Review: A Festival of Ghosts by William Alexandra

A FESTIVAL OF GHOSTS

by William Alexandra

Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Middle Grade Fantasy/Adventure

272 pages

ages 9 to 12

National Book Award winner William Alexander conjures up a spooky adventure full of excitement in this entertaining sequel to A Properly Unhaunted Place.

Rosa Ramona Diaz, the ghost appeasing assistant librarian, has unleashed all the ghosts who were previously shut out of the small town of Ingot. Now ghosts are everywhere, and the town’s living residents are either learning to cope or trying to do the one thing no one can successfully do—banish the ghosts.

At school, something supernatural is stealing kids’ voices and leaving them speechless. And it’s Rosa’s job to solve the mystery and set things right. Meanwhile her best friend Jasper is dealing with what remains of the Renaissance Festival, where ghosts from Ingot’s past are now battling it out with the ghosts of the Renaissance reenactors. And Rosa is experiencing a haunting of her own—could her father’s ghost have followed her here?

Somehow Rosa and Jasper are going to have to find a way to bring Ingot back to normal—in a world where the living are now residing side-by-side with the dearly departed.

MY TIDBITS

Note: This is the sequel to A Properly Unhaunted Place, which I did not read in advance. While A Festival of Ghosts can be read as a stand alone (and wasn't difficult to follow right away), I did find that some information later on was missing.  I can only assume this was found in the first book, and would, therefore, recommend reading this as a series.

Ghosts and haunts abound in these pages, but they hold a perfect balance on the line before creepy, making this an adventurous and mysterious read with an ample amount of fun.

Like her mother, Rosa is a ghost appeaser. She's spent most of her life growing up in a library...after all, that's a center for a haunts. Now, she's supposed to attend a real school to help appease the ghosts which keep popping up all around the building. But ghosts are easier to deal with and more predictable than living peers. Somehow, Rosa needs to figure out how to handle both while getting to the root of a mysterious haunting.

In a way, this reminded me a tinsy bit of The Sixth Sense but only very slightly. The ghosts in these pages might be a little spooky, at times, but there's enough quirkiness to keep nightmarish moments at bay (like a possessed scarf which knows how to attack). Rosa and Jasper are quite the team, not always agreeing with each other and completely opposites in many ways, but they balance each other and have each other's backs every step of the way. Even in the school scenes, the differences between them are clear but their friendship and loyalty is inspirational.

Rosa is a very self-assured character. She knows who she is and what has to be done. She doesn't ever stray from this no matter how much those around her try to taunt her, tease her or convince her that she's odd. This was a refreshing take on school bullying and brought a message without ever steering away from the main plot. Rosa doesn't fit in, and the kids make her feel this. But she lets it bounce off and keeps her sights on the real goal. It makes her easy to root for and demonstrates how important it is to like yourself no matter what others think.

While the first pages start out with a grabbing scene, it took quite a while before a clear story line and mystery settled in. The read is never boring as Rosa meets various 'little' hauntings and interacts with various other characters, but it comes across a little like wandering without a true goal. When the story finally took off much later and a clear problem came to light...or several...the story hooks and it's impossible to put the book down. These mysteries are well woven and hold several surprises, making it unsure how Rosa and Jasper will handle everything. The entire situation with Rosa's father was a little foggy but for the most part, pulls through. I'm assuming this might have been more clear after having read the first book.

Summed up, this is an entertaining read with a bit of spook, snorts, mystery, bullies to be fought and even some action scenes built in.


And here he is...

William Alexander won the National Book Award for his debut novel, Goblin Secrets, and won the Earphones Award for his narration of the audiobook. His other novels include A Festival of Ghosts, A Properly Unhaunted Place, Ghoulish Song, Nomad and Ambassador. William studied theater and folklore at Oberlin College, English at the University of Vermont, and creative writing at the Clarion workshop. He teaches in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Like the protagonist of Nomad and Ambassador, William is the son of a Latino immigrant to the US. Visit him online at WillAlex.net and GoblinSecrets.com, and on Twitter via @WillieAlex. 

Cover Reveal: Malice by Pintip Dunn

Sneak Peek: Leo's War by Patricia Murphy with Giveaway

LEO'S WAR

by Patricia Murphy

Poolberg Press

Middle Grade Historical

405 pages

ages 9 and up

It's 1943 and young Leo tries to protect his disabled sister Ruby as the Nazis invade Italy. After his mother is arrested, he turns to Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty to save them. But he is no ordinary priest. Known as 'The Pimpernel of the Vatican', he is the legendary organiser of the Rome Escape Line. Soon Leo is helping out with the secret network dedicated to saving lives of escaped prisoners. Bust as the sinister Nazi leader Kappler closes in, can Leo stay out of his evil clutches?

or purchase here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leos-War-1943-1944-Patricia-Murphy/dp/1781998159/

https://www.bookdepository.com/Leos-War-Patricia-Murphy/9781781998151

https://poolbeg.com/home/680-leo-s-war.html

https://www.easons.com/leos-diary-patricia-murphy-9781781998151

SNEAK PEEK

In this extract from Chapter 11, Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and 12 year old Leo visit the Palazzo of  Prince Filippo Doria Pamphilj, a well known Anti-Fascist to collect funds to help the Rome Escape Line. After admiring the astonishing picture galleries on the first floor, the visit is interrupted by a Nazi raid led by the Nazi commander Kappler.

The incident was based on a real story about the exploits of the Monsignor who was known as the “Pimpernel of the Vatican” after the story of the English count in the French Revolution. The Monsignor was famous for this ingenuity and his disguises. Kappler had an obsession with capturing the Monsignor who consistently outwitted him and this was only one of many attempts.

  *****

“It’s Kappler! He’s here with troops to storm the palazzo! We’d better hide!”

I peeked out a window. The Nazis had blocked off the street and stormtroopers were fast approaching. Across the piazza I could see Kappler in a leather coat getting out of his car. And it was the very man we had seen on the road to Rome. I knew by the cut of him. Angry, cold, precise even at this distance.

“Go and stall them at the door,” the Prince instructed his secretary. “Hugh, I urge you to hand yourself in. They might shoot you if they think you are resisting arrest. The game’s up.”

“If they don’t find me and the money, they have no proof of anything. I’m away!”

Hugh was already across the room, his hand on the doorknob. He had grabbed his rucksack and stuffed the cash into one of the inner pockets in his cassock.

“I’ll make a run for it. Or hide in one of your thousand rooms. Leo, stay with the Prince!”

But I was having none of it and was on his tail. He shrugged and let me follow him.

We ran blindly down a corridor, away from the front door. There was a short flight of stairs leading to the cellars. Hugh stopped for a moment and ran down the stairs with me close behind him.

Down in the bowels of the house, the cellars were cold and musty. We heard a strange rushing noise from one cellar and looked in. Coal was pouring down a chute, a rumbling black waterfall.

Hugh and I ran in. I wondered if he was thinking of hiding in the coal. The acrid dust was already hitting the back of my throat and making my eyes sting.

“They’re getting ready for the winter delivery,” Hugh whispered to me. “And where there’s coal, there are coalmen.”

There was a break in the coal pouring in. Hugh risked a look up through the trapdoor.

Two grimy coalmen were above us, worriedly watching something – no doubt the SS men. Then they moved away.

Hugh climbed up the mound of coal and grabbed a coal sack from a pile at the top of the chute. The coalmen had turned away I could see by the mischievous look on his face that he’d had an idea. He took off his robe and cassock and stripped down to his vest and trousers, stuffing the clothes in the sack together with his rucksack. Then he smeared his face with coal and so did I. I enjoyed that bit.

Just as one of the coalmen was bending to throw in the next bag, Hugh called up, his voice little more than a breath. “In nomine Patris et Fillii et Spiritus Sancti.” In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The coalman started when he heard the sound coming from the cellar. He looked like he’d seen a ghost! But his face softened, recognising the Monsignor.

“You’ll be doing God’s work if you let us through,” Hugh said softly in Italian.

The coalman nodded and called to his companion. They whispered to each other and then dropped down into the cellar. Without exchanging a word, Hugh and I climbed up.

There was a line of SS men, grimly focused on blocking the side entrance and other doorways. Hugh strode by them toward the coal lorry, carrying the bag of “coal” on his back, the rucksacks hidden inside. I cursed myself as I suddenly remembered my little diary hidden within, betraying my true feelings about their filthy leader. I followed close behind him, my heart hammering so hard I thought it would give me away. I had that strange feeling I get when I’m nervous, like the whole world is frozen in time. The SS men barely glanced at us. In fact, they backed off as if they were worried their uniforms would get dirty. But there wasn’t the blackest coal that was as dirty as those SS men.

And here she is...

Patricia Murphy is the bestselling author of The Easter Rising 1916 – Molly’s Diary and Dan’s Diary – the War of Independence 1920-22 published by Poolbeg.

 She has also written the prize-winning “The Chingles” trilogy of children’s Celtic fantasy novels.   Patricia is also an award winning Producer/Director of documentaries including Children of Helen House, the BBC series on a children’s hospice and Born to Be Different Channel 4’s flagship series following children born with disabilities. Many of her groundbreaking programmes are about children’s rights and topics such as growing up in care, crime and the criminal justice system. She has also made a number of history programmes including Worst Jobs in History with Tony Robinson for Channel 4 and has produced and directed films for the Open University.

Patricia grew up in Dublin and is a graduate in English and History from Trinity College Dublin and of Journalism at Dublin City University. She now lives in Oxford with her husband and young daughter.

Social Media Links –

Website: https://www.patriciamurphyonline.com 

 Twitter: @_PatriciaMurphy

Facebook - h https://www.facebook.com/Leos-War-Irelands-Secret-World-War-2-Hero-714055598929732

Facebook  -  https://www.facebook.com/Mollys-Diary-The-1916-Rising-277254289106782/

Giveaway to win a £30 Amazon Gift Voucher (Open to UK Only)

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Cover Reveal: Xavier by Christina Bauer

XAVIER

by Christina Bauer 

Angelbound Worlds, #1

Monster House Books

Publication date: February 25th 2020

YA Fantasy, Paranormal

COMING...

FEBRUARY 25th, 2020!!!

“Anyone into fantasy and other worldly experiences would enjoy these books. I am officially addicted!” – Rachely, Goodreads 

I am the archangel Xavier,
General of the Angelic Army.
My life began at the dawn of time,
And in all the long eons since
I have only known war, never love.
Until HER.

Enter the Angelbound Worlds, a new series of novellas that take place within different areas and eras of the after-realms (Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, the Dark Lands, and Antrum). Don’t miss Book 1 in the Angelbound Worlds series, in which the archangel Xavier shares how he finally fell in love. 

Suggested to read after Angelbound Origins Book 1. 

“SUCH interesting stories!! I love the characters, the plot, the writing style. Unique, beautiful, not sappy with the romance, but steamy enough to keep my interest. DEFINITELY recommend!” – Keri, Goodreads

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo

And here she is...

 

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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Mommy's Wednesday with a review of The Woman Behind the Waterfall by Leonora Meriel

Every so often, I step back from the wonderful world of children's literature and present a book for all you moms and dads out there. After all, adults like to read too! The book I'm presenting today isn't one that parents need to hide under the bed, afraid that the kids might peek at something they shouldn't...so no worries there. This is a extremely literary read with a very dreamy feel which is set in the Ukraine and explores the family bonds, trails and love of three generations of women living together.

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE WATERFALL

by Leonora Meriel

Granite Cloud

Literary / Women's Fiction

Heartbreak and transformation in the beauty of a Ukrainian village

For seven-year old Angela, happiness is exploring the lush countryside around her home in western Ukraine. Her wild imagination takes her into birds and flowers, and into the waters of the river.

All that changes when, one morning, she sees her mother crying. As she tries to find out why, she is drawn on an extraordinary journey into the secrets of her family, and her mother's fateful choices.

Can Angela lead her mother back to happiness before her innocence is destroyed by the shadows of a dark past?

Beautiful, poetic and richly sensory, this is a tale that will haunt and lift its readers.

MY TIDBITS

I grabbed this one up thanks to the interesting sounding blurb as well as the great reviews. Plus, I'm not one usually to dive into literary or women's fiction, so this seemed like a change.  What a read it was!

The story circles around three women— Angela, her mother, and her grandmother—and describes a journey through their fears and troubles, always centering on their love. It takes place in the Ukraine—something I was glad to see since this isn't a setting often used in English literature—and takes a more dream, ethereal approach.

If you're a fan of straightforward fiction, this is not the book for you. The author uses a very descriptive form which borders at times on poetry. The chapters aren't long, but rather shorter sections keep the writing easy to pace and the scenes in a constant weave as the tale unfolds. This isn't a normal plot as far as stories goes, but rather takes a very deep dive into emotions, descriptions and senses. The wording is very detailed and often extremely flowery, allowing moments such as the warming sun or cool breeze or surrounding scents to come to life. It's very dreamy, but thanks to the characters, it does stay somewhat grounded.

The tale is told from different points of view, not only through Angela and the other character's eyes but even with a more spiritual direction. This is what makes the tale touch the magical direction like a dusting. The experiences of creatures such as a bird and even the stars comes into play, adding to an airy atmosphere. At times, I found it a little confusing...as if drifting through a unconnected ramble which should somehow fit together...but the spots with the characters pulled it back in.

For those who love an artistic, literary read which concentrates on emotions, dreams and more sensual aspects of story telling, this book will hit full points in every way. It concentrates on beautiful writing, lovely scene descriptions and the beauty of love between women and family.


And here she is...

Leonora Meriel grew up in London and studied literature at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and Queen’s University in Canada. She worked at the United Nations in New York, and then for a multinational law firm.

In 2003 she moved from New York to Kyiv, where she founded and managed Ukraine’s largest Internet company. She studied at Kyiv Mohyla Business School and earned an MBA, which included a study trip around China and Taiwan, and climbing to the top of Hoverla, Ukraine’s highest peak and part of the Carpathian Mountains. She also served as President of the International Women’s Club of Kyiv, a major local charity.

During her years in Ukraine, she learned to speak Ukrainian and Russian, witnessed two revolutions and got to know an extraordinary country at a key period of its development.

In 2008, she decided to return to her dream of being a writer, and to dedicate her career to literature. In 2011, she completed The Woman Behind the Waterfall, set in a village in western Ukraine. While her first novel was with a London agent, Leonora completed her second novel The Unity Game, set in New York City and on a distant planet.

Leonora currently lives in Barcelona and London and has two children. She is working on her third novel.

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Review: The Boy, The Boat, and The Beast by Samantha M Clark

THE BOY, THE BOAT AND THE BEAST

by Samantha M Clark

Paula Wiseman Books

Middle Grade Adventure/Mystery

 256 pages

The Graveyard Book meets Hatchet in this eerie novel about a boy who is stranded on a mysterious beach, from debut author Samantha M. Clark.

A boy washes up on a mysterious, seemingly uninhabited beach. Who is he? How did he get there? The boy can’t remember. When he sees a light shining over the foreboding wall of trees that surrounds the shore, he decides to follow it, in the hopes that it will lead him to answers. The boy’s journey is a struggle for survival and a search for the truth—a terrifying truth that once uncovered, will force him to face his greatest fear of all if he is to go home.

This gripping adventure will have readers hooked until its jaw-dropping and moving conclusion. Samantha M. Clark’s first novel heralds the arrival of an exciting new voice.

MY TIDBITS

With hints of dark shadows, dangerous secrets, adventure and hope, this is a beautiful tale which places a boy against his deepest fears.

A boy is born on the beach. Probably not born but finding himself there with no memory of anything else is as if he was embarking on the world for his first time. All he knows are the fears surrounding him—in the forest and in the water. Only on the beach is he safe...and not even there. When a mysterious light flashes a few times and disappears, he grabs at the hope that his true life and parents exist and simply need to be found. And so his journey begins.

This isn't a normal tale, which becomes clear when reading the first page. The writing opens up to a very mysterious and artistically described world. Nothing is clear, allowing the boy's confusion to seep through while joining his longing to figure out who he is and where he belongs. It touches the heart and draws in, allowing the reader to completely sink into the boy's fears, hopes, dreams and determination.

The writer has excellent control of the middle grade voice. Each sentence fits perfectly to the boy, how he thinks and how he views things. There's a haunting hint of fantasy while reality glides just outside of the attainable distance. The battles the boy faces are vivid and his fears completely understandable. He does the best he can with the knowledge he has, making his thoughts a logical pole even in the chaos. It's a lovely mixture which keeps the tension high as he makes his way across the island and faces monsters which are worth being afraid of.

The end wraps the story up nicely and brings the necessary sense into the entire book. It's at the end when the boy's journey, his fears and his battles truly are understandable and gain a somewhat logical footing. It's an emotional moment, where the artistic side of the rest of the book meets a well grounded point.

This is a wonderfully written book which takes a deep look into fears and describes a touching journey as a boy learns to face them. It is, however, a story which follows a more dreamy direction where the basic foundation itself is the mystery. While the book is a literary gem, I'm not sure many middle grade readers will enjoy it. But when the right ones get their hands on this book, they are in for a real treat.


And here she is...

Samantha M. Clark loves stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances because if four ordinary brothers and sisters can find a magical world at the back of a wardrobe, why can’t she? Until she finds her own real-life Narnia, she writes about other ordinary children and teens who’ve stumbled into a wardrobe of their own. She grew up in different countries around the world and now lives with her husband and two funny dogs in Austin, Texas. Samantha is the regional advisor for the Austin chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and she explores wardrobes every chance she gets. Visit her online at SamanthaMClark.com.

Happy Book Birthday, Fearless by Kristin Smith!

Clean Teen Publishing is excited to share that the third book in the exciting DECEPTION GAME Series by Kristin Smith is finally available! Grab your copy of FEARLESS today! If you haven't started reading this series yet, now is a great time to do so as the first book— CATALYST— is currently free for two days only on August 28th and August 29th to celebrate this new release. Readers can grab their free copy on their Kindle or on the Kindle App through Amazon. In addition, this entire series is currently available in Kindle Unlimited, which means that Kindle Unlimited readers can borrow all three books in the series and binge read them for free!

FEARLESS

READ FEARLESS TODAY: AMAZON

On the run from the government, Sienna and her Fringe companions seek refuge in the primitive Zenith Camp, until a government decree draws them out of hiding. They're ready to resist, but it may be too late.

Praise for the Deception Game series by Kristin Smith: "The heart-pounding plot twists and turns rival that of any roller coaster and I DID NOT WANT IT TO STOP." – Amazon Reviewer

"This has everything fans of dystopian YA love: suspense, action, plenty of twists and turns, and a love triangle!" – Amazon Reviewer

"These books are soooo good. They are a perfect balance of everything. Science fiction romance suspense action, they've got it all." –Amazon Reviewer

CATALYST IS FREE ON 8/28 AND 8/29 ONLY!

CATALYST 

by Kristin Smith 

(The Deception Game, #1)

Too pretty. Too smart. Too perfect.

In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn’t fit in. As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teenagers, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she’s ever known and loved changes in an instant.

With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. When a covert exchange of a stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she’s falling for as bait.

In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who’s too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren’t what they seem, and the secrets they’re hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most.

Catalyst is a thrilling adventure of danger, romance, intrigue, and deception.

GRAB CATALYST FOR FREE ON 8/28 OR 8/29 THROUGH Amazon!

And here she is...

Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels. When she’s not writing, you can find her dreaming about the beach, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to chocolate, you can visit her at kristinsmithbooks.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Cover Reveal: The Wolf of the Baskervilles by Majanka Verstraete

The Wolf of the Baskervilles 

by Majanka Verstraete 

The Adventures of Marisol Holmes, #3

YA Paranormal

COMING...

JUNE 25th, 2019!!!

Who is Marisol Holmes?

She’s a teenager.

Detective.

Jaguar shifter.

And don’t forget, she’s also the descendant of the great Sherlock Holmes.

Our heroine had been in some pretty tight spots before, but now? She’s about to face her biggest challenge yet: a powerful shifter with a taste for blood. No one has faced down the deadly wolf of the Baskervilles and lived to tell the tale.

Even so, Marisol Holmes plans to do just that.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Google Play / iBooks

And here she is...

 

Author Majanka Verstraete has written more than twenty unique works of fiction. A native of Belgium, Majanka’s novels explore the true nature of monsters: the good, the bad, and just about every species in between. Her young adult books include the acclaimed Mirrorland (YA Dark Fantasy) and Angel of Death (YA Paranormal) series of novels. At MHB, Majanka is currently developing a new YA shifter series with a fresh take on fierce female detectives called THE ADVENTURES OF MARISOL HOLMES.

When she’s not writing, Majanka is probably playing World of Warcraft or catching up with the dozens of TV series she’s addicted to.

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Happy Book Birthday, Hiro Loves Kite by Lauren Nicolle Taylor!

Hiro Loves Kite 

Paper Stars, Book Two

by Lauren Nicolle Taylor  

Clean Teen Publishing

YA Historical

We offer our wounds and scars. Understanding that’s part of what makes us beautiful. Nora finally has her beloved sister Frankie back but that’s just the beginning of their struggles. She must now become Kite. A stronger, more independent version of herself. A King. A guardian. And Kettle has Kite’s heart. She gives it freely. But as he holds it, dear and close like a lost treasure, something holds him back: A feeling that he doesn’t deserve good things. A looming shadow that threatens to separate them. Kettle must accept that he is also Hiro: A Japanese American with every right to happiness and freedom. Because Hiro loves Kite. And Kite won’t wait forever for him to tell her. But they’re standing on icy ground. As the leverage they had on Kite’s abusive father wavers and life on the street affects Frankie’s health, the challenges threaten to break their bond. Snow is gathering at the station doors and doubts are piling high. They must rely on each other. Believe in the magic that got them this far. If they don’t, it’s not just their future in jeopardy but the fates of all the street kids in their care. All the Kings.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

WHEN AN AUTHOR IS AN ARTIST AS WELL:

Author Lauren Nicolle Taylor created these amazing Hiro Loves Kite art pieces that she personally drew. We hope you enjoy this author art showcase.

Author Bio:

Lauren is the bestselling author of THE WOODLANDS SERIES and the award-winning YA novel NORA & KETTLE (Gold medal Winner for Multicultural fiction, Independent Publishers Book Awards 2017). She has a Health Science degree and an honors degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology. A full time writer, hapa and artist, Lauren lives in the tucked away, Adelaide hills with her husband and three children.

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Review: Pierre the Cat by Glenn Lovegrove

PIERRE THE CAT

by Glenn Lovegrove

Illustrated by Basil M Waite

Candy Jar Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 7

Why would Pierre wish to venture out? 
Why should he feel the lure?
When in his house, without a doubt,
He feels safe and secure.

Written by Glenn Lovegrove and beautifully illustrated by Basil M Waite, this is a delightful children's story about discovering new things.

Follow Pierre on Instagram: @pierrethecatpicturebook 
Or at  www.pierrethecat.com

Available for Purchase:

https://www.freewebstore.org/jellybeanbooks/Pierre_the_Cat/p4712028_18674829.aspx

MY TIDBITS

This is a cute, quickly read little picture book which takes a cat down a funny path.

Pierre has a nice life for a cat but having his food served in a bowl for him every single day, he decides it's time to catch a rat. Not that he's ever done that before, but it's a cat thing to do. Off he goes to search for a rat and instead, meets with more adventure than he knows what to do with.

Pierre is an okay cat. He isn't mean, isn't overly sweet and nice, and somewhat naive. When he heads out to find his rat, curiosity settles in as to whether or not he is up to the task. The author sets in fun twists and turns for Pierre which surprise and encourage a smile or two. The ending doesn't go there where might be expected from the beginning, but it holds satisfying truth.

The illustrations are bright and flow along nicely with the text. It's easy for young listeners to pick up the book and flip through the pages to enjoy the tale even when no one is around to read the words. The text rhymes the entire way through, which usually flows pretty well. There are moments of silliness and expression built in to make it a nice read-aloud for even the youngest listeners.


And here he is...

My name is Glenn Lovegrove, I am forty nine years of age and have been writing poetry since my childhood.  Having read hundreds of picture books to my three boys when they were younger, I always hoped to one day create and get a picture book published myself.  'Pierre the Cat' is a rhmying adventure tale and is my first published book.  I have three other rhyming tales that I also hope to get published in the future.  My wife is a Headteacher of a primary school and we are both passionate about wanting children to read from an early age.  Having already visited many primary schools to read my book, I plan to continue this from September, when children in the UK return to school following the summer break.

Review: Precious Moments - Little Book of Thanks by Jean Fischer

LITTLE BOOK OF THANKS

Precious Moments

by Jean Fischer

Thomas Nelson

Board Book / Religious

ages 1 and up

32 pages

It happens every autumn. As soon as the leaves begin to turn bright, beautiful colors, the year sprints ahead on fast-forward! Take a few moments out of the hustle and bustle of the season to sink into a cozy chair with your little one and thank God for everything He’s given us with Precious Moments® Little Book of Thanks.

In the sweet, enduring art style of Precious Moments, this timeless book will help your children recognize all the wonderful things God has given them! Read along, and you will remember to enjoy the simple things, like singing silly songs, jumping in a pile of leaves, and watching the seasons change. The short, rhyming verses in this classic Precious Moments book don’t take much time to read at all, and they will create memories that last forever.

Precious Moments Little Book of Thanks offers you the chance to be thankful for all that you have and for the ones with whom you get to share every precious moment. 

MY TIDBITS

Thanks and good feelings abound in these reflections about the blessings received during our daily lives.

This is a sturdy, thick board book, perfectly made for small hands. The cover is slick and easy to wipe off from small accidents, and will hold up to a little more rough treatment. Each two-page spread holds a short poem (sometimes two), which reflect a couple things to be thankful for, according to each two-page theme. There is also a short Bible verse to reflect on.

Thanks for silly songs...thanks for playtime...thanks for clouds and all sorts of, even sometimes, silly sounds. This small book hits a broad span of all the things kids, especially younger ones, can be thankful for. The themes are usually very broad and appropriate for children in many situations, making it easy for almost any little one to relate too. The poems change in length, tempo, rhyme and attitude, giving the pages as much variety as the things being thanked for. Each one is short and sweet, keeping it to a short attention span while still making the point loud and clear.

The illustrations, as is with Precious Moments, are cute and radiate warmth and love. The kids are depicted in various activities, each one clearly holding emotions which even young listeners can pick up on. It's simply a sweet collection, which reminds how much God's given us and how even the smallest things in life make the biggest smiles.

I received a complimentary copy from Booklook Bloggers.