Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Reading Challenges and this year #YuleTideSpirit



Dear Friends, Book besties, and Clients,

I don't know about you, but this year just kind of got away from me. I honestly do not know where it has gone. Usually by now, I have either hit my reading goals or nearly close. Yet here it is December and I seem to be behind. Wild!

It has been quite some time since I did a reading challenge or read a thon. So, Yuletide is upon us, and I am jumping in! If you want to join, click on the link in my sidebar and have fun.

Peace of the season.

Michelle

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper #review #picturebooks #Halloween #Autumn #CountdowntoHalloween2025

 


Summary:

Deep in the woods in an old white cabin, three friends make their pumpkin soup the same way every day. The Cat slices up the pumpkin, the Squirrel stirs in the water, and the Duck tips in just enough salt. But one day the Duck wants to stir instead, and then there is a horrible squabble, and he leaves the cabin in a huff. It isn't long before the Cat and the Squirrel start to worry about him and begin a search for their friend.

My review:

Pumpkin soup, the best three animal friends ever tasted because they made it the same way every night. Each friend has a job to do to make the soup, and it is status quo, until it wasn't and duck wants to do something different. Uh, oh!

I loved this book because it showed how we all have different talents and our specific talent helps to create something special. However, it also shows how sometimes, we want to grow out of what we have been expected to do and learn to do something different. This will always upset what is, including friendships. Still, it is a learning process for all involved and patience is often the key. Maybe things will seem chaotic, and feelings might be hurt as in the case of this book. But in the end, it will be alright.

The illustrations were bold and beautifully illustrated in autumn colors and added so much to the story itself.

Don't believe me? This book received an award from the library association for its illustrations.

I give this book 5 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collection. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

Amazon

Monday, October 20, 2025

I'm Not Scary by Raahat Kaduji #review #picturebooks #bats #halloween




Summary:

Bat just wants to make friends, but everyone is scared of him!

When other animals see Bat’s shadow at their window, they’re terrified and think he’s a monster. How can Bat show them that he just wants to share some cake?

My review:

Have you ever been gossiped about of things that were not true about you? This poor little bat gets the reputation of being a monster. What is a little bat to do when he has no friends? Well, bake of course and hope for the best. 

This story clearly illustrates how with a little effort, you can get to know someone else that is not like you, but you can still be friends with. It also shows how gossiping can lead to misunderstanding. Even the littlest of children can get the simple concepts of this book.

I loved the story line juxtaposed with the larger-than-life illustrations with all the autumn colors you would expect for the season.

I give this book 4 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own collection. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

Amazon

Sunday, October 19, 2025

How to Speak Zombie: A Guide for the Living #zombies #reviews #humor




My review:

As a survivor of the zombie apocalypse, this is a must-read guidebook, that is assuming you have BRAINS to do so. It includes zombie verbiage spoken through a green machine attached to the guide itself. Note: Unfortunately, for me, the machine was ravaged by some zombie and did not work. This is no doubt because I purchased it from a local thrift. That is okay though but necessary for future use.

Each number corresponds to zombie speak and there is a handy "B" for brains just in case you need to get out of a situation.

Anyway, the book illustrates some places you may find yourself, like a zombie coffee shop as an example, and in need of zombie language to continue to survive. Pronunciation is key and fortunately, translation is also available in the book. There is not much story line but then this is a guidebook! Afterall, who has time to worry about that anyway when a zombie may be breathing down your neck or eyeing your brains.

I did find this humorous and it gets 3 pumpkins from me.

BRAINS!!!!!  ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

Steve Mockus on Amazon

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

The Goodnight Train Halloween by June Sobel #Review #bookseries #Halloween #boardbooks

 

My review:

I was looking for board books for babies and came across this cute book. It is from a series of books, but this is my first read.

The book starts out with toddlers and babies dressed in their Halloween costumes, hopping on a train. The "cars" of the train are each kid's own bed. 

The train takes off along the track coming across fantastical Halloween creatures and familiar ones as well. Candy and pumpkins are seen all along the route. Nothing in the book is scary sans a friendly ghost or two. The kids certainly get a sweet tooth on this ride but by the end, everyone is ready to say "goodnight."

This book is an adorable book to read just before bedtime. I loved the large pictures with colorful autumn colors. Throughout the book, there are purposeful holes that play hide and seek but also tangible places to put little fingers through.

This book is appropriate for up to age 4. 

I give this book 5 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I purchased for my own collection. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Find the author:

Amazon

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Day 2: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John #CountdowntoHalloween2025 #review


Summary:

Halloween is the Bad Seed’s favorite holiday of the year. But what’s a seed to do when he can’t find a show-stopping costume for the big night? Postpone trick-or-treating for everyone, of course!


My review:

Well, if it is possible for a seed to be in a foul mood, the seed in this book is. Afterall, when you cannot find the perfect Halloween costume, what is a seed to do?

The reader follows along as "seed's" foul mood begins to affect others but soon he finds out that Halloween is about having fun, even if you don't have that perfect costume. New friends, old friends, and traditions can be found in this adorable picture book.

Halloween is one of my most fun times of the year so I can relate to "Seed" in wanting to have all the fun. I loved everything about this book and is getting 5 pumpkins from me.

Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Find the author:

Amazon

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Day 1: It's Halloween I'm Turning Green by Dan Gutman #review #CountdowntoHalloween2025



Summary:

Halloween, and you know what that means! Candy! Costumes! More candy! What would happen if a kid ate a million hundred pounds of chocolate in one night? One thing’s for sure—when the kids from Ella Mentry School go trick-or-treating, it will be a Halloween to remember. 

My review:

If you know me at all, you know that I like Halloween a lot! The irony of that is, I never had a lot of candy though, not even on Halloween. So, it is with greatness to see a book where kids are loving both...maybe they are loving too much. This book is for emerging readers, and few photos were included but enough to make this reader giggle.

This author humored me. He wrote in first person dialog about the greatest night ever but more importantly, candy, candy, and more CANDY! The author's characters speak like many kids would. For example, one of the children says, "Pigment of imagination." I love that and kids would too. This book allows kids to not only enjoy a fun holiday but to see themselves.

The fun twist in the book comes in the form of the title itself, a little hint but not at all what the reader might think as they read. I loved it when it did come up and it certainly made me giggle even more.

If the writing and silliness of this book is not enough, then the author adds to the back of the books, games and jokes. Fun!

This is a must Halloween book for all the candy loving, Halloween joke loving, costume loving kid in all of us. 5 chocolate candy bars for sure.

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my local library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Find the Author:

Website


Sunday, September 14, 2025

The Story of Fannie Lou Hamer by Margeaux Weston #review #civilrights #votingrights #biographies #series

 

About the book:
Fannie Lou Hamer was a key figure in the fight for civil rights in the United States. Before she became an important voice for equality and justice, she was a little girl who loved to learn and worked hard to help her family survive. Explore how she used her powerful voice to improve her community and encourage others to elect leaders that would treat them fairly.

My review:
I have always known about suffragist throughout history. They were the vocal women who stood up to gain voting rights for women but they were white women. Fannie Lou Hamer was also a suffragist in her own right but of course, I had never heard of her until I read this book. Is that sad? Yes!
What is even worse is she lived in my lifetime, and I still did not know who she was. However, now I know who she is and was. 

The summary says she was a key figure and boy was she! From the time she was young she was fighting to be seen. A child who contracted polio and one of 20 children, she had to use her voice to be heard. I was thrilled to read about how she at first was not noticed but kept giving speeches and showing up to rallies. She kept telling others that African American people deserved the right to vote because they also deserved to be treated as human beings. She believed it so much that she even went to jail for it and was brutally beaten but she kept fighting. She marched with key figures, like Martin Luther King, and bodily ran for office several times. Finally, being elected as a representative to the Democratic National Convention. She made herself known and because of her, black women today are able to vote and run for office without fear. Thank you to Fannie Lou for your fearlessness and standing up against racism.

5 stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

About the author:


Margeaux Weston is a neurodivergent author and editor. As a writer, she creates nonfiction stories for young readers, including two in the A DAY THAT CHANGED AMERICA SERIES: THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON and BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION (Capstone Press), and 20TH CENTURY AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY FOR KIDS (Rockridge Press).

She is currently the nonfiction editor at Hugo nominated FIYAH LIT magazine. As an editor, she has worked with several publishers, including each of the big 5, on books for a variety of audiences.

Margeaux currently lives in Louisiana with her husband and three boys.

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Magic Macy and The Ogre by Mark Robertson #spotlight #Children's #FantasyAdventure



Date Published: July 17, 2025

Ages: 3-9


Join Magic Macy on Her Magical Adventures!

Macy is just like any other 8-year-old girl living in Buckinghamshire… until the night after her birthday, when a mysterious rata-tat-tat on her bedroom window changes everything. Princess Amelia has come calling – and Macy has been chosen to save the endangered Woodlands People from a fearsome, grumpy Ogre.

To do so, Macy must lace up her Magic Trainers with rainbow laces, leave the safety of her room, and embark on a breathtaking journey across seas, continents, and landmarks like Big Ben, Red Square, the Eiffel Tower, and even Hawaii.

With help from woodland creatures and new magical friends, Macy discovers the power of courage, compassion, and uniqueness. Her glowing heart and desire to help those in need make her the only one who can stop the Ogre’s dark plan. Along the way, she learns that bravery isn’t about being the strongest—it’s about showing up for others, trying something new, and believing in yourself.


Mark Robertson is a family man who loves his sport, travelling and exploring the world and has a keen interest in history and creative writing. Mark has a strong imagination and is a great story teller. He has a penchant for imagining characters and their adventures, which he shared as a bedtime treat for his little ones. The Magic Macy series was first imagined at these bedtimes with his children. Magic Macy was one such character and he imagined Macy helping people and creatures who were in difficulty and she would venture around the world making good. The stories come to life with carefully crafted illustrations to inspire the imaginations of children and adults alike. We hope you will enjoy Magic Macy as much as Mark's children do at bedtimes.

 

Purchase Link

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Macy-Ogre-Adventure-Illustrated-ebook/dp/B0FHWH8NTF

 

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Turning Toward Eden by Cate Touryan #spotlight #mysterybooks #comingofage #YA



Setting – California 1971
Publisher: ‎ Winged Publications
Publication date ‏: ‎ May 6, 2025
Print length : ‎ 350 pages

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An evocative story laced with mystery, Turning Toward Eden weaves nostalgia with grit, sorrow with humor, and despair with faith, offering hope to anyone who has sought to belong in a world that rarely plays fair.

Audiobook Coming Soon!
The audiobook edition of Turning Toward Eden is in production and on its way to Audible, iTunes, and beyond. Stay tuned for a richly narrated experience, perfect for readers who love stories on the go.

About Cate Touryan

Cate Touryan writes fiction and creative nonfiction that reach for the story beyond the story and the beginning beyond “The End.” Her complex, realistic narratives often touch on themes of faith. While she avoids gratuitous violence and profanity, keeping any romance clean, she does not shy away from portraying the grit and beauty of real life, instead writing the truest story she can, infused with heart and humor. Her fiction will delight young adults and adults still young.

Cate invites you to journey with her into lives both real and imagined, wherein might lie glimpses of your own story beyond the story and an ending redeemed.

Author Links

Website https://catetouryan.com/

Purchase Link – Amazon 

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Lawn Darts & Lemonade: Tackling the '80s by Steven Manchester #review #1980s #comingofage #bookseries



About the book:

It’s the summer of 1984, a season of dodging lawn darts and chugging lemonade—or at least the discolored tap water Ma tried to disguise as lemonade.

Growing up is never easy, no matter what era you do it in. For generations, teenagers have suffered peer pressure, bullying, fear of rejection, and a sadistic obstacle course of one unexpected challenge after the next. Three brothers, Wally, Herbie, and Cockroach, learn that the past can be filled with questions—even shame and regret—while the future might be shrouded in worry and fear. But staying in the moment, now that’s where the sweet spot is.

My review:

Steven Manchester has done it again! This book is a follow up standalone to this author's book, Bread Bags and Bullies. This book follows along the three brothers as they navigate their way through the early '80s Having fun, the pangs of growing up, getting new jobs, and enjoying Summer is where it is at.

As a GenXer, growing up in the '80s this book spoke to my heart. I was able to immerse myself in the many aspects that the brothers had and likely would have hung out with them. Drinking lemonade from my homemade stand, and adventures until the lights came on at night was all the rage. I enjoyed the humor as well but feel the tug of a time gone by.

Thank you to the author, Steven Manchester, who knows just how to spin a tale of life itself from someone who remembers. The memory lane was remarkable. 5 stars

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review. The views expressed are 100% my own and may differ from your own opinions. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:



Amazon

Goodreads


The Amazon Author Formula & The Amazon Author Formula Workbook by Penny C. Sansevieri #Amazon #selfhelp #writing



Publishing a book is a major accomplishment—but marketing it on Amazon requires a different

skill set entirely.

The Amazon Author Formula Workbook  offers a hands-on, repeatable

framework to help authors transform their visibility, boost discoverability, and take control of

their sales strategy. Designed as a practical companion to  The Amazon Author Formula, this workbook 

includes over a dozen printable worksheets that guide you through the most critical aspects of Amazon 

success: keyword research, category optimization, pricing analysis, book description development, 

retail page audits, ARC management, launch planning, and Amazon Ads setup. Every worksheet is 

downloadable, customizable, and built for reuse across books, series, and future launches.

*Review coming soon!

About the author:


Penny Sansevieri, founder and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, is one of the most trusted

names in indie publishing. With more than 20 years of experience, 24 books published, and a

deep understanding of Amazon’s ever-changing systems, she’s helped thousands of

authors—from debut indies to NYT and USA Today bestsellers—optimize their marketing,

improve conversions, and achieve long-term success. She also teaches self-publishing strategy

at NYU and hosts the top-rated podcast Book Marketing Tips and Author Success.

Instagram | TikTok

Workbook & Book

Amazon

Goodreads



Saturday, July 19, 2025

Trouble at the Winston Hotel by J.S. Keim #middlegrade #cozymystery #spotlight


About the book:

After his father’s death, Theodore has the task of caring for his mother and thirteen siblings by working as a doorman for the mice at a glitzy seaside Florida hotel where the rich and famous come and go.

The moment Theodore sets eyes on petite, lovely Lila, he vows to do anything to win her heart. When the hotel owners threaten to close it down after unexpected bad publicity hurts their business, Theodore is drawn into the mystery of who is causing the movie stars at the hotel to become ill.

Intent on saving the hotel, winning Lila’s affection, and keeping his family safe, Theodore sets out to solve the mysteries behind the dangerous situation. Being a detective can be a hard business, and he ends up with a few surprises of his own.


About the Author


J.S. (Judith) Keim is a USA Today Best-Selling Author of adult stories. She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their dachshund, Wally and Kacy, and other members of their family..

While she was growing up, books were always present - being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. Information from the books was shared in conversation, giving everyone in the family a thirst for sharing ideas. Perhaps that is why she was drawn to the idea of writing stories early on.

As J.S. Keim, she writes children's stories full of fun, fantasy, and danger. She particularly loves to write novels about characters who have interesting, fun, and exciting experiences with creatures both real and fantastical, and who learn to see the world in a different way.

She has written over 50 adult women's fiction books, and as a writer of children's books, she enjoys self-publishing and has had three of her children's stories published in magazines - Highlights for Children, Jack and Jill, and Children's Playmate.

 

Contact Links

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon

Saturday, June 28, 2025

#REVIEW: Snoop, Come Home: A Parody by Jeff Whitcher #adultpicturebooks

SYNOPSIS:

A parody of the beloved Peanuts cartoon series that features a mash up with Snoop Dogg, the rapper, author, cook, and Olympic Host.

MY REVIEW:

I am a HUGE fan of Snoopy and now of Snoop Dogg, so to have a mash up book of the two sounded so fun to me. 

First, you should know, that this is not a child's book but it is basically a picture book. Second of all, your grandma would probably despise it, maybe even your Mom. However, I am a Mom and I found it kinda funny. Charles Schultz is likely turning in his grave.

Throughout the book, different and familiar scenes can be seen from Peanuts. The beginning pages are hilarious as Charlie Brown comes to feed Snoopy, only to find the infamous, Snoopy Dogg, partaking in Mary Jane or do I say was "gardening". You get the drift and so does Charlie Brown.

Lucy chimes in questioning his latest CD lyrics and what the funky smell is. Sally takes a call from a record label while Snoop Dogg parties. The ending is abrupt but consistent with the rest of the book.

Overall, it was an okay book. I personally would have liked to have seen a couple of things. It would have been great to see an introduction from Snoop Dogg himself. I think it would have added more to the validity of the book and given a power punch to it. I also would have liked to have seen the rapper talk to the characters. They spoke mostly to each other in the familiar scenes but having Snoop Dogg interacting more would have benefitted the book and boosted it.

Also, I noticed that this book was written in 2020. Snoop Dogg has climbed out of just a "gardening" type guy and has become quite popular. People want to hear him as well as listen to his music. Afterall, he did give a speech to a college graduating class!  Maybe a rewrite is in order for 2025.

I give this book 3 stars because I did like it.

WHERE TO FIND THE AUTHOR:



Amazon

Goodreads




Friday, June 27, 2025

#SPOTLIGHT: When Canaries Die by Luis Figueredo #thriller #novel


SYNOPSIS:

A deadly pandemic. A broken system. One attorney fighting for justice.

Hotshot Miami attorney Pierce Evangelista is thrust into a world on the brink of collapse as a relentless virus sweeps the globe. Amidst the chaos, he takes on a high-stakes legal battle against the U.S. government, challenging immigration policies that have left thousands of asylum-seekers trapped in dire conditions.

As the virus spreads unchecked and the demand for blood transfusions soars, criminal organizations seize the opportunity—turning human blood into a lucrative black-market commodity. In the lawless border towns of Tijuana, Juarez, and Matamoros, desperation fuels corruption, and survival comes at a steep price.

With powerful forces standing in his way, Pierce must navigate a treacherous landscape of law, politics, and crime to reopen the borders and save innocent lives. But in a world where survival and exploitation go hand in hand, how far will he go to seek justice?

A gripping legal thriller infused with science fiction and suspense, this high-stakes battle for humanity will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Book three in the Pierce Evangelista Thrillers series but can be read as a standalone.


Author bio:

Luis Figueredo was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He completed his undergraduate degree in History from Brandeis University in Massachusetts and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. He is a partner in the Miami office of an international law firm. His first novel, Dime, was published in 2020. 


Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/WCDFigueredo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223593579-when-canaries-die





Wednesday, April 2, 2025

SPOTLIGHT: Ferry Tails by Ted Mulcahey #mystery #thrillers


Synopsis:

Beneath the tranquil surface of Whidbey Island, a sinister force lurks. When a ruthless

polygamist cult leader and his deadly enforcer unleash chaos, Deputy Sheriff Roger Wilkie is

drawn into a relentless game of cat and mouse. He knows the truth—but capturing these

cunning killers may be his toughest challenge yet.

With the help of the island’s eccentric residents—including a formidable ex-con who’s always in

the thick of trouble—and two sharp-witted German Shepherds, Wilkie navigates a world of

danger, dark humor, and razor-sharp sarcasm. Fast-paced and gripping, this thriller will keep

you hooked until the final, heart-stopping twist.

Part of the Whidbey Island series, but can be read as a standalone.

My review: 

Forthcoming soon.

Author bio:

Ted Mulcahey has lived most of his life in the Pacific Northwest. He is an Army Veteran, sales

and marketing VP, entrepreneur, business owner, avid reader, one of nine children, and proud

husband who attributes his sense of humor to his mother and his wife.

Find the authors:

Website: http://tedmulcahey.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3Fpizv5

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/224052306-ferry-tails




Saturday, March 15, 2025

Magical Elements of the Periodic Table by Sybrina Durant #GuestPost #science #childrensnonfiction

Hello my fellow readers. Today I welcome to my blog a guest poster, Sybrina Durant. She is here to talk about her book and her insight into writing it. Welcome, Sybrina, take it away.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network



Where the Muse Leads, I Must Follow

By Sybrina Durant

Way back in the 1980’s my muse inserted an idea into my head to write a novel about a tribe of

12 metal horn unicorns with magical powers. Their powers were based on the properties of their

particular metal and how the metals were used in our everyday modern lives. I spent about 25

years world-building and refining the personalities and stories of each individual unicorn. That

charming book is still out there to be enjoyed by fantasy lovers.

Fast forward to 2022 and I decided I wanted to write an alphabet book. I don’t know why that

crazy muse of mine led me there but it just wouldn’t let go of the idea that, even though there

were already thousands of alphabet books in the world, it was my duty to introduce another one.

I decided a unicorn alphabet book would be cute and learned there were already over 50 of

those. Hmmm…more bad news for my book. How in the world could I make mine different?

Then the strangest thought struck. I could make it about unicorns and the periodic table. I

already had 12 metal horn unicorns representing different elements from the periodic table. All I

needed were 14 more to have a book representing all 26 letters of the alphabet. Yay!

Except I soon hit another roadblock. Turns out, not all letters of the alphabet are represented in

the periodic table. Who knew? Well, a lot of scientifically inclined individuals might know, but I

didn’t. And I was inclined to stop right there but my muse kept harassing me to figure something

out. What to do? I started researching what certain elements were called in other languages and

found enough that started with the missing alphabet letters that allowed me to finish the book.

Success! Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented by The Metal Horn Unicorns was

born.

That soon made me realize that I couldn’t quit there. After all, that book only represented 26

letters of the alphabet and there are 118 elements in the periodic table. A monumental task

stood in front of me. What in the world was that extremely pushy muse thinking? I guess she

thought that I was up for the task.

I went on to write another “alphabet” book about 26 more elements of the periodic table which

was presented by Elemental Dragons. Then, came this book, Magical Elements of the Periodic

Table Presented By The Alchemical Wizards – Book 1 in which I completely abandoned the

alphabet theme. And in case you’re wondering, there will be a book 2 featuring wizards and

their elements. It will be published later this year. Shortly after that, I’ll be publishing the last

book in the series which will finish out the periodic table and will be presented by Actinide

Knights and Radioactive Goblins.

To make it even more fun filled, I’ve created activity pages, trading cards, an elemental periodic

table poster and even an elemental bingo game featuring all of these characters and the

elements they represent. Visit my website (https://www.magicalptelements.com) to browse all

of those things and more, plus while you’re there, click the links at the top of the page to access

my research pages so you can easily check my facts and learn more on your own about each

element.

You never know where your muse will lead you but it is usually to something wonderful. When I

created my magical metal horn unicorn tribe 40 years ago, I had no idea I would one day create

illustrated periodic table books meant to inspire kids to want to learn more about the world of

science. Researching these elements has certainly inspired me to keep learning. I truly hope it has that

 same positive effect on all who read them.

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds #words #childrensfiction #collections #multicultural


Synopsis:

Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multi-syllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.

My review:

All of us at some point start collecting something. I happen to collect books, writing materials, and art stuff. So, when I picked up this book at my local library, it seemed like a fun book to read. I was not disappointed.

This book starts out talking about collections, just as I did here; but this collection is different: words! Although the book pages had few words on them (mostly a picture book), it did capture the essence of a word collector.

The young boy found words everywhere he looked, they even "jumped out at him." I can relate to that for I do find some extraordinary words everywhere. This boys collection grew in mass as he took all of his words and put them in scrapbooks. Oh, art!  

However, one day the words became bigger and became new words. I won't tell you how, that would spoil the book.  I can say though,his love for words grew and he used them in different ways. It is just too bad that I did not see some definitions for some of the words, especially the harder words

Then one day...oh wait...I cannot tell you the end with my words, that would  ruin the whole book for you. 

So, I will just say, the illustrations are as big and bold as the words on the pages. Get this book as it is one for  all ages. *wink*

4 stars.

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. 

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Find the book on: Amazon

Monday, February 24, 2025

#Spotlight: Dragon Flight #anthology #fantasy #dragons #animals

 



 

Caution: Dragons ahead.

Prepare to delve into fiery worlds full of dragons. From hatchlings to ancients. From tame to wild. Many have their own goals, and most want to see the world reduced to ash. To reshape the world in their own reptilian image. Others struggle to survive, but heroes rise among them.

Which side will you choose?


Featuring 27 stories by the following authors: Vicki Erwin, Bruce Buchanan, Demi Michelle Schwartz, Sadie Lielle, Andreas Flögel, Desirae Gracyn, C.L. Hart, Kristen Argyres, Sandy R. Stuckless, Jessica Lee Minneci, Rae Evans, S.E. Reed, Larry Hodges, David O'Mahony, Mae Thorn, M.L. Quinn, Racquel Sims, Sierra Jackson, Daniel DiQuinzio, Ana Cordoba, Gabriella Balcom, D.J. Elton, Ann Stolinsky, Charles Barouch, Arwyn Sherman, Kiera Kearsey, Binod Dawadi, and J.E. Feldman.

 

 

 

A Night In the Magical Menagerie

 

Can creatures with radically different motivations get along?

In this fantastical tale a fox named Tod and a tortoise named Torte are brought to the Forest Environment of the Magical Menagerie of Celephaïs by the Outer God Nyarlathotep and his daughter. The friends encounter a wheelbarrow full of peculiar fruit and several exotic creatures. Will they enjoy a good life in their new home, or is this strange place as filled with peril as the one they escaped?

 

 

Excerpt

 

In the Forest Environment of the Magical Menagerie of Celephaïs, a fox and a tortoise gave one another a puzzled glance as they examined a wheelbarrow filled with strange yellow fruits.

"Before Nyarlathotep and his daughter left us here last night, they assured us that King Kuranes' gamekeepers would care for us," the fox said. "I am not sure the gamekeepers know what they are doing. What are these, and how is one meant to eat them? They are covered in spines like a hedgehog, and the green growth on the top poked me in my nose! Come to think of it, Torte, I'm not sure I trust Nyarlathotep or his daughter. After all, he is the great Cosmic Trickster, and surely, the apple does not fall far from the tree."

"This is only a name imparted to him by humans, Tod," Torte said. "Humans are a peculiar lot. Nyarlathotep was forthright with Captain Sammy, and he has been forthright with us."

"I defer to your intuition, my friend. You are slow to anger and take the time to thoroughly assess situations. Very well, rather than postulating malice on the part of Nyarlathotep, I postulate that he does not know what my kind eats and nor, apparently, do King Kuranes' gamekeepers."

"Perhaps these were left here for those animals that eat fruit," Torte said. "I have never before seen the like of them, but they have a pleasant scent. On the other hand, perhaps they were left here inadvertently. Upon discovering their mistake, the gamekeepers will return with the correct foodstuffs."

"If you believe they have a pleasant scent, I will knock one to the ground for you," Tod offered.


About the Author

C.L. Hart had a stormy start to her life. She was born at 6 A.M. the morning after Valentine’s Day in 1965 during a raging blizzard.

She has been a fan of horror and weird fiction for as long as she can remember. She used to read horror comics under the covers with a flashlight as a child.

She started reading Edgar Allan Poe when she was six years old. In her early teens, she discovered H.P. Lovecraft. She pretended to lose the copy of At the Mountains of Madness that she borrowed from the school library and paid the fine so she could keep the book.

Ms. Hart blames the team at Chaosium Role-Playing Games for renewing and strengthening her obsession with Lovecraft’s writing. She lives in a small town on the northeastern plains of Colorado in an appropriately old and storied house with her son and cats. She enjoys watching the normal people pass by as she records the happenings in the weird worlds of her imagination.


 

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Friday, February 14, 2025

Review: A Love Letter to My Library by Lisa Katzenberger #childrensfiction #libraries #ValentinesDay #multicultural #inclusive




Summary:

Everyone loves visiting the library! Children―and adults alike―enjoy searching the shelves for new adventures, curling up in their favorite cozy chair during story time, and even laughing with their friends during arts and crafts. The library has something for everybody!

My review:

Today happens to be Valentine's Day and what a more perfect book than this one to review. I love that this book is all about loving the library and the things that happen in a library. 

When I was growing up, everyone that entered a library had to be completely quiet. Books, music, and some movies was all you could get there. Now, as this book points out, you can come and listen to stories, laugh, play, and yes, in some areas, be loud. Everyone no matter you age, color, sex, capabilities, etc are also welcome in a library. Finding books that look just like you are there too.

In my local library, we have poetry reads, Zumba classes, games, quilt shows, photography shows, blanket making, things for the homeless, a huge dinosaur, and so much more! Oh, and did I happen to mention books, music, and movies?

This book makes mention about pet fish and comfy chairs and spaces to sit and read or simply relax. What a place! What a love letter to one of the best places to be anywhere in the world! Kudos to the author.

About the illustrator: his pictures are bold, bright, and a nice compliment to the story the author presented. It is obvious, he too, likes to be in the library.

5 stars!

Disclosure: This book I retrieved from my own library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the authors:

Amazon