Tag: children’s book author

Bernice, the Busiest of Bees by Kalee Boisvert Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A hard-working bee must stop to smell the flowers in author Kalee Boisvert’s “Bernice, the Busiest of Bees.”

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The Synopsis

Meet Bernice-the busiest bee in the entire meadow. With her tiny bucket hat, neatly packed pollen pouch, and a to-do list longer than a dragonfly’s tail, Bernice is always buzzing from one task to the next.

While the other bees take breaks and enjoy the sunshine, Bernice prides herself on never wasting a wingbeat. That is, until the Queen Bee steps in with an unexpected royal decree:

Mandatory vacation-three whole days!

At first, Bernice doesn’t know what to do without her checklist. But as the meadow slows her down, she begins to notice the world she’s been flying past-the dancing daisies, the giggling children, the joy of simply being a bee.

Through playful language and heartwarming humor, Bernice, the Busiest of Bees reminds readers of all ages that even the hardest workers need time to rest, breathe, and rediscover the wonder around them.

Perfect for children who love nature-and grown-ups who forget to use their vacation days.

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The Review

This was such a cute little story for children that had both an important message and fun characters. The warmth of the illustrations is instantly eye-catching, and the amount of story the author can fit into such a short amount of time will delight children and parents alike as they get wrapped up in Bernice’s adventures.

The core of this story, of course, is its heartfelt message. Hard work is an admirable trait in a person, and yet working 24/7 and neglecting to have a life outside of work is a fast track to burnout. The lessons Bernice has to learn to stop and enjoy the little things in life and to find their own joy outside of work are commendable, and speak to the balance young people need to see in their own lives as they grow and move forward. 

The Verdict

Fun, heartfelt, and entertaining, author Kalee Boisvert’s “Bernice, the Busiest of Bees” is a must-read children’s illustrated story. The inviting and engaging story, the volume of world-building the author accomplishes in this book, and the delightful illustrations that help hone in on the heart of this story’s theme will keep young readers and parents alike returning to this story time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kalee Boisvert has spent over fifteen years in the financial industry, driven by a desire to rewrite the money story she grew up with. Raised in a single-parent household, she became passionate early on about financial empowerment and helping others create freedom and confidence through money.

But her path didn’t stop there.

Over time, Kalee’s work expanded into something deeper: a soul-level invitation for women to remember who they are. Today, she writes both financial and spiritual books—offering practical tools, tender truth, and gentle reminders that you are already enough.

She is the author of MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank, a children’s book on financial empowerment, Make Money Your Thing, a guide to owning your wealth journey, and The Remembered Woman, a soul conversation for the one who’s waking up to herself.

Kalee lives in Canada with her daughter Ivy and son Jax, who continually remind her of the magic in presence, play, and wonder.

https://www.instagram.com/kaleeboisvert/

https://kaleeboisvert.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bernice-the-busiest-of-bees-kalee-boisvert/1148632223?ean=9781069649546

https://amzn.to/4rRJ5AL

PRESS RELEASE: BOOMER SEES THE TOWN: THE CURIOUS BUNNY BOOK 1 BY DIANN FLOYD BOEHM RELEASES VIA PLUM CREEK PRESS

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press Releases, PRESS RELEASESLeave a comment

BOOMER SEES THE TOWN: The Curious Bunny Book 1

The newest children’s book by acclaimed children’s author Diann Floyd Boehm 

Released and published by Plum Creek Press

The book will be available in print and e-book format

Discover the first adventure in the Curious Bunny series!

In Boomer Sees the Town, Boomer leaves the forest to explore the wonders, sounds, and surprises of the big city. Perfect for curious minds and early readers, this heartwarming children’s story encourages imagination, discovery, and kindness. Written by award-winning author Diann Floyd Boehm and beautifully illustrated by Surya Ali Zaidan, this charming tale will delight children and parents alike. A must-have addition to any family’s bedtime bookshelf.

*** Written for children ages 3 to 9. These are delightful tales for parents, teachers, and caregivers to read with their kids or for young readers to enjoy.

http://bit.ly/43qUEo0

Home | Plum Creek Press

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Praise for Diann Floyd Boehm

“Thank you, Diann Floyd Boehm and Charlie’s Tire Swing, for giving me the opportunity to relive my childhood wonder at the miracle of nurturing growth and my childhood memories of carefree summer days spent on my own tire swing. A sweet intergenerational story.” Lana Shupe, author, The Lonely Little Lighthouse

“A beautiful, whimsical story about the love and wisdom that generations bestow upon each other. The essence of this story will shift young hearts and minds towards beauty in all aspects of human existence and life.” Rhonda Paver, owner/executive director, Stepping Stones School

ABOUT DIANN:

Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author. Diann writes children’s books and young adult books. In addition, Diann writes books to inspire kids to be kind, like themselves, and to “Embrace Imagination”.  You can find all her books on Amazon. 

Diann’s Story Garden YouTube Channel gives children the opportunity to hear different children authors read their stories. 

Diann continues to be involved in various humanitarian projects with multiple organizations. 

Diann was born to parents of George and Mabel Floyd in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up in Texas with five brothers. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world and has lived in the Philippines and Dubai.

Keep in touch with Diann by joining her newsletter: www.Diannfloydboehm.com.

Let’s Go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy by Maureen Devlin Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Readers are shown how a young girl and her puppy came together in author Maureen Devlin’s “Let’s Go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy.”

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The Synopsis

In this heartwarming, rhythmic tale, a young girl adopts a playful puppy she loves with all her heart. Starting from the kindness of strangers who rescued the puppy, to the caring staff and veterinarian at the shelter, each page takes readers one step further back in the story. With each repeated refrain, children see the chain of compassion and care that brought the girl and her puppy together. From puppy park adventures to the puppy’s safe arrival at the shelter, this cumulative story celebrates love, community, and the joy of adoption.

Why This Book Benefits Children

  • Teaches empathy and kindness – By tracing the puppy’s journey from rescue to adoption, children learn how many caring people play a role in helping animals.
  • Builds sequencing and memory skills – The repetitive, cumulative structure helps children anticipate what comes next, reinforcing comprehension and recall.
  • Encourages a sense of community – The story shows how teamwork and compassion create happy endings.
  • Fosters a love of animals – It naturally introduces the concepts of pet adoption and responsible pet care in a gentle, engaging way.

How Parents Can Use This Book

  • Read aloud for rhythm and repetition – The patterned text invites children to join in, making reading interactive and fun.
  • Discuss each role in the story – Ask questions like, “What did the veterinarian do?” or “Who found the puppy first?” to build understanding of cause and effect.
  • Connect to real-life experiences – If you have a pet, talk about its adoption story, or consider visiting a local animal shelter together.
  • Encourage kindness projects – Use the story as a starting point for discussing ways to help animals or people in need in your community.

The Review

This was a fast-paced yet engaging children’s book. The author did an incredible job of utilizing bright and colorful imagery with heartfelt and sentimental storytelling. The writing speaks to young children and parents alike, and creates an emotional connection between the two that makes for a unique reading experience.

What stood out to me was the theme and story behind The Playful Puppy. The author did an incredible job of walking readers through the process of what puppies go through when they are adopted, from the discovery of the puppy by good Samaritans to the vets and custodians who care for the puppy and their environment in the shelter, and finally, the person who gives them a forever home. The backwards style of storytelling, going back in time essentially to show this process, was very creative as well. 

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and thoughtfully curated, author Maureen Devlin’s “Let’s Go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy” is a must-read children’s book. The heart and passion for pet adoption this story brings to life, and the way the book’s imagery and emotional connection bring parents and children together will keep readers coming back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Maureen Devlin is a Seattle-based author. She is a former lawyer and social worker and a forever Mom, Aunt, and Grand-Aunt. Her mission now is to spread the joy of reading and learning to young children. She strives to provide factual information to young minds in fun and fresh ways. When her own twins were small, she spent countless hours curled up on the couch with them, reading and talking about what they read. These “book fests” prompted seemingly endless questions about the origins of everyday things. Thus, the idea of going “backer and backer” to find the origins was born.

https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/

https://amzn.to/4gyYlgQ

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado (Navigating Natural Disasters Book Two) by Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A boy and his family explore how to prepare and face the dangers of a tornado in authors Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson’s “Oliver and the Twisting Tornado”, the second book in the Navigating Natural Disasters book series. 

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The Synopsis

“It’s time to go to the shelter. Now!” As their radio buzzes a tornado warning and sirens wail in the distance, Oliver, his sister Emma, and their parents move quickly to find shelter from an approaching tornado.

The family has been getting ready for hours as storm clouds gather and the skies turn a creepy green and gray. Despite his fear, Oliver knows they have done all they can to protect their home, property, and the animals on their small family farm. Now, it’s time to take shelter as a large funnel cloud roars across the fields towards their home.

Oliver is afraid that his home could be blown away. He’s concerned that everything he knows and loves could be damaged or destroyed by the rampaging storm. When his parents tell him it’s time to evacuate to their emergency storm shelter, Max wonders if his world will ever feel safe again.

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado explores the natural fears of a child facing a life-changing storm that can hit with little or no warning. Tornadoes can cause widespread damage, both physical and emotional. As Max and his family, friends, and neighbors come together, they show us the power of community working together in the face of a major natural disaster.

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado emphasizes thoughtful preparation, family connection, and community support, making it a timely and helpful resource for parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone teaching tornado safety and working to build resilience among young people. Oliver and the Twisting Tornado supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) by helping children manage storm-related anxiety, understand tornado alerts, and feel confident in taking action.

The Review

This was yet another stellar children’s read from both authors. The book continues the essential lessons and rich storytelling that the first book in this series established, crafting believable and relatable characters that both children and parents can identify with while educating young readers. The muted yet engaging illustrations by Tanya Zeinalova brought the characters and the realities of life in an area prone to tornadoes to life perfectly, keeping the reader invested in the narrative.

The calm and detailed way the authors lay out storm preparedness and showcase the emotional family and community connections at the same time was a big draw for this book. The clear and concise way the steps needed to prepare for a storm are laid out for readers help drive home the importance of being prepared for such a storm, while the way the family and the community band together in the storm’s wake is an uplifting and inspiring way to instill that sense of belonging and caring that children should have at that early an age.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, authors Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs’s “Oliver and the Twisting Tornado” is an excellent entry in the authors’ series on natural disasters and a must-read children’s book. The fast-paced story and relatability of the narrative will stay with readers, keeping them eager for more in this growing children’s series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Ben is the owner and writer for Author Services Australia, while also working at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben owns and manages a self-publishing company, Author Services Australia, which helps Australian authors self-publish their books. 

Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles. They have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart, Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.

Chrissy Hobbs, also known as Sam Lawrence, is a bestselling author of the My Little Fart and Hockey Wars series. Since 2015, she has been writing books with her husband, bringing humor and heartfelt stories to readers worldwide. Before her writing career, Chrissy spent seven years as a police dispatcher, a role that profoundly influenced her passion for emergency management. Recently, she has returned to her education, expanding her knowledge in emergency management as she plans to step back into the field.

While pursuing her studies, Chrissy noticed a significant gap in children’s literature—books that help kids navigate the emotional and physical challenges of natural disasters. Having witnessed the devastation of recent global disasters, Chrissy felt called to create stories that inform and empower children during these challenging times.

Her Navigating Natural Disasters series is designed to help kids understand what happens during disasters, how to prepare, and, most importantly, how to process their emotions and find strength in their community. Through relatable stories of resilience and hope, Chrissy aims to provide children around the world with the tools to face life’s storms with courage and confidence.

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PRESS RELEASE: JOURNALIST AND WRITER JONATHAN HANDEL RELEASES NEW KIDS BOOK

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn book news, Book Promotion, Creative Edge Publicity Press Releases, PRESS RELEASESLeave a comment

AI’s Promise and Perils on Display in Lyrical New Kids Book by Critically Acclaimed Entertainment Lawyer, Journalist, Poet and Writer Jonathan Handel

The text is by Handel but the 110 illustrations in Who Do You Want to Be? were generated by AI in a single day at a cost of $0.66. As kids decide who they want to be when they grow up, is AI narrowing the choices or creating new opportunities?

More info, video and pics at https://who2b.kids.

Who Do You Want to Be? (Hollywood Analytics; January 1, 2024; paper USD $14.99; hardcover USD $25.99; Kindle USD $6.99) by Jonathan Handel asks kids the eternal question: what do you want to do when you grow up?

One day my best friendSaid to meWho in the worldDo you wanna be?I thought and thoughtAnd thought and saidMaybe a firemanCuz their trucks are red?


That’s not a great reason—but there are many other possibilities in this lyrical story, a rhymed and illustrated exploration for kids showcasing dozens of jobs, careers and occupations. It’s an affirming book written for diverse kids aged 4-8 and their parents, and just might appeal to anyone who isn’t sure what they want to do for work. It’s a fun, clever book that delights kids, parents and teachers alike.

At 68 pages but only 630 words, Who Do You Want to Be? is about a 15-minute read. And because the text began life as part of a song, you can sing the book too!

But there’s an irony: Handel wrote the text, but AI did the book’s 110 illustrations (60 of them full-page). They would have cost about $15,000 and taken months to render had a human illustrator drawn them. Using DALL-E via ChatGPT, it took less than 24 hours and the equivalent of USD $0.66 (one day of a $20 per month subscription). That’s a half-cent per full-page illustration instead of $165, a cost ratio of over 30,000 to one—seemingly enough to put some illustrators out of work.

Handel couldn’t spend $15,000 on the artwork, so no illustrators actually lost work on this project. But illustrators’ past work was reportedly used by OpenAI to train DALL-E. For that reason, Handel is donating 10 percent of the book’s net revenue to The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a nonprofit organization. “It’s a collaboration of man and machine, author and automation,” he said, “so I wanted to give back.” And that’s a lesson worth remembering too.

     About the Book

Title: WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?Author: Jonathan HandelPublication Date: January 1, 2024Copyright Date: 2024Publisher: Hollywood AnalyticsPp.: 68 pp. + vi + career indexHardcover: USD $25.99; https://amzn.to/48i4vNh;  ISBN 979-8-9898418-1-3Paper: USD $14.99; https://amzn.to/47iXSsS; ISBN 979-8-9898418-0-6Kindle: USD $6.99; https://amzn.to/3H3ltTJ; ASIN B0CR8BFSL3Features: 110 illus. (60 full-page); parent/teacher resource list; career index

About Jonathan Handel

Jonathan Handel practices transactional entertainment and technology law at Feig/Finkel in Los Angeles and independently, and is also a journalist, media commentator, and writer of poetry, scripts, stories and nonfiction.

Handel has written for Puck and was a contributing editor from 2010-20 for The Hollywood Reporter, where he wrote over 1,400 articles. He’s appeared in the media as an expert over 1,600 times.

A graduate of Harvard College (applied math and computer science) and Harvard Law School, Handel is also a former computer scientist and was involved in local politics for a decade. His writing has also been published in the Los Angeles Times, Variety and elsewhere. Handel is a member of the Television Academy and associate member of the Dramatists Guild and the Society of Composers & Lyricists. For several years, he taught a film appreciation and screening class to approximately 400 students for UCLA Extension.  

More information about Jonathan can be found at jhandel.com and jhandel.news.
To request review copies or an interview with Jonathan Handel, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com

Lemons and More Lemons by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young boy learns the highs and lows of owning his own business and how hard work can make dreams become a reality in authors A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham’s “Lemons and More Lemons.”

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The Synopsis

Mark has big dreams and even bigger plans.

Since opening his lemonade stand, Mark has learned that running a business is more than just making money—it’s about working hard, learning from others, and believing in yourself. With the help of his family, a special notebook, and even a wise squirrel, Mansa… Mark is ready to grow his lemonade stand to new heights.

But along the way, he faces challenges that test his smarts and creativity. From adding new flavors to his stand, dealing with friends, and deciding if he’s ready to bring on a partner, Mark learns valuable lessons about family, business, and never giving up.

Lemons and… More Lemons by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham is an inspiring, fun-filled story that shows young readers—and adults—how big dreams can turn into reality with a little grit, a lot of heart, and of course, a splash of lemonade.

The Review

What a genuinely thoughtful and engaging read. The author does an incredible job of presenting a children’s story that both entertains and informs young readers. While infusing the narrative with humor and heart through Mark’s friendships and adventures in building up his lemon stand business, the author also takes the step to begin educating young readers on the world of business and finances.

Using Mark’s story, the author can introduce concepts about business and entrepreneurship, such as expenses and profits, investing in your business, going into debt, and so much more. The author did a great job of balancing this educational narrative with rich character dialogue and interactions that made the book feel relatable and entertaining.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and memorable, authors A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham’s “Lemons and More Lemons” is a must-read children’s book. The book is the perfect transition book for children going into their preteen years, as they engage in longer form content in their books and begin to educate themselves on real-world topics through the lens of entertaining interactions, making this one book parents won’t want to miss out on getting for their children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Award-winning author A.D. Williams learned early on how powerful representation is in books. Ensuring that kids can see and feel success through the lens of characters that look and face many of the same challenges they do. When I was growing up no one talked about investing, wealth, business plans or how to acquire real wealth,” said A.D. His underlying motivation is that this book will ignite discussions around finances in households across the world and be a seed that blossoms until wealth equity for our children. In addition to his writing, A.D. is a children hospital administrator, private investor, and entrepreneur.

Kendal Fordham grew up in a home brimming with financial literacy. Her father tried eagerly to engage all his children in economics, financial planning, and investing as children. Out of the three children, Kendal found it fascinating. Straight out of college, Kendal studied hard and became a fully licensed Financial Professional. A year later as a Dave Ramsey endorsed financial professional, she started her own business as a financial and investment advisor. It didn’t take long for her to realize the value in her skillset, but after becoming a mother, Kendal saw how crucial it was to plant the seed of this knowledge into our youth. Kendal is the mother to 2 young children, a landlord, a multi business owner, a mentor, and now, an author.

Oh, Tal! Not Today. By Tal Anderson (Illustrated by Michael Richey White) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Tal Anderson shares the joys of celebrating our differences in the children’s book “Oh, Tal! Not Today.”

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The Synopsis

Oh, Tal! Not Today is the delightful first book in the “OH, TAL!” series, created by autistic actor Tal Anderson and Hollywood artist Michael Richey White. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, we meet Tal and her loyal cat, Winnie. Though Tal doesn’t speak much and has a unique way of doing things, vibrant imagination, creativity, and independence shine through.

As Tal’s parents learn that things aren’t always what they seem, true intentions come to light. Perfect for young readers, parents, and educators, this heartwarming story celebrates being different and doing things your own way!

The Review

What a thoughtful and kind read. The author did an excellent job of creating a story that felt both relatable and engaging for both children and parents alike, especially for the community the book represents so eloquently. The beautiful artwork also speaks to both the whimsy of the narrative and the childlike wonder with which Tal approaches life in every scene of the book. 

The theme of communication and understanding for parents and visibility for children, such as Tal, is extensively showcased in this fast-paced children’s book. How the autistic community is showcased in a heartfelt, understanding way while also delving into how parents can learn to understand how their child’s way of thinking may differ from others, and in doing so, give their child the free space to be themselves, makes this such a special and even emotional book for readers to hold onto.

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Tal Anderson and artist Michael Richey White’s “Oh, Tal! Not Today” is a must-read children’s book. The ease with which readers will be able to connect with Tal the writer and Tal as a character, and the heartfelt message that underscores the importance of understanding and communication with children from all walks of life, made this one book parents won’t want to put down for their children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

TAL ANDERSON is a professional actor, filmmaker, and writer. She is an advocate for change, using her voice and unique platform as an autistic actor to support inclusion and authentic representation in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood. She is best known for her work in the Netflix series “Atypical” as Sid, but can also be seen and heard in many other productions including, guest-starring in Season 5 of “Magnum P.I.” on NBC, and as the English voice of Tina in the Disney Plus series, “Team Chocolate.” Tal has always been a storyteller, and as a child could be seen constantly using her FLIP video camera, or one of several hand-held voice-recorders to record every day life, or her daily performances of stories/scripts she had made up or written. It is this love of imagination that led her to acting and filmmaking as an adult. “Oh, Tal! – Not Today,” is Tal’s first book. She lives in Los Angeles with her cat Winifred, where they can both live their best lives and be their true selves.

https://www.thetalanderson.com/

MICHAEL RICHEY WHITE is an illustrator and graphic artist working in television and film. He has created artwork for many different shows including the art for the character, Sam, on the Netflix series, “Atypical,” and has been self-taught, drawing and painting most of his life. He wrote and illustrated the book “Little Hipsters” and continues to illustrate all of the guests for the podcast, “And the Writer Is.” He tries to make the time to draw something daily, even if it’s just a little doodle on scrap paper. He is autistic and uses his powers mostly for good. A quote by Walt Stanchfield has stuck with him over the years: “We all have 10,000 bad drawings in us. The sooner we get them out the better,” but from Michael’s own experience, he’s rephrased it to, “It takes 100,000 drawings before you make your first good one.” Michael lives in Los Angeles with his wife and youngest daughter.

https://michaelricheywhite.com/

Interview with Author Melanie Lane Durham

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I have always loved writing since I was a young girl. I would get lost in books, and would spend hours pretending to be the characters in my favorite stories. I was very drawn to writing poetry and short stories as a kid, and knew I wanted to write something some day!

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My family and I had just moved into a new house, it was a big move for us and I was constantly telling my two small children how magical everything was going to be when we got settled in. Unfortunately, the house ended up making me very ill. I was stuck in bed all the time and wracked with guilt for life not living up to this magical promise I had made. I was looking for a way to communicate this to my older daughter, and in that, the first draft of Every Day Magic was born. I wrote it as a note in my phone and asked if I could read her a “book with no pictures”, and explained to her that it would help her understand how life could still be full of magic even while Mommy was sick. She ended up loving it, and that inspired me to pursue publishing! 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I really hope that all readers of my book, young and young at heart, come to realize that the magic in life is what’s happening while we’re out there searching for it. We as a society, as parents, as partners, as friends, tend to put so much pressure on how things look and less on how they feel — and often we miss what’s right in front of us. Those small, quiet moments filled with beauty, that’s where the magic lies!

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I never planned to write a children’s book, but having kids can definitely give you the courage to do things you never thought you were capable of before!

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’d love to ask the main character, Edie, how she plans to include the baby in the book in some of her rituals. The characters are all based on my own family, and with my youngest walking and talking now, I’d love to see how her role in the story may change!

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Unfortunately, social media hasn’t been a huge help to me. I’m sure it’s just user error! I have loved sharing my book within my community, as a small business owner my current clients and customers have become my biggest fans!

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Just start. If you wait for it to be perfect, you’ll never be ready. Jump in, learn as you go, and believe in yourself!

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

As for now, I’m still learning how to adjust to selling, marketing, and managing the one book on top of my business and raising two small children. I really hope to write more in the future, and hopefully get some good footing navigating the landscape that is children’s books! It’s been an incredible ride so far.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Melanie, and I’m so grateful you’re here! As a small business owner, mom of two small children, and lover of magic and mindfulness — the opportunity to share my book with the world is a dream come true. I have loved to write since I was a young girl and I hope getting my words out there shows readers, young and old, that it’s never too late to follow your dreams! When I am not writing or working in my business, you can find me chasing my two littles (and the dog!) around my Northern California backyard or spending time with family friends.

My Story: I believe in the power of life’s little wonders. Born out of a personal journey, Everyday Magic is one of those wonders! In 2023 I was met with the sudden onset of a chronic illness caused by unforeseen circumstances with roots going back to my early childhood. What felt like overnight, I found myself going from an active entrepreneur to a woman often stuck in bed.

I began dreaming up ways to engage with my kids and make meaningful memories, even when my energy was low. These ideas became the heart of this book, a story crafted with love, imagination, and the belief that magic isn’t something we find; it’s something we create! I believe every single one of us has the power within to bring that magic to life.

I hope this story sparks wonder, connection, and a little bit of magic for you and your family- just as it has for mine!

https://a.co/fGhcEpp

Elijah Goes to Philadelphia by Mark Darden (Illustrations by Anh Bui) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young boy on the eve of a trip to Philadelphia takes a journey into the city’s past in author Mark Darden’s “Elijah Goes to Philadelphia.”

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The Synopsis

While resting in his bed, Elijah is not looking forward to visiting Philadelphia with his father as he has heard bad things about the city. His father reassures him that they will have a great time visiting the city and tells Elijah to get some sleep. When Elijah wakes up, he finds himself somewhere he’d never seen before with his dad. After nervously calculating their surroundings, Elijah and his dad meet Vinnie who tells them that they were just in time to witness an historic event. With the help of Vinnie, Elijah and his dad visit various landmarks in Philadelphia during different time periods, such as Independence Hall in 1776, Reading Terminal Market in 1893, and much more. Elijah’s trip to Philadelphia is an exciting and unforgettable adventure, almost as if it were a dream.

The Review

This was such a fun and engaging children’s book. The author did an excellent job of bringing a sense of magic and wonder to the story, while also highlighting the history and culture behind the foundation and growth of Philadelphia as a city and as a landmark in the foundation of the United States of America. The fast-paced and easy-going nature of the story allowed the reader to feel transported by this dreamy, historical trip down the city’s past.

What stood out for young readers is both the relatability of the main characters and the importance of understanding and connecting with the city as a whole. The dynamic between father and son in this story was great to see come to life, and how Philadelphia, both the good and the bad, were showcased reminded me of my life in Southern California, and the times Los Angeles would be called bad or remarked with a sense of dread. Yes, each city has its bad parts, but every town or city does. There are also things of great beauty, community, and historical significance that deserve to be celebrated, and this story brought that to life for Philadelphia so perfectly.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, fun, and adventurous, author Mark Darden’s “Elijah Goes to Philadelphia” is a must-read children’s book. The nostalgic, almost 90s-esque art style of the illustrations and the magical yet relatable story and character dynamics will keep both children and parents alike invested in this incredible story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Darden is the founder, author-publisher, and Chief Content Creator for Buckeye Muscle Media, LLC. Since 2019, Buckeye Muscle Media has independently published two books with a third book set to be released in November 2024. Mark is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). He when is not writing books, Mark enjoys going to sports events cheering for his favorite teams, traveling across the country and world, and participating in various fitness competitions.

https://buckeyemuscle.com/