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: Nothing Special by Desiree Cooper

TITLE: Nothing Special

AUTHOR: Desiree Cooper

ILLUSTRATOR: Bec Sloane

PUBLISHER: Wayne State University Press, 2022

SYNOPSIS: 

Six-year-old Jax can’t wait to leave Detroit and spend a week with his grandparents in coastal Virginia, where he’s sure he’ll be spoiled with the kinds of special things he enjoys at home: toys, movies, and hamburgers. As he dreams of the adventures he’ll have, his PopPop has other ideas. He fills their days with timeless summer fun-crabbing, shucking corn, and counting fireflies.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Everything about this book brings back overwhelming memories of growing up in the deep South. Going with the family to the nearest rocky beach for some crab hunting. Making homemade kites and flying them in the nearest open field. Shucking all the corn dumped on our front porch by the traveling vegetable man. I have some of the same sweet memories Jax has to take back home! And the lovely illustrations remind me of Claymation’s cartoon characters I would wait all year long to watch on TV each Christmas season. Nothing special memories for some folk, but they meant the world to me. 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: Who Wants To Be A Winner?

Whether it’s your first book or your tenth one, it’s always celebration time when your book is finally born and sent out into the world to be shared with others.

Yesterday, Story Catcher Publishing released its tenth children’s book, THE WARRIORS THREE and we’re continuing the celebration with not ONE, or TWO, but FIVE signed copies of this sport adventure chapter book kids ages 7-12 years old. Story Catcher Publishing will also be giving away FIVE swag bags of goodies! All you need to do is click on the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to be entered into the FREE drawing! Winners will be announced on Monday, 5/29…Memorial Day in the US.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/10046a023/

The reviews are starting to roll in and we’re dancing a jig!

 “Great children’s book Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2023

I really enjoyed this book! I was actually a taekwondo student around the age of the boys in the story and the descriptions of the school, tournaments, and their teachers brought back so many warm nostalgic feelings for me. I could imagine every sentence as I read. Beautiful job and a sweet book about perseverance and mentorship. ??” Liz

“Fun Read With Some Great Lessons! Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2023

The story is easy to follow and fun to read! The wonderfully descriptive story makes you feel like you know these kids in real life. My favorite parts are the lessons that are intertwined throughout the story. It was a great reminder as a parent, it’s okay to make kids brainstorm their own solutions and to also accept loses from time to time. The history lesson at the end was interested as well, I had no idea! Great read and highly recommend.” Courtney

A must read for new parents! Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2023

This story is a modern parable; although fun, it gently teaches several critical life lessons.
Simply written, and fast enough to keep young readers engaged, The Warriors Three could be read by a junior reader on their own or used as a bedtime reader by a parent and be enjoyed by both. While age appropriate, the author has made the characters real enough to engage with emotionally. As events unfold, you share their successes, and failures, as they strive for greatness. The history lesson provided is a bonus for those interested in the background! This is a must read for new parents. The mentality it encourages is essential for growth, happiness and success in life.” Steve

Story Catcher Publishing will be opening its door to submissions later this Fall and we can’t wait to share all those lovely stories with the world!

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

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

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: That Stinks! by Alan Katz

TITLE: That Stinks!

AUTHOR: Alan Katz

ILLUSTRATOR: Stephen Gilpin

PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster, 2016

SYNOPSIS: 

When the teacher says it’s too rainy to go outside for recess and the kids must stay inside for show and tell, she gets an unexpected reaction: “That stinks!” exclaims Jimmy. The class gasps—but then it turns out Jimmy has brought a skunk for show and tell! “Aw, nuts!” says Susie. She’s brought pecans, almonds, and walnuts. Yum! 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I must confess that there are times when I prejudge a story by its cover. I think a lot of people will do that sometimes. I did this with author Alan Katz’ picture book, THAT STINKS! I was expecting a borderline raunchy look at maybe the potty mouths of school yard children.

I couldn’t have been more wrong!

This funny book about show and tell will get the kiddies giggling over stinky pet skunks and smelly Linburger cheese. Illustrator Stephen Gilpin jumped in with both feet and created artwork worthy of this engaging storyline. 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

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: The Treasure Box by Dave J Keane

TITLE: The Treasure Box

AUTHOR: Dave J Keane

ILLUSTRATOR: Rahele Jomepour Bell

PUBLISHER: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2022

SYNOPSIS: 

Searching for treasures with her grandpa is this young girl’s favorite thing to do. Every week they examine the items in her secret box and go on walks to find more—a broken robin’s egg, rusty spring, even a snakeskin that makes Grandpa squirm and make funny faces.
 
But then Grandpa is too sick to come. She leaves him a few treasures in the hospital, but when he dies, she can’t bring herself to even open the treasure box.
 
When Grammy brings her some treasures Grandpa wanted her to have, they open the box together and continue the tradition, showing that memories of time together are the greatest treasures of all.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Such a poignant, sweet story surrounded by delicious illustrations to engage all your senses. A little girl has a secret treasure box she shares only with her grandfather. A special bond is formed when they go treasure hunting together. But what happens when Grandfather is no longer around? It might be time to share those treasures with someone else. A lovely 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

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: A Cape! by Marty Kelley

TITLE: A Cape!

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR:  Marty Kelley

PUBLISHER: Sleeping Bear Press, 2021

SYNOPSIS: 

When a boy finds a cape (!!!) he knows it must mean he has a superpower, everyone with a cape has one. But dad is far too distracted to play, until the boy discovers he does have a superpower–a super powerful imagination!–far too powerful for dad to resist. This is a silly celebration of childhood, imagination, and the power of play.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : The pure joy on that young man’s face called out to me from across the room when I walked into my local public library. I especially love that most of Mr. Kelley’s picture book is created in black & white, which accentuates the action between the main character and his father. Take one energetic kid with a wild imagination and one steadfast dad focusing on the more serious side of life, and you have a recipe for a fun-filled afternoon with a surprising ending. 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]

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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