Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes is our latest and greatest book recommendation. When twins, Shelby and Shauna, are approached by the vice consul of planet Miriax, he asks for their assistance in closing the holes which have appeared between Miriax, Earth and the planet Klodius.  These three planets all co-exist in parallel dimensions and are dependent upon each other for their energy.  The vice consul explains that, in particular, Shelby and Shauna have been singled out from everyone on planet earth because of their positive energy.

Because these two middle-schoolers have the most highly concentrated positive energy of anyone on earth, their energy can be channeled to help close the holes between their dimensions.  But, if the holes are not closed soon, the planets will be destroyed.

They, along with a team of others (mostly teenagers) are recruited to help with the mission.  The twins are soon immersed in adventure in a world where inanimate objects rarely exist.  People on Miriax interact with everything from library books, to modes of transportation, which all possess life-like qualities.  From Lendox, the loveable vice consul, to Loola, the Mirian travel vessel, all of Marchesi's characters are full of life and energy . . . some positive, and some not-so-positive.  And woven beneath this entertaining plot lies a foundation of positive messages about life, love, kindness, forgiveness and acceptance.

Author, P.H.C. Marchesi has created an engaging fantasy thriller which is sure to entice and enthrall young readers.  In this classic tale of good vs. evil,  Dimensional Holes is filled with whimsical moments and edge-of your seat thrills.  This book will keep you guessing up until the end.  With every twist and turn of the plot, you will become further engrossed in this tale which is wildly imaginative and extraordinarily crafted.

After reading this book, one can't help but want to spend a little time visiting the fanciful planet of Miriax.  Thankfully, there is a sequel already in the works; and we look forward to visiting Miriax again soon with Marchesi's next book in the Kitt Twins' fantasy series.

Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes  comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.




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The Hellandback Kids: Be Careful What You Wish For, by LL Helland, is an award-winning middle-grade novel which holds great appeal for young readers.  When siblings: Jon, Brittany, Trisha and Chris, embark upon a journey to their great-grandmother's home in Scotland, they quickly learn that things are not as they may first appear in the unusual home where they are staying as first-time guests.  As each of the four brothers and sisters finds themselves in a magical world where they are living the lives they have always wished for, they come to learn that sometimes what one wishes for is not always what is best.

As this story unfolds it gains momentum and eventually becomes quite a page-turner.  Despite young Chris' propensity for sarcasm and insolence, we found this book to have considerable merit in the areas of life skills and character building messages as well as in its entertainment value. A more thorough edit may have helped with the flow of this book, but overall we found The Hellandback Kids to be an entertaining read and we look forward to seeing future works from this budding author.  This book is recommended for middle-school children who enjoy such books as Narnia, Harry Potter, and other fantasy fiction works.

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The Klampie Mystery, by Luis Rodriguez, is the story of a little girl whose family embarks on a vacation to Australia.  Before they leave, her parents give her a toy Koala Bear.  But once she arrives in Australia, an unusual turn of events takes place, and she discovers that somehow she has in her possession a living, breathing Koala Bear.

The Klampie Mystery is a charming book full of imagination and interspersed with a smattering of educational tid-bits.  Young children are sure to enjoy this picture book which is wonderfully illustrated. 

The Klampie Mystery 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.

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Caves, Cannons and Crinolines, by Beverly Stowe McClure, Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the young adult book, Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines, written by Beverly Stowe McClure, has been selected to receive the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

This historical work of fiction is a literary treasure, and a must-read for young history buffs.  - When fourteen year old Elizabeth's older brothers go off to fight for the Confederate Army during the Civil War, she decides she can no longer sit by and wait for the men to fix everything.  Determined to make a difference, she disguises herself as a boy and sets out to enlist as a soldier.  Guided by a naive, but genuine heart, and armed with the best of intentions, Elizabeth embarks upon an enlightening journey that will educate and inspire young readers.  Ms. McClure portrays the story of Elizabeth and her loving family with historical accuracy and honest emotions as one family struggles to stay together while their nation is being torn apart.

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The Bella and Harry series of books are excellent as stand alone book selections, or would be especially rewarding as a collection.

Bella and Harry Let's Visit Cairo!, by Lisa Manzione is the newest book in the adventure series of two lovable chihuahua puppy siblings who travel the world together with their 'people.'  In the Let's Visit Cairo! edition, these pups travel on the backs of camels and have the opportunity to visit the Sphinx, and King Tut's tomb, among other notable attractions within the region.  As always, these books inspire a love for travel while educating and broadening horizons for young readers.  The Bella and Harry books are excellent as stand alone book selections, or would be especially rewarding as a collection. 

We highly recommend Bella and Harry, Let's Visit Cairo! which earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

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The Penguin Lady provides educational opportunities to compare and contrast, count, and learn about geographical regions of the world

The Penguin Lady is the whimsical tale of Penelope Parker, a woman who lives in a little white house with black trim, located on Penguin Place.  She always dresses in her favorite colors: black and white . . . and just happens to walk with a waddle.

One year on her birthday,  her brother sends her a penguin from the Galapagos Islands.  Then her sister sends her two penguins from Argentina.  The newspaper prints a story about her, and soon people begin sending her orphaned penguins from all over the southern hemisphere of the world.  Eventually, more and more penguins begin to appear at her doorstep as the numbers increase progressively up to ten. 

This amusing book, with fanciful illustrations, will allure and entertain, while offering educational opportunities to compare and contrast, count, and learn about geographical regions of the world. 

The Penguin Lady  comes highly recommended and 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.

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Gopher to the Rescue - Recommended as an Educational Aid

Gopher to the Rescue  A Volcano Recovery Story, written by Terry Catasus Jennings and illustrated by Laurie O'Keefe, is a picture-book depicting the story of wildlife creatures on a mountain range which are affected by a volcano that destroys their habitat.  Gopher, protected by his underground tunnels, is unharmed from the blast of the volcanic explosion.  Meanwhile other animals run to save themselves from the fall-out while others are injured or killed.  Afterward most of the animals stay away because there is no longer enough food available for them to survive.

But gopher still finds tasty bulbs and roots to eat.  As he burrows through his tunnels, he transports seeds and churns the soil, making the ground fertile and helping to propagate new life.  The few remaining creatures . . . mice, ants, beetles and pollywogs are joined by other creatures who are able to return and survive in the desolate conditions.  Months and then years pass before many of the wildlife animals are able to fully return.

Gopher to the Rescue is an educational book full of interesting details about habitat revitalization in the aftermath of traumatic volcanic activity.  Scientists spent years studying life as it slowly returned to a liveable state following the affects of the volcano eruption at Mt. St. Helens in 1980.  This fictionalized story is based upon their research of the recovery of a volcanic region.

Gopher to the Rescue is a valuable teaching tool for children.  Readers may visit the publisher's website for further educational opportunities related to the topic of volcano recovery.  We recommend this book as a learning guide and as an aide in classroom settings.  Gopher to the rescue has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

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The Great Divide, by Suzanne Slade, Highly Recommended

The Great Divide, by Suzanne Slade, is a clever little book full of lyrical rhymes and mathematical queries for young readers.  While teaching children the names for groups of various types of animals, this picture-book challenges youngsters to figure out the answers to simple division problems. 

Colorful and animated illustrations by Erin E. Hunter help set the stage for this captivating book which would make an excellent addition to any home or school library.

A fabulous array of online resources linked to this book include Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts! quizzes.

The Great Divide comes highly recommended and 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.

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Sea Turtle Summer, by Nancy Stewart, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Sea Turtle Summer is the story of two brave young girls who simply won't take 'no' for an answer when it comes to saving a clutch of young turtle eggs.  --After witnessing a turtle laying eggs on the beach, they rush to tell the ranger so no harm will come to the eggs.  Upon discovering that the ranger is out sick for the day, the girls take matters into their own hands.  Despite numerous obstacles, the girls insist upon helping ensure the safety of the eggs.  In the end, they are rewarded for their efforts when, months later, they have the opportunity to help guide the hatchlings safely to sea.

Sea Turtle Summer offers an inspiring message of empowerment while fostering a love for nature and wildlife.  Nancy Stewart, bestselling author of the Bella and Britt Beach Series children's books, has created another heartwarming tale of hope and determination which is sure to instill positive values in the minds of young readers.

Sea Turtle Summer 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.



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Terple Always Dream Bigger Earns our Seal of Approval

Look to the stars, then close your eyes.
Breathe in deep and realize...
If you wish enough and see it through,
That wish you wished will come true.
                                                 ~ Terple 

Terple Always Dream Bigger, written and illustrated by Richie Frieman, is a cleverly captivating bedtime storybook.  When Terple has trouble falling asleep, he finds a note tucked under his door with a message full of hopes and dreams for a wonderful life yet to come.  Comforting words of encouragement and fabulous quotable tidbits are found throughout this lovely book which is sure to be cherished by parents and children alike. 


Dreams are only as strong as those who dare to wish.
                                                     ~Terple

Terple Always Dream Bigger 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.



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The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng - A relevant message for young readers

The Year of the Book, by Andrea Cheng, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

The Year of the Book, by Andrea Cheng, is the story of a young girl, Anna Wang, who has a hard time accepting that she is different.  She is of Chinese descent and the daughter of a mother who cleans buildings and a father who manages a convenience store. Anna does her best to 'blend in' with the other kids in school.  When some of her schoolmates ask her what her mother does for a living, she tells them that she works in a high rise professional building downtown, leaving out the fact that she actually performs janitorial duties there.  Meanwhile, Anna finds a means of escape through the books she reads.  As she becomes more engrossed in her reading, she gradually pushes more and more people out of her life, including one of her closest friends.  As the story progresses, Anna learns that no-one seems to be judging her for her differences as much as she herself seems to; that in fact, others are intrigued by those things that make her unique.  Eventually, she learns to embrace her culture and while she still enjoys reading, she does not make her books a priority over her friendships and responsibilities. 

This is a valuable book with a relevant message for young readers. Recommended for 4th grade to middle-school level readers, The Year of the Book will speak to kids on the importance of respect for self and others. 


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Clara's Great War earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Clara's Great War earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Clara's Great War, written by Evelyn Rothstein and Illustrated by Elizabeth Uhlig, is a heartwarming children's chapter book with great historical significance.  In 1914 Clara was just eleven years old when her home in Kobrin (on the border of Poland and Russia) was occupied by German soldiers.  Her story, as written by author Evelyn Rothstein (Clara's daughter) nearly 100 years later, is written in first person narrative from Clara's perspective on how WWI affected her and her family first-hand.  Her story is both insightful and educational.  Children can glean a message of hope and perseverance as they learn how Clara and her family found the courage to survive in the midst of enemies who took up residence within their home.  Clara's Great War is part of a series written about the author's parents, Clara and Dave.

Clara's Great War 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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