Review: What Are Rocks Made Of? by Ellen Lawrence

WHAT ARE ROCKS

 MADE OF?

Rock-ology, The Hard Fact About Rocks

by Ellen Lawrence

Bearport Publishing

24 pages

ages 4 to 8

A chunk of granite rock may look gray and boring, but take a closer look under a microscope and its possible to see that the rock is made from billions of tiny colorful grains. Each microscopic grain is a substance called a mineral, and its minerals that are the ingredients that make up all the rocks on Earth. In this book, readers will learn how different combinations of minerals create different types of rocks. Theyll discover that metals, such as gold, are actually minerals that can be found in rocks. And theyll learn that some minerals grow as beautiful shapes called crystals that can be made into precious gemstones such as rubies and sapphires. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest facts, this book makes exploring the topic of rocks and minerals a lively, engaging experience.

MY TIDBITS

Bringing rocks down to a microscopic view, this book shows what rocks are composed of and how they fit our world.

There are thousands of different types of rocks, but they have more in common than one might think. After a table of contents, the first pages dive into a basic look at rocks and what happens when they are taken under a microscope. From various mineral compositions to crystals and gems, the basics of rocks and their variety is introduced in a way young readers will understand. Each page spread, or chapter, has a main theme, which is then explained in a few short sentences. Small pictures with extra tidbits and explanations are added here and there, adding more interesting pieces of information curious readers are sure to enjoy. Each spread also includes a large, real-life picture which shows the mineral, crystal or rock in an actual setting.

After the reader learns what rocks are composed of and the difference between rocks and crystals, there are several more pages at the end, which help deepen this knowledge. A mineral chart gives a quick view at very common minerals; a science lab hints at a way readers can build their own types of rocks; a  glossary not only defines several more difficult terms but also has a quick picture for each one; and the address to a website, where readers can discover more about rocks, is given.

This book presents the world of rocks in an easy to understand manner, while keeping the topic from growing too dry. The bits of added information give it a little more charm, and the pictures ensure that the knowledge can be tied into everyday life. Young readers will see rocks in a different light after reading this book, and are sure to investigate stones on their own.

Eight books in the series.

From tall mountains and deep canyons to tiny pebbles on a beach, our Earth is a very rocky place. How do rocks form, though? What are rocks made of? How do people use rocks? And where in the world can we see Earth's most amazing rocks? This new Science Slam series takes a fresh look at rocks, giving children the chance to learn about igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, the rock cycle, weathering and erosion, minerals and crystals, everyday uses for rocks, and famous rocks. Every book in the series is expertly crafted to meet early elementary and science curriculum standards. Innovative, grade-appropriate activities and experiments, critical-thinking questions, and fascinating fact boxes will keep the pages turning and the pace lively and interactive.

http://bearportpublishing.com/shop/show/10650

Cover Reveal: The Viking's Captive by Quinn Loftis

The Viking’s Captive 

by Quinn Loftis

Clan Hakon Series, #2

Clean Reads Publishing

YA Historical

COMING. . .

NOVEMBER 27th, 2018!!!

Prophecy spoken.
Alliances broken.
Will duty come before love? 

The Viking’s Captive is the exciting sequel to The Viking’s Chosen by USA Today Bestseller Quinn Loftis. 

Two worlds collide in this epic historical fiction centered on an undeniable chemistry that smolders against the odds. Richly written and injected with moments of humor, this action-packed romantic tale will leave you breathless. 

Novels in The Clan Hakon Series Include:
The Viking’s Chosen (February 12, 2018)
The Viking’s Captive (November 27, 2018)
The Viking’s Consort (Fall 2019)

Goodreads / iBooks / Kobo

And here she is. . .

 

Quinn is an award winning author who lives in beautiful Western Arkansas with her husband, two sons, Nora the Doberman, and Chewy the Cat who thinks he's a dog. She is the author of 17 novels, and 2 novellas, including the USA Today bestseller, Fate and Fury. Quinn is beyond thankful that she has been blessed to be able to write full time and hopes the readers know how much all of their support means to her. Some of her hobbies include reading, exercising, crochet, and spending time with family and friends. She gives all credit of her success to God because he gave her the creative spirit and vivid imagination it takes to write. 

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Sneak Peek: Fury Frayed by Melissa Haag with Giveaway

Fury Frayed 

by Melissa Haag

Of Fates and Furies, #1

January 23rd 2018

YA Fantasy

Megan’s temper lands her in Girderon Academy, an exclusive school founded in a town of misfit supernatural creatures. It’s the one place she should be able to fit in, but she can’t. Instead, she itches to punch the smug sheriff in his face, pull the hair from a pack of territorial blondes, and kiss the smile off the shy boy’s face. Unfortunately, she can’t do any of that, either, because humans are dying and all clues point to her.
With Megan’s temper flaring, time to find the real killer and clear her name is running out. As much as she wants to return to her own life, she needs to embrace who and what she is. It’s the only way to find and punish the creature responsible.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

SNEAK PEEK

“WHAT WAS THAT FOR?” HE ASKED. ANGER HAD WIPED OUT ANY HINT OF MOCKING CURIOSITY FROM HIS TONE.
I COULD ALSO FEEL THE THROB IN MY FIST. HE HAD A HARD NOSE.
“TO SEE IF YOU WERE REAL.”
“MOST PEOPLE PINCH.” HE SOUNDED A BIT MORE NASALLY THAN HE HAD BEFORE.
MY IMAGINATION WAS SURE GOOD AT ADDING THE LITTLE DETAILS NEEDED TO MAKE THIS ALL FEEL REAL. I DIDN’T LET IT DISTRACT ME FROM THE MOMENT, THOUGH.
“MOST PEOPLE DON’T WALK AROUND IN SOMEONE ELSE’S BACKYARD WHILE BUTT NAKED.” NOT THAT I ACTUALLY MINDED THAT PART. HIS BICEPS WERE CLEARLY DEFINED, AND HIS THIGHS WERE THICKER THAN MY HEAD. REALIZING WHERE MY GAZE HAD WANDERED, I QUICKLY LOOKED UP AGAIN.
HE SHOOK HIS HEAD AND RELEASED MY WRIST.
“WHERE WERE YOU GOING?” HE ASKED.
“TO TOWN. DO YOU OWN PANTS?”
“IT WOULD BE BETTER IF YOU STAYED HERE.”
“FOR WHO?”
“YOU.”
“STAY IN A HOUSE WHERE A GUY SHOWS UP NAKED IN THE BACKYARD? YEAH, THAT’S NOT SOUNDING LIKE A GOOD OPTION.”
“IT’S THE SAFEST ONE.”
“OF COURSE, YOU WOULD THINK THAT. BUT SINCE THIS IS MY DREAM, I’M GOING TO SEE HOW MANY MORE NAKED MEN ARE FROLICKING AROUND THIS PLACE.”
HE STAYED QUIET FOR A MOMENT, STUDYING ME. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO TURN AND WALK TO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE WHEN HE SPOKE AGAIN.
“THE PEOPLE IN THIS TOWN ARE GOING TO EAT YOU UP AND SPIT YOU OUT.”
WITHOUT WARNING, HE SCOOPED ME UP AND WALKED INTO THE HOUSE WITH ME. IN THE LIGHT OF THE KITCHEN, I STUDIED HIS FACE. HE LOOKED MAD, HIS JAW HARD AND A FROWN TUGGING HIS LIPS. VERY NICE LIPS. HIGH CHEEKBONES AND A STRONG NOSE. HIS GAZE FLICKED DOWN TO ME JUST BEFORE HE STARTED UP THE STAIRS. DEEP BLUE EYES. I HAD AMAZING TASTE IN DREAM MEN.
WHEN HE TURNED TO MY ROOM, MY HEART SKIPPED A BEAT. WAS I REALLY GOING TO DREAM THIS? A NAKED MAN CARRYING ME TO BED? I KNEW WHERE THIS WAS HEADED.

And here she is. . .
 

I love writing paranormal and fantasy romance stories. After finishing up the Judgement of the Six series, I thought I was ready to trade in my broody shifter males for something bit more mythological. Wouldn’t you know it…a few shifters snuck in! But, I managed a healthy selection of other creatures that made this series truly unique for me.
Writing characters with realistic motivations in a fantasy world is always fun. Fury Frayed was no exception. I laughed so many times while writing the first draft and again during the editing process. I hope you enjoy reading it just as much as I enjoyed writing it!

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Review: The Prince of Korin by Melody J. Bremen

THE PRINCE OF KORIN

by Melody J. Bremen

YA Fantasy

238 pages

Prince Endomer of Korin is not a hero. Nor does he want to be one.
He spends his days in the royal library, poring over old manuscripts, studying archaic languages and playing chess. He’s never been like Krollis, his fearless twin brother, who is an expert swordsman and hunts wild beasts in the forests.
When an army of vizzens, the fearsome old enemy of Korin, attacks from the east and Krollis disappears, Endomer is left in charge of the country. He struggles to find a way to save his people while his soldiers are dying and his citizens are forced to flee. As he fights to gain the respect of the palace court, he discovers a threat coming from within the palace walls. There is no one he can trust.
He isn’t only fighting for his country – he’s fighting for his life.
Fans of Megan Whalen Turner and Jennifer A. Nielsen will enjoy this story of political intrigue and betrayal. 

MY TIDBITS

With a world to sink into and layers of intrigue, strife and hope, this is a novel to which grabs into the world of kingdoms and what it means to rule.

Prince Endomer and his twin brother, Prince Korin, are like two sides of a coin. Endomer is not the braver of the two. While Korin hunts and thrives adventure, Endomer hides in the library. Both fear the day they learn which shall become king. When the announcement is made, Korin runs and Endomer is left alone, not only to rule but to save his kingdom from an devastating war and a traitor who was even able to fool his own parents and friends.

Prince Endomer is a hero of a different sort—something I truly enjoyed seeing. He is not a fighter, he is not brave or adventurous, and he definitely doesn't have what it takes to be king. Or so he thinks. The tale already begins with a refreshing idea that neither brother desires to become king. Both realize the burden the responsibility brings, and both would rather avoid it. Considering the parents, the king and queen, are very loving and kind people, this comes across as extremely mature. But then, for being 14 turning 15, especially Endomer acts and thinks way beyond his age—something which made me stumble a little. In any case, Endomer is a delightful character to root for the whole way through.

The story moves along at a steady pace, never inviting boredom, but this isn't an action story. The author digs into Endomer, letting the story take a similar flow to his personality. It's a tale of intrigue, mystery, and political difficulties, not adventure. There are a few scenes where action trickles in but this falls more into a thinking game. Even the ending doesn't carry the epic battle often seen in this genre, but fits well with the rest of the tale. It's engaging, makes the reader think along with Endomer and experience the hardships with heart. 

There's a wonderful take on sibling relationships and the special bond they share. Nothing is smooth, but that doesn't make their relationship a negative one. The author does a great job at bringing the differences of opinions and behaviors into play, while not letting the 'love' between the two fall into the shadows. Even when that love isn't as clear as day.

Fantasy friends of tales with princes, kingdoms, war and political intrigue are sure to enjoy this one. The world comes across as realistic, the enemy threatens at every turn, the layers of intrigue are tightly woven and Endomer is a prince to love and watch grow.

And here she is. . .

Melody J. Bremen has written several novels for middle grade readers. The Prince of Korin is her first novel for young adults. She lives in New Jersey with her family and a faithful computer named Oswald. Find out more and sign-up for Melody’s email newsletter at: www.melodyjbremen.com

Review: Yellow Kayak by Nina Laden, Illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

YELLOW KAYAK

by Nina Laden

Illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

ages 4 and up

32 pages

A child and his beloved best friend go on a grand sea adventure in this magical picture book by the author and artist who created If I Had a Little Dream.

You just never know what a new day will hold if you are brave enough to find out. On one quiet afternoon, a boy and his special friend’s unexpected adventure bring joy and excitement and sights never imagined. And the best part of any adventure is returning home with stories to tell and you best friend at your side. 

MY TIDBITS

With pointed text and stunning illustrations, this book invites into the world of dreams and endless possibilities.

A boy and his friend, a simple giraffe, take a boat ride into adventure. The journey takes them through storms, peaceful waves, swirling sea creatures and bucket loads of other sights and unexpected places.

The illustrations in this one are amazing. While in some ways reminding of the swirly, imaginative style found in Dr. Seuss, these colorful depictions go a step further and enter the world of artistic wonder. The colors radiate and are daring, giving each scene a wonderful and inviting atmosphere. Yet, the playful side sits front and center, giving young readers something to discover and enjoy time and again.

The text is exquisite. The four line rhymes are composed and carefully placed, each line only consisting of two words. And these two words are exactly what is needed to call in each emotion and image. It reads like a fantastic dream, letting the adventure slide in harmony with the illustrations. It's calming, invites imagination to take flight, leaves the reader feeling a bit braver and craving an exciting journey of their own.

I highly recommend this read, and see it as a clear favorite among young listeners and older readers alike.



And here they are. . .

The author. . .
Nina Laden is author-illustrator of man books for kids, including Peek-a-Who?; Who Loves You;, Baby?; The Night I Followed the Dog; and If I Had a Little Dream, illustrated by Melissa Castrillon, which School Library Journal called "a sweet bedtime selection." She lives with her husband on Lummi Island, Washington.

The Illustrator. . .

Melissa Castrillon is a freelance illustrator currently based in Cambridge, England. She earned a master's degree in children's book illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. She is the illustrator of If I Had a Little Dream, written by Nina Laden, about which Publishers Weekly said, "Castrillon debuts with a splash. . .She's a talent to watch."