MuseItUp Publishing’s mega event for June
01 Jun 2012 Leave a Comment
in MuseItUp Publishing Tags: Lea Schizas, MuseItUp Publishing
News from Lea Schizas, our publisher:
MuseItUp Publishing is hosting a super duper mega event for our readers…perfect time to fill those e-readers this summer with quality e-books at affordable prices.
- there will be five lucky winners drawn first week of July from members who like us on Facebook until the end of June: http://www.facebook.com/MuseItUp
Review of Frederico the Mouse Violinist
19 May 2012 14 Comments
in Book Reviews, Guardian Angel Publishing Tags: Frederico the Mouse Violinist, Guardian Angel Publishing, K. C. Snider, Mayra Calvani, picture books for children
Together Mayra Calvani and K. C. Snider have brought a sweet little mouse to life. Not only is Frederico sweet and cute, he is extremely persistent and talented. Mayra obliquely spotlights a historically famous musical figure, Antonio Stradivari. K. C.’s pictures are warm and friendly and give Frederico a charming personality as well as showing an authentic-looking workshop. This Guardian Angel Publishing picture book introduces kids to new words and an interesting profession.
Frederico lives in the workshop of Antonio Stradivari, the Italian luthier, that is to say, violin maker. Frederico loves everything about violins—the smell of wood and the oil to make it shiny, the various parts of the violin, and the beautiful sounds that come out of the finished product.
At night, when he has the workshop to himself, Frederico plays around on the violin that Stradivari made. By touching all of the parts of the violin, Frederico gives the reader of the book a guided tour of a violin. We learn about the Scroll, the Strings, the Fingerboard, and the Pegs that tune the sounds to a high or low pitch. When Frederico slides down the strings he trips on the Bridge, which keeps the strings from lying flat on the violin. He peeks into the F-hole “. . . the secret, magical place where the sound comes out!” And he daydreams relaxing on the Tailpiece.
He daydreams about becoming a virtuoso, that is a great violinist.
This is when Frederico’s persistence pays off. Even though it was difficult playing the large people-sized violin, he practiced and practiced. And his talent emerged.
When Stradivari sees Frederico playing the violin, the luthier is impressed with the little mouse’s skill and decides to build a violin to fit little paws. He presents his gift in a beautiful, tiny box.
Stradivari knows that Frederico is pleased with the gift of the tiny violin because:
“Frederico lifted the instrument and began to play. The notes swirled about him in a cloud of pure joy as Frederico moved the bow over the strings.”
This book is available at the Guardian Angel Bookstore http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/frederico.htm , Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
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I purchased this book and give my comments freely.
A Tribute to Rachel Carson
07 May 2012 6 Comments
in Book Reviews, Environment Tags: " Rachel Carson, "Silent Spring, WOUNDS
Why did I name an important character “Carson,” in my novel, Wounds?
It’s because I have a great admiration for Rachel Carson, the premier environmentalist of the 20th Century. And I use the word “premier” in its meanings of foremost in rank (as well as very-nearly first in occurrence).
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring, the ecological wake-up call. This month’s issue of Audubon has an excellent article about Rachel Carson, “Carson and Camelot,” by Douglas Brinkley.
This cover shows what Spring should be like; musical with the songs of birds.
Brinkley quotes Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas in describing Silent Spring as “the most important chronicle of this century for the human race. This book is a call for immediate action and for effective control of all merchants of poison.”
This cover is more realistic.
Brinkley goes on to say, “The result [of the book] was a watershed event in Americans’ understanding of their impact on the environment. . . . her warnings about overconfidence in the efficacy and safety of agricultural chemicals kick-started the modern environmental movement . . .”
For children, Carson’s book, The Edge of the Sea, is both very imformative and beautifully written. Here is part of the first paragraph:
“The edge of the sea is a strange and beautiful place. All through the long history of Earth it has been an area of unrest where waves have broken heavily against the land, where the tides have pressed forward over the continents, receded, and then returned. . . . Always the edge of the sea remains an elusive and indefinable boundary.”
For me, as a novelist, I could think of no higher tribute for Rachel Carson than naming a character after her.
Wounds is available here: http://bit.ly/pjSEdC
Diane Kress Hower is my Guest Today
28 Apr 2012 18 Comments
in Interviews Tags: Diane Kress Hower, KKCO-TV Grand Junction Colorado, Pens and Brushes
Today is special because my guest is a member of my Picture Book Critique Group—the Pens and Brushes. As the name indicates, the group is made up of both writers and artists. Diane Kress Hower is adept at both writing and illustrating and especially photography.
Diane reviews books on KKCO-tv Morning Show in Grand Junction, Colorado. Her humor comes across in the ratings she gives books; she uses apples, with the worst books being “rotten to the core.” Here is the address of her blog, Book Wisdom by Diane: http://bookwisdombydiane.blogspot.com/
When Diane is not writing/illustrating or supporting others in her private practice, she volunteers as the Local Area Coordinator for the West Slope, Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and as a Commissioner on the City of Grand Junction, Commission on Arts And Culture.
Hi Diane, Welcome to Stories a la Mode. I’m happy to introduce you to my other critique group members, fellow Angels and Musers, and relatives.
Those are beautiful and impressive mountains behind you in this picture, Diane. You are understandably proud of them.
Diane, please share with us the way in which you became Passionate about Picture Books.
I was put under a spell by picture books a very long time ago and the spell has never been broken. I found myself absorbed in the art and text. There was a time where I would choose a book by the art. Then when I was an elementary school counselor, I used literature, mainly picture books, in most of my classroom guidance lessons. I worked in rural schools with many second language learners. The pictures were often essential in my teaching concepts with children from different cultural backgrounds. Whether I was in a kindergarten class or sixth grade, everyone loved the read-a-loud picture book. I absolutely love reading picture books out-loud. Since my husband will most likely not read this post, I will share that when we were dating, I asked him to sit and listen to me read through my favorite stack of picture books and then tell him why the book was so important to me. He did not bat an eye or complain, so he passed the test!
When you are writing a pb manuscript, what area of the story do you get the most satisfaction in developing and exploring?
I love the idea that comes to me from what seems to be thin air. I like playing with the idea and the main character. A part of that is naming the character and is essential as it gives depth and life to him or her which then expands into the story.
What part of the story do you find the most frustrating or difficult to develop and why?
This is a tough question because I really love to write and am a perfectionist. I think the “perfect” beginning and the “perfect” ending to a story are difficult to develop. Your first sentence either hooks the reader or not, and you can have an idea of what you want to happen at the end, but the last page has to bring the story full circle and have an “ahhh” to please me. I actually like the challenge.
Diane, if you could choose one pb author, author/illustrator, or illustrator to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them?
This is hard to narrow down as I have so many illustrators and authors that I admire for very different reasons. If it had to be just one, I would choose David Wiesner. I love his books. My favorite is FLOTSAM. His images are dynamic and move the story through with tightly crafted design elements. His ability to pace the story with the use of scale, point of view, imagination and humor is absolutely masterful. I would want to pick his brain and understand where his ideas and creativity comes from.
Finally, what was your favorite picture book as a child. And is it still on your list of favorites?
My favorite picture/story book was the Little Golden Book, The Bremen Town Musicians. I have always been very fond of animals, particularly dogs and horses. I enjoyed how the animals joined in the group and worked together and found happiness. I was bullied a lot so I appreciated them “getting” the robbers, and I grew up in a musical family. My second favorite sort – of- picture book was an early reader by one of my favorites P.D. Eastman, Go, Dogs, Go. There is nothing better than a dog party. Tire of dogs? Never. Ever. Dog Tired.
Some of you might recall that I was a guest on Diane’s blog to talk about my Passion for Picture Books and show off my covers for Wounds and Fantastic Flight: http://dkhower.blogspot.com/2012/02/passion-for-picture-books-barbara.html
On that blog you will find interviews of other picture book writers who discuss their Passion for Picture Books.
Diane, it has been a pleasure having you on the blog today. Thanks for coming and please come back.
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Review of Marva Dasef’s Scotch Broom
07 Apr 2012 10 Comments
in Book Reviews, Interviews, MuseItUp Publishing Tags: Marva Dasef, MuseItUp Young, Scotch Broom, The Witches of Galdorheim series, young adult fantasy
Welcome, Marva Dasef, MuseItUp author, to Stories a la Mode. I’m excited to tell everyone about your latest accomplishment.
Hi Folks,
If you’ve already read the first two books of Marva’s Witches of Galdorheim series, then I’ll bet you’ve been eagerly anticipating the next book. Wait no longer. Scotch Broom has arrived.
SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of The Witches of Galdorheim
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Marva Dasef: https://sites.google.com/site/mdasefauthor/books/galdorheim
MuseItUp Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/ScotchBroomMGD – Available beginning April 6th
Scotch Broom Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYnRmbvPp7Q
Here is an overlook of the exciting book:
Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.
While dodging the goddess’ minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat’s brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.
Watch Marva’s Blog at http://mgddasef.blogspot.com for announcements on giveaways throughout the Merry Month of May.
You will want to know about the Glaistig, a creature of folklore; this description will help you understand why Marva chose to include her in her amazing cast of characters:
In Scotch Broom, Marva present Glaistig as a vampire woman who has entered the Otherworld because she no longer wanted to live from the blood of humans. Within the magical realm, she can safely feed on the various magical creatures without killing them. Once Marva discovered her, she knew she had to be part of this story. While a vampire, she’s got a soft side that appeals to Rune. In other words, she’s not all bad; she’s just been fabled that way.
Marva discovered Glaistig at Monstropedia, a must-have link for paranormal and fantasy writers (http://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Glaistig)
According to one legend the glaistig was once a mortal noblewoman, to whom a fairy nature had been given or who was cursed with the goat’s legs and immortality, and since has been known as The Green (or Gray) Lady.
In most stories, the creature is described as a beautiful woman with dusky or gray skin and long blonde hair. Her lower half is that of a goat, usually disguised by a long, flowing green robe or dress.
In the diverse and changing traditions of the Highlands, the Glaistig was seen as both benevolent and malevolent towards humans. In one aspect she even takes the role of the Banshee, wailing at the death of important people.
The glaistig may take the form of a beautiful woman, especially one already known to the male victim; after offering sexual favors like a camp follower, she leaves her male victim with his throat cut, every drop of blood sucked from him. Other such tales have her casting stones in the path of travelers or throwing them off course.
In some variant stories the glaistig may be seen as benevolent, fond of children and a protector of old people. Libations of milk were poured for her, especially on selected stones; this veneration may be linked with older fertility customs. The glaistig has been described in some folklore as watching over children while their mothers milked the cows and fathers watched over the herds.
The glaistig frequented the lonely lochs and rivers in the Highlands of Scotland, such as Ardnacaillich, Donolly Castle, Loch Fyne, Crathes Castle and in Wales at Caerphilly.
Excerpt from Scotch Broom:
Rune, Kat’s brother, is searching for his sister while Cailleach is searching for both Rune and Kat by sending one or more of her minions to find them. Glaistig’s job is to find Rune, determine whether or not he’s a vampire, and to bring the boy to the goddess.
As the sun eased down to hide behind a mountain range to the west, a movement to his left caught his attention. It looked like a tendril of smoke rising from the swamp. Since it was unlikely anything could burn in the bog, he watched the gray mist with interest. He notched up his vampire vision to watch. The smoky mist grew opaque then solid. A figure formed, but as if a statue made of granite, it was solid gray. Watching closely, Rune waited to see what this might be. He had studied all types of magical beings and couldn’t recall one like this
The smoke woman, for he now recognized the shape as female, wafted toward him on the air. When it stopped a few feet away from him, it slowly gathered color from the moors. Heather green, water blue, dried grass yellow. The colors mixed and swirled and finally settled on the figure, giving her the approximate colors of a woman with blonde hair, a pale, gray face, and dazzling blue eyes staring at him in silence. She wore a long dress and cape, both the color of morning mist.
Rune ventured a greeting. “Hello?” The woman didn’t speak, but she moved again, this time circling him. Rune turned to keep her in his sight.
“I am Glaistig.” Her voice was as soft as the smoke from which she formed.
Without his vampire hearing, Rune wouldn’t have been able to hear the whisper. “Ahem. I’m Rune. Nice to meet you.” Rune wondered whether to offer his hand to shake and decided not to risk it. He’d heard some magical beings poisoned those who touched them.
The pale woman looked him up and down and then nodded slightly. “You are vampyr?”
“Um. Is that a problem?”
“Not at all. I am also.”
“Oh. I should have guessed. Night. Smoke. Oh! I remember who you are!” Rune snapped his fingers. “Glaistig, the Gray Lady. But you’re not a true vampire, are you?”
“It depends upon my mood and how a person treats me. If I meet a man on the road, and he tries to grab me, I dance away and let him follow. I lure him to my lair. Then, I take his blood. But if a man tips his hat and wishes me a good evening, I leave him with a smile.”
“That’s a relief. My name is Rune, and I’m here looking for my si—” Rune stopped and considered that if Glaistig was a vampire and thought he was too, he shouldn’t mention he had a witch sister. “Uh, a female friend. Have you seen a girl with black hair?”
“I have not, but Cailleach may be able to help you.” Something darker than the blackest shadow lumbered out of the night. Glaistig glanced at the giant coming up behind her. “It’s all right, Bodach. This man is a vampire.”
The giant halted by her side and glared down at Rune, who swallowed hard and craned his neck to look up at the ugly face on top of the nine-foot tall body. The giant sniffed. “As you say, Glaistig. We take him to Cailleach?”
“Yes, we do.” Turning to Rune, the Gray Lady beckoned with her index finger. “Come, Rune. We shall visit the goddess.”
“Well, that’s okay. I’ll just look over there,” Rune replied, pointing in the opposite direction of where Glaistig appeared to be headed.
Bodach took two long strides and grabbed Rune’s arm before he could react.
“Uh, since you put it that way.” He pulled his arm away from the giant and followed Glaistig.
The Gray Lady smiled at him. “I’m so happy you agree. Bodach is Cailleach’s very faithful servant. I doubt he would take no for an answer.”
Rune nodded grimly. It looked like he was stuck for now. Still, it might be a good thing. This Cailleach might be able to help find Kat. But why would being a vampire all of a sudden be a good thing? He could sense that if he had not been a vampire, Bodach the giant, would now be crushing his skull between his two gigantic hands. And who was this goddess Cailleach? The name didn’t ring any bells.
Rune followed Glaistig, with Bodach close on his heels. Over the thumps of Bodach’s heavy footsteps, he heard the skittering sound of a small animal in the grass as they walked away.
* * * *
About Marva:
Marva Dasef lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a fat white cat. Retired from thirty-five years in the software industry, she has now turned her energies to writing fiction and finds it a much more satisfying occupation. Marva has published more than forty stories in a number of on-line and print magazines, with several included in Best of anthologies. She has several previously published books. Her latest pride and joy is the Witches of Galdorheim Series from her super duper publisher, MuseItUp.
Where to find Marva:
MuseItUp Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/MIU-MarvaDasef
Blog: http://mgddasef.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/MarvaDasef
Twitter Handle: @Gurina
Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/MarvaDasef/videos
It’s so good to have you with us today, Marva. Best of luck with your new book
Review of Kathy Stemke’s pb Trouble on Earth Day
26 Mar 2012 19 Comments
in Book Reviews, Environment, Interviews Tags: Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, Kathy Stemke, Kurt Wilcken, Trouble on Earth Day
I’m happy to welcome Kathy Stemke to my blog today. Besides sharing the same publisher, Guardian Angel Publishing (who published my picture book, Fantastic Flight and Kathy’s Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep), we have another interest in common. And that is Earth Day. If you’ve read my novel, Wounds (published by MuseItUp), you might recall the character Nelson Ark. He was named in honor of the founder of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson. Kathy’s book, Trouble on Earth Day, is published by Wild Planes Press. The book was honored with the Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
The artist, Kurt Wilcken, illustrated the book. His amusing cartoons, er…Kurtoons, can be seen at: http://www.kurtoonsonline.com/
TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY
Trouble on Earth Day opens in the cozy home of the anthropomorphic squirrel family. The little girl squirrel, Shelby, excitedly enters with the news that her poster won the Earth Day Poster contest.
The poster shows a vibrant green and blue earth on a red background. Highlighted around the earth are three examples of Rethink, Reuse, and Recycle.
Shelby and Mom and Dad do some rethinking. They go through the house finding things suitable for recycling and reusing.
When Shelby hears crying outside, she goes to investigate. She finds TROUBLE. A sad bluebird is homeless because someone cut down the tree his nest was in. Shelby gathers reusable items—such as cut up newspaper strips and bright pink yarn—and helps the bluebird build a new nest. They situate the beautiful new nest up high in another tree so it can be seen for miles around.
And it seems that the bluebird is quite musical. Together, Shelby and Charlie, the bluebird, “Danced and sang ‘Chur-lee, chur-lee,’ all day.”
Here is what Kathy says about her book:
With Earth Day Approaching on April 22nd it’s time to focus on educating our children about conservation. Trouble on Earth Day would be a great resource for this purpose and a super addition to any school or home library.
Learning how each of us can take steps to protect our environment is important for children and adults alike. It will take all our efforts to help improve the environment for a healthier tomorrow. Trouble on Earth Day is a great start for children.
Here are examples of the games and songs found in the twenty-three pages of activities in the supplement.
Going Green Game
Have the children form a circle to represent the earth, then read each statement aloud.
If a statement is something good for the earth, the children jump up and down.
If the statement is something that will hurt the earth, the children squat down and touch the
floor, then shout out a better way. (ex: Sleep with your lights on will hurt the earth, children might yell out turn the lights off before you go to bed.)
Fix a leaky faucet.
Sleep with your lights on.
Join with your friends to collect trash in the neighborhood.
Throw the newspaper out every day.
Turn the lights off when you leave the room.
Catch rain in a bucket to water the garden.
Grow a garden.
Put a bird feeder in the yard.
Donate your toys to charity.
Let the water run when brushing your teeth.
Throw trash out of the car window.
Let your helium balloons fl oat into the sky.
Use both sides of the paper.
Throw your food away when you are full.
Plant a tree.
Throw your old clothes in the trash.
Fill your bath tub to the top.
Rethink, reuse, recycle.
The Fuzzy Squirrel
To the tune of I’m A Little Teapot
I’m a fuzzy squirrel, black and gray.
Watch me run around finding nuts today.
Won’t you help me look now, far and near?
We’ll find the big nuts, and hide them here
I’m a happy squirrel, big and strong.
Skip and jump with me, it won’t take long.
When the winter sneaks up, then you’ll see,
We’ll have some nuts for you and for me.
Another book by Kathy is Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep which is available through the publisher, http://guardianangelpublishing.com/shshsh.htm and through Amazon, B & N, and other online stores.
Trouble on Earth Day is available at a discounted price on Kathy’s blog: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com and through Amazon, B & N, and other online stores.
Author bio:
As a freelance writer and ghostwriter, Kathy Stemke has published over one hundred articles in directories, magazines and on websites. She is a reviewer for Sylvan Dell Publishing and a former editor for The National Writing for Children Center. As a retired teacher, Kathy has several activities published with Gryphon House Publishing. She is also part of the team at DKV Writing 4 U, a writing services company that includes ghostwriting, copywriting, editing, proofreading, critiquing, and resumes. http://www.dkvwriting4u.com
Award winning author, Kathy Stemke’s first children’s picture book, Moving Through All Seven Days, was published on Lulu. Her next two picture books, Sh, Sh, Sh Let the Baby Sleep, and Trouble on Earth Day were released in 2011. Both of these books have been awarded the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. Visit her book blog at http://shshshletthebabysleep.blogspot.com
Kathy offers great teaching tips and children’s book reviews as well as a monthly newsletter titled, MOVEMENT AND RHYTHM, on her blog. http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
Kathy Stemke
Award Winning Author/Educator/Freelance Writer
Trouble on Earth Day earned the Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep won the Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Sign up for FREE monthly newsletter, Movement and Rhythm: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/
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I was provided with a copy of Trouble on Earth Day; my comments are given freely and honestly.
Barbara
Tag, You’re It
28 Feb 2012 9 Comments
in Interviews Tags: Homer, Mirka Breen, Ovid
One of my brilliant fellow picture book writer/colleagues at Pens and Brushes, Mirka Breen, tagged me on her blog to join in a blogging game. It was fun to answer the questions, so I’m passing them along to you.
I answered the questions and I hope you will also play.
Rules/questioned copied are in bold.
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? My literature profs stressed that Western Literature is born of both Greek Literature and the Bible. So, I would have to insist that I get a copy of both the Bible and Homer.
Favourite author? Okay, this is like putting a pin in a map of the world. Charles Dickens.
Do reviews influence your choice of reads? I think I go more with word of mouth.
Fiction or Non fiction? Fiction.
Have you ever met your favourite author? I met Judy Blume at an SCBWI Conference a few years ago, and that was one of the highlights of my literary career. What a lovely person she is and a joy to listen to. And she continues to produce wonderful books.
Audio books or Paperbacks? I try to keep an audio book in the car most of the time, but I love nothing more than curling up with paper book.
Classic or Modern Novels? Both. I still haven’t finished Shakespeare, but as for modern, I prefer Young Adult.
Book Groups or Solitary Reading? I’ve only ever belonged to one book reading group. That was in Pensacola, Florida. I enjoyed listening to the opinions of the other readers and discussing some interesting books. But next to writing, solitary reading is my most favorite activity.
Join only if you think you could use this excursion in your life. And let me know if you do.
Sylvia Leontaritis
Cana Rensberger
Margot Finke
Holly Owen
Pam Maynard
J. Aday Kennedy
Marva Dasef
Barbara Ehrentreu
Brian Knight
Bill Kirk
Sue Perkins
Don’t forget YOU’VE BEEN TAGGED. I hope to hear from you soon with the link to your posting.
If your name isn’t on the list, and you want to play, join in and send me your link.
Thanks, Mirka, for tagging me and letting me play along.
A Surprise in the Mail
06 Feb 2012 4 Comments
in Book Reviews Tags: " New York in 1916, "Rocks in my Pocket, Hopscotch for Girls Magazine
A few months ago, I received a nice little check in the mail from Hopscotch for Girls concerning the reprint of my story, “Rocks in my Pocket,” which was in the April 2009 issue of the magazine.
I was happy about that and wrote to ask what issue it was being reprinted in. This is the reply I got:
Dear Barbara,
Your story was used in a reading assessment test. Your name was listed as the author and Hopscotch as the publication it appeared in. We are not allowed to see the test copy. I’m sorry this was not notated on your check. Congratulations on having your story chosen.
Sincerely,
editor
*** *** *** ***
The story is about my mother-in-law, Sophie Bockman, when she was a teen-ager. Her first job was that of a pianist in a movie house in New York City about 1915—during the days of silent pictures.
Most recent issue of GAK
05 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews, Guardian Angel Kids Tags: Donna McDine, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine, math concepts
Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Math Concepts – February 2012 Issue
This announcement comes from Donna McDine, Editor of Guardian Angel Kids ezine:
Teaching math concepts beyond traditional number problems opens up creative opportunities for both teachers and students. Different strategies include the use of poetry, stories, engaging articles, and activities that get the body and mind working in unison.
Come explore the world of “Math Concepts” in the Guardian Angel Kids February 2012 issue and learn how to tell time, add, subtract, and divide, rap to numbers through poetry, learn the history of pennies, how powerful zero truly is, and hands on math activities. Make it a family learning experience and fun will surely be had by one and all.
Letter from the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Donna M. McDine
Featured BookS:
Learn to Count 1-10 flip book by Eugene Ruble
Sparkie: A Star Afraid of the Dark book trailer by Susann Batson
Children’S poetry, SHORT STORIES, and articleS:
“Can You Tell Time?” quiz by Marion Tickner – explores the different timepieces before the technology explosion.
“How Many Are Half?” poetry by Donna J. Shepherd – Grandma’s delicious chocolate chip cookie treat and how the cookies are shared.
“Numbers Rap,” poetry by Bill Kirk – the wonder of numbers all around us.
“Cookies with Sprinkles,” by Shari L. Klase and illustrated by Julie Hammond – a whimsical adventure to Grandma’s house.
“The Value of Pennies,” by Gina Napoli – discover the history and significance of pennies.
“The All Powerful Nothing,” by Mary Reina – learn about the power of zero and how it turns nothing into something.
“Hands on Math Activities for Home or School,” by Kathy Stemke – get moving and grooving with enjoyable Math activities.
“Hopscotch Math,” by Karen Robuck – teach and reinforce basic Math skills with the fun of hopscotch.
Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and www.guardian-angel-kids.com and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.
We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247.
Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com and let them know what you think of Guardian Angel Kids and what you’d like to see in the future. They aim to please.
The Guardian Angel Kids Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.
Discussing Marva Dasef’s Witches of Galdorheim series
18 Jan 2012 10 Comments
in Book Reviews, MuseItUp Publishing Tags: Marva Dasef, Midnight Oil, MuseItUp Publishing
It’s my pleasure to welcome Marva Dasef back to tell us more about her intriguing series about the Witches of Galdorheim. I enjoyed the first book, Bad Spelling. You can see my review of it on Amazon. Now Marva will tell us about two more books in the series. Hey, Marva, love your hat.
MIDNIGHT OIL – Book 2 of the Witches of Galdorheim
Shipwrecked on a legendary island, how can a witch rescue her boyfriend if she can’t even phone home?
Kat discovers that an evil forest spirit has kidnapped her brand-new boyfriend. She sets out with her brother, Rune, from her Arctic island home on a mission to rescue the boy. Things go wrong from the start. Kat is thrown overboard during a violent storm, while her brother and his girlfriend are captured by a mutant island tribe. The mutants hold the girlfriend hostage, demanding that the teens recover the only thing that can make the mutants human again–the magical Midnight Oil.
Mustering every bit of her Wiccan magic, Kat rises to the challenge. She invokes her magical skills, learns to fly an ultralight, meets a legendary sea serpent, rescues her boyfriend, and helps a friendly air spirit win the battle against her spiteful sibling. On top of it all, she’s able to recover the Midnight Oil and help the hapless mutants in the nick of time.
Leave a comment, with your contact information, on this post for a chance to win a free ebook.
You will recognize the familiar style of Kaytalin Platt’s cover illustration as being similar to that of Bad Spelling.
Links:
by Marva Dasef http://marvadasef.com/
MuseItUp Buy Page: http://tinyurl.com/6wswbsf
MuseItUp Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/MIU-MarvaDasef
Blog: http://mgddasef.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/MarvaDasef
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=wX#107073845875601488093/posts
Twitter Handle: @Gurina
Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/MarvaDasef/videos
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Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006UTL54A
Direct Link to the Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdfNTVeMS1s
Also, the book trailer will be featured at http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/ on January 20th. Voting is between the 21st and 26th.
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Marva Natters On
First off, thanks for having me on your blog today, Barbara. Just like the good old days of last September when we participated in that crazy MG/YA Blogathon. Well, this is a bit quieter since I’m just running around from blog to blog telling people about my new book release, Midnight Oil.
You asked me about traveling to the places where my books are set. I’m afraid that I haven’t yet gone to the Arctic, Norway, Finland, or Siberia, but that’s certainly on my bucket list. I’m particularly interested in Norway because my grandmother was born in Trondheim and came to the US when she was sixteen years old. What an adventure for a young girl to have!
Mostly, though, I rely on the internet and atlases to give me an idea of what an area is like. It certainly has piqued my interest in travel. I wish I could visit the magical part of the real world. Being mundane, however, I don’t think I’ll make it to Atlantis or the Hall of the Mountain King (the troll kingdom). It’s fun for me as a writer to mesh the real world with the magical world of the imagination.
I’ve always been a huge fantasy and science fiction reader. I like my fantasy with tongue-in-cheek humor. The great epic fantasies don’t appeal to me. In know, I’m a heretic since I didn’t like the Lord of the Rings as a book, however, I loved the movies. I can’t even remember all the old time authors I read growing up. What I do know is that if it doesn’t have more than a little comedy, my attention wanders. I’ll thoroughly enjoy a children’s’ book like the “How to Train Your Dragon” series, but can’t get into Twilight or the Hunger Games. I guess I’m more kid than adult in my reading tastes. I do read more MG/YA fantasy since it’s my primary writing genre.
You asked what my favorite is. I’ll go with Fall. Indian summers are the best. Frost on the grass in the morning, and the sun beating down on you in the afternoon. Well, that’s the Pacific Northwest version. Your own geographical region may vary.
I would like to say a word or two about series. My advice to writers is to make each book stand on its own legs. I hate being left in the middle of a story with the expectation I’ll be dying to read the next book. I want the question in my mind, “What happens next?” But I hate being forced to read to find out. Write a complete story for each book in a series. Leave the cliffhangers for the ends of chapters.
Which leads me to mention the other two books in the Witches of Galdorheim series. I think you can read Midnight Oil and be fully satisfied getting a complete adventure, BUT, if you find the book interesting, you can find Bad Spelling (already available) and Scotch Broom (coming next spring).
The Witches of Galdorheim 1 – Bad Spelling
A klutzy witch, a shaman’s curse, a quest to save her family. Can Kat find her magic in time?
If you’re a witch living on a remote arctic island, and the entire island runs on magic, lacking magical skills is not just an inconvenience, it can be a matter of life and death–or, at least, a darn good reason to run away from home.
Katrina’s spells don’t just fizzle; they backfire with spectacular results, oftentimes involving green goo. A failure as a witch, Kat decides to run away and find her dead father’s non-magical family. But before she can, she stumbles onto why her magic is out of whack: a curse from a Siberian shaman.
The young witch, accompanied by her half-vampire brother, must travel to the Hall of the Mountain King and the farthest reaches of Siberia to regain her magic, dodging attacks by the shaman along the way.
The Witches of Galdorheim 3 – Scotch Broom
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.
While dodging the goddess’s minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat’s brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger, too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.
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I’ll be looking forward to the Stonehenge episode. I was just there a year and a half ago with my grandson and his cousin and this will bring back good memories.
Thanks, Marva, for sharing the info about your books with me and my readers (who will not forget to leave their contact information for the drawing for a free book).
There's nothing wrong with me a little ice cream won't fix. 
