Do my titles confuse you or just make you wonder what I’m up to? Well, today I’m sharing three books that are delightful each in their own way.
First, I’d like to share my thoughts on two charming children’s books. The first is by a ‘new-to-me’ author from Georgia. I couldn’t resist the cover. The second is by an author I adore for children’s books and is the third in her fun series. Then I’ll share my thoughts on the fifth installment in the zany Charley Davidson series that I enjoy immensely.
SKINNY LITTLE TREE by Jayme Martin
Learning that all seasons of life are worth living is the focus of author Jayme Martin’s delightful tale, SKINNY LITTLE TREE.A youngster finds a skinny little tree smiling and ask why. It says Wiggly Worms are tickling its toes. Then the tree cries because its friend the Blue Bird leaves.
Next the tree becomes worried when its leaves begin to fall. But then the tree dances with glee under the moon. Finally the tree is happy again when all things return.
With each new find, Martin has left a page for readers to draw what the tree is discussing. This enables the reader to participate in the story in their own way. This enchanting story follows the seasons of the tree with great detail and insight. Martin has a delightful way of showing how life changes giving parents and children a fun way to talk about it.
The beautiful illustrations by Clark Andrews Jr. enhance the fun story. The vivid drawings will capture readers attention as they follow the tree’s story.
Youngsters will learn as they enjoy this entertaining story. It’s a fun read for all ages.
Author Jayme Martin can be found here.
Skinny Little Tree by Jayme Martin, Illustrated by Clark Andrews Jr, Outskirts Press, @2013, ISBN: 978-1478708704, Paperback, 27 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
THE ADVENTURES OF OLVER THE CLOWNFISH: STICKY FINS by Stephanie Guzman
Author Stephanie Guzman has found a fun way to teach youngsters the importance of not stealing.Oliver the Clownfish enjoys attending Fish Tale Elementary with his friends. During class one day, items turn up missing but Ozzie the Octopus finds each one.
At lunch when Oliver returns to the classroom for his lunchbox he finds Ozzie with a shiny stone belonging to Sally the Seahorse. Oliver talks to Ozzie about how bad it is to take something even if it is just to make others laugh. Ozzie challenges Oliver to take something too. But Oliver convinces Ozzie that having sticky fins isn’t right.
Guzman does an excellent job making the learning experience fun for youngsters ages 6 to 8. She includes helpful tips for parents on how to discuss about the perils of stealing with youngsters. In addition, she includes information about octopus.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Amy Balcerak. The vivid drawings will hold youngsters attention as the story unfolds.
This charming book will entertain and educate. It’s a fun read for the entire family.
Author Stephanie Guzman’s website is www.olivertheclownfish.com
The Adventures of Oliver The Clownfish: Sticky Fins by Stephanie Guzman, Oliver the Clownfish Series, Illustrated by Amy Balcerak, Not So Plain Jane Publishing, @2013, ISBN: 978-1596640085, Hardcover, 28 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT by Darynda Jones
reaper is mentioned unless it happens to be Charlotte Jean ‘Charley’ Davidson. Then those visions turn to sexy Reyes Farrow, laugh-out-loud antics, and a mystery or two thrown in for good measure.In the latest installment in the Charley Davidson series, author Darynda Jones gives us a closer look at Charley’s grim reaper powers, as well as Charley the woman.
Narrator Lorelei King once again brings the characters to life with her tantalizing voice. Her cadence draws you in as she expresses the emotions of the characters with her unique mannerisms making each distinct in their own right. Her vocals elevates the author’s bewitching tale for a captivating story.
Charley is busy playing private investigator trying to help her uncle solve an arson case. She fears the arsonist may be her hunky new neighbor, Reyes Farrow, the sultry son of Satan.
Meanwhile, dead women suddenly start appearing in Charley’s apartment. The women all seem to have been tortured and killed by the same madman. Charley has her work cut out for her as she tracks the killer down only to find her sister, Gemma, could be his next target.
As Charley tackles the cases with her usual intrigue and laugh-out-loud behavior, there are twists and turns along the way to keep you in suspense until the last sentence is uttered. Jones puts an interesting spin on the outcome of this tale that will have fans clamoring for more.
Jones has a distinct way of taking a brutal murder investigation and lightening the tension with bits of humor and steamy romance. Her characters continue to evolve with each new installment. Jones blends realistic situations with paranormal events to create a plausible outcome. The more you listen (or read), the more you believe.
FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT can be read or listened to as a stand alone. However, listening or reading the series in order provides a much better understanding of the characters and their actions. Quick comebacks and snappy liners are mixed in with suspense, murder and mystery for a fun new adventure for Charley Davidson, the grim reaper.
Author Darynda Jones’ website is http://www.daryndajones.com/
Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones, Charley Davidson Series, Performed by Lorelei King, Macmillan Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1427230799, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
SIDENOTE: There are phrases at the beginning of each chapter of this series and here is one of my favorite sayings from FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT -- Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high. —T-shirt
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you found something to your liking. Do you have favorite phrases or one-liners from books you’ve read or listened to? Wishing everyone a happy and pleasant Sunday.
Mason - One of the many things I like about your blog is that you feature children's and YA books. To me, people who write books that young people want to read are heroes. And so are the people who help spread the word about them.
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