Happy Birthday to US! by Sherry Ellis

 I'm very excited to share today's read. First, it comes from an author I've known for many years...and her works are always enjoyable. Second, it's the first book I've seen commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States...which I really thought tons of authors would hit the bandwagon on. Maybe, that's still on the up and coming, though. 

Either way, I'm ready to dive into today's read and see what goodness it holds in store.

Happy Birthday to US
by Sherry Ellis

Illustrated by Nina Hvozdzeva

2Z Press LLC
Children’s Picture Book 

52 pages

ages 4 to 7

Happy Birthday to US! A Fourth of July Celebration for kids!

It's the Fourth of July - and someone's birthday!

At first, a young child believes the parade, fireworks, and fanfare are all in honor of his special day. But as the story unfolds, he discovers the celebration is for something even bigger- America's birthday!

Told in joyful rhyme and bursting with colorful illustrations, Happy Birthday to US blends a child's excitement for their own big day with the pride and spirit of Independence Day. Young readers will learn about the meaning behind July 4th - freedom, community, and the history of America's independence -while sharing a heartwarming story about belonging and discovery.

Perfect for

*Classroom and library story times

*Families celebrating summer birthdays

*Teaching children about Independence Day and Patriotism

 

Whether read aloud at home, in schools, or at holiday events, Happy Birthday to US is a festive and meaningful addition to any child's bookshelf - and a perfect way to celebrate

America's 250th Birthday on July 4, 2026!

  

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Author’s Site * Goodreads

MY TIDBITS

Good feelings and the excitement of celebration fill every page.

It's a little child's birthday, and what a birthday it always is! Parades, picnics, get-together, and even fireworks make it a special day. For many years, the child thought everyone celebrated just for them but has since learned that's it's the 4th of July celebration, too. This year, however, is super special, since it's the 250th celebration of the country... a wonderfully, huge celebration for the two birthdays.

This is a fun read from beginning to end. When I first picked it up, I was a little suspicious of the page count for the age group (a little longer than usual), but this story flies by and is totally okay for even more reluctant listeners. Each page holds excitement and celebration. Many scenes bring along familiar moments, and it's hard not to want to join in on the excitement. There's never a boring moment as it goes from one enjoyable scene to the next.

The text holds four shorter lines on each two-page spread and rhymes smoothly to create a lovely read-aloud. The word choice and sense behind the text work easily for the age group and can be picked up by readers, who are more sure of their words, to enjoy on their own. The illustrations are rounded to keep things light and cute, while packing tons of excitement on each page. The colors keep red, white, and blue close, weaving them naturally into each moment.

This is an enjoyable read and especially nice to use in classrooms, groups, or homeschooling when getting ready for the big celebration.

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis has previously published the Bubba and Squirt's Adventure Series; Don't Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN; and That Mama is a Grouch. Ellis lives in Atlanta, Georgia. 

 Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * 

Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Bubba and Squirt's The Legend of the Lost Pearls by Sherry Ellis

Today, I have something special. Not only does this read come from a talented author I know, but it's the last in a several book series....and I've actually read every single one! I think that's a first and says a lot about this adventure.

Since it's the last installment, I have high expectations and can't wait to see where these pages lead. 

BUBBA AND SQUIRT'S

THE LEGEND OF THE LOST PEARLS

by Sherry Ellis

Dancing Lemur Press, LLC

Middle Grade Fantasy

83 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

OCTOBER 1st!!!

Journey to the past!

Bubba and Squirt embark on their most dangerous quest yet. Whisked away through the vortex to Japan, they must find two fabled pearls that hold the key to saving their father.

To top it off, they must go back and change the events of the past. As they race against time, the fate of their father, and their own lives, hang in the balance.

Will they outwit the cunning creatures that stand in their way or face their own demise trying to save their father?

GOODREADS     /      DANCING LEMUR PRESS

MY TIDBITS

Every moment packs adventure and tension as Bubba and Squirt race against the clock in an attempt to finally save their father.

Finally, Bubba and Squirt are getting close to finding their father, and he's in more danger than they could have imagined. While the odds aren't in their favor, they now have their grandfather and their talents on their side...which is good because this last task is a doozy. They need to find two pearls, which they thought only existed in fables. Add the powerful creatures which they meet along the way, and it borders on impossible. But the clock is ticking and if they don't find a way to make it through, not only will their father be lost, but they will lose their lives, too.

This is the final book in the series (or so I believe), and it packs a punch. It takes off from where the last adventure ended and flings Bubba and Squirt head-first into tension pure. The characters have matured quite a bit during the series, and it's nice to see how they embrace their powers and face the challenges with more experience and determination. There's a lovely sense of family as their grandfather has their back and all work together to find the father. Of course, they still have rough patches along the way, but the relationships are golden and inspiring. It makes them fun to root for and fever with until the end.

The magical aspect has also expanded and evolved into a well-rounded side-dish of fantasy. It melds well with the historical and, even more so, mythical direction. There's still information slid into the adventure to make sure readers expand their knowledge along the way, which gives this entire series its nice touch. But this time, action takes control and imagination soars. It makes for a grabbing and easy read with tons of heart.

To make the read even more valuable, there's information surrounding tsunamis, pearl divers, a glossary for the Japanese words, a recipe, and a map of Japan. So, there's quite a bit of goodness in these pages.

The larger font and shorter length make this even ideal for more reluctant readers or those, who simply want to dive into a quicker adventure. It rounds off the series nicely and leaves me wanting to start the entire adventure with Bubba and Squirt again.

And here she is...

Award-winning author, Sherry Ellis, is a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano. When she's not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found taking care of household chores, hiking, or exploring the world.  She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Today's read... Bubba and Squirt's Shield of Athena by Sherry Ellis

Today's read is the latest in a series from a very talented author friend. So far, this series has melded humor with history with culture with action with magic... Yes, it's packed with all sorts of goodness, and the author has pulled it off well. So far. I'm assuming this one won't be any different. 

One of my favorite things about this series is the cultural and historical mix. Little facts are usually sprinkled in and built into the plot in such a way that readers learn without leaving the adventure. I have recommended this series to homeschoolers in the past, since it does give a nice extra on that front. 

Anyway, lets dive in and see if this latest adventure holds as much reading fun as the rest of the series...because I hear whispers that things are heating up for this duo fast.

BUBBA AND SQUIRT'S SHIELD OF ATHENA

by Sherry Ellis

Dancing Lemur Press

Middle Grade Fantasy

114 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

MAY 7th!!!

A Greek Goddess and a Mythical Monster! When Bubba and Squirt travel through the mysterious vortex on a quest to save their father, they end up in Athens, Greece where they meet an old woman known as the Oracle of Delphi. Her intriguing riddles set them on a path that leads to the Netherworld, a place where danger lurks around every corner. With the help of their new friends and some unlikely allies, they must defeat the monster that holds their father captive. Will they succeed or be trapped forever in the labyrinth of the Netherworld?

GOODREADS    /    DANCING LEMUR PRESS

MY TIDBITS

With high-stakes and a race against the clock, this latest edition to the Bubba and Squirt series packs excitement, danger, and a touch of history.

Bubba and Squirt are running out of time if they hope to save their father but aren't sure what to do next. Luckily, their Grandfather has an idea and leads them to a festival, where they learn about the shield of Athena. After portaling to Greece, an oracle reveals her visions, which hold clues on how to complete the quest. These aren't only difficult to encipher, but every step of the way, the danger grows.

This is the fourth book in the series, and while the author does give a quick skim of information to help readers settle back in (and this works wonderfully), it is better to read this as a series. We meet Bubba and Squirt where they left off in the previous tale. They need to figure out how to save their father. The tension and concern hit with the very first page and set the atmosphere for the rest of the read. Bubba and Squirt are running out of time, and that stays evident the entire way through. Still, the author doesn't forget to build in the historical goodness, which gives this read its special twist.

It's off to Greece in these pages and that doesn't happen without a bit of cultural and historical information throw in. There are quick facts and explanations dropped in during the tale. These are kept very concise and short so as not to cause any stumbles during the fast-paced plot, but at the end of the book, the main aspects are revisited with a little more information for learning purposes. The world building is also kept to a minimum, allowing the action and characters to drive the adventure forward. Still, small details are dribbled in seamlessly with the action and humor to allow readers to gain a little more insight on the foreign setting and culture. The author makes sure to weave in characters, who accompany Bubba and Squirt, and let a bit more insight on the country slide in naturally as they face one situation after the next.

And let's not forget the dusting of magic. Bubba and Squirt are still figuring out how that all works in as well.

This is a lovely read, especially for the younger end of the middle grade audience. The text fits well to those who have edged out of younger chapter books and are ready for more advanced reads...but aren't quite ready to grab up a thick novel, yet. The chapters are kept short, the action propels from one page to the next, and the sentences don't over-string into huge length. Even reluctant readers won't shy away from this one.

After this exciting read, it's clear that there's more to come, and it will be fun to see where Bubba and Squirt head next.

 

And here she is...

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning children's author and freelance writer. Her published books include Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China, Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure, That Baby Woke Me Up AGAIN, That Mama is a Grouch, Ten Zany Birds, and Don't Feed the Elephant. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to being a writer, Sherry is also a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano. She also enjoys hiking, bike riding, and SCUBA diving.

Happy Birthday to IWSG and Bubba and Squirt's City of Bones by Sherry Ellis!

It's that time of month again—another round of IWSG. This amazing group of writers started with Alex J. Cavanaugh and has flourished and blossomed to an inspiring group. It involves so much more than just this monthly hop, too. Special thanks goes to this month's co-hosts: Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James.

Today also happens to be the 12th Anniversary of this awesome group, and I hope there are many, many more to come!

This month's question fits extremely well with the celebration:

When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

I really don't remember when I ran across the IWSG, but it had to be very close to the beginning. I'd just started my writing journey and had no clue what I was doing. I can say that this group has introduced me to so many wonderful people. Although I've seemed to have drifted away a bit during the last few years (real life has been busy!), I do look forward to finding more time to connect with every one again because the writing world would not be the same without every single person.

***********

Fitting to the IWSG celebration, there's a new book coming out next year! This one comes from an author, who I met through the IWSG and also so happens to be share a publisher with me. 

BUBBA AND SQUIRT'S CITY OF BONES

by Sherry Ellis

Dancing Lemur Press LLC

Middle Grade Fantasy

75 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

JANUARY 16th, 2024!!!

Creepy Underground Catacombs!

Bubba and Squirt are back for another rousing quest as they travel through the mysterious vortex to Paris, France. It’s another wild adventure as they track down art thieves, encounter terrifying monsters, and discover the whereabouts of their missing father.

Will they make it out alive or join the rest of the skeletons in the City of Bones?

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /   B&N

MY TIDBITS

A little fantasy, a little culture, a little history...and tons of mystery and adventure.

Bubba and Squirt's father has gone missing, and they'd love nothing more than to find him. Luckily, their grandfather pays Bubba a visit from the great beyond and gives him a vision, which leads them through the portal to Paris, France. After landing in the spooky catacombs, they run across not only monsters but thieves, too. Add a painting, which seems to open up to another realm, and the two have more than a little to figure out.

While it's not absolutely necessary, I do recommend reading this series from the beginning, since the books do build on each other a little bit. That said, Bubba and Squirt aren't only figuring out the hole under the tree, but Bubba's getting a handle on his powers. While there is family support...even from the afterlife...these two are pretty much on their own, which readers will enjoy. They meet new friends and have to figure out new ways of dealing with things. It keeps the story exciting the entire way through, and with the little twists of magic, it's impossible to guess what's really going on.

One of my favorite aspects about this tale is the length. At around seventy-five pages, it invites even more reluctant readers to jump into the fun. The stories do include historical facts and teach a little about the various places Bubba and Squirt travel. This falls smoothly into the main plot and never feels like a lesson, which makes this great for school libraries an even homeschoolers. The adventure is exciting, packs tons of tension, and keeps the reader guessing until the end.

It's a fun series and worth checking out.

And here she is...

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning children's author and freelance writer. Her published books include Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China, Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure, That Baby Woke Me Up AGAIN, That Mama is a Grouch, Ten Zany Birds, and Don't Feed the Elephant. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to being a writer, Sherry is also a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano. She also enjoys hiking, bike riding, and SCUBA diving.

Review: Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure by Sherry Ellis

BUBBA AND SQUIRT'S MAYAN ADVNENTURE

by Sherry Ellis

Dancing Lemur Press LLC

Middle Grade Adventure

96 pages

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 15th!!!

An ancient Mayan civilization!

That's what Bubba and Squirt find when they travel through the mysterious vortex for another wild adventure. There they meet archeologists who are unearthing priceless artifacts.

But someone is stealing them. And an encounter with the Tate Duende awakens magic within Bubba. Throw in the mysterious Alux and a new discovery and things get sticky.

Will Bubba and Squirt solve the mystery, or will they be stuck forever in the jungles of Belize?

MY TIDBITS

This is the second book in a series, but the author catches the reader up enough that it can be read as a standalone. I still, however, would recommend reading these in order

Bubba has a dream, making it clear that it's time for him and Squirt to revisit the hold they'd dug one month before—the same one that brought them to their first adventure in China. Despite Squirt's reluctance, she agrees, and the two find themselves in Belize. There they discover someone has been stealing artifacts, and another exciting, magical adventure begins.

These two siblings are simply a lot of fun. They have a healthy sibling relationship, which does not mean that they always get along. Their actions and decisions come across very true to life as they find themselves in mysterious, magical and even, at times, dangerous situations. Every page holds something exciting or intriguing, making this a hard book to put down. Add the shorter length, and this is even a tale for more reluctant readers.

While the adventure keeps readers on the edge of their seats, the author also weaves in a bit of culture and history. Readers learn more about the Mayan culture. At the end of the book, there are several pages of more information including recipes and a glossary, too.

Sneak Peek: Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China by Sherry Ellis with Giveaway!

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Sherry Ellis’ BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

The author is offering a tour-wide international giveaway featuring five autographed copies of her book. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA

by Sherry Ellis

Juvenile Fiction / Middle Grade Adventure

Dancing Lemur Press

 94 pages

 Grades 3-5

Squirt doesn't believe Bubba can dig a hole to China. But when the hole swallows them, the kids find themselves in Xi'an, China, surrounded by Terracotta Warriors.

          It gets worse when the ghost of the first emperor of China appears. He tells them they can't go home until they find his missing pi. The kids don't know where to begin until they meet a girl and her grandmother who promise to help find the pendant.

          Soon they realize they are being followed. And they are no closer to finding the missing pi. Will Bubba and Squirt ever make it back home?

* Amazon US  * Amazon UK *  Amazon CA *  Barnes and Noble * BAM * iTunes * Kobo

SNEAK PEEK

Chapter 2 Squirt
We Got Flushed Down The Hole

Squirt here. I know, you're wondering what happened next. Well, I'm not going to tell you. Ha! Just kidding.

So, this is the part I was talking about. One minute, Bubba was digging, and the next minute, the earth was shaking. I didn't know what was going on. All I knew was he needed to get out of there. Fast. I raced over to help, but it was too late. The ground collapsed. Bubba disappeared. The last sounds I heard were his cries for help. 

I stood at the edge of the hole, screaming his name. The ground shook again. I lost my balance and fell in, head-first. It was a blur of brown as the ground rushed by. I tried to scream, but my voice caught in my throat. I didn't know which way was up. My heart pounded, drowning out the low, rumbling sound around me. It grew dark as I fell farther down the hole. Then, there was a flash. I was blinded by a spiraling circle of blue and white light. I couldn't do a thing to stop myself from falling into it.

As soon as I passed through, the rumbling stopped. It was quiet. As soon as I passed through, the rumbling stopped. It was quiet. I found myself flying through a tunnel of swirling blue walls that rippled like waves. I was traveling fast, but there was no rush of air against me. At the end, a white light greeted me. It sped by. Then everything went dark.

I fell to the ground with a thud. I lay there on my stomach. Terrified. Afraid to move. All I could hear was the sound of my heartbeat. My body ached. Dirt coated the inside of my mouth, leaving it dry and gritty. I coughed. Amazingly, I was still alive. I lifted my head and looked around, but I could barely see anything Maybe I was in the hole. Maybe I was somewhere else. I couldn't tell. A million questions went through my mind as I tried to figure out what had happened. 

Then I remembered. Bubba! What happened to Bubba?

"Bubba?" I called. Was he still alive?

No answer.

"Bubba?"

Still no answer. A tingly feeling crept down my neck. My hands got clammy, and I struggled to breathe. What if he was dead? We'd almost lost him two years ago when he fell through the ice. If Grandpa Joe hadn't been there to save him—

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano.

When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Sherry, her husband, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia. 

For more on Sherry and her writing, you can connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, her blog, her website and her Amazon Author Page.

This tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) autographed copies of BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA. The giveaway is open internationally.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Sherry on her month-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out.

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