Posts tagged ‘fantasy’

THE SECRET SUITCASE

The Magical Suitcase (The Decoders Book 1)

Written by Alba Arango

First book in a mystery detective series that targets middle grade readers. It’s a little more than one hundred pages so it might also be considered a beginning or reluctant reader choice.

Three friends, Matt, Steve, and Jenny team up to solve the mystery held within the suitcase purchased for one dollar at an auction. Turns out a poem written by a pirate long deceased holds the key to a hidden treasure. When someone else offers a lot more money for the suitcase, the three amigos are sure they need to follow the clues and resolve to uncover the treasure.

The characters are not complex and the plot not too intricate but readers who like detective and mystery stories probably won’t be disappointed.

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HISTORY AND FANTASY WORKING TOGETHER

Coney: A Trip to Luna Park

Written by Jeffrey Lindberg

Reviewed for Net Galley

I grew up in New York City and had occasion to visit Coney Island. The illustrations in this adventure to Luna Park will blow your mind. Based on original vintage photographs, they pop off the page and draw young readers into the story..

Selena, a courageus young rabbit, faces eviction from her beloved home among the sand dunes. A new development named Luna Park will erase it from memory. Millie spies Selena and they become good friends. Together they transport readers on a fantasy adventure as the amusement park materializes. I was impressed by the historical accuracy of the tale, but it is the whimsical fantasy adventure combined with lovable, delightful characters capture the young readers’ attention.

A fine way to introduce history, empathy, friendship to the minds and hearts of readers ages three to eight.

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GIVING HESITANT WRITERS A BOOST

Title: Writing Prompts For Girls: An “A+ Teacher Design” to motivate girls to write for homeschoolers and teachers. Targeting Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3. 

Written by Christine Calabrese

I recently reviewed Writing Prompts For Boys: An A+Teacher Design and you can see my complete review for that book on Amazon.com.

Calabrese recently released this edition for girls and it does an excellent job just like the previous edition for boys. The author selects a wide array of topics like the princess theme, horses, snowy days, music, sports, secrets, and fantasy to name a few of them. She encourages girls to use their “w” words and imagination to write and draw their way to success providing exciting vocabulary, simple rules, and exciting scenarios.

Children see writing as a fun exercise not a laborious chore. This book is perfect for the primary grades but also wonderful for older reluctant readers and writers.

As a former teacher, I would highly recommend these resources to parents and teachers.

SEARCHING FOR QUALITY BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR FAMILY?

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THE LIFE CYCLE OF A FRIEND

Ellery’s Magic Bicycle

Written by Maria Monte

Illustrations by Zoe Saunders

A charming picture book that teaches the true meaning of a friend, and how our relationships grow and change over time.

Ellery finds a purple bicycle with magical powers. She spends most of her time talking, singing, and playing with it. As she grows, the bicycle grows with her. Eventually, their relationship evolves and changes. Can their friendship survive the test of time?

This beautifully illustrated picture book teaches young children the value of friendship and the importance of maintaining relationships. Children see the value of empathy, kindness, and compassion. They learn the importance of developing good relationships.

I highly recommend it for preschoolers through the primary grades.

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CHOCK FULL OF FUN

The Horrible Chocolate

Written by Jacob M. Ronsen

An action adventure that is full of quirky characters, imagination, twists, and turns.

Eleven-year-old Bobby loves chocolate and will eat it until he gets sick. He has a pesky sister and a rather ordinary family.

Bog is the school bully who torments everyone. Bobby dreams of revenge. His plans go awry when Bog banishes Bobby to the sewer. Here the readers meet all sorts of disgusting creatures.

The book is illustrated with color images that correspond with the humor and fantastic wordplays. That makes the book appealing to reluctant readers. Unpredictable twists and turns keep the plot moving along quickly. This book should appeal to boys and girls whether beginning or middle-grade readers.

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GRADY WHILL AND THE TEMPLETON CODEX VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY #GradyWhill

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Carole P. Roman.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Written by Carole P. Roman

Ages 8-18 | 243 Pages

Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. | ISBN-13: 9781950080434

Publisher’s Book Summary: Templeton Academy, the superhero high school, is finally open!

The prestigious academy is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive. Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully, Elwood Bledsoe is attending.

If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Audible

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.

Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.

She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.

Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.

Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.

She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.

Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.

For more information, visit http://www.caroleproman.com/.

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

https://twitter.com/caroleproman?lang=en

Amazon Author Page

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Written by Carole P. Roman

What an interesting middle-grade novel. An interesting combination of genres and themes, coming of age, fantasy, adventure, peer, family, and school relationships. Whill and his best friend, Aarush, long to gain admission to an elite new school Templeton Academy, but Whill’s guardian is opposed. The Middleton Middle Schools bully Elwood torments Aarush who is autistic, Whill is often in trouble because he sticks up for his friend.

Despite the odds, Whill, Aarush, and Elwood all gain entrance to Templeton. Upon arrival, the students realize this is no ordinary place. Whisked away to a mysterious location, with no outside contact and communication, they learn that they must uncover the meaning of a codex inscribed on an obelisk. Their classes include subjects like subconscious thinking. What will Whill and Aarush learn about their past and their hidden superpowers? Will they succeed in their quest? This first book ends at the completion of year one.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an awesome Dooney Press Gift Pack of books and more fun goodies!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A signed copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Code

– A waxed canvas backpack

Nine (9) winners receive:

– A signed copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Code

CLINK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/F7c48/grady-whill-and-the-templeton-code-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, September 12, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Tuesday, September 13, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Wednesday, September 14, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Thursday, September 15, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Friday, September 16, 2022Writer with WanderlustA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Monday, September 19, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Tuesday, September 20, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Wednesday, September 21, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview with Carole P. Roman
Thursday, September 22, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Friday, September 23, 2022Lisa’s ReadingAn article by Carole P. RomanBlending the superhero genre with the classic school story
Monday, September 26, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Tuesday, September 27, 2022Book Zone ReviewsA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Wednesday, September 28, 2022Twirling Book PrincessAn article by Carole P. RomanSuperheroes and why they make good characters for kids books
Thursday, September 29, 2022Because I Said SoA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Friday, September 30, 2022Shooting Stars MagAn interview with Carole P. Roman

A PARANORMAL TREAT

Pigeon in the Pinewoods: a shifter paranormal adventure (The Hinterland Chronicles Book 1)

Written by Kevin George

Book One of this series begins with the birth of Niko and the disappearance of his mother from the hospital. The author describes Niko in such a way that readers immediately empathize with him. They follow him on a long journey that involves his bouncing from one home to another.

Niko is no ordinary child. He possesses strange abilities and powers. For middle-grade readers who enjoy adventure and the paranormal, this book is a good choice. Niko is a shifter, the scenes are done tastefully with just enough of a edge. Children who enjoy magic and fantasy but also a bit of the darker side should enjoy the quick read.

The author does a good job of moving the plot along. Short chapters contain much dialogue but no illustrations. Older readers will not be disappointed.

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JIMMY CHARTRON AND THE LOST KEYSTONE VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY #JIMMYCHARTRON

SO MUCH TO OFFER

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and J.T. Michaels

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone

Written by J.T. Michaels

Ages 13-18 | 336 Pages

Publisher: J.T. Michaels | ISBN-13: 9781778035203

Publisher’s Synopsis: Author J.T. Michaels brings a fantasy tale of an ancient war, a modern-day murder mystery, mystical creatures, and memorable characters in his masterfully written young adult novel, Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone.

The Great War ended a century ago. Peace reigns across the eight countries. Epic tales of heroic men and women of those times are recounted in song and story. Yet, history seems to have forgotten a young battlefield healer, Tessa Marlise…

Sixteen-year-old Jimmy Chartron has just enrolled at the Navale Academy of Eagleon, his mind set on becoming an electrician. A chance magical encounter binds him to the trapped soul of Tessa Marlise. As Jimmy struggles to deal with this shocking development, murder and mystery unravel in the academy. Caught in the middle of everything, Jimmy realizes that a larger evil is afoot and that only two things can stop it: himself and the ghost in his head…

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author J.T. Michaels has always loved storytelling, no matter the medium. Being immersed in a different world, whether it’s through books or video games, has also been an obsession for him. Years after writing for his school magazine, he discovered he wanted to create his own worlds for readers, and his journey to fantasy writing began with Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone, the first volume in his epic fantasy series.   

J.T. gets inspiration for his books from everything around him, incorporating his friends as character ideas to make his stories as relatable and realistic as possible. He hopes his young readers come away from his stories having escaped from the real world for a bit and with a spark of magic that lasts long after the book is closed. 

When he isn’t writing enchanting fantasy novels for teens, J.T. enjoys running and spending time outside in the sunshine and hunkering down in a bookstore or library on rainy days. He lives in British Columbia, Canada, where he likes to indulge in a great cup of coffee. Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone is his debut novel, the first in a planned fantasy trilogy. 

For more information, visit https://www.jtmichaels.ca/.

https://www.instagram.com/storiesbyjtmichaels/

https://www.tiktok.com/@storybyjtmichaels

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

JIMMY CHARTRON AND THE LOST KEYSTONE

Written by J.T. Michaels

This young adult novel combines the most popular genres for this age group of readers. Fantasy, ghosts, a murder, coming-of-age struggles, and strong characters all rolled into a fast-moving adventure written with humor and great dialogue. The setting consists of a peaceful world left behind after a devastating war that wiped out civilization a century ago. Myths and stories tell the tales of former heroes. A battlefield healer named Tessie attaches her lost soul to Jimmy, the protagonist, who has just enrolled in school to become an electrician.

Jimmy struggles to deal with this dilemma but soon finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery at the school. Readers become immersed in his struggles, the murder mystery, and the lives of other colorful characters at the school. Michaels artfully reveals the successes and failures of the characters through skilled dialogue and humor.

This young adult novel is the first in a series and has much to offer to its targeted audience of readers thirteen and older but has widespread appeal for adults.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a  Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

The Comfy Couch Reader Prize Pack

– Two Alice in Wonderland throw covers

– A side lamp with a unique horse stencil design

-A signed copy of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

The Books and Beverage Lover Prize Pack

– A Jimmy Chartron mug

-A Magic Mug with 3 Reveal Characters

-A signed copy of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone

Three (3) winners receive:

A signed paperback copy of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/BiYWY/jimmy-chartron-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, July 18, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Tuesday, July 19, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA Growing Readers Podcast interview with author J.T. Michaels
Wednesday, July 20, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Thursday, July 21, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Friday, July 22, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Tuesday, July 26, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Wednesday, July 27, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Thursday, July 28, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by author J.T. Michaels
Friday, July 29, 2022Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Monday, August 1, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewAn Instagram Video Review
Tuesday, August 2, 2022Tales of a Wanna-Be Superhero MomAn article by author J.T. Michaels
Wednesday, August 3, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Thursday, August 4, 2022Because I Said SoA book review of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone

THEATER OF THE ABSURD

Mind Swapping Madness: Bonkers Short Stories Book 1

Written by Tom Moffatt

Illustrated by Paul Beavis

This book is a perfect choice for the reluctant reader. A good variety of stories on crazy topics that are sprinkled with lots of humor. For example, a boy trapped in the body of a fly, aliens who can’t wait to kidnap children, and toads waiting to be kissed by a human. Moffat twists traditional stories and invents new ones that will delight new readers. The length of the stories varies, and some can be read in five minutes. I am not a fan of children’s books with potty humor, this book contains none.

Recommended as a chapter book for new readers and those children who ordinarily will not pick up a book without coaxing.

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FAST, FASCINATING, AND ENLIGHTENING

The Magic Volcano: Molly’s Magical Adventures: Book One

Written by V. K. May

Although this book is targeted at a middle-grade reading audience with short chapters, it contains all the elements that will please young adult and adult audiences.

Molly Marsh possesses an insatiable curiosity and strong determination to get to the bottom of things. As the book opens, she has departed Australia for Papua, New Guinea. Upon landing, a blue butterfly lands on her nose assuring her things will be okay. Let the adventures begin.

Molly teams up with Michael to explore the island. The characters are well-defined, and the action is continuous. Readers discover all types of useful information. I won’t spoil the plot but will say once you start reading, you will not be able to put the book down.

A delightful chapter book for readers eight through eighty.

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