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!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Duende (n.)
1- the mysterious power of art to deeply move a person.
2- a magical spirit.
The impressionist's hope was that his paintings would arouse a bit of duende in those who viewed them.

Bibliophile's Corner

Deep in the Woods
by Christopher Corr

Amazon Description:
In this retelling of the classic Russian folk tale Teremok, a little house in the woods is chosen as the perfect place to live by a little mouse. One day, there is a knock on the door. It’s a rabbit, and the mouse invites him to come and live in the little house. The next day, there is another knock, and an owl comes to live in the little house, too. Many more animals join until eventually, a bear knocks on the door. Trying to fit inside the little house, a bear climbs on to the roof and it crashes to the ground. Can he put everything right?

My Thoughts:
This seemingly simple picture book contains a little secret that all children could learn from. Its whimsical illustrations, and witty text, tell the tale of a large group of forest friends that decide to live together in a wooden house. Deep in the Woods reminds the reader that despite the differences in those around us, we can, and should, all learn to live together. I recommend this delightful picture book to all young readers!

Click here to learn more about the author/illustrator Christopher Corr.

Storyteller's Journey

2017 Summer Reading List!

It's time once again for my annual Summer Reading List! Click on each MG title for my review as posted on Bibliophile's Corner.

These awesome middle grade novels are listed in random order:

The Girl Who Drank the Moon - by Kelly Barnhill

Thornghost - by Tone Almjhell

The Secret Keepers - by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Gallery - by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

The Inquisitor's Tale - by Adam Gidwitz

Where the Sea Turned to Silver - by Grace Lin

Wolf Hollow - by Lauren Wolk

Grayling's Song - Karen Cushman

The Poet's Dog - Patricia MacLachlan

Furthermore - Tahereh Mafi

Happy reading! Have a fantastic summer!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Lacuna (n.)
a blank space; a missing part.
Example: After the couple's break-up, the young man was left with a lacuna in his heart.

Bibliophile's Corner

That Neighbor Kid
by Daniel Miyares

Amazon Description:
There’s a new boy in the neighborhood, and he’s up to something very curious. His next door neighbor, a girl his age with two long braids, peeps around corners and watches as he scavenges wood from the fence between their houses, drags around a hammer and a bucket of nails, and reads a book about living in trees. When she finally works up the courage to say “hi,” she finds herself invited to help build the private getaway every child has dreamed of: a tree house. She also finds herself with a new best friend.

My Thoughts:
The beautiful illustrations by author/artist Mr. Miyares magically reveal the message of this heartfelt story. That Neighbor Kid needs but two words to convey a powerful tale of curiosity & friendship! While this is the first book I've encountered by Mr. Miyares, it is not his first creation. I look forward to perusing through his other children's books as well. I highly recommend That Neighbor Kid to readers aged four to seven.

Click here to learn more about author/illustrator Daniel Miyares.

Storyteller's Journey

It's A Rafflecopter Giveaway!
Journey to Snowdonia is set to release in September. To get a "buzz" going for my book, I'm hosting a great Rafflecopter Giveaway: several of my books, plus Amazon gift cards!

(Click on the small arrows to view the other awesome prizes!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The winners will be announced on Friday, September 8, 2017!