This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Gregory G. Allen. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
The Monsters of Marymount MansionWritten by Gregory G. Allen
Illustrated by Shelby Goodwin Ages 7+ | 128 Pages Publisher: ASD Publishing | ISBN-13: 9780996102940 Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Toby: a young monster who has skin like a fish, fur like a dog, and smells like cotton candy when he gets excited. He lives with his family in the basement of Marymount Mansion and once a year ventures out into the real world when everyone is dressed for Halloween. Toby becomes frustrated with hiding below ground and sets off on an all-important quest. Book Giveaway
Enter for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion, a signed paperback copy of each of the author’s previous picture books** (Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy: A Superhero with Autism Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut!), and a $50 Amazon gift card to buy other books! **All books teach children not to fear those who are different and to be proud of themselves FOR those differences.
One (1) grand prize winner receives: - A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion - A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism - A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: A Superhero Deals with Doctors and Dentists - A signed paperback copy of Irving the Theater Nut - A $50 Amazon Gift Card Four (4) winners receive: - A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kirthana J. Fanning. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
The Girl and Her Noble Steed
Written by Kirthana J. Fanning Illustrated by Travis J. Hill Age Range: 8+ | 100 Pages Publisher: Kirthana J. Fanning LLC (2023) | ISBN-13: 9798988194125 Publisher’s Book Summary: Embark on a remarkable journey with an orphan girl determined to conquer a thrilling race. Overcoming obstacles with the power of prayer, she’s joined by a cantankerous farmer and his singing, dancing miniature donkey. Together, they defy the odds, showcasing the strength of faith, courage, and friendship. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you inspired and wanting more in… ‘The Girl and Her Noble Steed’, the first book in this series. A tale of resilience, hope, triumph, and answered prayers. Author Interview
I am excited to share my interview with Kirthana J. Fanning. She is a children’s book author who is passionate about empowering young readers with God’s word and inspiring them to live boldly in Christ. Her stories are full of adventure and lessons that will help young minds grow and flourish. She believes that sharing God’s love and miracles through her writing will leave an indelible mark on the world, one heart at a time. With two decades of experience as a television producer and writer in Southeast Asia, Kirthana uses her expertise to craft stories that will help young people navigate through life’s challenges with faith and grace. When she’s not writing, Kirthana volunteers as a remote youth fellowship leader and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two huskies.
For more information, visit https://www.kirthanajfanning.com.
Where did you get the inspiration for The Girl and Her Noble Steed?
The inspiration for "The Girl and Her Noble Steed," came from the profound bond of sisterhood, the affection of a special Goddaughter, and the indelible imprints of my own childhood and life, where God’s unwavering hand served as my guiding light. My love for animals has also left a mark on my storytelling. Through this novel, my mission is clear: I want children to discover that they are overcomers and that no dream is impossible for those who believe. What was your writing process like for this book? I began working on "The Girl and Her Noble Steed" in the summer of 2016 while simultaneously working on another book project. Initially, it took the form of a 564-word picture book. Over the years, I went through three different versions of the book. Finally, in July 2023, I completed the chapter book, which is now available on the market. To my surprise, I managed to finish the entire book, from creating the characters to having a complete manuscript, within a single month. My writing process is character-driven, with a focus on the main character, Ofe. I call it the "flower process." It starts with deciding what kind of flower I want to grow, which in this case represents my main character. Everything else in the story revolves around this central character. The process unfolds as follows: 1. Planting the Seed: Generating the Initial Idea 2. Nurturing: building the world, surrounding characters, and scenes 3. Patience: developing the journey within the scenes, ensuring that every chapter has a clear beginning, middle, and end. 4. Blossoming: Deciding on the illustrations I want and finally having the manuscript edited I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have an illustrator named Travis J. Hill, who played a crucial role in bringing my vision to life. The first version of the book featured 25–30 illustrations, and only a couple of them were used in the final version. Travis skillfully reworked and created new illustrations in just three weeks. What truly amazed me was how quickly the scenes for the chapter book flowed in my mind once I realized it needed to be a chapter book. I completed these scenes within 24 hours, even though I didn't have a completed synopsis or outline beforehand. My writing style is organic, so while I had a general idea of where the story was going and what I wanted it to convey, much of it developed as I wrote, and so did the playful and quirky language. Once I had the completed manuscript, I sent it to my editor, and we engaged in three rounds of revisions. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? The act of constructing the story itself is my favorite element of writing books for children. I enjoy creating strange worlds and bringing various characters, both human and animal, within those pages. Seeing these things come to life in a child's mind is a magical experience. What truly motivates me is the ability to interact with young readers and create stories that raise their confidence and instill in them the belief that they have what it takes to conquer the world. What are you working on now? Promoting The Girl and Her Noble Steed and developing the idea for its sequel. What is your favorite book? I have many favorites, but my ultimate dream is to craft a story that can capture the essence of classics like C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" and John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress." Giveaway
Enter for the chance to win a The Girl and Her Noble Steed swag gift pack, including a signed hardcover copy, bookmark, keychain, themed activity sheets, glitter sticker, and choice of a bowl/bracelet or bag, and a 10 min virtual conversation with the author!
One Grand Prize Winner Receives: The Girl and Her Noble Steed Swag Gift Pack, Including: -One (1) Signed Hardcover Copy of The Girl and Her Noble Steed -One (1) Bookmark -One (1) Keychain -Themed Activity Sheet -One (1) Glitter Sticker -Choice of One (1) Bowl/Bracelet or Bag -One (1) 10-minute Virtual Conversation with the Author Two Winners Receive: -One (1) Digitally signed Ebook Copy of The Girl and Her Noble Steed -One (1) Digital Bookmark Two Winners Receive: -One (1) Signed Paperback Copy of The Girl and Her Noble Steed -One (1) Bookmarks One Winner Receives: -One (1) Signed Hardcover Copy of The Girl and Her Noble Steed This post contains affiliate links. This which means Me Two Books may earn a small commission should you make a purchase using the links. Forget the grocery hauls, here is the haul I love the most. Check out what we checked out from the library! Clicking on the book above takes you to an affiliate links. This means Me Two Books may earn a small commission should you make a purchase using the links.
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Dougie Coop. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
The Snail and the Butterfly
Written by Dougie Coop Illustrated by CJ the Kid Ages 4+ | 42 Pages Publisher: Rare Bird Books | ISBN-13: 9781644283653 Publisher’s Book Summary: Have you ever wanted to do something great? Something no one else believed you could do? Well, here is your chance to learn how. Meet a little snail who wanted to fly and an old butterfly who questioned why. Travel with the little snail as he crawls up a mushroom determined to soar from the top. But every time, the same thing makes him stop: fear. Sound familiar? Filled with inspiration and motivation, this magical conversation between an ambitious snail and a seasoned butterfly encourages us to pursue our dreams regardless of who we are or where we come from. With words by award-winning author Doug Cooper aka Dougie Coop, and illustrations by acclaimed Australian artist CJ the Kid, the rhythmic verse and playful style remind us all we can achieve the impossible as long as we believe, trust, and persevere. Book Giveaway
Enter for the chance to win a personalized, signed copy of The Snail and the Butterfly, a Sticker Sheet, and a set of small and large Pins.
One (1) grand prize winner receives: - A personalized, signed copy of The Snail and the Butterfly - A Sticker Sheet - A set of small and large Pins. Nine (9) winners receive: - A personalized, signed copy of The Snail and the Butterfly This post contains affiliate links. This means Me Two Books may earn a small commission should you make a purchase using the link.
This post contains affiliate links. This which means Me Two Books may earn a small commission should you make a purchase using the links. Forget the grocery hauls, here is the haul I love the most. Check out what we checked out from the library! This post contains affiliate links. This which means Me Two Books may earn a small commission should you make a purchase using the links. Forget the grocery hauls, here is the haul I love the most. Check out what we checked out from the library! Clicking on the book above takes you to an affiliate links. This means Me Two Books may earn a small commission should you make a purchase using the links.
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jasmine Stirling. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote
Written by Jasmine A. Stirling Illustrated by Udayana Lugo Ages 5+ | 48 Pages Publisher: Union Square Kids (2023) ISBN-13: 9781454934578 Publisher’s Book Summary: Jasmine A. Stirling, author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, delivers a powerful, poetic picture book biography about suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, perfect for fans of I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark and the Rebel Girls series. As a child, Carrie Chapman Catt asked a lot of questions: How many stars are in the sky? Do germs have personalities? And why can’t Mama vote? Catt’s curiosity led her to college, to a career in journalism, and finally to becoming the president of The National American Woman Suffrage Association. Catt knew the movement needed a change—and she set to work mobilizing women (and men) across the nation to dare to question a woman’s right to vote. On August 18, 1920, Catt pinned a yellow rose to her dress and waited while lawmakers in Tennessee cast their deciding votes to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. After a seventy-year campaign, had women finally won the right to vote? Stirling’s suspenseful retelling of the dramatic final “yea” that changed the history of women’s rights brings the past to life for young readers. Book Giveaway
Enter for the chance to win a personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote, a set of 5 Girl Power Enamel pins, and a $100 Amazon gift card!
One (1) grand prize winner receives: -A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt's Voice for the Vote -A set of 5 Girl Power Enamel pins -A $100 Amazon gift card! Four (4) winners receive: -A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt's Voice for the Vote
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kate Searle. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
My Soul Treasure
Written by Kate Searle Illustrated by Alison Mutton Ages 4+ | 28 Pages Publisher: Kate’s Soul Treasure (2022) ISBN-13: 978-0645415421 Publisher’s Book Summary: My Soul Treasure is a beautifully illustrated children’s book designed to teach children how to connect with their inner selves and cultivate self-awareness and self-love. It follows the story of a young girl who goes on a journey beyond her mind, body, and heart to discover her own inner treasures. The story includes positive affirmations and visualization exercises to help children develop mindfulness and self-reflection skills. Author Interview
I am excited to share my interview with Kate Searle. She is a geologist, wife, and mum who lives in the southwest of Australia. Becoming a mother sparked Kate’s love of storytelling. She has an innate passion for instilling in children a sense of personal empowerment. She has woven her love of gemstones into her debut book, My Soul Treasure, to teach children about the incredible powers of their own souls.For more information, visit www.soultreasures.com.au
Where did you get the inspiration for My Soul Treasure? During the covid lockdowns in early 2021 I felt a burst of inspiration from something bigger than me, to let my children know that they were safe, they were powerful and regardless of what happens in the outside world each day, they have a treasure chest of inner strengths within their soul, that they can draw upon to help them overcome anxiety and navigate this wild and woolly world. This burst of inspiration led me to write my books, Find Your Treasure (a middle grade novel), My Soul Treasure and create a mindfulness treasure-hunt game for children. What was your writing process like for this book? What a wonderful question. I could clearly visualize My Soul Treasure being a colorful picture book, with a double-page spread for each of the soul gems, but I didn’t know which order to arrange the gems. The story really came together one weekend when my husband and kids and I took a trip down to the southern forests. As my husband was driving, a lot of the inspiration for the words in My Soul Treasure flowed into my mind and I wrote them down. The movement of the car and being surrounded by nature helped my creativity to flow. As I was drafting the story, I could only write in lead pencil in a large children’s scrapbook! It helped me see which words would best fit on each page. That weekend, whilst exploring a nearby field, my children and I saw a beautiful rainbow right next to the cabin we were staying in! We climbed over a fence and tried to run to the rainbow. It was a magical moment for us, and it was then that the realization came to me that the soul gems in My Soul Treasure should be arranged in the order of the rainbow and chakras colors. It was as if nature itself was contributing to the direction of the story! I stayed up very late, cosy by the fire that weekend, writing what would become My Soul Treasure. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? I love the creative process of bringing my ideas to life and synthesizing complex or less understood parts of our world and ourselves, into language that children can grasp so that they become aware of how powerful and magical they are. I also love the process of creating inspiring stories that I wish I could have read when I was a child! What are you working on now? I am very excited about launching two new exciting products: ‘Find Your Soul Treasure’ Activity Workbook – which is an interactive workbook that brings the story of My Soul Treasure to life. It has a section for each soul gem and includes hundreds of fun activities and suggested ways children can connect with their soul treasure. Parents, educators and therapists can use the Workbook to help children to heal and empower them. I am about to launch my children’s game called ‘Find Your Treasure’ which is a treasure hunt game that includes clue cards and real gemstones. The game inspires children to find their own soul treasure! I am also dreaming up the sequel to my middle grade novel!! What is your favorite book? That is such a hard question! My favorite book as a child was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis for its magic and adventure. As an adult, I’d have to say People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, for the enchanted way it sweeps across centuries and highlights the value we place on precious texts. There is a part of the story where the sacred text is described as encrusted in turquoise and precious gems which I just adore! Giveaway
Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure and a Kindle!
One (1) grand prize winner receives: - A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle - A Kindle (2022 release) Four (4) winners receive: - A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Page Street Kids. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
Giveaway
Enter for the chance to win a three-book prize pack, including Pirate & Penguin!
One (1) grand prize winner receives: A hardcover copy of Pirate & Penguin A hardcover copy of Sleepy Happy Capy Cuddles A hardcover copy of Hornswoggled Two buttons Four (4) winners receive: A hardcover copy of Pirate & Penguin |