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The Quintessential Tennessee Homeplace
Cleon’s tells the personal story of co-author Amy Grantham in a wistful picture book about growing up in her family’s homeplace in Southwest Tennessee. How did the idea for this book begin and how did you come to collaborate on the project?
I talked to April a lot about the place that we consider to be our “homeplace.” Generations of my family had lived in the house and on the land there. It’s such a special place to us that I wanted to share it with her as well. We had visited the place together, and she had heard a million of my stories from me and other family members before the project ever began.
I loved the pictures in the book. How did you decide which pictures to include?
April was responsible for the photographs that are used at the center of each page. She, with the permission of my cousin who owned the place at the time, went there and took the photos without me. She put them together in a scrapbook with the story and surprised me with it as a gift. When I started putting the project together for print, I added photos and keepsakes to the background that came from my family’s belongings. There’s a receipt from my granddad’s days working at a local hospital. There are letters that my great-uncle Cortez sent to my aunt, Cleon, from when he was a soldier in World War II. Pins, coins, paperclips, and other items came from my grandparents’ things. The only old photo in the book is of my aunt, Cleon, who owned the place most of my life. She was a pivotal person to us all, and was our matriarch for so many years.
What were some ideas, or emotions, that were important for you to convey in this book?
After April gave me the scrapbook, I shared it with my family. So many of them loved it so much that they asked us to reproduce it. We wanted to share our love for the house and land with others. We knew other people had their own “homeplaces” in their lives and could relate. Cleon’s, as I call the place, feels like the quintessential Tennessee homeplace to me. A friend mentioned that the book conveyed “object permanence.” We all have those tangible things and places tied to so many memories. People outside of the family won’t recognize every little thing in the photos, but they may be able to tie it to the things that they remember and feel nostalgic about.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m not sure what our next project will be, but I’m looking forward to working with April again. This was our third book together, and I’d love to add many more.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Living With Hunting Dogs
Hickory Doc’s Tales is a collection of humorous stories following the adventures and misadventures at The Lazy Dog Hacienda kennels. What was the inspiration for the setup to your stories?
The memories of over thirty years of living with hunting dogs. My stories come from our relationships with them in the field and at home along with my teaching experiences both in schools and as a docent at several museums. As a docent, I helped develop curricula for children’s programs and gave many presentations to children both at the museums and local schools.
Zeke was my favorite character in the story. Do you have a favorite character in the book?
All of them. Doc for his wisdom and leadership. Zeke (Doc’s brother) for his orneriness, determination, selfishness and humility at times. Patch (Doc’s daughter) for her inclusion of other animals, inquisitive nature, and her hunting skills. Rush (Doc’s Son) for his adventurous nature. Newt (family Lab) for his loyalty and kindness.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Ideas that were important for me to share in Hickory Doc’s Tales for elementary children readers and adults are:
Presenting teachable tales to elementary children on the lives of hunting dogs, other animals in nature, habitat, and life lessons involving—family, bravery, diversity, loyalty, adventure, solving problems, acceptance of others, patience, and not blaming others for your mistakes.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Chatty the Hen Pheasant (Travels With The Pack) Archway Publishing is printing it now. It will be out in December, 2021.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website
In Hickory Docs Tales, Doc shares a host of humorous stories from his important role as a hunting dog, and he narrates what life is like at the kennel. He tells tales about his adventures and mishaps with porcupines and cactus and of relationships with humans, other animals, and his tight-knit family of dogs.
Geared toward elementary school readers, Hickory Docs Tales s helps youth transition to chapter books, and it encourages a host of creative writing opportunities and exercises.
The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel
![The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel: A Cautionary Tale of Ultimate Friendship (2GETHER picture book collection 4) by [Marin Darmonkow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41bRjvC7ACL.jpg)
The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel, by Marin Darmonkow, is a children illustrated book filled with deep themes, hidden by the genre of the book. It narrates the story of two children Gabriel and Jibreel, who can’t be friends as one is a refugee, whereas the other one is a normal child living there, whose father is xenophobic.
Darmonkow uses vivid colors in the illustrations and makes them as realistic as possible, making it appealing to children while giving a hint that it refers to situations that happen in our world, giving readers a connection with reality. Furthermore, I appreciated the choice of the boys’ names as both Gabriel and Jibreel are two angels but belonging to two different religions and cultures. This contrast and the friendship between them represent the clash of culture that we find whenever a refugee meets a native and vice versa.
The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel, by Marin Darmonkow is a quick read, but takes on important and actual themes, so I would recommend it to both children and adults. Furthermore, the plot reminded me of the book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyle, which deals with similarly deep themes.
This is a thought-provoking children’s book exploring friendship, with provocative commentary on society and detailed imagery that readers will spend plenty of time looking at and appreciating.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B08NWTHGJR
JoJo’s Tiny Ear
Jojo is like any other kid. He laughs, he plays, and he helps his mom, but he has one small difference. Jojo has a tiny ear. Through this colorful children’s book young readers will learn about Jojo and about microtia. Admittedly, I had never heard of microtia before, so this book was certainly a learning experience for me as well. I felt well informed by end of this book. I think this book is great for children and adults as it will educate all readers.
Readers learn about microtia and Jojo through rhyming verses throughout this heartfelt story and we get to see how Jojo is just like every other child. Helping children relate to Jojo is important in getting them to understand that there is not much difference between us. The vibrant watercolor art does a fantastic job of showing Jojo in various states of play and shows how he is just like anyone else. The one thing that makes him unique is his hearing aid, which is on a headband. The story goes on to explain what the device is and how it works. We also learn a bit of sign language as well, as Jojo uses it to communicate.
JoJo’s Tiny Ear is a wonderfully educational story that promotes acceptance, diversity, inclusion and being comfortable with who you are. I really loved how Jojo stood up to the bullies by educating them on his condition. This vibrant picture book will entertain as well as it educates.
Pages: 28 | ASIN: 1956159053
Siggy Loves Sausages
![Siggy Loves Sausages: a Terrific Tale with Tantalising Tasty Treats and Sweet Rewards by [Brian Frederick]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61KmztpBM+S._SX260_.jpg)
Siggy loves being called a good boy, but most of all he loves treats. His favorite treats are Hortobagyi, and Fairy Cake but most of all Siggy loves sausages. As Siggy sets off on a quest to return a fancy bag back to its owner, he makes his way through a cute little village called Hope Hamlet, and is rewarded for his efforts with his favorite treat.
Through this beautifully illustrated children’s book we get to meet the diverse village folk of Hope Hamlet as Siggy zips past them, hot on the trail of the fancy bag floating through the air. This charming adventure story takes a magical twist and we learn the reason why dogs sometimes seem interested in something that’s not there.
This captivating picture book reminds me of the whimsy and adventure found in Roald Dahl books mixed with the magical antics found in the kids TV show Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. Siggy the sausage dog is a cute and fun character to follow and children will love seeing the different ways his body gets twisted around on the page.
The art in the book is phenomenal and does a great job of matching the tone of the story. The illustrations are beautiful sketch art pieces that look like they are colored in with color pencil or crayon and is a perfect way for kids to relate to the art.
With a diverse cast of characters, a spunky little sausage protagonist and an enchanting adventure, Siggy Loves Sausages is a fun story that children will revel in.
Pages: 31 | ASIN: B099TRZTC4
The Adventures of Charlie, Blue and Larry Lamp Post
![The Adventures of Charlie, Blue and Larry Lamp Post by [Sarah Duchess of York]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61s3aeO35AL.jpg)
Young Charlie has a secret. Every night Larry the Lamp Post and Billy Barrow come alive and whisk Charlie and his dog Blue away on a magical star filled adventure that empowers Charlie and teaches readers about different star constellations.
The Adventures of Charlie, Blue and Larry Lamp Post is a uniquely imaginative children’s book with gorgeous water color art that fills every page. I enjoyed the colorful palette and the beautifully whimsical imagery. All of the illustrations are perfect for capturing a child’s attention and imagination while creating an interest in astronomy.
The art style works perfectly to bring the universe to life once Charlie starts zipping around the stars. Young readers will learn about a variety of different constellations and even be treated to constellation and space facts at the end of the book. All of this serves to make this a spirited adventure that is also wonderfully educational as well.
This is a perfect addition to any teacher’s science section in elementary school. This book is also perfect for parents to share with their children as it arouses curiosity in the world and sends a positive message of hope. The Adventures of Charlie, Blue and Larry Lamp Post is a marvelous picture book that sends readers on a wondrous journey through the stars.
Pages: 38 | ASIN: B09DM68N56
ITz Little BeWitchMents
![ITz Little BeWitchMents : The Bag of Worries and The Magic of Faith by [Eva Heather Kerr]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517zUxKb03L.jpg)
Eva Heather Kerr’s “ITz Little Bewitchments” is a children’s book, classic story about great friendships, loyalty, magic, love of nature, discovering and faith.
It follows the life of two friends, Eve and Suzie as they navigate life in a witch training academy. While they are two of the most loved students in the school, the book also explores the little mischievous and curious side of their personalities.
Like all children, they never turn down any opportunity for adventure, discovering and making new friends. At the beginning of the book, they even follow something into the courtyard of the academy, a venture that will literally, land them in the academy’s laboratory and a spot of bother. Ultimately, their characters depict what it means to be curious and wise.
Like all good children books, ITz Little Bewitchments has a strong antagonist – Miss Dingbat. She is the academy’s inspector, very determined to get the girls expelled. She follows them around and keeps constant tabs on them, by using her dedicated magpie, Mr Mag to spy and follow the girls everywhere. She keeps reporting the girls to the headmistress, Miss Butterscotch.
Fortunately, the headmistress knows only too well why Miss Dingbat is so determined to see both girls expelled from the academy. Knowing the truth behind the wicked lies of the Inspector, Miss Butterscotch always supports the girls, encouraging them to excel. Ultimately, the support of the Grand Wizard Bruadarach, Miss Butterscotch and many others and the powerful friendships, keep Eve and Suzie winning over many adversities. Time and time again, we see them gracefully face many difficult situations and come out safe with lessons learned.
As we turn the pages of this wonderful book, it is clear that the author’s intent is on communicating and educating about the great importance of friendship and in having strong faith. Believing in oneself, in magic and always following your dreams. As such, the book becomes a great friend and a guide through adversities allowing one to fully grasp the power and importance of friendship, trust, loyalty and truth.
Another thing this book does well is illustrating its scenes. The illustrations are colourful, engaging, and awe-inspiring – things that make them attractive to children. Moreover, it uses colourful descriptive language that inspires imagination.
ITz Little BeWitchMents is a fun, light, magical and educative book that will inspire children to explore, learn and discover.
*Screenplay of the book’s adaptation is currently in the preproduction stage, film featuring over 20 songs.
Pages: 156 | ASIN: B09DJFKTJ8
LITERARY TITAN 