Blog Archives
I Thought It Would Mean Something To Many
Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secrets of the Orchard follows five children who are attending a magical school in the woods, where they discover a dark secret the school has been hiding. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration derived from a few things.
My 2 children’s primary school is called Orchard Primary School.
I wanted to write a YA book with an adventure that had children investigating misdeeds at a school and that held a deep dark secret.
Following one of my earliest point s of note about writing (use the area around you, where you live as you know it well) I chose Sherwood Forest as the setting – also I thought it would mean something to many, as its the home of Robin Hood (even though this is a mystical adventure).
Finally I wanted to show that not all teachers are good and behave well as adults, especially when they have their own agenda…
All the characters have unique characteristics and personalities. Did you create an outline for the characters in the story before you started writing or did the characters personalities grow organically as you were writing?
Yes I still have this working document. I created the main players; gave them some depth (hopefully) and I have added notes as I have written on the player and the their link into the overall story (its a storyboard with what should happen when, this also keeps the story (and me) on point as I create a hook, then I can go back to it later on and so on). Some of the story was created organically as I wrote new ideas that I felt suited the story better and were inserted over and above the planned storyboard.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Several.
Friendship and the strength that can bring as a group. The feeling that must give a child to feel part of something bigger.
The ability to put main characters that are from ethnic backgrounds with relevance to the story (one key character is from Nepal and that area of the world has a significant bearing on all the books).
Resilience – I put the characters through the mill and the 5 children are of mixed ages (from 8-14 years old), which means they all need their own voice for there age, and react differently due to life experience and maturity (or immaturity).
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
They’re are 5 books in the series (hence Pentagon) – and the number 5 is another key stakeholder in the grand scheme. I will be querying for an agent later this month and see where that goes and look at other publishers. This will hopefully lead to the 2nd book in the Series. Pentagon Pirate Gang and the Poisoned Apple.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Five students enter a summer camp at the School of Fruit Teaching in the middle of the deep-wooded Sherwood Forest, to find the secret. They pit their wits against the spiteful and vicious headmistress, Mrs Blackfruit and her right-hand man the deputy-head, Mr Thornby. What they discover will change their lives forever.
Their adventure and investigation, with help from a couple of the teachers, leads them to unearth a powerful, mysterious, secret, that the headmistress and her deputy have tried for decades to hide.
They think that’s enough – but no. An event that occurred fifty years ago has returned to affect what is happening at the school, to the children and to everyone involved, including their parents.
How will the newly formed Pentagon Pirate Gang cope with the challenges?
And what will become of them when the tables are turned…?
The Heath Cousins and the Silver Statue
Addie B., Wanderer and traveler to the magical land of Ambra, faces an insurmountable challenge as spring break begins. Visiting London with her parents, Addie receives a disconcerting letter from her cousin Jack, who has shared many adventures to the land of Ambra alongside her. Jack shares the unsettling news that he is beginning to forget the quests of Ambra, urging Addie to write down the stories of the magical world before all memory of them is forever lost. Feeling the sting of dread and missing her cousin dearly, Addie B. once again finds herself returning to the world of Ambra. Meeting a host of new characters and joined by dear friends from previous adventures, Addie must fight as never before to outwit the forces of darkness and guide her companions on the way back home.
I loved the enchantment of the world and felt a connection to Addie B. and her numerous friends. Each character was distinctive, from conflicted Peter to stalwart Max to my personal favorite, adorable, tiny Lulu. There were plenty of succinct recaps, which helped a new reader not to be lost in the story. The only exception was the lack of description of the antagonist Daiyu, whom I mistakenly thought was a sorcerer for about a third of the book rather than an elderly sorceress.
A concise adventure that contains just as much action as a full-length novel, Addie B.’s journey through Ambra is full of inner turmoil. Acceptance, forgiveness, courage, and moving forward are the main thrusts of the story, as the many new characters introduced seem to be setting the stage for a new phase of adventures. I loved the world, the characterization, and the good story about the cousins’ special bond. However, the conclusion to this tale had many notes of grief within it. After all, is said and done, the ending pages leave off like a symphony on a half-note, leaving the reader with both hope for future adventures in Ambra and a feeling of utter finality.
The Heath Cousins and the Silver Statue by Eileen Hobbs is a fast-paced, perfectly sized adventure in a wondrous parallel world. This children’s fantasy is filled with magic and adventure that will captivate young readers and keep them engaged from start to finish.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0B1W2HXTL
A Story That Needed To Be Retold
Scoochie & Skiddles: Scoochie’s Adoption Story follows a little girl who teaches her friends about adoption and different kinds of families. What was the inspiration for your story?
The character Scoochie is inspired by my oldest daughter. The book, Scoochie’s Adoption Story, chronicles our family’s experience in adopting her. However, the book is inspired by an actual incident at the park when another girl inquired about my daughter’s family. The book represents how my daughter proudly explained her adoption experience to this other girl. I could not have been more proud of her and, in that moment, I knew it was a story that needed to be retold.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Dusting James?
Thank you. Dustin has illustrated both of my books and has been a wonderful collaborator. He gets my vision, which makes the process easy. I offer a scene description and give him creative liberty to bring it to life. While Scoochie’s Adoption Story is primarily about the main character and her family, I wanted the images to represent a broad range of diverse families. Dustin and I paid close attention to the background characters in the park scenes to ensure this diversity. I am very pleased with how it all turned out.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Most importantly, I wanted to concept of family diversity to come through. Every family is so different, and I wanted to celebrate those differences. I also wanted to normalize the adoption process as one way a family can be formed. Finally, I wanted to showcase same-sex parents and create greater visibility and representation of gay parents.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
There are several concepts on the storyboard. Since adopting our second child, my available time to write isn’t the same as it once was. At this point, I would project book #3 to come out sometime in 2023. Lifting up diverse families in children’s literature will continue to be the theme of my books.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Scoochie was adopted by her two daddies through an open adoption. In Scoochie’s Adoption Story, Scoochie takes you on the journey of her and her daddies’ adoption experience. She tells of the many distinct processes related to adoption such as the “match” process between her birth mom and daddies, the hospital and post-hospital experience, and the adoption hearing that legalized her adoption. Most importantly, she expresses her respect and positivity for her birth mom and birth family, while exuding immense pride and endless love for her two daddies and soon to be adopted sister. While the book’s theme is Scoochie’s adoption, it honors and celebrates families of all types and structures. The story is an uplifting story about the bond family.
Narrated by the book’s main character, Scoochie’s Adoption Story is told in child-friendly language with adoption concepts presented in a manner that are easy for children to understand. It is a celebration of family, regardless of family composition or how a family has been created. Through text and illustration, the story represents a wide variety of families and sends a strong message of diversity and inclusion. A perfect reading book for all families and especially for children of LGBT parents, diverse families, and families touched by adoption.
Those who may enjoy the book include:
All families and all children
Parents looking for books on diversity
Birth parents
Adoptive parents
Adopted children
LGBT parents and LGBT allies
Diverse families / mixed race families
Adoption agencies / Adoption case workers
Adoption attorneys
Adoption facilitators
Individuals and couples considering adoption
Social Workers and Counselors
Teachers and Guidance Counselors
Child Protective Services / Family Preservation
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) advocates
For more information, visit us on the web at scoochieandskiddles(dot)com or email us at hello@scoochieandskiddles.com
The New Addition To Our Family
No Dog in my Yard follows a young boy who wants a dog more than anything and does what he has to in order to prove to his parents he is ready for a pet. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for No Dog in my Yard was my son, Jonathan. He begged and begged for a dog for ten years. He reminded us daily of dogs in every yard but his own. Though my husband and I love animals, with both of us working, our son in school, we enjoy traveling, etc., there never seemed to be an ideal time to get a pet and give it the time and attention it deserves. We hoped Jonathan would get his “dog fix” by playing with all the neighborhood dogs. It only made his desire to have one of his own even greater. We also repeatedly said no to a dog because Jonathan needed to take his responsibilities at home and school more seriously and prove he was ready to care for a pet. When the pandemic hit, I started to work from home, Jonathan was learning from home and doing well with his chores. Every excuse I had for not getting a dog went out the window. So, Millie is the new addition to our family. The transition from no dog to a dog led me to write a second book – A Dog in my Yard.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Jim Pearson?
I couldn’t agree more that the art is fantastic! Jim is an absolute pro with an impressive background. He worked at Pixar Studios on the movies Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, and The Ant Bully and went on to work at the Cartoon Network. Though No Dog in my Yard is Jim’s first children’s book, his experiences and talent truly brought the story to life. I gave Jim the story, pictures of all ten dogs, Jonathan, and a handful of adults, and the sketching began. His creativity, level of detail, and humor are apparent on every page of the book. Throughout the project, we found a really nice balance. Jim did what he does best, but he always asked my opinion and was open to suggestions. I knew it was important to him that I be completely happy with every illustration. With No Dog in my Yard my first book too, we learned a tremendous amount from each other and ultimately formed a great partnership and friendship.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
What’s most important for me to share in No Dog in my Yard are important life lessons told in a comical way that any child, parent, or educator can relate to and enjoy. I want readers to substitute a dog for anything children are asking for like video games, phones, toys, etc. The lessons for children include working hard for what they want, persevering, being responsible, making good decisions, and saving money they’ve earned. I want to share adorable characters and playful illustrations, so children laugh, learn, and want to read more.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book is A Dog in my Yard and will be available on November 6, 2022. The adventures of Jonathan, Millie, and more neighborhood dogs continue. Who knew having a puppy would turn our house upside down? So, the many discussions to re-home Millie and Jonathan’s plea to save her were real. I applied the same principles of laughter and learning and hope all readers will enjoy the next book in the series. And I’m happy to say that Jim was back for book #2 with more stunning illustrations!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook
This playfully illustrated and comical story follows Jonathan and his nine furry friends around the neighborhood as they plan and scheme to get Jonathan a dog of his own. But it is more than a story about a boy wanting a dog. Told from Jonathan’s perspective, children, parents, and teachers alike will laugh aloud as Jonathan’s plans shift from relentless begging to taking initiative, setting goals, persevering through challenges, and proving he is responsible.
The Value of True Friendship and Forgiveness
Gloppy follows a fifth-grade girl who becomes rivals with a new girl at school; friends and school staff work to help the girls overcome their differences. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for Gloppy came from watching interactions between elementary-age students. Mistake-making, teasing, and pranking are common experiences for kids.
I wanted to write a book with believable characters whom readers can identify with. As kids follow the main character’s journey, I hope that they will enjoy the story and develop some helpful strategies for dealing with their own problems.
Dee thinks she has everything figured out when she starts school, only to discover she does not. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Dee is highly intelligent and competitive, but that doesn’t make her immune to social challenges. She makes a big mistake and learns that there are unpleasant consequences for her behavior. As she navigates through the subsequent difficulties, she learns about the value of true friendship and forgiveness. These are some of the ideals I hoped to convey.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are several themes showcased in Gloppy:
- How to build and keep friendships.
- The importance of making amends to those one has hurt.
- The power of forgiveness.
- Learning to accept guidance from parents and teachers.
- Dispelling the notion that intelligent kids have no problems.
- To balance life with a generous dose of humor.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The sequel to Gloppy, called Addition Problems, is already available! Dee’s family is having an addition built, and crazy things start happening! Plus, there is a mystery unfolding; can the reader figure it out? Dee has some interesting and funny experiences in this wild, upside-down summer!
Also, I am now working on Book 3 in the series!
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Meanwhile, the fifth-graders are competing in girls vs. boys kickball and softball games. Each team is determined to outscore the other. Things become pretty wild both on and off the field! At home, Dee mixes it up with her little brother, Joey. Will there be any peace?
Gloppy is a heartwarming tale of friendships and forgiveness that will stick with a reader long after the last page has been turned.
Bertie the Bouncy Beachball
Bertie lives at the most wonderful place possible–the beach. He is a beachball housed on a shelf in a shed full of toys and should have fun-filled days in the sun with one beach-going child after another. Bertie, however, is not so lucky. Day after day, he watches the other toys in the shed leave their spots on the shelves to enjoy the beach and bring smiles to children. All he wants is a chance to do the same. When Rosie and Esther enter the shed with their grandfather one day, Bertie’s luck begins to take a turn.
Bertie the Bouncy Beachball, written by Mandy Woolf and illustrated by Elmira Georgieva, is the sweet story of a beachball who desires nothing more than to feel wanted and useful. His sadness is palpable, and the touching illustrations clearly convey his emotions to young readers throughout the book. Children will be drawn immediately to Bertie and his plight.
Parents and teachers will be reminded of Corduroy as they introduce readers to Bertie and his struggle to be important to someone. Woolf includes lessons on patience and perseverance–both excellent lessons for young readers. The most important lesson conveyed by the author and one parents and teachers will more than appreciate is that we should give others a chance to shine.
As a teacher, I can see Bertie the Bouncy Beachball as an excellent resource for elementary teachers and guidance counselors. There are some truly wonderful opportunities within Woolf’s book to address feelings and how to cope with them. I highly recommend this delightful read!
Pages: 32 | ISBN: 1922670715
Pippin Goes Snowboarding
Mummy has planned a day of new experiences for Pippin, and he cannot wait to see what the day brings! First on their list is snow. Pippin has never seen snow, and he is mesmerized. His curiosity gets the best of him when he sees his very first snowman, but a long-necked bird sets him straight following a few curious licks. After Emy the emu educates Pippin about snow, he meets Luna, the dog who introduces him to the idea of snowboard racing. Pippin’s fun day in the snow is about to get even more interesting!
Pippin Goes Snowboarding is the fourth book in Julia Seaborn’s A Poodle Called Pippin series and is illustrated by Richard Hoit. Hoit’s precious illustration truly captures the excitement and novelty of main character Pippin’s experiences. Seaborn’s storyline offers young readers everything from suspenseful moments to encouragement to share with others. In addition, Pippin’s adventure helps young readers better understand how to make new friends and deal with the fear of trying something new.
I am giving Pippin Goes Snowboarding, written by Julia Seaborn and illustrated by Richard Hoit, 5 out of 5 stars. The author has included a wonderful list of comprehension questions that can be used to facilitate classroom discussions. I can see this book, and the entire Pippin series, as a teaching tool in grades K-3. I highly recommend Seaborn and Hoit’s work for any parent or teacher looking to incorporate a new author into their regular rotation of read-alouds.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0BFVVX3VD
LITERARY TITAN 