Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline

In April 2012, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Lisa Scottoline at the Texas Library Association Conference. I was a fan before hearing her speak, but became a superfan following her presentation when I got to meet her. My mother and I attended the luncheon together. I got in line to have our books autographed I asked Ms. Scottoline if I could take a picture of her. She was very kind and allowed me to snap this picture.

Lisa Scottoline
April 2012 - Houston, Texas

When I told her I was there with my mother she asked where she was. I told her she was waiting over to the side - she was using a scooter to get around during the conference. Ms. Scottoline got up from the table, walked over to my mother, gave her a hug and took a picture with her. 

Lisa Scottoline and my Mother Marge
April 2012 - Houston, Texas

Ms. Scottoline took the time to greet my mother means the world to me. If I remember correctly this was Ms. Scottoline's book tour had to be cut short because Mother Mary became ill the day after her appearance at the conference.

Like I said, I have been a superfan for a number of years. I have been frantically reading and writing reviews for pre-publication books (some of which I post here, not all however are allowed), but I had to take the time to read something I wanted to read recently. It was not at all difficult to choose the book I wanted to read - Keep Quiet (2014). 

Keep Quiet
by Lisa Scottoline (2014)

What an amazing read. I was captured from the start of this book. I could relate to the characters and felt great empathy for their turmoil. Keep Quiet is the kind of book you cannot put down, even when I could no longer keep my eyes open. It is also the kind of book you cannot keep quiet about. I talked to everyone about this book. I think some people were at the point of walking away from me just to see if I would stop talking. No, I did not. The tension in the story builds from the first chapter and doesn't release you from its grasp until the final one. 

Every book I read by Scottoline is gripping. I don't review many of her books because she is SO fabulous she really needs no help from me. I just wanted to pass along my praise and appreciation to her. I look forward to reading her Sunday posts and seeing the adorable pictures of her four- and two-legged family members (the furry, the feathered, and the daughter). I know she is a bestselling author, but she seems more like a friend and as a fan, I truly want to thank her for showing us all that she is a very down to earth kind of person. Thank you, Ms. Scottoline.

More Sh!t No One Tells You

This morning as I was perusing my most recent notifications on Facebook I stumbled across the posts "On This Day". I was very surprised to see that on this day two years ago I posted a review of Dawn Dais's first Sh!t book. I felt it only appropriate to finish the latest title in the series and post my review!

It is hard for me to believe it has been almost twenty years since my son was born. I am no longer dealing with the issues outlined in Dais's new book Sh!t No One Tells You About Toddlers: A Guide to Surviving the Toddler Years (release date September 8, 2015), but it doesn't mean I didn't feel their pain. It only means that I am at the stage in my life that I can look back on those days to smile and laugh. My days are no longer filled with a rambunctious toddler. Now when I look at small children and babies all I can think about are the grandchildren I hope to have one day. My son's girlfriend LOVES babies and I truly hope she is the mother of my grandchildren some day. I know she will make a wonderful mother.

Like her previous book The Sh!t No One Tells You: A Guide to Surviving Your Babies First Year (2013) Dais presents her own struggles with her toddlers as well as her MOFL (Moms on the Front Lines). This time she also brings two professionals , Katie Hurley and Gail Maire Poverman-Kave, both Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

I was laughing before I even got to the first chapter. The chapter titles, listed in the table of contents are spot on for anyone who has ever parented a toddler. Here are some of the very best chapter titles (and believe me, it was not easy narrowing down to just three).

• Walking is Hard. Bruising is considerably less difficult.
• Remember When You Judged Other Parents?  Prepare to eat your words with a side of karma's a bitch.
• Pictures are Deceiving. "Smile for the camera! We are happy, dammit!"

I highly recommend this book for those who are in these "precious" years with their child, on the cusp of these years, or maybe as a means of birth control for others. Readers will fall into two categories - Rolling on the floor laughing at the stories and remembering their own experiences or crying at the joys they have in their future. Either way all will enjoy this wonderful new book by Dais and her band of Merry Mothers.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Seal Press has provided a complimentary electronic copy of The Sh!t No One Tells You About Toddlers: A Guide to Surviving the Toddler Years for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

Sneak Preview: Spelled by Betsy Schow

Spelled
by Betsy Schow

Spelled

By Betsy Schow

Sourcebooks Fire

June 2, 2015

Advance Praise for Spelled

“A cute adventure with romance set in a world full of fairy-tale mash-ups. Readers will love Dorthea’s evolution from spoiled princess to strong, confident heroine… For Oz fans, this work is a great clean-read alternative to Danielle Paige’s Dorothy Must Die.” -School Library Journal

“This wickedly funny, fast-paced adventure has it all: brains, courage, and heart. (Plus a kickin’ pair of heels.) .” --Jen Calonita, author of The Secrets of My Hollywood Life and Fairy Tale Reform School series

“Fairy tale survival rule #1, do NOT read this book late at night. You will wake up your entire family with loud laughter. Fairy tale survival rule #2, if you love the Wizard of Oz, clever fairy tale mash-ups, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing what will happen until the very end, you MUST read Spelled.” --J Scott Savage, award winning author of Farworld, Case File 13, and the Mysteries of Cove series.

“A hilarious and snarky reimagining of the world of Oz, along with many other fairy tales injected throughout, "Spelled" is one fabulous read…Kick off those silver slippers and tuck in with this wonderful tale!” —Senator Sipes, Lil Book Bug (Palmdale, CA)

Book Info:

Talk about unhappily ever after. Dorthea is completely princed out. Sure being the crown princess of Emerald has its perks—like Glenda Original ball gowns and Hans Christian Louboutin heels. But a forced marriage to the not-so-charming prince Kato is so not what Dorthea had in mind for her enchanted future.

Trying to fix her prince problem by wishing on a (cursed) star royally backfires, leaving Dorthea with hair made up of emerald flames and the kingdom in chaos. Her parents and everyone she loves are stuck in some place called “Kansas.” Now it’s up to Dorthea and her pixed-off prince to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz and undo the curse…before it releases the wickedest witch of all and spells The End for the world of Story.

Amazon | B&N | BAM | Indigo | IndieBound | Kindle |  Nook

Betsy Schow:

Betsy Schow is the author of the memoir Finished Being Fat, and has been featured on The Today Show and inThe Wall Street Journal. She lives in Utah, but travels the country with Color Me Rad 5k, and partners with nonprofits to teach kids creative thinking and how to reach their goals.

Website| Twitter

Excerpt from Spelled:

Most of the crowd had dispersed. The final few stragglers looked at me with the all­too-common look of fear mixed with trepidation. Pix ’em. They were just servants. It wasn’t like their opinion mattered.

Only one remained, watching me with open curiosity. He looked to be in his late teens or was magically enhanced to appear so. He could have been a hundred for all I knew. I’d never seen him before in my life. He was handsome enough, for a commoner, even in his worn leather pants and cracked work boots. A foreigner, his hair was unruly and dark auburn, which complemented his tanned but dirt-smudged complexion, though the tall, dark stranger vibe was ruined by his piercing pale blue eyes.

Well, I’d had enough of being a sideshow for the day. “If you’re the new gardener, the hedges are overgrown and in need of a trim.” I pointed in the direction of my father. “While you’re there, you can help the king with the wisps.”

The young man’s expression clouded over, but he didn’t move.

I stamped my foot and pointed more forcefully. “Off with you. Courtyard’s that way. Be sure to clean those awful boots before coming back in.”

“Someone told me I’d find a princess of great worth here. One with the strength to be the hero this realm needs.” He stared at me with those unsettling blue eyes. They were cold, like ice water—made me shiver from head to toe. Then his gaze seemed to search even deeper. Finally, he looked through me, like I was nothing.

In brisk steps, he strode across the marble to the courtyard. But before crossing the threshold, he turned back to glare at me with his lip curled ever so slightly. “It seems she was mistaken.”

Just like that, I had been sifted, weighed, and found wanting.

I felt my own lip curl in response. How rude! Who the Grimm was this peasant to judge me? I was wearing a Glenda original. Original! Not some fairy-godmother knockoff worn by those servant girls turned royal. I was a crown princess, for the love of fairy, and no one dismissed me.

Before I could put the boy in his place—down in the dirt, where he belonged—a clatter came from behind, making me nearly jump out of my shoes. I checked and was relieved that Sterling had simply dropped his sword. By the time I looked back, the gardener was gone.

After stowing his blade, Sterling held up his shield, not in defense of the entrance but so he could look at his reflection. “Clearly he’s blind and doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

I didn’t ask for Sterling’s opinion, but it made me feel better.

Until he opened his mouth again.

“Worth, pffft. I mean, look around at all the jewels. Your palace has everything you could ever want. Honestly, I don’t know what you’re fussing about. Why would anyone want to leave?”

Because a cage is still a cage, no matter how big or glittering the bars are.

And I would find a way free, no matter the cost.

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For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story

"One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world." 

- Malala Yousafzai

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story
by Rebecca Langston-George and Janna Bock

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story written by Rebecca Langston-George and illustrated by Janna Bock is a fantastic account of the heroic stance Malala Yousafzai made for her right to an education. 

Malala Yousafzai bravely volunteered to blog about the closing of her school. "They can stop us going to school, but they can't stop us learning!" She was not deterred by the threat of bombs, beatings, or even jail. In October 2012, Malala and her friends were riding a bus to school when it was suddenly stopped. She was shot in the head by a member of the Taliban who was against her and the fight she had launched for the opportunity to go to school. Langston-George conveys a wonderful telling of Malala's story. The tragic shooting is handled very well in this picture book for children (publisher recommends ages 9-12). The text, "Three shots shattered the silence" and illustration, an opened book with drops of blood on the cover are not overly graphic, while providing a strong sense of the terrifying and dangerous situation faced by the girls on the bus.

On December 10, 2014, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize. This young peace activist raised her voice for the right to equal education. "This award is not just for me. It is for those forgotten children who want education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change."

I highly recommend For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story for any children's library collection, public and school. I think it is not only the story of a strong female character, but also a story about the importance of education. So many people take education for granted. They feel they are forced to go to school, sit in class, and learn. This is not the case around the world. I wonder how many children in the United States would be willing to stand up to and defy terrorists for their right to go to school?

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Capstone has provided an electronic copy of For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion. 

Goodnight Hockey

Goodnight Hockey
by Michael Dahl  Christina Forshay

Following in the footsteps of their previous sports related bedtime story, Goodnight Baseball and Goodnight Football (which I reviewed here almost a year ago), Michael Dahl and Christina Forshay bring hockey fans their very own goodnight story, Goodnight Hockey. The season for these young fans will not begin until October 7th, but they can fall asleep to and dream about their favorite team starting August 1st when this title will become available. You can pre-order now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

I have to admit, I have never been to a hockey game. I live in Texas. Our sport is football. However we do have some very dedicated hockey fans here. The Dallas Stars have won seven division championships, won the Presidents' Trophy and the Conference Championship on two occasions, and dare we forget they won the Stanley Cup in the 1998-99 season! They are in the top ten when it comes to arena size (19,200 capacity at the American Airlines Center), so we MUST have a decent number of fans.

I believe Goodnight Hockey will become the favorite bedtime story of young goaltenders, wingers, centers, and defencemen. The colorful illustrations and rhyming text will inspire wonderful dreams of pucks sliding across the ice, slapshots, hattricks, and last second winning scores.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Capstone Books, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Goodnight Hockey for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

The Far End of Happy

The Far End of Happy, written by Kathryn Craft, is one of the great reads that grabs you and refuses to let you go until the conclusion of the book. Craft's ability to pull you into the story and make you feel a part of the action is amazing.

The Far End of Happy
written by Kathryn Craft

The novel, in its entirety takes place over the course of one day and is told in three voices: Ronnie (the wife), Beverly (the mother-in-law), and Janet (the mother). Each of the narrators provides their version of the background story of Ronnie and her husband Jeff, as well as their point of view for the events of the day. The book is broken into sections of time, beginning at 7:00 in the morning and ending eleven hours later. At the conclusion of the book you will need to take time to sit back and reflect on what you have read. It is most important to understand that although this is a work of fiction it is based on the author's personal experiences of a 1997 event that forever changed her life and those of her children and extended family.

Here is a book trailer for The Far End of Happy.



You can purchase The Far End of Happy at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The official publication date is May 5, 2015.

Kathryn Craft is a former dance critic who wrote for The Morning Call daily newspaper in Allentown, Pennsylvania, for nineteen years. Craft wrote exclusively nonfiction until she was plunged into the kind of real-life drama that demands attention. In 1997, after fifteen years of marriage, her husband committed suicide in a police standoff, leaving her and their two young sons.

The Far End of Happy was born from Craft's need to make sense of what her husband had done. Kathryn has been a leader in the southeastern Pennsylvania writing scene for more than a decade and is also the author of The Art of Falling. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. You can learn more about Kathryn Craft and her books at her website www.kathryncraft.com.

I do not believe a better title could have been chose for this book. I have to applaud the author for her ability to bring this most intimate story to print. Thank you to the two Kathryns who brought this book to my attention - Kathryn Craft, author and Kathryn Lynch, publicist.


**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Sourcebooks has provided a complimentary coy of The Far End of Happy in electronic format and in an uncorrected advance copy reader for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion. The bibliographic information and book trailer were provided by the author's publicist, Kathryn Lynch of Sourcebooks.

Laugh-Along Lessons

The Laugh-Along Lessons series written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger currently has ten titles. These titles, as well as the new Laugh-Along Lesson 5-Minute Stories can be found on the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt website. Most of these titles have been re-issued from previously published text. Each of the books has a free downloadable version of the story from the publishers website which can be accessed by entering a code printed in the book.

Princess Penelope's Parrot
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger

Princess Penelope’s Parrot (originally published in 1996) - Princess Penelope is reminiscent of Veruca Salt from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She wants it all and she wants it now. At her royal birthday party, a parrot becomes her new obsession. She is, however, disappointed when the parrot does not speak, regardless of the prompting, yelling, and screaming at the bird. When the richest prince in the land, Percival, plans a visit, Penelope is overjoyed. Her plan to marry the prince is spoiled when the formally non-verbal parrot suddenly begins to talk. Princess Penelope learns the importance of being wise with your words when she loses the prince to a parrot.

The Sheep in Wolf's Clothing
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger

The Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing (originally published in 2007) - Ewetopia wants to stand out and be noticed by all of her friends, however no matter her outfit, they do not give her a second glance. When she attends the Woolyones’ Costume Ball dressed as a wolf, the other ewes sneer in disbelief at her distasteful costume.  When a stranger dressed in a beautiful wool costume appears, all of the sheep are mesmerized. Ewetopia realizes something is amiss when the stranger yells, “Mother” when seeing her. Quick thinking saves Ewetopia and the other sheep from this wolf in sheep clothing! Children will delight in this sheep tale with a number of “ewe”nique character names and a lesson in believing in yourself.

The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger

The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken (originally published in 1983) - Competition between the three title characters is fierce. They each want to show they are better than the others. When they magically produce more than the three of them can handle together they learn the importance of teamwork. Even though they continue to argue, they remain fast friends.

Pookins Gets Her Way
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger

Pookins Gets Her Way (originally published in 1987) - Pookins could be considered a spoiled brat. If she doesn’t get her way she “makes faces, throws apples, and yells very loudly.” Since no one wants Pookins doing any of those things, she always gets her way. This routine proves to be a problem when she meets a magic gnome in the forest. Pookins requests a number of wishes, which the gnome gladly grants, but when she asks for her final wish the gnome questions her to make sure this is really her desire. The end result is not only very funny, but proves it is not always good to get what you want. In the end Pookins sees the error of her ways and learns an important lesson about being considerate.

The free downloadable audio version of each of these books allows the reader to listen to the story while looking at the pictures in the physical book. An audio prompt is provided to young listeners to they will know when to turn the page. A free parent discussion and activity guide is also provided with this access code, however there are no corresponding materials for any of these titles in the guide. The titles included in the guide are as follows: It Wasn’t My Fault, Listen Buddy, Me First, and A Porcupine Named Fluffy.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company has provided a complimentary copy of the above mentioned titles for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.