I have so enjoyed reading all the 100-word stories that our community has created. What an amazingly, talented group of writers and poets. I just couldn't resist putting in another entry. I had been working on this one first. But it refused to shape up. And it refused to leave me alone. So, here is a second entry: A HALLOWEEN TREASURE (88 words) Leaf drifted and danced on the wind. The last to change colors. The last to fall. As shadows speckled the lawn, metal fingers pul

I love book launches! Not only do I get to meet fellow authors, but they are usually held in one of the happiest places on earth - bookstores. Last week, I had the privilege to hear Lisa Mantchev read her newest picture book - Someday, Narwhal. Her debut picture book - Strictly No Elephants - took the market by storm in 2015. The beautiful illustrations (which harken back to older Golden Books), the message of acceptance, friendship, and diversity, and an adorable elephant an

WOW! my 100th blog post is an entry into Susanna Hill's 100-word writing contest. What are the odds of that! Susanna Leonard Hill, is encouraging writers to practice their craft, while participating (playing) in a fun contest - her 7th Annual Halloweensie Contest. There is still time to join the fun. The contest ends Tuesday October 31st at 11:59 PM EDT. Even if you can't participate, be sure to stop by and enjoy reading all the entries. The rules are simple: Write a 100-word

This Friday, #PPBF is on hiatus for the next two weeks, while Susanna Hill's 7th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest is underway. Give it a try and write a 100-word Halloween story. Check out the guidelines here. If not, be sure to read the entries on Susanna's blog starting tomorrow, October 27th, through Tuesday, October 31st. There are some amazingly talented writers in our community. So, I am taking this opportunity to share a delightful Middle Grade novel with you. I gre

First things first - congratulations to the winner of an autographed copy of LiNES by Sarvinder Naberhaus: Sherrie Choong Growing up an Army brat, I developed a bit of wanderlust. When I moved to the Pacific Northwest (for college), I fell in love with the area and have stayed here ever since. Because I still get the itch to explore and experience new places, I travel as much as possible. For me, only a rare few locations ever tempted me away from my home in Washington State.

Once again I've "broken ranks." :-) But check out my review on Friday of The Nutcracker Mice and you will understand why. If you are wondering if I have a penchant for mice, winter, and or Christmas, you may be right. Or maybe, this is just the time of year these books are being released. Hmm. With Perfect Picture Book Friday (#PPBF) on hiatus, due to the 7th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest (write a 100 word story that contains - shadow, monster, & candy corn), I am ta

Due to technical difficulties, this interview didn't get posted on Monday. But I think you will enjoy getting to know a little about M.E. Furman and some backstory to A World of Cookies for Santa, so I won't delay posting! Be sure to check out the #PPBF review today as well. M.E. Furman was born in Michigan and lived there until 3rd grade. Then she moved to California. Her family moved quite a bit, so she never attended the same school for more than 2 years until college. Sin

As the weather chills & and the holidays loom, is it too early to think about Christmas? No way! Not when you see this beautiful debut picture book, which both delights and educates. M.E. Furman and Susan Gal's collaboration has created a gorgeous story that will yield visual and edible treasures. A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World Author: M.E. Furman Illustrator: Susan Gal Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2017) Ages: 4-7 Fiction The

As a parent and Girl Scout Troop leader, I appreciate books that encourage kids to get outside. I remember hours of fun running, climbing, playing, and imagining as a child. It makes me smile to watch children explore, imagine, create, and play outside. Seasons of Joy: Every Day is for Outdoor Play Author/Illustrator: Claudia Marie Lenart Publisher: Loving Healing Press (2017) Ages: 3-5 Fiction Themes: Seasons, outdoor play, and wool crafting Synopsis (back cover): The pure a

Having discovered a number of wonderful Board Books, that don't really fit within #PPBF, but which definitely deserve to be highlighted, I decided to give them their own day. #BBT. To start this off, LiNES Author: Sarvinder Naberhaus Illustrator: Melinda Beck Publisher: Little Simon (Simon & Schuster) 2017 Ages: All Themes: Form, perspective, and geometry of lines all around us. Synopsis (from Simon & Schuster): This beautifully illustrated board book shows readers how lines