Growing Bookworms – Meet prolific children’s book author, Janice Spina, and a review #GrowingBookworms #readingcommunity #childrensfiction
Posted: February 14, 2024 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Children's Books, Growing Bookworms, Interview, Review | Tags: Children's Books, Growing Bookworms, Janice Spina, Robbie Cheadle, The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost, Writing to be Read 50 Comments
My featured guest for this month’s Growing Bookworms post is prolific children’s book author, Janice Spina. Janice also writes for adults as J.E. Spina. This is an overview of Janice’s books:
Welcome Janice!
Tell us a bit about your books and your history of writing for children
I have always love writing poetry since a young child. When I wrote my first book, Louey the Lazy Elephant,I had to put it into rhyme. I find that children love rhyming; it keeps them interested if there is a cadence to the story.
I have 22 children’s books at present. Most of them are in rhyme and all of them carry important life lessons and family values. I first began writing for children but branched out later on into MG/PT/YA and novels for 18+. I have books about animals, dragons, and even short stories in a series of six stories per book for children ages 5-8 called Bedtime Stories for Children Series. Some of my stories in this series are based on experiences while others are purely from my overwrought imagination.
A number of your children’s books feature animals and creatures. Are these stories based on personal experience with these creatures?
Many of my children’s books are dedicated to individuals or based on imaginary animals or real-life pets that I have had in the past such as: Jerry the Crabby Crayfish – a pet blue crayfish, Lamby the Lonely Lamb – dedicated to my granddaughter and her stuffed lamby, Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear – dedicated to a little boy I met while vacationing in Aruba, Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey – dedicated to my youngest grandson and his stuffed monkey, Colby the Courageous Cat – dedicated to my daughter’s cat, Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe – dedicated to a little boy who was nervous about loud noises, Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab – a pet hermit crab we once had, Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier – my first dog, The First Star – dedicated to my two children when they were young. I hope to continue to create stories to delight and entertain children for uyears to come along with my husband’s help creating the beautiful illustrations and covers.
The illustrations in your picture books are lovely. Your husband helps you with your illustrations. How much input do you put into the illustration process?
My husband, John, does do the illustrations and covers for all of my children’s books. He also creates the covers for all the other books I publish. Thank God for him! I would be lost without him.
I had to convince him to do this many years ago beginning in 2013. He told me that he wasn’t an illustrator but would give it a try after I told him how much it would cost to hire someone who was an illustrator. John has a quirky sense of humor. I do give him plenty of input about each illustration and cover, much to his chagrin. We don’t always agree on each one and therefore there are many revisions. But I am always pleased with what he creates as the finished product and give him an ample number of kudos online when I present his work.
What do you like best about writing for children?
I love writing for children. What I like best is to see children reading and enjoying my books or anyone’s books. The joy in their faces when they read or are read to is priceless. Reading is so important at an early age and not only for children but also for adults.
I love to hear from parents that their children loved one of my books and look forward to reading more. That is why I write. Receiving positive feedback in reviews is another way to make authors happy and give them an early Christmas gift.
Children – preschool to grade 3 are like sponges soaking up all kinds of things. My goal is to create entertaining and good, clean stories that are educational and full of important life lessons and family values that will stay with them for a lifetime. I hope my stories will enhance their reading experience, increase their reading levels, help to encourage them to become lovers of reading, and create readers and thinkers of tomorrow.
I also write for middle-graders, preteens, and young adults. This age group is a difficult group to entice into reading. They are always absorbed into the newest technology such as X-Box and video games, etc. I create stories in series for this age-group that have plenty of magic, mystery, suspense, wizards, ghosts, and time travel. It is a tough job but I will continue to do all I can to encourage this age-group to read.
What is your favourite children’s book or series for children?
Of all my 22 young children’s books my favorite is still, Louey the Lazy Elephant. This was the first book John illustrated. I love the crayon drawings that he created and how sweet and innocent he made Louey look. It is one of my most popular books alongside Jerry the Crabby Crayfish.
My favorite MG/PT book is Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Books 1-6. I had such fun creating the twins and their twin-telepathy, adventures, magic, mystery, ghosts and even time travel. Kids enjoy this series but so do adults.
I was requested by a few readers to offer a series for girls after Davey and Derek were so popular. That is why I wrote Abby & Holly Series Books 1-6. These books are enjoyed by both girls and boys.
There are more stories in my head waiting to be written down, so stay tune for many more to come for all ages.
Thank you so much, Robbie, for inviting me as a guest. I thoroughly enjoyed answering your questions and sharing a little bit about myself and my books with you and your readers.
Thank you, Janice, for being a delightful guest.
My review of The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost (Davey & Derrick Jr. Detectives Book 5) by Janice Spina
This is the fifth book in the Davey and Derek Junior Detective Series. Davey and Derek, who are warlocks under the tutelage of their aunt, a witch, have already solved four mysterious cases and they have gained a reputation as detectives. Abby and her cousin, Holly, seek them out at school. The two girls believe the house they have recently moved into, called the Sheridan House after its previous owner, is haunted by a ghost. They have experienced some strange happenings. Davey and Derek agree to investigate and see if they can discover the source of the strange happenings and visitations.
With some advice from their Aunt Gigi, the pair set out to determine the cause of the girls’ anxiety. They embark on an intriguing adventure including cold spots, ghostly forms, and secret tunnels.
This book was reminiscent for me of the Secret Seven adventures series by Enid Blyton which I read as a young girl. It is full of the same energy and excitement as Enid Blyton’s books, but the Davey and Derek Junior Detective Series incorporates a taste of magic and the supernatural which appeals to modern children. This series also tackles topical issues faced by 21st century youngsters. The language is appropriate for the target audience and will keep young readers engaged and interested.
I enjoyed the subtle demonstrations of respect and family values incorporated throughout this book, which send an excellent message to young readers. An enjoyable book with an interesting storyline.
You can purchase The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost (Davey & Derrick Jr. Detectives Book 5) from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Mischievous-Ghost-Davey-Junior-Detectives-ebook/product-reviews/B072QBJ7LC
About Janice Spina
Janice Spina is a multi-award-winning author with 45 books of which there are 22 children’s books,12 MG/PT books and two books in a YA series with four more coming over the next few years, seven novels and a short story collection for 18+ written under J.E. Spina. She is also a copy editor, blogger, book reviewer and supporter of fellow authors. Her husband, John, is her illustrator and cover creator. Watch for more books to come over the next few years.
Jance has received the following awards for her books:
10 Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medals, 5 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, Honorable Mention and Finalist, 21 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, 1 AUTHORSDB – Cover Contest, 2 Book Excellence Award Finalists, 2 Top Shelf Awards – First Place & Runner up, one Maincrest Media Award
Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages! Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Come soar with Jemsbooks! Happy reading!
Janice loves to hear from readers and appreciates and happily welcomes reviews.
Find Janice Spina
About Robbie Cheadle
Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published fifteen children’s book and two poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
The eleven Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.
Robbie and Michael’s new Southern African Safari Adventures series is aimed at teaching young children about Southern African wildlife in a fun and entertaining way. Each book contains a rhyming verse story about a particular animal, as well as illustrations by Robbie Cheadle, photographs and links to video footage about that animal.
Robbie’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews. https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/
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Writer’s Corner: Why I changed my Twitter(X) handle
Posted: February 12, 2024 Filed under: Book Promotion, Books, Branding, Nonfiction, Social Media Promotion, Writer's Corner, Writing | Tags: Book Promotion, Kaye Lynne Booth, Nonfiction, Social Media Promotion, The D.I. Y. Author, WordCrafter Press, Writing 7 Comments
Branding is Important
I recently changed my Twitter handle, or X handle, or whatever it is we call it now. I can’t say that I like all the new changes to the platform, but honestly, although I’ve been on Twitter since 2010 as @GodsAngel1, I’ve not used it a lot, so many of the changes may have slipped my notice. Back in 2022, when I graduated, my cohorts pointed out that my Twitter handle was different than all my author social media call names, which either associated me as an author, or as a publisher with WordCrafter Press. I said that I had been @GodsAngel1 for so long that to change, well, no one would be able to find me.
But the thought of changing my Twitter handle never left me, and I knew they were right. @GodsAngel1 was a personal handle used when Twitter first came out, and you were limited to so few characters, that I couldn’t post a tweet with what I wanted to say. It didn’t really fit in with my author and publisher branding. Since 2022, I’ve been using Twitter, now known as X, more, and the idea of changing my handle kept popping into my head when using the platform. I don’t know why I kept dragging my feet on the issue, but I did until recently when a friend of mine wanted to help me out with promotions, and ask me if I could change my handle to something less personal, more professional. I decided that I couldn’t fight it any more, especially when I knew how important consistant branding is, so I gave in and changed it.
Making the Change
First, I had to figure out how to change my Twitter handle, but with some solid guidance from one of my cohorts, I found the proper channel in the app. I erased my previous handle and entered WordCrafterPress, and ws informed it was too long, as was AuthorKayeLynneBooth. So, I tried just putting in WordCrafter, and was informed that name was already in use by someone else. So much for branding.
Then, it occured to me that with the new nonfiction book on the process of becoming an independently published author, and doing it all yourself will add a new deminsion to my branding, and I could use this change to strengthen that connection, as the D.I.Y. Author. That’s what I am, and it’s what the book is about: becoming a D.I.Y. author as inexpensively as possible and still get results. So, you can now reach me on Twitter, or X, using my new handle @DIY_Author.
I hope you’ll look me up, like and follow because I need all the peeps I can get. Or does that have a new name, too? What are followers on X called? And when we post is it still a tweet? I can’t keep up with all the changes, and I’m still learning the ropes, so to speak, so please be patient with me.
Coming in 2024
How to work through the stages of the writing process on your own. The D.I.Y. Author shares the expertise I’ve spent years to acquire in one volume that will save new and aspiring authors both time and money, and inexpensive, but successful strategies for marketing and promotion.
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For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Book 1 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw. Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Want exclusive content? Join Kaye Lynne Booth & WordCrafter Press Readers’ Group for WordCrafter Press book & event news, including the awesome releases of author Kaye Lynne Booth. She won’t flood your inbox, she NEVER sells her list, and you might get a freebie occasionally. Get a free digital copy of her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction, just for joining.
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Exciting News! The Rock Star & The Outlaw in Audiobook
Posted: February 11, 2024 Filed under: Action/Adventure, AI Technology, Audio Books, Book Promotion, Books, Fiction, Science Fiction, Time travel, Western, WordCrafter Press | Tags: AI Audiobook, Audiobook, Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, Fiction, Kaye Lynne Booth, Science Fiction, The Rock Star & the Outlaw, Time travel, Western, WordCrafter Press 7 Comments
It’s here! If you’ve been waiting for The Rock Star & The Outlaw to come out in audio, it’s finally here!
I’m so excited! The Rock Star & the Outlaw is now available in AI Narrated Audio through Apple Books for only 7.99.
https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-rock-star-the-outlaw/id1722934411
The audio book is AI narrated, but don’t let that deter you without giving it a chance. The female voiced narration is actually pretty good. And there’s a button where you can listen to a sample on the book’s page at Apple Books, so you can check it out before you buy. Above is the direct link, but it’s also listed on the book’s Books2Read page with all the other distributors where it’s available, so you can get it in digital or print, if you prefer.
https://books2read.com/RockStarOutlaw
If you don’t have your copy yet, what are you waiting for?
Reviews
Still need convincing? Check out these reviews.
Selma: https://selmamartin.com/a-book-review-the-rock-star-and-the-outlaw-by-kaye-lynne-booth/
Book Trailer
Or you can check out the book trailer here:
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Want exclusive content? Join Kaye Lynne Booth & WordCrafter Press Readers’ Group for WordCrafter Press book & event news, including the awesome releases of author Kaye Lynne Booth. She won’t flood your inbox, she NEVER sells her list, and you might get a freebie occasionally. Get a free digital copy of her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction, just for joining.
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Book Review: Search
Posted: February 9, 2024 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Paranormal, Review | Tags: Book Review, Joseph Carrabis, mystery, Paranormal, Search, Thriller, Writing to be Read 4 Comments
About the Book
Search details one of the most tumultuous period’s in The Shaman‘s Gio “John Chance” Fortuna’s life. In college and having spent most of his life avoiding his grandfather’s trainings, he finds himself called to remember and practice his grandfather’s ancient ways to save children from human monsters.
But every step into The Old Ways drives a wedge between Gio and Jess, the woman he loves and wants to spend his life with. Originally relishing the idea of her own personal Superman, she grows increasingly fearful each time Gio manifests an ability beyond her comprehension.
And when both he and Jess realize he can use his grandfather’s teachings to force Jess’ to spend her life with him without her knowing he’s done so? Even though doing so violates everything he’s ever been taught?
Gio realizes being able to do anything doesn’t mean he can do everything, and that the strongest bonds on us are those we place on ourselves.
Content Advisory: Search contains graphic scenes of sex and violence.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Search-First-John-Chance-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CRNGXLQY/
My Review
Search, by Joseph Carrabis is a mystery of the most intense kind. There are so many working parts to this story that only ‘a good guesser’, like Gio Fortuna, will be able to figure out what is really going on. We first met the character of Gio in The Shaman. Same character, but very different stories. (You can read my review of The Shaman here: https://wp.me/pVw40-85U)
Some might say that Gio has shamanistic powers, others claim that he’s in league with the devil. But Gio knows things, and now, a young Gio embraces the talents which his grandfather taught him use, to help solve the disappearance of two young boys. But, there’s more going on than meets the naked eye, and Gio knows things, or makes ‘good guesses’. Gio uses his gift to reveal the person(s) behind it all, and the motives of every person involved, as he uncovers one parnormal clue at a time, putting them all together into a complex tapestry of life reflective of a reality I think many of us are able to identify with.
Carrabis is a master of skillfully unfolding a complex story. In Search, he’s outdone himself as he enters into the mystery genre with characters who feel real and an intriguing plot that keeps you guessing. I give it five quills.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Had to Share This Wonderful Review of The Rock Star & The Outlaw
Posted: February 6, 2024 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, Fiction, Review, Time travel, WordCrafter Press | Tags: Book Review, Kaye Lynne Booth, The Rock Str & The Outlaw, Time-travel adventure, WordCrafter Press Leave a commentThanks to M J Mallon. Check it out on her Kyrosmagica blog site.
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The Final Stretch for Sarah
Posted: February 5, 2024 Filed under: Book Sales, Books, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Kickstarter, Western, Women in History, Women's Fiction, WordCrafter Press | Tags: Kaye Lynne Booth, Kickstarter campaign, Sarah, Women in History, Women in the West, WordCrafter Press 2 CommentsKickstarter Campaign Ending Soon
We’re in the final stretch of the Kickstarter campaign for Sarah as February 12th approaches, and we need your help. Kickstarters are an all or nothing deal, so all the good intentioned pledges we already have won’t mean a thing if we don’t reach the $500 funding goal, and we’re not there yet. There’s still one week to go, still time to reach the goal, but we can’t do it without your support.
I want to thank all of you who have already backed the campaign, even on the lowest tier level of $5. Every little bit helps us get closer to the funding goal and is greatly appreciated. I know times are tight right now for many of you, and for me, too. If you are in a time when you’ve had to tighten your belt and aren’t able to contribute monetarily, you can still support the project by sharing with others to help me reach those who may be better able. And I promise, I’ll appreciate any support you have to offer during this final push to make this campaign a success.
About the Project
Sarah is Book 2 in the Women in the West series of historical western women’s fiction, with strong female protagonists and fictionalized characters pulled right from the history books. At 17, Sarah discovers who she has become as she faces the dangers of the western frontier with courage and persistance when she is stolen away from the Ute tribe she has come to think of as family. When she manages to find her way to 1887 Glenwood Springs, Colorado, with her horse, Beepi and her trusted dog, Blue, she makes the acquaintance of Big Nose Kate Elder and her long time companion, Doc Holiday, as he lives out his final days, and many other colorful characters.
Your Support is Needed
Please use the link below and back this project. Help me to make the Women in the West adventure series the grand vision which I have for them. The Kickstarter campaign offers an opportunity to buy direct through the author via crowdfunding. When you buy books direct, the author makes a larger royalty than when purchased through distributors.
Plus, it offers exclusive rewards which you can’t get anywhere else: early digital copies, signed print copies, and Special Illustrated Editions of Books 1&2, not available through distributors.
Please click on the link below and help support my Kickstarter campaign for Sarah.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kayelynnebooth-wcp/sarah-3
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WordCrafter News: Kickstarter Update & My Next Project
Posted: January 29, 2024 Filed under: book marketing, Book Promotion, Books, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Kickstarter, Nonfiction, Publishing, Western, Women in History, Women's Fiction, WordCrafter, WordCrafter Press, Writing | Tags: Kaye Lynne Booth, Sarah, Special Illustrated Editions, The D.I. Y. Author, Women in the West, WordCrafter Press, Writing Reference 5 Comments
Update on Kickstarter Campaign
The Kickstarter campaign for Sarah is in full swing, but we haven’t fully funded yet. I set a $500 goal and we’re only 25% funded. The thing about Kickstarters is that they are an all or nothing deal. The campaign ends on February 12, and if it hasn’t fully funded by then, the backers pay nothing, and the author gets nothing, and all that is lost is the time and hard work put into the campaign. So, when you make a pledge, its just that and you don’t have to pay anything until the campaign ends on February 12, if it funds, and if it doesn’t, you pay nothing, and must wait until March 19th to get a copy of Sarah through distributors.
The good thing is, once funded, the author receives anything over and above the funding goal to help support the project even further. I’ve been discussing doing the series in audiobook with a talented narrator, and if this campaign funds enough above the funding goal, you will see that happen in the future.
That’s why I really want this campaign to be successful. And there’s no reason that it can’t be. We’ve got some exclusive rewards which can’t be found anywhere else: early digital copies of Sarah, signed print copies of Sarah, and Special Illustrated Editions of both Delilah & Sarah. (Special Edition covers and illustrations by DL Mullan of Sonoran Dawn Studios.) Plus both digital and signed print copies of Delilah are available as add ons.
The best piece of advice I was given when learning about Kickstarters was only do campaigns for projects that you are going to do anyway. So, if it doesn’t fund, it won’t mean the end of the project, but it will be disappointing.
You can help, and get some of those great rewards, by backing the campaign before February 12. Your support of the project could help to reach the funding goal and more. Won’t you consider supporting this project?
You can check out the Kickstarter campaign and back this project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kayelynnebooth-wcp/sarah-3/
About the Books & the Series
Sarah is Book 2 of the Women in the West Adventure Series. The series is western historical women’s fiction with strong female protagonists and historical figures from the true life turned fictional in each book.
Sarah
Sarah is a young girl trying to make a place for herself in the world.
Sarah is not the young girl who was stolen away from Delilah anymore. Now she is Hair of Fire, mate of Three Hawks, even as she blossoms into a young woman and tries to make a place for herself among the Ute tribe.
When she is stolen away from the life she’s made with the Utes, she struggles to survive in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. A streak of stubbornness and determination take this tough, feisty heroine up against wild beasts of the forest and the rugged mountain landscape to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where she receives a less than welcoming reception by some.
Will this young woman find her way back to the Ute tribe which she’s come to think of as family, or will she discover a place among the colorful inhabitants of the Colorado hot springs and mining town?
Follow along on her journey to learn who she truly is and where she belongs in this rough, and often hostile frontier.If you like strong and capable female protagonists, you’ll love Sarah.
About Delilah
Delilah is a woman haunted by her past.
Her homecoming from prison quickly turns into a quest for vengeance when she is brutally raped and left for dead, and her fourteen-year-old ward is abducted. Sheer will and determination take this tough and gritty heroine up against wild beasts of the forest, Indians and outlaws to Leadville.
Can the colorful inhabitants of the Colorado mining town work their way into Delilah’s heart, offering a chance for a future she thought she’d lost along with her innocence?
If you like strong and capable female protagonists, you’ll love Delilah.
A New W.I.P.: The D.I.Y. Author
In February, I’ll begin the actual writing of The D.I.Y. Author, my first writing reference book, and I’m excited to tell you about it.
I’ve put together writing reference anthologies in the past, drawing on the expertise of many authors, but The D.I.Y. Author will be the first writing reference book I’ve ever created solo, so I’m very excited, (and a bit nervous), about it. The biggest problem with putting out a reference book such as this one, is imposter syndrome. I mean, reference books are written by experts, aren’t they? So to create a book like this, you must consider yourself to be an expert and be able to convince others that you are so they will read it. I’ve never considered myself to be an expert, in fact I spend a good amount of time learning whatever I can from others whom I consider to be experts. So, looking at myself as the expert is a different point of view for me, a different mindset, but I’m learning. And that is how this book came about.
This book is about a subject that I am an expert about: doing it all yourself on a very limited budget. That’s me. It’s what I do. And in The D.I. Y. Author, I’ll be sharing all the tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way. I’ll share with you how I do it, from planning the book, to writing the book, to publishing and marketing the book. And it’s all stuff that you can do, too!
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Want exclusive content? Join Kaye Lynne Booth & WordCrafter Press Readers’ Group for WordCrafter Press book & event news, including the awesome releases of author Kaye Lynne Booth. She won’t flood your inbox, she NEVER sells her list, and you might get a freebie occasionally. Get a free digital copy of her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction, just for joining.
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Book Review: Neema the Misfit Giraffe
Posted: January 26, 2024 Filed under: Animals, Book Review, Books, Children's Books, Fiction, Review, Wildlife | Tags: Animals, Book Review, Girraffes, Neema the Misfit Giraffe, Robbie and Michael Cheadle, Southern African Safari Adventures, Wildlife, Writing to be Read 24 CommentsAbout the Book
Neema is different from her fellow giraffes. Their lack of understanding make her feel unwelcome. Neema sets off on a journey to find a new friends.
Includes illustrations, photographs, and links to video footage of giraffes, as well as fun giraffe facts.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Misfit-Giraffe-Southern-African-Adventures-ebook/dp/B0CMCZ7G93
My Review
I requested an ARC of the latest children’s book by Robbie and Michael Cheadle. I’ve followed this mother son writing team for several years, and truly enjoyed many of thier Sir Chocolate book series for young children. (I’ve reviewed many of those and will direct you to them at the end, if you’re interested.)
Neema the Misfit Giraffe is the first book in their new Southern African Safari Adventure series, and I wanted to see how their talents have developed as they’ve grown together as authors. As in the Sir Chocolate series, Robbie has designed the cover and illustrations herself, but this series features, not fondant art, but a cover done in gorgeous water colors and breathtaking photographs of live animals in the South African bush illustrate the pages. Also like the Sir Chocolate series, the book’s message is delivered in delightful verse.
Neema the Misfit Giraffe features an eye-catching cover that is bright and colorful, beautiful illustrations and even links to video of the animals their characters are based on, and fun facts about giraffes. This series is going to be a lot of fun, but it is also very educational, and I just love it.
I give Neema the Misfit Giraffe five quills.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Kickstarter Campaign for Sarah Starts Today
Posted: January 22, 2024 Filed under: Books, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Kickstarter, Western, Women in History, Women's Fiction, WordCrafter Press | Tags: Historical Fiction, Kaye Lynne Booth, Sarah, Western, Women in the West, Women's Fiction, WordCrafter Press 2 Comments
Back the Kickstarter Campaign Here
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kayelynnebooth-wcp/sarah-3
About the project-Sarah: Book 2 of the Women in the West Adventure Series
It’s finally here! Sarah is book 2 in my Women in the West adventure series. Some of you may have been waiting for this book since last year’s Kickstarter campaign for Delilah, which is the first book in the series.
In case you are just hearing about this book and the Women in the West adventure series, let me tell you about both. In the Women in the West adventure series, each book features a strong female protagonist braving the American frontier in the late 1800s, and fictionalized versions of true life historical characters. Delilah met Baby Doe and H.W. Tabor, who were instrumental in turning the mining camp of Leadville into a bonified town, and Sarah befriends Doc Holiday and Big Nose Kate.
Sarah is the second book in the series. Those following the series were introduced to the girl of 14 in Book 1: Delilah, when she was abducted and sold to the Ute Indians. Now as a 17 year old, she’s made a life for herself as a Ute squaw, and mate to the chief’s brother, becoming a valuable member of the tribe, until a mysterious Sioux warrior appears and turns her world upside down. Stolen away from those who she’s come to call family, she must face not only her abductor, but the dangers of the American frontier in a constant fight for survival.
Book Trailer
Why Back This Campaign?
You mean beside the fact that you think I’m awesome and you can’t wait to read everything I write?
Just kidding. I know you all love me. 🙂
Seriously, we have some excellent rewards for this Kickstarter campaign which you can’t get anywhere else. You can get an early digital copy or a signed print copy of Sarah, or a Special Ilustrated Editions of both Delilah and Sarah. And you can get both digital and print copies of Delilah as add ons for less than you would pay through distributors. You can back the project for as little as $5 or as much as $100, depending on the reward teir that you choose.
The goal is $500, and if funded, your support of the campiagn will go toward the wonderful covers for the Special Illustrated Editions, by DL Mullan and Sonoran Dawn Studios, and help to keep me afloat as I work on Book 3: Marta, scheduled to come out in 2025, and all the projects that are lined up for the coming year. It would be great to fund the campaign in the first 24 hours and move it onto the favorite projects lists over at Kickstarter, maybe funding even more than the $500 goal. I’ve been thinking of making this series available in audio, and I’d love to raise enough to get my narrater for that. All support is appreciated.
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Check it out! Robbie Cheadle on the subject of book covers over at Story Empire
Posted: January 17, 2024 Filed under: Book Covers, Books, Women's Fiction | Tags: Book Covers, Robbie Cheadle, Story Empire 9 Comments
