Kristi's Book Nook

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:29:00 +0000

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!

Kristi's Book Nook Newsletter Sign Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:51:00 +0000

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Follower Love Giveaway Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:47:00 +0000

We're showin' the love here at Kristi's Book Nook. It's another great giveaway and blog hop. Be sure to check out all the other blogs offering great giveaways and chances to win some really cool books and stuff. Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Rachael Renee Anderson.

I am offering 2 separate giveaways. You can either win Eternity or Naughty Toes. All you have to do is leave a comment with your name and email. Tell me which one you prefer. Don't forget to Tweet this post. Good Luck!

Title: Naughty Toes: Chloe Finds Her Feet and Steps Out In Style
Author: Ann Bonwill
Illustrator: Teresa Murfin
Publisher: Tiger Tales an imprint of ME Media, LLC
Ages: 3 to 7 yrs
ISBN: 9781589254305, 2011
Review:
Chloe is not a ballerina but her sister Belinda is. Belinda shops for pink and white leotards for ballet class, Chloe does not. Madame Mina, the teacher says Belinda has good toes, but Chloe does not. Chloe has naughty toes. Chloe finds that she does not dance to the same beat as all the others in the ballet class. She flays her arms wildly when she should be graceful. Instead of joining the others who are graceful, she is the rock who must stand still during the performance. Chloe does not know what the future of dance will hold for her, but perhaps Madam Mina does. Kids, parents and homeschoolers will love this softly illustrated tales of dancing and perhaps not quite fitting in.

www.tigertalesbooks.com

Eternity: A Fallen Angel Novel

Heather Terrell

Ellie and Michael are special. They are beings that can read each others thoughts and they can fly. When Ellie and Michael traveled to Boston they discover they are Nephilim, the half human and half angel described in Genesis. It was their parents, fallen angels themselves, who caused them to forget who they are and what role they would play. Now that they are aware of who they are the end of time countdown would begin. Michael writes letters to show his love and support to Ellie. Soon those taper off because he has become busy with football. Ellie begins to have unfaithful thoughts about her parents and Michael. As Ellie becomes more involved in her school committee she begins to unseemingly become involved with Rafe. With her personal transition and the world coming to an end Ellie is faced with epic decisions.

Get Eternity at a really cool price at Kristi's Book Nook Store.

Celebrate Black Authors All Year Round!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Kristi's Book Nook is celebrating Black History Month. Check out these wonderful authors.

Title: Safari Through The Land of Landu
Author: Angela Karanja
Soft Cover: 24 pages
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1-88-795-4274
Ages: 5 & up
http://kristisbooknook.blogspot.com/2011/03/safari-through-land-of-landu.html

Nicole weaver was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish.

http://kristisbooknook.blogspot.com/2011/01/nicole-weaver-author-highlight.html

Gwendolyn Hooks has written eleven books and several magazine articles for
children. She writes in a variety of genres including eight fiction easy readers and three nonfiction books and sells articles to magazines such as Highlights for Children and JAKES. In 2011, Stone Arch Books, Red Chair Press, and Bebop Books will publish seven more of her easy readers. Her Mystery of the Missing Dog, Three's A Crowd (Scholastic Book Fair selections) and Can I Have a Pet (Bebop Books) have sold over 230,000 copies. Gwendolyn lives in Oklahoma City. She writes to encourage young readers to explore their world.

http://kristisbooknook.blogspot.com/2011/01/gwendolyn-hooks-author-highlight.html

Title: I Love & I Am
Author: Nadine Johnson
Illustrator: Nadine Johnson
Hardback: 28 pages
Publisher: 123 Mango Tree LLC
ISBN: 978-0-9814874-3-4
ISBN: 978-0-9814874-4-1
Ages: 5 and up

http://kristisbooknook.blogspot.com/2010/12/nadine-johnson-author-highlight.html

Title: Labyrinth's Door: Anyia “Dream Of A Warrior”
Author: Jacquitta A. McManus
Illustrator:Toujour Byrd
MagBook: 64 pages
Publisher: Worlds To Discover, LLC
ISBN-13: 978-0-9828027-0-0
Ages: 6-12 yrs

http://kristisbooknook.blogspot.com/2010/11/anyia-dream-of-warrior.html

Celebrate Black History Month

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:23:00 +0000

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history. Learn more at www.History.com.

February is a month for celebration! Kristi's Book Nook will be showcasing African American authors and their books. Please be sure to stop by and take a look.

Book Review: Lucky

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:19:00 +0000

Book Review & Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win this wonderful story all you have to do is:

Leave a comment with your name and email

Follow via Twitter, GFC, Email or FB Network

Visit the authors site and leave a comment.

Offer expires 2/3/2012.

Title: Lucky
Author: Craig Inglis
Illustrator: Richard Kinsey
Publisher: Create SpaceISBN:9781463777562

Review:

Lucky is a wonderful dog and great company for a man who was all alone. Together they took walks in the park and Lucky learned cool new doggy tricks. He fetched, begged and sat on command. One day, Lucky darted across the street and was hit by a car. The man rushed Lucky to a pet hospital. It was touch and go for Lucky. The doctor could not save one of his legs. It didn't matter the man loved Lucky more than ever. Together they worked at teaching Lucky his tricks all over again. This time with three legs instead of four. Lucky was better than ever.

Lucky is a fun story young readers will love. This is a great way for parents and teachers to start a conversation about pets with disabilities and even kids with disabilities. Lucky can teach young readers that people and pets with disabilities can still do lots of things.

https://www.facebook.com/luckythebook
http://luckythechildrensbook.com/

Projects For Kids: Puppets

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:15:00 +0000

Winter months can be some of the toughest months for kids. They can't go outside and burn off excess energy. If they stay in side they have a tendency to get a little noisy. So, the best thing you can do for your kids is give them some projects. Get them away from video games and the television. Working on a crafty project will not only help them learn and grow but they will have something to show for their hard work and effort. Check out the site below for some really fun projects.

Puppets are wonderful toys.

They can teach both kids and adults all kinds of things. Why? Because folks tend to listen to puppets. Puppets are gentle, non-threatening friends that can do goofy things. They can be hilariously funny or poignantly sad. They can show a child how to brush his or her teeth just as well as they can teach about AIDS or how to do square roots.

Puppets Can Make a Difference!

We are very excited about this section of our site. It is our desire to share real-life puppet experiences with everyone. We hope by reading these stories you will be inspired to use puppets lots more often.

Visit Legends & Lore Inc.

The Traveller the Tiger and the Very Clever Jackal

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:56:00 +0000

Book Giveaway!

For a chance to win this wonderful tale of India all you have to do is:

Leave a comment with your name and email, follow Kristi's Book Nook via FB Network, GFC or Newsletter.

Offer expires 1/27/2012.

Title: The Traveller, The Tiger and the Very Clever Jackal
Author: Reshma Sapre
Publisher:Hathi Chiti Books for Kids
ISBN: 978-0-615-37071-2

Raaheeji was an old traveller who spent his days dreaming of his old adventures. He longed to have one last adventure. He sneaks away from his wife and comfortable home. On his journey he encounters a tiger trapped in a cage. The tiger pleads for him to set him free and promises not to eat Raaheeji. Nervously, Raaheeji releases the tiger. Big mistake! The tiger is hungry and decides he will not eat Raaheeji if he could find three strangers and ask what he should do. Raaheeji asks an old Banyan tree, a mighty buffalo, and the old road. They all agree he should suffer his fate for being such an old fool to let a tiger out of a cage. On his way back to the tiger, Raaheeji is followed by an inquisitive Jackal. Together they trick the hungry tiger back into the cage.

Folklore is wonderful and fun to read. Young readers will listen eagerly to see what the old traveller will do. Kids will have fun along with parents as they discuss each page in comparison to what they would have done if put in the same situation. This tale is a tool teachers could use in the classroom, and students could create their own tales.

Hathi and Chiti is an emerging new global children's brand for all ages, that uses eastern-themed characters and concepts as a gateway to educate little ones about different cultures around the world. Hathi and Chiti are the Indian words for elephant and ant. Hathi, an elephant, and Chiti, an ant, are best friends from India folklore whose adventures together are of legendary proportion. Hathi Chiti uses folklore as a backdrop for modern day storytelling as a way of explaining the world and sharing life lessons.

Visit Hathi Chiti books for kids.

Talee and the Fallen Object Puffy Muffin Tasting

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:57:00 +0000

It's a celebration!

Talee and the Fallen Object Puffy Muffins are here!

Puffy Muffin Tasting

January 19^th, 2012 (Thursday)

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Talee from the fantasy adventure children’s book Talee and the Fallen Object has found a home for her delicious Puffy Muffins at Eva’s Bake Shop • 6880 Douglas blvd. • Douglasville Georgia 30135 on January 19, 2012 from 6:30 – 7:30pm. Everyone is invited to stop by for a taste. For more information about this wonderful event visit www.WorldsToDiscover.com orwww.EvasBakeShop.com

In addition to the free tasting, attendees will have the opportunity to enter giveaways and purchase a copy of Talee and the Fallen Object from author Jacquitta A. McManus who will be available for autographs. This is a great event for parents and children.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

(Eva’s Bakeshop) Facebook.com/EvasBakeShopTreats &Twitter.com/Evas_Bakeshop

(Worlds To Discover) Facebook.com/WTDiscover &Twitter.com/WTDiscover

Link to coloring page!

Title: Talee And The Fallen Object
Author: Jacquitta A. McManus
Illustrator: Jacquitta A. McManus & Brian Hardison
Cover by Toujour Byrd
Hardback: 32 pagesPublisher: Wolds to Discover, LLC 2011ISBN: N/A
Ages: 5 & up

Review:
Talee is eight, loves purple, yellow and big puffy muffins. She is from Gala, a planet with two moons and it floats. She wants to share her adventure with you. An object falls from the sky and it's a baby Capla she names Nola.

Young readers will love sitting down with Talee as she speaks to them as if they are sitting right there with her. This wonderful tale is a quick read for beginners and has pictures kids can color as they read along. Young readers will love learning about Talee and her world.

Talee also has a fantasy adventure coloring book. Giant pictures fro kids to color will allow them to utilize their imaginations and make Gal a world of their own. In the back is a place for kids to create and write their very own story to share with family and friends.

To learn more about author Jacquitta A. McManus please visit her site at Worlds To Discover.
www.WorldsToDiscover.com

Dr. Martin Luther King

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

We've removed the ceiling above our dreams. There are no more impossible dreams.
Jesse Jackson

In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.
Janos Arany

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.
Dr. Dale Turner

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain

Saddle your dreams afore you ride 'em.
Mary Webb

A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.
Oscar Wilde

Courtesy FNO.org

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:13:00 +0000

Book Giveaway!

Hosted by Martha's Bookshelf & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Thank You!

For a chance to win a wonderful new book for a child all you have to do is:

Leave a comment with your name and email. Tweet this post and follow Kristi's Book Nook via FB Network, Newsletter or GFC!

Offer expires 1/18/2012.

Title: Just Like You
Author: Robert Kroupa
Publisher: Seven Legs Press
ISBN:978-0-9825503-4-2

If you have or know of a child who has a physical disability, then this is a wonderful story you will want to share with them and anyone else you may know. This heartfelt story of friendship will warm your heart.

In a piney forest lives a field mouse named Henry and his spider friend Boris. Both friends help each other compensate for what the other lacks. Henry can't hear and one of Boris' eight legs is curled and doesn't function at all. Henry was fast and could beat all of the other mice during races, he couldn't hear the terrible things they would say about him. Boris could spin story webs with words and pictures that Henry loved to read. Other spiders would bully and poke fun at Boris for being so creative, and not like them. Fed up by the cruelty, Boris and Henry venture out to find a new home away from the mean creatures of the forest. But, when fire threatens the home they once knew it is up to them to save the other animals of the forest, cruel or not.

This wonderful rhyming tale of acceptance will have young readers learning and understanding that no matter what disability one has, each and every person should be treated with respect and everyone has something to contribute. Parents and teachers will love sharing this colorfully illustrated book with young readers. This is an excellent tool to use for teaching young minds about our differences.

Visit the Just Like You Foundation.

Touch and Go

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:18:00 +0000

The School Library Journal has come up with a great list of apps for and enhanced books for children and teens. Check out the latest technology.

Touch and Go:

'via Blog this'

Ellen's Broom Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:36:00 +0000

Title: Ellen's Broom
Author: Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's SonsISBN:978-0-399-25003-3

Review:

A family heritage is something we should all treasure and embrace. The good and bad of our past is what makes us strong as we move forward into the next generation. Kelly Starling has done an excellent job in showing young readers the importance of family in Ellen's Broom.

Ellen sat in church with her family on a day that meant more than all the others. They were free. Slavery days were over. For Ellen's family this meant that in the eyes of the law she and her family would never have to be separated. At home, her mother looks at the old broom above the hearth. It represented the only wedding slaves were allowed to have. A broom wedding was how Ellen's parents were married. During that time a couple would have their Deacon say a few words and then together they would jump over a broom. Now that they are free, Ellen's parents want to be married legal just like everybody else. Ellen has been put in charge of making sure the broom makes it to the court house, to once again bear witness to their union.

Parents and teachers can utilize this wonderful story to discuss the importance of family and heritage. This would be a great opportunity for children to bring in old photos to the classroom and share their stories. At home parents can open the family photo album to share the family history. Ellen's Broom will help remind us all that we should never take our freedom for granted.

Kelly Starling Lyons is a children’s book author whose mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. She is the author of CCBC Choices-honored picture book, One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books), and chapter book, NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal (Just Us Books). My new picture book, Ellen's Broom, illustrated by Daniel Minter and published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, debuts this week!

Thursday, January 5, I kick off a 10-day virtual tour to celebrate its release. Please come along and enter to win some cool giveaways including the grand prize - a signed poster of the cover and a decorated wedding broom from Stuart's Creations, a wonderful company which made the broom my husband and I jumped. You can keep up with the tour on my FaceBook page and blog. Leave a comment on any of the tour stops to be entered in the giveaway.

Sunday, January 15 is the big Ellen's Broom launch party at Quail Ridge Books & Music, a wonderful indie bookstore. Music, cake, craft, reading and more. It's an event for the whole family. Details here.

Here’s my blog tour schedule and details on the live launch party:

January 5 – Simple Saturday

January 6 – The Brown Bookshelf

January 7 –Kristi’s Book Nook

January 8 – Inside the Books

January 9 – The 3 R’s – Reading, ‘Riting and Research

January 10 – Devas T. Rants and Raves

January 11 – Together AsOne

January 12 –Of Thoughts and Words

January 13 – The Pirate Tree

January 14 – Round up of the Tour here at Kuumba

January 15 – LAUNCH PARTY AT RALEIGH’S QUAIL RIDGE BOOKS & MUSIC. You can buy a copy of Ellen’s Broom and have it signed, enjoy aprogram, music provided by two singers from the MLK All-Children’s Choirand wedding cake courtesy of local baker extraordinaire Yummy to Your Tummy Desserts by Andrea. Stay tuned for photos .

Be An Advocate For Reading!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:42:00 +0000

Be an advocate for reading in 2012!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's going to be a great year at Kristi's Book Nook!

Stay tuned for the New Year Newsletter!

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:14:00 +0000

Thank you everyone for your continued support at Kristi's Book Nook! I hope you will continue to stop by and share your love of reading with everyone you meet. I wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday!

Special Holidays

We're thinking of you this time of year,
Wishing you happiness, joy, and cheer.
May all your days be warm and bright,
And your nights enhanced by holiday light.

Enjoy your delectable holiday foods,
As parties and gifts create holiday moods.
Favorite people play a meaningful part,
While treasured rituals warm your heart.

You are special to us in many ways,
So we wish you Happy Holidays!

By Joanna Fuchs

Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:01:00 +0000

It's another blog hop and book giveaway!

Thanks to I Am A Reader Not A Writer & Oasis for YA

For a chance to win just leave a comment with your name and email.

Offer expires 12/27/11

The Boxcar Children: The Zombie Project

Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Boxcar kids are back. This time there are zombies lurking in the woods at the Winding River Lodge. When Madison shows up part of her vacation from the Greenfield Gazette will be spent finding a story for her blog Hauntings. She decides to study up on the local folklore on Zombies. Benny wanted to know all about the zombie legend. While Benny and the gang help Maude clear the old trail to the fishing lodge, Benny thinks he see's a zombie behind the lodge. The story the kids heard sitting by the campfire was chilling. A dead body was found in the forest by the river. It was a hermit. When he is spotted walking abnormally before dawn the legend begins. Benny and the gang make it their mission to solve the mystery of the zombie. Kids will have a great time reading along and searching for clues along with the boxcar gang. This addition to the Boxcar Children series is a quick and easy read for all young readers.

Lost A Dog Called Bear Book Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:37:00 +0000

Book Giveaway!

For a chance to win just leave a comment with your name and email. Be sure to Tweet this post and sign up for GFC, FB or Newsletter.

Logan has a best friend and his name is Bear. They do everything together. The only problem now is Logan's parents are separating and his dad wants to take bear with him to the mountains. Logan pleads with his parents and Bear will go with him and his mother to the city. It's hard enough for Logan to have to deal with his parents splitting, he couldn't make it through without Bear. Meet Hannah. She wants a dog. She would bathe it, feed it, and walk it everyday. Her parents don't think she's ready for such responsibility. Instead, Hannah spends her time helping out at the Rainbow Street Shelter. It's not so bad. The animals really need her. On their way to the big city Logan and his mom stop for lunch. When they finish, Bear is no longer in the car. Panic stricken they search everywhere. Bear is lost. When Hannah's dad arrives home in his old pickup, he has a passenger. A happy black and white dog. This was unexpected and Hannah wants to keep him. Unfortunately the dog ends up at the Rainbow Street Shelter. Will Logan ever get Bear back? Will Hannah ever get a dog of her own? Orr has done a wonderful job of putting together a fun serendipity story for kids. Young readers who love animals will be eagerly turning the pages to see what happens with Bear, Logan and Hannah.

Versatile Blogger Award!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:13:00 +0000

Yahoo! I just won the Versatile Blogger Award from children's book blogger Ella Johnson. Thanks Ella! Please be sure to visit her wonderful blog at Mymcbook's Blog Keepsake That Educate. I am extremely honored!

Upon receiving this award I am supposed to:

1 – Thank the person who gave it to me and link them back to my blog.
2 – Share seven things about myself.
3 – Pass this award on to 5 other recently discovered blogs and inform them of the honor.

Here are seven things about myself!

I love reading books for kids.
I love writing books for kids.
I love to eat ice cream in the winter.
My favorite color is purple.
I love to go for walks and listen to podcasts.
I love to snack on cheese and crackers.
I am an avid tea drinker.

I would like to send the Versatile Blogger Award to the following bloggers:

Mary Ann Scheuer - http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/

Anne Sibley O'Brien - http://coloringbetween.blogspot.com/

Lauren Lanita - http://storytellingcookingandkids.blogspot.com/

Doret - http://thehappynappybookseller.blogspot.com/

Renee Hand - http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com/

Soldier Bear Book Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:30:00 +0000

Book Giveaway!

For a chance to win leave a comment with your name and email and Tweet this post.

Offer expires 12/16/11.

Soldier Bear

Bibi Dumon Tak

A bear, a very smart bear, wonders away from his sleeping master into a camp. He was spotted in the women's quarters of a Polish signals unit. Discovered by Peter, his master and a new friend Stanislav. The story begins, during World War II. Russia and Poland are in a battle and with Germany invading so many countries, Poland and Russia decided they would join the war against Germany. Peter and Stanislav along with two others were assigned to take a truck load of equipment to Palestine. On the way they decide to pull over to rest. They encounter a hungry young boy caring a sack. Inside they discover a cub bear. In exchange for the bear the boy is given food. The soldiers took the bear in and named him Voytek. In time, Voytek becomes a regular member of the camp. He makes friends with a Dalmatian and they are inseparable. In the heat Voytek is cooled down with the camps water, by taking showers. The war continued on and Voytek grew. He rode in the equipment truck with Peter and Stanislav. He would sneak away to do some exploring whenever he had the chance. He begged for honey and water and learned how to smoke. On the frontlines in Italy Voytek learned to carry artillery shells. Voytek was becoming a soldier of the 2^nd Polish Corps. An emblem showed a bear with an artillery shell in his paws. As time passed soldiers were entertained and assisted by Voytek. His relationship grew stronger with Peter and Stanislav. Voytek fought in the Polish army for over five years. He spent the rest of his days in the Edinburgh zoo. Young readers will enjoy this wonderful story of a Syrian brown bear and his soldier family. Teachers will love sharing this story of WWII with students. The back of the book gives an accurate account of the bear and the 120 soldiers who loved him.

Shana Gammon Author Highlight

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:39:00 +0000

Book Giveaway!

Leave a comment with your name and email. Tweet this post.

Offer expires 12/14/11

If you are a cat lover then you will love Shana Gammon's new book Marie's Nine Lives. Shana has stopped by to talk about her latest project and give parents some tips for getting their kids reading. For a chance to win a copy all you have to do is Tweet this post and leave a comment with your name and email.

Kristi's Book Nook Interview:

How do you promote kids and reading?

I’ve always read to my children and encouraged them to read. Everyone has different interests, so I’ve encouraged my children to explore and decide what types of books they like best. I’ve never wanted them to feel limited to a certain subject area or style (fiction vs. non-fiction, etc.). I also teach art, so I incorporate literature into the art lessons when I can.

Tell us about your website?

My website is very “Marie”. If Marie understood what a website was, I think she would be proud of it. It features information about the book, an excerpt, information about me, and of course, information on Marie.

Will you be doing any school book tours for 2011/2012?

I will be doing some promotional appearances. Bookstores that are interested in having me come for a book signing are welcome to contact my publisher (willowtreebooks@yahoo.com).

What are your thoughts on the new technology for reading a book?

I like the ability to be able to hold a book and read it, so perhaps I’m a little old-fashioned in that regard. However, I welcome new technology, especially if it encourages a child to read who otherwise would not be interested in reading.

What advice do you have for parents on getting their kids reading?

I would encourage parents to let their children have the freedom to discover what types of books they like best. Growing up, I loved reading Nancy Drew; so when my oldest daughter started reading those books I was so excited. My other children like reading different types of books and I welcome that. It’s been fun for me to see what types of books they like and read along with them.

Tell us about your book(s) and illustrations.

Marie’s Nine Lives was inspired by our cat Marie. We adopted her from an animal shelter five years ago. She’s incredibly ditzy. We were joking one day about where Marie may have come from before we adopted her. Given her personality, there were all sorts of possibilities. That is where the idea for the book came from. It chronicles the life of a cat with a penchant for a disaster. Each of the nine chapters highlights one of her adventures, her nine lives, if you will. The writing came much more easily than the illustrations. But I’m very pleased with the finished product and I hope readers will be pleased as well.

How long did it take you to get this idea to where it is now?

It took me four years to complete the book. It was a project I worked on during winter months, which is when I like to write the most.

What will kids love most about your book(s)?

I think that they will enjoy reading about Marie’s adventures. I hope that they feel like they are on a journey with her as she looks for a home.

What will parents and teachers love most about your book(s)?

I hope that they will enjoy reading about Marie, and that it helps raise awareness for shelter pets. There are so many animals in shelters that would make wonderful pets.

What's your next project?

I’m open to writing a sequel to Marie’s Nine Lives. I have no plans for a particular kind of book and I’m o.k. with that. That’s one of the things I love about writing. It offers a lot of freedom.

Title: Marie's Nine Lives
Author: Shana Gammon
Illustrator: Shana Gammon
Publisher: Willow Tree BooksISBN:978-0-9743795-1-7

Review:

When we think of cats having nine lives, we imagine that they get themselves into trouble, die and then magically come back to life. Perhaps that is a bit harsh. In the case of Marie, the tables have been turned. Marie's lives are actually very interesting. How many cats do you know that have had the opportunity to live on a farm, a shop that specializes in gourmet seafood or even fraternity house with a bunch of college guys?
Marie starts her life out on a farm with the Woodward's and her four brothers. She was spoiled and over fed by Mr. Woodward. Life was good for Marie until the mail man showed up. We might say that “curiosity killed the cat” but never in Marie's case. She simply strolled outside and ended up going on a ride with the mailman. That is the beginning of Marie's Nine Lives. This crazy little feline stumbles from one adventure to another.

Gammon does a wonderful job of introducing readers to Marie. Cat lovers will have fun learning about Marie and sharing her journey. This is a quick and hilarious read for cat lovers of all ages.

About the Author

Shana Gammon is the author and illustrator of Marie’s Nine Lives. She based the book on her cat Marie; a cat that she and her family rescued from an animal shelter. This is Shana’s second book for children. Her first children’s book, The Great State Cookbook, was published in 2003.

For more information about Marie’s Nine Lives, please visit the book’s website at: www.mariesninelives.blogspot.com. All booking inquiries should be sent to the publisher at: willowtreebooks@yahoo.com

Thanks Shana for stopping by. You can learn more about Shana at The Neophyte Writer.

Cheer: Confessions of a Cheerleader Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:46:00 +0000

Book Giveaway!

For a chance to win leave a comment with your name and email.

Don't forget to share this post. Offer expires 12/9/11.

Cheer: Confessions of a Wannabe Cheerleader

Zoe Evans

Madison is a cheerleader, or make shift cheerleader, who is apart of the Grizzlies squad. This group was formed so that anyone wanting to become a cheerleader and show their team spirit could participate if they weren't exactly accepted on the actual school cheerleader squad. Madison fills us in on who's hot and whose not around the school. It really doesn't help her current situation that her mom is the Grizzly coach. It's pretty embarrassing when she is called “sweetie” during practice. Madison learns that the Grizzly squad, who never really cheer at real games, are going to the Regional Qualifier, with the Titans. Madison finds juggling a new boyfriend, whom she hasn't had a real date with yet, getting the Spirit Rules book, which will help her squad learn how to cheer and assisting her best friend with an article, can keep a girl really busy. On top of that her mother is dating a fellow teacher. Readers will have fun reading Madison's journal in which she describes in great detail the day-to-day activities of a cheerleader. Quirky pictures give readers a clear view of what's on her mind. Whether your a cheerleader or know of one you will giggle and cheer for Madison and the Grizzlies. Young readers will flip the pages while learning about life in school and will be interested in those they can relate to.

Sea Turtle Summer by Nancy Stewart

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:54:00 +0000

I have a very special guest today. Help me welcome author Nancy Stewart. I am happy to have her visiting Kristi's Book Nook courtesy of Pump Up Your Book. Her latest book Sea Turtle Summer is wonderfully illustrated and very educational.

After having been both an elementary school teacher, a university professor of education and a consultant for New Options, Inc. in New York City, Nancy Stewart writes children’s books full time. She, her husband and three sons, lived in London for eight years, where she was a consultant to several universities, including Cambridge.

Her travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. Nancy is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education.

Nancy is the author of the Bella and Britt picture book series, One Pelican at a Time, Sea Turtle Summer, Bella Saves the Beach and Mystery at Manatee Key. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing. Pelican was nominated for a Global eBook Award.

She was featured in the PBS Tampa (WEDU) series, Gulfwatch. It concerned the writing of One Pelican at a Time: A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill.

She and her family live in St. Louis and Tampa.

Nancy’s web and blog sites are:

http://www.nancystewartbooks.com

http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Title: Sea Turtle Summer
Author: Nancy Stewart
Illustrator: Samantha Bell
Publisher: Guardian Angle PublishingISBN:978-1-61633-206-8

Review:
Bella and Britt are friends who like to walk along the beach. One day they came across a beautiful Loggerhead sea turtle laying her eggs. Eager to protect the turtles nest the girls want to stand guard but they know the ranger could help. When they arrive at the ranger station he is not there. He won't be back until the next morning. The girls create a protected area by surrounding the nest with driftwood. The next day Bella and Britt check on the nest. When the sand cleaner shows up to clean the beach for a volleyball tournament the girls panic. How will the girls save the nest? Will the ranger arrive in time to help them?

Stewart shares a wonderful story about a Loggerhead turtle. Young readers will learn all about these very special turtles and why they lay over 100 ping-pong sized eggs. The beautiful water colored illustrations will have kids lingering on the pages and longing to visit the beach themselves. Parents and teachers can use this book as a guide to teach kids amazing turtle facts. Kids can also research other creatures that live on or around the beach.

Thanks Nancy for sharing this wonderful story with us!

Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:35:00 +0000

The Christmas holiday is just around the corner. Books are always a wonderful gift to share. I am giving hoppers a chance to win two Tiger Tales books just in time for the holidays. For a chance to win all you have to do is:

Leave a favorite Christmas book comment with your name and email

Tweet this post

Follow via GFC, Newsletter or Facebook Network

Thanks Kid Lit Frenzy and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Don't forget to visit the other participating blogs.

www.tigertalesbooks.com

Title: Jingle Bells
Author:
Illustrator: Veronica Vasylenko
Publisher: Tiger Tales an imprint of ME Media, LLC
Ages: 2 to 5 yrs
ISBN: 9781589258693
Review:
Just in time for the festive Christmas holiday, Jingle Bells, is a classic song that kids all know and love. This wonderful song is brought to life when adventurous mice take on a sleigh ride through the snow. Gifts in hand and bundled in warm fuzzy hats and scarves, these festive mice travel through the snow bouncing and singing their song. Families will love this traditional tune. Little hands will be able to turn these sturdy pages and will enjoy the sparkly padded cover.

www.tigertalesbooks.com

Title: Deck the Halls
Author:
Illustrator: Veronica Vasylenko
Publisher: Tiger Tales an imprint of ME Media, LLC
Ages: 2 to 5 yrs
ISBN: 9781589258686
Review:
Deck the Halls is another favorite song brought to life for families to join in with this colorful family of mice preparing for the festive Christmas holiday. Decorating the house with mistletoe and baking cookies is a family tradition for lots of folks. Little readers will enjoy singing and turning sturdy pages of this sparkly book. Each page has lots of details of mice sharing and dancing.

Karen E. M. Johnston Author Highlight

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi Bernard) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:54:00 +0000

K.E.M. Johnston

Welcome Karen Johnston. She is an author of two wonderful books for middle grade readers. She is here to share insight on her books and getting kids reading. For a chance to win "Big Boys Don't Spy" all you have to do is leave a comment with your name and email. Offer expires 12/7/12.

Kristi's Book Nook Interview:

How do you promote kids and reading?

Some kids love to read, but many need a little encouragement. With three sons of my own, who had completely different reading tastes, I learned very quickly that where one child may see wizards and want to devour something magical, the other might see wizards and lose himself in a sports magazine keeping up to date with the Washington Wizards. I think the main thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter what a child is reading, as long as he or she is reading.

Tell us about your website?

www.kemjohnston.com is my tool for informing potential readers about my latest book release. I post photos from my school presentations and my interviews. I try to update it regularly, but do also ask my readers to friend me on Facebook (Karen EM Johnston). I am more inclined to post new info here—like my recent award. I am excited to announce my second novel Big Boys Don’t Spy won the 2011 Silver in the Florida Publishers Association Award.

What are your thoughts on the new technology for reading a book?

Good question, and a very contentious one at the moment. My thoughts are that this is a very exciting time for writers. I believe that within the next five years a high percentage of readers will switch to an e-reader, but perhaps this will get more people reading than before. The e-reader is just an alternative format to read a book. Although personally, I still love a print book, I want to know the history of that book, I wonder who read the book before me (you don’t get dog-ears on a hand-held screen), I can see an advantage of an eReader—especially for traveling, for example. Overall, I do not think e-books should be something we as writers should be afraid of. It’s the way of the future, no doubt.

What advice do you have for parents on getting their kids reading?

Find the child’s passion. Not all children want to read fairy stories, some kids like sports—so let them read a copy of Sport Illustrated Kids. Or get them a biography on one of their favorite sport’s personality. One of my rules was always for my kids to read for twenty minutes every day. I didn’t care when, they just had to read for that time. Now that the boys are older, I do a trade off. Extra screen time can be earned by reading for a half hour for example.

Tell us about your book(s).

The Witness Tree and the Shadow of the Noose –A Civil War Ghost Mystery for kids ages 7 - 12

Jake Salmon’s family has moved to a creepy, cramped house in historic Manassas, on the outskirts of the famous Civil War battlefield. Outside his bedroom window stands an old oak tree where, by night, a street lamp throws a shadow from the tree onto his closet door in the appearance of a hangman’s noose. Late one night, Jake hears footsteps in the basement and is convinced there’s a killer hiding in his house.

But when the previous homeowner confirms dangerous encounters with the ghost of Confederate soldier, Thomas Garnet, Jake, along with his friend Raj, and his younger brother Danny, sets out to uncover the mystery.

Big Boys Don’t Spy – A Spy Mystery for kids ages 7 - 12

Set in the Washington DC suburbs, with the CIA Headquarters around the corner, Will has his first assignment--to save the world, or at least to uncover the mole in his mother’s advertising company. Will strongly suspects his bossy, annoying cousin Penelope, visiting from the UK, is a double agent, and when he finds her diary written in code, he knows he’s onto something...

“This kid-sized spy tale takes the reader on a secret, but entertaining mission full of clever codes, surprises and fun.” Tim Roland, author of The Comic Guy series. Scholastic Inc.

The Phantom Army (coming in 2012) A Civil War Ghost Mystery set in Antietam, the location of the bloodiest one-day battle in the America’s Civil War. For kids aged 7 – 12

Have you ever tried attacking your best friend with an 1860’s Civil War saber?

Twelve-year-old Sam Nunn’s advice would be, don’t bother. It’s very long, weighs as much as a shovelful of wet snow, and is impossible to hit your mark. In his opinion, an egg whisk would be more effective and a zillion times more lethal. Sam knows this because he has landed a part in his school’s production of the Battle of Antietam, America’s bloodiest one-day battle, playing the Union General George McClellan. His best friend since kindergarten, Jae Min Kim, is A.P. Hill, a general for the South. For the first time ever, Sam and Jae Min are mortal enemies.

But falling props, a possessed sword and a backdrop that comes to life in the form of a ghostly platoon is jeopardizing the production with a ghostly finger pointing to Sam as the culprit. As Sam learns the facts of America’s bloodiest one-day battle, and meets the ghost of Lincoln’s son, his friendship and nerves are tested. One ghost, Sam could handle, but a phantom army? What do they want, and why now?

How long did it take you to get this idea to where it is now?

I’ll use Big Boys Don’t Spy as my example as this is my most recent, published book. I got this idea when reading aloud to my boys when they were all in elementary school. My eldest, Thomas, was extremely interested in anything to do with spying and he gave me some great ideas for gadgets for my main character. Thomas also helped me plot and ultimately write the book. And it wasn’t quick. I wrote the first draft in around six months, then took another six months rewriting and editing. After this, I sent it around agents and editors, and after a long wait (patience is definitely a virtue in this industry) the book sold to my wonderful publisher, Kitsune Books. It then took about a year to hit the shelves.

What will kids love most about your book(s)?

I hope they will enjoy the humor. I love to hear kids laugh—I love the way they have few inhibitions, and nothing beats the sound of a kid chuckling or laughing out loud. And hopefully, they’ll find the plots pretty cool, too.

What will parents and teachers love most about your book(s)?

I hope parents and teachers alike will enjoy the way a child can learn about the American Civil War without even realizing it with my Civil War ghost mysteries. I also hope that the humor in all three books will grab the kids, especially reluctant readers, and get them hooked on reading.

What's your next project?

I just started a young adult novel about a teenage girl who finds out her crush has a short list for invites to the upcoming prom--she's fourth on the list. Not a happy chappy. I’m at the early stages of the novel, my favorite part, when I start to get to know the teenagers I’m about to spend the next nine months with. I love the drama, the passion, the raw excitement, the hope, the utter despair and the incredible depth of emotion my characters share with me. Give me a teenager any day.

Karen E. M. Johnston, a British author, was born in Gibraltar, studied Business and International Marketing in the UK, and worked in advertising and marketing in London’s Covent Garden before moving to the US. She is widely published in children’s, parent, and business magazines.

Karen’s debut children’s middle grade novel THE WITNESS TREE AND THE SHADOW OF THE NOOSE, a Civil War ghost mystery, came out in 2009, and her second children’s novel BIG BOYS DON’T SPY hit the shelves November 2010.

Karen also writes Women’s Fiction and Young Adult novels.

Ms. Johnston lives in Chantilly, Virginia, on the outskirts of Washington D.C. with her British husband and three American sons who have not the slightest trace of a British accent.

Title: Big Boys Don't Spy
Author: K.E.M. Johnston
Illustrator: John Roberge
Publisher: Kitsune BooksISBN:9780981949598

Review:

Will Wand fancies himself to be a secret agent. He has gadgets and gizmos to prove it. When he puts on his black pants, matching jacket and sunglasses he is transformed from invisible middle kid to, Will Wand, Agent 003.5. His current mission is to figure out who is sabotaging his mothers company. Since January someone has been stealing information and ideas and giving them to a British Agency. Will suspects there is a mole.

When cousin Penelope Wimplebottom shows up from the U.K. to spend another summer with his family, Will believes she may have something to do with selling secrets, as a secret agent herself, to the suspected British agency. Has Penelope shown up to gather more in-tel? He will have to keep an eye on her. Will discovers that Penelope, better known as Pen, has a diary with secret codes scribbled inside. He confronts her and she confesses to liking a boy and having a zit.

Realizing that together, along with little brother Tristan, they can pull all of their secret agent resources together and help mom find the mole in her company. This crew of young geniuses have put their differences aside and get ready to crack the case. They already have a suspect, Trenton Gravy, now all they need is proof.

Johnston has created a wonderful middle grade novel for boys and girls. Young readers will have fun reading and decoding the mystery. Kids can have fun creating their own secret codes and perhaps do a little spying of their own.

Thanks so much for stopping by Karen. To learn more about Karen visit her at:

www.kemjohnston.com

Facebook: Karen E. M. Johnston

Twitter: KemJohnston

She is also visiting The Neophyte Writer. Learn more about her writing process.

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