Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Book Review: Dark Lord: The Early Years by Dirk Lloyd (Jamie Thomson)


Published by: Bloomsbury Kids
Released on: October 2nd, 2012
Ages: 8 & up
Source: book from publisher to review
4 stars: I Enjoyed It!
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

The Dark Lord is confounded when he awakens in the middle of a small town on a planet he's never seen before. What is this strange place, why do they keep calling him Dirk Lloyd, and why is he powerless against these earthlings who insist on finding his parents? Could it be that Dirk Lloyd is really a human incarnation of the Dark Lord who, after a cataclysmic final battle with his arch nemesis, was hurled into the Pit of Uttermost Despair, aka Earth? Or is he just a lost and confused boy? The Dark Lord mustregain his rightful place in the universe before his powers of domination and destruction are lost forever, and help comes from a most unlikely source . . . a human friend. 

Readers will delight in this wickedly humorous tale as the Dark Lord-theIncarnation of Evil, The World Burner-finds that even he might have a good side. -quoted from Goodreads

I feel like my review needs to start off with an evil laugh. After all this is a review for Dark Lloyd, or as he's known in our world Dirk Lloyd. Known as The Dark Lord, Dirk Lloyd is now a human, in our world and has no powers. Once the powerful ruler of a dark world, Dirk some how fell into our world and without his ring, and his power, he's unable to get back into his world. Forced to live life as a human, Dirk goes through various tests, and his given a foster home to stay in, since no one knows where he's from, and no one believes he's the Dark Lord he keeps claiming to be. 

Written in a way that's both comical, and for the most part engaging for kids to read, Dirk is forced to go to school, discovers a few new friends, deals with a few bullies, and finds ways around doing things without his old powers. Dirk's story is told through a fun narrative, his journal entries, and some of his illustrations. Though I found some of his wordage to be repetitive, I think Dirk and his story are one young readers are really going to enjoy. It's funny, it has situations they can relate to, mentions of sports, a good vs evil plot, video game talk, and friendship. Above all it has a character that's both an evil genius, funny, and some one who learns a lot about friendship. Not to mention we get glimpses into the world The Dark Lord once ruled. 

With a cast of unforgettable characters both in our world and from The Dark Lord's world, Dark Lord is a book I think a lot of readers will devour. It has a little bit of a Vordak feel to it (another great MG book), and a little bit of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Though this a book that is entirely it's own. It's a fun, adventurous, engaging read, and one I think even reluctant readers will enjoy. That ending will leave readers wishing the next installment in Dirk's story was already out. I'd definitely add this book to your list for MG readers!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Throw Back to An Old Halloween Read


This isn't really a waiting on Wednesday, considering this book as been around for YEARS! Did you ever get excited about the take home Scholastic fair book orders as a kid? I LOVED them! I always begged my mom to please let me get a book with each order than came home. One of those book happened to be in a fall order, which was this particular book. I don't know what it was about this book, but I really, really wanted to read it. Luckily my Mom said yes, and it arrived just in time for Halloween. I read it as soon as I got it and LOVED it! As the other books in this series were released I also snatch them up and read them as quickly as I could. I'll most likely date myself when I say this, but I remember reading this book in like 4th grade, or maybe it was 5th. Either way, this is a book I read a long time ago and loved.

With Halloween being around the corner, I've been on the hunt for some books with a little bit of a Halloween theme to read. What's more fitting than having a story about a vampire bunny? Not only that, my son is getting to the age were he can easily sit down and read a book like this. While I get all excited to introduce him to some of the latest releases, I also love sharing with him books I loved when I was his age. This is one I'm looking to snatch up for him.

What was one of your favorite books to read as a kid. Or if you aren't as old as me, what's one of your favorite Halloween reads?

Monday, October 22, 2012

Halloween Middle Grade Costume Tour & Giveaway

Step into some creepy stories this Halloween and become your favorite middle grade character…from the ghoulish undead to mischievous pirates, the costumes are endless. 



In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz

More Grimm tales await in the harrowing, hilarious companion to a beloved new classic

Take caution ahead--
Oversize plant life, eerie amphibious royalty, and fear-inducing creatures abound.

Lest you enter with dread.
Follow Jack and Jill as they enter startling new landscapes that may (or may not) be scary, bloody, terrifying, and altogether true.

Step lively, dear reader . . .
Happily ever after isn't cutting it anymore.

In this companion novel to Adam Gidwitz's widely acclaimed, award-winning debut, A Tale Dark & Grimm, Jack and Jill explore a new set of tales from the Brothers Grimm and others, including Jack and the Beanstalk and The Frog Prince.

The Costume:

Dress like...Jack and Jill!

Halloween is definitely the “Grimm-est” day of the year, so dressing up like Jack and Jill from In a Glass Grimmly is a costume idea that’ll help you make it through the trickiest of treats. This is a great costume for a brother and sister!

For Jill:

1.   Wear a cute, girly dress - think blue checkered or something similar

2.   Put your hair in pigtails! For an extra fun touch, braid flexible wires into your braids so you can twist and turn them and make them stand up on their own!

3.   Carry a bucket. Draw on some fake bloody scratches and scrapes to represent your fall down the hill.

For Jack:

1.   Wear green shorts and a white shirt with tousled hair.

2.   Carry a bucket.

3.   For that extra “Grimm” effect, bandage your head and color some of the bandages red so it’s very clear that you “fell down and broke your crown.”



Purchase In a Glass Grimmly here!

Blog Tour Schedule
Giveaway:
Thank you to Penguin Kids, I've got a set of each of the books being featured on the Halloween Middle Grade tour to giveaway! 


To enter, please fill out the form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Book Review: Zephyr Takes Flight by Steve Light


Published by: Candlewick
Released on: October 9th, 2012
Ages: 5 & up
Source: book from publisher to review
4 stars: We Enjoyed It
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Soar along on a clever girl’s flight of fancy in a whimsical ode to free spirits, inventiveness, and flying pigs.


Zephyr is a girl who loves airplanes. She draws pictures of them, makes them out of paper, builds them out of junk, and hopes one day to fly one of her own. But when Gramma, Daddy, and Mom are too busy to play airplane with her, Zephyr’s excess enthusiasm gets her sent to her room — where she discovers a secret door that leads to the most wondrous place she’s ever seen! Lovers of flying machines and gadgets, along with adventurers of all kinds, will be buoyed by this lighthearted tale of a little girl who finds her wings -quoted from Goodreads


This is such a great story about imagination, adventure and fun. Zephyr is one of those enjoyable characters who often spends time pretending she's flying an airplane, or is drawing airplanes or building them out of something. I loved how she uses her imagination to play, and entertain herself. To help bring Zephyr's unforgettable adventure to life are some fabulous illustrations. Aside from the story, the illustrations really engaged my kids with the story, and we found ourself looking back over the illustrations when they were done. This is a fabulous picture book to have for kids of all ages. 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Libby of High Hopes by Elise Primavera


Welcome this week's edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! You can find out more this weekly meme by visiting debut MG author, Shannon Messenger's website.


Published by: Simon & Schuster Kids
Released on: June 12th, 2012
Ages: 8 & Up
Source: book to review from publisher
4.5 Stars: I Really Enjoyed It
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Libby Thump Riding Princess is a middle grade illustrated novel about a young girl who wants riding lessons more than anything else in the world. With passion and her love for horses nothing can stop Libby. She tries to live up to her potential and in so doing changes the lives of everyone around her. - quoted from Goodreads

This is the kind of story I would have devoured as a young reader. It's a great realistic fiction story with an engaging plot line for readers in 3rd grade and up. It's a heartwarming story with a message, and I love books like this for kids. Young Libby LOVES horses. She draws horses, and wants nothing more than to be able to ride them. Through a series of unfortunately events it's Libby's sister who gets to have the ridding lessons while Libby has to look on. 

The not riding problem isn't the only issue Libby is learning to deal with. Her parent's don't listen to her, her old best friend is always trying to one up her, and Libby is caught between the enjoying her childhood, and hitting that stage where childhood starts to take a back seat to the starting to grow up phase. The thing I loved about Libby is how resilient this young girl is. Despite how hard it is to watch her sister ride, and having to deal with a best friend who doesn't treat you like a best friend any more, Libby does all she can to just deal with what's she facing, but learning to find ways to live up to her potential. 

I liked that Libby never gives up, though I understand her feelings of frustration through out this short, fast paced read. She's a fun character to get to know, and one I enjoyed reading about. I also liked that she learns that she doesn't always have to win and be the best at everything, as long as she tries to do her best that's all that matters. Libby's hard work and dedication to finding a way to do something she really wants to do pays off big in the end for her. Being a mom, I was really frustrated with Libby's Mom in this story. I didn't like how out of touch she seemed to be with daughter, as that translated to Libby and myself that she didn't care for her. I think their relationship is one that will have daughters and moms talking if they read this book out loud together. It definitely makes for good conversation about the importance of taking the time to listen to your kids, like really listen to what they're saying and not just having them do things you think they should or feel like they'll like it despite their desperate protests. 

Elise does a fabulous job at capturing the feelings and emotions of what it's like to be a ten year old who's caught between being a child and wanting to be grown up. She has Libby face realistic friendship issues and has her learn to find ways to still achieve the dreams she's always wanted. This is a book young girls would really enjoy, and those who love horses. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampire by Francesca Simon


Published by: SourceBooks
Released on: April 2012
Ages: 8 & up
3 stars: It's A Good Read
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Series: Horrid Henry

Henry is up to his usual mischief. 

Four new stories in which Horrid Henry terrorizes his classmates at a school sleepover in the museum; plays with Perfect Peter and tricks him into handing over all his money; gets out of writing his own story for Miss Battle-Axe by adapting one of Peter's; and meets the Nudie Foodie, a celebrity chef, who comes to the school to improve school dinners. No more burgers! No more chips! - quoted from Goodreads


An entertaining read that will leave readers laughing out loud, Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampires will definitely be a hit for fans of this series. With Francesca's easy to read text, some laugh out loud moments, and the book's smallish size make this a fast paced read even the most reluctant reader will enjoy. This book's 4 short stories will entertain just about anyone with a second grade reading level and higher. 

Friday, October 12, 2012

The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver


Released on: October 2nd, 2012
Ages: 8 & up
Source: ARC from publisher to review
4.5 stars: I Enjoyed It!

One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different.


When Liza's brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul.

She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him.

To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers' nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests--or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever.

From "New York Times" best-selling author Lauren Oliver comes a bewitching story about the reaches of loyalty, the meaning of love, and the enduring power of hope -quoted from Goodreads

I really enjoy Lauren Oliver's YA books, but I've completely fallen in love with her MG books as well. There's something magical about Lauren's  MG writing. Places come alive, characters become real, and the adventure feels like it's really happening. Lauren's talent for story telling and her gift for writing adds that element of excitement to each of her stories she's written so far, that cater to this younger audience, and it was no different for this book. I don't know if it's the fantasy element she adds in, the adventure, the magic, or the endless possibilities that lie within this book or the combination of each of these make her MG book perfectly for precisely that age group, and not to mention perfect for reading it out loud together with your kiddos.

The Spindlers is the story of a brave young girl, an older sister, who's on the mission to save her young brother's soul that's been stollen from the Spindlers. These spider like creatures live deep below the ground where the two character's house was built. They're not the only unforgettable creatures young readers will enjoy meeting along the way. On the verge of not being a child any more, and still embracing her childhood mannerisms, young Liza is constantly told by her mother to stop with her story telling. Luckily Liza does cling to what she knows is true, even if her parent's think she's telling stories and too old to be using her childish imagination. If Liza was to give up hope, no one would venture below ground to a totally different world, and come face to face with some pretty unusual characters/creatures and figure out a way to out smart the Spindlers in order to save the soul of her younger brother Patrick. 

This is a one fabulous, unforgettable adventure I'd recommend picking up for home, school and classroom settings. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Book Review: Invisible Inkling, Dangerous Pumpkins by Emily Jenkins


By: Emily Jenkins
Illustrated by: Harry Bliss
Released on: July 24th, 2012
Ages: 8 & up
Source: book from publisher to review

It's Halloween. Fourth grader Hank Wolowitz "hates" Halloween. Every year his older sister, Nadia, scares him half to death.


This year might be different, though. After all, Hank's the only kid in Brooklyn--probably the only kid in North America--with an invisible bandapat living in his laundry basket. And Invisible Inkling "loves" Halloween. Pumpkins are his favorite food.

But Hank has serious trouble stopping Inkling from devouring every jack-o'-lantern in their neighborhood. And that's not his only problem: Will he figure out a cool costume? Will he survive the small army of ballerinas roaming the hallways of his building? Will Hank ever get revenge on Nadia?

Inkling has long since stopped listening to Hank's worries.

Inkling is taking action- quoted from Goodreads

This  a fun Halloween read following the misadventures of 4th grader of Henry Wolowitz, and his pumpkin eating invisible Inkling. Unfortunately for Henry, his invisible pet has discovered how delicious pumpkins are, and this not only spells trouble for Henry, it gets him into a situation or two that only his Inkling can get him out of. I think this a Halloween read readers in second grade and up will enjoy. They'll laugh along with the different situations Henry finds himself in, how he gets out of them, and how he's coping with having an invisible pet that constantly gets him in trouble. If only Henry would just speak up and tell the truth.....but who would believe a kid when he says his invisible inkling did it? Certainly not his own mother, his Sister or even some of his friends. 

 Emily's writing not only makes this book an easy one to read, but her writing is such that readers will be able to relate to Henry on a few different levels in regards to how he feels, how he's treated, what it's like having an older sister you don't always get a long with and dealing with people saying the not so nicest things about you all the time. Henry his a lovable character and I think he's one readers will enjoy reading about. The illustrations through out the book make it that much more enjoyable! This is a good read and would make a great addition to add to any classroom, personal library and school library with the fast approaching Halloween right around the corner. 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

New Halloween Books For Kids from Harper Collins: Just Say Boo!, It's Pumpkin Day Mouse!, Mia: It's Time To Trick or Treat!

It's the fabulous time of year! The weather gets colder, the leaves start turning colors, pumpkins are abound, and of course it's Halloween! No holiday is complete in our house with out some fun holiday treats. I'm not talking about the kind you eat, I'm talking about the kind you read. We love books that celebrate what ever holiday it is we're celebrating. Since Halloween is fast approaching, I wanted to share some of this year's must have children's Halloween books from Harper Collins.



By: Susan Hood
Illustrated by: Jed Henry
Published by: Harper Collins
Released on: July 24th, 2012
Ages: 2 & up
4.5 stars: We Really Enjoyed It!
Source: book from publisher to review

If three dinosaurs roar when you open your door, what do you say?

"Boo!" of course! In this charmingly spooky story by Susan Hood, little trick-or-treaters learn just what to say in every Halloween situation. From rattling bones to ghostly footsteps, Susan captures all the best scares of the season--and teaches just the right way to dispel fears in favor of fun. Jed Henry's lustrous watercolors add the perfect crisp chill to this fall-weather story.

For if a skeleton groans as she rattles her bones, what do you say?-quoted from Goodreads

What an adorable Halloween read! I loved this story makes the some of the scarier things of Halloween fun for kids. For example, "If a yip and a yowl make you shiver and scowl, what do you say?" "BOO?" Kids are not only treated with some with incredibly warm and fabulous illustrations, they get a fun story, with easy to read words, and in the process learn a little Halloween adequacy as well. Like to say "Trick or Treat", "Thank You" and when something scares them, say "BOO!". This is a book that my kiddos have enjoyed reading over and over again, and it's one I'd definitely recommend picking up.




Illustrated by: Felicia Bond
Published by: Balzer & Bray
Released on: July 24th, 2012
Ages: 2 & up
Source: book from publisher to review
4 stars: We Really Enjoyed It

Join Mouse from "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" as he decorates all the pumpkins in the patch! -quoted from Goodreads

Fans of If You Give A Mouse a Cookie will really enjoy this Halloween themed book. Toddlers will love reading about Mouse and seeing how he decorates his seven pumpkins. They'll also see a surprise visitor from one of Mouse's friends who drops in to see him. This one I'd definitely recommend picking up for little readers. Being a board book makes it great for little hands.


Illustrated by: Olga & Aleksey Ivanov
Published by: Harper Collins
Released on: July 24th, 2012
Ages: 4 & up
4 Stars: We Enjoyed It!
Source: book from publisher to review

Mia and her best friends are going to be matching ballerinas for Halloween. Matching pink ballerinas, that is! But when Ruby wants to be green and Anna wants to be blue, things get a little . . . colorful! Can the tutu-tastic friends get their costumes together before it's time to trick or treat?

This book includes a full page of stickers to dress up Mia and her ballerina buddies! -quoted from Goodreads

You can not go wrong with a Halloween book that's about ballerinas and comes complete with stickers. Little girls are going to love this book. This has become of my daughter's favorite Halloween reads. One of the things I like about this story, is it's not just a Halloween read, but it's one that comes with a lesson. It's about comprise. Young Mia wants all of her friends to dress up how she is, but she soon learns that it's important to comprise, and listen to your friends. The end result for Mia was having a memorable Halloween with her friends and having some pretty great costumes too.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Book Review: The Infinity Ring, Book 1: A Mutiny in Time by James Dashner


Welcome to this week's edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! I had meant for this post to be up first thing this morning, but I ended up having a fabulous weekend with my family, and spent very little time on the computer these past three days and it's been great, though now I feel like I'm behind on blogging. Still it's nice to just step back sometimes and be reminded of those things that are most important.


By: James Dashner
Published by: Scholastic
Released on: August 28th, 2012
Source: ARC from the publisher to review
Ages: 8 & up
4.5 stars: I Really Enjoyed It
Purchase from: ScholasticAmazon | Barnes & Noble


Scholastic's next multi-platform mega-event begins here! History is broken, and three kids must travel back in time to set it right! 


When best friends Dak Smyth and Sera Froste stumble upon the secret of time travel -- a hand-held device known as the Infinity Ring -- they're swept up in a centuries-long secret war for the fate of mankind. Recruited by the Hystorians, a secret society that dates back to Aristotle, the kids learn that history has gone disastrously off course.Now it's up to Dak, Sera, and teenage Hystorian-in-training Riq to travel back in time to fix the Great Breaks . . . and to save Dak's missing parents while they're at it. First stop: Spain, 1492, where a sailor named Christopher Columbus is about to be thrown overboard in a deadly mutiny! -quoted from Goodreads


An historical journey filled with adventure, danger, catastrophic events, and plenty of mystery, James Dashner's A Mutiny In Time is an awesome, jam packed read that younger kids will devour. Set in a future America that is constantly plagued by natural disasters, the world which we live in now is much simpler compared to the one best friends Dak and Sera live in. If the deadly earthquakes, freak storms, and volcanic eruptions weren't enough, Dak's parents are now missing, and Dak and Sera are thrown into a secret society and world they never nothing about, until now. 

On a mission to find his parents and fix what's been broken, Dak, Sera and Riq are armed with a ring that gives the power to travel back in time to fix/prevent things from happening that might change what we know history to be today. In the process Dak will discover some pretty interesting things about his parents. With this particular story, I liked how history and the future are tied together, and how these three characters had to not only work together, but trust in each other, and trust in what they have learned in order to make their mission a successful one. Kids are resilient and it was great seeing that resilience in action with The Infinity Ring. Plus the history buff in me loved the fact they could travel back into the past, and in this case they travel back in time to prevent something horrific that's to happen on board Christopher Columbus's ship.

One of the things I love have come to admire about Dashner's writing, is his storytelling. He doesn't just write a story, he tells it. He brings it to life. He creates these worlds that become real, and introduces readers to unforgettable characters, and takes us on these incredible journeys. James Dashner makes reading fun and exciting. Though this book is small size wise compared to the size of his YA books, it's the perfect size for MG readers. I think this is one book Dasher fans of all ages are going to love. This is a book I'd definitely recommend picking up. It's the first book in a series that promises to be action packed, engaging, and unforgettable. Fans of The 39 Clues have a whole new series to fall in love with!

The Infinity Ring series schedule:

Book 1 by James Dashner, released on 8/28/12
Book 2 by Carrie Ryan, to be released on 11/6/12
Book 3 by Lisa McMann, to be released on 2/5/13
Book 4 by Matt de la Pena, to be released on 6/4/13
Book 5 by Matthew Kirby, to be released on 9/3/13
Book 6 by Jennifer A. Nielsen, to be released on 12/3/13
Book 7 by James Dashner, to be released on 3/4/14

Friday, October 5, 2012

KEEPER of the Lost Cities Blog Tour: Character Interview / Giveaway


Today wraps up what's been an extremely fun two week blog tour for Shannon Messenger's debut, Keeper of the Lost Cities. You can read my review for Keeper and my interview with Shannon here. I'm thrilled to have Fitz on the blog today: 

Hi Fitz! For those of us who haven't yet had a chance to read Keeper, how would you describe your relationship with Sophie?

Hm, that's a hard one. I *would* say she's kinda like my little sister--but Biana gets really mad at me when I say that. I think she worries that I like Sophie better than her. So I guess I'll say that Sophie and I are friends. Which we are.

What is something you'd like readers to know about you, that maybe wasn't revealed in Keeper?

Well, I know KEEPER is all about how talented Sophie is--and don't get me wrong, she can do some amazing, impossible things. But I'm pretty talented too. Everyone says my mind is one of the strongest they've ever seen. Even stronger than my dad's mind. 
 What was your first impression of Sophie? 

This is going to sound mean, but I thought I'd wasted my time. I saw that she had brown eyes, so I didn't think she could be the girl I was looking for. But then I realized she was a Telepath and was like, "Whoa--it's her!" and freaked out because I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I never really  thought I'd find her. That's why I kinda messed up and scared her away at first. But I fixed it. And come on, I'd like to see someone else do any better in that situation.

 What is one thing you've come to admire about Keefe?

Ha--did Keefe pay you to ask this question? I wouldn't be surprised! 

I don't know. I guess I admire the way he doesn't care about the things that most of us do. I mean, the guy gets detention like once a week and he doesn't care. He'd rather do what he wants and pay the consequences than play by the rules and stay out of trouble. I can admire that--even if I don't totally understand it.

Is there anything you wish you could go back and do differently, or are you pretty satisfied with how you handled everything that happens in Keeper?

I'm mostly okay with it. But sometimes I feel a little bad that I brought Sophie to our world. I mean, I know it's where she belongs. And I think she's happy here. But ... you should've seen her there on the floor after she said goodbye to her family. I had no idea it would be that hard for her. I wish I'd at least warned her it would happen or something. 

What is one of your favorite things to do when you have some down time?

I love playing Base Quest--but only when Sophie's on my team so we can win. You should see how mad Keefe gets when he loses. His ears get all red and his eyebrows get all scrunched together and it looks like his head is going to explode.

Are you able to tell us a little bit about what we can except in Keeper 2?

I probably shouldn't say much because I don't want to get in trouble. But I will tell you this: I'm glad I'm not Sophie. She goes through some stuff that I am definitely happy I don't have to go through. 




Published by: Simon & Schuster
To Be Released on: October 2nd, 2012

Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit in. She's not comfortable with her family and keeping a secret—she's a telepath. But then she meets Fitz, who tells her the reason she has never felt at home is that, well, she isn't. But Sophie still has secrets, and they're buried deep in her memory for good reason: the answers are in high-demand. The truth could mean life or death, and time is running out.

About the Author:


SHANNON MESSENGER graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts where she learned that she liked watching movies much better than making them. She also regularly eats cupcakes for breakfast, sleeps with a bright blue stuffed elephant named Ella, and occasionally gets caught talking to imaginary people. So it was only natural for her to write stories for children. Keeper of the Lost Cities is her first middle grade novel. Let the Sky Fall, a young adult novel, will follow in Spring 2013. She lives in Southern California with her husband and an embarrassing number of cats.

Follow Shannon: Blog | Twitter | Tumblr | Facebook | GoodReads | Pinterest

The Giveaway:

Thank you to Simon & Schuster, through out the tour we're giving away 10 copies of KEEPER of the Lost Cities! To be entered to win, please fill out the form below. Good luck!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Harper Childrens October News!

Check out what's hopping this month with Harper Collins Children's Book Division:


WHAT'S HOT THIS MONTH:
Candy corn-y puns.

1. YOU GAIM(AN) TO GIVE? 

ALL HALLOWS READ
All Hallow’s Read is a Hallowe’en tradition. 
It’s simply that in the week of Hallowe’en, or on the night itself, you give someone a scary book.
Celebrate the biggest book holiday created by CORALINE author, Neil Gaiman, by sharing your favorite scary reads!
Join in on twitter at #AllHallowsRead and visit THIS PAGE for a list of our picks.



CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN WITH 
NEIL GAIMAN
Join master storyteller Neil Gaiman as he reads his Newbery Medal winning novel THE GRAVEYARD BOOK in its entirety! 
Start watching HERE

2. ATTN WHERE-WOLVES


SEARCH FOR THE GARDE
Fans of I AM NUMBER FOUR, play the new Search for the Garde game
Track down each member of the Garde and test your Lorien knowledge!

WHAT'S NEW IN EEEEE!-BOOKS
Bridge the gap between SHATTER ME and UNRAVEL ME with DESTROY ME, the e-novella told from Warner’s POV
Want to know more? Visit the SHATTER ME fan page for teaser quotes like this one….
"In just two days, one girl has managed to cripple me."
Before Perry and Aria, there was Roar and Liv.
Pre-order the e-novella, ROAR AND LIV, an original story set in the world of UNDER THE NEVER SKY

 
WHAT'S INSPIDER INFORMATION
 
Get lost in THE SPINDLERS by Lauren Oliver!
Click HERE for a sneak peek, video, letter from Lauren, and more!
Show off your good taste in books by becoming a fan HERE

--------------------------------
WHAT TO HAUNT ON THE INTERNET
 THE CLOAK SOCIETY author Jeramey Kraatz talks supervillains, his love of comics, and interning at Marvel HERE


Stay tuned through out the month for more Harper Teen & Harper Children's news!
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~