Book Spotlight: The Spy Game by J.D. Holiday

Today I'm spotlighting the new release by author and illustrator J.D. Holiday. If your kids are anything like mine they will enjoy the colourful pictures that accompany this doggy tale.... and no doubt start asking if you can get a pet dog ;)

About the Book

Eddie would love to have a puppy to play with. A puppy would pull on a rope. Catch a ball and lick your face. But his Uncle brings Eddie an older dog named after a famous spy. What can you do with an old dog? It probably couldn't learn new tricks and the only thing this dog did was stare. It's what they find to do together that makes them the best of

friends!

Publisher: Book Garden Publisher, LLC

ISBN: 978-0-98186-144-9

Publication Date: August 2012

Places available for sale: Amazon, B&N

Inspiration Behind The Spy Game

This story is based on a puppy my brother, Ike's dog, Sheeba had. He ask me to take this puppy he named, Sidney Reilly after a spy series he and I watched together and loved.  At the time I had a dog and didn't think my older dog, Snoopy would be happy with a new addition.

My brother said okay, but he felt sure this dog was for me and he kept it with that in mind.

When the puppy was 11 months old, my brother, Ike died of a heart attack and Sidney came to me, I was wrong. Snoopy and Sidney got along in their own way. 

Though this did not happen in real live, in The Spy Game I have my brother bring Sidney to my house to live.  ~J.D. Holiday

About the Author 

J.D. Holiday is the author and illustrator of four children's books. Picture books: JANOOSE THE GOOSE, THE SPY GAME, and Matt Shelley's Halloween Misadventure with Award-winning author, Christy Condoleo, and the chapter book for 6 to 8 year olds, THE GREAT SNOWBALL ESCAPADE. J.D. Holiday is a co-host on It's Story

Time, Gather 'Round with Christy Condoleo on Blog Talk Radio's World Of Ink Network:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork

Mini Interview

What are some of the things that have influenced/inspired your writing?

I think reading great stories was one thing that influenced me. There were books that I said to myself, how I wish I had written that. I think I was also inspired or conditioned, in some way, by watching my dad write his stories. He would type every weekend at our dinning-room table on his manual typewriter all my childhood.

Can you share some writing experiences with us?

I publish my own books using my own publishing company, Book Garden Publishing. After years of submitting to publishers I decide I was my publisher.  Up to that point, though, I had some short stories and a Chapbook published, and had some editors interest in my stories, and I even had an agent for a time, but none of my children's books in print.

Have you ever suffered from writer's block? If yes, how did you cure it?

I would say yes I have, but it was really due to rejections of my stories. I would be down for a while. But, after some time past and I picked up my story again and read it,  it would usually get me back on track again.

Who or what inspires your characters and/or plots?

As I said above, events from my childhood are a great source of stories and characters, though there is a little of me in most of my characters.

How do you see the future of book publishing, both traditional, electronic and print on demand?

I think there will always be books. Maybe it will come down to just the most famous stories, but I can't see books not being on shelves in stores, libraries and in home. Digital books are also here to stay. It is so easy to read on the go where with E-readers.

As for traditional publishers, I think the are already starting to adapt and adding self-publishing printers and print services to their companies.

You can find out more about J.D. Holiday, her books and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/bzwlprd

Follow J.D. Holiday at

The Book Garden http://www.thebookgarden.net

J.D’s Writers Blog http://jdswritersblog.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @JDHoliday

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

Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/BooksByJDHoliday

Publisher Website: http://www.thebookgarden.net

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.com  

Book feature: Vin and the Dorky Duet by Maggie Lyons

Magnetic compost heaps, man-eating bubble baths and other disasters erupt when an inventive seventh-grader meets a challenge to win a David Beckham autographed soccer jersey if he can befriend an unsociable nerd and introduce his sister to the nerd’s hunky brother.

The story is about the disasters that pile up when a seventh-grader’s brilliant plan to meet his sister’s challenge takes more than one wrong turn. Life tosses challenges at all of us. It would be incredibly boring if it didn’t. What matters is what we learn from them.

Title: Vin and the Dorky Duet

Publisher: Halo Publishing Int. & MuseItUp Publishing (Canadian e-book publisher)

ISBN: 978-1-61244-091-0 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-77127-073-1 (eBook)

Genre of Book: Children’s Chapter Book Adventure

  

About the Book:

A twelve-year-old boy named Vin, goes on a mission—reluctantly. He doesn’t share the optimism of the knights of old who embarked on impossible missions without a doubt they’d succeed. When magnetic compost heaps, man-eating bubble baths and other disasters erupt, Vin comes close to packing in the whole ridiculous business. He calls it Operation BS, his code name for a mission to introduce his sister to a boy she has a crush on. He doesn’t want to play matchmaker, but Meg’s promise to reward him with a David Beckham autographed soccer jersey is a decisive incentive.

Get a sneak peek of the book at http://youtu.be/Qtgtp_rnAZ4

Available wherever books are sold and online.

About the Author: 

Maggie Lyons

Maggie Lyons was born in Wales and brought up in England before gravitating west to Virginia’s coast. She zigzagged her way through a motley variety of careers from orchestral management to law-firm media relations to academic editing. Writing and editing nonfiction for adults brought plenty of satisfaction but nothing like the magic she discovered in writing fiction and nonfiction for children. Several of her articles, poetry, and a chapter book have been published in the children’s magazines Stories for Children Magazine and knowonder!

Follow Maggie Lyons at

Website http://www.maggielyons.yolasite.com

Twitter @maggielyons66

You can find out more about Maggie Lyons’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/9t24kgy

  

Mini Interview:

What are some jobs you've had in your life? Have they influenced/inspired your writing?

For many years I gave private piano lessons to children of all ages, which probably influenced my writing for children in an indirect way. Writing program notes for concerts of the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington, DC and other orchestras in the USA and UK provided the basis for a career of writing in other business fields—yes, the performing arts is a business.  All that nonfiction writing helped my efforts to become a better writer of both nonfiction and fiction, though I’m far from fluent in the art. That’s still an aspiration.  My middle-grade adventure story Vin and the Dorky Duet is directly inspired by my love of music, which found an outlet in my work in performing arts. 

It has been my experience, some things come quite easily (like creating the setting) and other things aren’t so easy (like deciding on a title). What comes easily to you and what do you find more difficult? 

The first sentence isn’t too difficult, but everything after that is.

Do you consider yourself a born writer?

Not really. I struggle with it because I’m fatally attracted to challenges and because, especially in my dotage, writing offers a wonderful exercise for the “little grey cells,” as Monsieur Poirot would say. 

Who is your favorite author and what is your favorite genre to read?

That’s a supremely impossible question to answer. A recent addition to my “adult” favorites is Jane Gardam whose Old Filth is a treasure of beautifully crafted language and storyline. A recent addition to my “children’s” favorites is Jerry Spinelli whose Maniac Magee is another example of powerful writing. Though, with this book, I suspect adults appreciate Spinelli’s powerful prose far more than the young readers it’s written for. I don’t have a favorite genre. Any book that won’t allow me to do anything except read it is a favorite. 

Is there anything you'd go back and do differently now that you have been published, in regards to your writing career?

I wish I had started writing for children decades ago, when my son was young enough to draw me directly into his world and keep me up-to-date on kidspeak and kidthink. I now have to consult my friends’ grandchildren to keep current on the children’s world, which is my approach to continuing education. 

Book feature: Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare

About the Book:

Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare is the first in a series featuring John, a young city kid who isn't ready for bed yet, and Crosley, a bright-red crocodile who shows up in his room to rescue him and take him on an adventure.

Night Buddies is an astonishing and inventive adventure with unforgettable cast of characters that will make you laugh and win over your heart. The book has lots of thoughtful, multi-layered twists, giggles, and perils -- things kids can relate to and enjoy. 

Publisher: Dune Buggy Press; One edition (June 1, 2012)

ISBN-10: 0984741712

ISBN-13: 978-0984741717

Get a sneak peek of the book at http://tinyurl.com/7xxl8qw

Sands Hetherington was born in New York City in 1939 and moved to Greensboro, NC, two years later. Except for schools and some months in California, Sands never left.  He now lives by a small lake in North Carolina with his Saint Bernards, Dudley and Maggie. Sands didn't finish tenth grade but got into North Carolina State University by the back door. He has two advanced degrees, two children, has been a hod carrier, a laborer at a newspaper, a mutual fund counselor, and a sporadic storyteller.

Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare is the first in a series featuring John, a young city kid who isn't ready for bed yet, and Crosley, a bright-red crocodile who shows up in his room to rescue him and take him on an adventure. Both of them are fond of pineapple cheesecakes, especially Crosley, and it so happens that the world's supply of pineapple cheesecakes is mysteriously disappearing.  Major emergency, so our Night Buddies' "program" for tonight is to find out what the problem is and set things to rights. They sneak past John's parents with Crosley's invisibility doodad and ride the subway to the great (and only) pineapple cheesecake factory across town. On the way Crosley explains why he is red. He is red because he is allergic to water. In a roundabout way, that is. If he gets wet he breaks out doing the Black Bottom dance for hours and hours. Unless he takes his antidote pills. The pills stop the Black Bottoming well enough, but (you got it!) they turn him red. They get to the pineapple cheesecake factory and meet Big Foot Mae the gigantic manager. Crosley discovers what's been happening to the pineapple cheesecakes, and that's when the scare and all the crazy stuff really get started!

The idea for Night Buddies came from Sands Hetherington’s six-year-old son (whose name happens to be John). They always had bedtime stories and one night Sands’ son presented him with a red crocodile named Crosley that he had invented for an after-lights-out companion. Sands started making up John-and-Crosley episodes, and Crosley got to be a regular member of the family. About a year later, it got into Sands’ old head that this stuff might be decent fodder for a book. “I think I started writing stuff down a few months later,” shared Sands.

Night Buddies, Imposters, and One Far-Out Flying Machine is the second book in the series and comes out this fall. It starts the same way: It's been awhile and John is wide-awake at bedtime again. Crosley shows up per their Night Buddies contract and they sneak out of the house. They borrow a really fantastic flying machine and fly off to investigate the vandalism that's been happening all over town. Vandalism by a red crocodile! This book is much longer than the first one.

Sands Hetherington

Readers can contact Sands Hetherington at

www.dunebuggypress.com

info@dunebuggypress.com

Book feature: Porcupine's seeds by Viji K. Chary

Today I'm joined by author Viji K. Chary to chat about her children's book Porcupine's seeds.

Viji K. Chary

Let's get to know the author better...

It's rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a day job other than writing, and if so, what is it?

When my son was born, I decided to stay home to care for him. So my day job changed as he grew. I volunteered in his school and coached his activities. Actually now that my children are teenagers, I am considering applying for a day job.

What are some other jobs you've had in your life? Have they influenced/inspired your writing?

I have been a gymnastics instructor for young children, a dental assistant, volunteered at the hospital, and a laboratory technician. I have also coached Odyssey of the Mind teams for several years. Instructing children always keeps me in touch with how children think. And other jobs always expose me to different aspects of life.

Can you share some writing experiences with us?

Sometimes, people want to become ‘authors’ and decide to write. What they do not realize is that writing is a lot of work, especially if you do not have a writing background or innate talent. In the beginning, I did not put enough time into my writing. One year, I gave myself an ultimatum. I would give writing my 100% or stop writing all together. Getting rejection after rejection was too discouraging. So I read a lot, wrote a lot, went to conferences. Now, I get rejection after rejection, but not because the quality of my writing is inferior. In fact, I get comments from the editor that the write is wonderful, “but”.   It makes me feel good that the editor enjoyed the story.

Like all authors, you have had your fair share of rejection letters. You obviously did not let the letters deter you. How did you keep your determination without getting discouraged?

After a serious illness, I needed to streamline my life. I decided to give writing an honest effort. With that effort, I feel that my writing is not lacking and that editors have other variables to juggle like marketing a book, or they have other similar pieces in line.  When you send a story that is your best, the rejection doesn’t sting as much. Also, I have written for an educational publisher, a ‘for hire’ writing job, as well. That also cushions the rejection blow.

  

It has been my experience, some things come quite easily (like creating the setting) and other things aren’t so easy (like deciding on a title). What comes easily to you and what do you find more difficult? 

The only reason story ideas come easier is because I observe and take note of children and their activities. But what is difficult is refining the initial story idea. For that I have a great critique group that helps when I hit a dead end.

 

Please describe to us your relationship between you and your editor. What makes an author/editor relationship a success?

In my experience, I have given my editor revisions or anything she wanted in as soon as possible. Editors are very busy and have to deal with authors that do not pull their weight after acceptance. So, I make sure I communicate with my editor whenever she needs anything.

What inspired you to write?

I’ve always enjoyed young children’s books. With the text and illustrations, the story seems to take the readers to another world. I wanted to be able to do that as well.

About the Book:

Porcupine longs to grow beautiful sunflowers in his garden just like Raccoon. When Raccoon give Porcupine seeds, she says that all they need is soil, sun, and water. But growing sunflowers is not easy for Porcupine.

Get a sneak peek of the book: 

About the Author: 

Viji K. Chary was born in India and immigrated to the United States at the age of two. Her passion for writing stories began in elementary school and has evolved from coaching children in various activities; including gymnastics, classroom activities and creative competitions. Her stories have been published in Highlights for Children, Ladybug Magazine, Hopscotch for Girls and many more.

You can find out more about Viji K. Chary’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/6wewb3c

Book feature: Out and About at the Zoo

Today I'm doing a spotlight on my own children's picture book as part of my 3 month promotional tour to mark it's release. This is my first time as both author and illustrator and the whole project has been great fun. So much so that I'm already planning my next children's book :)

One day my son asked me why I hadn't written a story for him yet. I figured he made a good point and so I wrote this fun rhyming book drawing on the first time I took him to the zoo.

Here he is with his very own copy of the book:

He played an active role in the creation of the book which makes it all the more special to me. It's already become his preferred bedtime story and at the end he always reminds me that I made it and tells me how clever I am :)

Out and about at the zoo

Written and illustrated by Jo Linsdell

 

Rhyming text and colourful pictures accompany this fun day out discovering different animals at the zoo.

Author website: www.JoLinsdell.com

Release Date: 1st June 2012

Product details:

ISBN/EAN13: 1477446591 / 9781477446591

Page Count: 32

Binding Type: US Trade Paper

Trim Size: 6" x 9"

Language: English

Colour: Full Colour with Bleed

Related Categories: Juvenile Fiction / Stories in Verse

Purchasing links:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.it

CreateSpace.com

Here's a video reading of the book:

Reviews:

5 Stars

"This is a fun, short book for the grandkids! If you love reading to your children or grandchildren, this book will become a family favorite quite fast. The simple wording and bright interaction of characters makes it easy for very young readers and exciting for toddlers still listening.

Jo puts some serious thought into toddler reactions and includes those in the book. My favorite part was the last page, because my toddlers decided immediately that we needed to take a trip to the Denver Zoo. "Yay!!! I get to see the elephants!" (Okay, that part was ME not them. But they get to go too.)"

By Jan Verhoeff

5 Stars

"Out and About at the Zoo by Jo Linsdell is a delightful story set in rhyme about a boy and his mum. The two spend the day at the zoo and meet many animals along the way. Your child will enjoy reading this book time and time again. The colorful illustrations make this book a joy to read. Pick up a copy of this book and share a day at the zoo memory with your little one".

By Kate Mueller, Author of Bella's Birthday Surprise

5 Stars 

"Out And About At The Zoo is a cute book that describes a child's memory filled trip to the zoo. Are you heading to the zoo and you would like to tell your kids what animals they will see there and what they might be doing? Then Out And About At The Zoo would be a great choice. Easy to understand and easy for children to read along with. It is filled with simple yet colorful pictures that even held my one year old's attention!

Would also make a good gift for young readers who are just beginning to read!"

By Virginia L. Jennings, Author

5 Stars 

"What is your favorite animal to see at the zoo?  Author and illustrator Jo Linsdell both describes and pictures a fun day at the zoo that a young lad has with his mum.  They get to look at colorful parrots, tall giraffes, screaming monkeys, meat-eating lions and tigers, striped zebras, scary crocodiles with big teeth, hopping kangaroos, bathing hippos, and huge elephants.   But how does the boy feel when it’s time to go home?   How would you feel?

Children love to visit the zoo.  Our two boys certainly did when they were little, and we still do even today.  Jo Linsdell is a freelance writer and artist who is originally from the United Kingdom but now lives in Rome, Italy, with her husband and their two young sons.  The rhyming text and colorful pictures in Out and About at the Zoo not only make a truly fun story for children to read or have read to them and imagine what it’s like, but will also help to familiarize them with the different kinds of creatures that they will discover at the zoo when they do go".

By Wayne Walker, Home School Book Review

4 Stars 

"I enlisted some help from my daughter who turns three next month to write this review.

After reading "Out and About at the Zoo," to her, I asked if she liked the book. Her response: "I YOVE it." (she can't pronounce "L's" very well yet but you get the drift).

Caitlin has summed up everything you need to know and there's not much more to add to her comment. Jo's book is fun with cleverly rhyming text and is brightly illustrated. Your littlies will love "Out and About at the Zoo."

By Pete Abela

Book feature: The Beauty Book by Nancy Rue

Title: The Beauty Book 

Author: Nancy Rue 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

• ISBN-10: 140031948X
• ISBN-13: 978-1400319480

Book Description

Learn with Lily and her friends just what it means to be beautiful in God’s eyes—inside and out!

In a society so focused on the idea that external beauty reigns supreme, it can be difficult for young girls to figure out what “true” beauty is all about. This unique and creative book for girls ages 7–11 answers the common questions girls ask during this often confusing and overwhelming stage in their lives in an inviting and conversational manner.

Filled with fun quizzes, imaginative activities, and cool illustrations, The Beauty Book offers cool, relevant information about everything from great hair styles to tattoos, from skin care to clothes, and much more. Above all, the message that God-confidence is beautiful is highlighted on each and every page.

Review

This non-fiction book discusses beauty inside and out. This book gives simple, honest advice to young girls and teaches them how to accept and love themselves just the way they are.

Scripture quotations are frequently used throughout the book to re-enforce the messages illustrated by the author and the fun magazine style quizzes are prefect for getting the point across.

Although the idea behind this book is great and I liked the positive message it carried I'm not sure the layout would be appealing to younger girls. The girly illustrations dotted throughout help but otherwise I can't see it holding the attention of it's target age group which is a shame as the contents is good. 

A different book to what I was expecting but one that carries a good, positive message for young girls.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book feature: Bella's Birthday Surprise

Title: Bella's Birthday Surprise

Author: Kate Mueller

Publisher: Author House

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4407-7

Reviewed by Jo Linsdell

In Bella's Birthday Surprise, rhyming text is accompanied by delightful illustrations. The story tells of Bella's first birthday and her joy at all the surprises her special day holds. A ladybug cake, a party...and a very special present.

Bella's Birthday Surprise is ideal for young children as it's rhyming text makes it easy to read along to. A lovely gift for a child's first birthday but also a nice read that encourages family bonding.

Meet the author:

Kate Mueller

"From poems to short stories, I have always enjoyed putting my thoughts down on paper. After graduating from Purdue University, my husband and I settled down near our Indiana childhood homes. We now have two beautiful daughters, Bella and Sofia. We have cherished countless hours curled up reading together. It was from this experience that I knew I wanted to leave something for my daughters and future generations. A book was the perfect choice".

Purchasing links:

Apple App (Interactive)

Author House

Amazon

Amazon.ca

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.de

Amazon.fr

Amazon.co.jp

Barnes & Noble Online

Biblio

Blackwell' UK

The Book Depository

Pickabook.co.uk

Find out more:

You can find out more about Bella's Birthday Surprise at http://www.bellasbirthdaysurprise.badaart.com/ (including free colouring pages taken from the book to print off and colour).