Book Spotlight and Give Away - The Beat on Ruby's Street by Jenna Zark

Welcome to the blitz tour for The Beat on Ruby's Street by Jenna Zark! This is a middle grade novel and is now available for sale!

About the Book:
The last thing eleven-year-old Ruby Tabeata expected to happen on her way to a Jack Kerouac reading was to be hauled to the police station.

It’s 1958 and Ruby is the opposite of a 1950s stereotype: fierce, funny and strong willed, she is only just starting to chart her course in a family of Beat Generation artists in Greenwich Village. Ruby dreams of meeting famous poets while becoming one herself; instead, she’s accused of trying to steal fruit from a local vendor and is forced to live in a children’s home. As Ruby struggles to return to family and friends, she learns her only choice is to follow her heart.

Join Ruby’s journey as she finds unexpected friendships, the courage to rebel against unjust authority and the healing power of art in this inspiring middle-grade novel by Jenna Zark.

Goodreads 

About the Author:
Jenna Zark is a columnist, lyricist, playwright, and novelist. Her play A Body of Water was published by Dramatists Play Service and produced regionally after its debut at Circle Repertory Company in New York. Other plays were produced in the Twin Cities, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and St. Louis. As a former staff writer at Scholastic Choices magazine, Zark wrote extensively for middle school and junior high students. Columns, poetry, essays, and articles have been published in TC Jewfolk, Stoneboat literary magazine, Minnesota Bride and numerous other publications. Zark is also a member of a lyricist’s collective in the Twin Cities that performs at local cabarets. She’s still trying to figure out if it’s harder to write a play, a novel, or a song. To share your thoughts on that or to learn more, please visit jennazark.com.

Author Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Author Page | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway:

One (1) paperback copy of The Beat on Ruby's Street (US) and five (5) ebooks (INT)

Ends November 5th

Prizing is provided by the publisher, hosts are not responsible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Book Review and Givewaway - The Fox Forest Band by Lisa E. Lindman

Book Synopsis: 

How do you fight an evil wizard when your only weapon is your smarts?

A happy group of forest animals are stopped cold by a wizard's enchanted fog that whispers their greatest fears. The animals think they have to run away but a brave fox gives them a better idea. He shows them how to stand up for themselves and how to handle the problem at its source. The fox and his friends figure out how to handle the bully wizard—and have fun in the process!

On Amazon:  The Fox Forest Band

My Review:

The Fox Forest Band is a lovely picture book for young children.  Lovable woodland animals encounter a fog sent by a bullying wizard.  They find a way to beat the fog - and the bullying - by working together to form a band.

The story is told in rhyme, and it is clever and appealing.  It would make a great read aloud for preschool age children.

The animals' ingenuity will inspire young children who see them problem solving together, making music together, and discovering the power of friendship.  I loved the details, too, like:

"The mice formed shakers from nuts and seeds,
kazoos were made from river reeds.

Beavers found drums and fashioned flutes, and
others made guitars, cymbals and lutes."

The lovely illustrations by Chandra Wheeler add to the story's appeal.  Children will enjoy reading this book again and again!  Highly recommended for a home library or preschool classroom.

Author Bio:

Since she was a child, Lisa E. Lindman has been reading non-stop and writing magical stories. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, sweet daughter and their French bulldog, Sebastian. She spends her days running a small business, writing, frolicking with her toddler and reading just one more chapter...well, five more chapters. 

www.foxforestband.com

facebook.com/Ruebirdstories

Instagram.com/ruebirdstories

Twitter.com/ruebirdstories

Giveaway 
The winner will get a signed hardcover copy of The Fox Forest Band!  
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review, Author Interview and Giveaway: Kika the Upside-down Girl

Book Description:

Kika always seems to accomplish things differently than others and tends to get into trouble for it. She reminds us that choosing to be different is more than okay, and finding others to join in her upside down adventures makes her heart feel huge - especially when it involves somersaults, vaults, flips and kips! Join Kika, a girl who loves living upside down in a right side up world, on her unique journey to a fliptastic world! Kika reminds us that choosing to be different is more than okay, and finding others to join in her upside down adventures feels fliptastic - especially when it involves somersaults, vaults, flips and kips in the Gymnastics Emporium!

View from the Birdhouse Interviews Jessica Tudos:

1. Do you find any similarities in the practice of writing and the practice
of gymnastics?
I think the biggest similarity is the determination you need to stay focused and confident that your story, or your routine, will be focused.

2. What is the biggest message you would like to impart with this book?
That it is okay to feel different because in the end, kids can do anything
they want if they feel passion for it, have support and stay the course!

3. What is a typical writing day like for you?
There was never a typical day - it was all such a fluid and reactive
process. The story idea was clear to me from the start but the actual words and images were a longer process. As much as I planned ahead, I felt that my actual output was driven by my kickstarter campaign. Since I first self-published it via crowdfunding, that deadline is what made me want to finish it and make it great! I highly recommend a campaign to get things moving. To be successful you have to create what you want, how you want and on the timeline you need.

4. Who are your favorite authors?
I love to read Oliver Jeffers books, anything by Peter Reynolds and books illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi ("I'm Bored" and "Naked").

5. What will your next book about?
I am thinking about a sequel to Kika the Upside-Down Girl - Kika is older and has new adventures and challenges now that she has found what she loves - gymnastics. Her development includes learning from coaches, parental pressure, feeling different than other kids, balancing sport school and home life - that kind of thing, I am thinking though the kinds of things Kika would be exploring as a 12 year old - a whole new world! 

My Review:

Kika the Upside-Down Girl is an especially cute picture book for young children.  Children will love to "meet" Kika, a girl who has always enjoyed being upside down - even as a baby.  

Kika is happiest when being active and upside-down.  This makes her different, but she is a cheerful child who accepts that difference is okay.  However, she is even happier when she discovers the Gymnastics Emporium and meets other children who also love being upside down.  

This is a fun read for children with a great message.   It would be a great read aloud at home or in a classroom.  The writing is lively.  It is a picture book with a likable character, lots of action, and and a fast, fun-filled pace.  It is even more special because it is a book about gymnastics - written by an Olympic gymnast!

The illustrations are bright and colorful.  They really help to move the story along.  I especially love the illustrations when Kika imagines upside down adventures in the jungle, in space, underwater, and on a mountain.

This would be an especially fun book for a child who loves gymnastics.  It would be a great addition to a home or school library.   I recommend it highly!

Author's Bio:

Olympic gymnast turned author, motivational speaker and experiential educator Jessica Tudos (JessicaTudos.com) is on a mission to empower kids, youth and adults to develop the confidence and resiliency required to lead active, healthy and creative lives. In organizations around the world, Jessica empowers audiences through engaging stories, insights & reflections drawn from her upside down life, including her Olympic gymnastics adventures. Jessica is a sought after speaker, facilitator and professor in experiential education, physical literacy, leadership & elite sports.

Connect with Jessica: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Where to buy the book:

Amazon Chapters-Indigo Barnes & Noble

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Giveaway:

Win a copy of Kika the Upside-down Girl and a $20 Amazon Gift Card (Open to USA & Canada) Ends June 20

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a copy of this book from iRead Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. 

Daily Vintage - ABC Color Book - 1973 Old Store Stock

Today's Daily Vintage is a 1973 vintage coloring book.  The ABC Color Book was published by Whitman.  A few years ago I chanced upon some great old store stock (vintage items that had been in storage at a shop - never used).  This is one of several coloring books that I found - the others are also in my store.  This reminds me so much of coloring books I had as a child.  It's really cute!  Found at Birdhouse Books:  ABC Color Book.