Thursday, December 17, 2015

Mercy's Prince, by Katy Huth Jones, earns the CLC Seal of Approval



Well written and surprisingly believable for a work of fantasy, Mercy’s Prince is a highly engaging tale which is difficult to put down.  When a young prince groomed to be ruler is killed in battle his scholarly younger brother, Valerian,  must fill the role.  After he becomes the crowned prince Valerian befriends a peasant girl who is a healer; he soon learns he can communicate with her telepathically.  To save his people Valerian attempts the impossible as he elicits the help of dragons to help save mankind.

This novel is replete with tales of royalty, magic, dragons, love, adventure, and life-and-death struggles.  This exciting work of fantasy fiction is suspenseful and well written. Mercy’s Prince is an entertaining venture into another world, a time of mystery, a time long gone.

The exciting adventures within the pages of this book offer escape to another world and an alternate way of life. Katy Huth Jones keeps things interesting with continuous twists and well developed and refreshingly unexpected characters.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Mama, How Does the Wind Start to Blow?, by Jeanne Styczinski, earns the CLC Seal of Approval


Mama, How Does the Wind Start to Blow?, by Jeanne Styczinski, is an oh-so-sweet book of numbers for young children.  When a child asks, "Mama, how does the wind start to blow?", a series of potential answers are posed one by one, counting up to the number ten.  Starting with the rising of the moon, and finishing with seeds falling from a flower, the numbers one through ten are represented in enchanting scenarios.

Author and illustrator, Jeanne Styczinski's simply sweet book of counting's crowning glory is the delightful illustrations which are sure to enthrall young readers.  This book is sure to become a favorite with young readers and is an excellent selection for home and school libraries.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Papa, Why Does the Sun Shine? earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Papa, Why Does the Sun Shine?, written and illustrated by Jeanne Styczinski, is a lovely counting book for children. When a young child asks Papa why the sun shines, each time posing a seemingly random theory, Papa responds, "no, that is not why the sun shines".  From one sleepy moon, to ten fish going to school, the queries continue, until Papa provides a simply charming response that is sure to melt the hearts of readers both young and old.

This is a book which children are sure to enjoy again and again as they learn their numbers.  Cheerful illustrations are perfectly paired with this happy little book of counting which is likely to be a favorite in home and school libraries as well as in classroom settings.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Monday, December 14, 2015

Don't Forget to Breathe by Cathrina Constantine, earns Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Don't Forget to Breathe is a chilling psychological  thriller about Leocadia, (Leo) a young girl whose mother was murdered in her own home.  Leo was still in the house when the murder took place, and as a result of the trauma she incurred that day, suffers from amnesia and recurring nightmares.  Her lifestyle is that of a troubled teen trying to escape the horrific realities which haunt her daily.  While struggling with the day-to-day issues of being a teen, she does her best to wade through the loss, fears and confusion of her mother's untimely and tragic death.

Author Cathrina Constantine has crafted a suspenseful book which will keep readers guessing from page one clear through to the climactic finish.  This is a multi-faceted novel which offers much to readers of all ages who are sure to be drawn into this gripping young adult mystery.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author DJ Corchin on his award winning titles - CLC Author Spotlight


​WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
As a creative-type person I always explored new ways to share stories and my thoughts on certain topics. At some point writing became one of those avenues I enjoyed more than any other art form I’ve explored; in particular, through children’s books. I loved the challenge of trying to say something meaningful in a succinct and witty way. I also learned it’s O.K. to have an opinion in the message you share. It became important to me as my writing evolved that all of my books have a socially conscious message. I feel a tremendous amount of pride and purpose when I know my books have helped start a conversation about life with a child. Oh, and writing about monkeys, feelings, superheroes, and boogers is super fun!
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? 
I wanted to be a doctor. So I became a music teacher. 
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
 With Mystical Rules For My Magical Daughter not only is it a very practical description of the book but it’s important that the title be empowering to “daughters” of all ages. With the I Feel… Series each book has a specific emotional theme. The titles are meant to be examples of the theme not the themes themselves. For example, I Feel…Awesome is about doing good things will make you feel amazing!
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?  
Thunderfeet, Sam & The Jungle Band, You Got A Boogie, Strings, Silly Goose, The Band Nerds Book Series: Band Nerds Poetry, The Marching Band Nerds Handbook, Confessions & Confusion, The Marching Band Nerds Awards
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER: 1.) I had the privilege of having a few conversations with John Hughes before he passed away. He asked me what I did. I said that I was trying to be a writer. He replied, “Have your written something?” I said, “Yes.” He shot back, “Then you’re a writer.” It was a turning point in how I view my work. 
2.) My grandmother went to high school with Shel Silverstein. I have her year book with his signature to her in it. My grandparents always read his books to me and I became a huge fan. Years later I would end up working with one of his cousins! 
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?Shel Silverstein
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
The Missing Piece
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?: A mother once wrote me that she used my book I Feel…Different to read to her child to begin the conversation telling him he has Aspergers. It was an emotional letter as she was searching for the words to help answer questions he had. 
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Learn about the business of publishing. Know about printing, bindings, inks, distribution, contracts, etc. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. You’ll gain a larger perspective as to why decisions are made by publishers and understand the time it takes to make things happen. 
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
YES! 4 more! 
Wonder & Fear is about experiencing an eventful day with different filters. Will you go through the day with a fear of what might happen if you don’t act, or a sense of wonderment of what could happen if you do?
Do You Speak Fish? is about sometimes needing to learn how others need to be spoken to in order to communicate.
I Feel…Meh & I Feel…Lonely are great additions to the I Feel…Children’s Series  
All books will be available in 2016 available at bookstores and on-line!

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org