Category: Uncategorized

ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY…TO THOSE LEFT BEHIND…

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People celebrate Memorial Day in various ways…

Some cook out.

Growing up among the Cajuns and bayous of southern Louisiana, ANY time was the right time to party. When my father was home from his job as an offshore cook for the oil rigs, he would barbeque while my mother would boil corn and make side dishes like potato salad. It was a time when the family could eat hearty…if just for a day…

Some rest.

After dealing with purging a life full of years of stuff, I handed over the keys to my sister’s apartment. I spent these past five days sorting through everything I brought home…some items filling my dumpster, some things being packed away until, hopefully, I can deliver precious items to Janet’s new apartment, and some things put in a bag or two that will be brought to my sister’s currently lodgings next weekend.

But most of us will take time today to remember.

Remember people close to us that are no longer here. Those who have served this country to help keep us safe. Brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in honor of an ideal they believed in with their whole heart. And some who served because they were asked to do so and went without a thought that perchance they may never look at a loved one’s face again.

Today is a chance to honor all of them…including my father who served as part of the military police during the Korean War. During his time in the military, he sacrificed his two front teeth as he caught a beer bottle in the face while attempting to break up a brawl at a local bar. No matter the man he became once his family came along, I still honor his service to this country and hope he, and all fallen soldiers, rest in eternal peace…wherever they may roam.

**************

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Never Forget Eleanor by Jason June

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TITLE: Nevere Forget Eleanor

AUTHOR: Jason June

ILLUSTRATOR: Loren Long

PUBLISHER: Harper Collins, 2023

SYNOPSIS: 

Elijah loves spending time with his grandma Eleanor. She knows all the best words to answer tricky crossword puzzles and to tell the most beautiful stories to her family and friends.

Everyone calls her “Never Forget Eleanor” because she remembers every word she reads and person she meets. Lately though, Elijah has started to notice Grandma Eleanor forgetting little things.

So when Grandma Eleanor doesn’t show up for her Saturday story session, Elijah will need to find a way to use her favorite words and become the storyteller himself to bring her home.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I don’t remember much about my grandmother because she was already gone by the time I was four years old. But I do remember glimpses of her. I remember the trips to the grocery store in her old black truck. When I opened this book by author Jason June, I was immediately transported back to the days of visiting my own grandmother. The heart wrenching topic of dementia is tastefully covered and illustrator Loren Long breathes life into this touching story with beautiful artwork. A great addition to any library!

RATING: ***** 5 Stars*****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

************

What do books and a martial arts tournament have in common? For Alex, Billy, and Nathan…A LOT! Based loosely on a true story, follow these three friends as they work to raise enough money to enter their school’s tournament. Who will win, who will lose, and who will learn a valuable lesson? Read THE WARRIORS THREE to find out! 

Fourth Degree Black Belt and award-winning children’s author, Donna L Martin, creates a sports adventure story for any boy or girl who has ever struggled with self-confidence or wanting to give up on their dreams of winning at something.

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Story Catcher Publishing Expansion: To “AI” or not “AI”? That is the question!

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No matter where you look these days, you will find debates hot and heavy on whether or not to use artificial intelligence to boost a writer’s creativity. Everyone has an opinion…some in favor of computer programs to generate stories that simply needs a name attached to it…and others vehemently opposed to any source other than stories coming straight from the writer’s imagination.

So, which way is best? The tried and true of old school? Or boldly stepping into a new frontier where writer and AI work hand in hand to create stories for the next generation to discover?

If artificial intelligence programs had been available fifty years ago when I first started writing stories, I might have been tempted to lean toward a little bit of helpful “assistance” in completing my stories. But at what cost? I might have ended up with a decent story, but would have missed out on the opportunity to grow as a writer through trial and error.

As a Certified Taekwondo Instructor, I could either choose to teach my students the stepping-stone curriculum which eventually leads to Black Belt, or I can simply hand them that black belt and let them out into the community with the false sense of confidence that may not protect them from the harshness of the REAL world.

When Story Catcher Publishing opens up for submissions in the Fall, we will endeavor to make sure only the very best stories are shared with the world. We don’t believe that will include any stories created with the help of artificial intelligence. The entire team will be working hard to support our authors and it’s only fair our authors work as hard as we do!

But for those of you who are considering using AI to supplement your writing, here are a few articles you might want to read:

The 7 Best AI Story Writer Tools in 2023
5 Best AI Story Generator Tools To Write Fiction Fast 2022
Artificial intelligence for writing: 10 helpful AI uses

************

What do books and a martial arts tournament have in common? For Alex, Billy, and Nathan…A LOT! Based loosely on a true story, follow these three friends as they work to raise enough money to enter their school’s tournament. Who will win, who will lose, and who will learn a valuable lesson? Read THE WARRIORS THREE to find out! 

Fourth Degree Black Belt and award-winning children’s author, Donna L Martin, creates a sports adventure story for any boy or girl who has ever struggled with self-confidence or wanting to give up on their dreams of winning at something.

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Story Catcher Publishing Expansion: 5 Easy Peasy Book Launch Party Tips

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When Story Catcher Publishing opens up this fall for submissions, we are hoping to be able to celebrate many new book launches with our authors. With that in mind, we wanted to share some easy peasy tips for having a book launch that is not only fun, but increases the chances of getting books sales off to a strong start.

PICK A THEME

Do you write mysteries? Are your picture book characters animals? Is fantasy your thing? Whatever the theme is, make it the focal point of the party. When your audience is caught up in the theme of the party, it’s only natural for them to drift to the book table for a signed copy of your party themed book!

SELECT A DATE

Is there something in your story that can be tied to a specific date? If I was doing a launch party for my HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams book about the Titanic, I might choose the maiden voyage date for my party. If your book has a specific holiday theme, maybe pick a date close to the holiday your book helps celebrate. If your target audience is teachers or librarians, maybe check the calendar for a day that is special to them and hitch your party to that wagon!

CHOOSE A VENUE

While bookstores are a great first choice when you’re thinking about where to have your book launch party, don’t overlook other possibilities as well. Check out places like bowling alleys, library meeting rooms, daycares, and even karate dojos like I’m contemplating using for the book launch of my latest chapter book, THE WARRIORS THREE, where three young boys try to raise money to attend a taekwondo tournament while still supporting a local library’s annual book drive. Look outside the box to find a really creative way to celebrate your book’s launch day.

GENERATE EXCITEMENT

Working hard to put a book launch party together won’t go far if you don’t advertise what’s about to happen. This is the time to work your social media, newsletters, venue websites, local newspapers and radio stations looking for feel good stories. If you plan to tie a portion of your sales to a local charity or other good cause, make sure to connect with them to have them share your good news as well.

SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT

While you want your party visitors to learn more about you as an author, you don’t want to hog the limelight. Try to have a photographer to take lots of pictures and videos of everyone having a good time. If you have a website, those book launch party pics and book signing photo ops will look great in your photo gallery.

Book launch parties can be large or small, costs hundreds of dollars or just pennies backed with a lot of creativity. What’s most important is to have fun while you are working the crowd and generating excitement about your latest book. Here are some links for more book launch party ideas…

https://writingcooperative.com/how-to-throw-a-successful-book-launch-party-43f91a842d71

https://www.smithpublicity.com/2018/01/bookbaby-blog-throw-book-launch-party-isnt-waste-time/?_vsrefdom=googleppc&gclid=CjwKCAjw_YShBhAiEiwAMomsENyMNOhyszHCQ2iUU8hOVWTDCwk4q0x3TKw6n2Oa2Cs-7fRGdNb9vhoCt3MQAvD_BwE
Check Out These 12 Creative Book Launch Ideas
Book Launch Parties: 15 Tips for the Best Party Ever!

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Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Story Catcher Publishing Expansion: When Rhyming Matters

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Most young children (and a lot of adults too) love listening to rhyming picture books. The lyrical storylines with near perfect rhyme, rhythm, and meter capture a reader’s imagination and creates worlds full of page turning adventure or whimsical silliness. But even though some people think this genre may be easy to write, a GREAT rhyming picture book contains certain key elements.

When Story Catcher Publishing opens for submissions in the fall, we will be looking for rhyming picture books which have these key elements as well as a strong storyline…

CHOOSE YOUR RHYTHM

Rhyming picture books are known for their lovely lyrical sentence structure. Nowhere is the word choice and placement of those words as important as in a rhyming picture book. Select your rhythm or pattern and STICK TO IT! Whether you choose couplets, A/B Alternate rhymes, simple four-line rhymes, etc. be sure to remain consistent to the pattern you have chosen. Once your story is read out loud, any deviation from that chosen pattern will jump right out to declare you amateurish attempt at writing a rhyming picture book.

WHAT ABOUT METER?

Once you have your rhythm chosen for your story, you have to pay attention to your meter or syllable beats for each line. You can’t jump around like a cat on a hot tin roof. Be consistent! Let’s say your first two line have a 10 syllable beat to it. Then your third and fourth line drop down to a 6 beat pattern. That means lines five and six would typically repeat the 10 syllable beat. Lines seven and eight would then follow with a 6 beat pattern. This way a writer stays true to the rhythm they’ve chosen AND conformed to the meter they’ve selected.

MAKE THOSE WORDS COUNT

I’ve mentioned before the industry “sweet spot” for picture book word count runs 300-500. Add to that the challenge of sticking to a patterned rhyme and now there is added pressure to make those words count! This is where some writers make the creative decision to switch to prose instead of rhyme.

DON’T SACRIFICE YOUR STORY

Once you’ve picked your rhyme, rhythm, meter, and words, you have to then make sure you still have a story to tell. The end result must still have a beginning, middle, and end. The main character still has a problem to solve, adventure to go on, a mission to accomplish, etc. and the reader can find a satisfactory ending to the story where the main character has grown in some way from a subtle lesson learned.

Here are some ways to help writers improve their rhyming picture book skills:

READ IN YOUR GENRE

It can’t be emphasized enough about reading as many books as you can in the genre you want to write about. Study the classics but embrace current industry favorites (released within the past five years) so you can be fully aware of what is out there…what is winning awards and capturing the attention of those readers you want to read your own book!

READ OUT LOUD

Once you have completed your manuscript…paying attention to rhyme, rhythm, meter, etc. then read your story out loud. Better yet, have someone who isn’t familiar with your story at all read it out loud. If there is hesitation or sudden stops in the flow of your words, then make notes of where you have to focus your editing efforts before submitting your story to an agent or publisher.

DON’T TALK LIKE YODA

Writing, or speaking, in a forced rhyme only works for a certain Star Wars character. Here’s an example:

“Whenever we go for a walk,

with you, I like to talk.”

No one but Yoda could get away with talking like that and you certainly don’t want to see it in a rhyming picture book. Be very careful to not put “forced rhymes” in your manuscript. It screams your lack of skill writing that type of picture book. It is the main reason some agents and publishers won’t even accept rhyming picture books as part of their submissions, so pay close attention to your sentence structure!

Writing rhyming picture books can be a huge challenge for some writers, but that’s not to say it’s completely impossible to have a strong rhyming story. Everyone knows Dr. Seuss’ lovely rhyming picture books, but here is a small list of other authors just as skillful so check them out!

Bill Martin

Giles Andreae

Claire Freedman

Anna Dewdney

Julia Donaldson

Arnold Lobel

Kess Gray

Just to name a few…;-)

***********

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Marty’s Mission, An Apollo 11 Story by Judy Young

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TITLE: Marty’s Mission, An Apollo 11 Story

AUTHOR: Judy Young

ILLUSTRATOR: David Miles

PUBLISHER: Sleeping Bear Press, 2019

SYNOPSIS:

It’s 1969 and Marty’s family lives on the U.S. island of Guam, where his father manages the NASA tracking station. It’s important work and never more so than during the Apollo 11 space mission, where the tracking station relays signals back and forth between the astronauts and Mission Control in Houston, Texas. Along with the rest of the world, Marty listens to every mission update, including the historic landing on the moon and astronaut Neil Armstrong’s first steps. But during Apollo 11’s return to Earth, something goes wrong. There is a problem with the tracking station’s antenna during the final hours of the mission. The problem must be resolved–the antenna is the only way Mission Control can communicate with the astronauts before Apollo 11 splashes down. Marty finds himself playing a key role in helping bring the craft safely back to Earth.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I was young when Apollo 11 took its trip to the moon. I didn’t fully understand what was happening and I certainly wouldn’t have had the maturity of mind and courage of spirit to do what young Marty did to help the astronauts of Apollo 11 to return home safely. Author Judy Young has woven a wonderful story about how one young boy’s chance to help with the lunar mission turns the tide and guarantees NASA lives to dream another day! A nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!



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Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Happy New Year 2023!

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MY NEW YEAR’S WISH

By Donna L Martin

All gifts are unwrapped,

Festive paper lay torn,

Darkened Christmas lights

Make trees look forlorn.

A new year has come

With a wish and a prayer

For health and happiness

And a joyous New Year!

**********

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

COME TO ME 2023!

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Now that Christmas Day is behind me, I’m taking the rest of this week off to decompress and recharge. This year has been incredibly busy for the growth of Story Catcher Publishing and the vision for the new year is a very ambitious one!

Here are some of the highlights from the past year:

  1. February 8th…HAILEY HATS…this picture book is the first one SCP rolled out and is about a young girl whose identity is tied to whatever hat she is wearing that day. The problem begins when Sunday comes along, and Hailey runs out of hats. Who will she be then?
  2. February 11th…THE STORY CATCHER…this picture book is a remake of a traditionally published edition originally released in 2015. The publishing house then shuts down their picture book imprint and returns my rights to me. This story of one young girl’s struggle with learning to read whenever the words run away from her brings attention to learning disorders and the magic that comes with learning to read.
  3. August 23rd…A BUMP IN THE NIGHT…this picture book was released for the Halloween season. Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. Both are in for a surprise when they try overcoming their fears.
  4. December 21st…THE GREAT POTATO RACE…this picture book was inspired by master chef Gordon Ramsey. All Fox wants is a lovely potato meal, but those tasty taters make a getaway. The race is on for Fox and his friends as friendship and teamwork is on the menu if they are ever going to catch those pesky potatoes!

Then two of my HISTORY’S MYSTERIES titles…Ship of Dreams, and The Chocolate Train Wreck…which have already received 5-star reviews from READERS FAVORITES and a nice Kirkus Review, went on to win as FINALISTS in the American Book Fest.

Story Catcher Publishing also participated in a variety of author events, festivals, and shipped book donations to a Florida Children’s Hospital NICU department to help with neonatal therapy.

In 2023, Story Catcher Publishing starts on a new adventure to expand further into the KidLit community which will help aspiring authors to get their stories out into the world. The BIG announcement will hopefully coincide with the coming of spring as well as the release of book four in the HISTORY’S MYSTERIES, titled President Lincoln’s Balloons. I will document my journey with the SCP expansion in Wednesday blog posts and will continue to offer BOOK NOOK REVIEWS on Mondays and Fridays.

It’s going to be a super busy 2023 and I’m super excited to share my good news with you soon! Until then, Happy Holidays and here’s to a prosperous New Year! Now to go cuddle with my fur babies and get some much needed rest!

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Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: My Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

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TITLE: My Penguin Osbert

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

ILLUSTRATOR: H. B. Lewis

PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2004

SYNOPSIS:

This year, I was very specific in my letter to Santa Claus.

Each year at Christmas, Joe writes a letter to Santa. But they’ve had a few misunderstandings in the past. Last year, for example, Joe wanted a fire-engine-red racecar with retracting headlights, and he did get one — but it was only three inches long. So this year Joe is really, really careful. He describes exactly what he wants — and on Christmas morning, guess what’s waiting for him under the tree! Santa has brought him a living, breathing, black-and-white penguin named Osbert. Will anything in Joe’s life ever be the same?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK :  I had to chuckle when I read this picture book. I could so completely relate to the main character’s predicament. Like him, I wished for a special pet to call my own. His was a live penguin. Mine was two cats. The IDEA of Osbert (and my cats) is to provide a companion to follow in our footsteps. What he actually gets is far more humorous than one would imagine. Both Osbert AND my cats rule the roost where we are merely their human servants! A cute addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection



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Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE! ***Coming soon from Story Catcher Publishing***

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: www.donasdays@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Thanksgiving Edition

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Today is Thanksgiving Day in the US. I hope my friends all around the country are enjoying this day with friends and family. If you spend any time reading on this special day, here are a few books you might want to add to your family library to help celebrate this special day! And the turkey fellow above was sketched by yours truly a few years ago as part of a Doodle Day challenge. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve read any of these wonderful books…

A thirteen-year-old boy and his mother move to a farm in rural Virginia where he and his grandfather develop a growing bond while trying to hunt a wild tom turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner.

Max is excited about the big turkey he has picked out for his family’s Thanksgiving dinner. He and his sister help prepare the fixings, and soon his friends and relatives bring their own dishes and merriment. Abby Levine’s humorous, rhyming story gets to the heart of the Thanksgiving celebration. Max and his family were first introduced in This Is the Pumpkin.

A boy and his family endure a difficult nine-week journey across the ocean and survive the first winter at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts.

The Pilgrims embarked on their legendary Mayflower voyage in 1620 in search of religious freedom and a better life. The settlers were unprepared for the hardships they would face at the end of their journey, but with the help of their neighbor Indians, the Pilgrims survived the first year in their new world. Then, when their fall harvest was plentiful, the Pilgrims and the Indians joined together in a three-day celebration, the first Thanksgiving.

Combining fiction and nonfiction, this dramatic story follows the Robertson family as they prepare for Thanksgiving in the year 1841. As with all Canadian pioneer families, Thanksgiving is a special day for the Robertsons, but this year they have more reasons than usual to give thanks. Each chapter of the story is enhanced by information about the pioneer period and how Thanksgiving was celebrated in the past. Children will learn about the wild harvest, harvest superstitions and how the First Peoples celebrated the harvest. The past comes alive through hands-on activities such as making a corn dolly or learning to play conkers.

What better way to understand the joys and sorrows of the Pilgrims than to read their own words? Nearly four hundred years after they were written, the Pilgrim’s own writings are still the most dramatic account of their adventure in the New World. In Pilgrim Voices, Connie and Peter Roop pair vivid passages from diaries and journals with Shelley Pritchett’s rich paintings to reveal the true flavor of the Pilgrim experience.

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