BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Halloween Edition

 

Can you believe Halloween is just a week away!

My sister and I always enjoyed the holiday season. For us, it begins October 1st and goes until January 1st. For me, I visit my local library at the beginning of October to see the new arrivals and to hang out with the classics. This year was no different. I’ve read at least 50 picture books over the past three weeks, and I’d like to share a few of my favorites. Maybe they will become favorites at YOUR house this Halloween!

“A bouncy rhyme and delightful artwork bring this pumpkin fair to life. The young narrator is ecstatic to be at the local pumpkin fair, where pumpkins of every size are on display—and that’s not all! There’s pumpkin bowling, a pumpkin pull, and every sort of food you can imagine made from the orange stuff, from ice cream to stew. . . . Christelow’s good-natured watercolor-and-ink illustrations are filled with things to look at and laugh about, including a marching band in pumpkin suits. Keep this book around to read for autumn story hours—but you might want a piece of pumpkin pie when you’re done.”—ALA Booklist

 

At the old haunted house
In a room with no sun
Lived a warty green witch
And her wee witchy one.

There are all kinds of creatures in the house: a big Ma monster and her wee monsters two, a scrawny black cat and her wee kittens three, a green Pa goblin and his wee goblins four, and more! Count along as the creatures prepare for the Halloween Fright. The text, written in the pattern of the popular poem “Over in the Meadow,” makes reading aloud fun, while the cinematic illustrations set the scene for an unforgettable romp through the old haunted house. Trick or treat!

Mouse’s appetite leads him on a Halloween adventure when he hitches a ride in a trick-or-treat bag of candy and finds himself alone in a haunted house.

Little Monster is going trick-or-treating for the very first time. There are going to be all kinds of creatures about, like witches and vampires and zombies. And lots of spooky noises too! As Little Monster makes his way around the neighborhood, Papa is there to help guide him through his fears as they encounter one scary thing after another…until they reach the last house of the night. It’s the spookiest house of all, and?YIKES!?there might be a surprise waiting for them. Will Little Monster be brave?

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you’ve wondered . . . what do snowmen do when we’re not watching?

After an early snowfall, a few kids build some snowmen before going trick-or-treating. And when the kids go off to bed, the snowmen have their own Halloween festival! There’s candy and apple-bobbing and costume contests and all sorts of autumn activities. When the kids wake up the next morning, the snowmen are gone . . . but they’ve left a very special message behind.

In this rhythmic story, an unsuspecting brother and sister bring a toy skeleton home from the harvest fair. They name it Fred McFee and hang it from a sycamore tree. Soon, eerie things begin to happen. And then on Halloween night, Fred vanishes!

And my OWN contribution to this spooky season is my picture book…

“Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. One day, boy and monster both decide they no longer want to be afraid of what hides in the dark. Both have a plan but will be surprised by what they discover during A BUMP IN THE NIGHT.”

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

Editor and author, Donna L Martin has been writing for over fifty years. Her genres include poetry, flash fiction, picture books, historical fiction and sport chapter books, young adult fantasy, memoir journals, and inspirational essays for anthologies. In 2010, her first story was traditionally published, and Donna has worked hard over the past several years to produce the best in children’s stories. In 2018, she received the rights back to her debut picture book and decided to open her own publishing house. Since 2018, Story Catcher Publishing has released several books in a variety of genres. Some of these books have gone on to win local awards and 5-star ratings from nationally recognized organizations. Beginning November 1st, 2023, Story Catcher Publishing will open its doors to query letters from new and established authors for a chance to work with our professional design team to bring their stories to life!

You can follow Donna on Facebook (www. facebook.com/donasdays), Twitter (www.twitter.com/donasdays), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/donasdays), or you can contact her via email at www.storycatcherpublishing.com

 

 

Standing Still in a Tilt-a-Whirl World

I know it’s been a while since I posted here, but unfortunately LIFE does not always care about individual schedules and my own schedule was thrown into a whirl by several life-changing events since May of this year.

Tilt-a-Whirl #1

Some of you have met my sister in real life, while others have read her comments on my various social media accounts. This past March, she developed a wound on her left foot which became toxic to her system, and she had an emergency amputation which forced her to give up her home before moving into a long-term care facility an hour from me. Overnight I went from being the youngest sibling in our family living my own life, to being totally responsible (financially and medically) for my sister and all THAT entails. It has been stressful and challenging as we both try to adjust to her role as an amputee and my role as a semi-caretaker. We’re still figuring things out.

Tilt-a-Whirl #2

For the past 21 years I’ve had the pleasure of running our martial arts school. I’ve trained to achieve the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt and Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. I worked with hundreds of students (children and adults) and helped them achieve their own martial arts goals over the years. When the pandemic arrived in 2020 our school took a massive hit to our student base and three years later, we were finally forced to close our school’s doors forever. Making that announcement and saying goodbye to my students placed tremendous stress on an already stressed out mind/body.

Tilt-a-Whirl #3

Closing our school’s doors threw me into the unemployment arena. I could file for unemployment, but the bad news was I had so much difficulty actually applying, I never received help these past few months. This added to my stress load and forced me to be creative on how to live day to day on ZERO income. Early retirement benefits should kick in next month so there’s that.

So what’s a girl to do?

Count my blessings…

Blessings #1

My sister is still here. She was literally days…if not hours…away from dying back in March so the loss of a leg is a small price to pay in my book to still be among the living. I visit her once a week and talk to her several times a day. I definitely count THAT as a blessing!

Blessings #2

Being unemployed and having no income from a job forced me to reevaluate my life. I simplified things. I sought out help from groups equipped to help me and gave back in my own way whenever I could. My life is more streamlined now, and I spent some of this time to implement some much-needed self-care and THAT is never a bad thing!

Blessings #3

Filing for early retirement and getting approved will allow me to not be forced to seek another job. I can focus on my writing more and expand Story Catcher Publishing like I’ve wanted to for so many years now. My next picture book, A BARNYARD CHRISTMAS, will come out around mid-November. I will also FINALLY be able to complete book four in my HISTORY’S MYSTERIES series called “President Lincoln’s Balloons”. It was originally scheduled to be released in 2021 but the pandemic threw my life into a continuous tilt-a-whirl, so now maybe I can get off that crazy ride and release my next book in that series!

Final thoughts…

As writers, we sometimes allow other people, other obligations, other tilt-a-whirl circumstances to derail our commitment to our stories. Family comes first. Job responsibilities get in the way. Everyday wear and tear on our minds or bodies can wear our spirits down.

But that fire isn’t out…just diminished by time and “tilts” happening out of your control. So, make it work in your favor! Start your day with a mental list of blessings. Find a few minutes each day to focus on your writing…even if it’s just running a scene through your head to get clarification before you can actually get back to your story. Take a hard look at your schedule and simplify your life where you can, even if it’s taking just one thing off your plate.

Small steps to reclaim your writerly life and THAT helps you stand firm in the middle of your own tilt-a-whirl world!

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

Scare up a little fun this Halloween with this cute holiday read!

Book blurb…

Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. One day, boy and monster both decide they no longer want to be afraid of what hides in the dark. Both have a plan but will be surprised by what they discover during A BUMP IN THE NIGHT.

Donna L Martin wanted to create her own stories after her older sister taught her to read at age four. By the time she was eleven, Donna entered her essay “Why I Love America” in her hometown library’s annual writing contest and won first place!

In 2013, Donna fulfilled a lifelong dream when her first story was published in Chicken For The Soul: Angels Among Us. Ten years later, she finds the time to write picture books, historical fiction chapter books, sport chapter books, young adult fantasy, and inspirational essays, as well as being the editor at Story Catcher Publishing. 

Donna shares her stories with audiences all around the world through her writing blog and author website at http://storycatcherpublishing.com. She also loves participating in kids’ writing workshops and author book signings.

She is a member of the Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators, Children’s Book Insider, and Alliance of Independent Authors. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach, and adding to her growing book collection.

ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY…TO THOSE LEFT BEHIND…

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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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!

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:

http://alextucker.ca/ai-story-generator/
http://www.nownovel.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-for-writing/

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

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: [email protected]

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

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…

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

http://www.smithpublicity.com/2018/01/bookbaby-blog-throw-book-launch-party-isnt-waste-time/?_vsrefdom=googleppc&gclid=CjwKCAjw_YShBhAiEiwAMomsENyMNOhyszHCQ2iUU8hOVWTDCwk4q0x3TKw6n2Oa2Cs-7fRGdNb9vhoCt3MQAvD_BwE
http://www.pinterest.com/princessdine/book-launch-party/

***********

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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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

TITLE: Marty’s Mission, An Apollo 11 Story

AUTHORJudy 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!

?

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

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: [email protected]

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!

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: [email protected]

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!

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!

**********

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: [email protected]

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