Whimsical Word of the Week

Mabon - (n.)
a pagan holiday marking the arrival of the autumn equinox.
Example: The renaissance fair planned to celebrate Mabon with a variety of fun autumn events.

Bibliophile's Corner

She Persisted
by Chelsea Clinton & Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

Amazon Description:
Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted.

Throughout American history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what’s right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In early 2017, Senator Elizabeth Warren’s refusal to be silenced in the Senate inspired a spontaneous celebration of women who persevered in the face of adversity. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted.

My Thoughts:

All through history women have had to deal with being told, "Be quiet, sit down." In this powerful picture book, readers are treated to thirteen women in American history who would not be quiet. The beautiful artwork by Alexandra Boiger brilliantly brings to life the words by Ms. Clinton. I highly recommend She Persisted to readers of all ages!

Click here to learn more about Chelsea Clinton.

Click here to learn more about Alexandra Boiger.

Storyteller's Journey

What a Summer!

In the Pacific Northwest folks always "make the most" of the warm weather each summer. So, like everyone else, I've been super busy the last few months.


Since I'm just getting back in the groove with blogging, this is a super short post today. Great thoughts coming soon to Writ of Whimsy!

Click here to read my recent newsletter with highlights of my summer.

Wishing each of you a great harvest season ahead!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Mabinogion - (n.)
a collection of Welsh tales based on old Celtic legends of magic and mythology.
Example: The author read many books in the mabinogion before writing her children's book set in Wales.

Bibliophile's Corner

nine, ten:
A September 11 Story
by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Amazon Description:
Ask anyone: September 11, 2001, was serene and lovely, a perfect day—until a plane struck the World Trade Center.

But right now it is a few days earlier, and four kids in different parts of the country are going about their lives. Sergio, who lives in Brooklyn, is struggling to come to terms with the absentee father he hates and the grandmother he loves. Will’s father is gone, too, killed in a car accident that has left the family reeling. Nadira has never before felt uncomfortable about being Muslim, but at her new school she’s getting funny looks because of the head scarf she wears. Amy is starting a new school in a new city and missing her mom, who has to fly to New York on business.

These four don’t know one another, but their lives are about to intersect in ways they never could have imagined. Award-winning author Nora Raleigh Baskin weaves together their stories into an unforgettable novel about that seemingly perfect September day—the day our world changed forever.

My Thoughts:
This middle grade novel is a light and entertaining read with a powerful message. I loved the way the story of Nadira, a Muslim girl, was woven into the perspectives of three other young people during the days leading up to the horrendous events of September 11, 2001. Nora Raleigh Baskin brilliantly reveals how 9/11 had a far-reaching impact to people miles away from New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, PA., to all corners of our country and even around the world. I highly recommend nine, ten to readers aged eight to twelve.

Click here to learn more about the author Nora Raleigh Baskin.

Click here to read about my visit to the 9/11 Memorial in NYC.

Never Forget.

Storyteller's Journey

It's great to be back in the world of blogging, and I have great news: Journey to Snowdonia released earlier this week! (The full list of winners for the Rafflecopter Giveaway that ran all summer is posted below.)

If you live in the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area I'd also like to invite you to our launch party tomorrow, featuring swag & refreshments! 

Click here for the buy link!

     

       *     *     *     *     *

Here is the complete list of winners from my Rafflecopter Giveaway: 

Sarah Mayer - Winner of all three of my hardback titles, signed

James Robert - Winner of a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card

Alan Saxon - Winner of a signed copy of Journey to Snowdonia

Elis Brockway - Winner of a signed copy of The Scandinavian Santa

Gina Marie - Winner of a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Jeanna Massman - Winner of a signed copy of The Tale of Willaby
                                                                                                  Creek
Dan Dykstra - Winner of a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

Thanks to all the participants! There were over 2400 contest entries!

Storyteller's Journey

A Summertime Break!

Each summer I take a break from blogging, so this is my last post until autumn. I'll be busy with writer & book events, a few adventures, and then there is writing, of course!


Click here if you'd like to participate in the contest/giveaway for my upcoming "Wintertime Tale" Journey to Snowdonia. The winners will be announced in September - right after the book's release!

Click here if you'd like to view my Summertime Reading List.

Click here if you'd like to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Have a sensational summer! I'll be back in September!