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The Secret of the Magic eyePad: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures–Book 1
The Secret of the Magic eyePad: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures, by Marsha Tuff, presents an engaging story about Putney Hicks, a young and socially awkward girl navigating the complexities of middle school within the unfamiliar terrain of a prestigious STEM academy. Set against the backdrop of a school populated by students from diverse backgrounds and higher social classes, the narrative deftly explores Putney’s internal struggles with self-doubt and social anxiety as she adjusts to this new, high-pressure environment. The plot takes a fascinating turn with the introduction of a mysterious gadget—a sentient and quirky artificial intelligence known as the “eyePad.” This twist propels Putney into a whirlwind of unexpected adventures, blending mystery and innovation in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Marsha Tuff skillfully intertwines middle school drama with elements of mystery and adventure, creating a delightful tapestry of characters and scenarios that captivate the reader. Putney’s journey is particularly compelling, as she emerges as a resilient and inspiring young inventor. Her character resonates strongly with readers, offering a portrayal of a young female protagonist who is both well-crafted and relatable.
The book’s charm lies in its ability to weave a story reminiscent of classic tales like Nancy Drew while infusing it with modern scientific and technological elements. This blend not only entertains but also educates, making the story a valuable read for young audiences. The narrative’s creativity, excellent writing, and inspiring messages stand out, providing lessons in perseverance and self-discovery. Furthermore, Putney Hicks serves as an exceptional role model for young girls and women aspiring to excel in STEM fields. Her character demonstrates that not only can they succeed in such areas, but they can also thrive and lead. This novel is a refreshing addition to the genre, offering both enjoyment and empowerment.
The Secret of the Magic eyePad is a captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in Putney Hicks’ adventures.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0B1LBXGJ9
Change Can Open Doors
The Crow’s Tales: The Bird Caper follows a ten-year-old boy whose family is moving to a new home, and he is worried about what his future will hold for him and his pet birds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Deep in the process of writing our first book, The Big Dream, we agreed to create a series. The dilemma was that The Big Dream didn’t capture the essence of what we wanted for Book One. This challenge ignited the inspiration for The Bird Caper as the perfect opportunity to introduce Brandon, his pet crow, Ralph, and the evolution of new friendships. The goal is to make the reader feel like they truly know and relate to Brandon. You get to meet Brandon’s family and intimately share his fears about moving to a new home and see his strength in resolving difficult situations on his own. We hope perhaps readers will even like him as a friend.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
Pacing is a middle-grade challenge in today’s fast-paced electronic world. As novice writers, we followed a basic formula. We created dialogue wherever possible and used care with dialogue tags. Varied sentence and paragraph length. Monitored filler words. Inserted new twists and events in every chapter. And kept the chapters short.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The primary theme is “change.” The story shines a light on young Brandon’s new life experience, showing him that, while daunting, change can also open doors to new friendships and adventures. The story depicts what kids go through all over the world. But it’s not often as scary as it seems. This is an excellent message for young readers.
Additionally, the story emphasizes the value of friendship and community as we follow Brandon’s journey of leaving his beloved neighborhood and longing for a sense of belonging in a new environment. The story introduces determination, exploration, and perseverance as his means to cope with his newfound challenges.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
The Bird Caper is Book 1 in our The Crow’s Tales trilogy. Book 2, The Big Dream is scheduled for release as a 2nd Edition in 2024. In this book, Brandon and his friends desperately try to raise money over the summer break to enter a remote-controlled car race. They will stop at nothing to achieve their dream even if it means bending the rules, just a little bit. Young readers will laugh out loud at the fund-raising adventures and the (mis)adventures of Ralph the Crow, who is drafted in to help. The book captures the essence of summer, childhood friendships, and the innocence of youth. A fun read, with a surprising, unexpected twist at the end. Book 3, The Crow’s Ring, is a clever mystery about finding the truth (Coming 2025).
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THE BIRD CAPPER in the fun book series everyone’s been waiting for!
THE CROW’S TALES.
Are you ready for a thrilling adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Look no further. In THE BIRD CAPER (Book 1), ten year old Brandon is faced with the ultimate challenge when his parents decide to sell his home. This change means moving the family away from his beloved neighborhood and friends. Desperate not to move, Brandon turns to his pet crow, Ralph, for comfort. But when Ralph becomes the suspect in a string of mysterious bird incidents, Brandon must race against time to clear his name and save his friendship with his best friend, Josh. As tensions rise and new challenges emerge, Brandon must uncover the truth behind the crimes and chaos before it’s too late. Will he be able to outsmart the dreaded B.B. Boy bullies? And who knew that ladybugs could play such a pivotal role in the grand scheme of things? With action at every corner, this middle-grade mystery adventure is a must-read for boys and girls. A perfect book for 8-12 year olds. Fans of books like “The Mysterious Benedict Society” will devour this captivating tale. Don’t wait any longer, grab your copy of THE BIRD CAPER today!
Bonus! Teacher Reading Resources Included.
Don’t forget to read THE BIG DREAM! Book 2 of THE CROW’S TALES, a 3-book series. Entertaining stories with wholesome values!
The Bird Caper
The Bird Caper by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson is a heartwarming tale about embracing change and overcoming fears. The story follows Brandon, a boy who cherishes his friends, family, and a host of pets, particularly his beloved pigeons and a crow named Ralph. His world is turned upside down when his parents announce an unexpected move, forcing Brandon to confront uncertainties about his relationships and his cherished pets. As he navigates his new reality, Brandon embarks on a journey filled with surprising adventures and challenges, from dealing with a friend’s disappointment to standing up to bullies who mock his passion for birds. Along the way, he discovers his knack for solving mysteries.
Moving can be a daunting experience for many children, often seen as a negative disruption. However, The Bird Caper beautifully illustrates how such transitions can be opportunities for growth and new friendships. Brandon’s gradual adaptation process, narrated from his perspective, allows readers to deeply connect with his emotional journey. The plot is rich and engaging, covering various aspects of school, family life, and social interactions, providing a multifaceted view of Brandon’s experience. The story’s mystery elements add an intriguing layer to the narrative. Brandon’s involvement in small but significant mysteries, like when Ralph the crow steals computer chips from his best friend, showcases his problem-solving skills and adds excitement to the plot. These episodes, while rooted in everyday occurrences, maintain a dynamic and relatable storyline that keeps readers invested in Brandon’s adventures. While the plot revolves around the move, it remains lively and authentic, portraying real-life situations that children can easily relate to. Some might find the story’s calm, realistic approach different from more fantastical tales, but this groundedness makes this book captivating and encouraging. It may even inspire young readers to embrace new experiences and challenges.
Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson have crafted a delightful and engaging story that will undoubtedly capture the interest of young readers. The Bird Caper is a must-read for children facing changes in their lives and for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, realistic adventure.
Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0D3Q4VW84
The Ravens of Castle Keep
For many children, the idea of attending school in a possibly haunted, treasure-filled castle would be daunting; however, for Marcy, it is a dream come true. After her mother is in a car accident, her father sends her to school in a real castle. After settling in and meeting her classmate Ryan, they imagine things like ghosts and werewolves living in the school. Soon, with talks of treasure, efforts to save the castle, and new bird friends, life turns into a full-blown adventure.
The Ravens of Castle Keep by Angel Dunworth is a fast-paced story about friendship, family, and the unexpected connections one can form with the natural world. Written for children, the book tackles significant issues such as injury, death, and bullying in age-appropriate ways, focusing on Marcy’s inner monologue about the situations she and Ryan face. As the two become friends with the ravens on the roof, they find an outlet for their time and collective grief while also learning to view the world around them differently.
Writing from Marcy’s point of view, Dunworth excels at capturing a child’s perspective, from the imaginative roles given to the castle staff to the ideas about ghosts and treasure. Despite the sparse castle setting, the supporting characters are given ample personality, including the ravens, who are developed with distinct traits. Interspersed between the chapters are illustrations of corvids, accompanied by facts about ravens and crows, providing educational insights that enhance the story. This fun addition helps immerse readers further into the narrative. As Marcy and Ryan grow closer, each feeding off the other’s strengths, it becomes increasingly clear that family is about more than blood relations.
The Ravens of Castle Keep is a delightful children’s story with moments of heartbreak, enriched by the corvid facts and a sense of adventure that permeates the entire book. The ending was purely delightful. Writing for children is often more challenging than it appears, but Dunworth has done an exceptional job with this one!
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0D275FLH2
Project First Flight: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures
In Project First Flight, author Marsha Tufft expertly crafts a narrative around our protagonist, Putney Hicks. A young, compassionate intellect with adoration for animals, Putney faces her own challenges as she grapples with perfecting her butterfly stroke and delving into an immersive school science project.
Putney is accompanied by a rich tapestry of characters in this novel, including her vibrant friend Sam and others such as Gigi, Margot, JZ, Jenn, and Jim. Together, they help Putney navigate the ebb and flow of life, all the while maintaining a delicate balance between work and play, stress and enjoyment, and learning from their shared experiences.
The main protagonist, Putney, is delightfully engaging, and Tufft’s skill in developing complex, likable characters is evident. Of particular note is the interaction with Putney’s animal companions, which will undoubtedly captivate any animal enthusiast. The wholesome tone permeating the narrative ensures this book has a universal appeal.
Tufft adeptly controls the story’s pacing, maintaining a steady rhythm that harmonizes beautifully with the plot. The beachside setting serves as the perfect backdrop, encapsulating the essence of the narrative and undoubtedly resonating with readers.
One of the refreshing aspects of this tale is Putney’s apparent enthusiasm for school—a sentiment not often found in literature. Additionally, the story ingeniously weaves educational elements into the narrative, providing readers with insights into butterflies and other exciting topics and fostering an environment of learning while immersed in an engaging plot.
Middle-grade and teen readers will enjoy the mystery and adventure the author takes them on in this novel. With relatable characters and situations that most school children endure, this book will surely capture and hold their interest. The overall experience of reading Project First Flight: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures is thoroughly enjoyable. Tufft’s eloquent prose and compelling storytelling render this a commendable book.
Pages: 338 | AISN : B0B5LNJQSY
There Is Always Room For Hope
Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle follows the story of a young girl who loses her festive mood upon accidentally overhearing a puzzling conversation. Abbie and her friends in the Cozy Chess Club embark on a quest to unravel the mystery and restore her joy for the holiday season. What was the inspiration for your story?
This story draws from a multitude of sources that have deeply touched my life and shaped who I am today. First and foremost, it blossomed from the cherished moments I spent with my elementary students, who never failed to amaze me with their innocent hearts, boundless curiosity, and imagination. Their bravery and care for each other inspired me to capture that magic in the pages of this book.
The holiday season, with its emphasis on love and forgiveness, also played a significant role in shaping this tale. I wanted to remind readers of the hopeful and transformative nature of the Christmas spirit, infusing the narrative with elements of Scrooge’s revelations and the power of embracing positive thoughts.
Furthermore, my studies in cognitive behavioral therapy, teaching, life coaching, mentoring, and chess (all of which I hold certificates in) influenced the deeper, underlying themes of this book. Abbie, the protagonist, is encouraged to explore the power of shifting perspectives. She is reminded that, as in chess, she has options and can choose how to view her circumstances and move forward. Also, the plot underscores the importance of parents/guardians providing their young charges with honest and age-appropriate information about family circumstances (otherwise children tend to fill in missing information with negative guesses that are harsher than the truth itself.) In this case, surprising secrets are revealed at the end of the story, bringing about a truly satisfying resolution for Abbie, her friends, and family just in time for Christmas.
It is my sincerest wish that this tale brings a smile to your face, ignites your imagination, and inspires you to embrace the holiday spirit. Remember, there is always room for hope, resilience, and growth, even in the face of uncertainty.
The spirit of Christmas and the holiday season is different for everyone and is realized in many ways. What brings out your holiday spirit the most?
For me, what brings out my holiday spirit most is being a part of my church choir and its Christmas concerts. This has been a cherished activity I’ve participated in for decades. It fills my heart with joy to express my faith through music and share the true meaning of Christmas with others. Additionally, I respect the celebrations of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as they bring joy to countless individuals including many of my students past and present, and those holidays are included in this book as well.
What themes were important for you to explore in this book? Is there anything else you want to mention?
Themes include the power of the holiday spirit, perspective and positive thinking, the importance of clear communication with children, chess as a metaphor for choices, and the value of community and connections.
And of course, a winter holiday-themed chess activity is also included in this book for my readers to enjoy!
What will the next books in this series be about, and when will they be published?
I have two additional Cozy Chess Club Mysteries coming up in 2024! One will revolve around Cinco de Mayo, while the other will delve into the Lunar New Year and the legendary dozen animals that are a part of its history.
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Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle
Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle offers a heartfelt exploration of the holiday spirit. The narrative centers on Abbie, a Cozy Chess Club member, who believes that her parents lack the means to provide Christmas gifts and suspects they may have sold her cherished charm bracelet. Her schoolmates in the chess club attempt to console her, with mixed success. However, a transformative moment occurs when an angelic presence emerges, offering cryptic clues that propel them into an adventure within their school. Along this journey, Abbie and her friends encounter invaluable life lessons, challenging their preconceptions and revealing the actual state of Abbie’s parents’ situation.
The holiday season holds a special significance for children, symbolized by gifts, games, and the warmth of togetherness. Abbie’s candid portrayal of her emotional struggles, including anger and sadness, allows readers to empathize with her. Her friends’ unwavering support underscores the power of friendship in this narrative. The camaraderie between the characters, a recurring theme in the story, is a standout feature.
Victoria Winifred skillfully blends elements of magic with a realistic portrayal of the challenges Abbie and her family face, providing young readers with relatable lessons about companionship and familial bonds. The pervasive theme of chess adds an engaging layer to the story, culminating in an intriguing chess puzzle that imparts fundamental chess strategies.
The book features a few illustrations that depict the chess club’s enjoyable moments together, enhancing the reader’s connection with the characters. The narrative is captivating as the characters embark on various activities and locations, radiating a palpable love for family, Christmas, and chess.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0CKP2QXMP
Doubloon Cove: The Secret of the Templars’ Satchel
The latest book in the Doubloon Cove series, The Secret of the Templars’ Satchel, takes readers on a whirlwind adventure set against the nostalgic backdrop of 1990s America. As we journey with Jeffery, Cindy, and Steven during a seemingly quiet weekend in Salem, Massachusetts, tranquility quickly gives way to suspense. An unexpected turn of events sees Stacey’s father, a member of the Freemasons, kidnapped. With a ransom demand hinging on a mysterious satchel, our young protagonists find themselves entangled in a quest that promises layers of truths, ancient secrets, and an urgent mission to save Stacey’s father.
A standout feature of Novak’s work is the seamless integration of themes, from the adrenaline-charged adventure to the deeper undertones of responsibility accompanying power and knowledge. The narrative cautions of the potential peril when knowledge lands in malicious hands, a lesson as timeless as it is pertinent. Complementing the storyline, the intricate puzzles and illustrations enhance immersion, pulling the reader into the heart of the mystery.
Equally commendable is Novak’s portrayal of a character of color, which is genuine and bereft of unnecessary emphasis. This character shines with depth, escaping the limiting confines of token representation. The authentic dynamics between the children, marked by their individuality and camaraderie, make it easy to champion their cause.
While The Secret of the Templars’ Satchel is a compelling read, I felt a slight unevenness in its pacing. After the initial major event, it seemed like the book was winding down, making the shift to the subsequent event a bit unexpected.
Kelly Novak delivers a captivating read with Doubloon Cove: The Secret of the Templars’ Satchel, which will particularly resonate with fans of classics like Indiana Jones and Nancy Drew. Brimming with mystery, action, and the magic of friendship, this book is bound to enthrall series enthusiasts and new readers alike.
Pages: 228 | ASIN : B0CDVDX6J6
LITERARY TITAN 