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Respecting Differences
Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine follows a young girl attending a CPR training who discovers a myriad of mystical underwater creatures battling to save their environment. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I love to read the newspapers each morning – one local and one international. I came across the story of an ongoing battle between an international water bottling company’s use of a beautiful water spring for its product. The water use was being contested by the local government and environment-protectors.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
My favorite part of world and story building is the research. I live in Florida, a water state, and in this book I wanted to showcase that particular environmental feature in Maxzyne’s third adventure. An underwater mission in a mythical world of ancient nixies, naiads and double-crossing fire salamanders was too much fun to imagine and write.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Getting along with others is always a theme that resonates with me. Maxzyne has to learn to work with Oliver, a nerdy and overbearing partner in this underwater adventure. It’s quickly apparent that egos only get in the way. Thankfully, by the end, both characters admire and respect their differences, finding ways to cooperate and help save the sacred springs from destruction. Respect for the environment is also prominently featured in this book. I walk the beach every day and hate to see the litter left behind by daily visitors. Plastic, in the form of water bottles, is an unfortunate invention that must be swept into the dustbin of history before it chokes all earth’s tributaries, seas, and creatures.
Can fans look forward to more adventures from Maxzyne in the near future?
Absolutely! She’s hard to keep up with, but I think she just may have a jaunt in space soon…
Author Links: Website | Book Review
Will Sereia, the vain water hag in cahoots with greedy Westbrook water-bottling company, prevail in her evil plan?
Maxzyne must work with an overbearing Eagle Scout classmate, Oliver, in a battle that tests the wits and will of two very unlikely partners. Can they survive each other and this dangerous aquamarine sphere that needs their help to exist?
Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine
Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine, by Caroline Lee, is a whimsical dive into the adventures of an eleven-year-old girl, Maxzyne Merriweather, who stumbles into an underwater world filled with naiads, nixies, and a plethora of aquatic creatures during what she expected to be a mundane CPR class in Florida. The story quickly shifts from CPR dummies to a full-blown fantasy adventure where Maxzyne must help save the enchanting Liliana Springs from a greedy corporation intent on draining the natural springs for profit. This book weaves environmental awareness into a captivating narrative that blends fantasy and reality in a way that is sure to captivate young readers.
From the get-go, I was drawn to Maxzyne’s quirky, headstrong personality. She’s the kind of protagonist who makes you grin with her quick wit and eye-rolling disdain for teamwork, yet you can’t help but root for her as she navigates a world that’s as foreign as it is fascinating. One of my favorite moments is when she impulsively decides to borrow a paddleboard to investigate a group of mermaid-costumed girls, only to find herself pulled into the magical depths of Liliana Springs. This scene perfectly captures her adventurous spirit and the book’s blend of reality with fantasy.
The writing is lively and vivid, filled with enough detail to make the underwater world of Liliana Springs come alive without bogging down the pace. The way Caroline Lee introduces environmental themes like water conservation and the impact of pollution feels natural and engaging. The book immerses readers in a story where the stakes are high, and the consequences of human actions are made clear through the eyes of both magical and real-world creatures.
I particularly appreciated the character of Glenys, the naiad queen, whose mix of wisdom and urgency makes the environmental message resonate without feeling forced. Oliver’s character serves as a nice foil to Maxzyne. His know-it-all attitude and obsession with facts contrast sharply with Maxzyne’s more impulsive nature, making their interactions both amusing and educational.
Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine is a delightful read that I would highly recommend for young readers, especially those who love fantasy adventures with a touch of real-world issues. It’s perfect for kids who have a curious mind and a passion for the environment, or who simply enjoy a good, magical adventure.
Pages: 248 | ISBN : 978-0990661757
Charlie’s Crabby Day
Charlie’s Crabby Day is a delightful tale that highlights the values of friendship and hard work. Joan Enockson introduces us to Charlie, a crab who feels self-conscious living next to Chuck, a bigger, stronger crab with many more friends. As a sand sculpture contest approaches, Charlie decides to prove himself by gathering the best materials to win. He discovers a large shell that he plans to use as the centerpiece of his project, keeping it a secret from others. However, new rules require the sculptures to be made in teams, forcing Charlie to collaborate with Chuck, leading to an unexpected journey of learning and growth.
Charlie is a wonderfully crafted character who evolves throughout the story. He learns from his mistakes, realizes that his assumptions about others are not always correct, and shows great resilience by setting aside his prejudices. Charlie becomes more honest and communicative, gradually making new friends without even realizing it. This character development is why I found his story so compelling.
Joan Enockson’s writing is natural and fluent, imparting valuable life lessons to young readers, such as the importance of listening, sharing ideas, and understanding that teamwork, while challenging, can lead to achieving great goals. The detailed descriptions in this children’s book make it easy to visualize the scenes, emphasizing emotions, allowing readers to connect with Charlie on multiple levels. The illustrations are artistic and of high quality, adding charm to the story.
Charlie navigates various situations as he dares to try new things, faces his fears, and overcomes each challenge. Charlie’s Crabby Day is a fun and engaging chapter book that teaches children the importance of letting go of pride and shyness and encouraging them to embrace every opportunity for play and learning.
Pages: 94 | ISBN : 978-1958023433
The Sand Sculpture Competition
The Sand Sculpture Competition is a delightful tale about friendship, teamwork, and creativity under the sea. Our main characters, Charlie and Chuck, two adventurous crabs, embark on a journey to create the best sand sculpture ever. Their project takes a magical turn when they meet Sandy, a mermaid who lends them a precious pearl necklace for their sculpture. Together, they overcome challenges, including a stolen idea and fierce competition, to create a magnificent lighthouse sand sculpture that dazzles everyone.
The writing is vibrant and engaging. The author does a fantastic job of creating an underwater world that feels fantastical and real. The descriptions of the underwater scenes, especially the kelp forest and the lighthouse, are so vivid that you can almost feel the cool ocean breeze and see the shimmering light reflecting off the shells. The characters are well-developed, with Charlie’s determination and Chuck’s strength and humor shining through, making them relatable and endearing.
The idea I enjoyed most in this children’s book is the importance of teamwork and friendship. Charlie and Chuck’s dynamic evolves from mere acquaintances to a powerhouse team. Their combined efforts, with Chuck’s physical strength and Charlie’s meticulous planning, underscore the message that different skills can complement each other beautifully. This theme is especially poignant when they face Claudia’s antagonism and still choose to focus on their own goals rather than getting bogged down by negativity.
The story also creatively integrates the concept of imaginative problem-solving. From the detailed planning of their sand sculpture to the ingenious use of Sandy’s pearls and other oceanic resources, the book encourages young readers to think outside the box. The scene where Charlie and Chuck plan the construction of their lighthouse, ensuring it stands out with unique elements like oyster shells for light and sea glass windows, is a testament to this. It’s a delightful mix of creativity and practical application that can inspire readers to tackle their own projects with similar enthusiasm.
The Sand Sculpture Competition is a heartwarming and fun read that I’d highly recommend to young readers and anyone who enjoys a good adventure. It’s perfect for children who love stories about the ocean, teamwork, and creative competitions. Author Joan Enockson has crafted an entertaining tale that imparts valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the joy of creation.
Pages: 59 | ASIN : B0D3G2S6XZ
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