Review: Mightier Than The Sword by Drew Callander and Alana Harrison

MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD

by Drew Callander and 

Alan Harrison

Penguin Workshop

Middle Grade Fantasy/Adventure

320 pages

Wildly funny and inventive, this interactive book pulls you, the reader, into the action. Yes, YOU!

You wake up in the fictional land of Astorya, where stories from our world come to life. You're a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil you have the power to create: what you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story!

Only you can rescue Prince S. from the evil Queen Rulette. Aided by the Couriers--a French stoat with dangerous dance moves, a giant dung beetle, a fire ninja, a Pegasus-centaur-cowgirl and a super-intelligent femalien chameleon--you must write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure that is unique to every reader! And most importantly, you must prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword. 

 MY TIDBITS

Ready for a mega-blast of originality and super fun? Because that's exactly what this book is. Grumpy and serious are words which don't exist in this wild adventure, which stars the most amazing hero in the universe...and does it well.

You...yes, you, the reader, find yourself in the fantastical world of Astorya. There, you might the most amazing creatures and surprises, but none of them believe you to be a 'real' human. It is a world of fiction, after all. But real humans have a unique superpower, which means you do too. The power of the pencil. Everything you write on paper comes true, and that gives you the perfect weapon to begin the most amazing, hair-brained, ridiculous and dangerous adventure ever.

This book/series is hitting my top ten favorite list for 2019. While I first thought this was another choose your own adventure type of tale, it's not. Written in present tense with 'you' as the main character, it's already in a class of its own...and a good one. The authors pull this combination through seamlessly and really build an amazing story, which flows and draws in. The reader is invited to scribble in the book, solve puzzles, fill in the blanks and all sorts of other things. And each of these activities is related to the story. Although every reader will add their own thoughts and personality, the tale is so well done, that it works.

Fantasy and imagination have literally no limits in these pages. Rather, ridiculous quirkiness and humor in the best and worst degree unfold constantly. The characters are not what you'd ever guess and the adventure takes turns which will have the reader giggling, snorting, wondering what just happened or simply rolling their eyes. It's a royal ton of fun and probably the most ludicrous tale you might ever run across. Add the large amount of illustrations—always a treat—and this one is definitely worth a read.

AND...

COMING...

NOVEMBER 5th, 2019!!!

THE EDGE OF THE WORD

Mightier Than The Sword, #2

by Drew Callander and

Alana Harrison

Penguin Workshop

Middle Grade Fantasy/Adventure

336 pages

The second book set in Astorya places you back in the driver's seat. You're a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil, you have the power to create. What you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story!

You must journey to Astorya's Other Side, a place of monsters and mayhem, to hide the Original original forever. Surely nothing bad could happen to Astorya's precious document there, right? But when the plan goes awry and digital doppelgangers are unleashed on the world, once again only you can save the day.

Write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure story that is unique to every reader! And, most importantly, prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword.

TIDBITS

(my 14 year old son's, not mine)

Since my review pile has long surmounted the roof of the house—and my 14-year-old son had snatched up this one when I wasn't looking—I'm going to share his thoughts. For clarification, he is a Rick Riordan fan and a huge fan of The Wings of Fire series. Simply said, he devoured this book in two sittings (he does have to do homework, school and such) and found it hilarious. 

He says that the characters are crazy, the humor is weird and funny, and it's one of the strangest books he's ever read. And it was awesome. He wishes there were more books like this one and likes how the authors didn't hold to the usual 'rules'. He recommends it and thinks everyone should have a chance to read it.

Now, if that's not a great review, then I don't know what is.

And here are the authors...

A husband-and-wife team, Drew Callander and Alana Harrison have a background in acting, sketch and improv comedy. They also spent many years teaching creative writing to kids in New York City public schools through Story Pirates, a company Drew co-founded in 2003. The book was inspired by the hilarious, bizarre, and wonderful stories that come from the imaginations of children. 

Review: Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Home by Susan Marie and Miss Olive

MISS OLIVE 
FINDS HER FUREVER HOME

by Susan Marie

and Miss Olive

Illustrated by Rebekah Phillips

Doggy Diva Show, Inc.

Picture Book

30 pages

ages 4 to 8

Miss Olive Finds Her "Furever" Home is the first book in the heartwarming and inspirational series The Doggy Diva Diaries. When we first meet Miss Olive, she is a sad and lonely little pup hoping to find a loving family and her "furever" home. With the help of her magical fairy dog-mother, "Sophia the Doggy Diva," Miss Olive learns a valuable life lesson: It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside. It's the kindness and love you have on the inside that counts. Your dreams really can come true!

MY TIDBITS

Animal fans will enjoy joining Miss Olive on her journey to finding a loving family and will be left with the desire to snuggle with a dog of their own.

Being alone in a cage is hard for this puppy, but when someone finally appears and takes her home to an adoption house, things turn around. She receives a name, Miss Olive, and is now has nine other dogs living and playing with her. But the bliss is short-lived as the other dogs are adopted, and she's left alone. She wonders if it's because of her missing back leg despite the caretakers insurances that she's just special. Still, she can't help but wonder if she'll ever have a family of her own.

I love the pink fluffy feel of this book. Miss Olive, although starting out as a plain, brown puppy, is in a class all of her own. The illustrations make her personality shine—chucked full of lightness, love and super sweet, girly colors. Miss Olive comes across as special as she is, and it's something to admire.

The tale simply reflects the adoption process when a dog has been taken shelter. It's done in a clear way, young listeners will understand and adds the extra possibility of a 'foster' home. With the addition of Miss Olive's handicap, the message that even these dogs are lovable comes across...something we sympathize since our own dog is very much like Miss Olive. It's a lovely way to build young listener's awareness of the problems dogs face, while showing how truly wonderful these pets are. And Miss Olive is nothing if not wonderful, inside and out.


And here she is...

For over fifteen years, Susan Marie has been spreading the word about puppy love through her nationally syndicated weekly radio show, The Doggy Diva Show. On her show, Susan interviews pet care experts, dog trainers, authors and representatives from animal rescue organizations.Past guests include Bob Barker, Dean Koontz, Julia Cameron, Alison Eastwood, and America Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker. The Doggy Diva Show can be heard on Pet Life Radio, iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Speak Up Talk Radio.

Miss Olive joins Susan Marie at the microphone each week as the co-host of the radio show The Doggy Diva Show, Pet Life Radio In addition to her co-hosting duties, Miss Olive is now the author of Diva Delights, her editorial column in Suncoast Pet magazine, which runs every other month.

Learn more about both at www.TheDoggyDiva.com

Beware the Violet by Maria Vermisoglou with Giveaway

Beware the Violet

The Eulogimenoi Series Book 1

by Maria Vermisoglou
YA Fantasy 

Discovering supernatural creatures are real is one thing but learning I have powers and learning to use them is quite a feat.

My name is Violet Webb. I live in a small town that nearly worships Halloween but I hate it. I can't wait until I graduate and get as far as I can from that silliness.

Everything changed when I followed the white rabbit. I ended up in a Realm full of vampires, fairies, witches and every creature possible.

Oh, Did I mention Jacques?

The hot shapeshifter with the French accent that makes me see rabbits everywhere?

Now what?

Some bloody lady of Fate gave me a prophecy to get home. The only problem is that I must defeat the darkness before it swallows both of our worlds.

Can I go through without making the ultimate sacrifice?

**Only 99 cents!!**

Goodreads * Amazon

Librarian. Reader. Writer. Reviewer.

Maria Vermisoglou is an International Bestselling fantasy author and she loves throwing her heroes into impossible situations. She draws inspiration from books, travels and...the ceiling. (So, blame the ceiling!)

She started writing 4 years ago when an idea came to her. That idea started all...

When she's not writing, she loves a good riding on the fantasy dragon but a book can also be exciting along with a cup of tea.

She's currently residing in Crete as a librarian, battling monsters and supernatural creatures from overcoming the world.

In July 2018, she was nominated as the second place winner in the First Annual Indie Awards as the Favourite New Female Author.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Review: Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

SULWE

by Lupita Nyong'o

Illustrated by Vashti Harrison 

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.

MY TIDBITS

This is a beautiful book and tale, which takes a problem many children can relate to and then sweeps it off into the world of imagination and dreams in a lovely fairy tale.

While Sulwe believes every single one of her family members is beautiful, she's convinced that her own darker skin makes her uglier than them. The teasing and taunting at school doesn't help matters. Sulwe tries everything she can to make her skin lighter, but nothing works. Mother, of course, tries to explain how gorgeous she really is, but Sulwe isn't convinced. And then, a shooting star enters her bedroom, and she's swept away on an amazing story, which might help show what true beauty is.

Already the cover grabbed my attention with the lovely big eyed girl and the magical stars. And that's what this read is—magical. The story starts with a very modern day setting and family, allowing the listener/reader to get to know Sulwe and sympathize with her plight. While not every listener will have the same problem as Sulwe, the idea of not fitting in or not liking a part of oneself is something many listeners can relate to. And Sulwe's desire to change just touches the heart. It's so bitter sweet and sad, making the reader wish they could reach out and hug her. 

After this introduction, the story takes a sudden shift into the world of fantasy and lore. It jerks a bit, but the tale of the two sisters is so wonderfully done, that the reader/listener is quickly swept away. It's beautiful and presents the message loud and clear. True beauty isn't always immediately recognized, but that doesn't lessen it. The most lovely beauty comes from within and is as bright as a star.

The illustrations are simply a treat. Not only are Sulwe and her family well depicted, but the flight into the folk tale is as wondrous as the story itself. It's the type of book listeners will want to hear again and again, and not easily forget the tale after the last page has been read. In other words, it's a lovely read young listeners (and older ones) are sure to enjoy.

And here they are...

The Author...
Lupita Nyong'o is a Kenyan actress and producer. Her first feature film role was in the film 12 Years a Slave, for which she received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as well as multiple accolades, including the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Critics' Choice Award, the Independent Spirit Award, and the NAACP Award. She has since starred in Mira Nair's Queen of Katwe, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ryan Coogler's record-breaking box office hit Black Panther, and most recently in Jordan's Peele's critically acclaimed horror film Us. Nyong'o earned a Tony Nomination for her Broadway debut in Danai Gurira's Play Eclipsed. She lives in Brooklyn.

The Illustrator...

Vashti Harrison,  author and illustrator of the bestselling Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, is an artist, author, and filmmaker with a passion for storytelling. She earned her MFA in film and video from California Institute of the Arts, where she snuck into animation and illustration classes to learn from Disney and DreamWorks legends. There she rekindled a love for drawing and painting. Now she uses her love for both film and illustration to craft beautiful stories for children.

Review: TouchWords by Rilla Alexander

CLOTHES

TouchWords

by Rilla Alexander

Chronicle Books

Board Book / Activity

16 pages

ages 2 to 4

The Touchwords board book series brings essential concepts to life for babies and toddlers

Sturdy and interactive, these board books combine touch, sight, and sound to help children experience and learn about the world. By allowing the child to trace the raised letters of a simple word and then trace its corresponding object, these books foster critical early reading and language skills, all while delighting readers with bright and eye-catching illustrations.

With Touchwords: Clothes, build vocabulary and explore the fundamentals of what we wear – whether it's a frilly party dress or a pair of ripped jeans.

Perfect for gifting at baby showers: This exquisitely designed board book is a beautiful addition to any baby's shelf and provides an educational element as well.

If you and your child are fans of Baby Touch and Feel, Goodnight Moon, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, or Press Here, you'll love the Touchwords series.

MY DAY

TouchWords

by Rilla Alexander

Chronicle Books

Board Book / Activity

16 pages

ages 2 to 4

The Touchwords board book series brings essential concepts to life for babies and toddlers

Sturdy and interactive, these board books combine touch, sight, and sound to help children experience and learn about the world. By allowing the child to trace the raised letters of a simple word and then trace its corresponding object, these books foster critical early reading and language skills, all while delighting readers with bright and eye-catching illustrations.

With Touchwords: My Day, build vocabulary and explore the exciting possibilities of a day – from washing to playing to sleeping and everything in between.

Perfect for gifting at baby showers: This exquisitely designed board book is a beautiful addition to any baby's shelf and provides an educational element as well.

If you and your child are fans of Baby Touch and Feel, Goodnight Moon, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, or Press Here, you'll love the Touchwords series.

 MY TIDBITS

These are sturdy books with a hands-on-feel, which is just right for little hands. Each two-page spread illustrates a single, big and bold word. The word is always a simple, every day one, which youngest listeners can grasp, understand, and place in their own lives. The word is lifted off the regular page, inviting for listeners to touch it and rub their fingers over every letter. Over ten more words (small typed) are listed, which relate to the main theme—things which listeners might already associate with the main word. And if not, older listeners will learn a few new words along the way.

The illustrations are bright and bold. The main object is large and sits 'in' the page, which allows listeners to feel the outline and shape as they look at it. There's also a small detail of the object (for example: a pocket on a shirt), which is raised and offers another thing for kids to feel. Other things relating to the main theme are portrayed across the page, always things kids can easily identify.

The books are simple, robust and offer familiar as well as unfamiliar words. The youngest will probably be happy with just the basic terms, where slightly older ones can dives into the word list a little better. It's an original way to get kids to hear, identify with, feel and explore words.


And here she is...

Rilla Alexander is an Australian-born designer and illustrator whose work has appeared on everything from toys and teacups to buses and buildings. Her books celebrate creativity, reading, making, and doing. She lives in Portland, Oregon.