Review of Isosceles by Scott R. Caseley

This World of Ink Tour is dedicated to the young adult novel, ISOSCELES, by Scott R. Caseley, published by MuseItUp Publishing. Congratulations, Scott, for an interesting look into the problems and psychology of children and teens.

On the very first day of Sean McIntyre and Trey Goodsby’s acquaintance in first grade,  we see the warning signs that this relationship is bound for trouble. As Trey builds a structure of blocks, Sean (jealous of the attention directed at Trey) throws a triangular block at him, but the block hits another first-grader, Madeline Edwards. Soon the reader realizes charming Trey has a talent for mischief-making leadership. Sean remains the quiet follower, and Madeline becomes the third member of this unusual grouping.

Then it happens that Sean’s mother and Trey’s father knew each other years ago and now decided to finish what they had started. So the two families break up. The two boys are unhappy, and defiant Trey leads Sean into to stealing. Trey predicts Sean and Madeline will marry, but it seems unlikely since they are simply friends.

As the three friends progress through school, Madeline tries to smooth things over between the boys and  their truant parents, to no avail. Trey continues to steal things, but when Sean’s mother warns him about Trey, Sean is resentful. His father says:

“She worries, Sean. That’s all. She’s just doing her motherly duty letting you

know she cares how you choose to live your life,” he said with tenderness.

“Was it part of her ‘motherly duty’ to leave us?” As I asked the question, the

color left his face, his eyes lost all expression, and he walked out of the room

without saying another word. As I had when Trey rode off on stolen bicycle, I just

watched Pop leave while I remained motionless not knowing what to do or say. I

felt a surge of guilt in an instant. One day, I prayed I’d be able to say the right

things to help someone. Never again, I vowed would I make anyone feel pain by

my words or my silence.

The game of MASH predicts that Madeline will marry Sean, but she says she never thought of him in those terms; and this years after Trey had predicted the very same thing.

Sean’s mother dies of an aneurism and the reception following the funeral is at Sean’s home. Madeline’s mother had committed suicide when she was a little girl.

The triangle drifts apart through the high school years. Then after  years of separation, the three go to a dance together. The evening turns out to be a date for Trey and Madeline while Sean becomes a wall flower.

Over the course of the story, Madeline falls in love with Trey, Sean falls in love with Madeline, and Trey loves all the girls. A lop-sided threesome. Madeline tries unsuccessfully to improve Trey, but he continues to lie and even drops out of school. Trey makes love to Madeline, but feels so guilty he tries to kill himself. His self-loathing finally makes him succeed and Sean gives a touching eulogy at Trey’s funeral.

Though Trey dies, there is a somewhat happy ending with an enduring hopeful prospect.

The finer psychological points are revealed slowly throughout the story, so I’ll leave it to you, dear reader, to decide which leg of the isosceles triangle was the short one.

ISOSCELES is available at MuseItUp Publishing and other fine book stores: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=562&category_id=53&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

I enjoyed reading the review copy supplied by Virginia Grenier of World of Ink Tours.

knowonder, the literacy magazine

Scheherazade has nothing on knowonder! magazine. You can entertain your children every night with a new story from this magazine that contains 30 new stories each month.

About knowonder!

Knowonder is a leading publisher of engaging, daily content that drives literacy, the most important factor in a child’s success.

Ultimately, knowonder’s mission is to eradicate illiteracy and improve education success through content that is affordable, accessible, and effective.

Learn more at

www.knowonder.com

 

 

 

 

 

Preface: from the featured Author, Holly Stacey

People always ask me how I come up with my stories. The problem has never been what to write next, but which one to write next. With a background in archaeology (digging up ancient stuff is great inspiration) and museums (galleries filled with items; each one a wealth of tales), it’s not difficult to find inspiration. Okay, okay, and BOOKS. Lots and lots of books. It’s what got me interested in history and folklore, dragons, adventure, travel…

Books from my childhood mostly came from the library; a small, ramshackle place called Ruth Bach Library. It was located (kid you not) in a park. Getting there meant walking a bit past a grove of trees, over a bridge, a small field (well, baseball field), up a path and then into those glistening glass doors to where a whole world of adventure awaited. Small booklets, heavy tomes, cooking books, cuddly toy books, archaeology books (my personal favourite), fairytales…

So if, like me, you long for adventure, just sit back, relax, grab your favourite cuddly toy and a warm cocoa. Then pick up your latest knowonder! anthology and step into a portal of magical fun.

xx

Holly Stacey // Staff Writer

knowonder! publishing

www.knowonder.com

Here is a thumbnail sketch of each of the 30 stories in Volume 3:

p. 6. Nerissa’s Celebration, by Holly Stacey (featured author).

Mermaid Nerissa wants pearls for a new gown to wear to the festival. But in her impatience, she encounters an adventure. She rescues the oysters from bad men and the Red Tide. And though the oysters give her their pearls, she finds that it is better to have friends than a new dress.

p. 13. Just Plain Sarah Jane, by Nancy Julien Kopp.

Sarah Jane saves to buy a pretty dish for Ma. But a boy gets it and gives it to Annabelle, who doesn’t really appreciate it. Sarah Jane may be plain, but she plainly deserves the dish. Do you think she gets it?

p. 22. I Want My Own Monster, By Susan Sundwall.

Teena makes a list of qualifications and gets her own monster, Trevor.

p.27. To Be or No To Be a Princess, by Kathy Stattem Rygg.

Jetta Rose is a different princess every day: Like Cinderella she walks with one shoe; like Rapunzel she wears a yellow hair ribbon for hair; like Sleeping Beauty she sleeps all day. But if she were really a princess what are her specialties? Twirling, gliding, bowing.

p. 32. Kabungo and the Pumpkin, Part One, by Rolli.

Quote: “ I actually hadn’t seen too much of Kabungo since she’d fallen in love with Bun, her new kitten. … I’ve noticed that when people are in love they act like they’re in a snow globe. You can shake it as hard as you want and they just go on floating and smiling. Well, it’s the same with cavegirls and kittens….”  Beverly and friend, cave girl Kabungo, go to Miss VeDore’s for pumpkins; both Miss VeDore and Kabungo disappear, so Beverly goes into the house, nervous … to be continued.

p. 39. Dance Walking, by Kevin J. Doyle.

Ella finds she can do something new because her friend Marley stands by her.

p. 46. Roly-Poly Fat Cat, by Rolli.

This Very Funny take on the Gingerbread Boy story is hilarious.

p. 51. Ellie the Zoo, by Tracy Helixon.

Ellie pretends to be different animals, but her brother doesn’t want to play along. Will honey with biscuits lure him into becoming a bear?

p. 55. Bot-in-a-box, by David Welsh.

Alva throws away the directions for Box-E, so what kind of robot will emerge from his impromptu workings?

p. 63. Blackbird and Owl, by Tracey Glasspool.

This is a sweet soft story. Two opposites become friends and find a way to be together.

p. 67. Princess Piggy, by Holly Stacey.

A spoiled princess gets taught a lesson by her fairy godmother. A MOST unexpected ending. Beautifully written.

p. 72. Zora Zooms from Planet Zot, by Teresa DiNicola.

In her anger (that Mumby spends so much time with baby Nog), Zora flies away in her mini-rocket pod, but returns home to Mumby’s loving arms.

p. 75. The Small World, by Rolli.

Life is tough in the Tall World. But the secret is that there’s a Small World, too. And it’s even better.

p. 77. The Boy With the Lead Boots, by David Turnbull.

Finally Mike lets his new friends Marco, Kaz, and Emma, join in the fun of the secret of his lead boots.

p. 86. Mirinda’s Gift, by Holly Stacey.

With only three shells in her mer-purse, Princess Merinda, a mermaid, has to get a job to make her father a new robe.

p. 92. Where are the Ducklings? By Adelaide B. Shaw.

Eleven baby ducklings fall into the story drain. How will frantic Molly Duck get her babies back?

p. 96. A Damselfly in Distress, by Erin Fanning.

(Pretend )Knight Ian rescues a damselfly that got sloshed by water churned by his kayak.

p. 100. The First Snowflake, by Elliot Anderson.

Buford Bear is the slowest animal in the forest. Does he have a chance to catch the first snowflake with so many fast friends competing in the annual contest?

p. 109. A Puzzling Surprise, by Kathy Stattem Rygg.

When Lucy and Alex put their giant floor puzzle together,  Pirate Captain Buzzard, and his parrot, Pickles, step out of it.

p. 114. Martian Cookies, by Tina Holt.

Schoolgirl, Maddie, goes to her sitter’s house after school because her mother has a new job. The day goes nicely for her when she pretends Miss Becky is a Martian and serves her Martian cookies.

p. 118. Dr. Franklin’s Staticy Cat, by Rolli.

Here is a fanciful way of telling how Dr. Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity. And all because he needed to cure his cat from being staticy.

p. 126. A Dark and Stormy Night, by Christine Collier.

Calla visits her grandmother, and on a dark and stormy night, she solves an old mystery and makes her grandmother very happy.

p. 131. Robert’s Shirt is Gone, by Laurel T. Sheridan.

It’s hard for Robert to admit that his favorite green t-shirt—the one he wears all day, to eat in, to play in, to sleep in—has stretched WAAAY to big.

p. 134. Beware of the Dragon! by Teresa DiNicola.

A LITTLE lizard causes a BIG commotion, but friendships are made in the end.

p. 137. Polly Porcupine’s Prickly Problem, by Max Elliot Anderson.

Polly wants to eat clover, climb trees, and shoot quills like the “other” porcupines. But she eats bugs, cannot climb and her quills are stuck tight. But wait … she’s a —–!

p. 144. Kabungo & the Pumpkin, Part Two, by Rolli.

Remember, we left Beverly as she was just entering Miss VeDore’s house. Once inside, she finds Kabungo having tea with Miss VeDore. After tea, Beverly and Kabungo take their pumpkins home (well, Kabungo’s goes to her cave).

p. 152. Harry, A Prince of a Dog, by Suzanne Purvis.

If one kiss can break one spell what can two kisses do? Read this highly original and heartwarming story to find out.

p. 161. Ellie’s Art Rocks! by Kai Strand.

Check this story out for a fun craft for your kids.

Don’t have enough money to buy a pass to the pool? Ellie paints rocks to sell to earn the money and has fun doing it. Ellie’s art, rocks.

p. 166. Sapphire and Weld, by Holly Stacey.

Another of Holly’s enchanting and enchanted mermaid stories. The good girl is rewarded with pearls and the selfish girl punished by having a frog attached to her head.

p. 174. The Grasshoppers Who Learned to Sings, by Lisa Barrass.

Lots of adventure when Cup Cake Sally sprinkles fairy dust on Polly, Lucas, and Ella when they visit Tickle Belly Alley Cottage.

*********************************************************************

What is a Read-Aloud story?

knowonder! stories are Read-Aloud stories.

In fact, the whole knowonder! Literacy Program is built up around this core difference.

Read-aloud stories and picture books are very different from each other. Both are needed, but they provide very different benefits. Picture books are a wonderful literacy tool, but consider for a moment how reading stories out loud to your children from a young age can provide these key benefits:

Key Benefits

Consider these key benefits of read-aloud stories:

- Listening skills are built

- Concentration improves as children learn to sit still and focus

- Comprehension and understanding of events (cause and effect relationships) is

enhanced

- Imagination is actively exercised as children imagine the scenes, characters and

worlds the words create

- Vocabulary is increased as children discover new words

- A child’s ability to guess meanings of new words grows

- Children become more confident because they know they are cared for and loved

and because they can express their thoughts and needs

- Children are better-enabled to make friends and good relationships because their

communication skills are increased

- Learning in all subjects becomes much easier because the brain is literally being

wired to learn and take in new information

- Family bonds are strengthened and reinforced, creating an atmosphere of love, trust

and communication in the home which will last a lifetime

While it can be said that many of these benefits come from picture books, most of them are developed much better, faster, and deeper with read-aloud stories. When you consider the sum-total of all these benefits, it’s easy to see why reading to your child every day from birth is the single-most important thing a parent can do to ensure a child’s success in life, socially, mentally and financially.

to learn more, visit:  http://www.knowonder.com

Review of Barbara Cairns’ Gatsby’s Grand Adventure

I’m happy to present a recent addition to the Guardian Angel Publishing family, Barbara Cairns, whose picture book is illustrated by a familiar GAP illustrator, Eugene Ruble.

In Gatsby’s Grand Adventure we get a double helping of artistic fare. No—make that a triple helping. We have Barbara’s colorful, energetic writing, Eugene’s amusing illustrations, and Winslow Homer’s realistic, homey Americana paintings.

Barbara presents the problem right up front. “Gatsby the cat lived in Miss Annabelle’s art gallery. At night, he had the most peculiar habit. He jumped into famous paintings. When he remembered to jump out before sunrise, everything was fine. But sometimes, Gatsby forgot.”

Ut, oh. Did you see the word “WHEN”? I think we have one of those “when”s coming up.

And what more fun painting for Gatsby to jump into than Winslow Homer’s “Crack the Whip”!

In the painting, eight boys are playing crack the whip in front of a small one-room schoolhouse. Homer captures the spirit of fun and freedom of children of the 1870s (check out those clothes).

If you or your child, grandchild, or school class don’t know how to play crack the whip—you must take a look at this painting. Kids used to have hilarious fun without gadgetry—just friends.

Eugene not only had to reproduce Homer’s subjects, but add Cairns’ characters as well. And they are Gatsby the cat, his Mistress Miss Annabelle, and a mouse and a dog. He even goes inside the schoolhouse. And he does it smoothly and convincingly, integrating past and present.

Barbara’s main character, Gatsby, has a penchant for entering the paintings in the gallery. But when he enters “Crack the Whip,” he causes a minor problem. It’s funny the way one problem leads to another until Gatsby finally sets things right.

Gatsby’s now looking forward to more adventures with the new paintings set to arrive soon. But that’s another story.

This entertaining and educational book is available at Guardian Angel Publishing bookstore and other fine book stores . http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/gatsby-snap-the-whip.htm

My review copy was provided by the author. I enjoyed reading it and reviewing it.

World of Ink Tour: Night Buddies:Impostors and One Far-Out Flying Machine

Watch out, Folks! Night Buddies are on the way!

“Who are the Night Buddies,” you ask.

I will tell you.

They are the product of Sands Hetherington’s quirky imagination—brought to life by illustrator Jessica Love. I think Sands is an eight-year-old boy in disguise. Snerk! Snog!

In Sands’ book, NIGHT BUDDIES, IMPOSTORS AND ONE FAR-OUT FLYING MACHINE, the protagonists come out at night (that is, the boy, John, sneaks out of the house) to foil the machinations of dastardly criminals. John’s Buddy is a red crocodile named Crosley who wears a yellow coat filled with pineapple cheesecakes. Crosley is mad about pineapple cheesecakes.

All of the night population of the Borough know the job of Night Buddies Almagated is to stop evil doings. Now suddenly, everyone thinks Crosley is doing bad things, such as spray painting “SUBWAY PEOPLE SUCK SLUGS” on the subway station wall. Why? Because an IMPOSTOR is pretending to be Crosley. Yerk, Yerk!

It won’t be easy for The Night Buddies to put a stop to the Iguana Gang (the impostors). But with the help of Officer Finnegan and his horse, Elmer, Fast Fanny the proprietor of The All Night Racing Blimp Emporium (her flying machines can fold up to fit in a closet), Cros’s brother, Crenwinkle, Rodney Oglesby, owner of the sauerkraut and jellybean hot dog cart, big huge Lonnie who supplies the pineapple cheesecakes—and more night people—John and Cros make the Iguana Gang PAY for all that troublemaking. Excelsior!

And what does Miss Stockbridge and the three lady moles, who provide mole milk for the iguanas, have to do with it all?

I can only say—move over, Captain Underpants. Make way for Night Buddies Almagated!

For more information about this fun, silly book and other books in the Night Buddies series, go to www.DuneBuggyPress.com ; also available at Amazon.com and other fine book Emporiums.

My review copy was provided by Virginia Grenier, coordinator of World of Ink Tours.

 *************************************

My apologies to everyone who was notified that this posts would come out on January 17; I set the date before I left town, but obviously, I did something wrong.

So sorry.

Thanks for Visiting Stories a la Mode

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop, II

I want to thank Tina Cho for tagging me to participate in “The Next Big Thing Blog Hop.” These answers pertain to my book, which has yet to have a publication date. After the questions, I tag other authors, where you can read about their “Next Big Thing!” Please join us!

My answers to these questions will introduce you to my next big adventure.

What is the working title of your book? Arctic Danger

Who or What inspired you to write this book? I was inspired to write a story about some kids I saw swimming in a river in Alaska when my husband and I were traveling there in our motorhome. But I had no plot. Then I heard about an Alaska pipeline oil spill, and there was my plot.

What genre does your book fall under? Middle Grade Adventure

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? I would choose a couple of unknown kids for the two main characters, Athabascan brother and sister.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? A leisurely kayak trip by two kids is interrupted whey they must rush to report an oil pipeline spill.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? It is under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? About a week or two

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Any middle grade book that has children being courageous.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? The depiction of an unusual environment and the typical lives of youngsters living in a cold climate. Also, that the pipeline zig-zags across the countryside.

Thanks, Tina, for giving me the opportunity to talk about what I hope will be MY next big thing.

Now I would like to tag Jayne Moraski who has a beautiful book in production.

Sunshine Blogger Award

My fellow Guardian Angel Publishing author, Penelope Ann Cole, has passed on to me the Sunshine Blogger Award.

Thank you, Penny, for this honor.

I will tell you about some of my favorite things so you can get to know me better:
Favorite Color – Rainbow
Favorite Animal –at the moment, Elephants, because I’m working on a story about an elephant
Favorite Number – 10, that’s how many grandchildren and great-grandchildren I have, combined
Favorite Drink – Gatorade (purple) mixed with cran-grape juice
Facebook or Twitter – don’t care much for either
Your Passions –Writing/Wild Flowers/Ecology
Giving or getting presents – Giving and getting
Favorite Day –Saturday. This is a holdover from when I was teaching–sleep in!
Favorite Flowers – Milkweed/Passion vine/Roses/Princess flower

I am now extending this honor of the Sunshine Award to 3 more Bloggers.

This prize is given to “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” 

 

The 3 blogs I have awarded are listed below. A huge hug and thank you to each of  these bloggers for inspiring me with their knowledge, humor, and creativity:

Maggie Lyons: http://www.maggie-lyons.blogspot.com

Maggie’s blog is sunshine manifest; a smorgasbord of literary ideas.

 

Tina Cho: http://tinamcho.wordpress.com

Tina’s Tidbits is a glimpse into an active mind. If you need inspiration, go here.

 

Laura Sassi: http://laurasassitales.wordpress.com

Laura’s blog is a place that celebrates writing, reading, and life. It’s a joy simply to look at her home page.

 
Thank you, Maggie, Tina, and Laura for bringing SUNSHINE into the lives of children with your books.

 

Review of Penelope Anne Cole’s Magical Matthew

It is my pleasure to introduce Penelope Anne Cole and her picture book for kids ages 4-9, Magical Matthew.  This books is published by Guardian Angel Publising

 

 

 

 

Penelope Anne Cole is an observer. When she noticed a child moving into “double digits,” she wondered how she could put this aging process into a book for children. Magical Matthew is the result. She herself is much like Matthew; she has worked helping people as a Human Resources person and as a teacher. Ms. Cole has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University and a Masters in Human Development Education from the University of Maryland.

What kid wouldn’t want to have special powers—like the one Matthew has? Matthew can magically fix things, but he keeps it a secret for a long time. It’s important that whoever learns about the secret can be trusted. Lily, Matthew’s good friend, helps him find things that need to be fixed. When she figures out about the secret power, Matthew shares everything with his grandma. Grandma wonders if Lily can be trusted and Matthew says he thinks she can. But suddenly Matthew no longer has his power. He lost his last baby tooth and this is a signal that he’s getting too old. At first he’s angry, but Grandma convinces him there are other ways to fix things, even though those ways take more effort. He and Lily will continue to do good deeds. But the power to fix things isn’t lost. When you read the book you will see how the spirit of helpfulness lives on!

Kevin Collier’s illustrations show just how excited and astonished Matthew is when he realizes he has this power and later, his disappointment when he outgrows it. It’s very interesting the way Kevin interpreted Penelope’s poem about the way Matthew sees himself. Together, Penelope and Kevin have created characters whom young readers will be happy to know and parents will find trustworthy.

disclaimer: I purchased a copy of Magical Matthew from Guardian Angel Publishing http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/matthew.htm in order to review it. I enjoyed it and think it is a worthwhile book to  add to any child’s collection. The book is also available at Amazon and Barnes and Nobel.

BOO !! and The Next Big Thing !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boo!

HI Folks,

Hope I didn’t scare you too much, there.

I am participating in THE NEXT BIG THING Blog Hop, and I have been asked to answer some questions about my Work in Progress.

But before I do, let me mention that this blog hop will continue next week on the blogs of Shellie Neumeier and Jayne Moraski. You will find their blog addys down at the end of this post.

And I want to thank Penelope Anne Cole for inviting me to participate and look forward to The Next Big Works of Literature here and in the other postings.

• Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing Blog Hop:What is the working title of your book? RANIL AND THE BABY ELEPHANT.

  Where did the idea come from for the book? I LEARNED ABOUT AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS WORKING TO HELP THE ELEPHANT SITUATION IN SRI LANKA IN AN ARTICLE IN THE SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE. THE SAD THING IS THAT ELEPHANTS ARE LOOSING THEIR HABITAT BECAUSE IT TAKES FORWARD THINKING PEOPLE TO PLAN AND IMPLIMENT WAYS FOR ELEPHANTS AND PEOPLE TO SHARE A SMALL-ISH ISLAND.

  What genre does your book fall under? MIDDLE GRADE CONTEMPORARY FICTION.

  Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? SINCE THE CHARACTERS IN THE STORY ARE SRI LANKAN, I CAN’T NAME SPECIFIC ACTORS. MAYBE ONE OF THE KIDS FROM “SLUM DOG MILIONAIRE.”

  What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? IN ORDER TO SAVE THE BABY ELEPHANT FROM BEING TAKEN BY A CIRCUS, RANIL MUST COME UP WITH A WAY TO MAKE MONEY IN HIS VILLAGE.

  Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY IF MY BOOK WERE TAKEN UP BY AN AGENCY, BUT IN LIEU OF THAT, I WILL PROBABLY TRY TO GO WITH A TRADITIONAL PUBLISHER.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? THE STORY STARTED OUT AS A MAGAZINE STORY—VERY SHORT. THEN WHEN I DECIDED TO EXPAND IT, IT TOOK ABOUT A YEAR OF WRITING AND RESEARCHING.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? SINCE THIS IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL STORY, I WOULD COMPARE IT TO CARL HIAASEN’S HOOT.

Who or What inspired you to write this book? I FEEL TERRIBLE THAT THE ELEPHANTS OF SRI LANKA ARE LOOSING THEIR HABITAT AND THEIR LIVES TO AGRICULTURE.
I SALUTE HELPFUL PEOPLE, SUCH AS KARL WALD, WHO ARE WORKING HARD TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? THE SOLUTION THAT RANIL COMES UP WITH IS TO START A COMPANY IN HIS VILLAGE TO MAKE PAPER OUT OF ELEPHANT POO.

Now, tune in next Wednesday, November 7, to the following blogs to hear all about Shellie’s and Jayne’s upcoming books.

Shellie Neumeier :  http://shellieneumeier.com

Jayne Moraski : http://jaynemoraski.tumblr.com/

If you would like to read some more blogs about new books, go to Penelope Ann’s blog and work backward:    http://penelopeannecole.blogspot.com/

Link to Children’s Literary Classics Author Spotlight:

http://www.clcawards.org/Author-Spotlight.html

http://www.clcreviews.blogspot.com/

 
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Fantastic Flight’s Gold Award

Written Inspiration, Nov. 4, 2012

Illustration by Jack Foster for Fantastic Flight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fantastic Flight was awarded the Children’s Literary Classics Gold Seal Book Award.

“Written Inspiration: A Children’s Book-Signing Event” at the Harn Museum of Art
will showcase Florida Authors and Illustrators

GAINESVILLE, Fla.— The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida will be holding “Written Inspiration: A Children’s Book-Signing Event” on November 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. The books featured at this event will appeal to children ages five to thirteen.

More than 20 authors and illustrators from various areas throughout Florida will participate in the event. Visitors may browse booths, talk with authors and have their purchased books personalized. Each author and illustrator will offer a hands-on art activity that relates to his or her book.Book readings throughout the day include Troubles on the St. Johns River by Jacksonville author Jane Wood at 1:15 p.m., Some Call Me ‘Superstar’ by Tallahassee author Carl Joseph at 2:15 p.m., Victricia Malicia by Gainesville author Carrie Clickard at 3:15 p.m., and Jason and Elihu: A Fisherman’s Story at 4:15 p.m. by Gainesville author Shelley Fraser Mickle.

“Written Inspiration” is organized through the Harn Museum of Art Store and is sponsored by Wild Onion Press of Gainesville, FL and Friesens Printing. The Disability Affairs Cabinet of University of Florida Student Government is supporting Carl Joseph’s reading of Some Call Me ‘Superstar.’ A portion of book sales supports exhibitions and programs at the Harn Museum of Art.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 352-392-9826 or visit www.harn.ufl.edu.

The following books, authors and illustrators will be featured:

Mark Wayne Adams, Longwood, Florida
Nicholas, That’s Ridiculous
Jilli, That’s Silly!
Best Sketchbook
The Belly Button Fairy
The Fart Fairy
A Guinea in My Cap?
Teddy Tales
Pop the Bubbles 1, 2, 3
My Friendly Giant
Along the Cliff Walk
Jadyn and the Magic Bubble: I Met Gandhi!
Jadyn and the Magic Bubble: Kenya, Kenya!
King for a Day: The Story of Stories

Jan Godown Annino, Tallahassee, Florida
She Sang Promise

Nikole Brooks Bethea, Marianna, Florida
G is for Grits: A Southern Alphabet

Barbara Bockman, Gainesville, Florida
Fantastic Flight

Dr. Ruth E. Clark, Palm Harbor, Florida
Florida Santa: Is He Real? How Do We Know it?
Whilomeena Loves White
Airport Mouse series and related activity books

Carrie Clickard, Gainesville, Florida
Victricia Malicia

Carl Joseph and Dr. Kevin McCarthy, Tallahassee, Florida
Some Call Me “Superstar”

Ann Clare LeZotte and Andre Frattino, Gainesville, Florida
Here Comes Julie Jack!

DeBorah Denson McCray, Gainesville, Florida
Diary of a Painted Lady

Shelley Fraser Mickle, Gainesville, Florida
Jason & Elihu- A Fisherman’s Story
The Story of Amos, the Bummed Out Canine
The Polio Hole

Nancy H. Murray, Jacksonville, Florida
The Night the Elephants Cried- A Story of the Tsunami
Gullah, the Nawleans Cat Meets Katrina

Bonnie Ogle, Gainesville, Florida
Arthur the Arthropod

Vivian Owens, Eustis, Florida
Nadanda The Wordmaker
The Rosebush Witch
How Oswa Came to Own All Music

Colleen Rand, Gainesville, Florida
Big Bunny

Merri Roderick, Naples, Florida
AlphaZany

Rob Sanders, Brandon, Florida
Cowboy Christmas

Annette Simon, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Robot Zombie Frankenstein!

Patricia Poyet Swingle, Gainesville, Florida
Incredibly Clever Critters

Elle Thornton, Atlantic Beach, Florida
The Girl Who Swam to Atlantis

June Weltman, Jacksonville, Florida
Mystery of the Missing Candlestick

Ellen Wolfson Valladares, Weston, Florida
Jonathan’s Journey to Mount Miapu

Jane R. Wood, Jacksonville, Florida
Trouble on the St. Johns River
Ghosts on the Coast: A Visit to Savannah and the Low Country
Voices in St. Augustine
Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A Princess and Buried Treasure

Janelle Woodyard, Sorrento, Florida
A Girl’s Guide to Softball

 

About the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Founded in 1990, the Harn Museum of Art is an integral part of the University of Florida. The Harn contributes to an interconnected, international community by integrating the arts and culture into curricula throughout the university’s system of colleges and centers. Its holdings include more than 8,300 works in five main collecting areas: Asian art, African art, photography, modern art of the Americas and Europe, and international contemporary art. In addition to rotating installations drawn from its permanent collection, the Harn organizes traveling exhibitions, public lectures, panel discussions, academic symposia and educational programs for adults, students and children.

The Harn Museum, at Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in Gainesville, Fla., is part of the University of Florida’s Cultural Plaza, which is also home to the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is free.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is open until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of every month for Museum Nights. The Camellia Court Café is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call 352-392-9826 or visit www.harn.ufl.edu.

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my award winning picture book, Fantastic Flight

Literary Classics Announces Youth Media Top Book Winners

SOUTH DAKOTA, Monday, October 15, 2012 - Literary Classics announced its 2012 selection of top books for children and young adults today.  Award recipients were selected from entries received throughout the world.  The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children’s and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2012 recipients follows:

Best First Picture Book, PreSchool, A Box Story by Kenneth Kit Lamug

Best First Picture Book, Early Reader, Terple Always Dream Bigger by Richie Frieman

Best Illustrator, Bella & Harry, Let’s Visit Athens, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Best Series, The Bella & Harry Book Series by Lisa Manzione

Best First Chapter Book, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Gold – Picture Book, Preschooler,  Fantastic Flight by Barbara Bockman

and illustrated by Jack Foster

Silver – Picture Book, Preschooler, Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep by Kathy Stemke

Gold – Picture Book, Early Reader, Bella & Harry Let’s Visit London by Lisa Manzione, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Silver – Picture Book, Early Reader, Bella & Harry Let’s Visit Cairo by Lisa Manzione, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Gold – Educational, Early Reader, The Great Divide, Suzanne Slade

Silver – Educational, Early Reader, Animal Animalogies by Marianne Berkes

Gold – Environmental Issues, Early Reader, Sea Turtle Summer by Nancy Stewart

Silver – Environmental Issues, Early Reader, One Pelican at a Time by Nancy Stewart

Gold – Non Fiction Preteen, Clara’s Great War by Evelyn Rothstein

Gold – General Preteen, the Casting by Joyce Shor Johnson

Silver – General Preteen, Return to Finkleton by KC Hilton

Gold – Fiction Preteen, the Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Silver – Fiction Preteen, Walking Through Walls by Karen Cioffi

Gold – Fantasy Preteen, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Silver – Fantasy Preteen, Shield Maiden by Richard Denning

Gold – Science Fiction Preteen, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Silver – Science Fiction – Preteen, The Crystal Ship by CJ Carter-Stephenson

Gold – Mystery Preteen, the Stone Child by Dan Poblocki

Gold – General Young Adult, Runaway Twins by Pete Palamountain

Silver – General Young Adult, Young, Funny & Unbalanced by David Smithyman

Gold – Fiction Young Adult, Caves, Cannons & Crinolines by Beverly Stowe McClure

Silver – Fiction Young Adult, Young Knights of the Round Table The King’s Ransom by Cheryl Carpinello

Gold – Non-Fiction Young Adult, Black & White by Larry Dane Brimner

Gold – Fantasy Fiction Young Adult, Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut

Silver – Fantasy Fiction Young Adult, Drawn by Marie Lamba

Gold – Science Fiction Young Adult, the Limit by Kristen Landon

Silver – Science Fiction Young Adult, the Orphan Ship by Sterling R. Walker

Gold – Mystery Young Adult, Stalked by Kristiana Gregory

Cultural Issues, Clara’s Great War by Evelyn Rothstein

Holiday, Santa & The Little Teddy Bear by Peter John Lucking

Self Esteem, Beautiful Wild Rose Girl by B. Magnolia

Female Audience, My Sister is my Best Friend by Nicole Weaver

Mature Issues, In Memory of Dad by Maranda Russell

Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.  Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics’ highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee consists of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing.   To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at http://www.literaryclassicsawards.com.

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My Congratulations to all the winners. This is an awesome list of books. And my thanks to Lynda S. Burch, my publisher, and Jack Foster, the illustrator of Fantastic Flight.