Posts Tagged ‘children’s book’

Join us for this tour from Oct 21 to Nov 15, 2024!

 

MY WAY HOME

by Holly Heaton

 

MY WAY HOME by Holly Heaton

Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  32 pages
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Publisher: Holly Heaton
Release date:  August 11, 2024
Formats Available for Review: print-softback (USA and Canada) and ebook (MOBI for Kindle and PDF) internationally.
Tour dates: Oct 21 to Nov 15, 2024
Content Rating:  G: The book follows Kit on a whirlwind of an adventure trying to reclaim a precious item and return it home all while facing external dangers.

Book Description:

​Enter the hidden realm of the Little Folk and follow Kit on a thrilling adventure. Can he reclaim an object precious to his people and return home to the Hollow Chestnut? Using his wits and environment, Kit embarks on this miniature odyssey through a lushly illustrated world.

Buy the Book:
Amazon 
add to Goodreads
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MY REVIEW

Kit is one of the Little Folk, tiny people who live in the forest. One day a fox attacks their home, Chestnut Hollow, and runs off with the tribes sacred crystal. The crystal provides bountiful harvests. Can a tiny boy go up against such a large adversary and retrieve the crystal? I couldn’t wait to find out.

This was a tale of bravery. Of ignoring your fear and persevering. It was also a grand adventure. And the beautiful illustrations added to my enjoyment. I’m sure young ones will be as enchanted as I was.

5 STARS

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Author Guest Post
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Public Speaking for the Introvert

Have you ever acted? Felt the hot light, cold sweat, heard the creak of an ancient stage under your hesitant foot, and the cough of the guy in the audience who’s already bored? You’re ready to break. Ready to run, ready to melt into a puddle of embarrassment right there in front of everybody. But instead, you speak. Yet you’re not you. You’re somebody else. With a giddy tremor, you suddenly relax as your character takes possession and the performance begins.

Writing fiction is a lot like that. As you develop your character, you find her voice. And with that voice you can do or say anything. You ease back from the computer and look at what you’ve written so far. Is it shocking? Tantalizing? Thrilling? Wonderful? How liberating, knowing her actions in no way reflect on you. You’re just the author, not the character.  It’s almost as delicious a feeling as pretending was when you were a child.

But again, that’s writing fiction. It’s an entirely different affair to write as oneself: to find your author’s voice.

“Well,” one shrugs, “not to worry. I’m not writing a chronicle or memoir”.  But what about your book’s forward? Afterward? Interviews? Guest posts? Ah, now the cold stone of fear settles in your stomach.

Remember those comparison questions from school: orange is to hobbits as dog food grease is to what?  Didn’t you hate those?  I loved them and offer this one: writing fiction is to acting as writing nonfiction is to public speaking.  And according to a source I didn’t fact check, 75% of people are terrified of addressing the public.

So, what’s a diffident author to do when the mic is leveled in her face?  Panic a little, then— like Kit in My Way Home— think.

Think of all the books, shows, blogs, and podcasts I read/watch/listen to. Am I not nearly as interested in the presenters as I am the material? Are their personal experiences enlightening and even helpful?

Perhaps relating my own tentative steps out of the comfort zone will encourage others grappling with their own discomfort.

If I’ve learned anything from stepping into Kit’s tiny moccasins, it’s just stop, assess, and take head-on the challenge before me.

I hope that Kit’s adventure will delight and encourage all of you, too.

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Meet Author Holly Heaton:

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Author Holly Heaton

Whether through pictures, words, or her dad’s castoff camcorder, Holly has spent her life telling stories. She can usually be found chasing exciting bits of history and spending time with her husband, sons, and dog, Wesser, in metro Atlanta.

connect with author: instagram goodreads

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MY WAY HOME by Holly Heaton Book Tour Giveaway

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Tour Schedule:

Oct 7 – @michellegodardricherauthor – book shout out
Oct 21 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 21 – @this.human.reads * – book review
Oct 21 – @savor.your.reads * – book review
Oct 21 – @acourtofspinesnpages *- book review
Oct 21 – @book_withquotes * – book review
Oct 21 – @adriftinfictionalworld – book review
Oct 22 – Faith And Books – book review / giveaway
Oct 22 – @adeela_books * – book review
Oct 22 – @bearyintobooks * – book review
Oct 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 24 – @bookscape__ * – book review
Oct 24 – My Reading Getaway – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Oct 25 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review / author interview / giveaway
Oct 25 – @bookameme * – book review
Oct 25 – @enjoyingbooksagain – book review
Oct 28 – Books for Books- book spotlight
Oct 29 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 30 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Oct 31 – @thisreadergirl * – book review
Nov 1 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Nov 4 – @Leannebookstagram – book review
Nov 5 – @onceuponamaltesereader * – book review
Nov 6 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Nov 6 – @michellegodardricherauthor * – book review
Nov 7 – @nissa_the.bookworm * – book review
Nov 7 – Older & Smarter?- book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 7 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Nov 8 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 9 – @jilljemmett * – book review
Nov 10 – @readsandmusic * – book review
Nov 11 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review
Nov 12 – China Sorrows – book review / giveaway
Nov 12 – @kiv_coffeeandpages * – book review
Nov 13 – Kim’s Book Reviews and writing Aha’s – book review / giveaway
Nov 13 – @mariareadsfiction * – book review
Nov 14 – @onceuponafrida * – book review
Nov 14 – @alwaysreadingxo * – book review
Nov 15 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Nov 15 – @whatsenalireads * – book review
Nov 15 – @speedreadstagram * – book review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Book Details:
  How to Make a Sandwich by Lorena M. Proia
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Lorena M. Proia
Release date:   December 2023
Content Rating:  G.  It’s appropriate for children

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for One Little Witch organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Crystal Beach will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

One Little Witch

by Crystal Beach

 

 

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Genre: Children’s Book

Synopsis

A brilliant Little Witch counts the pumpkins in her pumpkin patch and discovers some surprising surprises. Join author and illustrator Crystal Beach (One Polar Bear and Two Polar Bears) as she captivates you with her latest adventure story and a brand-new series—One Little Witch. You and your child will be delighted by this hilarious tale as together you learn counting and sight words, and experiment with sound.

A charming holiday tale for autumn, or any time of the year, One Little Witch is filled with pumpkins and childlike enthusiasm for learning. This little book is sure to enchant, and will make a spooky addition to your child’s library.

If you can be anything, be inclusive.

 

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About Author Crystal Beach:

 

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Crystal Beach is an adoptive mother and caregiver of two adoptive children who have complex
medical needs and disabilities. Her children are often represented in her work as strong, caring individuals with special gifts and powers. Her writing projects are intended to ensure financial support for her children’s future.

Crystal has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her focus is in children’s literature, publishing, and journalism. She has had many careers including ten years as a MedA with the Canadian Naval Reserve, advertising with a daily
newspaper, communications and marketing, training as an EMT, and continued studies in developmental psychology.

She and her family live in Regina, Saskatchewan in a simple little house with two giant support dogs.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Goodreads / TikTok / Instagram

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Ralph & Murray

by Rick Glaze

 

 

Synopsis (from Amazon):

In the quaint backdrop of a small southern town, circa 1959, an extraordinary tale unfolds through the charming narration of an unlikely storyteller – Ralph, a spirited four-legged companion with a knack for punchy humor.

Amidst a world where most dogs merely wag their tails and feline neighbors purr quietly, Ralph and his witty counterpart, Murray, emerge as remarkable exceptions, gifted with extraordinary abilities.

As they traverse the idyllic landscapes of their hometown, encountering ghosts, hobos, and even the iconic twist dance craze spearheaded by Chubby Checker himself, Ralph and Murray’s adventures take on a whimsical, yet deeply resonant quality.

Through their escapades, readers are treated to a delightful journey brimming with empathy, kindness, and compassion, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of standing up for others.

From unraveling the mysteries of why pencils have erasers to discovering who might have alligators for lunch, Ralph and Murray weave a tapestry of nostalgia from a bygone era with heartwarming humor and infectious charm.

Readers of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in a world where the bonds of friendship and the beauty of diversity reign supreme, leaving behind a trail of laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable memories.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Chapter 1 

 

After the car ride across town when they first brought me home, my stomach was rumbling around, and I upchucked on the kitchen floor. That’s when they  named me Ralph. It’s an average name for a dog. Especially suited for a pound puppy with short, white hair from the neck down, black and brown fur on my head distributed judiciously, lanky legs not quite eight inches long, and a nondescript tail wagging most of the time. I lie around the house and yard like dogs tend to do, waiting on some action from the people around here.

A cat started wandering over my fence and I raced out and pretended to catch him in my lockjaw fangs and tear him to shreds. Actually, it’s Murray next door and if he didn’t show up occasion- ally, it would be even more boring when the kids are off at school. So, I race out to intercept him, he screeches and arches his back and pretends he’s a vicious lion, and king of the fence. We have a Mexican standoff for a minute from his perch on top of the fence; then he jumps back to his yard and I go back to the shade of my patio. It breaks up the afternoon, what can I say?

Like most Americans, I don’t have a notable pedigree. And no, I don’t try to fabricate  the pedigree thing by showing off “designer” labels. Well, I actually don’t wear  labels. But if I had a well-placed blush of color across my back, I might have a  pedigree…at least for some folks. It’s a fun game, but actually I have more fun with  the Murray thing.

When I joined the family, Tommy was eleven, and Ricky was nine. I was almost six  months old and didn’t know much about a dog’s life or how people acted, but I  started watching everything. I noticed there was a hierarchy in the family, a kind of  pecking order, and it adjusted itself depending on who was in the house. For  example, when Dad was home, there was an unwritten deferral to him as the top dog, no pun intended. Mom was the default when Dad was on a trip, and when in  their rooms, big brother Tommy was the alpha, leaving Ricky on the bottom  rung…except for me, but I’m just a dog.

So telling a story from a dog’s perspective, you’d think it would be pretty limited. After all, I can’t speak, and I don’t have a place at the supper table to talk over the

day’s events, and all that sort of thing. But two things happened that changed all  that.

One April afternoon when the springtime sun was breaking through a cloudy gloom,  and drying the winter-soaked yard, I was making a security check around the  periphery of the back fence. I turned the corner and looked up to see Murray sitting  leisurely on a cross beam at the top. He was sprawled out so his red-white-and touches-of-black coat caught the waning sunlight in an almost shiny glisten. While  standing there motionless dismissing my gut reaction to defend the sanctity of my  turf, a small, quiet voice spoke into my ear. “How’s it going today, buddy?” I tilted my  head at this strange sound while I looked up at Murray. His mouth was stretched out  in a big grin and it looked like he actually winked at me. Bewildered, my head turned  back the other way. “It’s okay, you can do this,” the voice whispered. Looking back to Murray, I thought, “Are you talking to me?” “Yes, and it’s okay,” the voice said.

Over time, Murray showed me how to listen to everything around me including, and  most intriguingly, people. When he climbs to the top of the fence, I still run out as if  tearing him to pieces, because we both like doing it. But the world changed, and a lot  of the things that happen are no longer a mystery.

Okay, as if that’s not enough. In the evenings after dinner, the boys go to their rooms  and do homework. As I had no homework of my own to do, I broke up the boredom by shuttling back and forth between the two bedrooms. Snuggling into Tom’s bedspread, I watched him stare at books and quietly turn the pages, sometimes fast and other times deliberate, while writing on an adjacent pad. Watching Ricky was a different experience, and led to the second life-changing event. For one, he usually sat on the bed with a couple of pillows behind his back. Sometimes he had a pad of  paper out, but other times he leafed through books with a steady even pace, and  then I noticed the thing that was the defining moment. He was moving his lips as he read, literally mouthing the words. And get this, about half the time he actually whispered each word as he read…so low that people didn’t notice, but I have better hearing than people. After a while I found a position to sit where I could watch the page while hearing the words. Now sit down and take a deep breath, because what  I’m about to tell you is hard to swallow. Ready? Okay, here goes. Under this strange confluence of circumstances, I taught myself to read. Okay, I know. Believe me I get  it. I’m a dog. Dogs can be very smart, and some can think and even outwit their masters. But read?

Well, let it settle in for a bit while I tell you some stories of growing up in this small  Southern town.

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MY REVIEW

Try to imagine navigating the world through the eyes and ears of a dog or a cat. You can enjoy that experience with Ralph and Murray. From grasping our language to learning how to read, their adventures are a delight to experience. Murray takes the young dog, Ralph, under his wing and guides him with a grudging tolerance that becomes a true friendship.

As people, we tend to give our beloved creatures human characteristics. It’s called anthropomorphism. What makes this such an enchanting, fun story is how the author makes me see the world as Murray, a cat, and Ralph, a dog. I walk in their shoes, or I should say paws. What fun.

4 STARS

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Guest Post

How Ralph & Murray Came to Be

 

Ralph & Murray is a pandemic book. Yes, it was easy to find time to write while literally everything was shut down. But, as I’ve heard from writers and others, the whole uncertainty and anxiety of this unknown event took a toll on mental space. I’m grateful that a lighthearted book was on my agenda. Ralph and I shared serious chuckles writing it.

 

I had planned a memoir incorporating growing up in a small southern town in the 1950s, leading later to the abrupt changes and unhinged people I encountered in Silicon Valley. It had some nice twists to it. The California segment was planned to be live interviews with a group of disparate characters that I was hoping to be quite juicy. Sounds kind of fun, right?

 

Okay. Maybe you’re guessing what happened. My March 8, 2020 flight to Silicon Valley was postponed for a week or two until this little virus thing blew over. Instead, it blew under the rug, under the sheets, and stole all the toilet paper.

 

The interview format was going to be a stretch for me in the first place, because it was a new approach. So, with no visits to the west coast and no interviews, I was relieved to enlist Ralph, my dog, to tell this story. I gave serious thought to the format, because I had some concern that there was little in the way of a fixed plot running through the various vignettes.

 

One of the most popular contemporary memoirs was a favorite of mine, and this was a perfect time to re-read Tuesdays With Morrie, a deeply touching and intimate story where the only plot was that the story took place every Tuesday. Like with every book, I was worried whether or not the book would find an audience. Ralph and his zany buddy, Murray saved the day, and as you can tell there is overwhelming, laugh-out-loud interest.

 

During the writing, there is a chance if you were around me and had something whacky or offbeat going on, you got a little ink or maybe your own chapter. For example, I escaped to Florida for a week and visited the Everglades. The fan boats skidded across the swamp and the guide explained details of the food chain, as in the adult racoons eat the baby alligators and the adult reptiles eat the racoons. As you may know, Murray chewed this one up in the chapter called, “The Big Ones Eat the Little Ones.” Thank you, Murray!

 

Now a confession. When Ralph is reading the letters from Uncle Art, it may be pure plagiarism. Is it stealing if I wrote in a different format? I hope not. A couple of these came from my previous weekly column in Silicon Valley, The Uncle Art of Investing. I’m not surprised these short, whacky pieces made it into the book. But I am surprised they made it into the newspaper in the first place.

 

There is a grain of truth in most of the vignettes in the book, even though the dog and cat mix things up a bit. That is, except for Zeke, down by the creek. I created Zeke so he could wind through some stories and places that the dog, cat, and the kids couldn’t go. In the end this is my memoir, even though I recruited Ralph and Murray to do the heavy lifting, so the last chapter finishes on a nostalgic note, which makes me feel just fine.

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Interview With Author Rick Glaze

On writing:

 

How did you do research for your book?

I did research during the pandemic by inviting my friend Buddy to reminisce about those times and our adventures when we were ten years old. Also, I took the short drive from Nashville to my hometown, where the book is set. I drove around and walked around the neighborhoods. I stopped frequently in front of my childhood home and studied the whole place letting my imagination run free.

 

In your book you make a reference to Zeke, the neighborhood character. How did you come up with this idea?

We were small-town kids and didn’t know much about the outside world. Zeke purported to have traveled the world and didn’t mind telling stories about exciting places and things he’d done…even if he made up most of them. His stories opened their world up to many possibilities.

 

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

I listen a lot looking for twists and turns in people’s lives that might make a story. I also try to frequently read both fiction and non-fiction. I generally latch onto a big story idea and then watch and open up to elements that fit. For example, with Ralph & Murray, I toured the Everglades while writing it, and came back with a really fun twist on “who eats alligators for lunch.”

 

There are many books out there that are memoirs or about dogs. What makes yours different?

This book is a memoir about my growing up in a small southern town in the late 1950’s, but the narrator is two-feet high and walks on all fours. How could you not be Laugh-Out-Loud funny with that?

 

What advice would you give budding writers?

ABCD. Apply butt to chair daily. Okay…and get some training so you have a baseline to work from.

 

Your book is set in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Have you ever been there?

I was born there.

 

Do you have another profession besides writing?

I retired from a business career.

 

How long have you been writing?

I started writing a weekly business column for a local newspaper in California around 1995, but didn’t try fiction until I was in classes at Stanford University in 2006.

 

Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?

Writer’s block is just losing focus. I try to turn the anxiety and frustrations of the moment into great scenes or dialogue. I stand back and embrace the feelings, and learn not to let these emotions slip away unused. I try to not think about myself too much.

 

What is your next project?

We are editing Book two in the Pieces of Eight series called Eight Pieces of Eight. A new dog and cat book is on the drawing board called Ralph & Murray: The Parrot, the Poison, and the Ghost.

 

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?

One reader said, “I had to leave the room, I was laughing so hard.”

 

If your book were made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?

I expect that I’ll write them.

 

Which authors inspired you to write?

My favorite writer is Jack London.

 

Where do you write?

I write in my home office.

 

Do you write every day?

When in the middle of a manuscript, I try to write 5 or 6 days a week for a few hours.

 

Fun stuff:

 

If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?

He is really good looking and he’s nice to dogs. But seriously, I like to paint word pictures for the reader. I like my characters to show their feelings and be relatable to readers. I want readers to be intrigued by the story and the plot.

 

What is something you’ve learned about yourself during the pandemic?

It’s okay to be alone!!

 

What is your theme song? 

I wrote a song called, “Nickel Beer.” It’s on Spotify, iTunes, and you’ll be glad you listened to it.

 

What song is currently playing on a loop in your head? 

I wrote a song for Ralph to sing about the mom of the house called “Looking After Me.” The recording is almost finished, but I haven’t released it, and it’s rolling around my head.

 

What is your go-to breakfast item?

I usually have Greek Yogurt, blueberries, granola and bacon on the side.

 

Tell us about your longest friendship.

My longest friendship is made clear in the pages of Ralph & Murray. He’s Buddy in the book.

 

Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

I wanted to be Elvis.

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About Author Rick Glaze:

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Rick Glaze published the kayaking adventure, The Purple River in 2021, Spanish Pieces of Eight, a sailing adventure/mystery, and Jackass: Short Story Collection in 2022. He was a Columnist at San Francisco’s Nob Hill Gazette, attended the Stanford University Creative Writing Program, and is a graduate of Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, and MTSU.

He is an award-winning songwriter with two CDs, a Pandora radio station, credits on Country Music Television (CMT), BBC Radio, as well as radio airplay. Rick has rafted the Grand Canyon, the Salmon and Rogue Rivers as well as sailed throughout the Caribbean Sea.

 

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Twitter/X / Instagram

Author Marketing Experts tags for social media:

Twitter / Instagram

 

Purchase Links: Amazon / Goodreads

Praise:

“”Rick Glaze does an amazing job of sharing what life was like in the 50s and 60s through the perspective of a dog and it makes for a hilarious and unique book.”

Red Headed Book Lover Blog

 

Ralph & Murray is a delightful journey into nostalgia that will resonate with readers of all ages, making it a perfect shared experience for the entire family.”

Going Dad Blog

 

“A funny, smartly observant, and philosophical animal tale; a heartwarming read.”

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Playtime Clothes organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Kim MacLean will award a randomly drawn winner a $15 Amazon or B&N gift card. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Playtime Clothes

by Kim MacLean

 

 

Genre: Children’s Book

Synopsis

The young boy’s room is an undeniable mess. Did he actually clean his room, as he is telling his mom? Or do his clothes come to life and play?! They are, after all, playtime clothes. Is he learning a lesson to tell the truth and be accountable, as we all do in life? Or is it a world of make believe? It is for you to enjoy while you decide.

Enjoy this peek inside:

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About Author Kim MacLean:

Kim MacLean was inspired to be creative while she and her little girls made their own fun inside their home on long, cold winter days. Her girls sat for hours painting and gluing crafts into works of art on paper. Oh, the rows and rows of finished masterpieces drying on the floor while Kim sat and wrote! And there were the hundreds of books that they read and enjoyed together that further inspired creativity and an adult love of children’s books!

Tia Bates is an artist, illustrator, and storyteller from London, Ontario. She is inspired by the beautiful illustrations she grew up looking at in children’s books just like Playtime Clothes, the first children’s book she has illustrated! Currently pursuing a master’s degree in fine art, Tia’s personal artwork is all about the stories we tell.

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / Book Depository

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Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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“Ode to a Pug” is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.

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Ode to a Pug

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by Jill Rosen

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Pets

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A precocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!

Laugh along with the snorting, snoring and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can’t fix, right?

A true delight that any family can relate to, Ode to a Pug is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.

“Ode to a Pug is a sweet and funny exploration of what unconditional love looks like.”

The Children’s Book Review

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Amazon * Bookshop.org * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Interview with Author Jill Rosen:

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What is something unique/quirky about you?

I have a phobia of crumbs. Dirt, hair, dust, grime, you name it – I can happily clean it and deal with it. But crumbs, no way. They give me the icks. If I go to a restaurant or get on a plane and find my seat is full of crumbs, even after I close my eyes and quickly wipe them all away, I will be anxious and uncomfortable the entire meal or flight.

I think it started when I was very young and we would go stay with my ‘bachelor’ dad for the weekend (my parents were divorced when I was three years-old) and I would go to the kitchen to get cereal and there would be crumbs all over the counters and floor, often attracting pests like a trail of ants and once even a mouse that jumped out of the toaster when I tried to put in an Eggo.

On the positive side, this likely kicked off my lifelong love of vacuuming which comes in handy when living with a shedding machine that is our beloved pug Phoebe.

What kind of world ruler would you be?

I have a recurring dream where I’m saving the world. I am not yet the ruler, but rather the leader of the resistance. Fighting for the ‘little people’. The ones those in power counted out. The dream always ends after we win the battle, but I imagine I would be a leader who continues to serve and fight for, rather than rule over, the people. I don’t think it’s a coincidence though that I am only a smidge over five feet tall, so the dream might just be amplifying my need to defend those of us closer to the ground, constantly battling to make sure no one takes our space on the dance floor, bowls over us in the ticket line, or dares to cut us off on the road.

I also think part of it comes from being a female student, or woman in business, who never believed there was an unlevel playing field or glass ceiling, and even if there was, I’d just smash through it! Everyone will be treated fairly, because that’s what’s just. However, somewhere in my subconscious I knew there would be some fighting involved. Hence the dream.

Now as rhe ruler of our house full of rescue pets, I am still fighting for the little people, and it’s a win-win all around!

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

It is probably no coincidence that the muse for my first children’s picture book was a pug. They are short (but think they are bigger than they are), funny, stubborn, loyal, loving, and a little crazy. I can certainly relate. My ‘zoomies’ involves driving kids to and from school, hockey, singing, or doctor and dentist appointments, all in between trips to the vet for our six pets. When our pug Phoebe continuously runs in circles, I get it.

Pugs are a lot in a small package. They never give up and they would do anything for their ‘pack’. They are also the clowns of the canine world, literally embodying what it means to be funny. I always look for the laughs in my life and in my writing, as it is something we can all use more of, even as we learn some of the harder lessons. Yes, the pug is definitely an excellent, albeit unexpected, choice for my spirit animal!

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Jill Rosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband. She doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!

Through her brand management work, Jill’s early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.

Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can’t wait to share them with all the young readers out there!

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Website * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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$20 Amazon – 1 winner,

Signed Hardcover copy of “Ode to a Pug” + Custom Die-Cut Pug Sticker – 3 winners,

Signed Hardcover copy of “Ode to a Pug” – 3 winners

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Book Details:
Book Title:  Squirrels In Antarctica​ by Sari Karplus
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 34 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Tip Top Story Shop
Release date:   Mar 2024
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

This fantastical book of animals in unusual places will tickle your brain, leading readers of all ages imagining their own silly combos. You’ll see a skiing seal in Switzerland, a pufferfish piloting an airplane, a sloth who runs a marathon (but isn’t ever done), and so much more! With fun illustrations and an educational twist, this book encourages readers to embrace their limitless imagination, explore the world, and experience animals big and small in their not-so-natural habitats. Perfect for bedtime reading or as a classroom favorite, Squirrels in Antarctica sparks boundless imagination. So, come along on this epic journey and “Let your thoughts fly limitless like snails on shooting stars.” Is it a book? Is it a word game? Can it be both?!

Buy the Book:
Amazon B&N
add to Goodreads
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MY REVIEW

I had such fun reading this book. If I had to choose what was my favorite part I’d be hard pressed. The tongue twisting descriptions written in rhyme. The delightful, silly animals doing insane things. Or the funny, adorable illustrations of those critters, even bugs, doing those silly things. Even the title promised silliness and fun.

If I got so much enjoyment from this book, I’m sure young ones would too. Whether read aloud to them, read together, or reading it on their own, the fun to be discovered is endless. I recommend you grab a copy and join the fun.

5 STARS

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Interview With Author Sari Karplus:
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Your book has a number of worldwide locations featured. Have you traveled to any of these places?

I love to travel internationally, but I have only gotten to see a few of these spots so far: New York, Hollywood, and Spain. I have yet to visit Antarctica, Greenland, Peru, Berlin, Switzerland, or Cabo. This may surprise you to hear, but I’ve also never been to Saturn. 🙂

Are there combos that you wrote for this book that didn’t make the final cut?

So many actually! With more than thirty combos in this book, there were dozens that didn’t make it in. The reasons vary, too. Some of my early animal choices were too obscure where even the adult readers were getting tripped up. This is why the tardigrade, who many folks hadn’t heard of, got replaced by a zooplankton. Some others didn’t make the cut because the rhyme didn’t really pair nicely with any others. Here are a few of the combos that were early cuts: A yak visiting his grandma in South Palm Beach, a shark on the Acropolis, a tick in Timbuktu, and a cricket at a cricket match.

What authors are you most inspired by?

If you know my body of work at all, you would know that I am big into rhyming. As such, I’m particularly inspired by Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. Their books were some of my favorites as a kid, and they remain favorites for me to read to my kids. I love that both of these authors’ works make you think and smile and sometimes laugh, which is exactly the space I’d like my books to occupy.

You are a mom as well. Do your kids take an interest in your books?

So far my kids are some of my biggest fans. I’ll be bummed when they fully outgrow being my in-house beta readers. But for now, I delight in how they share my excitement when my books arrive and repeat back lines from my stories. It’s the best!

Your book is a wild mix of animals and places. Any page that’s your spirit animal?

The page I can most relate to is the snails on shooting stars. When it comes to dreaming big, I never shy away from making a cool book or film project or performing standup comedy. The sky’s the limit! But much like the snail that looks terrified by being hurled through the universe, sometimes I’m white knuckling it through the unknown.

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Meet the Author:

Sari Karplus got her storytelling start as a comedian and filmmaker in Los Angeles. But when an improvised bedtime story to her three young children inspired her first kids’ book, she officially joined the ranks of the book writing world. Sari loves to create stories with fun journeys and teachable moments… with a healthy side of humor. Sari has written all 3 books of the Robotastic! series. “Sari” rhymes with “Mary.” Sari loves rhyming.

connect with author: website ~ instagram 

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Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

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Squirrels in Antarctica by Sari Karplus Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Looking for a Leprechaun
by Richard Lopez
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 30 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Three Little Birds Publishing
Release date:Apr 2023
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

Looking for a Leprechaun is the story of a boy named Rich who lives in a magical world, but everywhere he turns he hears people saying he doesn’t belong. When a fairy tells him if he finds a Leprechaun it will help him find where he belongs, Rich sets out on an adventure. The search for a leprechaun is difficult. Close to giving up, Rich hears some words of wisdom. Will he be able to find what he is searching for? What if it’s been inside him all along?

Young children and their parents will be amazed by the positive story and exquisite illustrations of this Mom’s Choice Awards Gold recipient. Looking for a Leprechaun has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products and services.

Buy the Book:
Amazon Audible
B&N ~ BAM
add to Goodreads
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While this is a children’s book, I found the message it delivered useful for me as well.

Rich may live in a magical kingdom but he feels he doesn’t belong. That’s what he hears others saying. Then he meets a fairy who suggests if he can find a leprechaun he can also find where he belongs. So off he goes, meeting many beautiful creatures but always hearing the same thing. He doesn’t belong. Where is the leprechaun? Will he ever find out where he belongs?

What a fun story that also shows children it’s okay to be different. To as they say, stop and smell the flowers, you never know what you may learn. I was very insecure as a young girl and worried what others thought of me. Heard only the bad things. It took me being much older to hear the good and ignore the negative. This book can be a teaching tool as much as a fun adventure. And the illustrations are bold and so colorful. Truly a delight to look at.

5 STARS

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Meet Author Richard Lopez:

Richard Lopez is an award winning children’s author originally from Hialeah, FL. He has a high school diploma and has worked in healthcare information technology for the past 15 years. He started to focus on writing in 2003 when he went back to school and completed a certification for Sound Engineering at S.A.E. He had a few poems published in books by the International Library of Poetry. The Best Poems and Poets of 2003, Invoking the Muse, and The Best Poems and Poets of 2005. He currently resides in St. Petersburg, FL and enjoys going to see live music, and being outdoors. He started Three Little Birds Publishing for his work on children’s books. Looking for a Leprechaun is his first children’s book.

connect with author: website instagram ~ goodreads

 

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Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

 

Looking for a Leprechaun by Richard Lopez Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Toothbrush Animal Hunt organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
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Author Carleen Dehaney will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!
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And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
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Toothbrush Animal Hunt

by Carleen Dehaney

 

 

Genre: Children’s

Book Synopsis

Embark on a delightful adventure with Toothbrush Animal Hunt, the perfect children’s book to encourage daily toothbrushing habits in a playful and enjoyable way.

From a clapping sea lion at the beach to a cheeky squirrel in the forest, children will be fascinated as they learn about toothbrushing through the actions and antics of these charming creatures. And don’t forget to spot the toothbrushes hidden throughout the pages, making this hunt, a delightful game of discovery.

Say goodbye to toothbrushing struggles and let the adventure begin!

Enjoy an Excerpt

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Author Carleen Dehaney:

 Meet the author, Carleen Dehaney! Carleen is a mother and wife. She hails from the UK but now calls Canada home. This enchanting book draws inspiration from a tenacious 2-year-old in need of some toothbrushing magic. Carleen embarked on a whimsical journey, incorporating playful animal sounds into her daughter’s brushing routine, and thus, the idea for this captivating book was conceived. Today, her little one, who has since outgrown her toddler years, recites this tale back to Carleen, forging cherished moments between them.

Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Join Prunella on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates the fears surrounding her first tooth loss in a

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new country in this new book, Petrified Prunella.

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Petrified Prunella

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by Sophie Jupillat Posey

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Genre: Bilingual Children’s Book

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Join Prunella on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates the fears surrounding her first tooth loss in a new country in this new bilingual book, Petrified Prunella.

Sweet Prunella is soon to lose her first tooth. She dreads the pain and the Little Mouse who in France whisks your pearly whites away.
But as she relocates to the United States with her family and learns about new tooth traditions, will Prunella be able to conquer her fears and inhibitions?

Petrified Prunella motivates children to overcome their fears, inspires them to embrace change, educates young readers about different cultural traditions, and empowers them to make choices. This book will help you raise open-minded, confident kids.

Get your copy today and join Petrified Prunella on this heartwarming journey from France to the United States, as she discovers the magic hidden within every gap-toothed smile.

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Yes, Prunella had many qualities. But she had some fears.

She hated pain and rodents of any kind made her petrified. Small or big, any rodent she saw in the woods made her freeze, then run away, shrieking.

 

She was about to lose her first tooth; late for her age. It hurt so badly, every time her tongue touched it, it wiggled and waggled so.

 

The pain consumed her thoughts and she was terrified. She’d never lost a tooth. She didn’t know what to expect. But she did know once it fell, The Little Mouse would come visit her and drop off some coins. The thought of the snuffling, furry creature in her home made her groan.

 

It was enough to make her forget even the pain of her tooth, and the pain of moving away from her home country to the United States, because her father had found a new job in Orlando. She’d had to let her insects go; she’d cried and cried as she’d released them, and she’d cried some more in the airport, as she carried her cats’ carrier through customs. She cried again in the plane at the thought of the pain of her tooth falling, and the Little Mouse coming to get it.

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I Really REALLY Don’t Want Braces

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by Sophie Jupillat Posey

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Genre: Bilingual Children’s Book

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Join Mario as he gets his braces and learns to stand up against his not-so-friendly friends in this bilingual book.

Mario hates his braces. They are painful, they look ugly, and his food gets stuck in them all the time.
As everyone at school makes fun of Mario and he is disheartened by all the mocking he faces, will Mario’s elder brother, Tony, be able to help him stand up against his bullies and finally accept his braces?
I Really REALLY Don’t Want Braces inspires children to embrace their braces, educates them on the benefits of braces, teaches children to stand up for themselves, and motivates young readers to discover their inner strength. This book will help you raise confident and resilient little humans.

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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I don’t want to get braces.

My parents say, “It’s necessary.”

My dentist says, “It’s necessary.”

“You’ll get used to it,” they say.

I really, really, REALLY don’t want to get braces.

 

My teeth are crooked,

Jagged, they hide each other,

Some sit low, some sit high, some jut out, some jut in.

They are worse than the naughty kids in class.

But I still don’t want to get braces.

 

I have gotten too many cavities.

Too much food gets stuck inside.

I know it’s necessary,

But I don’t want to get braces.

 

Maybe if I hide in the attic,

Maybe if I stay still like my lizard,

Maybe if I pretend I was kidnapped by pirates,

My parents will forget to bring me to the dentist.

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French-Venezuelan Sophie Jupillat Posey wrote a poem about spring in the 4th grade and started a mystery series a year later. She’s been hooked to creating stories ever since. She studied writing and music at Rollins College. She’s had numerous short stories and poetry published in literary magazines since 2014. She enjoys reading and writing anything from science fiction and fantasy, to paranormal and mystery novels. When she isn’t writing, she is composing music, creating albums, and teaching English to students in France. She can be reached on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and her website.

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Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.