C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 48
May 30, 2018
Summer Reading Challenge
BINGO boards have been making the rounds via social media, with everyone searching for common ground and (figuratively) covering those squares. Elza and I both filled them out. She posted ours side-by-side on this post, which gives you the chance to see which of us you’re most like.
[image error]
Even more exciting, we’re doing a Summer Reading Challenge over the summer, with a new BINGO board every month. Play along by picking up your June board >>
May 29, 2018
#amreading Fancifully
[image error]
In Circus Mirandus, Micah’s grown up with his grandfather’s stories about a magical circus, and he believes them all. Especially the ones about the Man Who Bends Light, who once promised Grandpa Ephraim a miracle. The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline is the fifth book in the Enola Holmes series, which introduces us to Mycroft’s and Sherlock’s much younger sister. And in The Last Motley, Roderick the tailor discovers a boy who seems lost and alone, only to recoil at the vivid pattern of diamonds...
May 28, 2018
#MGCarousel
[image error]
Reading MG. There’s a new blog especially for lovers of middle grade fiction (for 8-12 year olds). Book reviews, monthly themes, national days, quotes, and cover art. We kicked everything off this month, and we’re gearing up with fresh challenges for June. (Including a round of book bingo for summer reading!) Come follow Elza & me at Elymnifoquent.com >>
BYWAYS: Illustrations
Every one of the Byways Books includes beautiful full-color art by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Here’s a sampling from Book #5, Inside the Tree: A Ewan Johns Adventure.
[image error]
May 22, 2018
#amreading Dangerously
[image error]
In The Evil Wizard Smallbone, Neil runs away from the uncle who beats him and the cousin who bullies him only to find himself on an evil wizard’s doorstep. Getting away proves impossible, but perhaps that’s not such a bad thing. The Whispering Skull is the second book in the ghost-ridden Lockwood & Co. series. (Jonathan Stroud has been added to my Favorite Authors list.) And Wild Boy is the fourth book in the Rowan Hood set (each member of her outlaw band is getting their moment.)
May 21, 2018
BYWAYS: Behind the Header
[image error]
How about a look behind the Byways header on Book #13, Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure? This story follows Ganix to the circus, where he is able to protect his teammates and make new friends. He earns a stage name (or two) and does odd jobs behind the scenes. The cover art for Book #13 features the Neptune Circus carousel.
[image error]
Story Excerpt:
The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stom...
BYWAYS: Portraits
Meet Ian Johns, father to the three boys who are caught up in an epic race across their homeland.
[image error]
Ian Johns is the founder of the postal system in the land of Liberty. Twice widowed, the Postmaster has three sons, all half-brothers, and the boys don’t get along. In order to help them bond, Ian plans a tour of the countryside in the hopes that travel will bring his sons closer together. Somehow, the plan is twisted around, and the trip becomes a race.
[image error]
May 15, 2018
#amreading Daring Doings
[image error]
Alex and the Ironic Gentleman is a quirky adventure of the punny, tongue-in-cheek, intentionally (and intensively) whimsical sort. The Ransomed Crown is the fourth book in the Saga of Roland Innes, which is set very much alongside the legend of Robin Hood. And The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan is fourth installment in the Enola Holmes mystery series (which I wholeheartedly adored and cannot recommend more).
May 8, 2018
#amreading Puzzling Cases
[image error]
The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets is the third in the Enola Holmes mystery series, in which Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister decides to take private action when Dr. John Watson goes missing. Ghostly Echoes is the third of four books in the Jackaby series, in which the cases always have a paranormal twist. And Tommy Black and the Coat of Invincibility is a magical historical storyline, set during WWII.
May 7, 2018
BYWAYS: Behind the Header
[image error]
In the seventh book of the Byways series, Ganix lands in a mess of trouble when he decides an enslaved magician needs a friend. Our scampish hero takes his usual talent for mischief to a whole new level—jailbreaks, manhunts, and a secret organization. Across the Line introduces readers to Hurlock, who’s featured in the cover illustration.
[image error]
Story Excerpt:
Off to one side, on a stage of some kind, Ganix saw another man with dark skin like Luke’s. His hair was twisted into thick ropes, and his...
