Happy Book Bday, Sea Monkey & Bob by Aaron Reynolds!

SEA MONKEY & BOB

by Aaron Reynolds

Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Simon & Schuster

ages 4 to 8

Two delightfully anxious friends learn that they can overcome anything—even gravity—in this humorous and heartwarming picture book from bestselling author Aaron Reynolds and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Bob the puffer fish and his best buddy Sea Monkey may be little but they’ve got one ocean-sized problem. Sea Monkey’s terrified he’ll sink straight to the bottom of the ocean. After all, he’s heavy, and all heavy things sink, right? Bob on the other hand is worried that his puffed up frame will float up above the surface. He’s light, and all light things float! How will they stay together when the forces of gravity are literally trying to pull them apart? By holding hands, of course! Sea Monkey and Bob learn that sometimes the only way to overcome your fears is to just keep holding on…

MY TIDBITS

Giggles galore and a slide into science too! Sea Monkey and Bob the puffer fish aren't exactly the brightest in the ocean, but with their simple and silly banter, they bring across the concept of floating and sinking smoother than a passing wave, and that all with a lovely wind of friendship thrown in.

This isn't a picture book heavy on text but lets the simple back and forth between Sea Monkey and Bob take over. And the text is simple. Although recommended for ages 4 to 8, younger listeners will have no trouble falling into the small adventure and will probably laugh sometimes more than the slightly older crowd.

Text and illustration combine to bring the story to life. The colors are vibrant and the characters playful. The dialogue spurts around the scenes, letting word mix with color to lead the tale along. To ensure a seamless flow in the funny exchange between the sea creatures (especially when reading aloud), the dialogue tags are dropped and substituted with color changes--yellow for Bob and white for Sea Monkey. For parents/grandparents/teachers: it's easy to follow and make those fun voice changes.

The concept of floating and sinking comes across crystal clear and works well for a first dab into science. The silliness of the characters keeps it worlds away from dry. Instead, the intelligence clashes against their goofy thoughts and conclusions to create a humor kids are sure to enjoy.

All about the author. . .

Aaron Reynolds is a New York Times bestselling author and has written many highly acclaimed books for kids, including Here Comes Destructosaurus!, Carnivores, and the Caldecott Honor–winning book Creepy Carrots! He regularly makes time to visit schools where his hilarious hands-on presentations keep kids spellbound. Aaron lives in Chicago with his wife, two kids, four cats, and anywhere between zero and ten goldfish, depending on the day. Visit Aaron at Aaron-Reynolds.com.

All about the Illustrator. . .

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author of Where Are My Books?. Her illustrations also appear in Sea Monkey and Bob, written by Aaron Reynolds; I’m Bored (New York Times Notable Book) and Naked!, written by Michael Ian Black; as well as ten Judy Blume chapter books and middle grade titles. For more info, visit DebbieOhi.com or @InkyElbows on Twitter.

Cover Reveal: Blue Bottle Tree by Beaird Glover

BLUE BOTTLE TREE

by Beaird Glover

The Parliament House

Paranormal Romance

COMING. . .

OCTOBER 24th, 2017!!!

There’s no such thing as Voodoo. At least, that’s what most of the Baptists in Bellin tell themselves. But Seven LaVey knows better. 
In a small rural town just outside of Nashville, Voodoo conjures and curses simmer and seethe under the noses of the many who will never know. Seventeen-year-old Seven romanticizes about the meaning of life while held captive as a zombie under the shell of a kiddie pool. He's counting on the strength - and maybe even love - of a certain redheaded clarinet player to save him. But will she?
Filled with betrayal and revenge, two families struggle with a curse that stretches back to Queen of the Voodoos Marie Laveau in this contemporary Southern Gothic adventure. Prepare for a wildly original twist on the paranormal.

And here she is. . .

Beaird Glover grew up on a farm in rural Tennessee. He graduated from The Evergreen State
College of Olympia, Washington, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing. He
then moved to Southern California and wrote Secret Ciphers of the 1876 Presidential
Election (Aegean Park Press). He has traveled extensively and lived in eleven of the
United Sates, and Taipei and Buenos Aires. His poems have been published in the
New York Quarterly and his chapbook of poetry was selected by the Austin Chronicle
as one of the Top 10 Best of 1994. More recently, he acquired a Bachelor of Science
degree from Long Island University in Brooklyn and has worked as a physician assistant.
Beaird now lives in New Orleans with his wife Kim and their cats.

PRE-ORDER LINKS:

ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1226729059

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/blue-bottle-tree

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-bottle-tree-beaird-glover/1126236367;jsessionid=A2D83750EA160ADFC1D4A2A871A0121D.prodny_store02-atgap04?ean=2940154346358

Review: Red-Tailed Hawk by Nancy Schoellkopf with Giveaway

RED-TAILED HAWK

by Nancy Schoellkopf

Butterfly Tree Publishing

Contemporary

When Mariah Easter encounters a large hawk in her urban midtown neighborhood, her father Charlie is concerned. He can see a wild and mystical path opening before his daughter, a path he himself would never be able to resist. The hawk soon reappears: engraved with its twin on a golden thimble that has been an Easter family heirloom for generations. After the thimble is stolen at a funeral reception, Mariah and her mother Samantha set off on a road trip to find it, a journey that will bring healing to the grieving family and change Mariah's life forever.

Red-tailed Hawk is a coming of age story, the tale of a young woman's quest to discover the source of her own longing and to understand the mystical legacy of her family.

Buy the Book: Amazon  ~  Add to Goodreads

MY TIDBITS

With a touch of magic and spirituality, this tale accompanies a family on a patient journey of personal growth, secrets and a touch of romance.

When Mariah's father passes away, she receives a thimble engraved with two red-tailed hawks. A woman, who no one recognizes, steals the thimble on the day of the funeral and a hunt which leads Mariah's family across the country, begins.

This is the second book in the Easter family's series, and although I did read the first one, it is not necessary to have read it before opening this one. In other words, it can be read as a stand alone.

Around twenty years have passes since the Easters came together, but this story slides effortlessly into place despite the time lapse. There are quite a few descriptions in the beginning, which make for a slow read at first, but it soon picks up. Most of the story centers around Mariah, the seventeen-year-old daughter, who after learning several secrets, is on a journey of self-discovery. Her behaviors and attitudes come across very naturally. She has a strong sense of spirituality, but this fits in well with that of her parents.

The other characters do not get lost in the flow, but pull along with their own problems, concerns and development. They interweave nicely with Mariah and add enriching layers and insights. I especially enjoyed the words of wisdom, which pepper the dialogue like little treats which can be taken along and stored away.

The pacing, although not always fast, holds steady the entire way through and allows the characters to unfold completely. Love, warmth and support shine through as the family works and melds together. There were moments when a little more description could have filtered in as they traveled across the country, but generally, it was no problem to slide into their world and hope they found the answers they needed.

Readers who enjoy self-growth, discovery, and a gentle spirituality are sure to enjoy the Easters' journey.

And here she is. . .

Nancy Schoellkopf is the author of Yellow-billed Magpie, the first in her Easter Family series. Nancy has been telling stories and writing poems for many lifetimes. It goes without saying that she'd need a second income, so this time around she has happily taught amazing children in special education classes in two urban school districts in Sacramento, California. A full time writer now, she enjoys lavishing attention on her cats, her garden, and her intriguing circle of family and friends.

​Connect with the author:    Website  ~   Twitter  ~   Facebook

GIVEAWAY!!!

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Happy Book Bday, Lady of Sherwood by Molly Bilinski!

Clean Teen Publishing is pleased to share that LADY OF SHERWOOD by Molly Bilinski is available today in digital format and available for pre-order at a tremendous deal in print, which is scheduled to release on May 15, 2017. Robin of Lockesly was neither the son her father wanted, nor the daughter her mother expected. When she refuses an arranged marriage to a harsh and cruel knight, the deadly events that follow change her destiny forever. Lady of Sherwood is a unique young adult retelling of the beloved Robin Hood legend.

NOW AVAILABLE IN E-BOOK FOR ONLY $3.99 THIS WEEK!

AMAZON / NOOK / iBOOKS / KOBO / GOOGLE PLAY

Robin of Lockesly was neither the son her father wanted, nor the daughter her mother expected. When she refuses an arranged marriage to a harsh and cruel knight, the deadly events that follow change her destiny forever.

After a night of tragedy, Robin and the few remaining survivors flee to Nottingham. With a newfound anonymity, they start to live different lives. There, she and her band make mischief, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. But charity isn't the only thing she wants—she wants revenge.

As the sheriff draws his net closer, Robin's choices begin to haunt her. She'll have to choose between what's lawful and what her conscience believes is right—all while staying one step ahead of the hangman.

Lady of Sherwood is a unique young adult retelling of the beloved Robin Hood legend. Filled with action and romance, this new series follows a teenage heroine through her fantastic, yet dangerous adventures.

AVAILABLE IN PRINT ON MAY 15TH FOR AS LOW AS $6.08!

*Sale is for a limited time.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / BOOK DEPOSITORY / TARGET / INDIGO.CA

ABOUT MOLLY BILINSKI. . .

Follow Molly for behind the scenes news on LADY OF SHERWOOD and all of her quirky author antics. Follow on: FACEBOOK / TWITTER

Molly Louise Bilinski grew up in Townsend, NY, playing soccer, being a band gek (clarinet), and starting her first serious novel when she hit high school. She's a 2013 graduate of William Smith College with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry. By day, she uses her science powers as a certified asphalt lab technician. By night (and weekend and any other five minutes she can find), she's a novelist. When she's not writing or working, she's scoping out coffee shops, exploring her newest home city (Buffalo, NY), taking day trips to Canada, and putting together puzzles. Her favorite phrase and life motto is carpe diem, and she thoroughly enjoys being a giant nerd;—the stuffed Slimer on her bookcase attests to that. Molly invites you to follow her on social media and join in on her journey as a first-time author.

Sneakpeek: Deathbringer by Tamara Grantham with Giveaway

Mommy's Weekend Read!

DEATHBRINGER 

by Tamara Grantham

Fairy World M.D., Olive Kennedy

Crimson Tree Publishing

 Adult, Fantasy, Romance

COMING. . .

APRIL 25th, 2017!!!

Some heroes are fated to save the world. Others are meant to destroy it…
Olive Kennedy is all about positive thinking. She’s been stuck on Earth for the past four months, waiting for the spring equinox to arrive so she can return to Fairy World — but she’s staying positive. She’s hopeful she’ll once again see her handsome Viking fiancé who’s waiting for her. She’s optimistic that her mission to reclaim the sword of Dracon — a sword of King Arthur fame and the only weapon capable of killing Theht — won’t result in death and destruction. And then there’s the small matter of an asteroid that’s been ripped out of its orbit and is hurtling toward Earth…no biggie.
One last thing — she’s fated to destroy the world. To stop that prophecy from being fulfilled, she may have to sacrifice the one person she loves the most.
Good thing she’s staying positive.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

EXCERPT

I stood and crossed to my bedroom, then grabbed my backpack and slung it over my shoulder. After grabbing my temporary mirror case out of a drawer, I placed it on top of my dresser.

I wasn’t sure if I should cringe or laugh as I scanned my new mirror. I’d found it at the dollar store after a frustrating day of trying to create a new mirror box with no success. I’d bought it because it was absurd and to remind myself that it was temporary.
The plastic box was pink with the name BARBIE scrolled on the top. Inside was a foam liner that had once held five nail polish bottles. I’d cut the foam to make larger slots. Now, it held my five figurines that represented the races of Faythander: Dragon, elf, Wult, pixie, and goblin.
After unlocking the latch, I opened the lid. “You’re fabulous! Inside and out!” sang to me in a bubble-gum voice as I propped the lid open.
As I said, temporary solution. Extremely temporary. It had a mirror under the lid and was the perfect size for my figurines, so it worked. For now.
Scanning my figurines, I found the Wult and removed it from the foam, then propped it upright against the mirror. I needed to get to the Wultlands, and this would be the easiest way to do so.
I ignored the glittery scrolling along the edges of the mirror and focused on the glass. Taking a deep breath, I paused before touching my fingers to the mirror.
Months ago, the portals had started acting erratically. I’d thought the problem had been solved after we’d restored the fairies’ stone, but when I’d returned to Earth four months ago, the portal had almost torn me apart. I’d gotten several stitches in my abdomen because the crossing had been so violent. Since then, I hadn’t once been able to open a portal, but tonight, I had no choice. I needed to return to Faythander before the equinox, and I had one thing in my favor—I hadn’t tried opening a portal with my new Barbie box yet.
Here’s to hoping my luck improved, I thought. Then again, this was my luck we were talking about. Yeah, probably not.
Carefully, I placed my fingertips to the screen, inhaled a deep breath, and then conjured the word to open the portal.
Magic flowed from my heart, through my arms and hands, and into the mirror. Gold and amber swirls licked like fire over my skin as the magic interacted with the mirror, mingling with the blue glow coming from the plastic case.
The power grew inside me as the portal opened. Wind swirled around me until the room disappeared and I floated in a void. Voices came from somewhere. Soft whispers. Among them was a familiar one. The cold, detached voice of Theht.
I am here. I am waiting.
I’d gotten better at tuning her out, but being in a place like this, between worlds, made it almost impossible to keep her away.
Soon, we shall destroy the world together. Deathbringer.
The wind grew stronger and faster, wrapping around me, squeezing the air from my lungs. It compressed me until I couldn’t breathe. Pain coursed through my nerve endings as the pressure weighed me down. I felt as if I’d been buried under millions of tons of sand.
I cried out, but couldn’t hear my voice over the wind. Tears leaked from my eyes. I felt their warmth on my cheeks. In a desperate attempt to survive, I focused on the magic within me, unleashing every ounce, pouring it into the portal to keep it steady.
I thought for sure I was dead when I hit the ground. I landed awkwardly, my shoulder and hips taking the brunt of the impact. My mirror, on the other hand, made a graceful landing in a pile of leaves beside me.
I lay on the ground, panting for air, staring at the faded blue sky through the patchwork of branches with budding green shoots.
“Never again,” I muttered between gasps. Next time, I would find a Viking ship and cross through an underground ocean filled with man-eating sea-snakes before using a portal. “Never. Again.”
On the bright side, at least I’d finally made it back to Faythander. The $.99 investment into the Barbie mirror wasn’t such a bad buy after all.

And here she is. . .
Tamara Grantham is the award-winning author of more than half a dozen books and novellas, including the Olive Kennedy: Fairy World MD series and the Shine novellas. Dreamthief, the first book of her Fairy World MD series, won first place for fantasy in INDIEFAB’S Book of the Year Awards, a RONE award for best New Adult Romance of 2016, and is a #1 bestseller on Amazon in both the Mythology and Fairy Tales categories with over 100 reviews.
Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has been a featured speaker at the Rose State Writing Conference and has been a panelist at Comic Con Wizard World speaking on the topic of female leads. For her first published project, she collaborated with New York-Times bestselling author, William Bernhardt, in writing the Shine series.
Born and raised in Texas, Tamara now lives with her husband and five children in Wichita, Kansas. She rarely has any free time, but when the stars align and she gets a moment to relax, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking nature walks, which fuel her inspiration for creating fantastical worlds, and watching every Star Wars or Star Trek movie ever made. You can find her online at www.TamaraGranthamBooks.com. 

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