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The Girl and Her Noble Steed
The Girl and Her Noble Steed by Kirthana Fanning is a delightful and imaginative story that centers on Ofe, a young orphan with a remarkable affinity for animal riding. Set on the island of Ginobe, the story unfolds as Ofe endeavors to utilize her unique skill to rescue her orphanage. The annual Gino Games, featuring a pivotal race, presents Ofe with an opportunity to win a prize that could secure the orphanage’s future. However, achieving this goal requires the unlikely assistance of a curmudgeonly old man, humorously dubbed “Sir Frowns-a-lot,” and his donkey, Zo.
Fanning’s storytelling is refreshingly original and imbued with a whimsical charm reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s work. The narrative is sprinkled with humor and warmth, engaging readers of all ages. The book’s illustrations, evocative of the early 2000s animated series “The Proud Family,” add a layer of visual appeal with their exaggerated, comedic style.
The writing style is a standout aspect of this book. Fanning employs language that resonates with younger audiences without sacrificing depth or humor. Ofe’s portrayal is particularly endearing and authentic; she is depicted with the innocence and humor characteristic of her age. For instance, in a light-hearted moment, Ofe checks her breath before embarking on a task, adding a touch of humor and depth to her character. Beyond the underdog theme, the story delves into themes of faith and reliance on higher powers. Ofe’s trust in God to aid her and the orphanage adds a meaningful dimension to the tale.
The Girl and Her Noble Steed is a skillfully crafted story that combines humor, imagination, and heartfelt moments. It’s a compelling read for a diverse audience, offering more than just entertainment but also a poignant message about faith and perseverance.
Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0CKS19H5T
A Role Model for Children to Admire
Eagle River Detectives, Book 1: This One’s For You, Dad! follows a fifteen-year-old girl and her siblings in a small Nebraska town who set out to solve the mystery of why her parents were expelled from the town. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I went to a bookfair at my grandchildren’s elementary school and found that the heroes in most of the proffered books were mostly animals and fairies and other imaginary characters, not children. The closest I could come was “Barbie Saves Camp!” I loved the Boxcar children and Nancy Drew books as a child, so the obvious solution was to write books for children that featured smart, compelling kids, meant to be role models to admire and inspire.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Telling and seeking the truth, showing a co-operative spirit, and love between family members are a few. Also, they are Christian children, so they showed this by their actions, i.e. they go to church on Sundays, they pray before meals, ask God for protection when in danger, and thank Him for His help and the many blessings in their lives.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I use a lot of idioms, which I feel is a common language of culture that binds people together, so, something kids should know. Also, I wanted to have these be free-range children, who, in a tight-knit community like Eagle River, Nebraska, can move safely about town without the need for constant adult supervision. And finally, I wanted it to be a compelling read for all ages, in particular older adults, because it harks back to a world of freedom that we remember well. Also, each book comes with a bundle of activities found at http://www.katherineklemp.com
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Eagle River Detectives, Book 2: Timothy Grant, Reluctant Hero was released October 2, 2022,
Eagle River Detectives, Book 3: Hide and Seek was released June 1, 2023, and
Eagle River Detectives, Book 4: The Mystery of the Old House was released October 18, 2023.
Tim takes the lead in Book 2, Gabby in Book 3, and Jodie in Book 4.
This completes the four-book series, The Grant Legacy.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Still, she has to admit, there’s more to this little town than she anticipated.
Carly and her siblings form the Eagle River Detectives, determined to uncover hidden family secrets, but as they dig deep, they realize that they may have to risk everything – including their lives – to uncover the truth.
This One’s for You, Dad is the first installment in a thrilling new series that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you love books like Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, you won’t be able to put this one down.
Get your copy now!
This book includes an offer for a FREE bundle of activity sheets.
Eagle River Detectives, Book 1: This One’s For You, Dad!
Eagle River Detectives, Book 1: This One’s For You, Dad! Introduces us to the world of Carly Grand, a bright and personable 15-year-old grappling with her father’s death. Relocating to Eagle River with her siblings to live with their grandfather, Carly finds herself in an unfamiliar small-town setting. This change becomes the backdrop for an intriguing journey, as Carly discovers a long-held secret: her parents’ expulsion from the town 14 years prior. The townspeople’s reluctance to discuss past events, coupled with their mixed memories of her parents, sets the stage for Carly and her siblings to embark on a mission with Grant Detectives, Inc. to unearth the truth and vindicate her parents.
Katherine H. Klemp’s narrative excels in portraying the dynamic interactions between young and adult characters. As the protagonist, Carly is particularly compelling, demonstrating a blend of courage and prudence in her quest. The author’s portrayal of the difficulty in bridging the generational communication gap adds a layer of realism to the story. The unfolding of the mystery through these interactions, along with the gradual revelation of clues, is engaging and well-paced. The narrative style is lucid and engaging, with the siblings’ camaraderie injecting a lively and enjoyable element. The novel’s setting is thoughtfully crafted, offering a contemporary ambiance while harking back to a simpler era in a close-knit community. The story occasionally quickens its pace, especially in resolving certain mysteries, adding a dynamic rhythm to the narrative. These shifts bring a sense of immediacy to the plot’s progression. While the character introductions are brisk at the beginning, they lay the groundwork for the richly developed personalities that emerge throughout the story. This brisk pacing and character development contribute to the overall well-structured and engaging narrative, enhancing the depth and complexity of the interactions between Carly’s family and the townspeople.
Eagle River Detectives, Book 1: This One’s For You, Dad! is a compelling mystery that deftly intertwines themes of family, community, and the pursuit of truth. It’s a story that resonates across age groups, appealing not just to young readers but to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted narrative bridging generational divides.
Pages: 146 | ASIN : B0BB13V9B2
The Lord’s Prayer for Children
The Lord’s Prayer for Children is a delightful children’s book that provides a fresh perspective on a timeless prayer. Written by Claire Abraham, this book reimagines the beloved Lord’s Prayer, tailoring it to the comprehension level of young readers.
This book is a valuable resource for parents seeking to introduce their children to the practice of prayer. Acknowledging that the traditional vocabulary might be challenging, Abraham skillfully dissects each line of the prayer into simpler words. This approach allows children to grasp the prayer’s significance, facilitating a meaningful connection with their parents and active participation in prayer rituals. Enhancing the book’s appeal are its vibrant illustrations. These visuals not only captivate readers but also celebrate the rich diversity among God’s children. With each turn of the page, a multitude of characters come to life, serving as a visual testament to the unity that threads through the essence of spirituality.
The Lord’s Prayer for Children, by Claire Abraham, merits a prominent place on any child’s bookshelf. Beyond simplifying a sacred prayer for young readers, it fosters an understanding of faith and its personal connection. The book’s approach serves as a catalyst for parents to engage in insightful discussions about prayer’s significance, promoting deeper spiritual connections. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone invested in nurturing a child’s spiritual journey, using the gentle beauty of prayer as a guiding light.
Pages: 26 | ISBN : 978-1664299955
FastFlight 540
FastFlight 540, is an adventure-filled young adult fantasy novel by M. M. Mesldorf. Right from the get-go, readers are plunged into action as the protagonist, Anslie, makes quick work of stealing her friend’s identity to escape the seemingly horrible orphanage where she lives. While she thinks she has gotten away from the oppressive walls of Whippoorwill Children’s Home, she has instead traded one prison for another with Nocturnan Home. Soon, a being will come bursting into Anslie’s life. And that being is none other than Xander Benjamin Bump.
The chapters are written in a straightforward manner, and they flow smoothly together. When Anslie dreams, readers read the chapters from her perspective thoroughly, while the rest of the book is generally told in the third person. The shifts between are seamless, making it easy to follow along. There isn’t a break in the action in this novel; there is always something happening, someone coming, someone going, and adventure at every turn. It makes for a bit of a dizzying ride. Anslie carries on with the false identity she stole from the real Tucker Sullivan, and we watch her meager beginnings grow and blossom into something more.
In the beginning, Anslie is alone. She has nothing and is nothing. We see this in her solitude in the attic, her pitiful friendship with her own shadow, and her brief but lonely interactions with Mrs. Simpler. However, what begins as a painful existence begins to shift and reshape as her interactions with others accelerate. First Xander, then Hobbs, and soon all manner of companion joins Anslie on her quest to play the Garden Game against the Nighthawks. Throughout the book, I wasn’t sure if these other children were real: I was confident they were manifestations of her extreme loneliness and solitude.
If you are looking for a fun book that is difficult to put down, you must pick up a copy of FastFlight 540 by M. M. Mesldorf. It’s a whirlwind in all the right ways as it takes you for a ride through Anslie’s youth with Xander to the happily ever after. But is it truly the end? The final words of the last chapter leave room for a potential sequel, but we’ll have to wait like patient children to see what comes next.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0B7LLG2GP
LITERARY TITAN 