Blog Archives
Building Language Skills With Adventure
Addison’s Delaware Discovery follows a ten-year-old girl on a family trip who meets a young girl with Juvenile Disc Disorder and helps her connect with other kids in her town with the help of a local legend, the Delaware Swamp Monster. What was the inspiration for your story?
During my research, I came across the fascinating story of a swamp monster in Delaware, a legend that originated in 1964. A newspaper man who was eager to increase his sales created the hoax, and along with a local resident staged Bigfoot-like sightings in the Great Cypress Swamp. Despite the story being a fabrication, the tale grew, with creature sightings reported for years afterward.
Inspired by this quirky piece of folklore, I imagined the children in my story discovering an old newspaper article about the monster, which eventually leads them to create a mythical creature of their own.
Gaining experience as a volunteer working with an organization that supports adults with disabilities, I was motivated to highlight a disability that starts with the letter “d” for this volume of the Addison series. Daisy’s character emerged after researching various disabilities. Not only did I want her story to be informative, but also to encourage greater acceptance of those who may be perceived as different.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
A core feature of every Addison book is the introduction of new vocabulary, which helps to expand children’s vocabulary in an engaging way. Each volume focuses on one specific letter of the alphabet, in this case the letter “d.” As children read at different levels, Addison books offer additional support by providing brief definitions at the bottom of each page. This approach ensures that young readers can better understand unfamiliar words without interrupting the flow of the story.
In addition to building language skills, every Addison book features a captivating adventure, with meaningful life lessons that young readers discover along the way.
I loved how the artwork brought the story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Mariya Stoyanova?
She is a talented and wonderful artist.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Addison and the direction of the next book?
The next adventure in the Addison series follows Addison and her family as they embark on an expedition to Egypt, motivated to assist their mother’s friend during an emergency. Their journey begins with a flight to Cairo, but after they land, they must still hop on a train and board a boat before finally arriving at Elephantine Island.
Addison and her family set out to help in their mother’s friend’s eatery. Their inexperience causes both errors and embarrassment as they attempt to prepare the food. With extreme determination, their efforts eventually pay off, as they succeed in creating edible Egyptian dishes. During their visit, Addison and her family explore markets and exquisite temples, but soon find themselves caught up in exhilarating escapades while discovering the wonders of Egypt.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Their visit takes a dramatic turn when they uncover a clue that leads to the discovery of the legendary beast called the Delaware Swamp Monster! Eager to solve the mystery, these daring detectives dive into the creature’s forgotten history. As Daisy’s birthday approaches, they plan a party theme using the legend to draw local children together. When the swamp monster makes an unexpected appearance, the celebration turns into Delaware’s most unforgettable event.
Addison’s Delaware Discovery whisks young readers on a daring adventure, where each page introduces dynamic ‘d’ words with easy-to-understand definitions. By blending bold storytelling with effortless vocabulary growth, this charming tale empowers children to read with confidence, no interruptions, just discovery.
Addison’s Delaware Discovery
Addison’s Delaware Discovery follows ten-year-old Addison Anderson on an unexpected journey from her cozy, pet-filled home to the quiet, swampy corners of Delaware. What begins as a family trip for her father’s work turns into a heartwarming and sometimes hilarious adventure about friendship, disability awareness, and community connection. Addison and her younger brother Albert meet Daisy and Danny during their stay in Delaware. The kids come up with a wild idea to throw a party featuring a made-up swamp monster called the “Delaware Drooler.” Their goal is to help Daisy, who has Juvenile Disc Disorder, connect with other kids in a town that has mostly ignored her.
Laura James has a light and easy touch with her writing that makes it feel friendly and familiar, like you’re being let in on a secret by a good friend. The characters are vivid and full of life. Addison is a wonderfully curious and kind lead, and her brother Albert adds a good dose of comic energy. What I appreciated most was how gently the story introduced serious topics like grief, disability, and acceptance, without ever feeling preachy or heavy. Daisy’s journey, especially, felt real and moving. The author manages to strike that tricky balance between humor and heart, which is what makes the story so satisfying.
The constant use of alliteration (nearly every chapter focuses on “D” words) is clever and educational. The illustrations are charming and full of personality. They bring the characters to life in such a fun and expressive way, and really add to the playful tone of the story. I especially loved seeing the Delaware Drooler. It was just the right mix of spooky and silly, and matched the kids’ creativity perfectly. The artwork made the story even more enjoyable and gave it a whimsical touch that young readers will definitely appreciate.
Addison’s Delaware Discovery is a charming read that blends imagination, empathy, and just enough mystery to keep things fun. I’d recommend this book to kids, especially those who enjoy animal sidekicks, light adventure, or stories that include important life lessons. Parents and teachers looking for books that encourage kindness and inclusion will find a lot to love here, too.
Pages: 65 | ASIN : B0FGXW5M1X
An Interesting Learning Experience
Addison’s Canadian Caper follows a young girl during a family trip across Canada for a writing contest, who must find her cousin’s lost cat amidst the excitement and mystery of their adventure. What was one thing that got you excited to write this book?
First, I had to decide on a location for the “c” book, and then research information about that location. Reading about Canada was interesting, exciting, and informative, and I was eager to share Canada’s culture in an amusing children’s tale. The icing on the cake was to create an entire story using as many words as possible that start with the letter “c.”
How did you develop the character of Addison, and what qualities did you want to highlight through her journey?
Addison’s character has the “typical” traits of a big sister, but she excels in problem-solving, and her responsible attitude helps her keep a close eye on Albert, her little brother. Albert’s character matches his age and curiosity and leads to many of their adventures. During her journey, Addison works to achieve her goals, helps her cousin gain self-confidence, learns valuable lessons, and encounters situations that young readers easily relate to.
Can you share more about your decision to weave educational elements, like vocabulary definitions, directly into the story?
Including unfamiliar vocabulary words came about when I created a unique way of storytelling that focuses on one letter of the alphabet from beginning to end. I included some unfamiliar vocabulary words and wanted to make it easy for them to learn the definitions without struggling to search at the back of the book. To make it easy for young readers, I included brief definitions on the bottom of each page. This new format delights and empowers young readers and allows them to continue reading without timely disruption.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Addison’s Delaware Discovery is my next book in the Addison series. It is nearly ready to get reviewed, then it goes on to the illustrator. When she has finished, it will be published and become available. Working with other people and their availability makes an exact time difficult to state, but I’m hoping by the end of the year.
In Addison’s Delaware Discovery, Addison meets a young girl named Daisy, who wears dandelion-colored shoes, loves dreamsicles, and has a disability.
This story is an interesting learning experience as Addison has never met anyone with a disability and is not sure what to say or do. Addison becomes determined to help Daisy make friends, and when she discovers that Delaware was once famous for having a swamp monster, she devises a plan!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
During their visit with the Clemens’ clan, Corby’s cat disappeared with clues pointing to a Cat Burglar! Corby grew concerned, and called in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which created a big commotion. The children remained confident that with the Mounties on the job the Cat Burglar would soon be caught, or would he?
Addison books marry entertainment with education, using a unique format that both delights and empowers young readers.
Addison’s Canadian Caper
Embarking on their journey to participate in the prestigious Canadian Writing Contest, young Addison and her family rendezvous with their cousins for an exploration of Canada’s diverse offerings. From immersive aviation museums to reveling in the boundless beauty of the great outdoors, the children revel in each moment together. However, the jubilant atmosphere is abruptly shattered when Corby, Addison’s cousin, realizes that his beloved feline companion, Clover, has vanished. Thus ensues a compelling story where the collective efforts of the youngsters and their families converge to unravel the mystery before the culminating stage of the writing competition unfolds.
In Laura James’s Addison’s Canadian Caper, the story pulsates with vibrant energy and literary flair, punctuated by an ingenious use of alliteration. As Addison traverses the Canadian landscape alongside her cousin Corby, readers are introduced to a plethora of captivating vocabulary akin to unwrapping linguistic treasures.
Evocative of classic 1950s mystery tales tailored for young audiences, the narrative unfurls seamlessly, propelled by Mariya Stoyanova’s exquisite illustrations that imbue the storyline with an additional layer of nostalgic charm. While the story’s pace is brisk and captivating, James ensures accessibility by providing succinct definitions of the introduced vocabulary at the bottom of each page, thereby nurturing a spirit of curiosity and learning among readers.
The narrative serves as a delightful ode to Canadian culture, interweaving references to cuisine, sports, and various cultural nuances throughout the storyline. As an avid reader, I found myself enchanted by the newfound knowledge of Canadian pastimes like “curling,” underscoring the enriching experience offered by the story. The prevalence of names starting with the letter “c” among Corby’s family members adds a unique charm to the story, enhancing the familial bond among characters.
Addison’s Canadian Caper is a fun children’s book that’s brimming with wit and whimsy. Its amalgamation of entertainment and educational value makes it a delightful addition to any young reader’s collection. With its satisfying blend of innocence and adventure, this captivating “whodunit” caters to anyone who relishes mysteries steeped in timeless allure and joyous discovery.
Pages: 53 | ASIN: B0CVFZT3HJ
Addison Braves Brazil
Addison’s family is planning a trip to Brazil, and Addison is preparing herself for quite the adventure. What begins as some light reading to become familiar with the beaches she is looking forward to visiting becomes something a little less inspiring. Before she knows it, Addison is reading about some of Brazil’s less appealing features, and she begins to dread their trip as she pictures herself amidst a plethora of jungle-dwelling bats, bugs, and snakes! Will her trip be everything she fears? Or will she find a different side of Brazil–one that will amaze her and leave her with fun memories?
Addison Braves Brazil, written by Laura James and illustrated by Jasmine Smith, follows young Addison as she travels with her family, meets new people, and finds herself having a very different experience than the one she anticipated. James’s book offers young readers a look at Brazil while also addressing issues with which readers will relate to including bullying, some common medical problems, and children’s misconceptions.
Addison Braves Brazil is the second in a series by the author. This book has a unique structure and offers readers a thorough look at a long list of words that begin with the letter “b.” While it is written for readers who are typically older than those who are studying initial consonants, it is a great addition to school libraries and classroom libraries for grades K-5. There are many ways James’s book can be incorporated into a curriculum. The author has essentially handed parents and teachers a wonderful tool filled with vocabulary words and their definitions used in context–a teacher’s dream come true.
Addison Braves Brazil is a children’s adventure story that is a great addition to a child’s library. Within one book, young readers will be introduced to nearly 40 pages that are filled with challenging vocabulary words. James’s work is an asset to any parent, homeschool, curriculum, or classroom. It is short enough to read in a couple of sittings and lays the framework for some great discussions for both teachers and students. As a teacher, I look forward to more installments in this series.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B09SBS5622
LITERARY TITAN 