Mom’s Story; A Child Learns About MS by Mary Nickum

Mom’s Story; A Child Learns About MS tells the story of a young girl who sees her mother with some frightening health problems and learns she has MS but she will not die from it. This book is a compassionate, accessible and easy to understand account of symptoms, search for help, diagnosis and adaptation to this heart-wrenching disease. Amy fears the worst, which is common when one is confronted by the unknown. Her best friend, Kayla, doesn’t quite understand why Amy is so worried. Amy’s older sister, Kelly is concerned and does her best to help, while older brother, Tony, tries to deny the whole situation. Information is the key to allaying much of her fear along with understanding from parents, adult friends and her older sister.

An Interview with Mary Nickum

Why did you write this book? I wrote the book to help demystify some of the fearsome events a child might experience when a parent begins to have symptoms of MS. They can be frightening—parent falling, dropping things, slurred speech and many others.

What was the hardest part? The hardest part of writing this book was reducing the technical explanations of this disease to a vocabulary that children 8-11 would understand. In this effort I was careful not to mislead or make an out-and-out error in fact. To be sure about this, I asked my neurologist to read and review it for accuracy, which he did.

What was easiest or most fun? The most fun was developing the characters, especially Tony. I have two sons, and at 11 going on 12, thinking back, I could “hear” Tony.

What do you hope people get from your book? I hope people will find information and solace in the book. Being diagnosed with MS is a life-changing event. Information is the key to allaying fear in adults and children.

How do you want to be remembered as an author? As an author, I want to be remembered for the accuracy and forthright telling of my stories.

What's next for you? I now have three picture books awaiting publishers’ decisions. I also have an e-zine article under publisher review. I’m considering writing books on the immune system for ages 8-11.

The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again by James Maxon

A nameless cat lives in a town of dry, unhappy people devoid of moisture, joy and creativity. How did the townspeople get this way? Who stole the moisture? And how can one crafty cat return moisture -- and life -- to his town? "The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again" tells the tale of how a feline hero discovers these answers. On his journey he overcomes obstacles with wit and determination, finds new friends in unexpected places and learns the simple joy -- and transcendent power -- of helping others.



Interview with James:

Why did you write this book?

The house I grew up in was full of cats, and I had an idea to write a fairytale about one in particular named Sam, who was my mother’s favorite cat. I wanted to write a story about him mainly for her, but after receiving such positive feedback from people I decided to put the story into book format.

What was the hardest part?

Speed and time . . . or rather, lack of speed and lack of time. I’m such a perfectionist that I found myself constantly going back to rework the writing rather than just moving ahead and worrying about fixing the issues later.

What was easiest or most fun?

Writing dialog has always come easily to me. I enjoyed creating the speech of my characters and was constantly delighted to see where they [the characters] took me next.

What do you hope people get from your book?

In the book, I have a character called “the seed”. The nameless cat finds the seed -- which a farmer dropped by accident in the middle of the path -- and tries to help him to no avail. The cat decides that the best course of action is to eat the seed and put him out of his misery. Later in the story we find that the seed becomes the main tool in defeating the dreaded sponges (who have taken the moisture from the world).

I think it’s important for children to learn what it means to be someone of worth, and it is my hope that this book can reach children who are struggling like I did. I try to write in a way that can reach all ages, providing stories that children can understand, yet still giving enough depth and symbolism for adults to relate to.

How do you want to be remembered as an author?

It is said that an author often does not become famous until they die. Where this is not always an appealing prospect, it does have a strong sense of longevity. When I am long gone, my hope is that my words will remain in the world, showing the truths that I have learned, and changing others for the better.

What's next for you?

I'm currently working on a story about a 15-year-old boy who dreams of becoming a wizard. Even though his father is known throughout the land as a powerful wizard, both him and his mother have forbidden Traphis from learning magic. A year after the death of his father, Traphis finds new doors opening and the world of magic more than he bargained for.

It starts out like a typical fantasy story with a young boy living on a farm, but that’s where the stereotypical fantasy ends. My intention is to introduce many new and exciting elements into this genre in hopes of drawing in more readers.

Gonzo the Curious Cat by Martha Ramirez

Gonzo is a curious cat that lives on Farmer Louie's farm. As he learns the many lessons of life by his misadventures, he is often reminded of Farmer Louie's motto, "Safety First." Farmer Louie always knew that Gonzo's curiosity and adventurous personality would one day get him into trouble. But when Gonzo finds himself lost in an unfamiliar place, he discovers the true meaning of why it is important to be extra careful and less curious. Will Gonzo find the special gift he is searching for while lost? Come join the fun and meet all the playful barnyard friends, Gonzo the Curious Cat, and Farmer Louie. Learn what friendship and safety can bring.




Interview with Martha Ramirez:

Why did you write this book?

Gonzo the Curious Cat was inspired by my brother-in-law Gonzalo, AKA "Gonzo." When he was a young boy he was struck by a car, it nearly ended his life. In 2008 it happened again. A car struck him, nearly ending his life once more. What are the odds of that? I went to visit him in the hospital and I got this compelling need to write a story for children about safety awareness. Each character is named after a family member. The book is actually based on many misadventures that my brother-in-law has lived through. He's just like a cat with 9 lives. It is also dedicated to my father-in-law who recently passed away (Farmer Louie).

What was the hardest part? Can't think of anything LOL. Not with this particular book, anyway.

What was easiest or most fun? Naming all the animals after family members.

What do you hope people get from your book? Safety is important.

How do you want to be remembered as an author? I want to be remembered as a great entertainer. Also I would like my storytelling to be able to touch lives, in some way or another.:)

What's next for you? I am currently seeking representation for my debut novel. I am also working on both a paranormal story and a memoir (as well as other children books). You may visit my Website at: www.MartzBookz.com. I also have a blog at: www.martzbookz.blogspot.com and a reviews page:www.martzreviewz.blogspot.com

Gonzo the Curious Cat by Martha Ramirez

Gonzo is a curious cat that lives on Farmer Louie's farm. As he learns the many lessons of life by his misadventures, he is often reminded of Farmer Louie's motto, "Safety First." Farmer Louie always knew that Gonzo's curiosity and adventurous personality would one day get him into trouble. But when Gonzo finds himself lost in an unfamiliar place, he discovers the true meaning of why it is important to be extra careful and less curious. Will Gonzo find the special gift he is searching for while lost? Come join the fun and meet all the playful barnyard friends, Gonzo the Curious Cat, and Farmer Louie. Learn what friendship and safety can bring.

Visit MartzBookz.com for more info



An Interview with Martha Ramirez:

1. Why did you write this book?

Gonzo the Curious Cat was written in honor of my brother-n-law Gonzo and father-in-law. When my brother-in-law was struck by a car (the second time in his life) I decided that children need to be reminded about safety. My brother-in-law, Gonzo, is like a cat with nine lives! In the book I share stories on how Gonzo's curiosity gets him into trouble. Farmer Louie reminds Gonzo how to stay safe, but Gonzo is more mischievous than Farmer Louie would like.

2. What was hardest to write about this book?

My father-in-law passed away shortly before I started writing the story. Though he couldn't read English I still would had liked to have shown him what he would had looked like as a cartoon.

3. What did you enjoy writing the most?

Naming all the animals after my family.

4. What do you hope folks will get from this book?

The importance of safety.

5. What's next for you?

A romance suspense (YA) debut novel.

Rajah and the Big Blue Ball by Mosetta Penick Phillips-Cermak

Rajah, the big black dog, likes to play in his big back yard. He chases the leaves. He sniffs the air every day. It is his favorite place. One day a strange thing happens. Something hits Rajah on the head. It scares him. A blue ball is up in the sky. Where did the ball come from? Did it do it on purpose? Did it want to make him afraid? Rajah has to find the courage to take back his own world. Written by the author of The Wishing Flower and The Magic of Laven-Rock, Rajah and the Big Blue Ball looks into the face of the unknown.

Available from: Barnes and Noble Online
Note: She is donating $1.00 of each sale to the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

Interview with Dr. Mosetta:

1. Why did you write this book?

It was originally written for one of my favorite group of children, in my favorite classroom. The classroom was in a model school for the District. Although the school first opened its doors eighty-four years ago (in 1924), it was the first year that this school had been K-8. As such, most of the 65 teachers were new to the school. I was new to the school.

Located in the middle of what is still considered a particularly dangerous inner-city neighborhood of a large metropolitan city, all of our students were considered disadvantaged. The families in our school were at or slightly above poverty level.

Most of the children came from single parent families, or were living with foster or adoptive families, but many have extensive support systems through a lattice of extended family within the same household, or within walking distance of the school.
There were no discipline problems even though two children were under psychiatric care. One student had seizures, and one student had severe asthma.

Of the 21 students, two were African-American, one was Asian Indian, five students were Hispanic, one was of mixed black/white ethnicity, and the remaining 13 students were white.

It was for these children that I wrote "Rajah and the Big Blue Ball". It was from their "Tell Me a Story" time that this book evolved.

Some students in the classroom were the subject of custody battles by their parents, and another student watched as one of his cousins was shot in the head by a drive-by shooter. The child was so traumatized by the sight of blood and neural material splattered all over him, that he did not speak for six months. But when he did, he asked me to tell him a story. And the story I told was "Rajah and the Big Blue Ball".

2. What was most fun about writing this book?

I think that the most fun part of writing this book came when the students asked me every Monday to read the new part of the story that I had written over the weekend.

We had an agreement. I set aside the last period of the day, every Monday, just to read the new parts of the story. They were so patient. They would ask me "what's going to happen next"? I would answer "Rajah hasn't told me, yet".

3. What was most difficult?

The most difficult part was the editing. It was often heart wrenching to let go of parts of the story that were great for oral story telling, but were not so great from a publishing standpoint.

4. Who should read this book?

This book was written for students in the second grade, but I believe that it is a wonderful story to read to children as young as kindergarten. In fact, one of neighbors reads Rajah and the Big Blue Ball to his four year old. She loves the story and asks for it by name. I have even had some students as old as middle school who have read it and seemed to enjoy it.

5. What's next for you?

I am under contract for six more "Rajah" books. I am also editing a middle grade chapter book, and a Young Adult title.

In addition, I have three new stories that I am trying to hone. These three stories are related to things we, as parents, want to teach or children. And, I hope to start an adult horror that I outlined. Finally, I have been working on a parenting book. I hope that after rearing successful children, who have also reared successful children, that I may have something to offer related to this concept.

Savanna's Castle by Martha Hite

Every week the castle drew Savannah like magic.

She longed to have it.

Over the centuries the castle drew others, too. No one until now could see the truth or had the strength of heart to act. Making an unselfish choice is hard, especially for a little girl. Savannah has to decide between having what is her heart's desire, or doing the right thing for someone she doesn't even know.

Learning the secret of the castle pushes Savannah in a difficult direction. Is the secret real or just a story? Should she listen to her heart or her mind?

Written for children in kindergarten through third grade, 'Savannah's Castle' tells the story of a courageous little girl and her moral choice. Set in the modern world, this children’s fantasy is a new look at an old problem.

See the Video:

The Magic of Laven-Rock by Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak

The people of K'briadron lived an idyllic life.

Purple and blue magic created by the Jockspurs supplied their every need. That is, until the coming of the Lockstick.

Princess Kaylin Veronica and her cousin, Prince Theodore, escape the confines of their royal lives and set out to find the being who caused so many problems in their land.

Written by the author of The Wishing Flower, The Magic of Laven-Rock is a delightful fairy tale adventure where children learn that sharing is much better than fighting, and that people throughout the world are not so very different than themselves.

Title: The Magic of Laven-Rock
ISBN: 9780981777733
Author: Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak
Publisher: P.M. Moon Publishers, Limited
$29.95 www.pmmoonpublishers.com


Interview with the Author:

What's your favorite part of the book?

My favorite part of The Magic of Laven-Rock is when Princess Kaylin gives her handkerchief to the "monster" and he begins to cry. The Lockstick stops being selfish and begins to view the world through the eyes of the princess.

What was the most challenging part to write?

I think the most challenging aspect was trying to determine just how scary to make the Lockstick without being too preachy. I didn't want to kill off the "monster". There is too much violence in this world as it is. I wanted him to change into a good person through an act of kindness.

How did you come up with the idea for the story?

Two things happened in a matter of days that gave me the idea for the story.

First, I watched a table of Kindergarteners argue over a box of crayons. The crayons did not to belong to any one child. I had placed a set of crayons on each table for the use of the respective groups. At this one table, the biggest child grabbed all the crayons and would not allow any of the other children to have access. Of course I intervened, but when I talked to him, his response was overwhelming to me. He said, "I don't want to share. No one ever shares with me."

The second thing that happened was that as I watched a news broadcast, there was a piece on the Bush Administrations plan to remove key protection for wildlife in our National Forest System. Somehow, these two events coalesced in my thinking, and the story was born.

What do you hope kids will get from reading your book?

I want the children to understand the one can talk through their problems. The peoples of the earth are more alike than dissimilar. We can work together to share our resources and solve our problems.

What's next for you?

I am currently writing a teachers' curriculum manual to accompany The Magic of Laven-Rock, however, Rajah and the Big Blue Ball is my next release. It is due to be released on or about the 15th of March 2009. I am under contract for five more Rajah stories, These are fun stories with a real-live dog as the protagonist. In each book, Rajah has to find the solution to a problem. In the first one, Rajah as to confront something that scares him. He has to look at the unknown.

Thank you for inviting me to be on your tour, and for allowing me to share my books with your audience.

The Cross and the Water Tower by Patrick Mangan

The Cross and the Water Tower, A Christmas Story was written and illustrated by a group of talented teenage cousins. The story is inspired by a true story.
In 1989, the American Atheists threatened to sue a small Midwestern town to force the removal of the villagers’ crosses from their water towers. The town complied to avoid a costly legal battle. But the story did not end there. The residents then erected crosses everywhere in the town, on homes, businesses, cars, fences, barns - everywhere.

The town’s reaction is the inspiration to this fictional story. This story is not only very entertaining, but has, of course, a very timely theme.

This is a beautiful children’s story done by young people and very well llustrated. Any Catholic family should be happy to have this among their children’s book. I enthusiastically endorse The Cross and the Water Tower.
-Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR Author

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Savvy tells the story of Mibs Beaumont, who is about to become a teenager. If that prospect weren't scary enough, in the Beaumont family the day you turn 13 is the day when you get a special power – your savvy. For example, Mibs has older brothers who can cause hurricanes and another who creates electricity.

But before her big day, Mibs’s dad is in a terrible accident. Will Mibs's new savvy be able to save her dad? Mibs undertakes an extraordinary adventure across America in order to save her dad – and, in the process, she learns a lot about herself and how best to use her special new power.

About Ingrid Law, in her own words:

"Perhaps it was the Lake Champlain monster that started it all. Born in Northern New York in 1970, my first home was a stone's throw from the waters of Lake Champlain and its legendary prehistoric sea monster. From the very start, life was steeped in the lure of the fantastic, of tall tales and big ideas.

When I turned six, my family moved to Colorado, where my father taught in a one-room school house in the tiny mountain town of Gold Hill. In Gold Hill, and places like it, I discovered that small things and small places can be just as interesting and extraordinary as big noisy ones, and even now, I'm drawn to tiny towns and quiet places possessing their own charm and quirky character.

Today, I still live in Colorado, close to family, friends, and the mountains, all of which help keep me from getting lost. I am the mother of an intense and imaginative 13-year-old daughter, and she and I hide away in a lovely old mobile home, with rickety floors, that we like to believe is a cross between a spaceship and a shoe box. We enjoy writing on the walls, painting on the ceiling, and creating all kinds of stories."

Trouble Finds Rooter and Snuffle by Shari Lyle-Soffe

In the third book of the Rooter and Snuffle series, children will enjoy three more stories of raccoon brothers Rooter and Snuffle and their friends. Join them as they learn what we all can do to protect wildlife, how to recognize a true friend, and that each of us is special in our own way.



Interview with Shari:

l. Why did you write this book?
I loved being read to as a child and I love animals. The two seem to go together. The stories are partly inspired by my childhood as the oldest of four children and life in the Redwoods of Northern California.
2. What was the hardest part of writing this?
Trying to be sympathetic to the little brother. My little brother tormented me and I got blamed for anything he did wrong.
3. What's your favorite part?
I loved writing the Pity Party. As a child I had very low self esteem, I needed friends to tell me what was good about me.
4. What do you hope readers will get from reading this book?
Enjoyment, self esteem, an appreciation of the power they have to make changes.
5. What's next for you?
My picture book "Nothing Stops Noah" will be out soon, and then "A Horse Of Course" after that. I hope to find time to get back to writing. My life has been so busy lately I haven't had much time for the part I love the most.

Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa by Rebekha Delgado

When Sally the zookeeper wishes Mori the okapi a Happy Birthday, Lito, the nosiest of all the gerenuks, is listening at the fence between the two exhibits. Follow along as he gets Elvis the king vulture to help him plan and pull off a surprise party for Mori. Will Mori be surprised? How will all the animals in the zoo get to the party? Find out in: “Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa” by Rebekha Delgado.

“Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa” is a delightful, fresh book that is taking children’s literature to a new level! It will be enjoyed in many parts of the world since it is bilingual (in both English and Spanish languages). Not only educational, this book also comes with a fun Activity book and Teacher’s Guide. Look for more in the “Laughing Zebra” series!

Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo
Host, TV’s “Into the Wild”

Rebekha's site: http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/book-store.html Get free shipping and an autographed copy of the book. Teacher guides are also available here.

The Time-for Bed Angel by Ronica Stromberg

Andrew is an accident-prone little boy who never wants to go to bed. In one humorous scene after another, guardian angel Sam diligently strives to keep Andrew safe until he finally snuggles down to sleep. This beautifully illustrated picture book reassures young children that love encircles them all through the day and night.


An Interview with Ronica Stromberg



What inspired you to write this story?
I had a young son much like Andrew. One night after I'd already put him to bed many times, I was exhausted and asked, "Don't you think your guardian angel could use a little rest?" We ended up on a discussion of angels, and as I left his room that night, I realized I'd never read a bedtime story with a guardian angel but such a story might be reassuring to children who fear the dark or sleeping alone. I already wrote for older kids and decided to write this story also.

Who is your favorite character and why?
It's a toss-up between Andrew and Sam. The illustrator has depicted them both so delightfully that I love them both.

How have your personal faith and beliefs influenced your story?
The guardian angel in the story evidences God's love for Andrew even when the little boy's behavior could try an adult's patience. I think small children need to be reassured they are loved even when they goof up. And they will goof up. That's part of being a little kid.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The book came fairly quickly and easily to me because, as a parent, I already had a lot of material for the book. I think most parents can relate to the scenes in this book. What was more difficult was selling the book to a publisher, and I'm still not exactly sure why that was, other than that any picture book by a new author can be a tough sell.

What was easiest?
Andrew. Resisting bedtime must be a universal trait of small children because the book sold to a publisher overseas and now is being sold across cultures in many different countries. Andrew is a child nearly everyone has witnessed (or were even themselves at some point!). It's just surprising he hasn't cropped up more in children's literature.

What's next for you?
I've switched gears and recently wrote an inspirational romance. I am just beginning to search for a publisher for that.

Day's End Lullaby by Karen Cioffi and Robyn Feltman

Day’s End Lullaby is a tender and charming illustrated children’s book. From a reminder that the sun has set and all beloved toys are awaiting tomorrow’s play, Day’s End Lullaby soothes and quiets even those children who struggle against sleep. The authors’ artistry found in their understanding of the sense of security needed by children at bedtime.

“Your day’s been long and full of fun. But, now you’re much too tired to run,” sings the parent to the child in the lullaby. Day’s End Lullaby has lyrical and rhyming phrases along with a rhythmic flow.

Author Cioffi composed the poem and music over 30 years ago to help her first born fall asleep and then again for her second child. She saw positive results in singing it and now she sings it to her two-year-old grandson. She reassures him, “The sun has set, it’s out of view. The moon’s now shining bright for you.”

Authors Cioffi and Feltman wrote and illustrated Day’s End Lullaby as a loving book to comfort little ones and provide a sense of security at bedtime. The simple and colorful illustrations are intended to hold the child’s attention while the parent’s soothing voice helps the child gently drift off into a peaceful slumber.



Interview with Karen Cioffi:

How did you come up with the idea for the book?
I wrote the lullaby to the story over 30 years ago. My firstborn didn’t like sleeping. I sang it to her as I paced the hallway carrying her in my arms to get her to sleep and again when she’d wake in the middle of the night. I did the same thing with my second daughter and it became a family lullaby. Now my family sings it to my grandson and we will also sing it to my grandson due mid November. How it became a book is, after my first grandson came my daughter and co-author, Robyn, thought it would make a great bedtime story and here we are.

What do you enjoy most about writing for children?
Children are such a joy and source of inspiration. My co-author, who happens to be my daughter, and I are both advocates of education and reading. Reading opens new worlds to children. It can enlighten them, it can open their imagination and it can teach them. Being a part of that is just a wonderful feeling.

What is the most difficult part of writing for children?
I have a couple of problems that I’m working on. One is I need to use age appropriate words. I tend to use words that are too difficult for the age group I’m writing for. I also need to work on my “show, don’t tell,” although that one goes for all writing.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two picture books (around 1000 words each). One is about a child’s imagination and the other is based on an ancient Chinese tale about a young man and his dog.

I am also fine tuning a fantasy chapter book (around 6000 words) geared for ages 8-12; this is also based on an ancient Chinese tale. It is about a 12-year-old boy who wants more than anything to learn magic.

In addition, I am working on another fantasy chapter book (around 6000 words) geared for ages 8-12. This one is about two boys lost in space.

Camp Expert: Abby's Camp Days Volume 1 by Jenifer Brady

Most kids feel nervous when they go off to summer camp by themselves for the first time. Not Abby Riley. At the age of nine, she's already a church camp expert, having tagged along every summer with her pastor father, who runs the week for junior-high-aged kids. This is the summer Abby has been waiting for, the summer she finally gets to be a "real" camper at elementary camp instead of just her dad's guest.

But when Abby gets to camp, she discovers that life as an elementary camper is nothing like hanging out at camp as a dean's kid. Elementary camp is full of rules, rules, and more rules! She has to follow a strict schedule, swim only in the shallow, roped-off area, and share a tiny cabin with a bunch of strangers. Worst of all, the counselors and campers at elementary camp are all new faces—none of the camp friends she already knows. She can't even complain to her best friend Carin about camp because Carin is in love with both camp and their cute, seventeen-year-old counselor.

What Abby really wants to do, for the first time in her camp life, is pack her suitcase and go home, but she decides that she needs to stay and change things at this strange elementary camp. Will Abby change camp, or will camp change her?

Learn about Jenifer at her website.

Purchase the book:

Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog by Barbara Techel

A true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog's, walking on all four paws, until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering, and she will give you hope that all things are possible. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged.

Available at www.joyfulpaws.com
OR

Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Them By Lea Schizas

Bubba hates it when his dad gets a contract for a new project. That means uprooting the family from one city and moving to another. Attending a new school is a major pet peeve of his. His smart alecky nature attracts the bullies in every school heʼs attended.

On the first day of school, Bubba bumps into this rather large student. Fearing a confrontation, he wears his tough guy attitude and waits for the punches to begin. Remarkably, the new student apologizes, and Bubba and David (aka Giganto as Bubba eventually nicknames him) become best friends.

Bubba and Giganto try out for the high school soccer team, and thatʼs when trouble begins. Bubba knew eventually heʼd meet the bullies of the school, and he was right.

In the first initial weeks, Bubba learns about a death that occurred the previous year; faces the bullies on several occasions; helps Giganto practice soccer before tryouts; and challenges the bullies to a scrimmage.

Little does Bubba know Giganto holds a secret - one that will place Giganto in a deadly situation.

WHERE TO BUY:

Amazon.com

4RV Publishing

Barnes & Noble

The Frank Frankie By Ingrid Jonach

The Frank Frankie
By Ingrid Jonach
Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini

My name is Anne Googanstein, which is a positively unfortunate name to have, even without people like Rodney Picton in your class. Rodney imagines he is especially hilarious for having called me Frankenstein since we were in year two. I imagine he is especially a nincompoop. My friends call me Frankie for short, which I actually-in-fact like better than Anne.

It’s the end of year four and the start of the summer holidays. Nine-year-old Anne Googanstein (nicknamed Frankenstein by the horrible Rodney Picton, but Frankie to her friends) just wants to hang out with her best-friend-forever Billy Bloom. But boring Mr Grumble has given them a school project about what they want to be when they grow up.

When Frankie meets a real life journalist, she decides to write and distribute her own newspaper. But a newspaper needs news, so soon Frankie is revealing her family secrets in print to every house in the neighborhood. However, thanks to her nose for news, she also saves the life of a neighbor, salvages the relationship between her mum and Greg Green, and discovers that some nincompoops make really good friends!

The Frank Frankie is suitable for ages seven years and up.

For information on stockists visit www.ingridjonach.com.

The Adventures of Katie Bear by V.K. Sansone

Katie-Bear is an adorable little 5 year old bear-cub who lives in North Big Woods forest with her Mama and Papa. She goes to Kindergarten and has many friends there. Her best friend is Jenny-Robin. On the way to school, Jenny-Robin flies above her head and sings to her. Jenny-Robin loves to sing, but Katie-Bear loves berries and honey! Come join this sweet cute bear-cub in her many adventures with her friends and grow with them, in all of the future series books of "The Adventures Of Katie-Bear."

For more information: http://www.jnksansone.com/KATIES_BOOK_DEN.html

Order at Living Waters: http://yhst-63879535419347.stores.yahoo.net/adofkafundaa.html

Shelly Goes Outdoors by Kentrell Martin

This educational story takes the reader on the journey of a little girl named Shelly who encounters many interesting elements of society. For every item she observes, Shelly provides the reader with the corresponding sign in American Sign Language. Also included with the book is an instructional DVD that demonstrates the signs used in the book along with the American Sign Language alphabet. Along with American Sign Language, the story incorporates colors, numbers, animals, and people.

Available on Amazon.

Joey Gonzales: Great American by Tony Robles

How can I become a great American if I’m not an American in the first place?”

Third-grader Joey Gonzalez dreamed of becoming a great American. His plan? Study hard and learn everything he could. Then one day, his teacher said that because he was something called a “minority,” he wasn't smart enough to make his dream come true! Still, something called “affirmative action” could help him, she said…

But as Joey taps into the strength, intelligence and courage of his Spanish ancestors, he learns that personal pride, self-reliance and a love of learning—not special preferences—are the keys to becoming a good citizen…and a great American.

Read more at http://www.joeygonzalez.us/.

Order at http://www.worldaheadpublishing.com/