Author Spotlight - DeeDee Fox on her Award Winning Book, The Ruby Red Slippers

What inspired you to begin writing?
I didn't always want to be a writer.  I studied art in college and had always dreamed of making a living as an artist.  But it didn't take me long to realize that it can be pretty difficult to make any sort of income that way.  Eventually, I began working for a newspaper as a graphic artist where I eventually became the assistant editor.  That was when I learned to love writing.  My boss at the time, the editor of the magazine where I worked, was truly my mentor in writing.  I learned so much from her about writing with feeling and breathing life into my words. 

What was the inspiration behind your award winning title, The Ruby Red Slippers?
I was actually in the process of working on a novel when my sister told me a story about my niece and her little friend.  The story gave me goosebumps.  I decided to take a break from my novel to write their story, which I also illustrated.

Who is your favorite author?
That answer is probably always going to change; but at present, I'd say my favorite children's book author is Geraldine McCaughrean.  I'm inspired by her use of the English language.  She truly has a gift for writing.

What is your favorite children's book?
My favorite children's book has always been The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, by Julie Andrews Edwards.  When I was a child I had a voracious appetite for reading.  Her book pulled me in and got me caught up into it like no other book ever had.  I was enthralled and entirely delighted by it. 

Tell us a little about yourself:
I live in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota on a hobby farm with my husband and our youngest daughter.  --We have three older children, two in college and one who is getting married this summer.  I grew up in the city, so I still get a kick out of telling people we have chickens and cows and a barn and tractors. I'm madly in love with my husband and I'm so thankful for the life that we live.  I'd have to say I am truly living the life I've always dreamed of.

Do you have any new books in the works?
Yes, I am currently working on a children's chapter book entitled Marquise of Aviarra.  It is a book with a very special message for children about loving and respecting themselves for who they are.

What challenges do you face as an author?
I would say the biggest challenge is finding the time to promote my work, while still working on my writing.  It can really be a chellenge to find the time to write.  --And I LOVE to write.  But balance is the key and I'm still working on figuring out how to juggle everything.

Do you ever suffer from writer's block?
No - I always find it interesting that other people do.  I suppose there are times when I have to walk away from what I'm working on in order to give myself a fresh perspective on something.  But overall, I'd say that really isn't an issue for me.  - When I can find the time to write, the words just seem to flow.

Can you offer any tips on how to get published?
The biggest thing I would say is that becoming a published author requires patience and perseverance.  Get your work out to anyone who will see it.  Then be patient.  --Don't rush the process.  I can tell you that the wheels turn extremely slowly in this industry.  If you're not hearing back from people on your work, then maybe you need to develop your manuscripts a bit more.  In the meantime, keep writing and developing your style.  Some people can pull off the self-publishing bit, but I don't think that's for everyone.  And some people can be so eagar to get published that they fail to learn enough about a potential publisher.  There are publishers out there that can do a lot for you, but most will expect you to do the majority of promoting yourself. -- That can be a full time job.  So know what you're getting yourself into up front.  Ask around and do your homework before you sign on with anyone.

Any further thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
I always like to point out that the model for my illustrations in The Ruby Red Slippers was my youngest daughter.  We had so much fun working together on this project.  It warms my heart to see her face inside the pages of this book which is truly very special to me.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Return to Finkleton earns our Seal of Approval

In KC Hilton's newest book, Return to Finkleton, siblings, Jack, Lizzie and Robert find themselves immersed in adventure once again.  Two short years after moving to Finkleton, Lizzie stumbles upon a secret so incredible, it simply cannot be contained.  After over-hearing Lizzie speak of it with Jack, Robert sets out to find the source of her secret.  As a result of his discovery, Robert unwittingly causes a calamitous series of events.  Distraught and ridden with feelings of guilt, he sets his mind to making things right . . . and in the process, embarks upon a magical journey.

Hilton has done it again.  Young readers, prepare to find a comfortable spot on the edge of your seats.  --Sure to be a favorite with youngsters, Return to Finkleton is enrapturing!

Return to Finkleton earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Awards Provide Tremendous Advantage in Promoting Books

"Being an award winning author has made a huge difference in promoting my work. Displaying the awards on my website and blog (including the links to CLC with the reviews and awards) has also helped. The awards are noticed immediately. To receive such prestigious awards from a reputable company has made my books very competitive among other books.  Paperback book sales have increased dramatically. Large orders, through Amazon and expanded "Being an award winning author has made a huge difference in promoting my work. Displaying the awards on my website and blog (including the links to CLC with the reviews and awards) has also helped. The awards are noticed immediately. To receive such prestigious awards from a reputable company has made my books very competitive among other books.  Paperback book sales have increased dramatically. Large orders, through Amazon and expanded distribution sites, have been anywhere from 12-28 books at a time. I can only assume these orders were from book stores or classrooms."

~ Literary Classics Award Winning Author, KC Hilton

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Award Winning Author Speaks on the Benefits of CLC Book Awards

"My middle grade adventure novel The Secret of the Sacred Scarab was a Winner of the Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children’s Literary Classics Awards.  The prestige attached to winning gold is enormous and did much to catapult my book into the ''recognized'' status we all seek for our work. Although my book was already in print, I had yet to release the e-book. When I did, I was able to add the award details to my e-book.

-I think the kudos attached to winning definitely have benefited me as a writer and indicated that my book has achieved a very high standard of excellence."

 

~Literary Classics Award Winning Author, Fiona Ingram

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Co-authors - Cherie Benjoseph LCSW & Sally Berenzweig MEd, MA

Speaking with Cherie:

What inspired you to begin writing?

In my practice as a  school social worker many years ago, I developed a love for the use of books in my counseling with children.  After we founded KidSafe, we were inspired to write Prevention Education books to both use in our program, and most importantly, to share with parents nationwide so they could teach their children personal safety at home. 

Sally, the co-author, was inspired by her Aunt, the late famous author, Laurie Colwin.

What was the inspiration behind your award winning title,

My Body is Special and Belongs to Me?

Parents inspired us!  Without fail at our adult seminars - parents would express their concern about wanting to talk with their children about the important topic of safe and unsafe touch and good and bad secrets, but were afraid they would scare their children instead of empower them.  This need - for parents to have "the conversation" in book form, easy-to-read, fun "real" pictures, and teaching from a place of fun, not fear (the KidSafe philosophy) was the inspiration for our book.  Every child needs to know that they have the right to be safe!  What better way to share that important lesson than through reading with your child.

Who is your favorite author?

Presently I do not have a favorite author - there are too many to choose from.  But I will give a thumbs up to my 12 year old son's favorite author, Rick Riordan.  I hope he continues to write - as my son is reading a book of his a week, and it makes me a very happy mother.

What is your favorite book?

Gavin De Becker's The Gift of Fear - inspired and empowered me to reconnect to my intuition.  We women just "know" - but sometimes we forget to tune in. This book was a great wake up  -  and an inspiration to the message of KidSafe.

Do you have any other published works?

Our first book - Jack Teaches His Friends to be KidSafe!, is heading into its second edition this winter.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am first and foremost a mom of two amazing children who inspire me to write and teach others about keeping our children safe.  I have always been an avid reader and fell in love with children's literature during my child lit class in college  -  Dr. Glass, my professor, is the only teacher I have kept in touch with after 25 years.  This love for books and connecting with others is the driving force for our books, magazine articles and blogs.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Our goal is to continue our Safe and Smart Series, providing a children's picture book for each of the KidSafe Skills we teach in our curriculum.  We cannot reiterate enough the importance of children learning through the use of books.  We find retention and comprehension of the skills we teach are so apparent in the children who are using the KidSafe books at home.  There is not better way for a parent to spend quality time with their child than reading to them.

What challenges do you face as an author?

Being an author of educational books, and I speak for both Sally and myself, is the challenge of sharing the messages and lessons in an age appropriate, yet exciting-to-read manner and keeping the book fun and child friendly.  We also want the adult readers to gain the information so they can "continue the conversation."  We are always grappling with finding ways to make the materials user friendly for everyone.  And of course, there is always the challenge of finding the time to write!

Do you ever suffer from writer's block?

Of course!  - Sometimes I just write a nonsensical first sentence to get the juices flowing and then go back to edit.  It helps get rid of the blank page syndrome.

Can you offer any tips on how to get published?

We have a lot of experience in the realm of self-publishing which we would be happy to share.  On an aside - We, Sally and I, have embraced the new platform of blogging (we are on ten sites presently and you can find our blog on our website) to get our message out to the adults regarding personal safety and parenting.  This venue is very different from writing a children's book but has led to many new contacts in the publishing world - including having articles published in print magazines.

Any further thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

There is no greater gift we can give our children than to read to them. It does not matter what age they are.  And books are especially helpful to read with your children when introducing sensitive topics.  So cozy up and enjoy My Body is Special and Belongs to Me!


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Walking Through Walls, by Karen Cioffi, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Young Wang is disillusioned with the hard work and long hours his father must put in every day just to get by. Having heard the legends of the eternals and the great powers they possess, he decides to make it his life's goal to become an eternal. With limited understanding of what will be expected of him, paired with impure motives, he announces his intentions to anyone he believes might help him learn how he can become an eternal and ultimately perform magic. His persistence pays off and eventually, following a long journey far from home, Wang finds the temple of the eternals. There, he persuades the eternal master to make him an apprentice so he can learn to perform magic. With power and wealth as his compass, he soon grows weary of the days, weeks, and months in which he learns nothing of how to perform magic. There is a turning point in this book, where Wang comes to see beyond his own desires and learns compassion for others.

Walking Through Walls, by Karen Cioffi, is an excellent book with a message of honor and compassion. Illustrations, by Willow Raven, are a terrific addition to this literary treat which will appeal to young readers on a quest for adventures in reading. Discussion points at the back of this book offer further insight into the culture and history of the Chinese as well as talking points for use in a classroom setting.

Walking through walls earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

A Box Story by Kenneth Kit Lamug Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

"It is widely known that kids play more with the box than the toy that it comes with."  Profound in its simplicity, Lamug's, A Box Story, is a wonderful book about boxes and the magic possibilities they possess.  "A box is not just a box,". . . so begins Lamug's, children's picture book which reveals the power of the box through imaginative illustrations and thoughtful text.  A box can be used to keep things contained, a box can be used to shut things out . . . "a box can make you smile."  Young audiences will surely find enjoyment within the pages of this clever little book. 

Kenneth Lamug's, A Box Story, comes highly recommended, and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Author Spotlight - Lisa Manzione

Author, Lisa Manzione, on her Award Winning Title . . .

The Adventures of Bella and Harry: Let's Visit Paris!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING? I have been writing about 5 years.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?  I was inspired to begin writing this specific series due to my love of travel and the joy of exploring the world in which we live.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE  The Adventures of Bella and Harry: Let's Visit Paris!?  My inspiration came from the lack of knowledge our youngsters have regarding the world around them.  I believe by making learning fun, children retain more knowledge about the subject they are studying/reading. Hence, the cute, fun characters were born!

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHY?  I love James Patterson!  I enjoy reading the detective books based in San Francisco. I love the fact the main character is a female detective.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK... AND WHY?  I have several favorite books, but the 5th Horseman is one of my favorites written by James Patterson.  I particularly like the focus on the Women’s Murder Club and the way the ladies interact with one another.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR OTHER PUBLISHED BOOKS?  I have published two additional books in the Bella and Harry Series. The Adventures of Bella and Harry:  Let's Visit Venice was published in May, 2011 and available in late October...The Adventures of Bella and Harry:  Let's Visit London!   The series can be purchased at www.BellaAndHarry.com

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:  By trade, I am an accountant and have been ticking and tying numbers for about 30 years!  Once my children (24 & 22 years of age) left for college I started writing children’s books as a fun, creative outlet.  From there, the series has blossomed.  I hope to add to this series by creating lesson plans and submitting the books/lesson plans for local school programs to utilize.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?  Yes, I have three additional books in the works!  Let's Visit Cairo!, Let's Visit Athens!, and Let's Visit Barcelona!  We hope to release our first ebook by year's end.  They will be available in early spring, 2012 and can be purchased through the Bella and Harry web site  www.BellaAndHarry.com

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR? With this particular series, the biggest challenge is variety. I think it is important to cover similar topics in each book, but I don’t want the books to be exactly the same.  Coming up with different ways to discuss similar topics can be taxing.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?  My advice...Don't give up!

DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM WRITER'S BLOCK?  I do not suffer from writers block with the series.  There are so many wonderful places to visit and discover in the world, inspiration is endless.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON HOW TO GET PUBLISHED? Persistence.  Don't let denial or criticism get in your way.  If you believe in your product, proceed...full speed ahead!

 IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?  Yes, I would like all of your readers to know that 5% of the net proceeds from the sale of The Adventures of Bella and Harry books and supplies will be donated to the ASPCA.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Author Spotlight

AUTHOR'S NAME:  Summer Brenner

TITLE OF LITERARY CLASSICS AWARD WINNING BOOK:  Ivy, Homeless in San Francisco

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?  Decades

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE, IVY, HOMELESS IN SAN FRANCISCO? I was inspired to write poetry as a teenager to express difficult and conflicting feelings.  At the time, I thought writing was the most interesting thing  I could ever do.  I still think so.

For a year I volunteered at a day-time, drop-in shelter for women and children.  Meeting and working with these women was a profound experience.  Breaking down the stereotypes of homelessness inspired me to write a portrait of a homeless young person and her father.

HAVE YOU PUBLISHED ANY OTHER BOOKS?
I've published books for adults and children.  Richmond Tales, Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle is a time-travel pre-teen novel about two inner-city kids, Mario and Maisha, who live in a dangerous section of Richmond, California (called the Iron Triangle).  They journey back to Native American, early 20th century and WWII Richmond; and into the future when they are grown and have remade their city.  Available at Amazon.com.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I was raised in Atlanta, Georgia.  Aside from Northern California where I've been a long-time resident, I have also resided in New England and New Mexico.  In addition to writing, I work on literacy-related projects with low-income youth.

AUTHOR'S NAME:  Summer Brenner

TITLE OF LITERARY CLASSICS AWARD WINNING BOOK:  Ivy, Homeless in San Francisco

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?  Decades

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR BOOK I was inspired to write poetry as a teenager to express difficult and conflicting feelings.  At the time, I thought writing was the most interesting thing  I could ever do.  I still think so.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHY?
For a year I volunteered at a day-time, drop-in shelter for women and children.  Meeting and working with these women was a profound experience.  Breaking down the stereotypes of homelessness inspired me to write a portrait of a homeless young person and her father.

HAVE YOU PUBLISHED ANY OTHER BOOKS?
I've published books for adults and children.  Richmond Tales, Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle is a time-travel pre-teen novel about two inner-city kids, Mario and Maisha, who live in a dangerous section of Richmond, California (called the Iron Triangle).  They journey back to Native American, early 20th century and WWII Richmond; and into the future when they are grown and have remade their city.  Available at Community Works.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I was raised in Atlanta, Georgia.  Aside from Northern California where I've been a long-time resident, I have also resided in New England and New Mexico.  In addition to writing, I work on literacy-related projects with low-income youth.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON HOW TO GET PUBLISHED?
Trying to get published is the most unpleasant aspect of writing.  Coping with rejection is equally unpleasant.  The trick is not to get discouraged and to remember, you write because you love it.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

AUTHOR, FIONA INGRAM

On her award winning book: THE SECRET OF THE SACRED SCARAB
 
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING? I began by inventing stories to

entertain my 3 younger brothers when I was about 10. Later I 

graduated in theater studies, moved into journalism and have 

been writing ever since.
 
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING? I love the creative thrill 

from making something come alive; I also love entertaining people. 

I love the magical world between the pages of a book.
 
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE 

THE SECRET OF THE SACRED SCARAB? 

I went to Egypt with my mother and my 2 young nephews (aged 

10 and 12)for a family holiday. Upon our return I decided 

to write them a short story about our adventures with my 

nephews as the young heroes. They never got to read the 

short story because it became a book. it changed my life and 

my career.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHY? That's really hard 

to answer but I love Jane Austen for the wit and deceptive 

simplicity of her books; her perception of human nature 

is gifted. I also love JRR Tolkien's LORD OF THE RINGS for 

the grandeur and scope of the battle between good and evil 

within the heroes and within the context of his magical world.
 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK... AND WHY? I am a fan of good 

detective novels, and THE MOONSTONE by Wilkie Collins has 

to be the perfect book. It has many layers, multiple narration 

and point of view which works amazingly; it has intrigue, 

mystery and again a great insight into human nature. It is 

also the forerunner of the great British detective novel.
 
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 

I also like to write other genres for fun. I have co-authored 

THIS ENCHANTED LAND, a Viking adventure, 
(http://www.viking-sagas.com) with William P. Robertson who 

writes prolifically about the American Civil War. I have also 

written a Regency Romance entitled THE DANGEROUS DUKE for MUSA 

Publishing, a traditional style publisher, 

(http://www.musapublishing.com) under the pseudonym Arabella 

Sheraton. I am halfway through my next historical for MUSA 

Publishing entitled MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT.
 
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF: I love books, writing, art, 

the theater, movies and animals. I have an adopted African 

child, from a disadvantaged background, who has decided to 

become a writer (just like me!). She is about to graduate from 

high school. I care for my disabled Mom and live in a big, 

beautiful house in Johannesburg, South Africa, with 4 cats 

(Cuddles, Bertie, Pushkin and Oliver), 3 dogs (Chloe, 

Jasper and Pumpkin), a fierce duck called Charlemagne and 

a lively cockatoo called Cleopatra. The birds are in 
charge of everything!
 
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS? I have finished the 

second book in my MG adventure series The Chronicles of the 

Stone. This is the sequel to THE SECRET OF THE SACRED SCARAB. 

Book Two is called THE SEARCH FOR THE STONE OF EXCALIBUR. 

My two heroes are plunged into more adventure and mystery as 

they stumble upon the greatest sword of all - Excalibur! 

I am in the editing process and will update interested readers 

via my author site. I have planned and am about to start Book 

Three entitled THE TEMPLE OF THE CRYSTAL TIME KEEPER which takes 

my heroes to Mexico and embroils them in Mayan and Aztec legends 

and conflicts.
 
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR? I have so many ideas 

jumping around in my head at one time that it's hard to write 

fast enough. Marketing also takes a lot of time. One has to get 

out there and let people know about one's work. There are so 

many books being published each year that the competition is 

fierce.
 
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS? I have 4 

golden rules I discovered while I was writing and later 

marketing my first book. I have also written articles on 

how to get your book completed and out there (See my Media 

Page on my author site). THE FOUR GOLDEN RULES: 1. Never 

give up. 2. Make sure your book meets the industry standards 

and spend time and money on proper editing and achieving a 

final polished result. 3. Do something every day to market 

your book to the world. 4. Make sure you have a good author 

or book site with details on where to find your book, and 

information about you and your work.
 
DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM WRITER'S BLOCK? IF SO, WHAT DO YOU 

DO TO OVERCOME THIS? No, I never have writer's block. I 

occasionally have a problem getting through a sticky patch 

but I tell my characters to sort themselves out while I move 

onto the next section. When I come back to the problem area 

I find the characters have worked it out. I think writers 

should trust the creative process more. If something is not 

working then leave it and work on something else. You will 

find that something has changed and you can continue.
 
CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON HOW TO GET PUBLISHED? I would have 

preferred the traditional route with my children's book but 

after 35 rejections from agents I was so naive I thought I 

had no options but to self-publish. I have done very well 

with my book in terms of reviews and book awards, but only 
because I have worked at getting the accolades. With 

e-publishing on the rise it seems that anyone can publish 

themselves. However, I would suggest going the agent route 

first to get an idea if your work has merit, what needs to 

be changed or cleaned up, and if there is a market for your 

book. Self-publishing can be expensive and writers can still 

fall into the trap of not paying enough attention to industry 

standards. E-publishing (DIY) holds even greater threats 

because a self-publishing company will at least cast an 
experienced eye over the book before going ahead.
 
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? 

Persistence pays off. I have garnered great book reviews and 

book awards wins and nominations for THE SECRET OF THE 

SACRED SCARAB. I have also just signed a movie option for 

the book with a British movie company. They read a review 

I tweeted (is that a word, I wonder?) and contacted me, saying 

they had bought, read, and loved the book. I cannot emphasize 

strongly enough to make sure your book has merit. A good book 

will find its way to the right readers, and the right rewards 

will come from it.
 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The Bella & Harry Adventures Continue to earn our Seal of Approval!

Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the two newest additions to the Bella & Harry adventure series have been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

Bella & Harry, Let's Visit London!, and Bella & Harry, Let's Visit Venice!, the latest in the series of Bella & Harry adventures, are both equally as educational and entertaining as Lisa Manzione's first book in the Bella & Harry series, Let's Visit Paris, the 2011 Literary Classics Gold Medal recipient of Best First Picture Book award. 

In both new books, Bella & Harry, chihuahua siblings with the great fortune of traveling around the world with their family, encounter many famous landmarks and culinary delights of the regions in which they are traveling.  Bella, being the older of the two chihuahuas, continues to offer countless fascinating factoids about the sights and history of the area which they are visiting. 

As always, Kristine Lucco brings Ms. Manziones's stories to life with exceptional illustrations which are both entertaining and captivating. 

It is with eager anticipation that we await the next book in the Bella & Harry series. 

With the Christmas shopping season nearly upon us, we wholeheartedly recommend this series for little ones on your shopping list. 

Manzione's Bella & Harry books are absolutely delightful in every way, and we are pleased to add her most recent titles, Bella & Harry, Let's Visit London! and Bella & Harry, Let's Visit Venice! to our list of accomplished titles in children's literature which have earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Animal Analogies - Simply Fabulous!

Animalogy - Animal Analogies, written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Cathy Morrison, is an educator's dream when it comes to teaching youngsters about analogies. Vibrant, expressive and beautiful full color images spring to life from the pages of this wonderfully illustrated picture book. 

Profoundly educational in its simplicity, Animology offers many easy-to-comprehend examples of analogies as they relate to animals, such as..."Ant is to tiny, as hippo is to big."

In addition, the educational section in the back provides cross-curricular teaching activities, interactive quizzes and more. 

Animalogy - Animal Analogies, would make an excellent addition to any P-3 teacher's academic library.  We highly recommend this book, which has earned our Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Trouble on Earth Day

Trouble on Earth Day, by Kathy Stemke, is the story of Shelby Squirrel, a youngster who is thrilled to have won an Earth Day Poster contest. As Shelby's family of squirrels contemplate the meaning of her poster, namely to "re-think" how some items might be recycled, they start brainstorming ways to put their saved and cast-off items to good use. 

When Shelby encounters a bird in short supply of materials with which to build her nest, she comes to the rescue with some of the items her family had recently decided to recycle.  Shelby and her new friend pool their efforts and resources to create a beautiful new nest. 

With interactive games and projects, including additional Earth Day history information at the back, this book is an excellent resource for educators on the topic of recycling.


Trouble on Earth Day earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep

 Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep, written by Kathy Stemke and illustrated by Jack Foster is the story of a fantastic series of adventures as seen through the eyes of Zachary, a boy who is struggling to adjust to life with a new baby sister.  Young Zachary becomes a "super hero"whenever he puts on his glasses.  Donning his glasses as he does his best to help protect his baby sister from noises which might wake her, he encounters all sorts of noisy nuisances, including birds, trains and bears.  This whimsical book creatively incorporates consonant blends in a story which will surely transport youngsters to new levels of imagination in their quest for adventure and learning.

Zachary's journey is only beginning at the conclusion of this story.  Complete with teacher's supplements including rhymes, songs, worksheets and more, this book has much to offer young readers as well as educators.

 Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep,earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval




LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

One Pelican at a Time

One Pelican at a Time, written by Nancy Stewart and illustrated by Samantha Bell, is the story of two young girls who frequent a beach near their home.  When a gulf oil spill threatens their beach and the animals which inhabit it, they are saddened by the knowledge that there is little they can do to help.
But when their old friend, the pelican is put in harm's way after diving into the oil coated water, the girls act quickly to save the pelican's life.
One Pelican at a Time is a timely book which touches on important issues regarding environmental stewardship and responsibility.  Lovely illustrations help enhance this book which would be an exceptional classroom aid for prompting discussion about caring for our planet.

One Pelican at a Time earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


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