Francy's New Morning

 

        When I started reading this retelling of the original fairytale, I couldn’t help focusing on the  similarities and differences to the original story and Disney version, the main difference being the beast is female. But author, E.J. Hill’s beautiful writing soon carried me into her unique version of the story. Her intricate plot details wove together with vivid descriptions to create something new and unexpected and drew me into her mysterious world.   Kalista was cursed by a powerful sorceress with a spell that keeps her trapped within her castle and the enchanted forest. She only has some invisible servants to keep her company. When Arawn charges through the forest seeking revenge for his brother’s death, he becomes the last hope for breaking the curse. Told from alternating perspectives, Kalista and Arawn gradually reveal their developing feelings for one another. Everyone wants to break the curse, but the answer is not as simple as being kissed by the prince. They w

  Steve and Samaritan's Purse volunteers surprising my daughter with her finished room. October 29 th is the anniversary I never forget. Not my wedding day, but the day of the biggest storm to pummel our city of Long Beach in 2012. Stepping on crunching leaves and smelling the crisp fall air sweeps up memories of all the days that followed Superstorm Sandy. We lost a lot in one day. Flooding destroyed our home. We had to rip up floors and gut the walls to prevent mold growth, and we tossed out everything wet, from furniture to photos and paintings and clothes. Our boiler was submerged, so we didn’t have heat or hot water. Gene and I had five kids and my mother-in-law to worry about. Hopelessness felt endless as if our home would never be the same.   One year later as we still walked on plywood floors, Tall Steve showed up with Samaritan’s Purse volunteers and his huge smile. He was one of the team leaders whose mission was not only to help people rebuild their homes, but to repa

  Abby Lunde appears to be an average teen at her new school since moving to Minnesota with her family, but she has secrets. Since her mother’s scandal, they lost everything—jobs, friends, and even their home. Aside from handling the typical teenage mood swings and fears, Abby must deal with living in her family’s van in a Walmart parking lot. She is humiliated, having to sponge bathe in public restrooms and depend on soup kitchens for meals. Abby is angry and blames her mother for ruining their lives. Throughout the story, she learns to forgive and appreciate thoughtful, generous people, but she is most anxious about exposing the truth.   Abby’s life at her new school may seem a bit unrealistic and Cinderella-ish. Though early in the story, she finds popularity, good friends, the best-looking boyfriend, and her talent for singing, it does provide a stark contrast to her hidden life outside school, where nothing seems right. C. H. Armstrong’s writing shines in how she captures the

     Fade to White is an exceptional young adult novel. Author, Tara K. Ross has a beautiful writing style that drew me in from the first page. I love her character’s humor and honesty in relating the difficult topic of living with a mental illness. Aside from the typical teenage insecurities, Thea has severe anxiety issues, panic attacks, and pulls her hair out to release stress. Her anxious thoughts multiply after reading about the death and suicide of a classmate. Thea deals with irrational fears, anticipating the worst and causing unnecessary inner turmoil. She struggles to feel normal, but she also has a gift of empathy and compassion for anyone hurting. Thea is a regular at her favorite coffee shop where she gets her usual, two London Fog teas. One for her, and one to give to someone who could use some cheering up that day. She is someone I would want as a friend. Through the support and understanding of her friends, especially Khi who met at her at just the right time, T

  (On sale at Amazon) Amazon / Randi's Steps Randi's Steps did not win the Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, BUT...t he judges wrote a wonderful review that I'm thrilled to share. "Randi’s Steps is a beautiful, bittersweet story told by Francie, the little girl neighbor who befriends Randi when she moves in next door. Judge captures a wonderful narrative voice, real and warm and very human. Francie loves having a best friend like Randi, who is different in seemingly tiny ways, like being Jewish, but who loves enough of the same things that Francie loves to make her the best of best friends. I liked the description of Randi’s Tinker Bell laugh with the occasional snort (13). Right away, Randi is described as being subject to headaches, which of course adults will understand. I think Judge conveys a progress of Randi’s illness perfectly. For all that Francie loves Randi, Francie is healthy and in need of healthy friends. She reacts with joy to happy playtim

  Line up guys. You know the routine.   Toes meet toes in my full-length mirror, turned horizontally and angled for best viewing. At least fifteen pairs of designer dress shoes are arranged from lightest pair to darkest. Heavy on the Christian Louboutin with a handful of Jimmy Choos and a dash of Chanel. Judging me by my collection, anyone might think I’m a rich snob, a superficial diva. Anyone would be wrong. I’m not rich. But I do have impeccable taste and know the value of optimal footwear.   I admit to having a smidgen of a purchasing addiction, but these guys are my first step toward getting a job as a fashion designer’s assistant. Everyone knows the sayings: "best foot forward” and “no second chances at first impressions.” I spend a tad extra for quality. But if you could smell that strong leather scent I’m enjoying right now, you would understand my obsession. Brand new Louboutins smell of importance.   Lord, please, please help me pick the right ones. Okay, sh

  Doodle Stories & Oodles of Art (doodle-stories.com) As a graduate of FIT for Illustration, I know how much illustrators need to show off their work to get work. I want to give children's book illustrators another place where they can display their artwork and have it shared.  * On my children's book blog "Doodle Stories & Oodles of Art" illustrators can submit two example of their work for free.  * From the gallery, I will share a different illustration on social media each day. * It's easy. Subscribe for free exposure and you will also receive a monthly newsletter, sharing favorites, upcoming contests, and relevant links to encourage children's book authors and illustrators. 

Taste Your Words Written by Bonnie Clark A Delightful and Delicious Story Taste Your Words is a delightful story with hilarious illustrations. After Amera and her friend argue and share some mean words, Amera’s mom suggests she tastes her words before letting them out of her mouth. From that moment, Amera tastes everything she says. Her mean words fill her mouth with yucky flavors like pickle juice and rotten eggs. But when she realizes nice words taste yummy like chocolate or sweet oranges, she is encouraged to be kinder and think before she speaks.  What kid wouldn’t want to imagine words tasting like their favorite foods? This book delivers the perfect combination of a wonderful message shared with humor and imagery kids will remember. Everybody should read this! Amazon / Taste Your Words For more reviews, visit my children's book blog:  Doodle Stories & Oodles of Art    

Against all odds, being computer technologically challenged, I created another website / blog. Welcome my latest: Doodle Stories (& oodles of art) to the World Wide Web. This site celebrates the art and stories of children's literature. I review mostly picture books and middle-grade novels and will try to post at least one new review each week. (We'll see how that goes.)  Each month I will showcase the books I think are best illustrated. In addition to checking out the books, parents can submit their children's artwork to go in the monthly gallery. Each month has a new theme to inspire young artists. I hope to get enough submissions to provide contests, so kids can win prizes for entering. I would love this to become a fun, favorite place for parents and children.  Please check it out and let me know what you think.  Doodle-stories.com

Someone says: It’s beginning to drizzle. Is drizzle past the point of beginning after one minute or five? After how many raindrops is rain past the point of beginning? Pearls of water trickle down a window; It’s raining.                        Like everyone, we blinked, and our plans were changed. We went from telling our son he could take the train home for spring break to texting him we were on our way to pick him up. New York colleges had closed for the rest of the semester.   When Gene and I drove upstate to New Paltz University, we had no idea Elijah was sick until we called him to tell him we were there.   “He-ll-o.” Elijah’s voice sounded stuffy and sleepy as if he just woke up.   “Are you sick? You sound sick.” We expected him to say no, he just fell asleep for a while. Blame it on dorm life.    His answer couldn’t have been worse. “Nah, just a little achy. All my suite mates have the same thing.”   I looke