IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND EVA DIETRICH

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mesopo

Written by Eva Dietrich

Illustrated by Ingrid Kallick

Ages 9+ | 338 pages

Publisher: Independently published | ISBN-13: 978-1731518217

Publisher’s Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Ankido is on a quest to save his missing father through the magical realm of Mesopo.

Mesopo is the land where all fantasy originates, a land whose words and language are in peril. Can Ankido save his father and restore all these words in time?

It was a red velvet box, the size of a school book. Ankido lifted the lid, revealing an old-fashioned quill made out of a reed. It smelled remote and otherworldly. Ancient. And for a reason he couldn’t explain, everything felt all right for a moment.

He thought he caught a sound flowing out of the quill, a word maybe. He wasn’t sure and he shook his head. This was ridiculous. No, he surely must have been mistaken. But there! There was the sound again. This time Ankido was sure of it.

“Mesopo” … whispered in a way that slipped around the room like the warm breeze of the desert.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rCz7Ts

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781733367103

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eva Dietrich is the author of The Great Rainbow Hug (Le gros câlin arc-en-ciel, from Samir Editeur, 2011), recognized by La Revue Des Livres Pour Enfants in 2011 as their annual selection. Eva holds Masters’ Degrees in Children’s Literature from the University of Surrey, London, and Creative Writing from the Metropolitan University of Manchester, UK, and is the founder and director of Aladdin Books. She is equal parts Spanish and German, and currently resides in Madrid with her three kids, three dogs, two cats, three rabbits, and lots of hens.

For more information, visit https://www.aladdin-books.com/

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

WORDS ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN SWORDS

Ankido Gulzar is a twelve-year-old boy of British-Iraqi descent. He loves to write so much that his grandmother, Habubti, calls him Word Boy.

One day his grandmother comes to report that Ankido’s father, an archaeologist who has been working in Iraq, is missing. She is going there to search for him. Before she leaves, Habubti, entrusts him with the book she has been working on. She warns him to guard it carefully and never let it get into the hands of his Aunt Geraldine. Habubti also gives him a velvet box with a quill pen that he can use to get in touch with her.

Ankido is left in the care of Geraldine and her husband. They treat him poorly, but Ankido loves his two female cousins dearly. When Geraldine demands Ankido give up his grandmother’s book, Ankido throws it into the fire. His aunt plots to place Ankido in a boarding school but before he arrives there, Ankido finds himself in a magical place called Mesopo.

Mesopo is a gateway to ancient Nineveh. It is a land of words. But these words are in danger of disappearing. Why is Ankido the only one who can save this civilization? What role does his aunt and grandmother play? What can his beloved cousins do to save him?

Dragons, demons, myths, and magic are woven into the plot. Middle-grade readers are treated to well-defined, strong characters who must use their strengths and conquer their weaknesses. A few fantastic illustrations assist the reader to visualize this magical land and its alluring inhabitants. Our words are powerful, and they must be protected.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Mesopo and a feather dip quill pen writing set!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A paperback copy of Mesopo
• A digital copy of Mesopo
• A Feather Dip Quill Pen Writing Ink Set

Two (2) winners receive:

• A choice of:
  • A paperback copy of Mesopo
  • A digital copy of Mesopo

The giveaway begins April 1, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends April 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below to enter

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282216/

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 1, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofMesopo

Friday, April 2, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofMesopo

Saturday, April 3, 2021Library Lady’s Kid LitA book review ofMesopo

Sunday, April 4, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofMesopo

Tuesday, April 6, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofMesopo

Wednesday, April 7, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofMesopo

Thursday, April 8, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofMesopo

Monday, April 12, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofMesopo

Tuesday, April 13, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofMesopo

Thursday, April 15, 2021Book Bug CAA book review ofMesopo

Monday, April 19, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofMesopo

Tuesday, April 20, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn interview withEva Dietrich

Friday, April 26, 2021Tales of a Wanna-Be SuperHero MomA book review ofMesopo

The Easter Rooster

Written by Daniel Williamson

Illustrated by Kleverton Monteiro

This rhyming picture book written in British English laments the fate of a rooster who cannot protect the chickens’ eggs on Easter. The rooster vows that this year will be different. He tries his best but falls asleep while counting sheep.

Undeterred, the rooster traces the path of the bunny thief and attempts to retrieve the eggs. Will he succeed in returning them to the farm? Will the children waiting for their Easter eggs be disappointed?

Read this picture book to find out. Recommended for preschool and primary grade readers.

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Check out all my learning opportunities at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jasmine A. Stirling

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Found Her Voice

Written by Jasmine A. Stirling

Illustrated by Vesper Stamper

Ages 4-12 

48 Pages

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books

ISBN-13: 978-1547601103

Publisher’s Synopsis: Witty and mischievous Jane Austen grew up in a house overflowing with words. As a young girl, she delighted in making her family laugh with tales that poked fun at the popular novels of her time, stories that featured fragile ladies and ridiculous plots. Before long, Jane was writing her own stories-uproariously funny ones, using all the details of her life in a country village as inspiration.

In times of joy, Jane’s words burst from her pen. But after facing sorrow and loss, she wondered if she’d ever write again. Jane realized her writing would not be truly her own until she found her unique voice. She didn’t know it then, but that voice would go on to capture readers’ hearts and minds for generations to come.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2O2scVx

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781547601103

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bio and Link

Jasmine A. Stirling is the debut author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, a picture book biography of Jane Austen about persistence and creative mastery. Jasmine lives on a cheerful street in San Francisco with her husband, two daughters, and their dog. From a young age, she loved to write poems and stories and worked her way through nearly every children’s book (and quite a few for grownups, too) in her local library. When she’s not writing, Jasmine can be found hiking in the fog, singing songs from old musicals, and fiddling with her camera.

Jasmine first fell in love with Jane Austen as a student at Oxford, where she read her favorite of Jane’s six masterful novels, Persuasion. A Most Clever Girl is her dream project, done with her dream team—award-winning illustrator Vesper Stamper and Bloomsbury Children’s Publishing. Jasmine also has a YA/New Adult history of the women’s suffrage movement out soon, titled We Demand An Equal Voice.

Visit www.jasmineastirling.com to get a free Jane Austen paper doll kit with the purchase of A Most Clever Girl. While you’re there, enter to win a Regency tea party gift basket!Follow Jasmine on Instagram and Facebook @jasmine.a.stirling.author where she posts about kidlit and life with two young girls.

My Review of This Book

FINDING HER WAY

A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice

Written by Jasmine A. Stirling

Illustrated by Vesper Stamper

Jane Austen grew up in the English countryside in a large family. Her father was a rector and a tutor; her mother wrote poetry. The home was filled with books, joy, music, and song. Jane’s father provided her with a study and writing materials. Although Jane completed three novels before reaching her mid-twenties, something felt wrong.

Jane was born ahead of her time. She disdained the eighteenth-century books that portrayed women as weak, sickly, or pessimistic. She preferred to observe the visitors to her home and based her characters on their actions and behavior. But when her brothers grew up and her father retired, Jane, her sister, and mother were forced to move to the city. Jane suffered depression and ceased to write.

After a time, one of her brothers furnished them a small house in the countryside. Jane’s spirits lifted She found the inspiration she needed to revise her earlier writings and create the novels for which she became famous worldwide.

Stamper employs color effectively in her illustrations to portray the changing moods and circumstances of Jane’s life. The author includes some of Austen’s famous quotations and a concise biography as well as resources and a bibliography to encourage further exploration of Austen’s life and work.

This forty-eight-page picture book is appropriate for elementary age readers but will also interest middle-grade and older readers interested in Austen and eighteenth-century life in England.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a glorious Jane Austen-themed picnic basket, including a hardcover copy of A Most Clever Girl autographed by Jasmine A. Stirling!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A picnic basket filled with:
  • A copy of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, signed by author Jasmine A. Stirling
  • A vintage teacup
  • 1 oz of tea From Adagio Teas
  • Truffles from Moonstruck Chocolates
  • Gardenia hand cream
  • A set of Jane Austen playing cards
  • A $15 gift certificate to Jasmine A. Stirling’s Austenite Etsy Shop, Box Hill Goods

Two (2) winners receive:

• A copy of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, signed by author Jasmine A. Stirling

The giveaway begins March 16, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends April 16, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282211/

TOUR SCHEDULE

March 16	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
March 17	Life is What It’s Called	www.lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com	Interview
March 18	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Book Review & Guest Post
March 19	Austen Prose	https://austenprose.com/	Book Preview & Guest Post
March 20	A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com	Book Review
March 21	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
March 22	Jane Austen’s World	https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/	Interview
March 23	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Book Review & Guest Post
March 24	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review
March 25	Heart to Heart	tynea-lewis.com	Book Review
March 26	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com	Guest Post
March 27	Eccentric Eclectic Woman	http://finamoon.blogspot.com	Book Review
March 28	J.R.s Book Reviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/	Book Review
March 29	My Jane Austen Book Club	http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/	Interview
March 30	Jane Austen in Vermont	https://janeausteninvermont.blog/	Book Review & Guest Post
March 31	Some the Wiser	https://somethewiser.com	Book Review
April 1	Austenesque Reviews	www.AustenesqueReviews.com	Book Review
April 2	Absolutely Austen	https://absolutelyausten.com/	Book Review
April 3	Faith, Science, Joy, and Jane Austen	brendascox.wordpress.com	Book Review
April 4	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
April 5	Comfy Chair Books	https://comfychairbooks.com/	Book Review
April 6	Reading Is My SuperPower	https://readingismysuperpower.org	Book Review
April 7	ShootingStarsMag	www.shootingstarsmag.net	A Beyond the Book Activity
April 8	Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk	glassofwineglassofmilk.blogspot.com	Book Review
April 9	Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb	http://deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/	Interview
April 10	The Fictional Cafe	https://www.fictionalcafe.com/	Review + Interview
April 11	Ingenious Baby	https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNfesiHAPnqc4STgBn-Ljw	Interview
April 12	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Guest Post
April 13	Tucked In Tuesday	https://www.instagram.com/tutoringyoutoexcellence/	Instagram Live: Tucked in Tuesday

A Farm Called Someday: A Novel of 1950s Montana

Written by Penelope Merrell

This middle-grade novel provides a fascinating glimpse into one family’s growth and evolution. The narrator is one of four sisters who describes her coming of age within a family that matures along with her.

Valene loves to write. The reader is treated to her reminiscences through her journal. It describes the struggles of a family who are fiercely devoted to each other yet defined by distinct differences. Valene loves horses and dreams of owning one Her family needs to make many sacrifices before they can buy their own farm. The word someday always seems far off. That is why Valene thinks it is the perfect name for their farm.

Readers learn what life is like growing up on a farm. How does one feed and care for animals, and live without conveniences like central heat and running water? Merrell’s drawings help readers visualize what a 50s washing machine and iron look like. She describes the stringing of lines for telephones, and the Sears Wish Book Catalog.

Many of the trials and tribulations of growing up have not changed. Teasing, bullying, and jockeying for power among siblings are still present. Merrell brings her characters to life. Today’s youth learn a lot about the past and how to appreciate modern conveniences, while getting a good flavor of living on a 1950s Montana farm.

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Check out learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMIssHISTORY.com

Little Bluebird: A Hero in Me and You

Written by Erin Murphy

Illustrated by Mykyta Harretts

Edited by Nadara Merrill

A very short book for preschoolers. This picture book teaches we may look different on the outside, but our uniqueness is also our strength. Cute illustrations that are multicultural and include disabilities.

Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers.

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Check out learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

INSPIRE KINDNESS: A Rhyming Read Aloud Book for Kids About Empathy and Kindness

Written and Illustrated by Lily Lopez

Lily feels out of place on her first day at a new school. She doesn’t look like the other students and they seem to ignore her in class, at lunch, and in the playground.

When one girl approaches her to welcome her, Lily is overwhelmed by one simple act of kindness. The author includes 24 tips a young child can use to express kindness and a kindness calendar that can be used as a reminder to express kindness to others.

This is a short multicultural picture book for primary grade readers. Lovely illustrations with short rhymes.

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Check out all my educational resources at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Idia of the Benin Kingdom (Our Ancestries)

Written by Ekiuawa Aire

Illustrated by Alina Shabelnyk

Idia is the daughter of a warrior in the African village of Benin. One night she has a strange dream. She sees a woman first fighting a vicious battle and later treating the wounded with herbs and medicine.

Idia is a vivacious child who loves to dance and play, but the dream continues to trouble her. What can this mean? Women do not fight as warriors. So, one day she asks her father to teach her about warfare. He informs Idia that this is not the province of girls but promises to answer her questions if she works hard on her dancing. At the same time, Idia asks her mother to teach her about medicine and healing. As Idia continues to mature, she learns both the skills of the warrior and those of the healer.

When it comes time for Idia to marry, the young prince asks for her hand. A native doctor performs a ritual ceremony and Idia falls into slumber. She experiences the same dream which now reveals to her clearly its meaning and what her decision needs to be.

This is a beautiful picture book with an important message for young female readers. It also contains a map and interesting history of the kingdom of Benin. While the book is targeted for readers in the four to eight age range, the text is rather advanced and will appeal to older readers as well.

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Check out learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Pool Party (Dottie Dotts the Cat Books)

Written by Ashley Madden

Illustrated by Chariz Elaine

A very short picture book for preschoolers that teaches young readers not to be afraid to express themselves because their friends might think they are different.

The author uses the scenario of a cat named Dottie who is invited by her friend, Andy to come to a pool party. Dottie loves to swim, but aren’t cats supposed to be afraid of the water? She fears her other animal friends will judge her. How will Dottie solve her dilemma?

Simple, easy to read text and dialogue, accompanied by large colorful illustrations.

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Check out my family learning resources at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Harper Collins Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

One Jar of Magic

Written by Corey Ann Haydu

Publisher’s Synopsis: Magic is like a dream. Delightful. Terrifying. Unreal.

Rose Alice Anders is Little Luck. Lucky to be born into the Anders family. Lucky to be just as special and magical as the most revered man in town—her father. The whole town has been waiting for Rose to turn twelve, when she can join them in their annual capturing of magic on New Year’s Day and become the person she was born to be.

But when that special day finally comes, Rose barely captures one tiny jar of magic. Now Rose’s dad won’t talk to her anymore and her friendships have gotten all twisted and wrong. So when Rose hears whispers that there are people who aren’t meant for magic at all, she begins to wonder if that’s who she belongs with.

Maybe if she’s away from all the magic, away from her dad telling her who she’s meant to be, who she has to be, Rose can begin to piece together what’s truly real in a world full of magic.

Ages 8-12 | 352 Pages | Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN-13: 9780062689856

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cHPUky

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

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780062689856

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Corey Ann Haydu is the author of Eventown, The Someday Suitcase, and Rules for Stealing Stars and four acclaimed books for teens. She grew up in the Boston area, earned her MFA at the New School, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her dog Oscar.

Find out more at www.coreyannhaydu.com.

My Review of the book:

THE MAGIC WITHIN

One Jar of Magic

Written by Corey Ann Haydu

Rose Alice Anders lives in Belling Bright. Here everyone gathers magic in jars, and it appears that magic can make their world a beautiful place. Her father has the most magic in the town and is widely respected, but as the reader gets to know them better, one learns that appearances can be deceiving.

Rose is called Little Luck by her father. He believes that she will be even more powerful than he. Soon she will reach her twelfth birthday. On New Year’s Day, she will travel with the other twelve-year-old children to Too Blue Lake, where they will gather magic in their jars. Rose’s older brother, Lyle, assures her she will be successful.

Rose has her doubts. Lately, she does not feel lucky. Her best friend Cindy seems to turn away from her, and her father’s mounting pressure on her to succeed fuel her doubts. Things are not going well in the family. Her parents fight often.

When the big day arrives, it brings surprises for everyone. Rose learns about family secrets and the possibility of a vastly different future. What does Rose discover and how will she use this information to create a future for herself, her community, and her family?

This novel brings to light many of the worries and fears middle-grade students experience. As they mature, they begin to question things formerly accepted, learn to manage relationships, and create new friendships based on understanding themselves better.

The author also provides a list of resources for readers who discover themselves in situation like that of Rose. This book is highly recommended as a read-aloud discussion book for classrooms and library book clubs.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a set of books by Corey Ann Haydu, including One Jar of Magic.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of One Jar of Magic
• A hardcover copy of Eventown
• A hardcover copy of The Someday Suitcase
• A hardcover copy of Rules for Stealing Stars

Four (4) winners receive:

• A hardcover copy of One Jar of Magic

The giveaway begins February 9, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends March 8, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below to enter the giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282209/

TOUR SCHEDULE

February 9	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
February 10	Crafty Moms Share	https://www.craftymomsshare.com/	Book Review
February 11	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Interview
February 12	Lisa’s Reading	https://lisasreading.com	Book List
February 15	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
February 16	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book List
February 17	Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	Book Review
February 18	J.R.s Book Reviews	https://jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com/	Book Review
February 19	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Interview
February 22	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/	Guest Post
February 23	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
February 24	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Book Review
February 25	Bookbugca	https://bookbugca.wordpress.com/	Interview

Millie’s Magic (Feel Loved Tales

Written by Hilary Hawkes

Illustrated by Andrea Petrlik

Millie the Mouse decides she wants to get a birthday gift for her grandfather. When she asks her grandmother what to get for him, Grandma suggests something magic.

Millie takes her grandma’s suggestion and searches everywhere for magic. She enlists the aid of a badger, a chicken, and a frog who try to direct Millie. At the end of the day, Millie is tired and exhausted.

Will Grandfather be disappointed that Millie does not have a birthday gift? What special message does he have for her that she will remember for the rest of her life?

Cute illustrations with easy to read text make this book a good choice for a bedtime or read-aloud tale for preschoolers and early readers.

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Check out my abundant learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com