Book Blast: The Story Tellers

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the newly released middle grade book, "The Storytellers" by Laurisa White Reyes (November 5 to 7, 2015).

 

About the Book

Title: The Storytellers | Author: Laurisa White Reyes | Publication Date: October , 2015 | Publisher: Skyrocket Press | Pages: 234 | Recommended Ages: 10 to 14 Summary: 12-year-old Elena Barrios' father has AIDS, a new disease in 1991 with a 100% fatality rate. Rather than face certain ridicule and ostracism, Elena tells her friends anything but the truth, fabricating stories about her father being a writer and researcher. But the reality is that Elena resents her father’s illness and can’t face the fact that he is dying. When she is befriended by a woman named Ang who tells stories about her own father, Elena is transported into these stories, allowing her to experience them first hand. With Ang's help, Elena gains the courage to stand up to the bully at her school, mend her relationship with her father, and finally say goodbye.

Amazon (Kindle) * Amazon (Print) * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

 

Excerpt

Elena stood at the street corner, the toes of her sneakers timidly peeking out over the curb. Waves of heat rose from the asphalt, warping the air like water ripples. She took off her glasses and wiped them with a tissue. Then she put them back on. No, it wasn’t her glasses. The air really did seem to move. Elena had never seen that before, not in Idaho where October mornings were cool and crisp. But now the term ‘Sunny California’ made sense to her. It was as hot as a July afternoon back home. She shifted her backpack from one shoulder to the other. Would the light ever turn red, she wondered? This neighborhood was nothing at all like Idaho, everything concrete and brick, the only patch of earth being a vacant lot squeezed in between apartment complexes. And the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Lake Avenue seemed as wide as the Grand Canyon, with cars zooming past in all directions. Elena wanted to cover her ears and run all the way back to the farm where she had spent her entire life until now, but unfortunately that was something she just could not do. Everywhere Elena looked, there was movement. Across the street in front of a café, a man wearing a white apron around his waist held up a large square of red and white checked fabric. He snapped it in the air before letting it glide down onto a round table. At a florist shop next to the café, a woman arranged bundles of roses and lilies in long, black canisters. Across the street on the opposite corner, a large man with a thick brown mustache stiffly swept the sidewalk in front of a drugstore. And there were people everywhere, men in business suits, women in high heels or active wear, kids with backpacks—everyone walking or jogging or even running. Elena suddenly missed Idaho more than ever. “Off to school, are you?” Elena started. Was someone speaking to her? She glanced around. On the steps of the building next door to Elena’s sat an old woman with skin the darkest shade of brown Elena had ever seen. She wore a flowered bandana tied around her head, and in her hands a strand of yellow yarn twitched between two long, metal needles. Elena wondered what she was making. Mittens? A sweater? No, not in this heat, she thought. The woman looked up from her knitting and spoke again, a little louder than before. Her accent sounded slanted and round, like people who came from the South. “I said are you headin’ off to school?” Elena allowed herself a brief glance in the woman’s direction but then quickly looked back to the street. This was the city after all, and Papi had warned her about strangers. The light turned red and the flow of cars stopped, their engines grumbling and growling like animals pulling against invisible leashes. Elena reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a brown plastic tube the length of her palm. She held the inhaler to her lips and pressed the button on the bottom of the canister. A cool mist filled her lungs. She felt a little better now, but the cars still snarled at her, and the street loomed in front of her like a black void that could swallow her whole. Elena knew she should cross. She would be late to school if she didn’t. There was nothing epic about it, really. She just had to take one step after another. But the longer she waited the harder it was to pry her feet from the curb. “What’cha scared of?” said the woman. Elena felt her staring at the back of her head. “Cars don’t bite, y’know. The way you jus’ standin’ there, you’d think they was a pack of alligators.” The woman was talking to her, but why? What could she possibly want? Elena stiffened. She had to get to school. It was her first day, after all. As she willed herself to step off the curb, she tried to picture her farm and the way the fading daylight cast lacy shadows across the barley fields. She took a deep breath and lifted her foot. Suddenly, the street rippled. Elena leapt back with a start. Scrunching her eyebrows, she peered curiously at the street, which swelled and sloshed like water in a bucket. Then the color of it shifted from black to a sickly shade of green. Elena looked up at the city’s squat concrete buildings with their sharp, straight edges. She watched with astonishment as her new neighborhood, section by section, began to transform—the café, the florist shop, even the apartment buildings all melted into mud, street lamps sprouted leaves and became trees, and where the cars had been appeared the ridged backs of alligators half submerged beneath the murky water. Soon the entire city had vanished, replaced with a hot, humid swamp that smelled of earth and damp moss. Elena listened to the sound of croaking frogs and swatted at a mosquito buzzing in her ear. For a single moment, she forgot about the cars, and the city, and school, and just stared. She was too amazed at her new surroundings to be afraid. Then, curiosity getting the better of her, she dipped the toe of her left sneaker into the water. All of a sudden, a monstrous gray gator sprang up like a giant mousetrap and snapped its tooth-filled jaws, missing her by inches. Elena threw her arms in front of her face and screamed. The frog sounds and the mossy smell vanished, and the all too familiar stench of exhaust fumes filled her nose. Elena lowered her arms. She was back on the corner of Fair Oaks Boulevard, the woman’s knitting needles clicking away. The signal turned green, and the cars at the intersection lurched forward. Elena turned and ran as fast as she could up the front steps to her complex. Then she rushed inside, down the hall to her apartment, and slammed the door shut behind her.  

About the Author: Laurisa White Reyes

Laurisa White Reyes is the author of The Celestine Chronicles and The Crystal Keeper series. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of Middle Shelf Magazine, a digital publication about books for middle grade readers.

Author Website * Author Blog

Facebook * Middle Shelf Magazine

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or $50 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 18, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Laurisa White Reyes and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the picture book "Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence" by the mother-son writing team of Lisa Cohn and Michael Cohn (November 3 to 5, 2015).

 

About the Book

Title: Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence | Authors: Lisa Cohn & Michael Cohn | Publication Date: September 10, 2013 | Publisher: Canines And Kids Publishing | Pages: 34 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 Summary: "Bash and Lucy," whose authors were featured on the "Today Show," is a Mom's Choice Silver Award Winner, and Finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards. In this contemporary boy-and-dog tale, talkative Bash has a big problem in soccer: His beloved dog, Lucy, is a pro at nabbing the ball, but sometimes at the wrong moment. Coach wants to ban Lucy from soccer practice and games, separating Bash from a companion who boosts his confidence in sports--and life. In this picture book for kids age 4-8, Bash and friends help Coach understand that with Lucy by their side, they feel more confident, laugh more often, and are comforted when they make mistakes. Award-winning author Lisa Cohn and her 5-year-old son (now 7), Michael, wrote the book and started "Michael's Dog Blog" to help overcome their grief over the sudden death of their dog, Lucy. Watch them on the Today Show here: http://www.today.com/video/today/53985936#53985936

Amazon (Print) * Audible

 

The Buzz About the Book

“Bash and Lucy,” an endearing story about a boy and his soccer-loving dog, is a book that kids (and the adults who read it to them) will enjoy. Any kid who plays soccer, any parent who’s watched or coached soccer, and anyone who’s loved a dog will find something to love about this book! ~ Susan Moshofsky, teacher, parent, and former soccer mom

"Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence" is a wonderful story that teaches kids and their families about the important relationships we can have with dogs and illustrates beautifully how there can be more than one way to do something...and that the best way isn't always the obvious way! It promotes relationships above results and creative thinking above the status quo. A great read for any dog lovers! ~ Phoebe Spier, Musician and Child/Youth Development Professional

In this charming and humorous tale about a boy and his dog, the authors cleverly show us, through the eyes of the boy and his dog, the beautiful life lessons learned about friendship, love and sportsmanship. Lucy-dog embodies the spirit of teamwork as she builds confidence in a boys’ soccer team and encourages them to work together without saying a word! Age-old values such as respect, love and non-violence punctuate the pages. Young or old, one cannot help but smile at the antics of Lucy and her teammates. Bravo! ~ Laura Stipkala, teacher and parent

Such a cute book…awesome illustrations, too. I really like the idea of using the dog to help teach the concept of teamwork, the importance of confidence, and how the dog represented to the boys these ideas. I also enjoyed the flow of the book…It’s a nice story that can teach some great lessons to kids in sports. ~ Kirk Mango, National Champion, Hall of Famer, & author of “Becoming a True Champion”

“Bash & Lucy Fetch Confidence” is a winning picture book that teaches children about the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship while also revealing the close bond between children and their beloved pets..a. great choice for kids age 4-8. ~ Erin MacLellan, author and parent

"Bash and Lucy" drives home a valuable lesson -- kids will have the best opportunity to thrive in sports and life if their adult role models provide a comfortable environment that engenders confidence. I highly recommend including this book in your family's bedtime collection." ~ Jack Malley, youth sports coach and author

 

About the Authors: Lisa Cohn and Michael Cohn

Lisa Cohn and her son, Michael, age 7, are co-authors of the "Bash and Lucy" book and audiobook series. They have appeared on the Today Show, on SiriusXM Radio, in Disney's Babble, in The Oregonian and other media. Their audiobooks feature the voices of Michael and friends, age 7-10. Lisa and Michael's mission is to share their love of books and dogs. They recently launched www.RovingReaderLeaders.com, which features YouTube book reviews by kids, KidLit author interviews by children, and a kids' reading club. You can also visit them at www.BashAndLucy.com.

YouTube | Twitter | Facebook

Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 16, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Lisa Cohn and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: Through the Shimmer of Time

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade time-travel thriller "Through the Shimmer of Time" by Jennifer Jensen (November 2 to 4, 2015). Grab an e-copy from Amazon for only 99 cents, November 2 to 4 and for $1.99, November 6 and 7, 2015 (regular price $3.99).

About the Book

Title: Through the Shimmer of Time | Authors: Jennifer Jensen | Publication Date: July 30, 2014

Publisher: Pangur Bán Books | Pages: 216 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12

Amazon | Goodreads

Book Description: A little curiosity never hurt anyone, right? When Jim ditches his little sister to search for a haunted cabin, he gets time-traveled nearly 200 years into the past - right into the middle of a swindler's cover-up. The criminals have murder on their minds now, but Jim is trapped in time. Hannah's life of family and farm chores is turned upside down when a boy in strange clothes suddenly appears in the old trapper's cabin. Should she believe his wild tale? And how much will she risk to lay a friend's ghost to rest? Jim and Hannah struggle to unmask a thief and solve a murder, but it will take all their courage and wits, plus the rocket motors in Jim's pocket, just to stay alive. If you love time-travel, mysteries and the olden days, start reading THROUGH THE SHIMMER OF TIME now.  

The Buzz About the Book

"40 years old and my child inside me could not put it down. This unique writing definately [sic] takes me back to some great stories I have read in my youth. I highly recommend this for anyone that loves time travel." ~ 5 Star Review, CRCurtis, Amazon

"The characters and the story are very engaging, and realistic. By the time I was halfway through it, I was a totally believing in time travel! Bravo, Ms. Jensen. Keep up the good work!" ~ 5 Star Review, Kassandra L., Goodreads

"This story made me feel like a kid again. I loved mysteries as a child, and even as an adult I gobbled this one up. It's middle-grade, and I think it's perfect for that age group. There's mystery, excitement, a hint of danger, and an annoying little sister (not really, but he thinks she is and don't ALL siblings think that?). It's real life, with time travel twists. Love it. If your child likes mysteries and time adventures, they'll love it." ~ 5 Star Review, Melinda V., Goodreads

 

About the Author: Jennifer Jensen

Jennifer Jensen is an award-winning writer who wouldn’t be without her computer or smart phone, but still dreams of living in the olden days. Until someone invents a working time machine, she lives in Indiana and makes do with plenty of imagination, loads of books and as much Dr. Who as the BBC will produce. She’s a longtime member of SCBWI and has received two Indiana Arts Commission grants for her fiction. Through the Shimmer of Time was her first novel. The sequel, RESCUE Through the Shimmer of Time, will be available for pre-order soon.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 15, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Jennifer Jensen and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: The Fox and the Snowman

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for a new picture book by author Angela Muse, "The Fox and the Snowman" (November 2 to 4, 2015).

About the Book

Title: The Fox and the Snowman | Author: Angela Muse | Illustrator: Helen Wu | Publication Date: October 5, 2015 | Publisher: 4EYESBOOKS | Pages: 28 | Recommended Ages: 0 to 8 Summary: This is a story of a lone fox and his journey through a year of changing seasons. He discovers friendship and family in this colorful winter tale. Also check out Lil Glimmer, The Nutt Family: An Acorny Adventure, The Pig Princess, The Bee Bully, Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play, Cactus Charlie, Suzy Snowflake, Monsters Have Mommies, The Christmas Owl, The Cat Who Lost His Meow, Caterpillar Shoes & Ten Thankful Turkeys by this author.

Grab a copy of the ebook, available for a limited time at the introductory price of 99 cents! (REG $2.99)

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

iBooks * Createspace * Goodreads

 

About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela Muse was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children's book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children's picture books and released her first young adult romance series, The Alpha Girls. Angela's husband, Ben Muse writes suspense/thriller books that can also be found on Amazon. Check out what else she's working on by visiting www.4eyesbooks.com

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card or $100 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Giveaway ends: November 15, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway