Blog Tour Review-Amelia Fang Books 1 & 2 by Laura Ellen Anderson

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published: July 30, 2019

Genre: Children's Lit

Source: Print ARC

Rating:

Goodreads:

 Book 1

Book 2

Blurb:

From Book 1:

A GORGEOUSLY GOTHIC, WICKEDLY FUNNY NEW SERIES FROM WITCH WARS ILLUSTRATOR LAURA ELLEN ANDERSON

Welcome to the world of Nocturnia, where darkness reigns supreme, glitter is terrifying, and unicorns are the stuff of nightmares! Amelia Fang would much rather hang out with her pet pumpkin Squashy and her friends Florence the yeti (DON'T CALL HER BEAST!) and Grimaldi the reaper than dance at her parents' annual Barbaric Ball.

And when the King’s spoiled son Tangine captures Squashy, Amelia and her friends must escape the party to plan a daring rescue! In their race against time, they begin to realise things in Nocturnia may not be quite what they seem . . . 

Join Amelia on her very first adventure. She won't bite!

This gloriously ghostly new series from the creator of EVIL EMPEROR PENGUIN  is perfect for 7-9 year olds and fans of THE WORST WITCH and WITCH WARS. Amelia Fang is a modern Wednesday Addams - but much more loveable! 

Look out for Amelia's next adventure, AMELIA FANG AND THE UNICORN LORDS, coming soon! 

Amelia Fang is the biggest hearted vampiress you'll ever meet. In this adventure, she and her friends Florence the yeti (DON'T CALL HER BEAST), Grimaldi the Death and Prince Tangine (reformed spoiled sprout), along with her pet pumpkin Squashy, must brave the journey to the terrifying Kingdom of the Light to try to find Tangine's missing mother, Queen Fairyweather.

But with unicorns, fairies and angel-kittens lurking around every corner, who can they trust? And will they finally uncover the real villain keeping the kingdoms of Light and Dark as mortal enemies?

Join Amelia on her latest adventure. She won't bite!

Praise for Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball:

'Brilliantly imagined . . . laugh-out-loud funny' Sunday Express

'The perfect mixture of funny, foul and fearful' Metro

Review Book 1:

I had entirely too much fun reading Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball. The world Anderson created was as magical as it was imaginative. I loved the way the story took me completely away into the life of a young vampire girl who had human emotions like you and me. 

The story opens up with Amelia telling her mother that she doesn’t want to go to the ball her family hosts every single year. It’s boring and children aren’t allowed—with the exception of Amelia. That is until they get an the Kings response to the invitation stating he’s coming. It’s a huge deal since the king and his son haven’t been out of the palace in years!

The Prince, Tangine, will be going and Amelia couldn’t be happier. There’ll finally be someone for Amelia to be entertained with. That is until she actually MET Tangine. Such a ghastly and mean boy. He’s also a huge bully. He goes on to take the one thing Amelia truly loves—her pet pumpkin, Squashy. 

Now Amelia and her friends must go on a mission to save him. I can’t recommend this enough for those looking for a fun adventure set in a world that’s so much different than our own. Young readers and seasoned readers alike will doubt be enchanted as I was while reading this. The pictures are adorable as well. 

I’m not on to the next one!

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Review Book 2:

"Glitteropolis, the city where the sun never goes down and your dreams always come true...”

The second book of the Amelia Fang series starts off so well. And only gets better and better as the story goes on. This time, the gang is going on a quest to look for Tangine’s mama in the Kingdom of Light. Where all the creatures of the light live—you know, like bunnies and unicorns and all the like. I really enjoyed the way Anderson's mind works. The imagination she has and the world she has created is incredible.

Amelia has the coolest friends around and now they find themselves in a bit of a pickle. They need to figure stuff out fast before they remain in the Glitteropolis forever—nobody wants that. Then we meet unicorns which was cool. They met one named Fabio and I couldn’t help but picture a unicorn that looked like human Fabio, posing on a romance cover!

I loved Amelia and gang and hope that you start these books whether you have kids this age or are a kid yourselves! You won’t regret it. I can’t wait to see what Amelia is up to next. 

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

About the Author:

When she's not trying to take over the world or fighting sock-stealing monsters, Laura Ellen Anderson is a professional children's book author & illustrator, with an increasing addiction to coffee. She spends every waking hour creating and drawing, and would quite like to live on the moon when humans finally make it possible. Laura is the creator of EVIL EMPEROR PENGUIN and illustrator of WITCH WARS, as well as many other children’s books. AMELIA FANG is her first series as author-illustrator.

Blog Tour Review - Penelope March is Melting by Jeffrey Michael Ruby

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers 

Pub Date: November 14, 2017

Genre: Middle Grade

Source: Print ARC

Rating:

Goodreads

Blurb:
"A marvelous and magical debut!" --Pseudonymous Bosch, New York Times bestselling author of the Secret Series and the Bad Books.”

An icy-cold mystery adventure to warm your heart--perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library!

Something sinister has come to Glacier Cove, an icy-cold town that sits on top of an iceberg . Nothing bad ever happens here. Until now. And it's up to Penelope March to stop it.

Mmm-hmm, that Penelope--the bookworm who lives in the ramshackle house with her brother, Miles. The girl with the mom who--poof!--disappeared. The one everyone ignores . . . except strange Coral Wanamaker, a tiny thing with raven-black hair and a black coat.

When Penelope meets someone who seems to know secrets not only about Glacier Cove but about Penelope herself, she and Miles are pulled into an ancient mystery. Together, they'll face the coldest, cruelest enemy ever known. Looks like the girl who only reads about adventures is going to start living one.

Magic cookies! Volcanoes! Penguins! Sea monsters! And a girl hero with the strength and imagination to spring into action.

Review:
Penelope March is Melting is a highly creative and fun novel about a girl that lives in a city that’s made of ice. In this Ice World, called Glacier Cove, something bad is going to happen. Penelope is a born dreamer and reader; a character after my own heart. She wants to have an adventure like her beloved characters she reads about; saving the day and solving a mystery. It just so happens, her wish will come true. 

What I found so intriguing about the story was how the author made everything so interesting. I’ll say it again, this really was extremely creative and well written. It completely took me out of our world and into one that was both cold and magical. I love when books have the power to completely take me away. 

I completely and fully recommend this book to everyone! Especially those of you who are bookworms yourselves. The plot was unique, fresh, and one of a kind. Readers who enjoy books such as Lemony Snicket will definitely get a kick out of this. It has the whimsical magic that keeps you turning the pages. The kind of book that wants you to live and breathe it’s beautiful words. 

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an unbiased and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy:
Amazon
Amazon UK

About the Author:
JEFFREY MICHAEL RUBY (@dropkickjeffy) is the chief dining critic of Chicago magazine. He is the coauthor of Everybody Loves Pizza: The Deep Dish on America’s Favorite Food, and has also played college basketball in Ireland, assisted in an autopsy, and sumo wrestled in front of 20,000 people in New Jersey. He lives in Chicago with his wife and three children. Penelope March Is Melting is his first novel. Visit Jeffrey at jeffrubymedia.com and instagram.com/dropkickjeffy.

Adventures of Little Yaga and Her Friends by L.B.O'Milla Blog Tour ft. Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Adventures of Little Yaga and Her Friends

Written by L.B. O’Milla

Publisher's Synopsis: Little Yaga is a teenage forest dweller. She is unhappy because, unlike other foresters, she cannot howl or roar, and both of her legs are human-like. There have been rumors that Scraggard the Immortal, a powerful and ruthless Ruler of The Forest, is not exactly immortal. He is sustained on the energy of humans.

When he lures Ashley, a human teenager, into The Forest, Little Yaga, feeling sorry for this weird creature, helps her escape. Infuriated, Scraggard sends Little Yaga and her best friend Kikimra to the human town to bring Ashley back. The forest girls, stunned by technological “miracles” of humans, believe them to be as powerful as the Immortal himself. Unwillingly, Little Yaga and Kikimra become instrumental in Scraggard’s pursuit to recapture Ashley. Distressed by her disappearance, Ashley’s boyfriend and her brother manage to sneak into The Forest. Combining their efforts with Little Yaga and her forest friends, the teenagers embark on a perilous journey to rescue Ashley and save The Forest from Scraggard’s malevolent reign. As Little Yaga discovers the secrets of her forest home and her own origins, she comes into contact with creatures and settings straight out of Russian fables and mythology.

Available Here: http://amzn.to/2ssAwlt

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

L.B. O’Milla was born in Kiev, Ukraine, and loved to read and write from an early age. When she was 26 years old, she with her husband and daughter fled the country escaping the ethnic and religious persecution. She arrived to America as a refuge.

In the US, O’Milla graduated from NYU and worked as a physical therapist while raising her family, but she never gave up her love of writing. Having grown up in a family that exposed her to the arts, literature, and music, O’Milla enjoyed Russian folklore and its characters. 

She studied and mastered English, so that her first book could be written in the language of her new country. O’Milla’s novel, Adventures of Little Yaga and Her Friends, mixes Russian folklore with the American tech that her own children love.

In her spare time, O’Milla enjoys reading, writing, attending Metropolitan Opera performances and off Broadway shows, spending time with friends and family, and participating in outdoor activities. She lives in New Jersey. Now widowed, her biggest supporters are her children and her sister. O’Milla is at work on a sequel containing more adventures of Little Yaga.

Available Here:www.doverpublications.com/summerreading

OFFICIAL LINKS

Omilla.net: http://omilla.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OMilla2017/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OMilla2017

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34975757-adventures-of-little-yaga-and-her-friends

DISCLOSURE

Per FTC guidelines, you must clearly disclose partnership with The Children’s Book Review and L.B. O’Milla in both your blog post and all social shares.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win an autographed copy of  Adventures of Little Yaga and Her Friends, by L.B. O’Milla, and a $25 Visa gift card.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A copy of Adventures of Little Yaga and Her Friends, signed by L.B. O’Milla
• A $25 Visa gift card

Two (2) winners receive:

• A copy of Adventures of Little Yaga and Her Friends, signed by L.B. O’Milla

Giveaway begins September 9, 2017, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 9, 2017, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Giveaway open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older.

Prizes provided by Mila Svetnikov.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: NO ORDINARY LIFE by Susan Redfearn

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pub.Date: February 2, 2016

Genre: Adult Fiction

Source: Print ARC from publisher

Rating: 4.5 Stars

GOODREADS

 Blurb:
Suzanne Redfearn delivers another gripping page-turner in her latest novel, a story about a young mother's fight to protect her children from the dangerous world of Hollywood. Faye Martin never expected her husband to abandon her and her three children . . . or that she'd have to struggle every day to make ends meet. 

So when her four-year-old daughter is discovered through a YouTube video and offered a starring role on a television series, it seems like her prayers have been answered. But when the reality of their new life settles in, Faye realizes that fame and fortune don't come without a price. 

And in a world where everyone is an actor and every move is scrutinized by millions, it's impossible to know who to trust, and Faye finds herself utterly alone in her struggle to save her family. Emotionally riveting and insightful, NO ORDINARY LIFE is an unforgettable novel about the preciousness of childhood and the difficult choices a mother needs to make in order to protect this fragile time in her children's lives.

Review:

When I was younger, all I ever wanted to be was an actress on tv. As I got older I still wanted it, but it just wasn't my personality to be center of attention. So instead, I daydreamed about it and created a whole fictional world just for me. Well, none of my daydreaming could ever have come close to what working in the entertainment business is truly like. It's not as glamorous as one may think; its long, at times boring, and privacy is a word that has no meaning. 

What we, as normal everyday living people see is money, power, and beauty. Of course, that's what they want is to see. It's not like that. It's not like that at all. No Ordinary Life opened up my eyes and had me thinking about my own children. The whole time it had my anxiety up because it just wasn't as fabulous as I pictured it to be. It seemed darker, scary, and depressing. I only say depressing because it seems like a place where you can trust no one. Everyone is out for themselves. 

That's sad. The moment Faye's husband left his family behind, Faye has been struggling to makes ends meet. What was supposed to be a week on the road for his job, Sean just decided to never come back. It's been months with nothing from Sean, so Faye finally decides to do something about it. She moves away from what she and her kids call home, to go live with her mother in L.A. While Faye is looking for a job, Molly becomes a YouTube sensation when she's discovered singing and dancing; pretty much being cute as hell. 

The world instantly loved her. Soon, a top Hollywood agent contacts Faye in regards to the beautiful little Molly. There starts the beginning of things to come. Change. Money. New cars. Clothes. Things they never were able to afford before, it's all there's for the taking. But things aren't always what they seem. Faye starts seeing the not so glamorous side to Hollywood, her ex wants back in their lives, her oldest daughter Emily hates her, and her son Tom with his disorder. 

I enjoyed this story a lot. I think the author wrote realistically; not that I would know or anything, since I've never known anyone in the entertainment business. I can only go off documentaries I've watched and books I've read. And I think I'd really just like to stick to the Hollywood in my head. The one where everyone is nice and lives happily ever after. Ha! Just kidding. But I do thank the entertainment industry for keeping me, well, entertained. Regardless of what goes on behind the scenes, Hollywood does a great job of keeping us on our toes. 

There are a lot of things I disagree with. Things that I would have done differently if this happened to me and my family. Like Faye, I'm a single mother with three kids. I say single only because my husband isn't around right now. Anyways, I thought about my holster an awful lot while reading. I don't have favorites, cause that's just wrong, but if any of my children had that "star" power, it would be my middle child. 

She's very outgoing, always smiling, very funny; she's only two. Not only that but she doesn't look like me or my other two kids - she's a blonde, curly Shirley Temple type. My son, is too shy and my youngest, well, she's just very serious and cautious. I can't ever see her wanting to be in front of a camera entertaining the masses. Back to my point - if my two year old crazy, funny girl, were to somehow get "discovered", i just don't know what I would do. 

Would I be selfish if I said no? Would I be selfish if I said yes? Faye made a decision for her family that best suited them. But me? I just would be able to do that to my kids. I want to take the time to personally thank the publishers for providing me with an early copy to read and review. With eyes opened wide, I'll never look at a tv show or movie the same way again. A lot of hard work goes into it! Overall, I totally recommend this thought provoking, serious read. It's intelligent, enlightening, and entertaining all at the same time. 

*Review copy given for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. When I was younger, all I ever wanted to be was an actress on tv. As I got older I still wanted it, but it just wasn't my personality to be center of attention. So instead, I daydreamed about it and created a whole fictional world just for me. Well, none of my daydreaming could ever have come close to what working in the entertainment business is truly like. It's not as glamorous as one may think; its long, at times boring, and privacy is a word that has no meaning. 

What we, as normal everyday living people see is money, power, and beauty. Of course, that's what they want is to see. It's not like that. It's not like that at all. No Ordinary Life opened up my eyes and had me thinking about my own children. The whole time it had my anxiety up because it just wasn't as fabulous as I pictured it to be. It seemed darker, scary, and depressing. I only say depressing because it seems like a place where you can trust no one. Everyone is out for themselves. 

That's sad. The moment Faye's husband left his family behind, Faye has been struggling to makes ends meet. What was supposed to be a week on the road for his job, Sean just decided to never come back. It's been months with nothing from Sean, so Faye finally decides to do something about it. She moves away from what she and her kids call home, to go live with her mother in L.A. While Faye is looking for a job, Molly becomes a YouTube sensation when she's discovered singing and dancing; pretty much being cute as hell. 

The world instantly loved her. Soon, a top Hollywood agent contacts Faye in regards to the beautiful little Molly. There starts the beginning of things to come. Change. Money. New cars. Clothes. Things they never were able to afford before, it's all there's for the taking. But things aren't always what they seem. Faye starts seeing the not so glamorous side to Hollywood, her ex wants back in their lives, her oldest daughter Emily hates her, and her son Tom with his disorder. 

I enjoyed this story a lot. I think the author wrote realistically; not that I would know or anything, since I've never known anyone in the entertainment business. I can only go off documentaries I've watched and books I've read. And I think I'd really just like to stick to the Hollywood in my head. The one where everyone is nice and lives happily ever after. Ha! Just kidding. But I do thank the entertainment industry for keeping me, well, entertained. Regardless of what goes on behind the scenes, Hollywood does a great job of keeping us on our toes. 

There are a lot of things I disagree with. Things that I would have done differently if this happened to me and my family. Like Faye, I'm a single mother with three kids. I say single only because my husband isn't around right now. Anyways, I thought about my holster an awful lot while reading. I don't have favorites, cause that's just wrong, but if any of my children had that "star" power, it would be my middle child. 

She's very outgoing, always smiling, very funny; she's only two. Not only that but she doesn't look like me or my other two kids - she's a blonde, curly Shirley Temple type. My son, is too shy and my youngest, well, she's just very serious and cautious. I can't ever see her wanting to be in front of a camera entertaining the masses. Back to my point - if my two year old crazy, funny girl, were to somehow get "discovered", i just don't know what I would do. 

Would I be selfish if I said no? Would I be selfish if I said yes? Faye made a decision for her family that best suited them. But me? I just would be able to do that to my kids. I want to take the time to personally thank the publishers for providing me with an early copy to read and review. With eyes opened wide, I'll never look at a tv show or movie the same way again. A lot of hard work goes into it! Overall, I totally recommend this thought provoking, serious read. It's intelligent, enlightening, and entertaining all at the same time. 

*Review copy given for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

Buy the Book!

Amazon

Amazon UK

 

About the Author: 

Born and raised on the east coast, Suzanne moved to California when she was fifteen. She currently lives in Laguna Beach with her husband, their two kids, a Cockapoo named Cooper, and a cat named Martha. They own a restaurant in town called Lumberyard, (LBLumberyard.com).

Prior to becoming an author, Suzanne was an architect specializing in residential and commercial design.

 

Website

http://www.suzanneredfearn.com/index.html

Twitter

Suzanne Redfearn

 

Review: The Sleepwalker Tonic (Nightmares!, #2) by Jason Segel & KirstenMiller

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Pub. Date: September 8, 2015

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Source: Print ARC

Rating: 5 Stars

GOODREADS

Blurb:
Nightmares! The Sleepwalker Tonic is the sequel to the hilariously scary New York Times bestselling novel Nightmares! by multitalented actor Jason Segel and bestselling author Kirsten Miller. You thought the nightmares were over? You better keep the lights on!

Charlie Laird has a dream life.

1) He has a weirdo stepmom who runs an herbarium.
2) He lives in a purple mansion with a portal to the Netherworld.
3) Since they escaped from the Netherworld, he and his best friends have been sleeping like babies.

But Charlie can’t shake the feeling that something strange is afoot. Charlotte’s herbarium used to be one of the busiest stores in Cypress Creek. Now her loyal following is heading to Orville Falls for their herbal potions.
Weirder, though, Orville Falls is suddenly filled with . . . zombies? At least, they sure look like the walking dead. Rumor has it that no one’s sleeping in Orville Falls. And Charlie knows what that means.

Things are getting freaky again.

Praise for Nightmares!, book one

A New York Times bestseller

"Charlie Laird, who learns fear will eat you alive if you feed it, makes an impression, and...readers will want to accompany him again."— The New York Times Book Review

"A touching comical saga...about facing things that go bump in the night."— US Weekly "Coraline meets Monsters, Inc. in this delightfully entertaining offering from actor [Jason] Segel and co-author [Kirsten] Miller."— Publishers Weekly

"[Nightmares!] succeeds at scaring and amusing in equal measure...[It's] sweet, charming, and imaginative."— Kirkus Reviews

"Segel...and Miller build an entertaining, cartoony world full of scary (but not too scary) monsters, silly jokes, plucky kid heroes...with a promise of adventures to come."— Booklist

"An engaging and creative story...woven with a generous amount [of] humor."— VOYA

"There's humor and a fairly high ick-factor."— School Library Journal

"Cleverly crafted...This novel presents just the right mix of 'scary and humorous.'"— ILA Literacy Daily

 Review:
I don't think there's anything in the world Jason Segel can't do. Not only is he is one of my favorite shows of all time, he's written a book that borders on a hilarious version of Goosebumps. Minus all the cheesiness. After the first book, Nightmares!, Charlie has officially faced his fears after being thrown into (technically he walked into...) the Netherworld. What I loved about this book was the fact that it had "zombies". And who in their right mind doesn't love a good zombie book? Especially when it's written in a clever and funny way. 

People in the town over, Orville Falls, are having trouble sleeping. In turn they start taking a sleep tonic that doesn't really put them to sleep... Instead, they turn into mindless zombies. Sounds like a job for Charlie, his little brother Jack and their stepmother. They must find a cure and they need to find it fast. Will the family be able to do what they need to do in order to save the day (night)? I had so much fun diving deep into Charlie's world again. It's been awhile since I've been able to go into a book and completely immerse myself in the exciting, fun, and "scary" story that I never wanted to end. 

Overall, The Sleepwalker Tonic is definitely a book every child and grown-up alike should read. Jack and the gang prove to be just as fun as they were in the first book, if not more in this one. Also, I have to make note again on the illustrations. They're absolutely fabulous. I love being able to have visuals throughout the book; it makes it all the more magical. Parents, don't pass up these books to read with your children. It will have you both laughing as you follow Charlie on his amazing journey!

*Thank you to the author for providing a coy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy Links:

AMAZON

AMAZON UK

 GOODREADS

Blurb:

The hilariously frightening, middle-grade novel Nightmares! is the first book in a trilogy about a boy named Charlie and a group of kids who must face their fears to save their town.

Sleeping has never been so scary. And now waking up is even worse!

Charlie Laird has several problems.

1. His dad married a woman he is sure moonlights as a witch.
2. He had to move into her purple mansion, which is NOT a place you want to find yourself after dark.
3.He can’t remember the last time sleeping wasn’t a nightmarish prospect. Like even a nap.

What Charlie doesn’t know is that his problems are about to get a whole lot more real. Nightmares can ruin a good night’s sleep, but when they start slipping out of your dreams and into the waking world—that’s a line that should never be crossed.

And when your worst nightmares start to come true . . . well, that’s something only Charlie can face. And he’s going to need all the help he can get, or it might just be lights-out for Charlie Laird. For good.


My Thoughts:
I shouldn't have feared not liking this. The book pretty much had me at JASON SEGEL. The book was very engaging and I believe children of all ages (even adults) will enjoy the fun and "spooky" tale of a boy whose nightmares turn to reality. Everyone has them; in fact, I had one just last night. But unlike our dear boy Charlie, mine don't scare me as much. 


Charlie's nightmares stem from a haunted old house and his wicked step-monster, also known as is step-mom. See, Charlie thinks she might be a witch that may or may not (unlikely) be out to get him. Soon, Charlie makes it to the Netherworld, where his brother has been taken by an evil witch. In this little "nightmare" world, all scary things are possible and getting out is proving to be very hard indeed. If he doesn't make it out in time, he could die. Yes, you read that right, die. Because in the Netherworld, sleeping children usually go there while asleep. Nothing can truly hurt them when they are in the dream state, even if everything feels real. Charlie on the other hand, goes in there while not asleep.


See how that could be a problem?

The reader is taken on a magical ride as Charlie tries to overcome his fears and save his baby brother. Along the way, we meet some amazing characters. Overall, I think that this will be a great family story to read aloud. The illustrations are simply wonderful, the writing is...wow, just like a movie in my head. I could totally see this as a blockbuster hit.If you're looking for a story that;s entertaining and funny, make sure you pick this one up!

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 Stars

Buy Links:

AMAZON

AMAZON UK

About the Authors:
Jason Segel- New York Times bestselling author Jason Segel used to have nightmares just like Charlie, and just like Charlie, he's learned that the things we're most afraid of are the things that can make us strong...if we're brave enough to face them. Jason likes acting, writing, making music, and hanging out with his friends. Sometimes he writes movies. Sometimes he writes songs for movies. Sometimes he stars in those movies and sings those songs. You might know him from The Muppets and Despicable Me. Your parents might know him from other stuff. Nightmares! is his first novel.

Kirsten Miller-  
I'm the author of the Kiki Strike book series (All Ages) and the Eternal Ones book series (Ages 13+). My latest novels are How to Lead a Life of Crime (Razorbill, 2/2013) and Kiki #3 The Darkness Dwellers (Bloomsbury, 1/2013). 
http://www.kirstenmillerbooks.com

About the Illustrator:

My name is Karl Kwasny. I draw pictures for a living. I'm Australian, but I currently live in Brooklyn, NY.

I am represented in Australia by the Jacky Winter Group.
For commission enquiries, please contact:

The Jacky Winter Group
email: info@jackywinter.com
TUMBLR

Blog Tour Review + Giveaway: MAX THE BRAVE by Ed Vere

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Pub. Date: September 8, 2015

Genre: Childrens

Source: Print ARC

Rating: 5 Stars

GOODREADS

Blurb:
Max the Brave is a brilliant new picture book from Ed Vere. This is Max. Max the Brave, Max the Fearless, Max the Mouse-catcher...But, in order to be a Mouse-catcher, Max needs to know what a mouse is, so off he goes to find out. This hilarious new picture book from the phenomenally-talented Ed Vere introduces a new and lovable character, with Ed's trademark bold illustrations and clever story.

“A cat-and-mouse game to be laughed at and reread.” – Kirkus

“Full of playful humor...enhanced by the humorous text, character expressions, and a not-scary monster to boot. Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal

“Both the punchy text and illustrations command attention, and plenty of readers will get a kick out of feeling superior to Max.” – Publishers Weekly

 Review:
My children were quite excited when this book came in the mail. Not only did we receive the book but we also got a cape and a sticker! To say my family was thrilled is an understatement. Max the Brave is a hilariously cute story about a cat who wants to catch a mouse. That would be too easy, if only he knew what a mouse was! 

We follow his journey as he tries to find out what exactly a mouse looks like. I thought the art work was beautiful in a simplistic way. It's reminiscent of "Are You My Mother?" and that was one of my favorites as a child. I liked being able to to follow Max on his quest along with my children. Who, I might add, fell in love with the story.

I highly recommend investing in this adorable book for children. It can be a family affair.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author:
Other Ed Vere titles to look out for: Banana; Bedtime for Monsters; Mr. Big; The Getaway Ed Vere studied fine art at Camberwell College of Art and has been writing and illustrating children's books since 1999. He is published in both England and the US. Ed is also a painter, working from his studio in east London and is represented by galleries in London and Los Angeles. After a year and a half living in Barcelona, Ed now lives and works in London.

Buy Links: 

Amazon

Amazon UK

Social Media:

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuNbrpUVunE

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Review: NIGHTBORN (Thrones & Bones, #2) by Lou Anders

Publisher: Crown Books

Published: July 14, 2015

Genre: fantasy, middle grade

Source: Print Arc

Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1NYKtZ0

Blurb:
From the author of Frostborn comes Book 2 in the acclaimed Thrones and Bones fantasy-adventure trilogy for fans of Lloyd Alexander and Brandon Mull.
 
Karn Korlundsson is a gamer. Not a riddle solver. But in order to rescue his best friend, Thianna Frostborn, he will need to travel to the faraway city of Castlebriar (by wyvern), learn how to play a new board game called Charioteers (not a problem), decipher the Riddle of the Horn, and tangle with mysterious elves.
 
Meet Desstra. She’s in training to join the Underhand—the elite agents of the dark elves. When she crosses paths with Karn, she is not all that she appears to be.
 
Everyone is chasing after the horn of Osius, an ancient artifact with the power to change the world. The lengths to which Karn will go in the name of friendship will be sorely tested. Who knew that solving a riddle could be so deadly?

The novel includes instructions for playing the board game Charioteers. Visit ThronesandBones.com for additional games, maps, character profiles, and more!


Praise for Nightborn :

"Anders presents a captivating world." –Kirkus Reviews 

"[A]n adventure story with good pacing, well-drawn characters, and engaging action scenes." –Booklist

Praise for Frostborn: 
“Future fans of Tolkien and George R. R. Martin can happily cut their serial-fantasy teeth on this first book of an eventual series.” –Kirkus Reviews 

“A fun, fast-paced, and highly enjoyable tale.” –Garth Nix, bestselling author of the Abhorsen trilogy

“A powerful, fast-paced tale. . . . The setting is rich, the characters well-defined, and the danger ever-paramount.” –Publishers Weekly, Starred

“An excellent choice for readers new to the genre. The themes of staying true to oneself, teamwork, and individuality will resonate with readers.” –School Library Journal

“The most delightful fantasy I have read in ages. . . . Put me on the waiting list for book 2!” –Amy Plum, international bestselling author of the Die For Me series

Review:

Fun, fun, fun! Nightborn is the second book in the Thrones & Bones series. It's a highly enjoyable ride full of wild adventures and a fast-paced plot. We are introduced to characters new and old; how can we have a book without Thianna? She's awesome...and her story arc in this is well...she disappears after being sent on quest by Orm. Karn has already been given a mission to find the second horn that controls dragons. Of course, since Karn and Thianna are friends, he'd rather go in search of his friend. Makes total sense!

What kind of story would it be without some added drama to keep you at the edge of your seat? There's another who is searching for the horn as well. Whoever may it be, you ask? None other than a dark elf that goes by the name, Desstra. To make the drama even more nail biting, she has to befriend Karn in order to come out on top and finish the mission she was set out to do. Only one problem...she actually likes Karn and does consider him a friend. 

Overall, I adored these books and I hope that you (and family & friends) take a chance on the wonderful story. It would be a great way to bond with your children or of your just a plain old fantasy fan, I highly recommend. The book is full of imagination that will take you away from the world you're living in. And isn't that what everyone wants anyways? To be able to escape? Look no further! If you're just tuning in and haven't read the first book, please go get that one as well. You'll get to meet these beloved characters.  

*Thank you to Penquin Random House for providing me with a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy Link-

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1LWiWZc

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/1LWj0Ij

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1LWjsWY

Blurb:

Meet Karn. He is destined to take over the family farm in Norrøngard. His only problem? He’d rather be playing the board game Thrones and Bones.

Enter Thianna. Half human, half frost giantess. She’s too tall to blend in with other humans but too short to be taken seriously as a giant.

When family intrigues force Karn and Thianna to flee into the wilderness, they have to keep their sense of humor and their wits about them. But survival can be challenging when you’re being chased by a 1,500-year-old dragon, Helltoppr the undead warrior and his undead minions, an evil uncle, wyverns, and an assortment of trolls and giants.

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1LWjdeF

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/1LWjka5

About the Author-

Lou Anders's research on Norse mythology while writing Frostborn turned into a love affair with Viking culture and a first visit to Norway. He hopes the series will appeal to boys and girls equally. Anders is the recipient of a Hugo Award for editing and a Chesley Award for art direction. He has published over 500 articles and stories on science fiction and fantasy television and literature. Frostborn, which Publishers Weekly described as “thoroughly enjoyable” (starred review), is his first middle grade novel. A prolific speaker, Anders regularly attends writing conventions around the country. He and his family reside in Birmingham, Alabama. You can visit Anders online at louanders.com and ThronesandBones.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter at @ThronesandBones.