This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Expound Publicity. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Sophie and the Swans
Written by Holly Peppe Illustrated by Aeron Cargill Ages: 3+ | 36 Pages Publisher: Lincoln Square Books | ISBN: 978-1947187146 Publisher’s Book Summary: Sophie is a little girl who lives beside a lake and makes friends with a pair of swans who visit her every day. One day, when a bully starts to torment the swans, Sophie rushes to defend them not by attacking the bully but by showing him kindness when he gets into trouble on the lake. Giveaway
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Knowing that Sam's legacy has provided so much comfort to so many families and children is my biggest joy. ~Kate Polley, Loss Books I'm excited to share my interview with Kate. Her books are so amazing, and I love the ability to personalize them! Use code lossbooks10 when you purchase for a discount. For more information see www.lossbooks.com. Make sure to connect and support. Where did you get the inspiration for your book? My inspiration came from my son, Sam. Fifteen months after my twins were born, I wrote a story for Finn about his brother. Documenting Sam’s short, yet precious life was a hugely cathartic experience for me. It made his existence ‘real’ and helped ease my very broken heart. What was your writing process like for this book? I remember sitting down to record on paper, the words which had been bouncing around in my head for months since Sam's death and they literally tumbled onto the page. Before I knew it, I had the twin’s story, right in front of me. I had the book illustrated and chose to print a few copies, for each of my children and close family, which I placed as a surprise gift under the Christmas tree. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? The heartfelt feedback and gratitude that I receive from families who have purchased our book. Knowing that Sam's legacy has provided so much comfort to so many families and children is my biggest joy. What are you working on now? We are in the process of launching our new miscarriage series to help families who have suffered an earlier loss of a baby/babies. What is your favorite book? An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and T.J. Scripps. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Written by T.J. Scripps Cover Illustrated by Forrest Curtis Chapters Illustrated by Dane Doubell Ages: 8+ | 202 Pages Publisher: Skybok Press | ISBN: 979-8991217477 Publisher’s Book Summary: Ruby, a regular 10-year-old girl with fiery red hair and wild green eyes, has her life turned upside down when her grandmother gives her a magical dreamcatcher. One night, it transports her to the dazzling planet of Starland, where she discovers The Aura Embassy, a magnificent glass castle floating in space. There, she meets alien kids and Royal Light Beings, who welcome her as one of their own. Excited to unravel Starland’s mysteries and connect them to her own world, Ruby faces danger as sinister Dark Beings threaten to extinguish all light, both on Starland and Earth. With thrilling challenges ahead, Ruby must maintain her disguise, uncover secrets, and stop the dark forces before it’s lights out forever. Join Ruby on her daring quest to save the world’s light! Author Interview
T.J. Scripps is an author and storyteller passionate about inspiring the next generation through magic, adventure, and meaningful life lessons. With a background in Journalism and Film Production from the University of Cape Town and further training at the New York Film Academy, T.J. has spent the past decade developing content through her production company, Skybok, bringing stories of people, events, and businesses to life.
As a proud UCT graduate and South African at heart, T.J. promotes the spirit of promise and strength to those younger people who are facing worry and struggles. She undertakes to give light so they can believe in their own ability. Every young reader will enjoy interpreting natural symbols as they go about their life. The overall message of this book is to be excited about life and its beauty. For more information visit glow-in-the-dark.com.
Where did you get the inspiration?
The inspiration for Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light came during the quiet days of COVID, when I found myself walking along the Ann and Roy Hike and Bike Trail in Austin. Nature seemed to speak a little louder then—birds perched just so, flowers blooming in unexpected places, ripples on the lake catching the light just right. These small, beautiful signs stood out to me, almost like nature itself was trying to communicate. It was in those moments, surrounded by the magic of simple things, that the idea for Ruby’s story and the signs from the universe began to grow. What was your writing process like for this book? My writing process is rooted in the places I have journeyed through, which have always been wild and magnificent—the oceanside of South Africa, the mountains of Lesotho, and the great Lake Malawi that borders Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. The great outdoors has always been so impactful to me. This past Christmas along the River Danube, I seemed to reach a crescendo with the concept of Glow in the Dark. The winding paths of Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Nuremberg, with their castles capped in snow and steeped in old superstitions and folklore, inspired me in a profound way. These places seemed to whisper stories of signs and symbols, which became the essence of The Aura Embassy. I wanted to show that simple signs in nature—a bird's flight, a curious cloud—could be a way for us to feel connected, a reminder that something—or someone—was out there helping us mere humans do better. What's your favorite part about writing for kids? My favorite part about writing stories for kids is the look in their eyes when they believe in something. Children have such a natural wonder about the universe, and they believe in possibilities that adults sometimes forget. When I write for kids, I get to tap into that wonder—I get to create worlds where anything can happen, where a small sign in nature can mean something incredible is about to unfold. I also realize the far-reaching impact a concept or story can have on the next generation, and that's very important to me. I want to seed them with ideas that will help them handle trauma as they grow up, developing mental health strategies at a young age so they don't turn to darker coping mechanisms as they get older. It's about creating a sense of adventure and hope and knowing that this series will light up their way of looking at life and help them handle challenges in a positive way moving forward is very rewarding. What are you working on now? I am currently working on the next book in this series. It's called Glow in the Dark: Aura Girl - The Shadow War and the Fractured Signs. It's an exciting continuation of Ruby's journey, filled with new challenges, mysterious signs, and the ongoing battle against the darkness that threatens to dim the light. I can't wait to share more about it soon! What is your favorite book? My favorite book became that recently—The Girl Who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill. It's such a beautifully written story, full of magic, wonder, and deep emotion. I love how it weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of hope in a way that feels both timeless and incredibly moving. The characters are richly developed, and the world Barnhill creates is one you can get lost in. Giveaway
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed paperback of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light! Imagine the thrill of being the one lucky winner who will receive a signed hard copy, a Montessori Toy Interactive Constellation card pack, a Scratch & Play Scripps National Spelling Bee activity book, and the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2025 “Words of the Champions”!
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Stephen Bowling. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary
Written by Stephen G. Bowling Illustrated by Vitali Dudarenka Ages: 4+ | 34 Pages Publisher: Valley of Mexico | ISBN: 978-1-950957-32-3 Publisher’s Book Summary: He’s friendly as can be! But when his kindness causes a stir, can this cornfield guardian use his noggin to make everyone happy? Winslow, the scarecrow, wouldn’t hurt a fly. Full of song and wearing a silly hat, the bespectacled fellow stretches out his arms and welcomes the crows to rest their weary wings. But he’s shocked when the other straw-filled-scarers get upset because they think he’s falling down on the job. Listening to his brightly dressed pals argue over what is proper; he thinks hard to come up with a better way. And hoping to find an agreeable solution, he spies the fallen corn on the ground going to waste, and the kernel of an idea begins to sprout. Can Winslow protect the farmer’s crops and still welcome the rascally rooks? Winslow Scarecrow is a charming children’s picture book. If you or your child like resolving conflict, seeing problems from all sides, and bringing people together, then you’ll adore Stephen G Bowling’s beautifully illustrated tale. Buy Winslow Scarecrow to be a ray of sunshine today! Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win one of six prizes! Four people will win a paperback of Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are Supposed to be Scary and two lucky winners will win the grand prize of Winslow Scarecrow, Grandma’s House is Haunted, and Calvin the Christmas Tree!
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Ryan Cowan. All opinions are my own.
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Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal
Written by Ryan Cowan Illustrated by Halo Rife Ages: 9-12 | 252 Pages Publisher: For the Northern Star Publishing (2022) | ISBN-13: 9788351181905 Publisher’s Book Summary: Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isn’t like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone—and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, it’s up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time? Author Interview
Ryan Cowan works as an educator in Los Angeles. He received his Master of Education in Urban Teaching degree (EdM) from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. For more information see https://www.instagram.com/sloanmoonbeam/
Where did you get the inspiration for Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal?
Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal was inspired by several things: my love of Halloween, my career as a teacher, and the popular 80s cartoon, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. I wanted to write a story with magic and mystery that also taught valuable lessons to kids because that’s what the He-Man cartoons did for me when I was a kid. What was your writing process like for this book? It is very hard for me to remember the writing process for Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal because it happened in spurts. I started writing the book during the summer of 2011, and I remember that there was no plan for the book. In other words, the story just came out of nowhere – including the characters. I would sit each weekend and write a chapter and out of nowhere I’d think of a character. I remember creating the ghost Ginny and being very pleased – crediting it to good luck. Then, around 2013-14, I got writer’s block. Frustrated, I stopped writing and resume the story until summer of 2017. I used graphic organizers to construct the last 25% of the book and began writing again. Within a year, the book was finished, and I was pleased with the ending. I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had never felt before. Writing a book is a hard journey but worth the effort! What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? When someone tells me they loved my story, I’m on cloud nine. I also love seeing it hit #1 on Amazon! What are you working on now? I have finished the sequel, Mr. Moonbeam and the Legends of Moonstone. Currently, I’m editing the sequel and soon I’ll send it off to a professional editor. Then, it will go through illustration, design, and finally publishing! What is your favorite book? I think Gone with the Wind is a descriptive masterpiece and The Alchemist is full of wisdom. Those books have inspired me greatly. Charlotte’s Web is my favorite children’s book. I try to read as much as I can! Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal and an exclusive, limited-edition themed T-shirt!
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and W.W Norton. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Sea Without a Shore
Written by Barb Rosenstock Illustrated by Katherine Roy Ages: 4+ | 32 Pages Publisher: W. W. Norton | ISBN: 9781324016076 Publisher’s Book Summary: A single piece of seaweed buoys a fascinating ecosystem in this nonfiction picture book from award-winning creators Barb Rosenstock and Katherine Roy. From bryozoans and snails to shrimps, eels, swordfish, and whales, the Sargasso Sea provides a home to countless types of marine life, thanks to the prevalence of microalgae called sargassum. Following a single blade of this extraordinary seaweed as it grows and spreads, readers see what it provides for the sea’s organisms: a base for hydroids and tube worms to filter and feed, shelter for anemones and nudibranchs and their nutritious waste, hunting grounds for crabs and amphipods, and a source of nourishment and protection for the fish, birds, whales, and reptiles that feed on these smaller creatures. Through a widening scope on this intricate interdependence, Barb Rosenstock celebrates one of our planet’s most diverse and important ecosystems and the unassuming seaweed that sustains it. Gorgeously illustrated with Katherine Roy’s rich, eye-catching artwork, Sea Without a Shore is as fluid and rhythmic as the currents that shape this tidal home. Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a hardcover edition of Sea Without a Shore, autographed by both Barb Rosenstock and Katherine Roy.
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and David Horn. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Sylvia Locke’s Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother
Written by David Horn Illustrated by Judit Tondora Ages: 6-10 | 96 Pages Publisher: David Horn | ISBN: 979-8-9885430-3-9 Publisher’s Book Summary: Fairytale Land’s baddest girl is about to head to a prince’s ball. A modern, twisted retelling of Cinderella. Once upon a time in Fairytale Land, there lived Sylvia Locke—the baddest girl around. So bad that her grandparents have shipped her off to live with her uptight Aunt Marjorie and two goody-two-shoes step-cousins. When an invitation to the prince’s ball arrives, Sylvia is determined to attend at any cost, even if it means enlisting the help of an evil fairy godmother (against Fairytale Land laws, but has that ever stopped her?). Along this chaotic quest, Sylvia stumbles into some unexpectedly imperfect friends. But will she also learn to appreciate those who truly care for her? The second book in the Tairy Fails series of modern, twisted retelling that puts a hilarious, rebellious, new spin on the classic fairy tales. Perfect for elementary school kids and early chapter book readers. Author Interview
David Horn lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters, and a funny dog named Trixie. He is the author of the popular Eudora Space Kid early reader humorous sci-fi chapter book series. He enjoys making kids laugh.
Learn more at https://www.eudoraspacekid.com/. Where did you get the inspiration for Sylvia Locke's Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother? Sylvia Locke started out as stories I told my kids when they were at chapter book age during dinner or on dog walks. I started with Eudora Space Kid stories, my first series, but then they asked for a fairy tale, and I couldn’t just use Eudora, so I told a story about what happened after Goldilocks and the Bears had set all these traps for the next intruder which ended up as the first Sylvia book, Sylvia Locke and the Three Bears. Sylvia Locke ended up being even more poorly behaved than Goldilocks! And then my kids wanted to hear more about Sylvia Locke. So, in the next story I told them, it just factually made sense that after breaking into a neighbor’s house her grandparents would send her away to live with other family who could actually watch over her, and it just became Sylvia Locke's Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother. I still tell my kids stories sometimes, and they’ve even heard ridiculous crossovers of Eudora and Sylvia. What was your writing process for this book? Because all my stories start as improv oral storytelling, I have a rough outline before I start writing. Then I have to start fleshing out a couple of paragraphs into a chapter book. So, then I have to start fleshing out some more ideas. Like, in the original told story, Sylvia’s step cousins or even the neighbor/narrator guy didn’t have as big a part, but I sort of have some more fun with them during the writing process. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? My favorite part is making kids laugh and hopefully getting them to love reading. Getting hooked at an early age is so important. What are you working on now? I’m actually working on a few young adult novels that I wanted to try. They should be out first half of 2024. And then there are some more Sylvia and Eudora books in the works as well! What is your favorite book? I was recently reminded of the “One Saturday” series by Barbara Baker and re-read them recently and I think this is such an amazing early chapter book series (One Saturday Morning, One Saturday Afternoon, and One Saturday Evening). They are so funny and poignant for kids and adults alike. Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of Sylvia Locke’s Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother and a $25 Amazon gift card!
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Erika Lewis. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts
Written by Erika Lewis A 2023 Teacher Favorites Winner (6th-8th Grade) for the Children's Book Council Brimming with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis's Kelcie Murphy and The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her destiny will lie. The Otherworld is at war. The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts trains warriors. And Kelcie Murphy―a foster child raised in the human world―is dying to attend. A place at AUA means meeting Scáthach, the legendary trainer of Celtic heroes. It means learning to fight with a sword. It means harnessing her hidden powers and―most importantly―finding out who her parents are, and why they abandoned her in Boston Harbor eight years ago. When Kelcie tests into the school, she learns that she’s a Saiga, one of the most ancient beings in the Otherworld. Secretive, shunned, and possessed of imposing elemental powers, the Saiga are also kin to the Otherworld's most infamous traitor. But Kelcie is a survivor, and she’ll do whatever it takes to find her parents and her place in their world. Even if that means making a few enemies. Author Interview
Erika Lewis is the author of the Kelcie Murphy Series from Starscape, The Color of Dragons from HarperTeen, Game of Shadows from Tor Books, Firebrand from Legendary Comics, and more, many of which have been published around the world.
She grew up in Virginia before going off to Tennessee for school. While at Vanderbilt University, studying Math and Theatre, she spent a semester abroad, visiting haunted ruins and magical forests that would forever spark her imagination and leave behind an insatiable need to travel. An internship at CNN led to exciting years working in television, developing scripted and reality shows for various studios and networks. Then, one day, Erika knew it was time for her to write on her own, to build fantastical worlds that stayed with her after every return from a trip, and also to play her part in inspiring the next generation of readers and writers. For more information, visit erikalewis.com Where did you get the inspiration for KELCIE MURPHY and the RACE for the REAPER’S KEY? The Race for the Reaper’s Key is the third book of the Kelcie Murphy trilogy. The original inspirational for the series came from a passion for Celtic mythology and a trip to the isle of Skye, to the real location of the school that was the launching point for The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts. In the lore, the Irish teaching warrior goddess, Scáthach taught Ireland’s most formidable heroes how to fight with magical weapons and extreme martial arts. Her school was called The Fortress of Shadows. The ruins are called Dunscaith Castle I visited the Isle of Skye and stood on the Bridge of Leaping (if you’ve read book one or two then you know what that is.) I knew when I was standing there, waiting for the bridge to toss me off, that I wanted to recreate Scáthach’s school in the Otherworld. To create a school that trains soldiers with weapons and martial arts, who possess powers inspired by Irish mythology. Things like shapeshifting, controlling the elements, telekinesis, telepathy, etc. The main story for the Race for the Reaper’s Key specifically involves the big bad villain from Book One, King Balor, who is also a figure in Irish mythology. The Never-Ending War is going to end once and for all, either with the complete annihilation of both sides, and everyone Kelcie loves, or with peace. What was your writing process for this book? Step 1: Research! This entire series necessitated a lot of research, which I love. Of course, I let my imagination travel off the mythological descriptions of creatures and events from the legendary pasts, but my first step was to discover whatever I could about the Irish Mythological Cycle. Step 2: World-Building for the two lands in the Otherworld, the Lands of Summer and Winter, and the Never-Ending War. Step 3: Character Development: Who was going to take the reader into the Otherworld? Somena from the Otherworld or someone who discovers it? In the end, Kelcie was abandoned in the human world, but originally from the Lands of Summer, something she discovers early on in Book 1, The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts. Step 4: Write the books. That took 5 years. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? My favorite part of writing for children is when I am on school visits, and I see their excited faces when I hand them a book. Reading is a gift. Comprehending the words on a page, letting imagination create the scenes playing out on the page rather than a director telling you what it should look like, it’s an experience that can only be had through reading. When I see the love and desire all children have to read, even if they’re struggling learning how, and see the inspiration from my visit, that’s the best part. I had a hard time learning to read and have some techniques that can help with that. If I can even get one child diving in for another chance at loving books, then, to me, I’ve won the lottery. What are you working on now? I’m working on something NEW! I can’t believe I get to do that. I’ve been on deadline with Kelcie for five years. It’s exciting and scary too. My next project is a middle grade fantasy mystery. Can’t tell you too much, but it’s so much fun. I’m also on sub with a graphic novel series that got its beginnings from Salem, Massachusetts and the witch trials. What is your favorite book? This question is SO hard. I have so many. In the children’s space, I loved J.C. Cervantes fantasy Storm Runner series. I also loved Janet Fox’s contemporary Carry Me Home. C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia was a favorite of mine when I was the age I’m writing for now. I love wandering through lands I’ve never heard of, in both real life and my imagination. Giveaway
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed hardcover set of all three books in the Kelcie Murphy series, including the final installment: Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper's Key!
A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs- Author Interview and Giveaway8/28/2024
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Expound Publicity. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
A Tall Tale- How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs
Written by Scott Sollers Illustrated by Alejandro Echavez Ages 4+ | 38 Pages Publisher: Stephanie’s Stories (2024) ISBN-13: 9781637557730 Publisher’s Book Summary: This is the story of two rival communities living in valleys separated by a ridge. The Have-Alls live in a fertile, beautiful valley with their leader, Chief Somebody, and their prized pets, the Squatz. In the other valley, one more desolate and barren, live the No-Haves and their leader, Chief Nobody. Author Interview
Where did you get the inspiration for A Tall Tale?
This and all of my 13 stories were conceived by me from scratch from thinking and visualizing a setting where a group of characters interacted in a way that promoted an interesting story line that presented a conflict or challenge of sorts, a resolution and a successful outcome. What was your writing process for this book? I would visualize the story line and tell the story to my daughter at bedtime. She always liked my stories and after telling her the story, I would write an outline of the story so I would remember it and eventually bought a blank hardback book and hand wrote thirteen of them out longhand and did simple illustrations for myself as a keepsake. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? The joy and laughter they promote! What are you working on now? I am working with my publisher and marketing consultant to complete various books. Two have been published, a third is in production and the fourth has been edited and the artwork has commenced. What is your favorite book? Ever? Probably “Blindside” by Michael Collins. I love all his writing! Giveaway
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a copy of A Tall Tale: How Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs and a $25 Amazon gift card!
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Expound Publicity. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends
Written by Jen Kirkley Illustrated by M. Brayer Ages: 0+ | 38 Pages Publisher: Palmetto Publishing | ISBN: 979-8-82292-014-9 Publisher’s Book Summary: Willard DoGooder has trouble making friends in his new class. Things are just … different. One day, he spots a magical trail and sets out on an adventure, where he meets four new friends along the trail. Through these friendships, Willard remembers his teacher’s advice on how to think through differences and appreciate each other just as we are.
Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends!
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