M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES

Christmas in November FREE

2018-11-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Christmas In November FREE

A Christmas gift from M. C Arvanitis. Please print it out and read it to your child -- Or let your older child read it.

The Red Bird's Christmas Gift

By
M. C. Arvanitis

Reggie Cardinal watched the old man walk up the forest path from his house. The man had decorated his house with a green wreath on the door and lighted candles on his windowsills. A little fir tree with red ribbons and glittering pinecones stood by the man's door. He carried a bag in one hand and his cane in the other. He stopped at the mailbox. With a joyful smile, the man pulled a letter from the mailbox. He lived alone and had waited all year for this letter that told him when his family would arrive for their Christmas visit.

Reggie knew that even on the coldest days of winter the old man brought food to the birds of the forest. When the redbird heard the old man whistle for the birds to come for their treat, he joined the other birds on the ground.

Blue jays grabbed the larger seeds and flew to the near by branches to enjoy their tidbit. Tiny brown juncos and yellow finches bravely flew among the bigger birds to get their share.

After the old man fed the birds, he sat on the rock and read his letter. This time, however, instead of smiling at the news, tears came to his eyes. He folded it and placed it in his pocket. He spoke to the birds as he often did. “My family cannot come to spend Christmas with me this year,” he said sadly. “They have made other plans.”

Reggie watched him walk back toward the cabin, leaning heavily on his cane. The old man did not come to the mailbox bringing food for the birds after that. He took the wreath from his door and ornaments off the little fir tree. The candles in the windows went out.

Reggie called the other birds together. “The old man is sad,” he told them. “His family is not going to visit him for Christmas. We should try to cheer him.”

“We cannot. We must be on our way before it gets to cold for us here,” said the yellow finches. They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the juncos. We are too small to help a human person.” They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the jays. “If he is not gong to feed us we must find food somewhere else.” They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the woodpeckers. “We must spend our time looking for insects under the bark of the evergreen trees.” They also flew away.

Only the cardinals stayed. “How can we help?” they asked.

We can not bring the old man’s family to him.” answered Reggie, “But maybe we can cheer him up with our songs.”

The redbirds perched themselves upon the little fir tree by the cabin door. More cardinals appeared. Soon red birds covered the tree from top to bottom singing their sweet song.

When the old man heard them he came out of his house. He smiled for the first time since he had received the letter. “Well now, I have been feeling so sorry for myself that I neglected my forest friends. But even when I don’t feed you, you cheer me up with your songs. We’ll have Christmas after all. I see you have decorated my little tree nicely.”

He rehung the wreath on his door and placed the candles in the windows. Next he brought out his fiddle and played all the Christmas songs he knew.

A loud horn blast sounded above the music. The station wagon drove down the lane with waving children hanging out the window. When the car stopped his grandchildren tumbled out with all the fixings for the Christmas feast.

“The oldest child shouted as she rushed to hug him. “We could not spend our Christmas without our Gramps.”

His daughter, helping the other children from the car, called to him. “We changed our plans, Dad,” We decided that it is not Christmas unless we can be together with you.”

Tears of joy came to the old man’s eyes. Reggie watched as the man led his family into the cabin. He knew there would be no feast at the mailbox until they left but he didn’t care. He was glad to see the old man happy again.

~~~~~

Get more free stories at: http://mcarvanitiswriter.blogspot.com/

Ms Arvanitis is happy to announce she has finished her mid grade - to adult historical series, 'Hank of Twin Rivers', a saga of a motherless boy braving the dangers and trials of living on the merging Platte River. A coming of age story, Hank' grows from a 12 yr old shy boy dominated by his stern father to age 18 when he learns to choose his own way of life.

Now available at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

New Release - Elephant Answers

2018-08-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Children Picture Book

New release

Spend a day at the circus with a little elephant who answers questions children ask, such as what do elephants do at a circus? What do they wear, what do they eat, do they have fun, and where do they sleep?

Purchase on this Link Amazon

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Christmas In Febraury

2017-02-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas In February FREE

A belated Christmas gift from M. C Arvanitis. Please print it out and read it to your child -- Or let your older child read it.

The Red Bird's Christmas Gift

By
M. C. Arvanitis

Reggie Cardinal watched the old man walk up the forest path from his house. The man had decorated his house with a green wreath on the door and lighted candles on his windowsills. A little fir tree with red ribbons and glittering pinecones stood by the man's door. He carried a bag in one hand and his cane in the other. He stopped at the mailbox. With a joyful smile, the man pulled a letter from the mailbox. He lived alone and had waited all year for this letter that told him when his family would arrive for their Christmas visit.

Reggie knew that even on the coldest days of winter the old man brought food to the birds of the forest. When the redbird heard the old man whistle for the birds to come for their treat, he joined the other birds on the ground.

Blue jays grabbed the larger seeds and flew to the near by branches to enjoy their tidbit. Tiny brown juncos and yellow finches bravely flew among the bigger birds to get their share.

After the old man fed the birds, he sat on the rock and read his letter. This time, however, instead of smiling at the news, tears came to his eyes. He folded it and placed it in his pocket. He spoke to the birds as he often did. “My family cannot come to spend Christmas with me this year,” he said sadly. “They have made other plans.”

Reggie watched him walk back toward the cabin, leaning heavily on his cane. The old man did not come to the mailbox bringing food for the birds after that. He took the wreath from his door and ornaments off the little fir tree. The candles in the windows went out.

Reggie called the other birds together. “The old man is sad,” he told them. “His family is not going to visit him for Christmas. We should try to cheer him.”

“We cannot. We must be on our way before it gets to cold for us here,” said the yellow finches. They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the juncos. We are too small to help a human person.” They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the jays. “If he is not gong to feed us we must find food somewhere else.” They flew away.

“We cannot,” said the woodpeckers. “We must spend our time looking for insects under the bark of the evergreen trees.” They also flew away.

Only the cardinals stayed. “How can we help?” they asked.

We can not bring the old man’s family to him.” answered Reggie, “But maybe we can cheer him up with our songs.”

The redbirds perched themselves upon the little fir tree by the cabin door. More cardinals appeared. Soon red birds covered the tree from top to bottom singing their sweet song.

When the old man heard them he came out of his house. He smiled for the first time since he had received the letter. “Well now, I have been feeling so sorry for myself that I neglected my forest friends. But even when I don’t feed you, you cheer me up with your songs. We’ll have Christmas after all. I see you have decorated my little tree nicely.”

He rehung the wreath on his door and placed the candles in the windows. Next he brought out his fiddle and played all the Christmas songs he knew.

A loud horn blast sounded above the music. The station wagon drove down the lane with waving children hanging out the window. When the car stopped his grandchildren tumbled out with all the fixings for the Christmas feast.

“The oldest child shouted as she rushed to hug him. “We could not spend our Christmas without our Gramps.”

His daughter, helping the other children from the car, called to him. “We changed our plans, Dad,” We decided that it is not Christmas unless we can be together with you.”

Tears of joy came to the old man’s eyes. Reggie watched as the man led his family into the cabin. He knew there would be no feast at the mailbox until they left but he didn’t care. He was glad to see the old man happy again.

~~~~~

Get more free stories at: http://mcarvanitiswriter.blogspot.com/

Ms Arvanitis is happy to announce she has finished her mid grade - to adult historical series, 'Hank of Twin Rivers', a saga of a motherless boy braving the dangers and trials of living on the merging Platte River. A coming of age story, Hank' grows from a 12 yr old shy boy dominated by his stern father to age 18 when he learns to choose his own way of life.

Now available at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

FREE! Month to Month Preschool Curriculum

2017-01-15T22:33:00.000-08:00

M. C. Arvanitis, teacher and writer offers you

FREE

stories, coloring pictures, puppet dialogues,

art activities and more

for your preschool or Kindergarden.

She taught preschool and early elementary

for thirty years until her retirement and is a

published author of Mid Grade adventures and

historical YA series.

http://www.ms-marge.com

Ms Marge preschool

Business Announcement

2016-08-15T15:59:00.001-07:00

I AM A WRITER

My platform is the world -- my place of business is the internet

My products are MADE IN AMERICA, one of a kind, and reasonably priced. You can find them at my home office at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

My Products: Books for children of all ages.

Fables of magical happenings for Mid Grade readers

Hank of Twin Rivers;

A series of the pioneer days and the boy who survived the midwestern Trails

And my first picture book for little ones and beginning readers, 'Chicken in the Oven'

The most important advertisement is your word of mouth, spoken in reviews and is the most valuable way to help your favorite writer. So Please, IF YOU'VE READ ANY of my books go to the place you bought the book and leave a line or two review. Easy to do - just pretend you are face to face with me and telling me what you think. ) I repeat, "You can find me at my home office at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/"

Give me a follow while there.

(This add is sponsored by the M.C,. Arvanitis Writers Corp. And was approved by M. C. Arvanitis,)

Happy Reading

~~~~~~

The third book of the 'Hank of twin Rivers's series' now published.

2016-06-08T21:02:00.001-07:00

Good News

Author M. C. Arvanitis is delighted to announce her third book of the series 'Hank of Twin Rivers: Riding With the Wranglers' is now available at Smashwords.com and Amazon.com. Historically correct, this third novel of the series takes readers into the exciting life of horse wranglers and battles of the Civil War.

When his father enrolls seventeen-year-old Hank Heaton in an eastern school where he can prepare to be a doctor, Hank instead joins up with Hoss Smith and his horse wranglers who are driving a herd of wild mustangs to Fort Worth, Texas, along the Chisholm Trail. Hank has another reason to get to Texas. Missouri is next to Texas and that is where his sweetheart, Becca Twiddle, now lives. Just after Hank left Twin Rivers, Becca's father had moved the Twiddle family from Twin Rivers to Wilson Creek. Hank plans to find Becca and take her back to Twin Rivers but life interferes. Dangers on the Chisholm Trail and a lone trip through the Ozarks infested with bear and desperadoes take more time than he thought it would. When he finally arrives in Wilson Creek the territory is engulfed in a battle between the Union and Confederate armies. Historically correct, this third novel of the series, “Hank of Twin Rivers," takes readers into the exciting life of horse wranglers and battles of the Civil War

Links

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/636052

https://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B01FPJ0JB0

~~~~~~~

Links to Hank of Twin Rivers, book one, and Hank of Twin Rivers, book two

The shame of being shorter than other boys his age, and his feeling that his Pa is disappointed in him, twelve-year-old Hank Heaton hides in daydreams and book reading. What else can he do? He can't make himself grow taller and, now that the cholera has weakened his leg and he finds himself limping, he feels even more inadequate. The disease took his mother so he doesn't have her to comfort him, to be "coddled" as Pa calls it. Hank’s only comforts are his pet cow, Clementine, and Ma's fun-loving, fiddle-playing brother, Uncle Mac. When Pa decides to homestead on land in western Nebraska, Hank rebels at leaving his school and friends. Pa’s discipline is quick and painful and Hank has to obey. Unpredictable mid-western weather, stampeding buffalo, and murdering claim jumpers make life miserable on the prairie trail. Hank finds friends in Rusty, a rich southern boy from Missouri; Nora, a teasing eight-year-old girl from Wisconsin; and Moses, an escaped slave. But life really get interesting when he meets another complication to his life, the feisty, red-haired preacher's daughter. Historically correct, this novel takes readers into the exciting and dangerous adventures of a pioneer boy.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336710

http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-One-ebook/dp/B00E7NKYSY/

Hank, now sixteen, settles with his Pa and Uncle Mac in the Platte Valley where the North and South Platte merge. His father sets up a trading post where immigrants traveling the Mormon or Oregon Trails stop for supplies. In the past Pa and Hank does not get along, although they had settled their main differences two years ago, but conflict arises between them again when Pa remarries. Hank's Uncle Mac is always there to ease the tension.When life gets too tedious, Hank finds comfort in his "Eagle’s Nest, " a tall cottonwood tree that grows in the valley overlooking the merging North and South Platte Rivers. Here he watches the growth of the town. New people settle near Twin Rivers including Preacher Twiddle and his large family. Hank likes the daughter, Becca. Although Becca’s father forbids them to be together, they become good friends and only she knows about his eagle’s nest. The winter is hard and long. Food is scarce. When Hank goes hunting rabbits in the valley, he gets lost in a sudden blizzard and tangles with a mysterious wild creature.Later, encouraged by his new wife, Pa enrolls Hank in an Eastern school where he can prepare to be a doctor. Hank refuses to go. He runs away with horse wranglers who hunt for wild horses in Western Nebraska. When he comes home with his new horse, Lady, he finds that Becca’s father has taken her and her family back to Missouri.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/539628

http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B00XLFTOJ4/

~~~~~~~

M. C. Arvanitis is a full time writer who creates books for children, mid-grade readers, and YA historical novels. Her time as a preK and early grades teacher gives her insight into the stories children like to read. She writes mid grade readers books she calls "fables." where she brings mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, mermaids, pixies, and other strange beings to her stories.

You can find her list of books at her author's page on amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

(All books including the Hank Series can be bought as print books)

Ms. Arvanitis would be so thankful if you would go to the link where you bought her book and leave a HUG (REVIEW) so other parents choose her books because of your reviews.

~~~~~~~

2016-04-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Author M. C. Arvanitis at work.

About the Author

Ms. Arvanitis is a full time writer who creates9 books for mid-grade readers, and YA historical novels. Her time as a teacher gives her insight into the stories children like to read. She writes mid grade readers books she calls "fables." where she brings mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, mermaids, pixies, and other strange beings. Her Weston Series, 'Hank of Twin Rivers.' is featured here.

Books M. C. Arvanitis has written and published

When asked, "What is her favorite Book, she answers,

"I have to admit that my history based series: ‘Hank of Twins Rivers; Journey of Change’ is my favorite. I took Hank's character from my son, who at Hank’s age, walked along the Platte River in Nebraska with me and we discussed what a journey across the country in a covered wagon would have been like back in the 1800’s. Many of his ideas of evil claim jumpers, raging river crossings, wild horse hunting; buffalo stampedes were incorporated into the manuscripts".

Book one and two are ready to read as an ebook, or print book. Book three is now in the production stage.

Paragraph from first book, 'Journey of Change' chapter nineteen, book one ‘Buffalo Stampede”

“A low rumbling interrupted Hank’s thoughts. He noticed a dark cloud behind them. He ran toward the wagons. “Dust storm coming,” he hollered. Uncle Mac, shading his eyes looked back. A look of horror came to his face. “Saints preserve us! They be buffalo,” he shouted. “Square up the wagons, JB.” He galloped toward Hank, calling, “Laddie, run!” The ground shook under Hank’s feet. The roar of thousands of buffalo stampeding toward them deafened him. He glanced behind. The huge animals were about to run him down. He stretched his legs as far as they could possibly stretch and ran for the wagon."

Find Ms. Arvanitis books at:

http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

2016-04-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

MID GRADE FANTASY FABLES

(ages from 8 to 12)

M.C. Arvanitis

??????

"What is a Fantasy Fable?" you may asked.

A moral fable combines the left (logical) & right (creative) side of the brain, so it both entertains creatively and validates certain types of behaviour, morally.

The creative part is the fantasy tale which often involves animals rather than humans. It speaks to our hearts as it entertains us; the ending is the logical, moral conclusion that satisfies our logical brains and seems right.

"Kids don't like to be preached to."

True, The best moral fables are ones that entertain the reader without preaching but still have a moral.

My Fantasy Fabels fit this bill. They are entertaining, yet have a silent message. These books are parent approved, with less violence but still exciting and entertaining.

"Why fairy tales for mid grade readers?"

There are so many fantasy picture books for ages 2 - 5, and older fantasies novels for upper grade/YA readers, but few are for the lower/mid grade reader. My books are formatted in short chapter books just for them.

"Where can I find these books?"

They are available at these links.

Pixies of the Ferns, Fernella's Magic

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/507196

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-Magic-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B00S378716/

Print book

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-M-Arvanitis/dp/1508639337/

Forbidden Wings, A Mermaid's Story

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247283

http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Wings-Mermaids-Story-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B009UO7HAI/

Print book

http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Wings-M-C-Arvanitis/dp/0988982102/

The Legend of ELPanda Paws

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/120937

http://www.amazon.com/Legend-ELPanda-Paws-M-C-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B007JEWTR2/

Print book

http://www.amazon.com/The-Legend-ELPanda-Paws-Arvanitis/dp/1480051497/

~~~~~~~~~~

Please check out the exciting Western, Hank of Twin Rivers YA/Adult series from my Author's pages on Smashwords.com and Amazon.com. These e-books will fit nicely on your Kindle. --- Thank you. M. C. Arvanitis

~~~~~~~~~~

M. C. Arvanitis to be Guest Author on Kidtales

2016-03-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

Books by M. C. Arvanitis

http://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

Author M. C. Arvanitis

I am proud to be Guest Presenter on Children's Author Spotlight

March 27 - April 2
Hosted by Wendy Nystrom

https://www.facebook.com/events/1087252577998878/

For one week I will be in the Author Spotlight and will post all my work past, present and future.

I encourage everyone (authors, parents, anyone looking for children books) to drop in and see how the life of a writer is. Ask me anything from how I got started to what my future goals are, why I chose my stories, my writing style, and so forth. Feel free to ask me any questions during the week. Or just stop in and say 'Hi." to Big Fat Chicken, ELPanda Paws, Nadeea, the Mermaid, Fernella, the Pixie, or my favorite pioneer boy, Hank of Twin Rivers.

See you next week at Kidtales Children's Author Spotlight.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1087252577998878/

Lost in the foothills of Mount Hood, Oregon

2015-12-28T02:31:00.001-08:00

Let's go where the Pixies live!

Fantasy author, M. C. Arvanitis offers her fable, 'PIXIES OF THE FERNS: FERNELLA'S MAGIC'. A fantasy for mid-grade readers

And for adults who still believe in Magic

The tale takes place in the beautiful mountains of Oregon, and tells of the adventure of a young Pixie, Fernella, who is the seventh daughter. Seventh children are born with special magics. She must find her magic before her father will give his blessings to her marriage with the village inventor, Freddie. When the humans threaten to develop the Fern Pixie's home near Sandy Waters, Fernella and Freddy take off in his flyer to find a new place to live. When the flyer crashes leaving Freddie badly hurt, Fernella gets lost in the wilds of the Mt. Hood foot hills when she goes to find help. There she meets a Puk-Wud-Jie. But what good is he? He knows her magic but leads her to nowhere. Fernella is captured by moles. Who will help her escape? How can she find help for Freddy? And above all how will she find her magic?

WHAT IS A PUK-WUD-JIE?

The Puk-Wud-Jies live in unspoilt forests, dwelling in small and well-hidden communities. They are shape changers and can become any creature. Despite their diminutive size, Puk-Wud-Jies move with great speed and agility.
Who's to say that these little people didn't migrate across the US to the Northwest .. where the mountains are plentiful and the last of the shape shifting pukwudgies can live in peace?

Cover artist, Mariah Matthews

Get your copy at these links.

Smashwords version:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/507196

Kindle Book:

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-Magic-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B00S378716/

Paper Back

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-M-Arvanitis/dp/1508639337/

Chicken in the Oven for Christmas)

2015-10-16T17:39:00.001-07:00

Don’t want to scare you but you know it’s coming!

Need a gift for your little one?

A gift may be too large or too small.

Some need assembly that takes all night.

Some may work and some not at all.

But there’s one gift that is always right.

Every child LovesA Book!

Parents say:

*****“It reads just like a classic picture book and is so fun to read out loud.”

*****“The words are easy enough that someone just learning to read should be able to handle it without much help.”

*****“The illustrations are fantastic.”

*****“Your child will giggle as BFC find her way to escape Farmer Dill’s chicken hook.”

*****“My child brings it back to me to read it again and again.”

*****“When BFC discovers her trips to the buffet have her on the fast track to being the main course, she saves herself, and her new strategy pole-vaults her to celebrity status.”

~~~~~

Link to get the print book-

(In e-book form also.)
http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Oven-M-C-Arv
anitis/dp/1515392473/
~~~~~

Want to add a little more to your gift?

If you think the book is not enough

Think about adding some other stuff.

Although you may not need it

How about a soft cuddly chicken hand puppet to help you read it?

This hand puppet can be found at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWI0BWM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_image_1&smid=A2P5I4NW0QQAX1

Touch your child every day

How to set up a display table at a #book-fair

2015-08-18T22:55:00.001-07:00

PRESENTING YOUR BOOKS AT A BOOK FAIR/SIGNING.

Going to local book signings and fairs are an important part of promotion. Here you interact with other local writers and newfound friends, who may not buy your books, but may know others who will want to buy them.

~~~~~

Plan your table set up before you get there. Place each book in front -- where it is easy for a buyer to examine it. Have interesting stand-up posters showing what your books are about. You can set this up at home to see how everything fits -- Make it simple -- cluttered tables distract buyers.

When you get to the fair to set up your table -- again simple is good -- But you want your books to stand out from all the other booksellers' tables drawing buyers. When they approach the first thing they notice will be your book(s) which can be picked up and examined.

-- So add a bit of color --

Add a red tablecloth, decorate the front with colorful streamers, and hang colorful beads on the poster displays. If you have room, you can set an object relating to the books between the posters. (I added a small stuffed panda cub and a mermaid doll to draw attention to two of my mid-grade books.) Nothing should be set in front of your display of books. Keep the rest of your books behind the posters or in a box under the table. Copies of your Author and book information on brochures (or card) should be on the side of the table, easy to hand out to those passing by.

And above all wear a SMILE.

~~~~~

To purchase M. C. Arvanitis's Books

Either in e-books or print books

contact her on her

Writer's pages

Amazon.com:

www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

Smashwords.com:

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MCArvanitisWriter

M. C. Arvanitis Launches new Picture Book, Chicken in the Oven

2015-08-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

M. C. Arvanitis presents to the Kindle readers her first picture book, 'Chicken in the Oven', for the children of the world to read, or to be read to by their moms, dads, grandparents, care-givers, or teachers. This delightfully illustrated book will tickle your little one's funny bone when BFC (Big Fat Chicken) finds hiding places while running from Farmer Dill, who wants the fattest chicken in the chicken yard for her Sunday dinner. To read more click on link below.

www.amazon.com/dp/B00VY1KVDU/

BE A CHICKEN LAUNCHER

Join in on the BIG LAUNCH by sharing, buying 'Chicken in the Oven' ebook and giving it a review. BFC will love you forever, and plus the little ones in your life will thrill you by their giggles. You'll hear them beg, "Read it again!" When this happens please go back to where you bought it and give her a REVIEW. Now you are a chicken launcher.

Thanks for helping BFC win the funniest book award.

I am excited to add more of my picture book as time goes by. In my years of teaching preK and Kindergarten students, I've written many short stories. Each of these stories have been read to thousands of students in my teaching career and have been found to hold their interest -- Many, like Chicken in the Oven', have been placed on my 'read it again' list. To heighten their readability I've added Dori Murnieks's beautiful illustrations.

Please check out my Mid Grade fantasy fables, and Hank of Twin RIvers Western History Series on these links:

Amazon.com author's page & Smashword.com

M. C Arvanitis

Are there #Pixies living in the #Oregon #Mountains?

2015-05-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Another of M. C. Arvanitis's

Fables ready for your reading pleasure.

Written for mid grade readers but a fun read for all ages. If you like pixies, you'll love Fernella.

Too bad she doesn't love her tall, gawky self. It's a good thing she has the village inventor, Freddie, to love her. The trouble is she can't marry him until she finds her true magic. The shape changing pest, Puck, a Puk-Wud-Jie, could tell her but he just leads her deeper into the wilds of the forest where the Imps live.

This tale takes place in the beautiful mountains of Oregon, and tells the story of the feisty young woman who, as the seventh daughter of the Mayor of Fernsville, must find her magic before her father will give his blessings to her marriage with Freddie.

Get to know this Oregon Pixie. She finds herself into more trouble than you can shake a stick at!

Buy yourself a fun evening read at

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/507196

http://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Ferns-Fernellas-Magic-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B00S378716/

~~~~~~~

The Pixie's Road

(M. C. Arvanitis)

Be careful where you tread my child

When you walk near woods so green

Keep your feet upon the path.

They say Pixies can't be seen

But if you listen, you may hear

Laughter that makes your heart feel free.

While walking in the woods, believe

And a Pixie you may see.

~~~~~~~

Hey. What's that rabbit dong in here?

Maybe he'll leave a review? Ms Arvanitis will give him lots of carrots if he does.

~~~~~~~

What's on YOUR #Kindle? #Pioneer #boy #fiction

2015-05-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

WHAT'S ON YOUR KINDLE?

NOW READY TO DOWNLOAD

$2.99

Hank of Twin Rivers, Book Two, The Eagle's Nest

http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B00XLFTOJ4/

Now you can follow our Pioneer Boy, Hank, into his teen-age years in M. C. Arvanitis' coming of age' series, 'Hank of Twin Rivers.' Hank, now sixteen, has settled with his Pa and Uncle Mac in the Platte Valley, where the North and South Platte Rivers merge. His father sets up a trading post between the Mormon and Oregon Trails. His life is gong along just fine until Pa marries the strict and straight-laced schoolteacher.

When life gets too tedious, Hank finds comfort in the tall cottonwood tree that grows in the valley overlooking the merging rivers, which he calls his Eagle’s Nest. Here he watches the growth of Twin Rivers. New people settle near, including Preacher Twiddle and his large family. Hank likes the preacher's daughter, Becca. Only she, and his Pawnee friend, Ta Ha Zouka, knows about his Eagle’s Nest.

All Hank wants is to help his happy-go-lucky Irish Uncle Mac build their lumber mill. When Pa and his new wife enrolls him in an Eastern school, Hank finally takes his life into his own hands, and runs away with horse wranglers. When he comes home, he finds that Becca’s father has taken her and her family back to Missouri.

Historically correct, this novel, second of the Hank of Twin Rivers series, takes readers into the exciting life of a pioneer boy.

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Purchase Link

http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B00XLFTOJ4/

You can also get this book at

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/539628

IF YOU KEEP READING, I'LL KEEP WRITIING !!

(Author: M. C. Arvanitis)

Read all about my books at these links.

My Amazon.com Author's Page

My Smashwords.com Writer's page

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NOW OUT! Hank of Twin Rivers,Historical series two of a pioneer boy coming of age on the Nebraska prairie.

2015-05-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

M. C. Arvanitis apologizes to her readers for the long wait of the second of the Hank of Twin Rivers series. Sometimes life gets in the way of progress. But now she has

Hank of Twin Rivers, Book Two, The Eagle's Nest has been published for your reading pleasure.

Hank, now sixteen, has settled with his Pa and Uncle Mac in the Platte Valley where they set up a trading post for immigrants who travel the Mormon and Oregon Trails. New people settle near Twin Rivers including Preacher Twiddle and his large family. Hank makes friends with the preacher's daughter, Becca, although her father forbids them to be together.In this coming of age story, Hank conflicts with his father, who still treats him as a little boy. When his step ma insists that he go to the eastern school to become a doctor, Hank takes charge of his own life.

Amazon.com link

Smashwords.com link

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If you haven't read the first book of the Hank of Twin Rivers series, you'll want to get it first.

The first book of the series introduces twelve-year-old Hank Heaton and his family who follow the emigrants’ trail from Iowa along the Missouri River to the merging Platte Rivers in western Nebraska in the mid-1800's. Historically correct, the novel takes readers into the exciting and dangerous adventures of a pioneer boy.

Smashwords.com link

Amazon.com link

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Read about Ms. Arvanitis's Fantasy series at these links

http://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MCArvanitisWriter

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Ms Arvanitis thanks her readers and friends who support her efforts of bringing good literature to Mid-grade, YA readers. Her books are Adult approved.

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Mermaids, Pixies, Trolls, Fairies, Elves, Snergs, Selkies, Imps and other mythical creatures bring exciting adventure in M. C. Arvanitis's books.

2015-04-28T00:24:00.001-07:00

~~~

M. C. Arvanitis, author and story teller, began her career with a series of mid grade books she called 'fables'---a legend or myth of mystical creatures, often with a moral, expanding her genrue to YA historical series. She now plans to extent her story telling to the many picture books she wrote during her teaching career. M. C. Arvanitis resides in Newport, Oregon. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education, and has taught preschool and early elementary for over thirty years until her retirement two years ago. Her short stories have been published in Skipping Stones Magazine, Totline Teaching Tales (Warren Publishing Co.), and Building Blocks for Bright Beginnings. All published as e-books. All but her latest, 'Pixies of the Fern' are available as print books.

All are on e-boooks, ready for your e-reader.

~~~

Short Previews of her Books

The Legend of ELPanda Paws

What happens when the Ughlies capture a lost panda?

For hundreds of years the Claus Corporation has contracted with the ELVanites to make Love Bears, which are delivered to seriously ill children around the world. Only Elves with love and happiness in their hearts can make the bears properly---insuring that each bear carries love and comfort these children need. Frowning, fussing, criticizing and crying are rarely seen or heard. The ELVanites know that negaative feelings bring on unhappiness and disease. So whwen ELVina, Head of Production, finds her elf workers suddenly afflicted with the negative disease, an illness that makes them slow and careless she becomes worried.

"What is going on, ELVina?" Inspector ELMonte asks. "I have never seen so many unacceptable bears come from this factory. The work is sloppy and certainly will not meet Mr. Claus's standards."ELVina blows her nose and hangs her head, unable to speak for a moment. She starts to cry. "I have been feeling depressed also.” "There, there, now." Inspector ELMonte places a comforting arm on her shoulder. “We'll work it out.” But ELVina cannot be comforted. She knows that if the Love Bears are not made in time the Claus Corporation will not renew their contract for next year. No contract---no work; no work---no pay; the ELVanites will starve.

Can be purchased at Amazon.com

Or
Smashwords.com

Forbidden Wings, A Mermaid's Story

Could this be a mermaid's best friend?

Nadeea is shorter than the other Mermaids and finds life unbearable. She meets two fairies, Cassandra and Alex, and admires their beautiful wings. She wants wings for herself so she can escape from the teasing she receives from the other Mermaids. When Sir Cecil, the Snerg, promises to help her find wings she agrees to go on a long dangerous journey to Wyre, the home of the Damselflies. Sadie Squarette, a magic-making, bug-like poet, is their guide. They cross the Island of Egilssay where she meets Zasta, a Selkie, who becomes her best friend. There is danger in the island however. They must cross the land of the Trows where a mighty battle is going on between the Sea and Hill Trows. Trows not only kill each other, they kill anyone who crosses over their land. Sadie uses her unique magic to save them. Finally they reach the Island of Wyre where Nadeea hopes to get wings. She bravely faces Gwilon, the Goat Witch, and saves the queen of the Damselflies. When she learns that her Mer family has been captured by the dreaded Sea Lions and taken into slavery, she has to make a decision. Will she wait for her wings or leave with the Selkie Army to rescue her family?

Can be purchased at Amazon.com
Forbidden Wings, A Mermaid's Story
Or at Smashwords.com
Forbidden Wings, a Mermaid's Story

Pixies of the Fern: Fernella's Magic

Is This Rabbit the Puk-Wud-Jie, Fernella needs to help her find her magic?

This tale takes place in the beautiful mountains of Oregon, and tells of the adventure of a young Pixie. Fernella, as the seventh daughter of the Mayor of Fernsville, must find her magic before her father will give his blessings to her marriage with Freddie. When the humans threaten to develop the forest, which will destroy the Fern Pixies’ village, Fernella and Freddy take off in his flyer to find a new place to live. The flyer crashes leaving Freddie badly injured. When Fernella goes to find help, she gets lost in the wilds of the Mt. Hood foothills. While fleeing the arrows of the vicious flying Imps, she is captured by moles and imprisoned in their underground dungeon. There she meets Puck, the mischievous Puk-Wud-Jie. But what good is he? He knows what her magic is but refuses to tell her. Who will help her escape? How can she find help for Freddy? And above all how will she find her magic?

Can be purchased at Amazon.com

Pixies of the Fern: Fernella's Magic

Smashwords.com

~~~

The Hank of Twin River Series

Book One: Journey of Change

In 1855 cholera takes twelve-year-old, Hank Heaton's mother. His strict and domineering father, sorrowing himself, gives his son no comfort. Hank’s only comforts are his wisecracking, fiddle-playing Irish uncle, and his pet cow, Clementine. When Pa decides to homestead land in western Nebraska, Hank rebels. Pa’s discipline is quick and painful and Hank has to obey. They follow the emigrants’ trail from Iowa along the Missouri River to the merging Platte Rivers in western Nebraska. The unpredictable mid-western weather, wind and hailstorms, dust storms, blizzards, and flash floods, along with stampeding buffalo, murdering claim jumpers, rattlesnakes, and a belligerent goose provide plenty of challenges for a pioneer boy.

His troubles are lightened when he finds friends along the trail: Rusty, a Southern boy from Missouri; Nora, a teasing eight-year-old girl from Wisconsin, and the preacher’s daughter, the love of his life

Hank of Twin Rivers, Book One, Journey of Change
Can be purchased at Amazon.com

at Smashwords.com

~~~

COMING SOON

Book Two of Hank of Twin Rivers series

The EAGLE'S NEST

~~~
Meet M.C. Arvanitis at her FB page.

M. C. Arvanitis Face Book Page.

Every Writer Needs Her Fans

2015-02-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

Join M. C. Arvanitis Face Book Fan Club Page

http://www.facebook.com/M.C.Arvanitis

Where she features her published books, or soon to be published books. Here she also reviews other writers and timely ideas to help writers along the way. She writes YA, Mid-Grade, and picture

books for children.

M. C. Arvanitis’s over 40 years as a teacher gives her insight into the stories young readers like. Now retired, she writes books for mid grade readers that she calls "fables." She brings forth mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, mermaids, pixies, and other strange beings

THE LEGEND OF ELPANDA PAWS, available in ebook - and print.

FORBIDDEN WINGS, A MERMAID'S STORY, available as e-books and print books.

Her third Fable, PIXIES OF THE FERNS: FERNELLA'S MAGIC. is available as an e-book, soon to be in print.

Ms Arvanitis's teen/YA historical series, HANK OF TWIN RIVERS, BOOK ONE, JOURNEY OF CHANGE, is in print & as an e-book.Two more books in the Hank series will be added to her author's list in 2015.

She is presently working on a WW2 novel, 'EMMA ROSE’S WAR', fiction for young adult and older readers, and will publish her first picture book, 'Chicken in the Oven', sometime in 2015.

Ms. Arvanitis’s books can be bought at links above or either of these links

http://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MCArvanitisWriter

You can reach her at

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/M.C.Arvanitis

And leave a bit of love (like) to her page.

<3 <3 <3 <3

What's on your mid grader's e-reader?

2015-01-18T23:25:00.000-08:00

AND WHAT IS HIDING UNDER THE FERNS?

‘Pixies of the Ferns, Fernella’s Magic.’ is the third book of my mid-grade 'fables’. Fernella was imagined during a summer stay at a camp near Mount Hood, Oregon, where large ferns grow in the green forest. While walking through the ferns I imagined what sort of little people might be living under the mysterious growth, and thus this book began.

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

Smashwords.com: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MCArvanitisWriter

Soon to be in paperback.

Pixies of the Ferns,

Fernella’s Magic

M. C. Arvanitis

-- and the story begins --

Fernella Fabrizio strolled along the edge of the Human ‘s road brushing her short, unruly brown curls away from her green eyes and behind her tiny pointed ears. Her shadow blinked in and out on the ground as the sun filtered down on her through the branches of the great ponderosa pines. She loved the forest smells in the spring. The cinnamon fern plants that grew by the Sandy Waters were just starting to grow, and their fiddleheads were perfect for brewing. She was on her way to collect them for Papa.

Her reflection followed her in the small rivulet that flowed beside the road. She was tall for a Pixie girl, slightly over two feet, taller than her petite sisters whose long straight hair flowed neatly to their waists. She felt gangly and out of place when they were all together, but Freddie Faber, the village guard, had assured her he liked her just the way she was. They had been best friends since childhood and had been dating for several months. Only last night he had scolded her for complaining about her looks. Teasingly pulling on one of her curls, he hugged her. “Sugar Plum, who cares if you’re tall? I like curly hair, and you know how I love your pointed ears. When are we going to set the date for our wedding, anyway?”

She had no answer for him. Whenever she brought the subject up to her father he always frowned and answered, “Fernella, you were born the seventh child. I was the seventh child in my family. That makes us magical. I don't want you to think about getting married until you find your magic. When you do that we will see about your wedding." She took a deep breath. Instead of the fragrance of the trees, she caught the putrid smell of a Human's monster. "Yuk!" She held her nose. If she stayed on the road the monster would run her down. She knew that to be true. Long ago her Uncle Frank, who had been drinking too much beer, had wandered down it. The old timers told the terrible story of how there was nothing left of him but a wet spot.

~~~~<3

Thank you for checking our my books. All books are parent approved

and priced low so all can afford.

REVIEWS NEEDED

If you buy Pixies of the Fern, Fernella's Magic won't you please give it a review at where you purchased it.

~~~~<3

World War 2 novel coming in 2015 - by M. C. Arvanitis

2014-12-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

ANNOUNCING!

Author, M.C. Arvanitis’s next novel in her YA historical books

Writing a book is like birthing a baby---both are held close to the heart until they are ready to be born, but a book starts in the mind instead of the womb---it is conceived as an idea first, then developed into a plausible shape until it is ready to be born---and somewhere along the line it gets a title.

EMMA ROSE’S WAR

'Emma Rose's War' takes the reader back to the time of WW2, into the Midwest rural community, and how it affects the life of a teenage farm girl whose family is of German ancestry.

From the time she could write, Emma Rose has written down all her thoughts in her diaries. She dreams of being a reporter, like 'Brenda Star, the redheaded comic heroine taken from a comic series, ‘Brenda Star, Girl Reporter’.

Emma Rose hates being a girl and determines not to grow up to do what every other farm girl does; get married to a farm boy right after high school and have a pack of kids. Her fear of growing up creates another war in her mind. She swears to never fall in love with a farmer...But would her heart betray her?

She misses her beloved brother, Tobias, who had been one of the first to join the US Navy to escape being drafted into the Army.

His ship is lost at the disastrous bombing of Pearl Harbor, which started WW 2. And he is now missing in action.

It is bad enough being thirteen, and the middle child in a confused family, but when the evils of war brings fear and sorrow for the adults in her world, Emma Rose Brudhall doesn't know where to turn. The government opens a German Prisoner of War camp near her hometown. The townspeople resist having the enemy near, but the farmers needs the prisoners to work on the farms since all able bodied young men are at war. When she goes into freshman class in high school, Emma Rose must choose between allegiance to her country friends and family, or to the town students who parents are against the POW camp. She so wants to be accepted by the popular town kids. And this depends on her decision. Whose side does she take?

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More about Emma Rose's life.

The Brudhall’s hog farm is located a quarter of a mile from where Emma Rose’s best friend, Marta Wasserburger lives and seven miles on graveled roads from the nearest town, Crawford. Emma Rose's main joy is going to town on Saturday nights.

How Emma Rose may have dressed as a teenager

Ready for her first day of high school.

Or doing her home work while listening to Sunday Hit Parade on the radio.

(Unknown - taken from Google)

SO READERS, KEEP CHECKING HERE AND SEE HOW THIS BOOK PROGRESSES

As Brenda Star Says

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Other books by M.C. Arvanitis

Mid Grade Fables

The Legend of ELPanda Paws

Links

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/120937

Amazon.com E-book: http://www.amazon.com/Legend-ELPanda-Paws-M-C-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B007JEWTR2/

Print book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Legend-ELPanda-Paws-Arvanitis/dp/1480051497/

Forbidden Wings, A Mermaids Story

Links

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247283

Amazon.com E-book: http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Wings-Mermaids-Story-ebook/dp/B009UO7HAI/

Print book: http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Wings-M-C-Arvanitis/dp/0988982102/

~~~~~~~~

Hank of Twin Rivers, Book One: Journey of Change

Smashwords: http://

www.smashwords.com/books/view/336710

Amazon.com E-book: http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-One/dp/1494427001/

Print Book: http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-One/dp/1494427001/

~~~~~~~~

ALSO COMING IN

Mid-Grade Fable

Pixies of the Ferns

Historical

Book Two of Hank of Twin Rivers:

View From the Eagles Nest

Book Three of Hank of Twin rivers:

Riding With the Wranglers

And her first picture book for ages 5 & under:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please leave a LIKE on Ms. Arvanitis's author's page at

http://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

Kidtales Adventures in Reading: Meet the Musing

2014-10-22T10:38:00.001-07:00

Kidtales Adventures in Reading: Meet the Musing: We are bringing a new feature to Kidtales. We will be meeting several MUSINGS from children's authors. Today we are chatting wit...

Announcement Hank of Twin Rivers, Book Two: The Eagle's Nest

2014-08-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

HEADS UP!

Coming in August

The second book of the Hank of Twin Rivers Series

Historically correct, this 1855 series takes readers into the exciting and dangerous life

of Hank Heaton and his journey from a shy twelve year old lad to a bronco busting, horse wrangler at eighteen.

Read the first chapter of Book Two here.

Chapter One

View From the Eagles Nest

Hank scratched at the mosquito bite on his elbow. He knew scratching just made it worse but it itched like the devil. He had scabs all up and down his arms. He would be glad when the first frost came to free the area of the pesky insects. It seemed they weren’t so thick in his perch in the top of the tall cottonwood tree, a place he called his eagle’s nest.

He thought about his birthday coming in September. Not that it mattered much. Birthdays were for little boys who had mothers to bake cakes for them, not for the likes of him. Sixteen years weren’t anything to celebrate anyway. Pa kept reminding him he was just a kid. “You’re still wet behind the ears.” seemed to be his favorite saying.

Lately though things were going good between him and Pa. It hadn’t always been that way. After Ma and his baby sister, Amanda, died of cholera Pa had turned cold and distant. Uncle Mac said it was because Pa sorrowed so. Hank handled his own sorrow by keeping Ma’s memory fresh in his mind. He touched the ring tied on the string around his neck, Ma’s wedding ring, the only thing he had to remember her by. He considered it his lucky piece.

The colors of the early sunset reflected in the waters of the merging Platte Rivers as they flowed eastward to the great Missouri. He wished he were an artist and could draw a picture of the fall colored leaves of maples, cottonwood, and willow trees that lined the steep cliff separating the settlement from the valley. He grinned at the thought. Pa wouldn’t approve of him spending time painting pictures. As it was, he complained about the time he spent in reading. It was only through Uncle Mac’s interference that Pa had allowed him to finish eighth grade back in Buck Creek.

The bawling of Hank’s pet cow, Clementine, sounded loud across the water. She and her newest calf grazed in the lower pasture between the rivers, swishing their tails to ward off flies. Trouble, her three year-old calf, now grown to be a fine bull, grazed nearby. Below on the river’s bank Uncle Mac fished for catfish or bullheads, whichever were biting. Hank hoped it was catfish. There was nothing better than Uncle Mac’s cornmeal coated fried catfish. “’Tis a meal fit for a king,” Uncle Mac bragged.

The Nebraska prairie, dotted with sagebrush, stretched above both sides of the valley as far as he could see. During the summer months, wagon trains rolled from sun up to sun down on trails deeply rutted by thousands of wagon wheels. The Mormon Trail on the north of the Platte valley, and the Oregon Trail on the south led to new land in far away places like Oregon and California. Hank often wondered what the travelers found in these places, free land for growing crops or the gold in California? Hank thanked his lucky stars that when Pa decided to leave Buck Creek he hadn’t headed to Oregon or California. All the land they needed was right here in Nebraska.

He looked at his town, the Twin Rivers settlement on the north bluff. Three years ago when they settled in the Platte Valley he had had the privilege of naming their new home where Pa and Pa’s partner, Major Grant Beams, decided to set up a trading post. With the two Platte Rivers merging together, ‘Twin Rivers’ came to his mind. “Good name, Sonny,” the Major had praised. Pa and Uncle Mac had agreed.

Wagon trains, following both trails, stopped for supplies, and Pa’s business grew. While he and Major Beams traveled back and forth to Council Bluffs to buy merchandise, Hank helped Uncle Mac plant the crops, take care of the animals, and harvest the trees from the land his uncle had claimed in the valley.

Late sunlight reflected from the new glass windows replacing the thin oiled paper in their sod house He and Uncle Mac had built this house when they first came to the Platte Valley. Uncle Mac called it the bachelor house since only men lived in it. The privy, a place where they could do their business in privacy, stood near the chicken coop.

The prairie town had grown from this sod house and a lean-to barn into a main street consisting of Pa’s store/warehouse, a livery station, a blacksmith, and the newest establishment, a barbershop/bath/shoe store. On his last trip to Omaha, Pa had brought back two Chinese brothers, Chung Lee and Chung Yao. Chung Lee was a barber and his brother a cobbler. They lived in a small room in the back of the shop.

He watched Uncle Mac’s friend, Johnny Kelly, ride into the livery station where he worked. Recently from Texas, Johnny had been one of those passing through who decided to stay. Pa put him to work managing the livery stable. With his ten-gallon hat, cowboy boots, and his gun holster tied to his right thigh, he looked like a real cowboy. Johnny was Hank’s hero, a true wrangler, said to be the best in the west at breaking broncos.

A voice interrupted his thoughts. “Hank are you up there?” Hank smiled at the sound of Becca Twiddle’s voice. Preacher Zeckariah Twiddle, his wife, and their nine children had been the first ones to settle near Twin Rivers. Their oldest child, Becca, became Hank’s special friend. He could tell her his thoughts that he would tell no one else, not even Uncle Mac.

“Come on up,” he called, “it’s cooler up here.” He watched her freckled face break through the thin leaf cover.

Pulling herself up on the branch beside Hank she pushed the stray wisps of red-blonde curls from her forehead. “I can’t stay long. If Papa finds me with you, he’ll tan my hide. I told him I was going to gather chokecherries.” She looked down at her bare feet perched on the branch below. “I wish he wasn’t so grumpy.”

“Maybe he will change. Pa did. I thought he hated me until I got the sunstroke. When he thought I was gonna die he changed.”

Becca shook her head. “Papa will never change. He thinks he’s God’s voice and everyone has to listen to him.” She sighed. “Did I tell you Mama is going to have another baby? She keeps having them, and I keep having to take care of them. I wish I’d been born a boy.”

“I’m glad you weren’t.” Hank teasingly tugged on her braid.

Embarrassed, Becca changed the subject. “The crickets sure are loud.”

“Uncle Mac says that the louder the crickets chirp the hotter it is. It must be near to one hundred degrees.”

“It’ll be cooling down now that September is almost here.” They sat in silence as the sun lowered in the sky. After a summer of little rain, the river flowed sluggishly around large sand bars. Below Uncle Mac threw out his line again whistling an Irish tune.

Becca looked out over the valley. “There are still a lot of dead trees along the river bank.”

Hank nodded. “The flood that came through two springs ago did that. It almost got me too.” He didn’t tell her how he had panicked and fell off Blaze, their horse, when he saw the large wall of water coming toward him. He still felt embarrassed thinking about it.

“How come this tree didn’t get torn down, I wonder.”

Hank grinned and winked at her. “Luck of the Irish, I guess.”

“I’m glad you share it with me. It is so peaceful here.”

“I know.” He reached over and took her hand. He felt peaceful here with her. She hadn’t always been peaceful, though. When they first met he took her for a boy. She was wearing overalls with her pigtails tucked up in an old straw hat. It was easier for her to wear her brother’s clothes since she had to drive one of the wagons her parents had brought from Missouri. That upset her, and she had shoved him down. After that, she had ignored him, even when he tried to make amends. But that first summer when she heard that he was sick from the heat she brought him some of her special chicken soup. From then on they had become best friends. Hank couldn’t imagine life without her.

Becca reached her foot to the branch below. “It’s getting late and I gotta pick those chokecherries and get back before Papa misses me. If he catches me with you, I won’t be the only one to be in trouble. He’ll blame Mama for not watching me closer.”

Hank frowned. “I don’t know why he hates me so. Maybe it‘s because he doesn’t like Uncle Mac. Uncle Mac doesn’t have much use for him either, and he isn’t shy about saying it. Will I see you later?”

“Maybe after Sunday meeting when Papa is off on one of his preaching trips you can come over. Ma likes you.” She slid her foot on the next branch and continued to climb down. Just as she stepped on the ground and picked up her basket, an unearthly moan sounded across the valley. Becca dropped the basket and scrambled back up the tree. “What was that?” she whispered.

Becca dropped the basket and scrambled back up the tree. “What was that?” she whispered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST HANK BOOK?
Why and how did Hank and his family get to Twin Rivers?

What dangers did he meet along the Oregon Trail? Who did he meet on the way to share the dangers on the Nebraska Prairie?

How did Hank meet Becca?

Twelve year old Hank's lack of self esteem makes him believe that Pa hates him. But what can he do about it? He can't make himself grow taller, and now that the cholera has weakened his leg and he finds himself limping, he feels even more inadequate. The disease took away his mother so he doesn't have her to comfort him .. to be "coddled" as Pa calls it. His only comfort is his pet cow, Clementine, and Ma's brother, Uncle Mac. Plagued by the Monster Goose, who nips his butt whenever it gets close to him, and his fear of Pa's disappointment on him, he hides in daydreaming and book reading. When Pa decides to homestead on land in western Nebraska, Hank rebels. Pa’s discipline is quick and painful and Hank has to obey. They follow the wild Platte River on the Oregon Trail crossing rattlesnake infested prairies, fording raging rivers, and eating dust while walking behind the slow wagon. He withstands the unpredictable mid-western weather of hailstorms, dust storms, an early blizzard and flash floods. Stampeding buffalo, murdering claim jumpers, unfriendly Indian Tribes forces him to face life on the wild frontierland.

GET IT NOW

You can get Hank of Twin Rivers; Book one, Journey of Change at these links.

E-book at Smashwords.com: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336710

E-book at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7NKYSY

Print book: http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Twin-Rivers-Book-One/dp/1494427001/

Check out my Mid-Grade fantasy series.

Authors Amazon page. http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

The #Pixies are Coming. M. C. #Arvanitis new #fable to be out soon.

2014-05-06T20:03:00.001-07:00

COMING ATTRACTION

'PIXIES OF THE FERNS; Fernella’s Magic'

M. C. Arvanitis will be bringing to her readers the next fabled character, Fernella, a young Pixie of the Northwest this summer when her third mid grade Fable, 'PIXIES OF THE FERNS; Fernella’s Magic' becomes a published book.

The tale takes place in the beautiful mountains of Oregon, and tells of the adventure of Fernella, the seventh daughter of the Mayor of Fernsville. Seventh children are born with special magics. She must find her magic before her father will give his blessings to her marriage with Freddie. When the humans threaten to develop the Pixie's village near Sandy Waters, Fernella and Freddy take off in his flyer to find a new place to live. The flyer crashes leaving Freddie badly hurt. Fernella gets lost in the wilds of the Mt. Hood foothills where she meets a Puk-Wud-Jie. But what good is he? He knows her magic but won’t divulge it to her. He only leads her into more trouble. She is attacked by the vicious flying Imps and captured by moles. Who will help her escape? How can she find help for Freddy? And above all how will she find her magic?

STAY TUNED!!! The published date will be announced here.

A COVER BEGINS

A peek into the studio of our Cover Artist, Mariah Matthews.

Ms. Matthews is finishing up the cover for ‘Pixies of the Ferns: Fernella’s Magic.”

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The Journey of Research

PIXIES

Pixies are said to be "small, and harmless and friendly. In some discussions pixies are presented as wingless. That is the case in our story. They are "great explorers familiar with the caves of the ocean, the hidden sources of the streams, and the recesses of the land." Pixies like to hang around forests, rocks, ferns, or mushrooms.

The late 19th century English poet Nora Chesson summarized pixie mythology fairly well

in a poem entitled The Pixies.

Have e’er you seen the Pixies, the fold not blest or banned?

They walk upon the waters; they sail upon the land,

They make the green grass greener where’er their footsteps fall,

The wildest hind in the forest comes at their call.

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Pixies’s Favorite food are the new growth of ferns called Fiddleheads. They make a special wine out these fiddleheads.

Pixies build their villages under the ferns in the forest.

Follow this path and you may see a Pixie.

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What is a Pukwudjie?

In the north eastern part of the United States there’s a legend of some tribes of nature folks called the pukwudgies. The legends are from the Native American Tribe the Wampanoag and of the Delaware Indians. Interestingly, the Wampanoag are the tribe that celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims. Who's to say that these little people didn't migrate across the US to the Northwest .. where the mountains are plentiful and the last of the shape shifting pukwudgies can live in peace?

Puk-Wudjies are mentioned in “The Song Of Hiawatha” – “The Death of Kwasind” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He refers to them as mischievous pukwudjies, fairies, pygmies, little people.

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IMPS: enemies of the Pixies

Image information found at: www.santharia.com/bestiary/imp.htmwww.santharia.com/bestiary/imp.htm

An imp is a mythological being similar to a fairy or demon, frequently described in folklore. It is sometimes described as a sentient tiny beast that is said to resemble a thin lizard-like goblin with wings. Additionally, the Imp has an unusual looking face that resembles a smooth, bone-like mask with glowing red eye

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imp

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Pixies

(M. C. Arvanitis)

Be careful where you tread my child

When you walk near woods so green.

Keep your feet upon the path.

They say Pixies can’t be seen.

But if you listen you may hear

Laughter, that makes your heart feel free.

While walking in the woods, believe,

And a Pixie you may see.

~~~~~~~

M. C Arvanitis writes fables (tales embodying a moral and using legendary characters. A legend or a myth.) Her Fantasy stories also entertain readers, ages 8 and up. She has authored two other 'fables'. 'The Legend of ELPanda Paws' and 'Forbidden wings; A Mermaid's Story.' You can find her e-books at Smashwords.com or Amazon.com. Both are in print books and are sold at Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JEWTR2

http://www.smashwords.com/book/view/120937

http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Wings-Mermaids-Story-ebook/dp/B009UO7HAI/

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247283

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What's Hiding Behind the #Ferns? #Fantasy at it's best. All about #Pixies, #Magic, #Puk-Wud-Jie, #Imps. #Adventure for #Midgrade #readers.

2014-04-22T14:51:00.002-07:00

WHAT'S HIDING BEHIND THE FERNS?

Fernella, the Pixie

Fantasy author, M. C. Arvanitis will be bringing her out of her hiding place sometime in the summer of 2014, when her third mid-grade Fable, 'PIXIES OF THE FERNS; FERNELLA'S MAGIC' is launched. The tale takes place in the beautiful mountains of Oregon, and tells of the adventure of a young Pixie, Fernella. Fernella is the seventh daughter and seventh children are born with special magics. She must find her magic before her father will give his blessings to her marriage with Freddie. When the humans threaten to develop the Fern Pixie's home near Sandy Waters, Fernella and Freddy take off in his flyer to find a new place to live. The flyer crashes leaving Freddie badly hurt. Fernella gets lost in the wilds of the Mt. Hood foot hills when she goes to find help. There she meets a Puk-Wud-Jie. But what good is he? He knows her magic but leads her to nowhere. Fernella is attacked by the vicious flying Imps and captured by moles. Who will help her escape? How can she find help for Freddy? And above all how will she find her magic? STAY TUNED!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHAT IS A PUK-WUD-JIE?

Puk-Wudjies are mentioned in “The Song Of Hiawatha” – “The Death of Kwasind” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who refers to them as misievous pukwudjies, 9fairies, pygmies, little people.

In the north eastern part of the United States there’s a legend of some tribes of nature folks called the pukwudgies. The legends are from the Native American Tribe the Wampanoag and of the Delaware Indians. Interestingly, the Wampanoag are the tribe that celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims. Who's to say that these little people didn't migrate across the US to the Northwest .. where the mountains are plentiful and the last of the shape shifting pukwudgies can live in peace?
*research taken from http://terrainwalker.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/pukwudgies-–-book-reviews-other-info-links/

*Puk-Wudjies are mentioned in “The Song Of Hiawatha” – “The Death of Kwasind” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.He refers to them as mischievous pukwudjies, fairies, pygmies, little

people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Read Ms Arvanitis's much reviewed books, especially written for mid-grade readers.

Ms. Arvanitis is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers. Her occupation as a preK and early grades teacher gives her insight into the stories children like to read. Now retired, she writes mid grade readers books she calls "fables." She brings mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, mermaids, pixies, and other strange beings to her stories. She now offers her first two 'fables' for Mid graders. "THE LEGEND OF ELPANDA PAWS," and "FORBIDDEN WINGS, A MERMAID'S STORY" in both as e-books and in print books.

You can find M.C.Arvanitis's other Fables at

Authors Amazon page. http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

Buffalo Stampede on the Nebraska Prairies. A YA Western Novel

2014-03-08T13:49:00.001-08:00

A low rumbling interrupted Hank's thoughts. He noticed a dark cloud behind them. He ran toward the wagons. “Dust storm coming.” he hollered.

Uncle Mac, shading his eyes, looked back. A look of horror came to his face. “Saints preserve us! They be buffalo!” he shouted, “Square up the wagons, J B!” He galloped toward Hank, calling, “Laddie run!”

The ground shook under Hank’s feet. The roar of thousands of buffalo stampeding toward them deafened him. He glanced behind. The huge animals were about to run him down! He stretched his legs as far as they could possibly stretch.

Taken from Hank of Twin Rivers, Book One, Journey of Change.

Soon to be launched: READ MORE OF Hank's Coming of Age Story in Book Two: The Eagle's Nest

Due to be published in Late Summer or early Fall, 2014.

In book three follow Hank on the Chisholm Trail

Hank hobbled the horses off the trail near the thick growth of trees and looked for a sheltered place to build a fire. He spied a small cave in a cliff on the other side of the creek. He patted Lady on the rump.“I'll be right back, Girl. Gonna check out that cave. It looks big enough for us and it would get me out of this dang rain.” He took off his boots and waded across. As he reached the opening of the cave he heard a snort behind him. He looked around. A bear lunged across the creek toward him. He turned to run inside the cave but a pair of cubs blocked his way. The bear charged him. He picked up a stick and swung it hitting its face. With a roar, the bear attacked. Hank felt terrible pain as its paws wrack him across his thigh knocking him down. The bear was on top of him raking its claws over his chest, arms, and shoulders. Hank had never felt such pain. He tried to push the bear off but he didn’t have the strength. He crossed his arms over his face and screamed.

In the Hank of Twin Rivers Book series Author, M. C. Arvanitis. brings back the days when pioneers settle the Mid West. Historically correct, the books tell of the struggles families had and of the travels across the land to find new land. How one motherless boy grows from a shy and withdrawn twelve year old to an eighteen year old young man, a capable horse handler, who learns to make his own way.

M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES

Christmas in November FREE

Christmas In November FREE

The Red Bird's Christmas Gift

By M. C. Arvanitis

Get more free stories at: http://mcarvanitiswriter.blogspot.com/

Now available at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

New Release - Elephant Answers

Children Picture Book New release

Christmas In Febraury

Christmas In February FREE

The Red Bird's Christmas Gift

By M. C. Arvanitis

Get more free stories at: http://mcarvanitiswriter.blogspot.com/

Now available at https://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

FREE! Month to Month Preschool Curriculum

M. C. Arvanitis, teacher and writer offers you

FREE

stories, coloring pictures, puppet dialogues,

art activities and more

for your preschool or Kindergarden.

She taught preschool and early elementary for thirty years until her retirement and is a published author of Mid Grade adventures and historical YA series.

http://www.ms-marge.com Ms Marge preschool

Business Announcement

I AM A WRITER

My Products: Books for children of all ages.

Fables of magical happenings for Mid Grade readers

Happy Reading

The third book of the 'Hank of twin Rivers's series' now published.

~~~~~~~

Links to Hank of Twin Rivers, book one, and Hank of Twin Rivers, book two

~~~~~~~

You can find her list of books at her author's page on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/ (All books including the Hank Series can be bought as print books)

~~~~~~~

MID GRADE FANTASY FABLES

Pixies of the Ferns, Fernella's Magic

Forbidden Wings, A Mermaid's Story

The Legend of ELPanda Paws

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/120937

http://www.amazon.com/Legend-ELPanda-Paws-M-C-Arvanitis-ebook/dp/B007JEWTR2/

M. C. Arvanitis to be Guest Author on Kidtales

http://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

Author M. C. Arvanitis

I am proud to be Guest Presenter on Children's Author Spotlight

March 27 - April 2 Hosted by Wendy Nystrom

https://www.facebook.com/events/1087252577998878/

See you next week at Kidtales Children's Author Spotlight.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1087252577998878/

Lost in the foothills of Mount Hood, Oregon

Let's go where the Pixies live!

Chicken in the Oven for Christmas)

Want to add a little more to your gift?

How to set up a display table at a #book-fair

PRESENTING YOUR BOOKS AT A BOOK FAIR/SIGNING.

M. C. Arvanitis Launches new Picture Book, Chicken in the Oven

Thanks for helping BFC win the funniest book award.

M. C Arvanitis

Are there #Pixies living in the #Oregon #Mountains?

Another of M. C. Arvanitis's Fables ready for your reading pleasure.

Buy yourself a fun evening read at

The Pixie's Road

Hey. What's that rabbit dong in here?

What's on YOUR #Kindle? #Pioneer #boy #fiction

WHAT'S ON YOUR KINDLE?

Hank of Twin Rivers, Book Two, The Eagle's Nest

You can also get this book at

NOW OUT! Hank of Twin Rivers,Historical series two of a pioneer boy coming of age on the Nebraska prairie.

M. C. Arvanitis apologizes to her readers for the long wait of the second of the Hank of Twin Rivers series. Sometimes life gets in the way of progress. But now she has

Hank of Twin Rivers, Book Two, The Eagle's Nest has been published for your reading pleasure.

If you haven't read the first book of the Hank of Twin Rivers series, you'll want to get it first.

Mermaids, Pixies, Trolls, Fairies, Elves, Snergs, Selkies, Imps and other mythical creatures bring exciting adventure in M. C. Arvanitis's books.

All are on e-boooks, ready for your e-reader.

What happens when the Ughlies capture a lost panda?

Forbidden Wings, A Mermaid's Story

Could this be a mermaid's best friend?

Pixies of the Fern: Fernella's Magic

Is This Rabbit the Puk-Wud-Jie, Fernella needs to help her find her magic?

The Hank of Twin River Series

Book One: Journey of Change

COMING SOON

By
M. C. Arvanitis

Children Picture Book

New release

By
M. C. Arvanitis

She taught preschool and early elementary

for thirty years until her retirement and is a

published author of Mid Grade adventures and

historical YA series.

http://www.ms-marge.com

Ms Marge preschool

You can find her list of books at her author's page on amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

(All books including the Hank Series can be bought as print books)

March 27 - April 2
Hosted by Wendy Nystrom

Another of M. C. Arvanitis's

Fables ready for your reading pleasure.