Sassy Pants (Sassy Pants series #1) by Carol A. Brown

About Carol

 “I began telling stories when I had enough brothers to make an audience!” (She has four brothers and one sister!) Carol is a retired teacher. She and her husband. a pastoral counselor, have ministered all across the U.S. and internationally. They now reside in Grand Rapids, MI. with Carol’s elderly mother. They have two daughters on the west coast and five grandchildren.

Carol was raised in a rural farming community in Iowa. She is a retired educator/administrator and enjoys reading and writing, nature and music, piano, knitting, crocheting, painting and telling stories! “I am dedicated to knitting sweaters and spinning yarns!”

To view Carol's other works for adult readers go here.

About Book

Sassy Pants is a about choices and consequences.

It is a story of a cute little pig with a big attitude. Sassy Pants insisted upon her own way without regard for other's feelings. "She did not notice, nor did she care!"

She ignored feelings, fences, boundaries and authority! She didn't even listen to the Boss Hog! She gave the farmer's wife a tizzy, ruffled feathers and tied fur in knots both in the barnyard and out of it! Finally the barnyard friends turned to Farmer White for help to stop Sassy Pants' rampage.

Some learn the easy way and some learn the hard way. Find out how Sassy Pants learned!

Sassy Pants and Company is a blog just for the Sassy Pants Series. It is designed to be a fun, safe, place for children. You can find character interviews, parent/teacher resources and an activity page with pages of worksheets designed around the stories. Eventually I hope to have games as well.

You can download discussion helps from the "downloadables" page!

This is the first in a series of four Sassy Pants stories.  Published by Tate Publishing.

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound

My Thoughts

On Farmer White's farm Sassy Pants was born the runt of the litter out of 18 piglets.  There was no room for her and she was too small to fight her way to get her food.  So Farmer White took her from the pig pen and took her into the house for Mrs. White to care for her.

Sassy became so spoiled she ate table scraps or anything Mrs. White young son's would feed her.  They played with her and she had become a part of the family.  As she grew she became very mischievous so she was returned to the pig pen with her mother and her siblings.  She was not happy with this and refused to adjust to life in a pigs pen and kept digging out.   She became a trouble maker and a bully making Mrs. White and the other farm animals very unhappy with her.

Well Farmer White and his wife were not going to put up with Sassy Pants being so destructive and besides being in a pen was for her own protection.  Sassy was fixing to get the shock of her life if she did not follow the rules.

Do you think acting like a bully and a troublemaker will get you whatever you want?  Does it make you feel special or better than everyone else?  Well read this story and find out how Sassy learned the hard way.

The author and Miss Molly tell a good tale about following rules. Being a bully is no way to treat other.
It is a tale of selfishness, bullying,  lack of respect for others and their property.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from the author for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Visit my blog on July 1, 2012  for my post/review on book 2 of this series SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS

The Library Dragon by Carmon Agra Deedy illustrated by Michael P. White

About Carmen

Carmen Agra Deedy has been writing for children for over two decades. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the U.S. as a refugee in 1964. She grew up in Decatur, Georgia, where she lives today.

Deedy began writing as a young mother and storyteller whose NPR commentaries on All Things Considered were collected and released under the title, Growing Up Cuban In Decatur, Georgia. The pithy collection of twelve stories soon garnered awards, among them a 1995 Publishers Weekly Best Audio (Adult Storytelling) and a 1996 Parents’ Choice Gold Award.

Her children’s books have won numerous awards.

The Library Dragon received various children’s state book awards and has sold near half a million copies. In 2003 the book was her home state’s choice to represent Georgia at the Library of Congress’s National Book Festival.


Carmen's Website


Illustrated by Michael White 


Michael P. White is the illustrator of The Secret of Old Zeb, Harriet’s Horrible Hair Day and The Library Dragon. An award-winning artist and illustrator, he has exhibited his art in galleries and created original works for a number of corporations. Michael does many school visits, bookstore signings, and various other events throughout the year in addition to being a full time illustrator. His presentation, entitled The Start of Something Big: A Hands-On Program, is based on the premise that one idea can create a story and covers several curriculum-based objectives. White lives in Atlanta, Georgia. 


Visit his website at www.michaelpwhite.com
                                        
        

The Library Dragon 

When Sunrise Elementary School advertised for a thick-skinned librarian with a burning love of books, Miss Lotta Scales knew she was perfect for the job. Who could guard books better than a REAL dragon?

“She kept a fiery eye out to make sure no one removed any books from the shelves…. The very thought of sticky little fingers touching and clutching, pawing and clawing, smearing and tearing her precious books just made her hot under the collar.”

Where to buy:
Peachtree Publishers
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

My Opinion 


Sunrise Elementary School needed a librarian so they advertised hoping for a perfect match.  But what they got was Miss Lotta Scales and she did not want anyone to touch the books.  It became very clear she was a REAL fire breathing dragon. So how would they get a book off the shelf and out of the library?  Even the teachers came away scorched by the library dragon. 


Then one day a little girl took a book off the shelf and started reading aloud and the library dragon liked what she was hearing.  She actually found she enjoyed Storytime.This is a fun book and I really like the size of this book.  But I guess it has to be big in order to hold a fire breathing dragon inside. When I started reading the book I could almost smell something scorching the pages. 


The illustrations are colorful and the creation of the dragon librarian and her antics will entice children to find the Library Dragon in their own school library.








I recommend this book to everyone that loves their librarian.



I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure 
I received a free copy of this book from Peachtree Publishers for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Reading Ideas for Summer Part 2 by Becky at Tales of Beauty for Ashesat Tales fo

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Reading Ideas for Summer Part 2

 If you are going to get your child to go deeper in their reading, then you need to ask questions. It is essential.

Think about it, when you are dating, what do you do to get to know someone on a deeper level?

ASK QUESTIONS!

This is the best thing to do when building comprehension and helping them remember and enjoy what they are reading. These questions are not the questions you remember from school. These are questions you would ask your girlfriends in a weekly book club. Here are some examples:

• If you could be any character in the book, who would you be? 
• What is something the character did, that you would have done differently? 
• If you could change the ending of the book, what would it be? 
• If you could get a lesson out of that chapter, what would the lesson be? 
• What is your favorite part? Why? 

 Here is a list of questions from Laura Candler 

 With questions, it is amazing the questions your kids will be able to come up with on their own. Let them come up with their own questions for discussion. Why not start your own family book club? Don't know how? It's super easy - you can do it in five steps!

1. Choose a book that your child/children will enjoy 
2. Decide a date to meet weekly 
3. Pick how much you want to read each week (this could also be something you decide each week as you go along) 
4. Come ready with questions - see above 
5. Let each member come up with one or two of their own deep questions about the book. 

• Note: A deep question is one that cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no' See? Easy-peasy!  

If you have any further questions, feel free to email me! I love being able to help you in your literacy journey!

What are some discussion questions you use when reading?

Becky, Thanks for this marvelous post about 

Reading Ideas for Summer.  I am sure my viewers 

will appreciate it as much as I do. 

Blessings,

Patricia aka Mamaw

Peter and the Whimper-Whineys by Sherrill S. Cannon

 Sherrill Shares 

Sherrill's Website

My second rhymed children’s book, Peter and the Whimper-Whineys ( 2010) is designed to help parents cope with whining and complaining children.




Peter is a small rabbit who does nothing but whine. His mother warns him that if he keeps on whining and crying, he’ll have to go live with the Whimper-Whineys. His nocturnal adventures convince him his mother was right! If only he can get back home…

 The critique editor for this story wrote: “I cannot imagine any parent or guardian not wanting to read this book to their child!…Parents everywhere applaud you!” 

Illustrations by Kalpart

About Book

No one likes a whiner! Finally, a children’s book to help parents cope with whining and complaining children.

Peter is “a very small rabbit who did nothing but whine.” And of course, no one wants to be around anyone who is always whining, so Peter is not a very popular rabbit..

One day Peter’s mother warns him that if he cannot stop whining, he will have to go live with the Whimper-Whineys. And no one wants to do that!.

This fun, rhymed children’s adventure follows Peter as he hops into the woods and finds himself amid a group of frightening Whimper-Whineymen! He discovers that the Whimper-Whineys are ill-mannered and rude, and that it’s not very pleasant in Whimper-Whineland..

Will Peter learn to stop whining?.

Where to buy
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Paperback: 30 pages
Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing
(April 9, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1609115171
ISBN-13: 978-1609115173
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 inches



My Thoughts

Once upon a time! There was a rabbit named Peter he had a bad habit. That habit was whining about everything. He let everything upset him so much he cried all the time. His mom was so tired of the his tantrums that she told him the Whimper Whineys were going to come get him to live with them if he didn't mind his manners.

The author's mother told this story to many children. Sherrill add rhymes to the story and put it in a book. I think she out did herself with this book. I enjoyed this one best out of all her books. It made me laugh because it almost sounded like it could be a rap. I pictured her sitting in a rocking chair rapping this story to kids and making whiney faces like Peter the whiney little rabbit.


I see this book becoming a real classic treasure . Your children will want to hear and read this story over and over again. If you have any whiners you must read them this book to them!


Most of Kalpart's illustrations were on black background depicting night and the Whimper-Whineys characters in the illustrations were hilarious. The Kalpart team did a excellent job of illustrating the tale Sherrill had written.


I highly recommend this book!!

Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from the author and Strategic Publishing Group for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Reading Ideas for Summer by The Moselys at BEAUTY FOR ASHES

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Reading Ideas for Summer 

 by The Moseleys 

Okay, I know that I made the decision to not go back to teaching next year, but that won't stop me from sharing my ideas with you guys.


You can take the teacher out of the school, but you can't take the teacher out of the girl!




As a reading and writing teacher for middle grades, I have learned a LOT about what works and what doesn't work.


Some things you need to know when building a passion for reading in your child.


1. You HAVE to model it. I know it is so hard because life is busy. Think about this though, if your kids don't see you reading, why are they going to think it is important?


2. Let them read what interests them. Within reason. If your child is in second grade, they should probably not be reading middle school vampire books (just my opinion). On the other hand, let your kids have a chance to pick out books that THEY want to read. You can give them options, but don't be disappointed if they are just not into the books you read when you were their age.


3. Read with them. I can't even tell you the importance of this one. For one, it is such great time of bonding with you and your child. Two, it helps them build their own fluency, so when they are reading they will know how to pronounce words. Three, it shows them that reading is important to you.


4. Ask questions. Come back Next week for a list of questions to get you started. As well as, help on how to get your own family book club started.


5. Reward or no reward? This is a huge debate in education. Should kids be rewarded for reading? My philosophy...no. I know, I know, I don't have my own kids (yet). But I think that reading should be the reward. If you reward them, then they are reading for the purpose of gaining some prize, not from the enjoyment of reading.


Just my thoughts. Take them for what they are worth! 

Thanks to The Moseleys for this amazing post!

Come Back for Part II on June 26th.

The Magic Word by Sherrill S. Cannon

Sherrill S. Cannon

My third book was released in February 2011. The Magic Word is about the word “Please”. All of my children and grandchildren know about this word, and I hope yours do too! This book has received a NABE Pinnacle Achievement Award for Summer 2011, was a 2011 Gold Medal Winner of the Readers Favorites Awards, and has also received a Global eBook Finalist Award. It is now also a Finalist in the 2012 Reader Views Awards!

About Book 

The Magic Word is one that everyone needs to learn. "Elisabeth Keys never said thank you, excuse me or please. She made fun of people, she'd argue and tease. She took what she wanted whenever she could, Elisabeth's manners were not very good."

So begins the rhymed story of Elisabeth, who discovers her lack of friends when no one wants to come to her birthday party. Her mother suggests that she learn to be considerate of others and to say "please" as well as "thank you." She should treat others "the way that you know you would like," and should "think more about others and less about you." When Elisabeth goes to school the next day, she remembers her mother's advice and uses the magic word "please." She also tries to become more thoughtful of others. Imagine her pleasure when she returns home to find out that her new friends are all coming to her birthday party.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if children could learn at an early age to be polite and thoughtful of others!
This wonderful rhyming book will have your kids saying "please" before you know it!

A former teacher, Sherrill S. Cannon of Great Bend, Pennsylvania, is now retired and travels the country with her husband in an RV, going from coast to coast to visit their children and grandchildren, sharing her books along the way. She tends to think in rhyme and has written several children's books including Peter and the Whimper-Whineys and Santa's Birthday Gift.

Publisher's website: http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/TheMagicWord.html

My Thoughts

This story is about a little girl named Elizabeth Keys.  Like a lot of children her age she thinks of what she wants not considering the feelings of others.

Elisabeth and her mother are planning a party for her birthday.  She has invited all of her classmates.   She finds out the hard way that because of her bad manners and her selfishness she has no friends.   None of her classmates have RSVP about coming to her party.

Why would anyone want to attend her party?  She cut in line, took things from others and would not share.
If someone did something nice for her she was rude to them.

This story is full of rhymes making it a fun way to learn the value of manners.  Especially remembering to say the Magic Word.  What can that Magic Word be?  Can you guess?

The illustrator has created the perfect characters for this story and if you pay close attention in your minds eye the story comes alive bringing the rhyming words and illustrations together in this outstanding book to teach your child a lesson about manners and making friends.

I highly recommend this book!

Rated this Book 5 candles out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from the author for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.
It is my own opinion.

Gimme-Jimmy by Sherrill S. Cannon

About Sherrill

I’m proud to announce that my three books have won ten national awards. Please take a look at my Books page for details . Please check out (and like) my Facebook Fan Page: http://tinyurl.com/Author-Sherrill-S-Cannon

Here’s a little bit of my background: I grew up in the Willard Hotel in Washington DC (my Dad was the manager), was married and lived in Northern Virginia for twenty years where my husband and I raised our four children. We later moved to the Philadelphia PA suburbs where we lived for fourteen years before moving to the Binghamton NY area where we have lived for fifteen years. We celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary in June! We are now retired, and we travel in our RV from the east coast to the west coast each year to spend time with our children and grandchildren. I have had a varied career: I was a teacher and coach for ten years in the Washington DC area, and then became a “stay-at-home-Mom” who in my spare-time was a professional newspaper sports photographer and columnist for several years when our boys were playing competitive soccer. When our girls became interested in theater, I became a Dinner Theatre Company Stage Manager (as well as lighting and sound technician) and also was an Assistant Talent Manager for Cathy Parker Talent when our youngest daughter was doing commercials and professional modeling in NYC. When we were relocated to the Binghamton NY area, I became the Business Administrator for a software development company specializing in simulation, handling office duties as well as payroll and contracts. Now I have time to write, and to market my books. I also have collaborated with my daughter on several rhymed musical plays for her elementary school, five of which are now published and being performed in the US as well as internationally. Please take a look at my Plays page for further details.

My newest rhyming children’s story, Gimme-Jimmy, has just been released. I look forward to sharing it with as many children as possible!

Where to find Sherrill
Facebook Fan page
Website  http://www.sherrillcannon.com 
twitter username sherrillcannon

About Book

James Alexander’s nickname was Gimme-Jimmy because he was a greedy and selfish bully. Imagine Jimmy’s concern when he discovered that every time he said the word “Gimme”, his hand grew larger. Jimmy was happy to discover that when he was polite and said “Please” and “Thank you”, his hand began to shrink. He started practicing his new “Polite Rule” and found out that it was much more fun to share.

Where to buy:  Amazon

My Review


Jimmy is a bully. He does not like to share anything. The kids at school gave him the nickname Gimme Jimmy. His real name is James Alexander. His bad manners even extend to his own home. His father tried to explain to Jimmy that he would not have any friends if he did not learn some manners and start being polite to others. If he continue to be so rude his hand would grow until it touched the ground.  Of course Jimmy didn't listen and every time he said gimme his hand got bigger and bigger.


How will he eat, write or play on the computer? Will the other kids make fun of him or feel sorry for him?


This is a wonderful book to teach children the perils of being a bully and how important it is be polite to other. Bullies do not make friends that make trouble.


This is a marvelous ryhming tale of bad manners and rude behavior. The illustrations are colorful and there are even surprise hidden objects and people to be found.


I highly recommend this book. 

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

The Story Shell - A Tale of Friendship Bog written by Gloria Repp illustrated by Tim Davis

About Gloria

In one of my earliest memories, I am sitting on my father’s lap listening to a bedtime story. His stories were always original, always exciting, and they lifted me out of my small space into larger worlds of adventure and intrigue and wild creatures. At the same time, growing up in Hawaii and later, the Pacific Northwest, I began to take a lively interest in the natural world surrounding me. The ocean and beaches, mountains and forests, fired my imagination and gave shape to the stories I was beginning to dream.

The gifts of my early childhood—a love for story and for nature—stood me in good stead during the lonely years that followed. My mother died, our family disintegrated, and I was sent away to school. In books and the stories I wrote for myself, I found delightful companionship, and I learned that the mysteries of nature could be unlocked by careful study.

Finally I recognized what I’d always wanted to do: write stories for children to read.

I studied the craft of writing juvenile fiction and then began. My three children seemed to like my stories, so I started on the long road to publication and found that others liked them too. Since then, I have taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written more books—for children, teens, and adults.

The past four years have added a new dimension to my work as I’ve made numerous trips to explore the thousand-acre wilderness of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. I found inspiration for story settings in the pine forests and the abandoned cranberry bogs near the ruins of a town named Friendship. One April, I listened to a chorus of frogs singing, and I knew I had to share these marvelous creatures with children.

I would tell them about the adventures of Pibbin, a Pine Barrens Treefrog, beautifully colored in green, lavender, orange, and white. Although tiny, no bigger than a thumb, he would be brave, a frog who dared anything on behalf of his friends. I’d write Pibbin’s stories with simple words and sentences so children who were entering the world of reading could enjoy them. The series would be called Tales of Friendship Bog.

Pibbin’s adventures have taken shape, young readers ask for more, and each year I return to the Pine Barrens to listen to its frogs. The Tales of Friendship Bog continue.

Website http://www.gloriarepp.com/

About the Book

The Story Shell Easy-to-read adventure for ages 6 and up. Gaffer’s story shell, the delight of Friendship Bog, has disappeared! Worse yet, his birthday party is tonight, and for a treat, he’d promised to tell one of his famous stories. Someone has left large tracks on the old treefrog’s deck. Is there a thief in Friendship Bog? If only Leeper were here, that brave, strong frog would have a plan. But Leeper is gone, and Pibbin wants Gaffer to have the best birthday ever, so he sets off alone to track down those tracks.

Read a sample chapter

Note to Educators: 

Tales of Friendship Bog are easy-to-read chapter books with controlled vocabulary, simple sentences, and short chapters. Illustrations add context clues. Beginning readers enjoy these stories, and reluctant readers follow Pibbin’s adventures with enthusiasm.

 

VISIT PINE BARREN'S BOG

Discussion Question


My Thoughts

We are back for Pibbin's new adventure in book two of The Tales of Friendship Bog.

There is a birthday party being planned and all of Friendship Bog are anticipating stories the old treefrog Gaffer will share with his friends at the party. But as they are cleaning and preparing things at Gaffer's home Skitter the lizard puts the story shell out on Gaffer's deck only to be stolen. Pibbin is determined to find the thief and bring the story shell back before the party begins. Pibbin still fears he is too small to be of any help in the search of the thief. How will Gaffer tell his stories without the story shell? So he searches for clues. 

Pibbin tried to find his pal Leeper to go with him but there is no time to spare he must go searching for the shell without his pal. Pibbin follows the clues he finds and on the way ask other friends of the bog if they have seen anyone with Gaffer's shell. He befriends a new resident of the bog that claims he can take him to the location of the suspected thief. Pibbin is not sure he can trust his new friend. If only his Leeper were with him.

Will he find the story shell in time for Gaffer's birthday party? The author has not disappointed me in Pibbin's second adventure. She captures his fears, bravery and determination. Even though there are amazing illustrations in the book the author provides plenty to stir the imagination to the descriptions of the characters and their surroundings.

The illustrations, especially the front and back cover images, of The Story Shell will peak your imagination feeding the need to read yet another tale of the brave little treefrog Pibbin and the Friendship Bog.

I highly recommend this book.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

June '12 Book Lovers Blog Hop & Giveaway

June '12 Book Lovers Blog Hop & Giveaway

click on image to join the fun

Book Lovers June '12 Blog Hop: Make friends, share the love of reading and be entered to win a FREE book! All you have to do is post the Book Lovers Blog Hop and World of Ink Tour Banners below to your blog. You are free to copy any of the content here on this blog hop page to help promote the Book Lovers Hop and World of Ink Tours on any social network. 


Tweet it once to twice a day, share on Facebook, LinkedIn, SumbledUpon, Pinerest, etc and then follow others back that leave you a comment. 


By joining the Book Lovers Blog Hop, you are automatically entered in our Book Giveaway! There will be three (3) winners for this Book Giveaway. The winners will win a copy of one book. 


First place winner will receive In All Things: Giving Thanks When Hope Seems Lost by Laura Smith Second place winner will receive Porcupine's Seeds by Viji K. Chary Third place winner will receive Out and About at the Zoo by Jo Linsdell 


Note: One book per winner.

CELTIC RUN by Sean Vogel - A PumpUpYourBook Virtual Tour - Spotlight

About Sean Vogel

Growing up in a small town in Michigan during the 1980s, Sean was provided with an excellent garden for cultivating his writing career. With only a few simplistic video games and three television channels, he became an accomplished daydreamer and a creative outside adventurer.

A son of a garbage truck driver, Sean often received “gently used” items from his father’s route. With a bit of imagination and a little tinkering, these items were reborn as tools for battles against backyard bandits. These childhood experiences would later serve as the foundation and inspiration for Jake McGreevy’s gadgetry expertise.

Seeking his own adventures, Sean joined the Army via an ROTC scholarship at Colorado State University. Living in Germany for several years gave him the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe. During his time in the Army, he served in the Field Artillery and Signal Corp, rising to the rank of Captain and receiving the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq.

Sean started drafting novels out of boredom during long deployments in the military; a pen is easier to carry than a guitar. But he soon fell in love with the frustrating, yet satisfying science called writing and has been hard at work ever since.

When he’s not helping his main character Jake get out of tangles, Sean is a department manager for a large aerospace company. He lives in Denver with his wife and their two dachshunds.

www.seanvogel.com
www.facebook.com/seanvogelauthor

Celtic Run Virtual Book Tour, June and July 2012 Celtic Run 

Genre: Young Adult

Synopsis by Sean Vogel 

Jake, a 14-year-old gadget whiz, didn’t plan on a summer full of treasure, thieves, and danger. He just got lucky.

While in Ireland on a class trip, Jake stumbles upon the first clue to a treasure missing from the Spanish Armada. Jake sees the riches as his chance to buy back the family sailboat and restore a piece of the life he enjoyed before his father was critically injured in an accident. Desperate to find the treasure, Jake teams up with Zach, his nemesis and class bully, and two girls in a clue-hunting chase across the Dingle Peninsula.

Dodging would-be thieves, exchanging wisecracks with Zach, and concocting ingenious devices to get them out of scrapes, Jake leads the team as they connect piece after piece to the 400-year-old mystery.

Buy:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Book Excerpt


Celtic Run

© Sean Vogel

Chapter 1

Jake clenched his fists. Zach was sauntering down the airplane aisle as if he were the best thing since the iPod. Everyone has an archenemy, Jake thought. Luke Skywalker has Darth Vader. Harry Potter has Voldemort. Me? I have Zach. Zach plopped into the seat in front of Jake and poked his head around to talk.

“Hey, twerp, having a good flight?”

Just my luck. Five and a half hours to Ireland behind the goon of the eighth grade. “I’d be having a better flight if you’d test the emergency exit.”

Zach’s eyes narrowed. “Okay, Spanky, you’ll pay for that with your leg room.” He stuffed his duffle under his own seat until it infringed on Jake’s space. “Oh, wait, you’re only three feet tall, so my bag won’t bother you.” Zach chuckled and turned back around to watch a movie on his LCD television screen.

Instinctively, Jake stretched his legs to see if he could reach the duffle with his feet. Shorter than the average student, he felt like a dwarf compared to Zach’s football-player physique. He glanced at Zach’s seatmate, Julie. Why doesn’t she ever see this?

Jake’s heart pinched as Julie adjusted her position to rest her head on Zach’s shoulder. Her blonde hair lay draped between the seats, its strong berry scent sending a slight tingle through Jake’s body.

Jake and Julie had grown up together. They’d been friends from hide-and-seek to Guitar Hero, which made it the ultimate blow when she started going out with Zach. Why can’t she see him for the jerk he is? Jake kicked Zach’s bag out of anger. Good thing no one’s sitting next to me. Then, grinning, he bent forward and slowly opened the zipper.

The first thing he found was a stack of papers. A cover sheet said “The Visitors, by Zachary Maguire.” Laughing inwardly at his good fortune, Jake tucked the manuscript into the seat pocket in front of him for future retrieval. Never pass up good blackmail material.

Next, he found Zach’s security-compliant bag of liquids. Jackpot! All that bragging about being the only eighth grader to shave is going to haunt him. He pulled out the travel-sized can of shaving cream and some dental floss and then pried the tab off his empty soda can.

He knew Julie wouldn’t approve of what he was about to do. Like a referee who flags the guy returning a punch, she had a knack for seeing only Jake’s retaliations and not Zach’s instigating offenses.

After jamming the metal tab into the tight gap behind the button, he gingerly pulled forward on the makeshift lever. Mint-scented goo dribbled out. Perfect. Next, he strategically placed a couple of airline blankets inside the duffle to hold the shaving cream can up toward the opening of the bag. He zipped it closed as far as he could, leaving just a little access for his fingers. Using a fisherman’s knot, he tied the floss to the metal tab, pulled the slack out, and tied the other end to the zipper.

He bit his lower lip as he pulled the knot tight. Probably the last time I’ll tie that knot since we no longer have a boat. The feeling of loss that he experienced on the day his dad sold their sailboat to pay the medical bills had been monumental. He slid the duffle back under the seat and glanced up at the movie. Seen it. With his dad laid up, watching movies was about all they could do together now.

*        *       *

Hours later, the pilot announced their descent into Ireland. Jake finished scanning the “Trace Your Heritage” homework instructions and folded them into his backpack. He hadn’t wanted to leave New York for the entire summer, but his dad had urged him to go on this school trip, saying it would be good for him to see where their family came from.

Jake tossed his backpack onto the empty seat next to him and peered between the seats as Zach wrapped up the cords of his expensive headphones. Showtime. Pretending to sleep, Jake watched through slits in his eyes as Zach pulled out his bag. Zach tugged at the zipper. It didn’t budge. He grunted, tightened his grip, and yanked again. A greenish geyser of minty foam erupted from the bag, lathering Zach from head to waist.

“Argh!” Zach’s arms flailed as he struggled to wipe the slime from his face. He stopped and blinked several times. Then he stood up, turned, and fixated on Jake.

Uh-oh. At ten thousand feet, options for escape were slim.

An attendant spoke into the intercom. “Sir, please sit down. We’re making our descent.”

Temporarily thwarted, Zach pointed at Jake before making a fist and smacking it into his other palm.

“Zach!” Julie scolded.

“But look at what he did!” Zach removed the cream from his face with the last dry part of his shirt.

“Well, what did you think he’d do if you put your bag there? You know he can’t resist a practical joke!”

Jake’s heart pounded. She noticed. There is hope.

“And Jake, you’ve got to stop with the pranks.” Jake looked down, not wanting to gaze into her disapproving blue eyes. She’d once confided to Jake that Zach had some insecurities and issues with his dad, but Jake didn’t think that gave him the right to be a bully.

Once the plane landed in Shannon, the group of ten students made their way through customs and baggage claim. They purchased some cookies and drinks at the café and then walked outside into the mid-morning sun to eagerly await their sponsors. Although most of the students would be going to different villages, such as Ballyferriter and Castlegregory, Jake knew that Zach, Julie, and he would be staying in the town of Dingle.

He remembered the glint in Julie’s eyes when she talked about her dad pulling strings to keep them all close to each other. She wants me to be friends with her boyfriend? No way.

Jake’s name was called. He turned to see a man in faded pants and a colorful sweater bounding toward him. The powerful energy in his trim frame was clearly evident.

“Dia daoibh, Jake. Mo ainm Gerald O’Connell,” he said, warmly extending his hand.

Zach stopped dabbing the shaving cream from his clothes. “Whoa, I thought they spoke English here.”

“We do.” A girl with long red curls and a china-white complexion stepped out from behind the man. “Hello. My name is Maggie O’Connell, and this is my ‘da,’” she said with a charming brogue.

Jake recognized her from the photo she’d sent when they exchanged introductory e-mails. He remembered she was fifteen, only a year older than he was.

Mr. O’Connell inclined his head. “Welcome to Ireland.” Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to upstage Zach, Jake said to Maggie, “That was Irish that your dad—uh, da—was speaking, right?” Maggie beamed. “That’s impressive. Most Americans would have called it Gaelic.”

“My dad drilled me on Irish knowledge. He didn’t want me to bring shame on the McGreevy name.”

Maggie smiled in appreciation. “Speaking of names, remember you wrote to ask if there were any McGreevys listed in our area? Well, I was able to find a few near Killorglin—just about an hour away.”

“Go raibh mile maith agat.” Jake hoped he’d pronounced the Irish translation for “thank you” correctly.

“Nice.”

“’Fraid that’s all I’ve learned so far,” Jake grinned.

When Julie’s and Zach’s names were called, two well-dressed couples approached them. Jake noticed that as each person shook Zach’s hand, his or her nose twitched, probably trying to figure out where the minty smell was coming from. Jake snickered and Zach mouthed a threat at him. In the parking lot, the O’Connells led Jake to a beat-up hatchback. Mr. O’Connell pounded on the latch to open it and began loading Jake’s bags. As Zach’s and Julie’s sponsors packed their luggage into their respective luxury cars, Zach called to Jake, “Hey, twerp. Want me to upgrade you to a donkey cart?” Maggie squinted at Zach, as if to better understand what he’d just said. Jake turned to her. “What’s Irish for caveman?” She giggled, mischief sparkling in her eyes. “Try fear pluaise.” “Catch you later, fear pluaise!” All the sponsors laughed. And when Zach’s face deepened to a dark shade of red, Jake could barely conceal his pleasure. I am definitely going to like it here.

The car’s exterior may have been dilapidated, but its engine fired right up. Jake struggled to keep his stomach steady as Mr. O’Connell sped along the highway for the two-and-a-half-hour trip south. Their lively conversation made the time fly. It didn’t take long for Jake to get used to their accents, but much to his embarrassment, a few times he found himself unconsciously mimicking their inflections.

“When we get home, you can call your mum and da and tell them you’re here,” Maggie said.

Jake stared out the passenger window. “Just my dad. My mom died when I was young.”

Maggie twisted in her seat to reach out and touch his arm, hesitated, and then put her hand back by her side. “Tá brón orainn. I mean, I’m so sorry.”

“So this is your first time in Ireland, right, Jake?” Mr. O’Connell said, gently changing the subject.

“Yes. My dad and I have sailed to a few places on our schooner, but we’ve never made it this far.”

“Where have you been?” Maggie asked.

“Caribbean mostly. The sea down there is amazing.”

“I’ll bet. Well, my da and the other sponsors thought you might enjoy seeing a bit of scenery before settling in. We’re now on Slea Head Drive. Very soon you’ll be able to get your first glimpse of Blasket Sound, okay?”

“Of course.” Jake inched forward in his seat for a better view.

As they rounded the next corner, Maggie stretched her arm out the window and said, “Welcome to Dingle.”

Jake’s jaw dropped as the infinite ocean unfolded before him. Soaring cliffs hugged the coastline to stand guard over white-capped waves racing toward the shore like wild horses.

“It’s awesome,” Jake said, hoping he didn’t sound too corny.

“The National Geographic Traveller guidebook proclaimed it ‘the most beautiful place on earth,’” Maggie added with pride.

“I can see why.”

Thankfully, Mr. O’Connell slowed down a bit to make the curvy ride more enjoyable. Jake glanced back and saw that Zach’s and Julie’s sponsors were managing to keep pace with Mr. O’Connell. After twenty minutes, everyone pulled into a small parking lot on the western tip of the peninsula.

Several families were gathered at the overlook, all taking pictures of the breathtaking view. The sight of the water overwhelmed Jake, and he swallowed hard, suppressing memories of his father’s sailboat and better days. Maggie guided the group to the best vantage point. Unlike some of the spectacular cliffs they had passed on the way, this section of the peninsula was only fifteen feet above the ocean. The water appeared calm, but Jake recalled his dad’s many lectures on strong currents and sudden waves. He looked around at the other tourists and caught sight of a toddler dressed in a thick pink sweater and matching pants. She tottered after a butterfly, swinging her arms in an attempt to catch it. The insect fluttered away from the throngs of people, toward the edge of the cliff, with the child still in pursuit.

Jake swiveled his head around. Nobody is paying attention to her. He took off toward the girl, screaming for somebody to stop her, but before anyone could move, the child vanished over the edge. At full speed, Jake shed his shoes and plunged off the cliff.

THE LITTLE GNOME written by Sheri Fink, illustrated by Mary Erickson Washam

About Sheri 

Sheri Fink is a best-selling children’s author who’s passionate about childhood literacy and self-esteem. Her first book, The Little Rose, has been a #1 best-seller on Amazon for over 45 weeks and became the #1 Top-Rated Children’s eBook on Amazon. Her second inspirational children’s book, The Little Gnome, was published in March 2012 and debuted at #1 on the Amazon best-seller list. 

Interview with Sheri 

What do you write? 

I’m Sheri Fink, the author of the #1 best-selling children’s books, The Little Rose and The Little Gnome. I write books that inspire and delight children while planting seeds of self-esteem that can have lifelong benefit. I am so happy and grateful to be living my dream! 

What has been your favorite part of your author journey so far?

 For me, the best parts of being an author are hearing that your book has an impact in the lives of children and being able to help others achieve their dreams. I love receiving fan mail and hearing stories from the children and adults who have fallen in love with The Little Rose and The Little Gnome. I am so grateful to my readers and hope that The Whimsical World of Sheri Fink continues to make a positive difference in the lives of children worldwide. 

Which author most inspires you? 

I’m very inspired by J.K. Rowling. Before I read the first Harry Potter book, it had been a long time since I stayed up all night reading a book because I just had to know what happened. I love that her books and her characters are so full of heart. Reading her series and hearing her inspiring personal story really moved me and enabled me to see new possibilities for my writing. 

What’s your favorite quote? 

I have a few favorites: 

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it." ~ Chinese Proverb

 "Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off. Build your wings on the way down." ~ Ray Bradbury 

 "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss 

What’s next for you? 

My next book is Exploring the Garden with The Little Rose and it will be published in October. It’s designed for children ages 2-5 to help them learn the alphabet and garden vocabulary. It’ll feature many of the characters from The Little Rose, The Little Gnome, and upcoming books. We finished writing The Little Rose play recently and I’m looking forward to it debuting later this year. I’m also at work on my next book in The Little Series, The Little Firefly, which will be published in 2013. 

Where can we learn more about you and your books? 

You can find me online at http://www.SheriFink.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SheriFinkFan. 

http://www.TheLittleRoseBook.com 

http://www.TheLittleGnome.com




The Little Gnome is Sheri Fink's second inspirational children's book. 


Published on March 22, 2012, The Little Gnome debuted at #1 on the Amazon Best-seller List. 

Set in a Victorian garden, The Little Gnome is a heartwarming tale about an adorable garden gnome experiencing the wonder of the four seasons for the first time. When Summer changes to Fall and then to Winter, the Little Gnome learns to look for the good in change. The enchanting story helps kids of all ages embrace change while learning about the seasons.

The Little Gnome is the perfect gift for the special children in your life who are facing changes such as moving, starting a new school, marriage, divorce, new siblings, struggling with peer pressure, and more.


 My Thoughts 

The Little Gnome loves to visit with his friends and enjoy the flowers and beauty in the Victorian garden. He loves the warmth, sound and sights. At night the moon and stars are mesmerizing. Then things start to change the days are shorter, garden begins to change and the temperature changes.

I have to admit I know nothing about gnomes. So I searched the definition of gnome here is the short of it. Get it short... "A legendary dwarfish creature supposed to guard the earth's treasures underground."
He sounds like a very important little fella.

The author writes about this darling Little Gnome in such a way to teach our children the changes in the seasons. The child will easily be able to understand each season as they change from one season to the next. She not only does a great job about describing the changing in the seasons but she also describes the mood and confusion the little gnome experiences within the changes of the season. Then when the seasons come full circle and he found out it happens every year over and over again he became happy and looked forward to the changes of each seasons.

I describe the illustrations as soft and pleasing to the eyes. They are cuddly, warm and comforting. She has created calm illustrations for the child while enjoying the story about the Little Gnome. The writing and the illustrations come together as one in The Little Gnome. If the child can not read they will easily be able to understand the meaning of the story from the illustrations with no problem.

I highly recommend this book.

I rate this darling book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

PIBBIN THE SMALL written by Gloria Repp, illustrated by Tim Davis

About Gloria

In one of my earliest memories, I am sitting on my father’s lap listening to a bedtime story. His stories were always original, always exciting, and they lifted me out of my small space into larger worlds of adventure and intrigue and wild creatures. At the same time, growing up in Hawaii and later, the Pacific Northwest, I began to take a lively interest in the natural world surrounding me. The ocean and beaches, mountains and forests, fired my imagination and gave shape to the stories I was beginning to dream.

The gifts of my early childhood—a love for story and for nature—stood me in good stead during the lonely years that followed. My mother died, our family disintegrated, and I was sent away to school. In books and the stories I wrote for myself, I found delightful companionship, and I learned that the mysteries of nature could be unlocked by careful study.

Finally I recognized what I’d always wanted to do: write stories for children to read.

I studied the craft of writing juvenile fiction and then began. My three children seemed to like my stories, so I started on the long road to publication and found that others liked them too. Since then, I have taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written more books—for children, teens, and adults.

The past four years have added a new dimension to my work as I’ve made numerous trips to explore the thousand-acre wilderness of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. I found inspiration for story settings in the pine forests and the abandoned cranberry bogs near the ruins of a town named Friendship. One April, I listened to a chorus of frogs singing, and I knew I had to share these marvelous creatures with children.

I would tell them about the adventures of Pibbin, a Pine Barrens Treefrog, beautifully colored in green, lavender, orange, and white. Although tiny, no bigger than a thumb, he would be brave, a frog who dared anything on behalf of his friends. I’d write Pibbin’s stories with simple words and sentences so children who were entering the world of reading could enjoy them. The series would be called Tales of Friendship Bog.

Pibbin’s adventures have taken shape, young readers ask for more, and each year I return to the Pine Barrens to listen to its frogs. The Tales of Friendship Bog continue.

Website http://www.gloriarepp.com/


About Pibbin the Small
Easy-to-read adventure for ages 6 and up. 
Pibbin is desperate to help Sheera, his injured friend. It’s a long journey to the doctor’s house, and the other frogs tell him he’s too small to go. “You'll run into snakes and that giant bullfrog,” they say. “Black Snapping Crabs might eat you.”


But Sheera’s leg is still bleeding! Pibbin finds a pal, and they hurry off on the dangerous trip, hoping to return before she gets worse. No one knew to warn them about a crazy toad-driver, or stolen leaves, or a terrible, misted swamp. . . . The two pals end up in more trouble than anyone ever expected.

Explore Friendship Bogs

Read a sample chapter   Download discussion questions.

    Tree Frog like Pibbin              

Where to buy:          

Amazon           

Barnes & Noble

My Review


Pibbin is a small tree frog.  He has many friends and one of his closest friends, Sheera has badly injured her leg.  But they need some special leaves to wrap her leg with and there are none to be found in Friendship bog.  The only place to get the leaves is from Sheera's friend and it is a long journey. So Pibbin volunteers to take the long journey in quest of the leaves that will heal his dearest friend.  He is told to beware because there are many dangers to face on this journey and that it would be best to take a pal with him.

He has faith that he can save her leg if only he can find the leaves.

The author has some very interesting characters in this book.  Different kinds of frogs, some big, some small, some nice and some that are down right mean.  There are also turtles, chipmunks, rabbits, mice and a woodchuck.  Also some very poisonous snakes and some friendly non-poisonous snakes.

The author asks, "Is Pibbin to small to be brave?"

A story of adventure, courage, faith, hope and love for neighbors. 

The illustrations are very colorful and realistic to the environment of the land and it's inhabitants. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rate this book 5 out of 5

Disclosure:

I received a free copy of this book for review from the author.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.