Blog Archives

An Interesting Learning Experience

Laura James Author Interview

Addison’s Canadian Caper follows a young girl during a family trip across Canada for a writing contest, who must find her cousin’s lost cat amidst the excitement and mystery of their adventure. What was one thing that got you excited to write this book?

First, I had to decide on a location for the “c” book, and then research information about that location. Reading about Canada was interesting, exciting, and informative, and I was eager to share Canada’s culture in an amusing children’s tale. The icing on the cake was to create an entire story using as many words as possible that start with the letter “c.”

How did you develop the character of Addison, and what qualities did you want to highlight through her journey?​

Addison’s character has the “typical” traits of a big sister, but she excels in problem-solving, and her responsible attitude helps her keep a close eye on Albert, her little brother. Albert’s character matches his age and curiosity and leads to many of their adventures. During her journey, Addison works to achieve her goals, helps her cousin gain self-confidence, learns valuable lessons, and encounters situations that young readers easily relate to.

Can you share more about your decision to weave educational elements, like vocabulary definitions, directly into the story?​

Including unfamiliar vocabulary words came about when I created a unique way of storytelling that focuses on one letter of the alphabet from beginning to end. I included some unfamiliar vocabulary words and wanted to make it easy for them to learn the definitions without struggling to search at the back of the book. To make it easy for young readers, I included brief definitions on the bottom of each page. This new format delights and empowers young readers and allows them to continue reading without timely disruption.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

Addison’s Delaware Discovery is my next book in the Addison series. It is nearly ready to get reviewed, then it goes on to the illustrator. When she has finished, it will be published and become available. Working with other people and their availability makes an exact time difficult to state, but I’m hoping by the end of the year.

In Addison’s Delaware Discovery, Addison meets a young girl named Daisy, who wears dandelion-colored shoes, loves dreamsicles, and has a disability.

This story is an interesting learning experience as Addison has never met anyone with a disability and is not sure what to say or do. Addison becomes determined to help Daisy make friends, and when she discovers that Delaware was once famous for having a swamp monster, she devises a plan!

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Addison Anderson is a clever, cheerful girl, who won a creative writing contest and a free trip to Canada. Addison begins to get curious about her Canadian challenger, when she is surprised to see her very own cousin, Corby Clemens, come through the door, doing cartwheels down the carpet!

During their visit with the Clemens’ clan, Corby’s cat disappeared with clues pointing to a Cat Burglar! Corby grew concerned, and called in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which created a big commotion. The children remained confident that with the Mounties on the job the Cat Burglar would soon be caught, or would he?

Addison books marry entertainment with education, using a unique format that both delights and empowers young readers.

Addison’s Canadian Caper

Embarking on their journey to participate in the prestigious Canadian Writing Contest, young Addison and her family rendezvous with their cousins for an exploration of Canada’s diverse offerings. From immersive aviation museums to reveling in the boundless beauty of the great outdoors, the children revel in each moment together. However, the jubilant atmosphere is abruptly shattered when Corby, Addison’s cousin, realizes that his beloved feline companion, Clover, has vanished. Thus ensues a compelling story where the collective efforts of the youngsters and their families converge to unravel the mystery before the culminating stage of the writing competition unfolds.

In Laura James’s Addison’s Canadian Caper, the story pulsates with vibrant energy and literary flair, punctuated by an ingenious use of alliteration. As Addison traverses the Canadian landscape alongside her cousin Corby, readers are introduced to a plethora of captivating vocabulary akin to unwrapping linguistic treasures.

Evocative of classic 1950s mystery tales tailored for young audiences, the narrative unfurls seamlessly, propelled by Mariya Stoyanova’s exquisite illustrations that imbue the storyline with an additional layer of nostalgic charm. While the story’s pace is brisk and captivating, James ensures accessibility by providing succinct definitions of the introduced vocabulary at the bottom of each page, thereby nurturing a spirit of curiosity and learning among readers.

The narrative serves as a delightful ode to Canadian culture, interweaving references to cuisine, sports, and various cultural nuances throughout the storyline. As an avid reader, I found myself enchanted by the newfound knowledge of Canadian pastimes like “curling,” underscoring the enriching experience offered by the story. The prevalence of names starting with the letter “c” among Corby’s family members adds a unique charm to the story, enhancing the familial bond among characters.

Addison’s Canadian Caper is a fun children’s book that’s brimming with wit and whimsy. Its amalgamation of entertainment and educational value makes it a delightful addition to any young reader’s collection. With its satisfying blend of innocence and adventure, this captivating “whodunit” caters to anyone who relishes mysteries steeped in timeless allure and joyous discovery.

Pages: 53 | ASIN: B0CVFZT3HJ

Buy Now From Amazon