Storyteller's Journey

Along the Horse Trail by Michael Lindstrom - 9 X 12 Oil on panel 

 Season's Greetings!

Our December has been lovely so far. We've already enjoyed lunches & dinners with friends and family that have made this holiday season so special. We're anticipating the arrival of our son Brian from NYC tomorrow!

As usual, I'll be taking a winter break from blogging to enjoy time with my family; I'll be back on Writ of Whimsy sometime in January.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter - with BIG NEWS!

Wishing you and yours the joy, peace, and love of the season!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Frankincense - (n.)

an aromatic gum resin burned as incense.

Example: The magi knelt down and offered the baby gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

 

Bibliophile's Corner

Little Red Sleigh

by Erin Guendelsberger 

& illustrated by Elizaveta Tretyakova

Flap Copy Description:

It was a snowy Christmas Eve, a night for dreams to come true...

The Little Red Sleigh has one big dream - to one day become Santa's big red sleigh! But all her life, she's been told she's too small, she's too young, she can't fly, and she certainly can't meet Santa.

Well, this Christmas, with the help of some friends, she's determined to do the impossible.

My Thoughts:

Little Red Sleigh is one of those simple, yet beautifully profound, holiday stories for children. (The exquisite illustrations add significantly to this lovely story.) Learning to receive a Christmas miracle (even though it doesn't look quite like you imagined) from unexpected sources, is the type of message everyone - not just children - needs to hear this holiday season. I highly recommend Little Red Sleigh for children of all ages!

Click here to learn about the author, Erin Guendelsberger.

Click here to learn about the artist, Elizaveta Tretyakova.

Storyteller's Journey

Lindstrom Wintertime Tales!

While I rarely post a reminder of the books my husband and I created - the Lindstrom Wintertime Tales - if I don't promote them during the holidays, when?? 

If you haven't perused my "Books" on my website, take a look here.

If you'd like a personalized copy of any of my books, send me an email via my website: www.victorialindstrom.com 

Happy Holidays!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Apricity - (n.) 

the warmth of the sun in winter.

Example: The face of the Nordic skier grew red from the atmosphere's apricity.

 

Bibliophile's Corner

A Very Mercy Christmas

by Kate DiCamillo

Flap Copy Description:

When Stella Endicott gets the sudden idea to go caroling, she has a little trouble getting anyone to join her. Her brother, Frank, is not good at spontaneity, The Watsons are very involved in a precarious baking endeavor, Eugenia Lincoln declines, a bit rudely, to accompany the singing on her accordion. And Horace Broom is too busy studying planetary movement.

Will Stella need to sing by herself, accompanied only by the cacophonous contributions of the pig, the cat, and the horse she picks up along the way? Or might there be a gentle miracle in store?

My Thoughts:

This beautiful picture book will be a big hit this Christmas season for all those Mercy Watson fans out there! Kate DiCamillo's magic pen has created a heartwarming tale just in time for the holidays. (There's even a Christmas tree ornament included inside the book!) I highly recommend A Very Mercy Christmas to children aged three to seven.

Click here to learn about the award-winning author, Kate DiCamillo.

Storyteller's Journey

My Literary Memories

When I think back to some of my favorite books as a young reader several come to mind. The three featured in this post also inspired me to be a writer.

Pippi Longstocking introduced me to a world where being an unconventional child was not only okay, but it was also fun and inspirational. Pippi was the earliest character to encourage me to be myself. Later in life, learning about author Astrid Lindgren inspired me as a writer.

Of all the books I read as a child, Heidi was my very favorite. My mother's copy of Heidi is the very book I read. (It sits proudly on my mother's fireplace mantel to this day.) There was something that pulled at my heartstrings about the young girl who had been orphaned, and was raised by relatives, until she finally found a home in the Swiss mountains with "Alm-Uncle." The little orphaned girl's love and kindness eventually warmed the heart of the angry mountain man. Heidi was the first novel I ever read.

Like so many female writers, I can directly connect my love of writing - and reading - to Louisa May Alcott's, Little Women. It's difficult to explain just what it was about this American classic that so captured a generation of young readers so long ago, or why it still does. For me, reading about the simple life of a family during the Civil War was a big part of what drew me in to the plot. Reading this coming-of-age novel in my fifth-grade year seemed to turn my life on a dime. After reading Little Women, I began journaling and writing poetry...and I've never stopped.

As I embark on the process of publishing my novel with a young female protagonist, these three books are never far from my mind. Each one seems to echo in my soul. The dream isn't to just write a successful book, but one that is meaningful. Like these books were to me. 

Whimsical Word of the Week

Coddiwomple (v.)

to travel in a purposeful manner toward a vague destination.

Example: The wayward duckling seemed to coddiwomple around the lake's shoreline.

 

Bibliophile's Corner

Let's Celebrate!

Special Days Around the World

by Kate DePalma and illustrated by Martina Peluso

Back Cover Description:

Let's bake some treats! Let's light the lights! We just can't wait for fun days and bright nights. Celebrate special days in 13 countries.

My Thoughts:

At this time of year, there are so many special days celebrated by so many wonderful groups of people. It's important for children to learn - at an early age - about the different ways people celebrate. It's an important step in learning to respect others different than ourselves. I highly recommend Let's Celebrate for children aged three to seven.

Click here to learn about the author, Kate DePalma.

Storyteller's Journey

Grateful, Thankful, Blessed!

Each year I use the Thanksgiving season to review all that I have to be thankful for - this year I find I'm more thankful than ever. From the safety our family found during a frightening forest fire, to the American people stating their strong beliefs about democracy during the past election, this year has given me much for which to be thankful. As always, the relationships with my dear family and friends are my biggest blessings. 

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!🦃 

Whimsical Word of the Week

Panegyric (n.)

a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something.

Example: The mayor's panegyric for the community's outreach to the homeless at Thanksgiving was well received.

Bibliophile's Corner

Just a Special Thanksgiving

by Mercer Mayer

Back Cover Description:

Little Critter is about to have a Thanksgiving he'll never forget. From the school play to a surprise dinner for all of Critterville, celebrate along with Little Critter and his family as they give thanks this holiday!

My Thoughts:

The classic Mercer Mayer Little Critter books are so much fun, and this one about Thanksgiving is no exception! This paperback book even includes stickers for your child to place at the appropriate place in the story. I highly recommend Just a Special Thanksgiving for children aged two to six.

Storyteller's Journey

Livvi Biddle Comes to Life

Eleven years ago, I began researching, outlining, and ultimately writing a middle grade novel about a young girl I named Livvi Biddle. (The simple sketch at the left was something I created for my own use as I proceeded with my manuscript.)

Since that time, I've grown as a writer, learned a lot about the publishing world, submitted queries to over two dozen agents, and continued to research and outline additional stories in what I've always hoped would be a middle grade series. My husband and I even traveled to Europe, in large part for me to do the research needed for the stories set in different countries. We also collaborated to create and publish a small, separate series of books we call Lindstrom Wintertime Tales. To be able to publish them the way we wanted to, I formed a publishing company: Thistleberry Books. We had them printed, at our expense, by one of the same printers that major publishers use.

In all that time, Livvi Biddle has always been my main focus, if not in public, at least in my heart as a writer. One exciting thing that has happened in the last decade is the improvement of how an author might publish her own work. It used to be that independently published books could only be created as paperbacks in portrait format. (Unless you did what we did with our Lindstrom Wintertime Tales.) Now, you can finally have a children's novel printed on demand in hardback via Amazon. While, of course, Create Space takes their cut, the author's portion is comparable to what she'd make via a traditional publisher - after the agent and illustrator took their cut. Since I have my own wonderful illustrator - my fine artist husband, Michael Lindstrom - and I don't need an agent, publishing independently has suddenly not only become an acceptable choice, but it's also become my first choice.

So, today I'm announcing that Livvi Biddle - The Sibylline Scroll will be published next year! The release date will be sometime in the fall of 2023. To receive occasional updates, follow this blog, or subscribe to my quarterly newsletter via my website here on the Contact Page.

Now comes more work with my editor, book formatter, cover designer, etc. It's so exciting to know that Livvi Biddle will finally come to life.

I'm looking forward to you meeting my protagonist, Livvi Biddle!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Hygge (n.)

The cozy feeling you get when you're enjoying simple things in life with friends.

Example: The holiday season was always a time for the writer to enjoy a sense of hygge with family at home.

Bibliophile's Corner

The Leaf Thief

by Alice Hemming

Goodreads Description:

Squirrel is so cross. Yesterday there were loads of beautiful leaves on his tree, but today? Today some are missing, and Squirrel is convinced that someone has stolen them...there's a leaf thief on the loose! 

Join Squirrel on a mission to find the culprit, and meet so many fun animals along the way, while you find out how the world takes on different colours as the months pass by.

My Thoughts:

The Leaf Thief is a charming picture book, the perfect read for kids this autumn! It's funny, informative, and beautifully illustrated. I highly recommend The Leaf Thief for children aged three to seven.

Click here to learn about the author, Alice Hemming.

Storyteller's Journey

Inspiration Away from Home

Last week my husband and I flew to Arizona to visit family. While there, we stayed at this charming casita. As usual, we found time to work on our creative projects.

I kept busy one afternoon by working on my LIVVI BIDDLE series of middle grade books. It's always a treat to write in the out of doors. (I have big news to announce next week!)

I also found time - in between visits with my family - to sit by the pool and read a bit from a wonderful new adult novel: The Whalebone Theatre, by Joanna Quinn. It's a captivating read!

It was difficult to leave my family and the beautiful weather, but we returned home earlier this week to sunny skies, despite rain being in the forecast. It's always important to take time out to recharge!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Pettifoggery - (n.)

a quarrel about petty points; a squabble. 

Example: The politician's debate skills were nothing more than pettifoggery.

Bibliophile's Corner

Forgotten Fairy Tales of Kindness and Courage  

by Mary Seabag-Montefiore

Back Cover Description:

Meet wicked goblins, a captured prince and a talking cuckoo in this beautifully illustrated collection. Seven magical yet forgotten fairy tales will sweep you from the depths of the ocean to the far side of the moon, but they all share one thing: a celebration of kindness, courage and the importance of being true to yourself.

My Thoughts:

This collection of forgotten fairy tales has been lovingly adapted from the original stories. While sometimes vintage fairy tales include a variety of inappropriate elements for today's world view, these stories are not only full of magic and wonder but are safe for even the youngest of children. I highly recommend Forgotten Fairy Tales of Kindness and Courage for children of all ages!

Storyteller's Journey

Remember to Vote!

If you're of voting age, please remember to vote. While this year's U.S. election will not choose our President, it will determine many members of Congress - and so much more. However, in recent years what really concerns me is the fragility of our country's democracy. 

Being a history buff, I'm well aware that the current negative state of our politics is unparalleled in our nation's 246 years. As a writer, I'm well aware of the power of words. We must elect officials who speak the truth, with kindness. 

Whimsical Word of Week

Querulous - (adj.)

complaining, whining.

Example: The querulous politician found himself in a quagmire.

 

Bibliophile's Corner

Fairy Tale

by Stephen King

Flap Copy Description:

Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mother was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was seven, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself - and his dad. When Charlie is seventeen, he meets a dog named Radar and her aging master, Howard Bowditch, a recluse in a big house at the top of a big hill, with a locked shed in the backyard. Sometimes strange sounds emerge from it.

Charlie starts doing odd jobs for Mr. Bowditch and loses his heart to Radar. Then, when Mr. Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie a cassette tape telling a story no one would believe. What Mr. Bowditch knows, and has kept secret all his long life, is that inside the shed is a portal to another world. 

My Thoughts:

Fairy Tale is the recently released novel by Stephen King - the perfect read for Halloween or any dark, foggy night! The teenage boy, Charlie, is the complex protagonist who unexpectedly finds himself in a tale of good and evil. This terrific tome is full of suspense and mystery, like all Stephen King books. I highly recommend Fairy Tale to readers aged sixteen and up. Happy Halloween!

Click here to read about an update about Fairy Tale.

Storyteller's Journey

The Mysterious & Spooky Northwest

I've lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of my life. The legends and myths connected with our corner of the country are well known.

Forests of towering trees, foggy mountaintops, and icy meandering rivers and streams provide a spooky backdrop for Sasquatch, spirit animals, and numerous Native American folk tales. When you add to that that in recent decades writers have found our extraordinary geography to be the perfect setting for their novels - like Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer. Television has had an affinity for the Northwest for a long time, dating back to the 1990's when Twin Peaks was released.

Consequently, the media attention given to the Pacific Northwest with this eerie angle has become a part of our beloved region's identity. It must have had a subliminal effect on me, since the fantasy middle grade series I'm working on - Livvi Biddle - includes a fright of ghosts!

Wishing each of you a spooky and happy Halloween! 🎃 

Whimsical Word of the Week

Eldritch - (adj.)

weird, sinister, or ghostly.

Example: The eldritch howl of the autumn wind was like a witch's incantation that Halloween night.

 

Bibliophile's Corner

Mary McScary

by R.L. Stine and 

illustrated by Marc Brown

Flap Copy Description:

Meet Mary McScary! She doesn't say boo. She says BOOOOOOO!

Mary scares everyone. But can Mary scare her fearless cousin, Harry? Mary pulls out all her scariest tricks. But nothing quite works - until Mary has a very scary idea...

Beware of Mary McScary!

My Thoughts:

I chose to review Mary McScary this month since it's an appropriate picture book for Halloween. (And because its author is R.L. Stein!) What I love about this book is its precocious protagonist: Mary McScary. She's a bit over the top, but that's what makes this book so hilarious. In addition to the silly text in verse, the comical illustrations by Marc Brown are the perfect companion to the story. I highly recommend Mary McScary for young children aged three to seven!

Click here to learn about the author, R.L. Stein.

Click here to learn about the illustrator, Marc Brown.

Storyteller's Journey

Finding Solace

Sometimes the chaotic and complex state of our world weighs me down. It feels like I have no control over the craziness all around. It's at times like these that I turn to my time-tested ways to find solace.

- Spending time in the out of doors.

- Enjoying the company of my friends.

- Writing poetry.

- Reading great novels and biographies.

- Limiting the minutes that I watch news programs on T.V.

- Leaning on my faith; spirituality is important to me.

- Remaining true to myself. Continue doing my daily routine.

It's important to me to maintain a sense of peace in my own little life, with my friends and family. If I can't be a peacemaker in my corner of the world, why should I be surprised if I see a lack of peace in the wider world? We would all do well to find solace within ourselves, so we can spread peace to others. Maybe then our world could change.

Whimsical Word of the Week

Splendiferous - (adj.)

splendid, humorous

Example: The student loved to play splendiferous shenanigans at school.

Bibliophile's Corner

Book of Night

by Holly Black

Flap copy Description:

Charlie Hall has never found a lock she couldn't pick, a book she couldn't steal, or a bad decision she wouldn't make.

She spent half her life working for gloamists, magicians who manipulate shadows to peer into locked rooms, strangle people in their beds, or worse. Gloamists guard their secrets greedily, creating an underground economy if grimoires. And to rob their fellow magicians, they need Charlie Hall.

Now, she's trying to distance herself from past mistakes, but bartending at a local dive, she's still entirely too close to the corrupt underbelly of the Berkshires. Not to mention that her sister, Posey, is desperate for magic, and that Charlie's shadowless and possibly soulless boyfriend, Vince, has been hiding things from her. When a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie descends into a maelstrom of murder and lies.

Determined to survive, she's up against a cast of doppelgangers, mercurial billionaires, gloamists, and the people she loves most in the world - all trying to steal a secret that will give them a vast and terrible power.

My Thoughts:

Since October is the month for frightening fantasy stories, I decided to review the dark novel, Book of Night, by Holly Black - even though it's definitely for the young adult/adult audience. This tome is Ms. Black's adult debut, and she didn't disappoint! Her years of crafting fantasy books for children - aged eight to eighteen - served her well with this novel. If you're a fan of Neil Gaiman, and Cassandra Clare, you'll love Book of Night. I highly recommend it to readers aged sixteen and up.

Click here to learn about the award-winning author, Holly Black.

Storyteller's Journey

The Art of Friendship

As an introvert, I've had a small group of friends in my life, but they have known me well. As an author, I've spent my solitary life writing, reading, and gardening.

As the years have passed, one by one, I've realized that my most enjoyable times have been with my family...and my dear friends. 

Since moving to our rural property last year, seeing my friends has been more of a challenge. (It takes between 30 and 90 minutes to reach our home, depending on the location of each of my friends.)

Consequently, I've had to make a conscious effort and schedule time to see each of them. That has caused me to realize that we should all make a conscious effort to reach out to our friends. Friendship, after all, is like a garden: you get out of it what you put in. It's not just the harvest that is enjoyable, but the work it takes to reap that harvest. 

When I lived in the city, it seemed that seeing my friends sort of just happened naturally, with all the writer meetings, art shows, etc. Now, I must pick and choose the number of times I go into the city, due to the time it takes to travel that distance.

The intentionality of making time for my friends seems to be one ingredient to the art of friendship. After all, they're each worth it.

Whimsical Word of the Week

Vellichor - (n.)

The pensive nostalgia of a used bookstore; the feeling evoked by the scent of old books.

Example: The bibliophile craved the sense of vellichor she experienced while strolling the aisles of the local bookshop. 

Bibliophile's Corner

Knight Owl

by Christopher Denise

Flap Copy Description:

Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since may knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial - a frightening intruder. It's a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas. 

My Thoughts:

Over the years picture books have become shorter; sometimes conveying an idea or a scene, rather than a story. Well, Knight Owl is one of those lovely exceptions that manages to tell a medieval tale with a limited number of words. I loved it! The enchanting illustrations and the imaginative text by Mr. Denise are sure to entertain all small children. The book even includes a somewhat hidden message: despite our limitations, we can follow our passion and achieve our dream if our whole heart is in it. I highly recommend Knight Owl to readers aged four to seven!

Click here to learn about the author/illustrator, Christopher Denise.

Storyteller's Journey

On a Common Path

For over a dozen years my husband Michael and I have been on a common path: we not only receive inspiration from Nature, but we also enjoy creating in the out of doors. While I love to write and read in a lovely setting, Michael is a plein air painter. We often marvel how it happened; we've decided it came to be while we owned a cabin in the woods in the Olympic National Forest. 

(We sold the lakeside cabin in 2012.)

After we sold our cabin, we dreamed of finding a home with property where Michael could find subjects to paint. A home that would be like a cottage in the woods. When we purchased our home last year it was a dream come true.

When we purchased the house at the 2.6 acre "Fern Hill" it was a real fixer upper. It's had new paint, a new roof, new gutters, and a makeover on its interior. 

While we don't actually own the rest of this lovely property, it's part of the Common Area only we and our neighbors can access. Since it includes thirty acres of creeks, ponds, fields, and woods, I call it "The Thirty Acre Wood."

Since October has been so warm, we're trying to enjoy our time in the last few days of sunshine - before the Pacific Northwest rains arrive!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Isolophilia (n.)

strong affection for solitude, being alone.

Example: Most introverted writers naturally enjoy a sense of isolophilia.

Bibliophile's Corner

Frigg's Journey to Anasgar

by Deb Cushman

Back Cover Description:

Is there such a thing as too much adventure?

When dreams come true...

They may not be all you imagined!

Captured by ogres! Exhibited in a freak show! When Frigg dreamed of adventure, this was NOT what she expected. After trolls attack Frigg's colony, the young dwarf and her friends escape and embark on a perilous journey to find the legendary dwarf colony of Anasgar for help.

Blundering Bloodstones!

Can a dwarf, a faery, an elf, and a unicorn convince the defiant dwarves of Anasgar to help fight the trolls?

Or will her friends and family be enslaved forever?

My Thoughts:

This recently released middle grade novel is just the book for any young reader who enjoys fantasy stories! It's full of adventure, friendship, and humor, and its cast of magical creatures is sure to delight children page after page. I highly recommend Frigg's Journey to Anasgar to readers aged eight to twelve!

Click here to read my recent interview with the author, Deb Cushman.

Storyteller's Journey

The Magic of Nature

I've always felt that like a good novel needs sensational settings, colorful characters, and a poignant plot, so too, does a writer need those items in her own life for inspiration.

We've had a lovely autumn in the Pacific Northwest so far. The trees, fields, and waterways around our common property always offer me an abundance of inspiration, but this September the weather has been extraordinary. The dappled autumn light has danced upon the ponds and creeks causing me to feel as though I live in a fairy tale. 

Since all my stories for children feature scenes filled with trees and wildlife, living in this rural area of Washington State has become not only the perfect place for me to receive inspiration, but to find solace from the chaos of the world. There is a magic in nature, after all.

Whimsical Word of the Week

Mangata (n.)

the reflection of the moon on the water.

Example: The harvest moon's mangata illuminated the Highland loch.

Bibliophile's Corner

The Antlered Ship

by Dashka Slater 

illustrated by The Fan Brothers

Flap Copy Description:

When an antlered ship arrives in the harbor, an inquisitive fox joins a flock of courageous pigeons and a herd of hungry deer on a quest for adventure, tasty grass, and the answers to some of life's most mysterious questions.

My Thoughts:

The Antlered Ship is one of the most imaginative picture books I've read in quite some time. Couple that with the award-winning talents of illustrators The Fan Brothers, and this extraordinary adventure story is sure to delight all young readers. I highly recommend The Antlered Ship for children aged four to ten!

Click here to learn about the author, Dashka Slater.

Click here to learn about The Fan Brothers.

Storyteller's Journey

The End of an Era?

While I'm a true-blue American, I have strong ties to Europe, since three of the four branches of my family immigrated to the U.S. in the early part of the twentieth century: one from England, one from Norway, and one from France, by way of Italy. (The fourth had emigrated from England the first part of the eighteenth century.)

My Norwegian grandmother told me stories of how she sent care packages to her relatives living in Norway during World War II.

I've always had strong ties to my Norwegian roots, as well as to those from France. However, since both my father and mother were/are half English, I'm half English too. So, when Queen Elizabeth II passed away earlier this month, I found myself mourning Her Majesty. Call me old fashioned, but her dignity, sense of duty, and commitment to service, were traits I always admired.

During the days leading up to her funeral, the television coverage in the U.S. was blanketed with all sorts of bits of history and fascinating stories about the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Many commentators used the phrase: "It's the end of an era." For some reason that bothered me. While I know they were referring to her death, and the end of her historic reign, I reflected on the impact her dignity, duty, and service had had on the U.K., and really on the entire world. By all accounts, every single world leader would have been anxious to meet Her Majesty - maybe more than any other person on earth.

Why is that? 

I believe it's because of her commitment to serving her country in as non-biased a manner as humanly possible. Consequently, she was not only a Royal in title, but a Royal in her behavior. I'm sure it wasn't easy for her. It was a sacrifice, in so many ways. She was a peacemaker. And when she made a mistake, she always humbled herself and tried to make it right - even though she was the Queen of England.

Is it the end of an era of decency?

While Queen Elizabeth II is sadly now gone, her example lives on. How would our world change for the better if each of us vowed to do our best to be peacemakers - and to be people of service?

As an author of books for young readers, I enjoy challenging children to be all they can be - to shoot for the stars. However, it's important that we also remind children of those timeless characteristics of dignity, truth, and honor. There are too many voices of dishonor in our world right now. After all, our children will author the future of our planet.

While it's the end of the era of Queen Elizabeth II, may it never be the end of an era of decency. Keep calm and carry on.

By artist, Eleanor Tomlinson

Whimsical Word of the Week

Susurration - (n.)

voiceless whispering, murmuring, or rustling.

Example: The susurration of the September leaves announced the arrival of autumn.

 

Bibliophile's Corner

Queen Elizabeth

A Platinum Jubilee Celebration

by DK Publishing

Goodreads Description:

An official Platinum Jubilee souvenir that explores the incredible life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth and how her historic reign has shaped the world.

In honour of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee 2022, this once in a lifetime history book for kids tells the story of a young princess who grew up to become our longest reigning monarch, and celebrates the achievements, people and places that have become part of her remarkable legacy.

Delightfully playful illustrations, exciting facts, and information sidebars fill every page to tell the full story of the world's most beloved and inspiring monarch. 

Inside this beautifully illustrated history book for children, you will find everything from the Crown to the Corgis detailed here, including:

- An exclusive quiz poster

- A timeline of the histories of the four UK nations

- The story of the Queen's dedication to her country from wartime service during World War II to fundraising and commitments to the Commonwealth and wider world.

- A timeline of the extraordinary events in history, as well as the incredible achievements of people from the UK and Commonwealth countries that have taken place during the Queen's lifetime.

- A celebration of the amazing people the Queen has recognized.

My Thoughts:

In honor of the funeral today of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, I am reviewing this extraordinary book for children. May the remarkable Monarch rest in peace.

While this recently released book was written with children of the UK as its audience, I found it to be an informative, inspiring, and fascinating title for children around the world. DK Publishing brought together educators and historians from around the UK to collaborate and compose the ultimate guide for children. They worked closely with the Royal Collection Trust at every stage of the book's creation.

I highly recommend Queen Elizabeth - A Platinum Jubilee Celebration for children aged seven to twelve.

Storyteller's Journey

The Arrival of Autumn

After a challenging summer for me personally, it feels good to look forward to cozy days hunkered down in my favorite chair - with a good book and a cup of coffee! 

Beginning a new project brings back memories of school days; I'll commence drafting Book II of my Livvi Biddle Series very soon.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter for more updates!

Wishing each of you an awesome autumn!