Carol Baldwin's Blog, page 7
August 11, 2024
MEATBALL MAN HEAD DETECTIVE: A Review by Guest Bloggers, Janelle Ekpo and Eleanor Edgar PLUS a Giveaway!
Meatball Man Head Detective: The Case of the Missing Pepper Shaker (Monarch Publishing, 2024) by author illustrator Sandy Whiting is not for the faint of heart. This story is fun in itself, detective foodlings searching for the missing pepper-shaker, but the distinct, over the top voice of Meatball Man makes the adventures an even greater delight to read.
In Meatball Man’s first adventure we see a lot of friendships and team work. Refreshingly, these themes are presented in new, fun ways. The characters argue. The friends have to discuss ideas in order to move forward in their investigations. Throughout the story the characters make assumptions that are challenged and found to be wrong. They have to retracetheir steps in order to come to the right conclusion.
My favorite characters are Marty (Meatball Man!) And Sally the Salt Shaker. Meatball Man has a strong, overconfident personality – the kind that’s almost impossible not to like. Sally the Salt Shaker is just memorable. So incredibly emotional, crying salt all over the place, and with her dedication to finding her missing husband – she’s a fun, dramatic character.
Sally Salt Shaker enters Detective Meatball Man’s office after her husband, Petey Pepper Shaker went missing.
Besides the characters, voice, and story, there are the cute illustrations. They’re descriptive and match not only the story well, but also the personality of the characters. They add more depth to the story and world.
Meatball Man, Bread Stick, and Cheese Stick playing cards.
The story of Meatball Man is great for younger middle-school kids. The story is a cross between a picture book and a chapter book, a great bridge for younger kids into the world of reading. Beside that, this book also serves as an introduction into the genre of mystery, as well as introducing the fact that authors can have distinct, fun voices!
A confused Petey Pepper Shaker.
What are you waiting for? Check this book out at your favorite indie bookstore, Bookshop, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
Janelle is a rising junior from South Carolina who is passionate about Christian fantasy, realistic fiction, and writing. She often helps students with their papers and writes book reviews to encourage people to read quality books. She is working on growing her personal library. She last reviewed The Groundworld Heroes.
Review by Eleanor EdgarThis is Eleanor and I am 9. After my grandma read this book to me, I thought it was funny. I think it would be fun being a detective, but who wants salt all over their office floor? Not me! The ending was really good because Sally Salt finally got her husband, Petey Pepper, back. And the little Sugar Cube was happy to have his daddy home.
Eleanor is a rising fourth grader at Claritas Classical Academy. She likes reading, playing with her brothers, horses, and holding her baby sister. She does NOT like spiders.
GIVEAWAYLeave a comment by August 15 to win this book for a special young reader. It would make a great gift to a teacher for her classroom library. Share this post on social media OR decide to follow my blog and I’ll add your name an extra time. US addresses only.
Make sure to check out the other middle grade book reviews on Greg Pattridge’s MMGM blog!
August 6, 2024
A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway by Lori Keating
A Little Bit of Everything written by Meghana Narayan and illustrated by Michelle Carlos (Sleeping Bear Press: 2024) is a captivating picture book that delves into the essence of individuality.
The text portrays Amaya’s celebration of her Indian and Chinese background, in which she inherits characteristics from both her mother and father. As Amaya grows, her life’s encounters lead to heightened creativity, profound empathy, and an insatiable curiosity beyond her expectations. These unique qualities not only shape Amaya’s identity but also highlight her capacity for personal advancement, surpassing her parents’ aspirations.
Flipping through the pages felt like setting off on a delightful adventure through the sea, garden, and sky, uncovering the multitude of influences that not only define Amaya’s uniqueness but also resonate with my own experiences. Each page paints a vivid picture by blending different colors and textures, encapsulating the genuine essence of these diverse elements, inspiring me to sit down and craft my own distinct fusion.
The sea represents the depth of your emotions and the mysteries of your inner world.
The garden symbolizes growth, nurturing, and the blooming of your unique talents and qualities.
The sky stands for your dreams, aspirations, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
REFLECTIONAs I read this lovely story, I was invited to reflect on the many facets of my being. The whimsical illustrations and poetic prose come together to create a heartfelt narrative that speaks to the child in all of us. The pages are adorned with meticulous illustrations, where the artist brings the words to life, as if they are about to jump out of the book and join the reader on their journey. A combination of vibrant colors and intricate lines tells stories that go beyond words, creating a mesmerizing blend of visual and narrative enchantment.
Whether you are reading this book to a young child or enjoying it yourself, it serves as a gentle reminder that you are a beautiful blend of countless influences that contribute to the wonderful person you are.
In the end, A Little Bit of Everything is more than just a book; it’s a celebration of individuality and a tribute to the diverse threads that weave together to create the unique tapestry of you. Ideal for gifting or enhancing any home or library, this book is sure to become a treasured addition for everyone’s collection.
So, take a moment to immerse yourself in this literary gem, and let it remind you of the endless possibilities that lie within you. Order today at Amazon, B & N, or BookShop.org
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 NEWSTo enter this giveaway, please leave a comment by August 10. If you share this on social media or follow my blog, I’ll give you two chances. U.S. addresses only.
Congratulations to Karen Yingling who won Keeping Pace from last week’s blog.
August 1, 2024
KEEPING PACE: A Middle-Grade Book Review by Guest Blogger, Mara Scudder
Keeping Pace by Laurie Morrison, is a middle-grade novel that follows Grace the summer after graduating middle school and losing the title of Top Academic Scholar by half a point to her friend-turned-rival, Jonah Perkins.
The book follows Grace’s struggle dealing with failure and coming to understand that success is not always measured through achievement. Determined to beat Jonah at something and win the approval of her disinterested father, Grace accepts Jonah’s challenge to race a half marathon before school starts again. So they start training side by side, setting the stage for the summer’s adventures and the development of an unexpected friendship between them.
The themes and message of the book were well handled, and I found the characters to be fully fleshed out. Each relationship was created with an unusually rich history for a middle grade novel, and that history came into play throughout the story, pushing relationships forward as old references and shared memories helped develop the connections between the characters. Structuring the entire book around Grace’s training over the summer made for an interesting frame for the story, imitating the drive and goal-oriented nature of its protagonist.
Middle-Grade or Young Adult?However, the story, plot beats, and themes seemed to point to a different genre and audience than the author intended. While the characters are all in their early teens and the book is marketed as middle-grade, nearly everything else seemed to point to a more natural young adult placement. From the themes of identity and coming-of-age to the major romantic subplot, many of the elements seemed to fit more naturally in the young adult genre, something I haven’t seen before in middle-grade fiction.
Even many of the school-related elements had YA equivalencies, and could have easily been written from the perspective of a graduating highschool student, even adding impact and higher stakes to otherwise less important events. The essay Grace and Jonah argued over could have been intended for a college application, instead of a writing contest. The award of “Top Academic Scholar” could have been replaced with the title of valedictorian. These changes would have given extra weight and importance to the events of the plot. And perhaps most importantly, the extra years and older age would have given the characters more time to deal with the difficulties that had plagued their “pasts” — written in the story to have happened only two years before its opening, hardly enough time for two fourteen-year-olds to fully work past their parents’ death and divorce.
RecommendationAside from that, I found the book to be overall a great story, with well-developed characters, interesting relationships, and an important message. It brings an unusually dedicated protagonist to the middle-grade genre, and the themes of success through helping others and graciousness in failure made the book’s message especially memorable.
Our Book Reviewer
Hi! My name is Mara, and I’m a Christian artist, violinist, and blogger. I remember the day that I decided that I would learn something new about what makes a good story from every book I picked up — whether it was good, bad, or a mixture of both. I use my blog as a way of sharing some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned and highlighting which books, cartoons, and movies have taught me the most about writing an awesome story. I’m in twelfth grade and live in Philadelphia. I last reviewed Tears To Princess on Mrs. Baldwin’s blog.
GiveawayMara is giving away her copy of Keeping Pace. Leave a comment by August 7 and I’ll enter your in the contest. U.S. addresses only. Share this on social media or sign up to follow my blog and I’ll enter your name twice.
Find more middle-grade books on Greg Pattridge’s wonderful MMGM blog.
July 29, 2024
Summer’s Call- A Michigan Day: A Giveaway and Book Review by Lori Keating
REVIEWSummer’s Call A Michigan Day written by Amber Lynn Hellewell and Illustrated by Gretchen Ellen Powers (Sleeping Bear Press: 2022) is a sweet lyrical picture book that captures the essence of a perfect summer’s day in Michigan. With vivid descriptions and lovely illustrations, it transports readers to a world where the sky is a brilliant blue, the lakes glisten like jewels, and the scent of campfire is caught in a child’s hair.
From the moment I laid eyes on the title and cover, I was eager to dive into this book. The soft colors and nostalgic artwork invited me to explore its contents. I could already picture myself enjoying sun-soaked days full of excitement and happiness. The prospect of a tale capturing the essence of a perfect Michigan summer was too alluring to ignore. As I turned the pages, I was instantly transported to a place where time felt like it stood still, and each moment was cherished like the delightful flavor of freshly-picked cherries baked into a pie.
Each page invites you to explore the beauty of Michigan, and to experience the joy and wonder that summer brings. Whether you’re a child or an adult, this book is a delightful reminder of the simple pleasures of summertime and the timeless memories that come with it. With every turn of the page, you’ll find yourself transported to a world where the sun shines a little brighter and the days feel a little longer.
The book also captures the magic of the dancing bonfire on the lake, while Dad plays his guitar. As you read, you might hear the distant call of a loon across a still lake or feel the thrill of a firefly landing gently on your hand, lighting up the night with its tiny glow.
Each page and illustration is a celebration of the moments that make summer in Michigan so unforgettable. It’s an invitation to slow down, to savor the beauty around you, and to create your own cherished memories.
BACKMATTERThe backmatter on how to make a mobile to capture the adventures of summer will have you reminiscing about sun-soaked days and starry nights. This guide offers step-by-step instructions, creative tips, and inspirational ideas to craft a personalized mobile that encapsulates the essence of your summer escapades.
So grab your copy today and let the adventure begin. Amazon, B & N, or BookShop.org
GIVEAWAYFor a chance to win this book and take a sweet trip to a cool lake in Michigan, please leave a comment by July 31. U.S. postal addresses only. Share this giveaway on social media, and I’ll give you an extra chance.
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.
July 17, 2024
Winners, Whales, and Websites
If you’ve noticed, for the last few weeks I’ve been giving away books as fast as I could post the reviews. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaways.
I’m pleased to announce some winners!
Danielle Hammelef won The Girl Who Loved Poutine.Marci Whitehurst won Ice Cream Everywhere. Melanie Dulaney won The Little Red Chair.Joyce Hostetter won The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones.Danielle Hammelef won Wand.WHALESI’ve had so many giveaways because of Lori Keating’s great help reviewing my stack of picture books. I’m also going on vacation for 10 days and wanted to post as many reviews as possible before I left.
I’m off to Bellingham, Washington to celebrate my youngest daughter’s wedding and then taking my first Road Scholar trip–to the San Juan Islands. I hope to hike, take a writing break, (although I’m packing a journal!), and see some whales!
WEBSITESWhile I’m away, here are some of my favorite websites you might want to take a peak it. If you’re looking for writing instruction or more kids books to buy or take out of the library, you’ll find both here.
Rosi Hollenbeck’s Blog. I think of Rosi as my California counterpart. We both love books for kids and started blogging around the same time.
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday Greg Pattridge’s blog is a treasure for book reviews on middle grade books. A great resource for librarians & parents.
Writer Unboxed. Excellent instructional and inspirational articles for writers.
Writers Helping Writers. If you follow me on social media, then you probably have seen the posts I’ve shared about this amazing resource. Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman are writing wizards and incredibly helpful. Top notch.
Writing and Illustrating. If you are writing for children, follow this blog. Kathy Temean posts a lot of giveaways and agent interviews.
Write2Ignite. This site is primarily for Christians who are writing for the kidlit market, but all Christian writers will find encouragement and writing tips there.
Now, Excuse Me While I Pack…I’ll be back in your inbox on July 29 with another picture book giveaway, courtesy Lori and Sleeping Bear Press.
July 12, 2024
Wand by Landra Jennings: A Middle- Grade Review and Giveaway
Eleven-year-old Mira wishes everything could go back to the way it was. Before she changed schools and had to quit gymnastics. Especially before Papa died. Now she spends her days cooking and cleaning for her stepsisters and Val—who she still won’t call mom and still won’t forgive for the terrible thing she did.
When a mysterious girl named Lyndame appears out of the woods wielding a powerful wand, she makes Mira an offer she can’t refuse: she will grant Mira three wishes.
What if magic isn’t just pretend after all? What if these wishes could fix everything? But in the quiet town of Between, Georgia, where secrets lurk and rumors swirl of strange creatures, nothing is as it seems, and everything comes at a price.
When you’re in a critique group and one of your partners’ books comes out, it is time to celebrate! Landra Jennings and I were in a critique group together when I lived in Greenville, SC. I am happy to share her second fantasy middle-grade novel, Wand (Clarion Books: 2023).
ReviewWho can resist opening lines like the following:
Something watched from the kitchen window. Mira noticed it peering in as she gathered the ingredients for the pancakes. (p.1)
Immediately, the reader knows that something unusual is happening on an otherwise normal day. Mira was being watched by a THING.
From that intriguing opening, the reader is immersed in a world that is simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary. The “ordinary”: Mira is an eleven-year-old loaded with huge responsiblities to care for her step-sisters, a disfunctional relationship with her step-mother, and feels alone and misunderstood.
The “extraordinary”: a huge golden bird who suddenly appears one day, the town’s Glass Pond that randomly vomits up strange characters, and Lyndame- a strange looking girl who promises to be the answer to all of Mira’s problems.
The reader empathizes with Mira when the three wishes she asks for backfire. Suddenly, the thing she has yearned for (such as a normal family) doesn’t seem so great anymore. The reader will want to cry out when Mira turns her back on her younger step-sisters who obviously love her. And they will feel anguish when Mira makes choices and decisions that are dangerous.
Following Greg Pattridge’s great example when he reviews books, here are somethings I particularly liked about Wand.
How the author weaves in Mira’s backstory and why she distrusts Val.The mystery of the magical world underneath the Glass Pond.How Val and her step-sisters follow her into the magical world in order to bring her home.I was impressed with the world-building of the magical world beneath the Glass Pond. How Mira realizes that she is looking for a place where she is loved.When Mira throws away the magic and faces her grief over losing her father.When she gets ready to return to Between, Georgia she realizes, “Life wasn’t exactly as Mira had wanted it to be, she thought as she followed. But maybe everything would be all right.”Mira is a character who learns and grows. Although she faces her fears, anger, and grief in unusual ways, at the end, she has learned to love the people who love her. The more people you love, the bigger your heart gets. (p. 206)
GiveawayThis is a book that girls between 9 and 11 will enjoy. I am giving away my gently read copy to someone who promises to read it and pass it along to a student or young person in their life. Enter soon! The giveaway ends 8 AM on July 17.
Look for more great middle-grade books on Monday. Greg Pattridge will share many from his team of bloggers!
July 9, 2024
The Girl Who Loved Poutine: A Picture Book Review by Lori Keating and a Giveaway
The Girl Who Loved Poutine written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson and illustrated by Rachel QiuQi (Sleeping Bear Press) is about the many ways to make poutine and Canada Day celebration. The book takes readers to the heart of Canadian culture, exploring the beloved dish that has captured the taste buds of a nation.
With lovely illustrations and engaging storytelling, readers are introduced to the many delicious variations of poutine, from the classic fries, cheese curds, and gravy to creative twists featuring toppings like salt meat, shredded beef, and even lobster. Each variation of poutine takes Zoey, the protagonist, on a journey to different parts of Canada. Whether she’s savoring a version from Montreal or indulging in a seafood-infused poutine from Prince Edward Island, each dish tells a story of its regional roots and culinary heritage. The book not only honors the diversity of this cherished Canadian comfort food, but also allows readers to delve into Zoey’s vibrant memories that she experiences with each taste.
The diversity depicted in the illustrations adds a rich cultural narrative to the overall story. Each character, with their unique backgrounds, brings a sense of authenticity and inclusivity that resonates with the audience.
The celebration of Canada Day adds an extra layer of excitement to the story, with colorful fireworks, and a family gathering to celebrate two birthdays.
This book beautifully captures the spirit of joy that defines Canada, making it a perfect anytime read for children and families who want to celebrate and learn more about this unique and tasty tradition.
BACK MATTER
At the end of this book, you’ll find fun facts about poutine and a recipe making this book a delightful read for food enthusiasts and curious cooks alike. Now you can try making this iconic dish at home and explore Canada’s culinary heritage. Happy cooking!
Grab your fork, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure across Canada, one mouthwatering poutine at a time.
Get your copy today at Amazon, B & N, or BookShop.org
Lori Keating is a 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.
GIVEAWAYI am giving away this book through the Talking Story newsletter. Leave me a comment here and I’ll add your name once. Leave me a comment through the newsletter (which publishes tomorrow. Subscribe ) and I’ll enter your name twice. Giveaway ends July 15. U.S. addresses only.
