Zombie Zoo Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by The Children's Book Review. I received a copy of the book to facilitate my review and/or a promotional giveaway item. All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Zombie Zoo: Adventures in Tub (Felix & Ninja, Book 1)
Written by Melanie Abed | Illustrated by Hisham Abed
Ages: 9–13 | 244 Pages | Publisher: Oculus Print (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9952813-0-6

Thirteen-year-old Felix Fizzystyxx is an aspiring naturalist who observes the world from his hidden tree fort at Wayward Amok Orphanage. When he witnesses glowing green goo and strange behavior in the orphanage, his life as a quiet observer ends. He partners with Ninja, an intense, shadow-dwelling orphan who trusts her instincts and operates alone, to investigate. Together they discover that the orphans — and soon the entire town of Spinachi on the island of Tub — are turning into wood-eating zombies controlled by a hive mind.

With the help of their eccentric mentor Doc Brunne, Felix and Ninja trace the cause to Noctiluna, rare bioluminescent organisms deliberately introduced into the town's water supply, and race to find a cure before the whole town — including Doc himself — is lost to the transformation. Zombie Zoo kicks off the Adventures in Tub series with a debut story guaranteed to keep readers turning the pages.

Available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Abed is a behavioral expert turned story weaver. She believes dragons are real but hiding, and finds thunderstorms equally delightful and terrifying. A tea-loving bookworm, she champions young minds and writes to help kids discover their superpowers are real.

Website: www.melanieabed.com | Instagram: @bymelanieabed


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Emmy-winning director Hisham Abed has established himself as a visionary creative force in television, directing commercially successful shows including Netflix's Queer Eye and Disney's High School Musical, and shaping the visual aesthetic of MTV's Laguna Beach and The Hills. Beyond his directorial achievements, Hisham Abed is an accomplished illustrator whose detailed artwork brings imagination and style to every project he touches.

Website: www.hishamabed.com


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story? 

Melanie Abed - A Confession Before We Begin  - I'm going to tell you something most readers won't figure out for a while. ZOMBIE ZOO isn't just a book. It isn't just the first in a five-book series either. It's the origin story of an entirely different series I've been building for years. Think of those Russian nesting dolls — the ones that stack inside each other, each one hiding a smaller one within. That's what I'm quietly doing here.

And the honest answer to "where did this all start?" A writing exercise. Tub — the island where all of this takes place — is a character to me. An important one. So I started telling myself a fable about it. And then, halfway through, a fable within that fable. That's how ZOMBIE ZOO began. No outline. No plan. Just discovery writing, which is exactly what it sounds like — you learn what the story is by writing it, one surprise at a time.

But underneath the discovery, there was already a backbone. Tub isn't just the setting for this book. It's part of the bigger series I've been building for years — the one hiding inside the nesting doll.

So while readers meet Felix Fizzystyxx crouched in a pantry cataloging a puddle of glowing green goo, they're actually stepping into the very first layer of something much, much bigger. Felix and Ninja didn't just stumble onto an island. They stumbled onto the story I've been waiting to tell.

Shh. Don't tell anyone — it's more fun if they find out. But you have my permission to wink and nod. You're in on it too.

Life Is What It's Called - If you had to describe this story in 30 seconds in an elevator pitch, what would you say?

Melanie Abed -The Elevator Pitch (For When Someone Asks) - If I've got 30 seconds in an elevator, here's what I'd say: ZOMBIE ZOO is Amari and the Night Brothers meets The Last Kids on Earth—with a dash of Dread Wood. Two lonely orphans battle wood-devouring zombies and green goo in a fast-paced island mystery. It's for kids who love unlikely friendships, brave sleuths, and stories where a field guide becomes the sharpest weapon on the run. Then I'd probably lean in and add: Oh, and it's Book 1 of 5. And there's a bigger secret and adventure hiding underneath it all.

Elevator door opens. I disappear.

Life Is What It's Called - What will readers like most about this story?

Melanie Abed - What Readers Will Love Most (My Best Guess) - Honestly? I think it'll be the mystery. Kids who love figuring things out alongside the characters are going to have a field day with Felix and Ninja's two very different investigative styles.

But if you ask me what my favorite part is? It's the maps, the field guide, and the sleuthing!

Felix is an aspiring naturalist. He notes everything. He sketches everything. He maps everything. His obsession with cartography is one of the quiet threads that stitches the whole series together—and it's one of the parts I've had the most fun designing. Maps are storytelling, too. They just tell it sideways.

Life Is What It's Called -What line in this story is your favorite and why?

Melanie Abed - My Favorite Lines to Write - Nearly all of Ninja's lines make me laugh out loud. Her humor is exactly how my brain works—dry, clipped, no wasted words. When she looks Felix dead in the eye and delivers a one-liner, I'm not really writing her. I'm transcribing her. She just shows up and says the thing, and I try to keep up. Felix can be pretty funny too. He makes me laugh in a different way—his precise, over- analytical inner monologue is its own kind of comedy. But Ninja? Ninja is the character I never knew I needed to write. 

Life Is What It's Called -What do you want readers to know about you?

Melanie Abed - What to Know About Me… - I'm a huge Star Wars nerd. I was collecting mint-condition toys back in college, when nobody else was doing that — by the time I stopped, I needed an entire extra closet just to store them. I can beat pretty much anyone at Star Wars Trivial Pursuit. Try me. I was a daydreamer as a kid. Constantly making up stories in my head, none of which I ever shared. But I journaled a lot, and years later I read those old journals and laughed out loud at what a younger me had noticed. Weird small things. Sharp observations. It was a good reminder never to underestimate kids.

I have a memory like an elephant. I love etymology and can lose entire afternoons chasing a word to its roots, which is why wordplay sneaks into everything I write. I garden. I raise butterflies in my backyard, and every year I'm astonished all over again by chrysalises hiding in places I didn't put them.

You would never want to watch a murder mystery with me. I usually call it in the first five minutes —96% success rate.

GIVEAWAY

Ten lucky readers will each win a signed paperback copy of Zombie Zoo. One grand prize winner will receive an epic swag haul: a signed hardcover copy, bookmark, postcard, sticker sheet, Tub Explorer Pin, a sample of Tub's Green Goo, and a Make Your Own Glow-in-the-Dark Green Goo Kit.

A Most Deceptive Courtship Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miss Arabella Sharp is not a fortune hunter. She simply requires a rich husband. Urgently. Wealthy and unattached, Colin Campbell is exactly the sort of gentleman who could solve all her problems. But his twin, Clark…is exactly the sort of gentleman who could create an abundance of them.

When Clark Campbell's recklessness nearly destroyed their family name, Colin paid the price to bury the scandal and restore their reputation. So when Arabella sets her sights on Colin’s fortune, he sees a chance to call in the favor his twin brother still owes him. The plan is simple: Clark must impersonate Colin and court her himself, exposing her as the fortune hunter she really is.

But the longer Clark plays the charming suitor, the more dangerously real it becomes. As gossip mounts and feelings grow, Clark and Arabella discover that the greatest risk isn’t scandal—it’s falling in love with the very person they were trying to deceive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashtyn Newbold grew up with a love of stories. When she discovered Jane Austen books as a teen, she learned she was a sucker for romantic ones. When not indulging in sweet romantic comedies and regency period novels (and cookies), she writes romantic stories of her own. Ashtyn also dearly loves to laugh, bake, sing, and do anything that involves creativity and imagination.

REVIEW

When Miss Arabella Sharp attempts to catch a rich husband, she captures the wrong man's attention. Colin Campbell despises fortune hunters. To teach Miss Arabella Sharp a lesson, he enlists his twin brother's help. Clark tries to impersonate his brother but finds himself falling in love with the very person he's trying to deceive.

The main characters start off as enemies then slowly become friends to lovers. The story builds gradually. The main characters have a good chemistry starting with the memorable and original meet-cute. The author continued to build the characters as the story unfolds. The novel contains twists, turns, misunderstandings and more. The romance is clean and builds gradually. The only downside is I felt like there was more to discover with the minor characters, and they could use their own stories.  Overall, it's an entertaining read. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free ebook to review, however, my opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

A Day with the Dragons Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Day with the Dragons
Written by Raven Howell
Illustrated by Alexander Santos
Ages: 2-7 | 34 Pages

Publisher: AMInk Publishing (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1958842706

Publisher's Book Summary: What do you do when you and your brother have different interests but still want to spend the day together? Dragons Blue and Green set off on a series of comical misadventures. After risky jellyfish encounters and allergic red spots from dandelions, will they begin to understand that love and respect for one another matters more?

Available for purchase on Amazon and/or Bookshop.org.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raven Howell is the award-winning author and poet of over 30 children's books. She writes for magazines including Highlights, Cricket, and The School. She's a journalist for Story Monsters Ink magazine and a writer for children's educational publishers. Raven enjoys visiting students in schools and libraries, and most importantly, believes in magical dragons.

X | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | LinkedIn | TikTok | Bluesky


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Alexander Santos is a Brazilian illustrator with almost 30 years of experience. He has illustrated for several newspapers, dozens of children's, school, and literature books, and hundreds of children's magazines. He created and illustrated puzzles for the magazine Recreio (Brazil). He also designed children's games and taught drawing for 11 years. Alexander doesn't remember when he first encountered dragons, but he hasn't strayed far from them since discovering RPGs in the 80s.

Behance | Instagram | LinkedIn

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What makes A Day with the Dragon stand apart from other books on the market?

Raven Howell - A Day with the Dragons is a light-hearted family story for children who find themselves in rupture with someone they love. I wrote it with a friendly, humorous tone to tackle this heavier theme.

My book purposely neglects moral statements and adult-oriented instruction prevalent in the children’s market today. The plot reveals a pathway to heal and come into our hearts and respect for one another with warmth and play.

Life Is What It's Called - What will readers like most about this book?

Raven Howell - The mischievous, colorful dragon brothers who have very specific, non-negotiable preferences are most engaging and relatable to readers of all ages. Attempting to out-trick one another, a resulting comedic collision is the highlight of the story.

Illustrator Alex Santos created the artwork to depict visual narration of the physical sensations and emotions of (dragons) Blue and Green. The illustrative work is hilarious, and self-explanatory, even for the preschool child.

Life Is What It's Called - What is your favorite line from this book?

Raven Howell - One of my favorite spots in the book is when Green tries to persuade his brother, Blue, to go hiking with him. He’s talking to Blue, who wants nothing more than to go sailing on the sea, with this silly, imaginative made-up obstacle

“Green insisted, “The water current is bringing in a lot of jellyfish. Jellyfish especially like to sting dragons!”

Imagine the horror on Blue’s face as thoughts of a dragon-stinging jellyfish fill his mind! 

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this book?

Raven Howell - I wanted to create a new book series and so, was considering magical, humorous, and loving characters I could turn to for a variety of story lines time and time again. And dragons had become a special part of my life.

As an intuitive, a few years ago, I was happy -and surprised- to find they were quite real as divine, powerful, and enchanting spirits. Dragons inspire me in many ways!

Life Is What It's Called - What would you like readers to know about you?

Raven Howell - I’m grateful for my long writing career. And over the past 3 decades, my favorite thing remains connecting with children and students. Not only is every generation different, but each child carries their own unique light in our world, learning and responding in their distinct way.

If as a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you’re reading A Day with the Dragons with your little ones, my hope is you make allowance to talk over or ask questions about the story’s conflict and resolution. The dragons give children a shared language, a shared story – powerful tools in their lives today.

GIVEAWAY

Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of five signed hardcover copies of A Day with the Dragons. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a cozy A Day with the Dragons throw pillow plus 10 of Raven Howell's bestselling children's books, spanning preschool through early reader favorites.

This post is sponsored by Raven Howell. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. Or: Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to share my opinion.

A Most Unfortunate Happenstance Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Captain John Calder has finally secured the means and standing to propose to the woman he has dreamed of since the day they met—and a house party offers the perfect opportunity to become reacquainted with her.

But a violent storm on the road to Blackwell changes everything. The cold and damp strike John down with a sudden and violent return of the ague.

Evelyn Blackwell, traveling to her family’s estate to secure a suitor for her disgraced cousin, is caught in the same storm and forced to take refuge alone in an abandoned cottage. The door flies open to reveal a fevered stranger who promptly collapses at her feet. She keeps vigil through thunder, darkness, and delirium, certain he may not survive.

But he does survive and in the morning light, they promise to leave as strangers, hopefully never to see each other again, bound only by the secret of a shared night together.

However, days later, John arrives at Evelyn’s house party. Now they must spend weeks together while Evelyn balances arranging a match for her cousin with memories of that night—memories John does not share.

The longer they spend in each other’s company, the more Evelyn wonders if her cousin’s happiness can come only at the cost of her own—and whether the storm that brought her and John together has set her heart on a course to be broken apart.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. Visit her at estherhatch.com.

BOOK REVIEW

In A Most Unfortunate Circumstance by Esther Hatch, Evelyn's family encounters a storm while traveling. To make her family more at ease as they spend the night in a carriage, Evelyn seeks refuge in a small, abandoned cottage. Her solitude is disturbed by a stranger who also seeks refuge in the storm from his delirium and illness. Evelyn cares for the stranger. At the end of the night, they both hope that they won't encounter each other again, however, they meet again at a house party. The stranger doesn't share the same memories as Evelyn and seeks to make a match with her cousin.

Esther Hatch starts off with the novel with what would have been considered a scandalous event during the Regency period. The main characters, Evelyn and John, start off mistrusting each other due to some misunderstandings. The chemistry begins to build slowly through the book through several memorable scenes and dialogue. The author does a good job at describing the scenes and the characters' actions that create a memorable impression. The story is also interwoven with humor and light-heartedness. This is a fast-paced romantic comedy and a fun read. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog.

Simon the Scared Rottweiler Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Simon the Scared Rottweiler
Written by Nicole S. Kluemper, Ph.D.
Ages: 4–8 | 34 Pages
Publisher: Nicole S Kluemper (2026) | ISBN: 979-8218884802

Publisher’s Book Summary: Simon is having a hard day. He wakes up to a bad dream, the fire alarm goes off at school, some big bullies bother him, and that’s not all! Just then, Kevin’s big sister Angie steps in and helps Simon by teaching him some skills for dealing with his worry that will last a lifetime.

Available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Kluemper, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at a small community clinic in San Diego, California. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of San Diego and her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Kluemper is a Navy veteran, a published author, and lives just outside San Diego with her husband of seventeen years and their dog, Simon.

To learn more, visit www.nicolekluemper.com and/or Instagram. 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?

Nicole Kluemper - To be honest, necessity was the mother of invention in this case. I needed a tool to help me in my practice when working with young kids who were struggling with anxiety. It can be so hard to talk about, and even harder to break through. I had seen how powerful books could be when working with kiddos on other topics (like anger), so I knew it was possible. I just needed the specific tool for the job I was doing, so I created it.

With so many obstacles in terms of access to care these days, I wanted to reach out and help in some way. I’m certainly not saying a book replaces therapy, but the stigma associated with mental health services stops a parent from seeking therapy for the little one, perhaps they are willing to buy a children’s book?

My Simon has struggled with behavioral issues pretty much his entire life, and I firmly believe these stem from his anxiety. Everyone thinks Rottweilers are so tough, but that’s certainly not always the case, even when they act that way. The same can be true with people. I hope people get that I was trying to challenge these stereotypes and the stigma associated with mental health even with the title of the book.

Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope children will learn from this story?

Nicole Kluemper - Belly breathing! Of course…but I also hope they learn that they are not alone. I want kids struggling with big feelings to see that they can overcome hard things. They don’t have to stuff their feelings down or be ashamed – there’s hope! I also hope they learn persistence; Simon was about to leave when everything changed for him. I think there is a life lesson there.

Life Is What It's Called - How do you see this story being used in classrooms, counseling, at home or in storytimes?

Nicole Kluemper - In my own practice, I sometimes read the book aloud with the kiddo then help them make a thought bottle which they get to take home with them. The book gives common language and is a good jumping off point for conversation about anxiety. I guess I hope parents can use the book in a similar way at home. I picture parents and children hunched over bottles and glitter and super glue (while the grownups quietly curse me for sending glitter into their homes). I hope it gives parents who struggle with “what can I do for my child?” a tangible ‘thing they can do.’

Life Is What It's Called - What's your favorite line from the story and why?

Nicole Kluemper - When Simon and Angie are sitting at the kitchen table and she tells him that by the time the water is clear, his mind will be too. The line reads: “I gave her the side eye.” I love this line because it’s something the real Simon does to me all the time! It’s hysterical! Sometimes I could swear he knows what I’m saying, because he seriously looks at me sideways like “yeah, right.”

I also think parents can relate to this sentiment. If parents are going to read this story over and over again, I might as well make it fun for them too, right? This line was for the grownups in the audience. What parent hasn’t gotten the side eye from their four- year-old?

Life Is What It's Called - What can you share about your background and how it was helpful in developing this story?

Nicole Kluemper - When I was five years old, my parents were going through a pretty ugly divorce. A mental health professional was called in, and he was interested in what I had to say at a time when I really needed that. That experience resonated with me so much that my little five-year-old self decided then and there that she was going to grow up and help kids who had been through hard things. My love for helping kids is certainly the driving force behind this book.

Life Is What It's Called - What writing projects are you working on next?

Nicole Kluemper - My sweet Simon is sort of an obedience school dropout. Simon’s former trainer thinks Simon may be neurodivergent. I was talking about this with my husband and best friend, and essentially it morphed into an idea for a new book in which Simon has a friend on the autism spectrum. The story would focus on the adventures of this friend, and maybe some new coping skills too. I’m not totally sure yet, but that is as far as I’ve come with the idea.


GIVEAWAY

Five lucky readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a paperback copy of Simon the Scared Rottweiler.

This post is sponsored by Nicole S. Kluemper. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. Or: Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to share my opinion.

A Most Enticing Enigma Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elena Williams has been living at her intended’s estate, Fenmore Park, for three years while he tours Europe. With permission to run the estate in his absence, she has taken the liberty of secretly becoming the actual estate manager as well, seeing to the business aspects and running of the farms and livestock and tenants. Her work has brought prosperity to the estate that has been unexpected, and she is well aware that her time in this role is limited. When word reaches her of her intended’s passing, Ellie waits anxiously for the future of Fenmore—and herself—to be determined.

West Howard, the new Lord Bickham, is pleased to be taking over his half-brother’s estate and is determined to bring the place back to the bounty and comforts he recalls as a boy. What he does not expect is the fiery woman living at Fenmore as lady of the manor. Her blunt opinions, involvement in estate manners, and infuriating habit of wearing breeches to the farms threatens to disrupt all of his plans, and the secret she holds makes her the most unusual—and fascinating—woman he has ever had the misfortune to meet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than three dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University and is a hot cocoa addict.

REVIEW

In A Most Enticing Enigma, Elena Williams has been running her intended's estate while he's away. When her intended unexpectedly dies the estate's ownership passes to his stepbrother, West Howard. Elena has no other place to go and tries to get along with West Howard.

The premise was unique. It seemed like the estate fell in disrepair rather quickly (within a few decades). It seemed like that would be something that would happen over several generations. The romance between the two characters was interesting and developed slowly throughout the book. The dialogue was entertaining and the story was easy-to-read. I love that the story involved also getting to know the community around the estate. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free ebook to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support the blog.

Orion Fire Storm Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Star Life Keepers: Dragon and Dinosaur Chronicles

Written by Rick Williams Sr. and Brady Williams
Illustrated by Prayan Animation Studio
Ages: 10–14 | 388 Pages
Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798987420010

Publisher's Book Summary: With dragons and elves as allies, three cousins must save two worlds before time runs out. Join cousins Jason, Amanda, and Elisa as their desperate wish to undo family tragedy launches them into the war-torn, mythical realm of Belacamber. Guided by the legendary Star Life Keepers—an extraordinary alliance of elves, shapeshifting dragons, and prehistoric predators—the trio faces relentless foes, including terrifying flying T. rexes and vicious ptero-raptors, while battling to protect their own family back home. A thrilling middle-grade epic blending fantasy with time travel, dinosaurs, and dragon-filled skies.

Available on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble.

Orion Fire Storm

Written by Rick Williams Sr. with Caleb Williams
Illustrated by Prayan Animation Studio
Ages: 10+ | 417 Pages
Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9874200-7-2

Publisher's Book Summary: During this time of renewed interest in space travel, Orion Fire Storm follows Jason, Amanda, and Elisa—modern-day teens who travel among the stars and into the past—as they join forces with elves and shapeshifting dragons to save their nations. Continuing the adventures that began in Star Life Keepers, they face even deadlier trials in a medieval world of gryphon-riding wolf guards, roaming dire wolves, and flying raptors. Messengers from Orion's Belt equip the cousins with magical gems to unlock the power beyond the universe. Features original illustrations, detailed maps, and an Encyclopedia of Creatures.

Available on Amazon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rick Williams Sr. is a former biotech executive who writes the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series with his grandchildren and other Story Apprentices. Inspired by a visit to Chapel Hill's Morehead Planetarium—where Apollo astronauts trained—the series features a Star Globe that transports young cousins into a parallel universe where they heroically use astronomy magic to save their nations.

His debut, Star Life Keepers, became a top Amazon children's eBook in Space Exploration and Time Travel. The adventure continues in Orion Fire Storm and the upcoming Young Dragonriders. Companion short fiction—including the Orion Dragons' Holiday Tale and Dragons & Betrayals—explores story origins and expanding worlds in the series.

Through the Creative Writing Lab at thestorymakinghub.com—featuring the Story Writing workbook—Rick provides roadmaps and free materials to equip a growing community of young creators who want to share their own voices.

To learn more, visit the author's website, Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and X. 


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Prayan Animation Studio is a creative animation studio with an expert team of creators, artists, and designers specializing in custom artwork, mapmaking, and videos.

To learn more, visit www.prayananimation.com.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life is What It's Called: What will children like most about this series?

Rick Williams Sr.: Young readers have loved the combination of adventure and discovery…and the power of family and close friends.

They feel like they’ve been star-traveling to a world of medieval archers & knights and dragons & dinosaurs. Since readers follow the story from three points of view—Jason, his sister Amanda, and their older cousin Elisa—they get to experience the heroic arcs and coming-of-age challenges from the perspectives of different middle school students.

I collaborated with my grandsons to create the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles. With their imagination unlocked, they created dragons, crossbreed dinosaurs, and humanized hybrids that appeal to mid-grade readers. I also drew on lessons from my American military history books to add more realism to the Tolkien-like battles between good and evil. Student Advisors have noted that our books are an “amazing read” with “enchanting storylines” and “striking characters and gorgeous art.”

But underneath all of that, there’s something deeper: young readers feel like they are part of family-oriented stories that can give them hope and new possibilities.

Life is What It's Called - What will children learn from this series?

Rick Williams Sr.: The series is built around the idea that stories can inspire learning. Children are exposed to:

• Astronomy and the stars; other scientific concepts
• Geography
• History and ancient civilizations
• Fantasy adventures with a heart
• Collaboration between multiple diverse cultures: humans, elves, and shapeshifting dragons

But just as important are the life lessons:

• Courage in the face of uncertainty
• The importance of family and trusted friends
•  Learning to make decisions when there isn’t a clear answer
• Overcoming adversity, e.g., Jason deals with having hidden hearing aids in a medieval world
• Self-reliance, problem-solving, and resilience

Early readers have commented that reading our books has been fun.

Life is What It's Called - What was the best part about writing this series?

Rick Williams Sr.: I developed Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles with my family. Two of my grandsons were integral to the story concepts and character development. Two other grandchildren shared their ideas and served as early readers. The parents served as “champions” who supported our storymaking adventures.

The best part of creating a new sci-fi/fantasy series has been working hands-on with my grandchildren and student advisors to exchange imagineering thoughts as we create engaging stories. We develop ideas together and transform them into new worlds and plots—and then we watch the characters come to life in ways we didn’t fully expect.

Life is What It's Called - How does this series stand apart from others on the market?

Rick Williams Sr.: I’ve read and studied more than 100 mid-grade science fiction and fantasy books during this storymaking adventure—but ours appear to be different in a few key ways:

• The Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles “ecosystem” includes sci-fi/fantasy novels, short stories, and workbooks that feature a family of star travelers who receive special gifts via the Orion Constellation.
• We’ve integrated stories from the past (medieval European, American, biblical, and ancient Chinese history) + natural STEM integration (e.g., astronomy, paleontology, and biology) + custom-made illustrations and maps.
• Our family’s storymaking philosophy focuses on providing engaging books for kids to enjoy while inspiring and preparing them to develop stories.
•  “Read Our Stories… Create Your Own”
• Storymaking with Rick Williams will include blogs, a YouTube Channel, and the new Creative Writing Lab.

Life is What It's Called - What do you want your readers to know about you?

Rick Williams Sr.: Our family’s storymaking process has caused me to reflect more on my 50 years as an entrepreneur in cutting-edge scientific and medical fields. It is now even clearer that deep reading and training in creative writing as a child/young adult helped me to become a more effective innovator and business executive as an adult.

Being a lifelong learner has better equipped me to capitalize on fast-changing technological advances and to build relevant new skills.

Life is What It's Called - What role do you think families play in childhood learning?

Rick Williams Sr.: When raising my kids, I incorporated creative stories in our family playtime. While working on a nonfiction project 20 years ago, I was fortunate to be able to spend time with the Jim Henson’s family and learned how his grandmother taught him to read classic books and be involved with her artwork. He used that training to create The Muppets, Sesame Street, family movies, etc. I followed those same principles to establish a kidlit library and arts & crafts room in my house to collaborate with my 7 grandkids. For storymaking, I also taught them fun things like archery and sword fighting with a wooden replica broadsword from medieval Europe.

Jim Henson’s grandmother showed us that some of the best ideas, stories, and conversations happen when parents, grandparents, and kids explore life together.

Life is What It's Called - What writing project are you working on next?

Rick Williams Sr.: To foster childhood reading, I’m continuing the series with Young Dragon Riders (Book 3), which expands the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles world and introduces new challenges and characters.


GIVEAWAY

Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win an out-of-this-world prize pack! Three winners will each receive signed hardcover copies of Star Life Keepers, Orion Fire Storm, and Story Writing: A Workbook of Creative Writing Prompts for Kids 8–12. One grand prize winner will receive all of the above plus an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids—perfect for diving into even more adventures.

This post is sponsored by Legacy KidLit Press. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny

Written by Evelina Ruimy
Illustrated by Siski Kalla
Ages 4–8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-89138-745-4

Publisher's Book Summary: Meet a bright and curious bunny who loves to learn, read, and play with friends. But when one pup gets in the way, this little bunny discovers something important about kindness, courage, and staying true to who you are. This charming, rhyme-filled story takes young readers on a heartwarming journey about friendship, confidence, and what it really means to be “cool.” Through playful rhythm and an uplifting message, children will learn that kindness and being yourself are the greatest strengths of all. Perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom, this delightful tale encourages children to build empathy, celebrate differences, and believe in themselves.

“Wonderful for young readers, parents, and even educators who want to encourage empathy and positive behavior in everyday situations.” — Reader's Favorite

Available for purchase on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evelina Ruimy lives in the leafy Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two daughters, Scarlett and Ellie Rose. An avid puzzle-solver, cross-stitcher, and lifelong writer, Evelina finds her greatest joy in motherhood, nurturing her girls into kind, curious, and confident young women.

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny was inspired by moments from her own life—small truths and gentle lessons she hopes will guide not only her daughters, but children everywhere, toward lives filled with happiness, empathy, and mindfulness.

To learn more, visit hopstales.com, Instagram, TikTok.


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think the overall message of Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny is important for children?

Evelina Ruimy - Because words can stay with us far longer than we expect—especially for children. A single comment can shift how they see themselves, and they don’t always have the tools yet to process that. Honestly…it can be hard to process even as adults. What I wanted to offer is both emotional comfort and something practical—a way to understand that unkind words often reflect the person saying them, not the person receiving them.

And I wanted Hop’s growth to feel real—not loud or performative, but steady. So when he finally says, ‘No, not today. And school is great,’ it comes from self- acceptance, not defiance.

And what matters most to me is that he stays kind. He doesn’t try to “win.” He recognizes Ruff’s hurt… and responds with empathy. That felt like the truest form of strength.

Life Is What It's Called - What is the best line in Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny and why?

Evelina Ruimy - I think the line that stays with me (and my children) most is when Hop says, “No, not today. And school is great.”

It’s simple, almost understated—but that’s exactly why it matters.

It’s not loud or defiant. It doesn’t come from anger. It comes from a quiet place of self- acceptance.

And for me, that’s the real shift in the story—when Hop doesn’t just react, but actually returns to himself.

That kind of confidence is gentle, but very strong. And that’s what I hope children feel in that moment.

Life Is What It's Called - How does this book stand apart from others on the market?

Evelina Ruimy - I think what makes this story different is that it doesn’t just focus on being kind to others—it really begins with being kind to yourself.

A lot of books talk about kindness as behavior, but this story looks at where it actually comes from.

It shows that when a child feels secure in who they are, kindness becomes something natural, not something they have to perform.

And I also wanted the emotional arc to feel very real—quiet, relatable, and not overly dramatized.

It’s not about fixing everything instantly. It’s about understanding, guidance, and slowly finding your way back to yourself.

Life Is What It's Called - How do you see this book being used in homes, schools, and community events? 

Evelina Ruimy - I really see this book as a starting point for conversation.

In homes, it can open the door for parents and children to talk about feelings that aren’t always easy to name—like hurt, insecurity, or moments when something didn’t feel right. And in a very gentle way, it also supports emotional wellbeing—helping children understand what they’re feeling, and reassuring them that those feelings are okay. In schools, it can help teachers guide discussions around emotional awareness, confidence, and how to respond to unkindness in a thoughtful way.

And in community settings, it creates a shared language—something simple and gentle that both children and adults can relate to.

My hope is that it makes those conversations feel more natural… and a little less intimidating.

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?

Evelina Ruimy - This story came to me during an emotional time. It was during the Palisades fires last year, when we had to leave our home and just hope for the best.

I was going to bed one night—and the words just started forming in my head. I’ve been writing since a young age, so I recognize that feeling when something arrives fully formed… I just have to be quick enough to catch it.

I was definitely in a heightened emotional state. But more than that, I think something in me felt especially protective of my children in that time. I think we can all agree that as parents, we always want to protect our kids—not just from physical harm, but also from emotional hurt.

And when it comes to unkind words— they can really stay with you. I know they’ve stayed with me.

So in that very instinctive, protective space, this story almost insisted on being written.

Life Is What It's Called - What do you want readers to know about you as an author?

Evelina Ruimy - I think I would want them to know that everything I write comes from a very real, emotional place. I don’t approach stories as lessons to teach—but as feelings to understand and translate into something gentle and accessible. I’ve been writing for a long time, and for me, it’s always been a very instinctive process. The words come when something feels important enough to be said. And with this book especially, it came from a very personal place—as a mother, wanting to give my children something that could support them in moments that aren’t always easy. So what readers are holding is not just a story—it’s something I genuinely felt needed to exist. 

GIVEAWAY

Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny by Evelina Ruimy.

This post is sponsored by Evelina Ruimy. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Between the Shelves Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Piper Monroe and Dorian McConkie never saw eye to eye in college—she thought he was cold and insufferable, he was just painfully shy, and she was just painfully convinced he hated her. Years later, Piper owns a thriving bookstore, and Dorian walks back into her life for a book signing—only for her to discover he’s the secret identity behind her all-time favorite author.

When the instructor drops out for a sold-out writing class in Piper’s bookstore, Dorian agrees to step in for one month. But between old grudges, new tensions, and entirely too much banter, Piper realizes something terrifying: she might actually like him.

Piper has a secret Dorian can never, ever discover. She isn’t only a bookseller—she’s also the woman behind the pen name of his number one rival on the charts.

If Dorian ever finds out, it won’t just ruin their tentative truce—it might just ruin everything.

A swoony, slow-burn romantic comedy packed with sharp banter, undeniable chemistry, and a love story that was never supposed to happen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kasey Stockton is an Amazon bestselling author, Whitney Award finalist, and winner of the Swoony Award Book of the Year. She publishes both contemporary and historical novels, and all of her titles fall under clean romance. She loves reading, chocolate, and period dramas, but nothing tops exploring new places with her very own prince charming and their three children.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Like - What will readers like most about Between the Shelves? 

Kasey Stockton - The romance, hopefully! 

 

Life Is What It's Like - What is your favorite line in Between the Shelves? 

Kasey Stockton - Oh my gosh, what are his calves like? And also: if you want contentment in your career, do it for the love and the rest will level itself out.

Life Is What It's Like - Which author are you most like in Between the Shelves? 

Kasey Stockton - Someday, maybe! I absolutely love to read them.

Life Is What It's Like - Would you ever write a thriller? 

Kasey Stockton - I'm a solid mix of the two. I'm always careful never to fully write myself into a character because then the critical reviews can't hurt as much.

Life Is What It's Like - If this book was a food what would it be and why? (cheesy like pizza, sweet like chocolate, etc.) 

Kasey Stockton - In-N-Out. Quick and delicious.

Life Is What It's Like - What other releases are you planning for this year? 

Kasey Stockton - Two Regencies, both in multi-author series, The Ex-Best Thing, which is a romcom for my Belacourts series, and a secret project I'm not allowed to talk about yet.

BOOK REVIEW

Between the Shelves is a cute rom-com book about a bookstore owner/author and an author she knew in college. The characters drive the store forward. The romance is predictable, but lovable and an easy read. Romance lovers will enjoy this quick story and comfortable story. The author also drops some perks within the story from writing tips to a literary discussion. This is a fun, relaxing read. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free ebook to read, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links.

If You'll Have Me Book Review

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare.

 When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans.

David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting himself in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing his own deepest secrets.

In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. Visit her at estherhatch.com.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What makes If You'll Have Me stand out from other romance books on the market?

Esther Hatch - One of my favorite things about the book is that my heroine is a few years older than the hero. I don’t see that very often in Historical Romance.

Life Is What It's Called - If this book was a food, what would it be and why? (cheesy like pizza, sweet like a cheesecake, etc)

Esther Hatch - It would be a full meal with fun bright appetizers, a hearty main course, and a surprising flambé dessert.

Life Is What It's Called - What is your favorite line from If You'll Have Me and why?

Esther Hatch - Oh this is a hard one. Maybe, “Anna has returned.”

Life Is What It's Called - What will readers like most about this book?

Esther Hatch - I hope they will love Anna and David the most. I also think the very early proposal, early proposal, and slightly too early proposal make it really fun.

Life Is What It's Called - Will there be additional books that branch off of this one?

Esther Hatch - I have plans for two more and I’m so excited about them!

Life Is What It's Called - What do you want readers to know about you?

Esther Hatch - I absolutely love the community I’ve found since becoming an author. Readers and authors are such amazing people! Thanks for making my career the best of careers.

BOOK REVIEW

Anna returns to Breckenridge as a penniless spinster trying to escape the persistent Mr. Green. When Mr. Green threatens her happiness; a childhood friend offers his protection in a marriage of convenience. 

The scenes in this book are memorable and detailed from the very beginning. The intrigue and the build-up happen gradually allowing time for the reader to get to know the characters. The author does a good job at describing the scenes and actions of the characters. The characters are engaging and full of depth. The rich storytelling comes alive on the pages making this novel hard to put down. The romance builds as the plot unfolds. Overall, this novel is well-written and something romance readers will enjoy. To learn more and to add it to your bookshelf, click here.

I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion.

Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom Virtual Book Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom
Written by Claudia Mills
Ages: 9+ | 272 Pages
Publisher: Holiday House (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-0-8234-6050-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: “Difficult” student Callie joins a philosophy club seeking the wisdom she needs to keep her beloved but equally difficult dog in this hilarious, heartfelt middle-grade novel for underdogs and dog-lovers alike!

Once Callie (Calliope Callisto Clark) starts saying something, it’s hard for her to stop. The opinion gets bigger and bigger, her voice gets louder and louder—and she gets in more and more trouble. She’s in trouble with her teacher, who likes order and not Callie. She’s in bigger trouble with her Grampy, who blames Callie and her dog (a.k.a. Best Ever Friend) Archie for his ever-rising blood pressure. Then there’s the biggest trouble of all… just one more strike, and Callie could lose her beloved Archie forever.

When she turns to Greek philosophy for answers on how to solve her problems, she only gets more questions: What is justice? What is fairness? And as her problems get bigger, so do her questions: Is it Callie’s fault when Grampy has a stroke?

Told in Callie’s endearing, energetic voice, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom is sure to speak to any student who’s ever been called “disruptive.” Acclaimed children’s book author and retired philosophy professor Claudia Mills delivers a heartfelt middle-grade novel for misunderstood readers who feel like they’re living their own Greek tragedies.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claudia Mills has written over sixty books for children, including The Lost Language, an NCTE Notable Verse Novel, a Charlotte Huck Recommended Book, A Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year, and A Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Book. Her most recent book, The Last Apple Tree, received a starred review in Kirkus Reviews. She is a recipient of the Kerlan Award for her contribution to children’s literature. She was a professor of philosophy for more than two decades at the University of Colorado. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Visit her at claudiamillsauthor.com, Facebook, Bsky Social, and Instagram.


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this novel?

Claudia Mills - For much of my adult life, I have pursued two different careers simultaneously. I was a professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado, and I was the author of many books for young readers. As the years went by, my two careers began to become woven together. I sometimes used children’s literature to illustrate concepts in my philosophy classes; I often had my child characters ponder ethical dilemmas. But I yearned to write a book where my main character would actually encounter some of the great works of the history of philosophy that I have loved for long and try to apply their advice to her own life. This was my inspiration for Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom. But then I had the challenge of making difficult, daunting philosophical texts written over two millennia ago accessible and engaging for young readers. First, I had to give my protagonist an urgent motivation for a new interest in philosophy. I made her an emotionally intense sixth grader being raised by her grandparents, who are threatening to rehome her energetic dog who is causing them as many problems as she is (e.g., a broken wrist for Granny, who trips over Archie while hurrying to the phone for yet another call home from Callie’s teacher). If she’s going to keep Archie, Callis feels she has to be perfect and needs the wisdom of the ages to help her with this impossible goal.

Then, I had to find a way for her to access these texts, which are admittedly hard going even for many college students. Solution: she enlists the sympathetic and philosophically minded school librarian to create a philosophy club where he can give the members needed guidance. I also worked on choosing philosophical questions I thought would be interesting to young readers and would connect with Callie’s struggle to keep Archie. For example (from Plato’s Republic): If you had a ring that would make you invisible, would you do some wrong things you wouldn’t do now? The planning for this book was a complicated jigsaw puzzle with many moving pieces!

Life Is What It's Called - How is this book different from the other books you've written and how is it similar?

Claudia Mills - As I just noted, although I’ve had characters face ethical dilemmas before (e.g., in my middle-grade novel Write This Down, I have aspiring seventh-grade author Autumn wrestle with whether she should publish a story that reveals something painful about her family), this is the first time I’ve had a character actually learn directly from great thinkers of the past like Socrates and Epictetus. I also usually write in third person, but this time Callie’s distinctive, candid, lively voice just came pouring out of me, eager to tell me all about herself! But in all my books, I try to create some scenes that will make readers burst out laughing, and some that will have them blinking back tears.

Life Is What It's Called - What's your favorite line from the book and why?

Claudia Mills - What a fun question! There are a lot of lines I love because they sound so much like Callie and reveal so much of her personality, like this one, early in the book, after she first hears the threat to send Archie back to the Humane Society (it’s a very long line, because Callie is a talker, for sure!): “Even if something happens that is worthy of the world’s biggest and longest meltdown, something that would justify a meltdown entry in the Guinness Book of World Records, it turns out that after you get completely melted, puddle-on-the-floor-melted, little by little the puddle starts to dry up and Melted You starts to turn back into Regular You.” But I’m going to choose the line that for me sums up what the book is fundamentally about. At the end of the book, librarian Mr. Davenport asks the kids in the philosophy club if they’d be open to a new member; they are shocked when they find out who this would be. But then Callie says, “I think . . . I think wisdom sort of belong to everybody?” As the author of Callie’s story, I think wisdom DOES belong to everybody. I wrote the book to share a few bits of the world’s store of wisdom with young readers everywhere.

Life Is What It's Called - How do you think readers will relate to the characters in this book?

Claudia Mills - The three main child characters – Callie, her best friend Peggy, and her nemesis Philip – are very different from one another so readers have a choice of which one they identify with most. Callie has intense, volatile emotions of joy and despair. Peggy is calm and matter-of-fact, taking life as it comes. Philip works so hard to meet high parental expectations that his seeming perfection irks other kids and makes him feel like a misfit at school. This offers a range of possibilities for reader identification.

Readers who have beloved pets – or anything they love deeply – are likely to relate to Callie’s terror of losing her dog if she has one more strike against her. Later in the book, she faces the unthinkable possibility of losing her elderly grandfather to a stroke. The fear of losing what we love, whether large or small, is something many readers, in their own way, will share.

Life Is What It's Called - Why is the messaging in this book important to middle grade readers?

Claudia Mills - The philosopher who features most prominently in the book (and is pictured on the cover) is the great Stoic Epictetus (my own personal favorite!). Epictetus’s central claim is that some things are up to us (our own choices and actions) and other things, everything else, really, is NOT up to us (in particular, OTHER people’s choices and actions). The only thing we need to worry about – the only thing we can do anything about – is the former. The sooner we can learn this crucial life lesson, the better! So this book would help young readers – or readers of any age – who feel burdened by worry about situations that are completely outside of their control (i.e., most of us). I wish I had learned this lesson when I was Callie’s age and need to remind myself of it even now just about every single day!

Life Is What It's Called - What can you tell us about your journey to becoming an author?

Claudia Mills - I wrote my first book, titled MY BOOK, when I was six years old. The entire book consisted of “Nachur Pictures” – rainbow, flower, tree – with one-word labels. But at the end I included advertisements for future books: a “BIG BOOK – 100 PAGES” of “MY LIFE” and a “THICK BOOK – 100 PAGES” – of “POWATREE” (my spelling for POETRY). So, from an early age, I knew what path I wanted my life to take. I continued writing throughout my K-12 school years, including an entire shoebox full of poems scribbled on scraps of paper, church bulletins, and crumpled Kleenex, and a typed-up book (the promised BIG BOOK of 100 pages) about the triumphs and travails of my 8th grade year, a book which was the sensation of the junior high school, with a waiting list for classmates to have a turn to read it.

During my college years I did little creative writing, immersing myself in my philosophy courses instead and then heading off to graduate school in philosophy. But halfway through a Ph.D. program at Princeton (conveniently situated just 50 miles from NYC), I saw an ad in a Sunday New York Times classified section for a position as an editorial secretary at Four Winds Press, a division of Scholastic. On a whim, I applied for it, interviewed for it, was offered the position, and accepted it, bailing on the graduate degree that I did end up finishing over a decade later. My job at Scholastic renewed my love for writing. Each morning, I sat on the bus for my 90-minute commute to the city, busily writing picture books, all of which were rejected with form letters. Yearning for a fly-on-the-wall view that would give me more insight into how my stories were being received, I hit upon the devious scheme of submitting one of my manuscripts to Scholastic under a pseudonym. It, too, was rejected – and I was the one who had to type the rejection letter! Ditto for my second surreptitious submission. But on my third try, the editor I worked for saw some promise in the manuscript and asked me to read it and write up my critique. On my IBM Selectric typewriter I typed a report that was remarkably even-handed: when I put on my editorial hat, I did see many flaws in the book I hadn’t seen before and noted these candidly – as well as the book’s many virtues, of course! The editor ended up writing a letter to the author – me! – which was typed by her secretary – me! – and included the report written by her editorial reader – me! She said she’d be interested in seeing a revised manuscript if I made the suggested changes. Which I did, and she ultimately ended up publishing the book, which had now grown from a picture book into a full-length middle-grade novel. (Fortunately, my timid confession of the author’s actual identity had just made her laugh!)

Many subsequent rejections followed in the decades since then, and many more published books, too. I had started out writing middle-grade novels starring girls who were an awful lot like me. (I have to say Callie is an awful lot like me, too!). But then I married and became the mother of two boys, so I started to write about boy characters who were not at all like me. I branched out from middle-grade to easy readers (my ten-title Gus and Grandpa series) and then to chapter books (such as my recent Franklin School Friends and After-School Superstars series). With The Lost Language (2011), I wrote my first verse novel. So I think, and hope, I’m still continuing to grow as a writer.

Thanks so much for hosting me and giving me the chance to introduce readers to Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom.


GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win one of 10 signed hardcover copies of Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom. One grand-prize winner will receive two additional signed books by Claudia Mills, plus an unforgettable one-hour Zoom visit with the author!

Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom: Book Giveaway 

This post is sponsored by Claudia Mills. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.