In partnership with The Children’s Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Who Loves the Dragon?

Written by Bianca Schulze

Illustrated by Samara Hardy

Publisher’s Synopsis: In this interactive follow-up to Don’t Wake the Dragon, our beloved Dragon is wide-awake and preparing to celebrate one of the kingdom’s most important events of the year: the annual Friendship Festival! It’s a time for everyone to gather and have fun, all honoring their meaningful friendships. But on the day of the feast, the cooks are called away to cater to the Queen and the knights must report for special duty in the Enchanted Forest. With everyone gone, Dragon is upset and worried that this year’s Friendship Festival is doomed. Could they be planning something special for her? And in the meantime, can you help cheer her up? With colorful and humorous illustrations throughout, this read-aloud picture book encourages kids to interact with the text on every page. Young readers will love waving to characters, blowing kisses, dancing, and more on this fun ride alongside Dragon and her adorable friends in this delightful story that will beg to be read again and again.

Ages 3-6 | 32 Pages | Publisher: Clever Publishing | ISBN-13: 978-1951100438

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/2L4PlVZ

https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781951100438

OFFICIAL LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biancaschulzewriter/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancaschulzewriter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/book_mommy

My Review of the Book

Who Loves the Dragon

Written by Bianca Schultz

Illustrated by Samara Hardy

This book is a sequel to Don’t Wake the Dragon. Readers meet a lovable dragon once more when a cat and mouse team urge them to enter the castle and cheer up their dragon friend.

Dragon is feeling down because today is the Friendship Festival. This day is marked by celebrations of all kind throughout the kingdom. But the caterers have been called away, the knights have left for the Enchanted Forest, and no ne is left to celebrate.

Readers are asked to cheer up the despondent dragon. This interactive book asks readers to count to ten, tell jokes, do something kind, and get their little bodies moving. Who could not feel happy after making a friend feel better?

Will you succeed in cheering up Dragon? Will the Friendship Festival ever get reinstated? Read and participate in this fun book to find out.

Highly recommended for preschoolers and primary grade children. This feel-good book will put a smile on adult’s faces as well.

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win a Who Loves the Dragon? prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of Who Love the Dragon?, autographed by Bianca Schulze
• A hardcover copy of Don’t Wake the Dragon, autographed by Bianca Schulze
• A Sugarfina “XOXO” 3pc Candy Bento Box
• A $50 Target gift card

The giveaway begins January 6, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends February 5, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282204/

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, January 6, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Wednesday, January 6, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Thursday, January 7, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Friday, January 8, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Monday, January 11, 2021Margie’s Must ReadsA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Tuesday, January 12, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Wednesday, January 13, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Thursday, January 14, 2021Glass of Wine, Glass of MilkA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Friday, January 15, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Monday, January 18, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewAuthor interview withBianca Schulze

Tuesday, January 19, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Wednesday, January 20, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Thursday, January 21, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Friday, January 22, 2021Heart to HeartA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Monday, January 25, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewGuest Post withBianca Schulze

Tuesday, January 26, 2021Word SpelunkingA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Wednesday, January 27, 2021Some the WiserA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Thursday, January 28, 2021Confessions of a Book AddictA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Friday, January 29, 2021Imagination SoupA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Monday, February 1, 2021Library Lady’s Kid LitA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Tuesday, February 2, 2021Vivian KirkfieldA book review ofWho Loves the Dragon?

Tuesday, February 2, 2021BookBar DenverVirtual StorytimeWho Loves the Dragon?RSVP to BookBar

In partnership with the Children’s Book Review and Mike Kimmel

ABOUT THE BOOK

One-Minute Monologues For Teens: 100 Original Monologues

Written by Mike Kimmel

Publisher’s Synopsis: Need a killer monologue for an audition? Discover a wealth of fresh options in this detailed tome.

Sick of the same scripts being done to death? Looking for a soliloquy relevant to teenagers? Seeking material with a positive spin? Full voting member of the National Television Academy and Tonight Show sketch performer Mike Kimmel has been writing, acting, and producing for decades. Now he’s here to share a curated collection of one hundred of the best comedy and drama monologues.

One-Minute Monologues for Teens is the ultimate volume of family-friendly stage material to help you nail that college drama program audition or class assignment. With a range of topics applicable to young actors, these pieces require no costumes or props, and discuss ethical questions perfect for middle- and high-school minds to explore. And with literally dozens of gender-neutral and unique scenes to choose from, you’ll find the right piece to take you from zero to callback in no time at all.

One-Minute Monologues for Teens is the dramatic arts advantage you need in your next live performance. If you like fresh material, optimistic spins, and challenging ideas, you’ll love Mike Kimmel’s definitive resource.

Ages 13+ | Publisher: Ben Rose Creative Arts | ISBN-13: 978-0998151380

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/322JAh1

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780998151380

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike Kimmel is a film, television, stage, and commercial actor and acting coach. He is a twenty-plus year member of SAG-AFTRA with extensive experience in both the New York and Los Angeles markets. He has worked with directors Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Townsend, Craig Shapiro, and Christopher Cain among many others. TV credits include Game of Silence, Zoo, Treme, In Plain Sight, Cold Case, Breakout Kings, Memphis Beat, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He was a regular sketch comedy player on The Tonight Show, performing live on stage and in pre-taped segments with Jay Leno for eleven years. Mike has appeared in dozens of theatrical plays on both coasts, including Radio City Music Hall, Equity Library Theater, Stella Adler Theater, and Theater at the Improv. He trained with Michael Shurtleff, William Hickey, Ralph Marrero, Gloria Maddox, Harold Sylvester, Wendy Davis, Amy Hunter, Bob Collier, and Stuart Robinson. He has a B.A. from Brandeis University and an M.A. from California State University.

As an educator, Kimmel has taught at Upper Iowa University, the University of New Orleans, University of Phoenix, and in the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Burbank, California public school districts. He is a two-time past president of New Orleans Toastmasters, the public speaking organization, and often serves as a speech contest judge. Mike has written and collaborated on numerous scripts for stage and screen. His full-length historical drama on Presidents Lincoln and Garfield was a 2013 semi-finalist in the National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. He is the 2014 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award from Upper Iowa University. Mike is a full voting member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (the Emmys).

OFFICIAL LINKS

www.mikekimmelauthor.com

www.mikekimmel.com 

www.imdb.me/mikekimmel

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of One-Minute Monologues For Teens, autographed by Mike Kimmel, and three months of online acting classes!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A copy of One-Minute Monologues for Teens, autographed by Mike Kimmel
• A copy of Monologues for Kids and Tweens, autographed by Mike Kimmel
• Three (3) months of online group acting classes* from Mike Kimmel for a recipient age 12 and up
• Be written into an upcoming monologue in a book by Mike Kimmel

Five (5) winners receive:

• A copy of One-Minute Monologues for Teens, autographed by Mike Kimmel

The giveaway begins November 4, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends December 4, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below to enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282192/

My Review of the Book:

Teens interested in acting or public speaking will find no better resource for audition material. These one hundred one-minute selections provide a plethora of material that is positive and uplifting as wells as modern and applicable to the world of today’s youth.

Topics include teen necessities like cell phones, school relationships and teacher crushes. They give voice to the thoughts on teen minds. At the same time, the subjects develop discipline in study habits and the short length allow for a rapid development of skills connected to deep focus of the topic.

Teens gain the opportunity to choose subjects that permit them to develop their humor and wit. But for those preferring serious topics there is an opportunity to explore tragedy and loss.

Each reader will find plenty of choices to maximize chances of success.

TOUR SCHEDULE

November 4	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
November 5	Lisa’s Reading	https://lisasreading.com	Book Review
November 6	Over Coffee Conversations	https://gmarciano.blogspot.com	Giveaway
November 9	Jrsbookreviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/	Book Review
November 10	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/	Giveaway
November 11	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
November 12	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review
November 13	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com	Giveaway
November 16	Prologue	http://dccmealy.com/	Interview
November 17	Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	Giveaway
November 18	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Book Review
November 20	A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com	Book Review

SHARE THE STORY OF AMERICA’S FOUNDING AND THE OLDEST FEDERAL CONSTITUTION IN EXISTENCE

TRACE THEIR FOOTSTEPS AT INDEPENDENCE HALL & The Museum of the American Revolution with Little Miss HISTORY as your guide.

GET A PREVIEW OF THE BOOK HERE:

https://askdavid.com/reviews/book/children-book/18216

Check out the reviews, videos and other books in this award-winning children’s nonfiction book series.

PURCHASE LINKS:

• AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/HISTORY-Travels-INDEPENDENCE-American-Revolution/dp/1733067167
• BARNES & NOBLE https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-miss-history-travels-to-independence-hall-the-museum-of-the-american-revolution-barbara-ann-mojica/1137760525?ean=9781733067157

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Acorn Publishing

SYNOPSIS

WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR MONSTERS

Created by Jessica Woo

Publisher’s Synopsis: Meet Kinzie. She has a bunch of fun-loving, slightly smelly, Monsters that live in her room. They never let her sleep at night. But that’s ok, her parents always help her out. Until one day they decide it’s time she learns to sleep on her own. What will Kinzie do about her Monsters?

What To Do About Your Monsters is a heartfelt story about a girl who has sleep issues. At its core, however, the story is not just about having problems sleeping, but about being afraid to try something new.

Ages 0-8 | Publisher: Acorn Publishing | October 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1-952112-10-2

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Woo is an author-illustrator and a mom of two wild things. Her debut children’s book, What To Do About Your Monsters, was inspired by her oldest child. Very quickly after Jessica became a mother, she found that while adults like to sleep, kids are way too busy to ever go to bed. 

Other than convincing her little ones to sleep at night, Jessica’s talents include professional animation, art direction, and illustration. In Illustration, Jessica most recently worked on a concept art piece for Universal. In art direction, her recent project, Dinner Party, was accepted in the exclusive Sundance film festival. Finally, in animation, her work is featured in movies such as Kung Fu Panda, Monster vs Aliens, Shrek 4, Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special, Kung Fu Panda 2, The Croods, and Turbo. 

An active member of SCBWI and 12 by 12, Jessica currently lives in Toluca Lake California with her family.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/308MBM0

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781952112102

My Book Review

What to Do About Your Monsters

Written and Illustrated by Jessica Woo

Little Kinzie experiences the same problem every night at bedtime. The monsters in her room simply refuse to let her sleep. They bang on the walls and bedpost. Kinzie puts on a sad face and tries to get her parents to let her sleep in their room or stay in her room.

Eventually, that strategy no longer works. Desperate to sleep, Kinzie decides to put on a stern face and take charge. Perhaps a glass of warm milk or a bedtime story will lull them to sleep. Then Kinzie comes up with an ingenious solution.

The protagonist teaches her preschool and primary grade readers that they should take charge of their fears. Woo’s illustrations are pleasing to the eye. My only suggestion would be to make the text a bit larger and easier to read.

I would recommend this book as a bedtime story or read-aloud discussion book.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of What to Do About Your Monsters, autographed by Jessica Woo.

Two (2) winners receive:

• A signed copy of What to Do About Your Monsters

Giveaway begins October 6, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends November 6, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282186/

OFFICIAL LINKS

For more information, visit https://www.acornpublishingllc.com

TOUR SCHEDULE

October 6	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
October 7	Over Coffee Conversations	https://gmarciano.blogspot.com	Giveaway
October 8	A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com	Book Review
October 9	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Book Review
October 12	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/	Giveaway
October 13	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review
October 14	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
October 15	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Book Review
October 16	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Giveaway
October 19	Jrsbookreviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/	Book Review
October 20	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com	Giveaway
October 21	Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk	https://glassofwineglassofmilk.blogspot.com/	Book Review
October 22	Heart to Heart	http://tynea-lewis.com/	Giveaway

BREAKING NEWS:

Little Miss HISTORY Travels to INDEPENDENCE HALL & The American Revolution makes its debut on the world stage.

No Fake News here….just the facts

The United States Constitution is the oldest federal constitution in existence. This document, along with the Bill of Rights, lays out the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. The Founding Fathers embraced the principles of the Enlightenment and a vision of liberty and justice for all. Trace their footsteps at Independence Hall and the Museum of the American Revolution.

Available in hardcover or paperback

AVAILABLE ONLINE OR ASK FOR IT AT YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSTORE

https://amzn.to/3cF9Li0

https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/barbara-ann-mojica-and-victor-ramon-mojica/little-miss-history-travels-to-independence-hall-the-museum-of-the-american-revolution/paperback/product-qjj2p7.html

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55282858

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-miss-history-travels-to-independence-hall-the-museum-of-the-american-revolution-barbara-ann-mojica/1137760525?ean=9781733067157

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and HarperCollins Children’s Books.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Whale of the Wild

Written by Rosanne Parry

Publisher’s Synopsis: In the stand-alone companion to the New York Times–bestselling A Wolf Called Wander, a young orca whale must lead her brother on a tumultuous journey to be reunited with their pod. This gorgeously illustrated animal adventure novel explores family bonds, survival, global warming, and a changing seascape. Includes information about orcas and their habitats.

For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she’s destined to be?

A Whale of the Wild weaves a heart-stopping tale of survival with impeccable research on a delicate ecosystem and threats to marine life. New York Times-bestselling author Rosanne Parry’s fluid writing and Lindsay Moore’s stunning artwork bring the Salish Sea and its inhabitants to vivid life. An excellent read-aloud and read-alone, this companion to A Wolf Called Wander will captivate fans of The One and Only Ivan and Pax.

Includes black-and-white illustrations throughout, a map, and extensive backmatter about orcas and their habitats.

Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Greenwillow Books | September 1, 2020 | ISBN-13: 9780062995926

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EGm159

Audible: https://amzn.to/3hH2EHu

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780062995926

My opinion about A Whale of the Wild

This book drew me in from the opening chapter. The personified characters make you feel you a member of the whale pod. A compelling adventure that also provides readers with a wealth of knowledge about the dangers of life in the ocean. I highly recommend this beautiful book for elementary and middle-grade audiences. That doesn’t mean adults won’t enjoy it just as much!

A Whale of the Wild is at the top of my book list on the subject of whales. You will find other suggestions as you read on in the blog post.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosanne Parry is the author of the novels Heart of a Shepherd and Last of the Name, among other acclaimed titles. She lives with her family in an old farmhouse in Portland, Oregon, and writes in a treehouse in her backyard. www.rosanneparry.com

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Lindsay Moore is an artist and writer with roots in Northern Michigan. She studied marine biology and fine art at Southampton College on Long Island and figure drawing at the Art Students League of New York, and earned her master of science in medical and scientific illustration from Medical College of Georgia, now Augusta University. Lindsay Moore lives with her family in Bowling Green, Ohio.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Rosanne Parry’s A Whale of the Wild!

Five (5) winners receive:

• A copy of A Whale of the Wild, by Rosanne Parry

Giveaway begins September 1, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends September 15, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282181

Interested in finding additional great books about whales?

Here are a few suggestions:

Song for a Whale 

Lynne Kelly 

Ages 8-12 

In the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the Schneider Family Book Award-winning story of a deaf girl’s connection to a whale whose song can’t be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him. 

National Geographic Readers: Great Migrations Whales 

Lynn Marsh 

• Grade Level : 2 – 4 

Over the course of their 70-year lifespan, sperm whales will easily travel the circumference of the Earth in search of food and the need to breed and find a mate. Males will travel as far north as the Bering Sea and as far south as Antarctica in order to find enough food to sustain their ways of live—up to 700 squid a day! Along the way, these massive beasts battle 30-feet-long giant squids, and each other, to sustain their ways of life. 

Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises 

Mark Carwindine 

Illustrated Martin Camm 

Reference book for all ages 

Authoritative text, detailed illustrations, and a systematic approach make DK’s Smithsonian Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to cetaceans. With more than 900 illustrations, this visual recognition guide is designed to make identification as simple and accurate as possible. 

This book is one of a series covering plants, animals, and other natural phenomena from around the world and is published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. 

Baby Belluga (Raffi Songs to Read) Board Book 

Written by Raffi 

Illustrated by Ashley Wolff 

Age one through preschool 

Raffi’s most popular and beloved song about the “little white whale on the go” is available in a sturdy board book edition–just the right size for babies and toddlers! 
 
Singing supports and encourages even the youngest child’s speech and listening skills, which makes Baby Beluga perfect for early learning. Join this adorable baby whale in a busy day at sea, culminating in a warm mother-child bedtime ending. With its delightful illustrations, this is the ideal sing-along for a whole new generation of readers. 

Wally Whale’s Mighty Tail: A Book about Happiness 

Written by Kim Linette 

Illustrated by James Loram 

A Multicultural Book for Elementary Readers

At least that’s what Koa hears, and so he sets out in search of Wally Whale and the valuable knowledge that he hopes Wally will share. 
 
Determined to discover Wally’s secret to being mighty, Koa follows the whale through waves and reefs, never knowing the truth was inside him all along! 
 
Wally the Whale helps Koa – the little island warrior – learn the real secret to being mighty! And you already have it inside! 

It’s a lesson of emotional intelligence that is essential for any child—including Koa, who learns as he journeys through the Pacific with Wally Whale. 

Get to know the entire EQ Explorer’s Series—including how we donate 100% of profits to help underserved kids around the world. 

Tour Schedule for A Whale of the Wild

September 1	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
September 2	Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 3	Over Coffee Conversations	https://gmarciano.blogspot.com	Book List
September 4	Jrsbookreviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/	Book Review
September 5	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 6	Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk	http://glassofwineglassofmilk.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 7	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book List
September 8	Prologue	http://dccmealy.com/	Book Review
September 9	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book List
September 10	Heart to Heart	https://tynea-lewis.com/	Book Giveaway
September 11	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/	Book List
September 12	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Book Review
September 12	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Book Review
September 13	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/	Book Review
September 14	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review

This tour is hosted by the Children’s Book Review and sponsored by Zuroam Media.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Little Spark

Written by Chris Parsons

Illustrated by Mike Motz

Publisher’s Synopsis: When the survival of their hometown is threatened, two unlikely comrades join forces on a quest to defeat a dangerous enemy and bring back the only one who can save them all.

Beyond the frozen mountains there lies an oasis from the frigid cold and the howling winds. A place the animals call Lake Zuron. What a wonderful place, happy creatures of all kinds, living in harmony and warmth thanks to their very own fire-breathing dragon named Daniel.

But one day everything changed when the unthinkable happened. The Dragon fire goes out and immediately the air begins to chill. Things were not looking good but just when all hope was lost, an unlikely hero steps up. Join Spark the mouse on an adventure of a lifetime as he and his friends do their part to save their town from an icy demise.

With the magical power of Daniel, the Dragon there could be hope. But first, they must face and defeat a dangerous enemy, the vile beasts who own these mountains where nobody passes through.

Along this journey maybe you will discover that it’s that little Spark in each of us that really matters, and that a little Spark could save them from the coming cold. The story reminds us that we all need something in life every day to ignite our passion and spirit – to help the world be a “warmer” place and to look for ways to “Be That Spark.”

Ages 7+ | Publisher: Zuroam Media | October 1, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1735145501

About the Author

Chris Parsons grew up in the small fishing village of Flatrock, Newfoundland where he was surrounded by storytellers. When he became a father, he began creating his own children’s stories, and soon he was sharing them with a wider audience.

Over time, his audience grew up, but he continued to create his stories and colorful characters mostly for his own enjoyment. One day he had a flash of inspiration about a little mouse named Spark and began to create the world of A Little Spark.

Today, Chris lives in Dallas. He has left the high-tech world of innovation and business development behind and is focused on his real passion – to create new meaningful experiences for children centered around powerful and engaging stories like ” A little Spark.”

Together with his wife, Kathleen, daughter, Maggie, and son, Kealan, they share a love for all God’s creatures.

bethatspark.com | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

About the Illustrator

Mike Motz is a children’s book illustrator and publishing professional based out of Toronto, Canada. Motz has helped writers around the world fulfill their dreams of publishing their works. To date, Motz has been responsible for the creation of the artwork for over 300 self-published children’s books.

About the Narrator

Brandon McInnis is a voice actor and singer known primarily for his work on animation and video games. He voices Sir Nighteye in My Hero Academia, Ganos in Dragon Ball Super, Finral Roulacase in Black Clover, Asagiri Gen in Dr. Stone, Yuna D. Kaito in Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, Frodo Baggins in Lord of the Rings Online, Patrick Phelps in Black Butler, Sonosuke Izayoi in Danganronpa 3, Erlang Shen in SMITE, and many more.

With a deep love for music production and originally trained as an opera singer, Brandon also produces music for release on YouTube and Spotify. He can be followed on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram: @BranMci.

About the Music Producer

Bruce Faulconer is a musician, composer, and record producer based in Dallas, Texas. He is the owner and founder of Faulconer Productions Music, and CakeMix Recording Studio. Faulconer writes music for orchestra, various instrumental and choral groups, along with the music for feature films, and TV series, including the anime Dragon Ball Z. He recently completed twelve songs for A Little Spark, included in a new audiobook, an interactive children’s book, and an animated feature film in development. He resides in Dallas with his wife Lisa and is the father of two sons.

My Review of A LITTLE SPARK

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

A Little Spark

Written by Chris Parsons

Illustrated by Mike Motz

This interactive book is a valuable resource for young children’s minds on so many levels. It is innovative, inspiring, and entertaining.

The target audience range is a wide one. This book contains rich illustrations that could place it in the picture book category. But with a length of more than one hundred fifty pages, it also might be considered a chapter book or a middle-grade reader. What it delivers is a range of fascinating animal characters which are personified with a range of human emotions and aspirations. There are fire-breathing dragons, bears, mice, weasels, goats, cats, and raccoons. They live in Lake Zuron, an oasis on the edge of a frozen world. Their world survives only because of the warmth provided by Daniel, a fire-breathing dragon. Lake Zuron is not an ideal society. The “Supervisors” contain the stronger animals, a ruling class. Far below them, “The Streeters,” perform all the work.

One day, Daniel loses his ability to produce fire. Lake Zuron faces extinction. But Sparky, a tiny mouse, finds within himself the courage to make the perilous journey over the frozen wasteland of their enemies, the Scabes, to follow a rumor that another land survives on the other side of the mountain. He and Veen venture to the other side. Will they discover salvation or face extinction?

Young readers learn many lessons from the colorful cast of characters as the adventure unfolds. Hope, courage, friendship, equality, fairness, and responsibility are exemplified in the faces and actions of the characters, both large and small. But Parsons provides much more than an excellent book. Embedded within its pages are a collection of twelve songs, private video messages from the characters, the ability to take a photo with your favorite character, or an opportunity for readers to share their personal opinions on the interactive lesson pages at the end of the book.

I highly recommend this unique educational resource for readers age eight through eighty-eight.

PURCHASE LINK

Before October 1st, pre-order your copy, email the team at Zuroam Media, and they’ll give you the audiobook free so you can enjoy it while you wait for the book to arrive. You can find all the email address and links to your favorite bookstore here: https://bethatspark.com/shop/.

Click the link below to enter the GIVEAWAY

“http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282179/“

Enter for a chance to win the A Little Spark prize pack.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of A Little Spark, autographed by author Chris Parsons.
• A downloadable audiobook of A Little Spark.
• A Little Spark USB drive with the A Little Spark music album.
• One set of Apple AirPods Pro for listening to the outstanding audiobook and music!

Two (2) winners receive:

• A hardcover copy of A Little Spark, autographed by author Chris Parsons.
• A downloadable audiobook of A Little Spark.

Giveaway begins August 24, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends September 24, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

TOUR SCHEDULE

August 24	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
August 25	Jrsbookreviews	Http://www.jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com	Book Review
August 26	Over Coffee Conversations	https://gmarciano.blogspot.com	Giveaway
August 27	Heart to Heart	http://tynea-lewis.com/	Giveaway
August 28	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Interview
August 30	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
August 31	Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 1	A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com	Book Review
September 3	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Guest Post
September 8	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 9	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 15	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Intervie

GIVEAWAY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND TARYN CROWDER

GIVEAWAY

• An autographed copy, by both Taryn Crowder and Buckets, of Buckets Goes On A Winter Adventure
• A 16″ plush Buckets toy

Nine (9) winners will receive:

• An autographed copy, by both Taryn Crowder and Buckets, of Buckets Goes On A Winter Adventure

Giveaway begins August 3, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends September 3, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282177

About the Book

Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure

Written by Taryn Crowder

Illustrated by Nidhom

Publisher’s Synopsis: Buckets is a curious French Bulldog, and he’s determined to find out where snow comes from! One wintry day, Buckets runs away from his home in Brooklyn in hopes of finding its origin…but what happens when he gets lost along the way?

Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure is a story of friendship and determination, and will encourage readers of all ages to explore the mysteries of the world around them.

Ages 4-8 | Mascot Books | October 1, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1643073699

https://amzn.to/3jORBxI

https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781643073699

OFFICIAL LINKS

bucketsthefrenchie.com | Instagram | Facebook

TOUR SCHEDULE

August 3	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/
August 4	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/
August 5	Over Coffee Conversations	https://www.gmarciano.blogspot.com
August 6	J.R.’s Book Reviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/
August 7	Life Is What It’s Called	http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/
August 10	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me
August 11	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/
August 12	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/
August 13	Heart to Heart	https://tynea-lewis.com/
August 14	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/
August 17	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com
August 18	Mommy Ramblings	http://www.mommyramblings.org
August 19	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/
August 20	A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com

This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review. I received a free copy of The Monster Twins to review. All opinions are my own. 

THAT TWIN THING…

The Monster Twins

Written by Robert and Karen Hanvik HaHHhh

Illustrated by Ella Ransom

First book in a new series. Bella and Bertie are twins who have never met each other. When they were born, the rules did not allow them to live together. Why? Because they were monsters and the law said they must be adopted by separate human families.

Bella has been adopted by a couple who live in Singapore but travel all over the world. Bertie lives with a shy couple who live in London. Each have different personalities but have one thing in common. Both monsters feel that something is missing They each long for a best friend.

Will circumstances ever change? Will Bella and Bertie employ their twin skills to discover each other’s existence.

I especially liked the way the author introduces children to the fact that families can be different and that growing up in different cultures does not preclude similarities between siblings.

OFFICIAL LINKS

For more information, visit https://monstertwins.com, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Monster Twins and a Visa gift card!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A physical copy of The Monster Twins
  
• A digital flipbook copy of The Monster Twins
• A $25 Visa gift card to stock up on more books from your favorite bookstore

Five (5) winners receive:

• A choice of:
  • A physical copy of The Monster Twins
    
  • A digital flipbook copy of The Monster Twins

Giveaway begins July 20, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends August 20, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below to enter:

” http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282176/

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Monster Twins

Written by Robert and Karen Hanvik

Illustrated by Ella Ransom

Publisher’s Synopsis: Bella and Bertie are twins, but they don’t know that, or each other. Separated while babies by bad law, they grew up 6000 miles apart, in Singapore and London. Follow the twins as they discover their shared past and do their best to make a better future for themselves, their families, and others like them.

PURCHASE LINK

The Monster Twins Book

TOUR SCHEDULE

July 20	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/
July 21	Life Is What It’s Called	http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/
July 22	Jrsbookreviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/
July 23	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/
July 24	Over Coffee Conversations	https://gmarciano.blogspot.com
July 27	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/
July 28	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/
July 29	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/
July 30	Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/
July 31	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/
August 3	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com
August 4	A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com/
August 5	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me

Do you ever feel stuck in rut? Want to find some fresh ideas?

Here are some things I do to get my juices flowing:

• Invent a brand new character

• Use the conditional term, What if? to create new possibilities and scenarios

• Reimagine a character or a setting from a previous book or article and give it a new perspective.

• Watch a movie, documentary or TV show that feature the genres in which you write.

• Read books in many types of genres. Mix up the classics with new releases.

• When reading periodicals, clip articles of interest and revisit them from time to time for new ideas.

• Do the same with photos. You can put them into groups like travel, people or memorable events.

• Eavesdrop wherever you go. Listen to what members of each generation are talking about on public transportation, at the park or on the street.

• Hang out with people in different age groups. Learn about what generates their interest. Include these ideas when targeting that age group.

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