BOAT WON’T FLOAT.

Lucie is a 9-year-old homeschooler who attends Greyfriars Classical Tutorials.  She enjoys horseback riding, crafts, and playing with her pet hamster.

The post The Swamp of Doom: A Review by Lucie B., a New Guest Blogger first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

GOAT’S BOAT WON’T FLOAT: A Picture Book Young Readers Will Love and A Giveaway!

[image error]REVIEW

In Kim A. Larson’s debut early reader picture book, Goat’s Boat Won’t Float, young readers discover a fascinating STEM fact. Some goats faint when startled by loud noises! Kim took this little-known fact and brilliantly created a funny scenario. The internal rhyme of goat/float/boat/oats/coat will have kids asking for it over and over again. They will also quickly learn to chime in on “Clunk!” when the goat faints. 

Now, to the story with Goat’s conflict presented on the first page.

When he wakes up, he’s hungry. But, oh no!

Goat sets to work to solve his problem. He decides to enlist his friend, Turkey, to help get groceries—ie, his oats. BUT! Goat introduces a complication. In order to prevent him from hearing loud noises and fainting, he puts on ear muffs. But now he can’t hear when anyone tries to help him!

And, he ends up with so many oats that their boat won’t float!

After ditching a cookie, a pumpkin, and surplus boxes of oats, the two friends float home. Goat offers to share his oats with Turkey. But Turkey’s got his sights on his own tasty meal… a bug on a rug. When he knocks over a lamp with a Crash! the reader knows that poor Goat’s problems aren’t over.

Since I’m partial to books about goats (spoiler alert: my main character in Half-Truths has a pet goat!) I plan to get this book for my grandkids. I also enjoyed the color pallete of green, orange, brown, with red accents in the humorous illustrations by Gozde Eyce.

The word count for this recent release from The Little Press, comes to an astounding 300 words. That’s a lot of story punch in a short book children will quickly learn to read themselves. The lyrical language will make this a popular book during family or library story time.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I asked Kim to share her inspiration and path to publication.

My inspiration:

In May 2020, I watched an SCBWI webinar by Ann Ingalls on how to write early readers. I learned that most early readers use sight words, which are common words kids recognize without sounding them out. So, I bought the Children’s Writer’s WORD BOOK to know what words were acceptable. On the kindergarten list was the word “goat,” and I knew I had my main character. 

My grandchildren introduced me to fainting goats on their hobby farm several years ago, and I thought they were hilarious. So I had written a different picture book about a fainting goat who was a private investigator. I just recycled that character. Turkey is also on the kindergarten word list, and she appeared with Goat in my other story, so I recycled her too. The two make a good pair of opposites.  

This is a picture of Shadrach, the true inspiration.

My path to publication:

In 2010, I was laid off from my job as a mortgage loan officer. I had been writing as a hobby, knowing someday it would be my career. My husband agreed that I should pursue my dream to write full-time. I wrote two novels and a devotional-style Bible study first, then in 2018 I found a local SCBWI writing group. I fell in love with writing picture books. 

In March 2022, I was a finalist in Mindy Weiss’s #PBParty Showcase. This put my query letter and the first 70 words of my story in front of certain agents and editors. Those interested, asked to see the full manuscript. My entry was about a fainting goat who was a private detective. This is how I got my first agent. At the same time, I had submitted a pitch to an “above the slush-pile” opportunity through Children’s Book Insider. Astra Publishing requested the manuscript and a proposal. I had just signed with my agent May 1, so she submitted my story and proposal to Astra and other publishers. By August, The Little Press made an offer on this story.  

****

Carol’s questions:

Since I’ve played around with writing early readers with internal rhyme, I asked Kim if the book was difficult to write. She said: “I like to write lyrically, so that probably affected my sentence structures and word placements. I didn’t find it hard at all. I really had fun writing with a limited vocabulary and keeping a beginning reader in mind.”  

What’s next?

Kim told me she has a second picture book coming out next year with Clavis Publishing called Doll Trouble. Clavis publishes in the Netherlands first (Dutch) and it’ll come out in the U.S. about 6 months later. Her contract with The Little Press gives them the option to publish two more early reader picture books in the Goat and Turkey stories. Stay tuned!

GIVEAWAY

The Little Press is providing a giveaway copy of Goat’s Boat Won’t Float to one of you. Leave a comment by October 17 and I’ll enter your name. Share this on social media or subscribe to my blog and I’ll enter your name twice. PLUS! Kim is going to draw a winner from everyone who leaves a review on Amazon during October.

The post GOAT’S BOAT WON’T FLOAT: A Picture Book Young Readers Will Love and A Giveaway! first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .