The Mysterious Mandolin Earns the CLC Seal of Approval

The Mysterious Mandolin, by Aneta Cruz,  is the enchanting tale of Rosalynn, a beautiful young orphan girl raised by her stepmother Dethdemona who is an evil witch.   Dethdemona, intent upon seeking revenge for her sister's death, devises a plan involving Rosalynn and the king.  With all the elements of classic storytelling, Cruz has crafted a hauntingly beautiful tale in which intrigue and suspense abound.

This book comes highly recommended 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

First Fire earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

First Fire, by Nancy Kelly Allen, is the retelling of a Cherokee folktale recounting the mythical events that unfold as a variety of creatures attempt to capture fire.  When a bolt of lightning strikes a sycamore tree on a nearby island, the animals decide they needed fire for themselves.  These animals, whose unique characteristics are developed as a result of their encounter with the elusive fire, endure a number of trials as each, one at a time, attempts to retrieve a burning ember.

Author, Nancy Kelly Allen, has taken a timeless folktale and given it wings in this lovely retelling of the first fire encountered by the creatures of this land.  Illustrations by Sherry Rogers are vividly depicted and offer vibrant and expressive renderings of this classic tale.

First Fire comes highly recommended to classrooms, home and school libraries and for gift giving.  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

The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall earns the CLC Seal of Approval

The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall is the story of Plink, a young raindrop who dreams of falling from the sky to water the flowers, and even someday to become part of a beautiful rainbow. But sadly, no matter how hard she tries, she just can't seem to fall from the clouds.  Finally, she goes to her grandmother who helps her understand that when the time is right, she will be able to achieve her dreams.

Author Kirsti Call has crafted a heartwarming story that will appeal to youngsters who all can relate to wanting to do something that is challenging.  She touches on the frustrations kids feel, along with the joy of finally achieving one's goals.  Illustrations by Lisa M. Griffin are expressive and delightfully charming.

Side notes on the science of rain are a nice addition to this book which also includes a glossary and projects in the back.  This is a book young children will want to read again and again.

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

Morton Munson Built a Mansion earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Morton Munson Built a Mansion is an unexpected children's picture book with random quips and whimsical characters.   Comical and incredibly creative illustrations are the highlight of this book, but when paired with author Jeff Busch's wonderfully unpredictable witticisms, this book makes for a lighthearted read that will entertain youngsters including those with short attention spans.

An excellent book for reluctant readers, Morton Munson Built a Mansion is an early readers' delight.

This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

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

The Magician's Doll, by M.L. Roble, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Having a psychic for a mother is not really something twelve year old Natalie wishes to advertise.  The neighbor ruffians tease her, and close friends are few and far between.  As uncomfortable as Natalie is with her mother’s unconventional behavior, it’s only natural that she would find it vexing when she begins “seeing” things herself.

Natalie’s life takes an interesting turn when Phillip, the shy neighbor boy, starts hanging around.  When they find themselves at a magician’s performance at the circus, Natalie and Phillip get the opportunity to go on stage to assist the magician in his show.  Natalie meets the magician’s doll and is drawn into a powerful world of magic and mystery.  She quickly learns that she has abilities she never imagined were possible.  Natalie resists her special powers, but Phillip wants to put them to use for their benefit and he pushes her to experiment and try new ways to exploit her gifts.

Author, M.L. Roble has created a well written and suspenseful mystery in The Magician’s Doll.  This unique story-line captures the reader, as well-developed characters become embroiled in a battle between good and evil.  Lots of unique plot twists, interspersed with a bit of  humor, help make this book an exciting and engaging read.  Subtle references to life messages that teach positive values to young readers are an added bonus to this book which comes highly recommended.


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

And you thought writing your book would be the hard part

Ever feel like resorting to this technique to try and sell your books?  Well you've got to appreciate these authors' sense of humor.  But seriously... do you remember when you believed writing your book was going to be your greatest challenge?  We've all lived in the fantasy world of what it might be like to have your book published... it usually includes a leisurely lifestyle where we sit back and wait for our royalty checks to come rolling in.  As authors, we've all had that dream.  But the reality is that even if you write your book and get it published, there's still the never-ending challenge of getting your books into the hands of readers.

It's a proven fact that a book award from a credible organization is one of the greatest endorsements your book can receive.  And award seals open doors to schools, libraries, bookstores, speaking engagements and more.

So you can scrounge up a cardboard box and a sharpie, or you can check out the Literary Classics Book Awards website to take the first step towards earning recognition for your book.  - You choose.  Either way, keep on doing what you love!

The CLC Team


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

If Chocolate Were Purple earns the CLC Seal of Approval

Author Jen Barton explores a nonsensical world in which chocolate is purple and bananas glow in the dark. Written in lyrical rhyme with fantastically imaginative scenarios, children are transported to a land of endless possibilities.  Highly expressive and colorful illustrations are perfectly paired with this book.  The most lovely ending to this enchanting read makes a point very clear:  one thing is certain - little ones can count on your love. 

If Chocolate Were Purple is everything a children's picture book should be, all wrapped up in a perfect little bow.  If chocolate were purple... what a magical place this world would be. 

This book comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


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

Literary Classics Announces Youth Media Top Book Winners

SOUTH DAKOTA - Literary Classics announced its 2013 selection of top books for children and young adults today.  Award recipients were selected from entries received from around the globe.  The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children’s and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2013 recipients follows:

TOP HONORS BOOK AWARDS:

Enchanted Page Book Award  -  Quinn’s Search for the Samurai,  by Gene and Iris Rotberg, illustrated by Bryn Barnard  - Tower View Press

Eloquent Quill Book Award  -  Finding My Place,  by Margo L. Dill - White Mane Kids

Lumen Award  -  Eagle of Delight, by Dr. Jean A. Lukesh - Field Mouse Productions

BEST IN CATEGORY:

Best Illustrator  -  Quinn’s Search for the Samurai, illustrated by Bryn Barnard, written by Gene and Iris Rotberg - Tower View Press

Best First Picture Book  -  Bink and Slinky’s Ark Adventure, by Donna Arlynn Frisinger, illustrated by Monica Gutierrez - Standard Publishing

Best First Chapter Book  -  About a Farm, by Marc Kuhn, illustrated by Lynda Mangoro - CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Best First Novel  -  Living with Your Past Selves, by Bill Hiatt - CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Best Series  -  The Bella & Harry Book Series, by Lisa Manzione, illustrated by Kristine Lucco  - Bella and Harry, LLC

PRESCHOOL/EARLY READER:

Picture Book Preschooler - ​Gold,  Over in the Forest Come and Take a Peek, Marianne Berkes - Dawn Publications

Picture Book Preschooler - Silver, Little Isaac’s Big Adventure, by Tracy Schuldt Helixon, illustrated by Jack Foster - Guardian Angel Publishing

Picture Book Early Reader - Gold, Quinn’s Search for the Samurai, by Gene and Iris Rotberg, illustrated by Bryn Barnard - Tower View Press

Picture Book Early Reader - Silver, Greet the Dawn, written and illustrated by S.D. Nelson - S.D. State Historical Soc. Press

General Early Reader - Gold, Deputy Dorkface. How Mannerland Got its Manners Back, by Kevin D. Janison, illustrated by Eldon Doty  - Stephens Press

General Early Reader - Silver,  Noisy Bug Sing-Along, by John Himmelman - Dawn Publications

Educational Early Reader - Gold, What’s in the Garden, by Marianne Berkes, illustrated by Cris Arbo - Dawn Publications

Educational Early Reader - Silver, Nature’s Patchwork Quilt, by Mary Michè, illustrated by Consie Powell - Dawn Publications

Environmental Issues Early Reader - Gold, Nature Recycles, How About You?  by Michelle Lord - Sylvan Dell Publishing

Environmental Issues - Silver, Fairminded Fran, and the Three Small Black Community Cats, by Linda Elder, illustrated by Kathy Abney - ​Foundation for Critical Thinking

PRE-TEEN / TWEEN

Fantasy Pre-teen  -  Gold, The Wicked Passage, N.M. Singel - Mitchell Morris Publishing

Fantasy Pre-teen - Silver, Loogie the Booger Genie, by N.E. Castle - N.E. Castle

Historical Fiction Pre-teen - Gold, Dear Frank: Babe Ruth, The Red Sox, and the Great War, by W. Nikola-Lisa - Gyroscope Books

Historical Fiction Pre-teen - Silver,  Woody’s World, by E. Renee Heiss - Character Publishing

Historical Nonfiction Pre-teen  -  Gold, Eagle of Delight, by Dr. Jean A. Lukesh - Field Mouse Productions

Historical Nonfiction Pre-teen  -   Silver, Evelyn and the Two Evas, by Evelyn Rothstein - Marble House Editions

Nonfiction Pre-teen  -  Gold, Bullies, Cyberbullies and Frenemies, by Michele Elliott - Wayland

Nonfiction Pre-teen  -  Silver, Katrina and Winter, Partners in Courage, by Nancy Stewart - Guardian Angel Publishing

YOUNG ADULT

Fantasy Fiction Young Adult  -  Gold, Owlet, by Emma Michaels - Tribute Books

Fantasy Fiction Young Adult - Silver, Living with Your Past Selves, by Bill Hiatt - CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Fiction Young Adult   -  Gold, The Trial of Misella Cross, by Catherine Witek - Sky Parlor Press

Fiction Young Adult - Silver, Life on Hold, by Beverly Stowe McClure - 4 RV Publishing LLC

Nonfiction Young Adult   -   Gold, Have Fun & Get It Done, by Jenée Dana - My Focus Book, LLC

Nonfiction Young Adult  -  Silver, The Grief Recovery Kit, by Tanya Kilgore - Aepisaurus Publishing, LLC

Faith Based Young Adult  -  Gold, The School of Ministry: The Windgate, by Braxton A Cosby - Keith Publications

Faith Based Young Adult  -  Silver, Love the Wounded, by Lynn Dove - Word Alive Press

SPECIAL INTEREST

Historical Non-Fiction  -  Gold, Windjamming to China, by Gustave Tjgaard - Strategic Book Group

Inspirational / Motivational   -  Gold, The Modern Man, Cristiane Serruya - CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Faith Based   -  Gold, Bink and Slinky’s Ark Adventure, by Donna Arlynn Frisinger, illustrated by Monica Gutierrez - Standard Publishing

Environmental Issues  -  Gold, Arlene the Rebel Queen, by Carol Liu, with Marybeth Caldarone - Emerald Book Company

Health and Well Being  -  Gold, Jack Teaches his Friends..., by Sally Berenzweig MEd, MA & Cherie Benjoseph LCSW, illustrated by Lilah Cohen - Kidsafe Foundation

Male Audience  -  Gold, Dear Frank, Babe Ruth, the Red Sox and the Great War, by W. Nikola-Lisa - Gyroscope Books

Female Audience  - Gold, Molly the Mermaid, written and illustrated by Cari Lyn - Lapis Moon Publishing

Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.  Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics’ highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee consists of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing.   To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at www.literaryclassicsawards.com.

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