Saturday, February 28, 2015

Ten Little Tricksters, by Penelope Anne Cole, earns the CLC Seal of Approval


Ten Little Tricksters, by Penelope Anne Cole, is a cleverly bewitching children's picture book. Told in a toe-tapping tempo, while counting from ten to one, children are sure to love this whimsical Halloween themed book.  A variety of kooky zombies and ghouls enter the scene one page at a time as they introduce a new number.  Ten ghosties, nine goblins and so-on until one little pumpkin collects his Halloween treats.

Colorful and expressive illustrations, by Kevin Collier, are perfectly paired with this book that is likely to become a year-round favorite with youngsters.

Ten Little Tricksters comes highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

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

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Her Pink Hair, by Jill Dana, earns the CLC Seal of Approval



Her Pink Hair, written and illustrated by Jill Dana, is the story of a young girl whose friend, Stephanie, becomes sick.  At first Stephanie has long, wavy, brown hair.  But soon she has short brown hair . . . and eventually she has no hair at all.  When her hair grows back in, Stephanie's mom dyes it pink.

Her Pink Hair is a story that will help kids deal with illness and is a valuable tool for opening discussion about losing a loved one.  Her Pink Hair presents the concept of accepting loss in a way in which kids will be able to relate.  Author Jill Dana has addressed a tender subject with grace and charm.

Her Pink Hair is recommended for home and school libraries, clinical settings and any other areas where healing and acceptance are to be nurtured.  This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

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

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Chocolate Gravy on Dragon Creek earns the CLC Seal of Approval


Chocolate Gravy on Dragon Creek is the enchanting tale of Tootsy, a young girl growing up in the woods alongside a bubbling creek.  Tootsy is an inquisitive child who loves to play and explore along the banks of the creek.  As an only child, her parents dote upon her, frequently indulging her cravings for chocolate gravy, which is her favorite.

Tootsy and her friends have heard tales of the dragon which has held a young girl captive in his cave below the creek's whirling water hole for many years.  Despite the rumors, the "smart aleck" boys build a secret hideout nearby and Tootsy and her friends Cindy and Lindy decide to meet the boys there to act out a game of knights and princesses.  -But everything changes when Tootsy is pulled down into the whirling hole of the dragon's lair.

Author Doretta Elaine Wilson has crafted a story that will engage young readers as they play  and explore along with Tootsy.  Tootsy's sweet-natured, precocious tendencies will charm and delight readers as they discover life through the eyes of this delightful character.


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

Monday, February 23, 2015

A Story of Becoming, by Ayn Cates Sullivan, Ph.D. earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



A young seed germinates in the forest before unfurling and finding her way through the rich dark soil of the earth.  As she becomes a young seedling she stretches toward the sunlight, wondering what she will someday become.  Nourished by the dewdrops she grows in anticipation of the possibilities hidden within her.

While still very small, some of her leaves and branches are eaten by animals.  Despite the set-back, she grows and matures until one day she discovers her purpose . . . she is an apple tree.  She delights in being an apple tree; but over time she continues to encounter hardships, some of which are seemingly insurmountable.
A Story of Becoming, by Ayn Cates Sullivan, Ph.D. is a beautiful tale that will resonate with readers young and old.  This is a story which speaks on many levels to the hearts of readers who will relate to the hopes, fears and dreams of the apple tree as she struggles to survive and fulfill her purpose.  Exquisite illustrations provide the perfect backdrop for the words penned in this lovely book which is sure to become a favorite among readers of all ages.

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

Naji and the Mystery of the Dig earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Naji and the Mystery of the Dig is the highly engaging tale of a day in the life of  Naji, an eight year old girl growing up in Persia during the 1940s.  One morning Naji is awakened by the sound of men working out in her family's courtyard.  As she soon learns, it has been over thirty years since their family built its first septic tank and now it is time for a new one.  The men are working on its replacement as they dig a hole deep in the earth using pick axes and shovels.

Naji has an overwhelming sense that something is lurking below the surface of the dig.  Her childlike curiosity nearly consumes her with a need to peer down inside.  As the day progresses the hole becomes deeper and deeper as she tries to persuade her family to allow her to peek into the mysterious hole.  A sense of urgency overwhelms her as she realizes she must persuade her father to let her have a look soon before the opening is covered back up.  The longer Naji must wait to satisfy her curiosity, the more her imagination fuels the wildly creative scenarios she has conjured up in her mind.

As Naji's story progresses, readers are introduced to Naji's world, a place steeped in a rich and colorful history filled with lovely customs and traditions.  Unfamiliar words and phrases are highlighted in italics indicating that a definition has been provided at the back of the book.  Each definition goes into detail offering an interesting bit of background which further enhances the interest and educational value of this enticing book.

Author Vahid Imani has crafted a book which is sure to hold the interest of young readers while offering a rare and enchanting glimpse into the fascinating culture of Persia in the 1940s.  This book comes highly recommended for classrooms and school and home libraries.  Naji and the Mystery of the Dig has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.





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

Friday, February 20, 2015

Author, Braxton Cosby, on his award winning title Protostar



WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?
A calling from God. He told me to write my first novel Protostar and I stepped out on faith that what I was hearing was actually God and not some voice of my own imagination. Now, with The Sect coming back out and re-boot of Protostar becoming a huge success, I love it.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I really wanted to be an astronaut. I thought the idea of space travel was fascinating. Now, as I’ve gotten older and more cynical, the thought of traveling into space at those ridiculous speeds has become less attractive. 
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
I wanted to give people – young people in particular – the gift of learning to love people outside of circumstances. The two main protagonists of Protostar are caught up in this Star-Crossed love where it feels as though the galaxy itself is trying to tear them apart. The question or choice to love in spite of that becomes heavier as their relationship blossoms through the series and they must stand by their decisions. The ideal of accountability becomes more crucial-- something that is missing in our world today. With ‘What Will You Choose…Love or Duty?’ being the tag line. 
TELL US SOMETHING OUR READERS MIGHT FIND INTERESTING ABOUT YOU:
I consider myself a Born-Again Christian and I value the importance of a spiritual connection with God rather than joining with religious practices. Also, my Uncle Is the legendary comedian Bill Cosby.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?
I love Casandra Claire and Suzanne Collins. I write from both a close third person (Protostar) and first person (My Life In Story and The Sect) and I definitely look to their skill of balancing the voices of the characters throughout their stories. 
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
The Bible. The greatest stories have come from it and the inspiration for creating is birthed from it. 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Finally getting my book (Protostar) transcribed into a screenplay. Now, everything else about getting it to the big screen is that much easier. 
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
The Sect: The Windgate – coming soon
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
I tell aspiring authors all the time that they must create a story that they love first. Then, the passion for the story will flow and people who read it will fall in love with it. 
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
Social media has been critical for my success and getting the word out. It is still an uphill challenge for me. Even the most popular authors still don’t get the traction they should just because they don’t have the reach or exposure. 
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?Please come over to my website and learn about me @ www.braxtoncosby.com. There, you will find out about me and all the projects I am working on. You’ll also find links to my book websites. 
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
The School of Ministry: The Windgate, a CLC Book Award recipient (Faith-Based YA), is being rebooted as well. The new title is The Sect: The Windgate. I trimmed it down a little bit and made it a much faster and engaging read.
Also, next year I will publish my first Hero novel in association with two other authors under Cosby Media Productions. You can also look for the Sci-fi book based on the upcoming movie, Matt Mercury with Bill Hughes (formerly the creative designer behind the Star Wars series). 
The Sect will be out on eBook in December and the novella Evans’Heart will also be available. They will be available everywhere that eBooks can be sold.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Yes. Find a vision, write it down. Pray on it, believe in it, and make it real. Don’t use excuses about why you never got started. Pick up the pen, keyboard, whatever and get it done. Make a story that you love first, and then shop it around.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED?
Don’t be afraid to pay for a professional editing service of your work. It will pay huge dividends in the end if done properly. As a writer, you just can’t catch every mistake. You need someone to look at it and tell you what parts stink and need to be taken out. Stripping that manuscript down and putting out the best product is essential.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Author Spotlight - Vivian Zabel, on her award winning picture book, I Like Pink



Author Vivian Zabel 



on her Award Winning title I Like Pink

WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
I always told stories to my friends and siblings. The first time I shared my desire to write, was at school when I was an eighth grader in Morocco (my father was in the Air Force). I told a classmate I would write a book some day. She laughed at me and ridiculed me about that until my family returned to the states. I wish I could remember her name and find her so I could "show" her now. 
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?  
I wanted to be a teacher as well as a writer. I taught for 30 years, high school mainly: English, writing, yearbook, newspaper, speech, drama, and debate. In my early thirties, I began writing poetry, articles, and short stories, which were published. 
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
After the family Thanksgiving dinner two years ago, my three-year-old great-granddaughter climbed on the sofa beside me. "Granny," she said, "we need to visit." During our visit, she informed me, "You know, I like pink: dark pink, light pink, even almost white pink." Discovering she knew shades of colors existed gave me the idea for a book, not only about colors, but about shades. The main character also has my great-granddaughter's name, Haylee Rose.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:  The first book I wanted to have published concerned experiences family members suffer when a child or children are "stolen." However, one of my grandsons had a reading problem. I thought if I could find him some books about athletics, his main interest, perhaps he might find he liked to read. I couldn't find any for middle-school-aged and older boys, other than a few boring biographies. So, I wrote one, The Base Stealers Club. I know baseball, even helped coach the sport. I like mysteries, grew up on Nancy Drew. I combined my two interests, wrote a book, mixed in some black and white photos from some of my grandsons' baseball games, and, voila, one book that did interest a reluctant reader. Then, I wrote a sequel, Case of the Missing Coach. Not only did my grandson enjoy the books, many other pre-teens and younger teens did, too.
WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE? 
I have always been a voracious reader, reading different genres, different authors, and different styles. As a result, my style is a mixture of that of many authors.
WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
When I read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte as a seventh-grader, I knew I wanted to be able to write like Bronte. I wanted to bring characters alive, make readers hate for the book to end, take someone out of reality into the world of a book I wrote. 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Every time any of my writing won an award, I felt I had proof I accomplished something. Having I Like Pink win the Children's Literary Classics Silver Seal gave me a thrill and a sense of pride. However, when a librarian asked my grandson if he had read his grandmother's book The Base Stealers Club, he answered, "Only three times," success was mine. 
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
The process of becoming published is arduous and often disappointing. The main ingredients needed to succeed - determination and a thick skin. Another aspect of the process includes a writer's continuing to learn, improve, and refuse to give up. My pile of rejection letters and emails would paper my office, and most authors have the same experience. All submissions to 4RV Publishing, including submissions from company officers and staff, are sent to acquisition editors anonymously. I was rejected by my own company once. The head of the editorial department asked if I wanted him to send the manuscript to another editor, and I said no because the reasons given for the rejection were valid. I learned what I needed to do, where problems with my writing existed. Yes, rejection hurts; however, a good writer picks up the pieces, after having a short pity party, and either improves the manuscript or puts it aside to work on something else -- but he keeps writing, learning, and improving.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
I wish I had good advice that wasn't expensive, but I don't. Of course, some publishers help promote, but most promotion must be done by authors. Entering competitions is one way to promote. Speaking at conferences helps. Networking with other authors gives a writer support. I attend writing conferences and all sessions dealing with marketing, which gives me ideas. I don't have space to share some of those ideas, but speaking with a marketing professional is a good idea.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?Becoming a good writer requires learning how to be a better writer, through reading, workshops, and conferences. I taught writing for thirty years, but I attended workshops and writing clinics every one of those years, often two or three a year. I still attend at least two writing conferences a year. If we, as writers, don't continue to learn and improve, we begin to die.
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 
All can be found or ordered through any bookstore or from Amazon as well as through the links provided.
Young Adult books:
Suspense and mainstream novels:
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Yes, I'm working on a historical novel, Burnt Offering.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR NEXT BOOK:
During the 8th Century BC, King Ahaz of Judah followed the idol Moleck, and he, along with others, sacrificed their children by burning them alive. Women during those days were considered property and had little to no say or control over their own lives. The question that kept popping in my mind wouldn't let me forget the topic, "What would I have done as a mother during that time period?" 
Little information of that time period exists, but my imagination took the research I found and turned it into a story of treachery, mystery, and struggle to survive. 
Burnt Offering, hopefully, will be finished by next summer and submitted. Until the novel is accepted, I will have no idea when it will be available.

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