Review: Always, Abigail by Nancy J. Cavanaugh

Always, Abigail

Author: Nancy J. Cavanaugh

Series: -

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Pages: 320

Amazon – TBD

Release date: 5^th August 2014

Middle Grade

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Discover Abigail's triumphant story of friendship told through heart-touching letters and lists

Abigail and her two best friends are poised for a life of pom-poms and popularity. But not only does Abigail end up in a different homeroom, she doesn't make the squad. Then everyone's least favorite teacher pairs Abigail up with the school's biggest outcast, Gabby Marco, for a year-long "Friendly Letter Assignment." Abigail can hardly believe her bad luck. As her so-called best friends and entire future of popularity seems to be slipping away, Abigail has to choose between the little bit of fame she has left or letting it go to be a true friend.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Sixth grade to-do list:

•Make the pom-pom squad!
•Get photo in the yearbook
•With Alli and Cami, become the three most popular girls at Crestdale Heights Middle School!

Always, Abigail with its eye-catching cover and true to life story is a book that kept me and the kids entertained at reading time each night. With witty text and a realistic storyline, it was great to share this book with my children.

Abigail reminded me of myself back in school; she has been friends with Alli and Cami since kindergarten but in year six they are placed in separate homerooms and things begin to change, their friendship is evolving and not in the best of ways.

Abigail luck seems to go from bad to worse when her dreams of being a pom pom girl are washed away when she isn’t accepted but that isn’t her only problem, she has also been paired with the schools outcast, Flabby Gabby for an assignment.

Abigail was a believable character, she tried to remain optimistic throughout her dilemmas but it didn’t come without drama and some confusion. Her story is told through letters and her obsession with lists – something I can also relate to, I’m a big list girl. The side characters were written well, I especially liked Gabby and her positivity.

I read this out loud to my 7 year old daughter and 9 year old son and they both enjoyed the story of friendships and struggles which we all at some stage seem to experience throughout our schooling years. This book was written very well and is one I highly recommend.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Jabberwocky via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Always, Abigail.

  

About the author: Nancy J. Cavanaugh lives in Florida with her husband and her daughter. This Journal Belongs to Ratchet is her first book, but she has been writing for almost twenty years.

Like her main character, Nancy is pretty handy with a ratchet and is able to take apart a small engine and put it back together. 

In addition to her mechanic's hat, Nancy has been an elementary and middle school teacher as well as a library media specialist. One of her favorite parts of writing for children is being able to say "I'm working" when reading middle grade novels.

STUFF HAPPENS – NED by Andrew Daddo

I am pleased to be able to introduce you to children’s book author, Andrew Daddo who released STUFF HAPPENS – NED, Published by Penguin Australia (Puffin) on the 23^rd July.

STUFF HAPPENS – NED is a part of a new series for boys aged 7 to 10 years old, each book tells the story of an incident of emotional importance to one of the boys in a fictional primary school class. The stories, written by some of Australia's finest male writers make great reads and an important contribution to the emotional literacy of Australian boys.

About: 4 boys, 4 stories, 4 great Australian writers in an important new series.

Stuff happens sometimes.

Everyday stuff.

At school, at home, with sport, with mates.

For Ned it happened with a new teacher.

For Sean it happened starting at a new school.

For Michael it happened when he thought he was disappointing his parents.

For Jack it happened when a game at recess went wrong.

Stuff Happens.

Real-life stories for boys.

STUFF HAPPENS - NED

** Welcome to Little Ones Read, Are you able to tell us a little about your book STUFF HAPPENS – Ned and yourself?

It’s weird, because it’s a normal kid with pretty normal kid things going on.  His older brother and sister drive him up the wall, but everyone else thinks they’re amazing.  He’s late to his first day of grade five, Ned makes it to the principals office before 10AM and he doesn’t understand what he did wrong, and, if that’s not enough, he can’t stand his teacher.  In fact, if he knows one thing, it’s that he has to get out of Ms Mucus’s class – NOW!

** When and why did you begin writing?

Started writing at the end of last century (shuffles his zimmer frame) and because I thought I had stories to tell.  Besides, who doesn’t want to be published?

** What's the best thing about being a published author?

Being published, and knowing that your stories can have a such a positive impact on people.  Imagine learning it was YOUR book that got “reluctant Eddie” to actually read.

** Your latest book STUFF HAPPENS – NED, is a part of a book series and explores emotional importance to boys in a fictional primary school class. What was your inspiration for writing this book?

I think it was to be part of a movement to help boys be better boys

** Did you reflect back on your own childhood experiences when it came to writing STUFF HAPPENS - NED?

Of course!  Although, I was a bit naughtier than Ned

** Who or What motivated you to write for children?

It’s where I started writing, and it’s where I’ve spent most of my time.  I have kids, they read, it kind of worked out that way.

** Is there anything about you that would surprise your readers? Any quirks, habits, routines etc.

I build my own surfboards with our kids.  My son (15) is really good at it, he’s my mentor – but my 13 year old daughter and I glassed a board recently and are about to shape and glass another.  We also make handshooters (body-surfing pods)

** As a mum of a 9 year-old son, I think the message behind this series is truly wonderful – what advice would you give to a child, especially a young boy of this age?

Listen to your mother and father… Ask Mum and Dad for books to read, and tell them when you’re worried about stuff, sharing the feelings helps much more than you think it’s going to hurt.

** Do you have a personal favourite children’s story book or series?

Not really

** Are there many challenges you come across when writing books for children?

Getting the words on the page and not doing other stuff like making boards or handshooters or going surfing. Or golfing.  Or doing other things that stop me sitting at the desk doing the work.

** What’s up next for Andrew Daddo?

Stacks.

Podcast: Getafreakinlife.com

New show for ABC1 – Save Your Life Tonight

Two new picture books and hopefully a YA novel.

Photo credit: (www.penguin.com.au Jake Condon

About the author:

Andrew Daddo is an accomplished author of more than twenty best-selling books for all ages. He writes each month for Australian Golf Digest and contributes regularly to Essential Kids, Sydney Morning Herald and various travel magazines. Over the past ten years he has spoken to thousands of school children about the importance of literacy.

andrewdaddo.com

About the series editor:

‘Stuff Happens is our contribution to that unclenching of boys' hearts. We also think it is a series

young boys will love. Because it's about them. And their stuff. And that matters.’ –Susannah

McFarlane, series editor Susannah McFarlane is a successful children’s book publisher and author who, loves creating stories that kids love to read.

Susannah was the original concept creator of Go Girl! And Zac Power, and is the creator and writer of the award-winning EJ12 Girl Hero series, the creator and co-author of the hugely popular series for boys, Boy vs Beast, and the author of the Little Mates series of alphabet books for under fives.

Susannah was previously the managing director of Egmont Books UK; the vice-president of the Egmont Group and the co‐owner, managing director and publisher of Hardie Grant Egmont.

susannahmcfarlane.com

   

Children's book/author spotlight: Eric B. Thomasma

We were recently introduced to children’s book author Eric B. Thomasma and were generously provided with copies of his wonderful books which we will be featuring/reviewing on the blog later this week.

For the time being, I’d like to share with you these lovely titles.

Authors: Eric & Lanin Thomasma (illustrator)

Website: http://rtycati.webs.com

Goodreads

Titles:

Sam and the Dragon - released May, 2010, 26 pages
Sam told his mother, “It really doesn't get cold. That’s just a myth, like dragons and unicorns.” But he soon learns the truth about winter... and dragons. Sam and the Dragon - You’ll never see your furnace the same way again
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OIBGTO

Billy's Family - released June, 2011, 26 pages
An only child, Billy wishes for a bigger family. But spending a day at his great-grandfather's family reunion shows him that 'family' includes far more than just Mommy and Daddy. Billy's Family is an introduction to some of the terms and concepts of family relationships. Billy’s Family – It’s bigger than he thinks.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054557RW

The Wizards of the Body Shop - released March, 2012, 26 pages
Repairing a crumpled fender is pure magic. So when Cindy’s Daddy’s car gets damaged, she goes along as Daddy takes it to The Wizards of the Body Shop.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JVYP72

Yeti In The Freezer - released November, 2013, 26 pages
Do you have a freezer that growls when ice is being made? Brady and Dot do, and it’s a little scary. But they’re no longer afraid, now that they’ve made friends with the Yeti In The Freezer.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACTS0SI

You can stop by http://rtycati.webs.com to find out more about these books.

About the author: Born and raised in West Mitten, USA (Grand Rapids, MI), He still lives in the area in a house he built, (literally), with the help of his wife, Therese, and two sons, Eric Jr. and Nicholas, (and various other friends and relatives). The boys are grown and gone now, although they both live in the area. Eric and Therese have managed to get past the empty nest syndrome and currently only share their home with their dog, Tucker. 

For more information, visit Eric's website at http://rtycati.webs.com

Review: Fancy Nancy – The 100th Day of School by Jane O’Connor

Fancy Nancy – The 100^th Day of School

Author: Jane O’Connor

Illustrated by Robin Preiss-Glasser

Series: Fancy Nancy

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages: 32

Amazon – TBD

Release date: 6^th August 2010

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

The 100th day of school is coming up, and Nancy doesn’t know what to bring in for the class project. Will she be able to think of something imaginative in time for the big day?

Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Fancy Nancy is very popular in our household, Miss 7 absolutely adores sweet little Nancy and her fancy words.

This book follows Nancy and her class in celebrating 100 days at school. They have been assigned a project to think of something to take in to celebrate but poor Nancy is a little lost as to what she should create and spends a few days trying to decide; we see her think up a few creative projects over these days but she isn’t quite happy and nothing seems to be good enough.

There was an event in this book that was a little sad but it is also what bought about Nancy’s unique idea which also held a special place close to her heart for more personal reasons.

This beautiful series has the most lovely illustrations, wonderfully detailed and a lot of fun; it shows a lot of imagination and creativity and kept Miss 7 excited from the very first page; she did find a few of the words difficult so this probably wouldn’t be the best book for a new reader but easy definitions for the more complex words were also provided.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book with my daughter; it was sweet and fun, beautifully written and visually appealing. I highly recommend this series.

The beautiful Fancy Nancy website it also a must view for all little girls – here.



About the author: Jane O'Connor is the author of more than thirty books for children, including Nina, Nina Ballerina, illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo, and the Fancy Nancy picture book series. Ms. O'Connor lives with her family in ever-posh New York City.

Review: I Need a New Butt by Dawn McMillan, Illustrated by Ross Kinnaird

Title: I Need a New Butt 

Authors: Dawn McMillan

Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird

Publisher: Dover Publications

Release date: 17^th September 2014

Pages: 32

Amazon - TBD

Synopsis (Goodreads)

A young boy suddenly notices a big problem — his butt has a huge crack! So he sets off to find a new one. Will he choose an armor-plated butt? A rocket butt? A robot butt? Find out in this quirky tale of a tail, which features hilarious rhymes and delightful illustrations. Children and parents will love this book — no ifs, ands, or butts about it!

Review: 5 out of 5 stars

My kids found this book absolutely hilarious! Anything to do with bums, bottoms, butts etc. has them giggling so when they read the first line ‘I need a new butt! mine has a crack’ they were in hysterics.

I Need a New Butt is written in rhyme, small amounts of text per page with a cute picture – of the little boys bottom, he went in pursuit of answers to what could have happened to make his bottom crack, it was quite the adventure with him imagining the different types that he would like to fix it with.

This is a cute book that will have your little ones laughing which is always delightful to hear, highly recommended for toddlers.

Thank you to Dover Publications for the opportunity to read and review I Need a New Butt.

About the author: (authors website) 

I live in an amazing place, on the Thames Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. 

I work from a little studio in my back garden. I look out my studio window across the park to the beach. Many of my stories are about the sea, or about nature. We have the bush close by and I love to walk alongside the Waiomu Stream, right up to a grove of magnificent Kauri. 

But not all my stories come from nature. I keep a watch on what’s happening around me and I listen to what people say. Sometimes a joke can give me an idea. But most of my stories come from my own experience…the happy times, the sad times, and the special people I’ve known. 

You’ll see that I do a lot of readers for schools. I enjoy doing these. They’re like a story and a puzzle combined. The story is the most important part but there are lots of reading level challenges to get right too. The readers go all over the world, with some of them translated into other languages. 

Come and see us sometime. Bring your swimming gear and your fishing rods. If you let me know you’re coming I’ll make you some hokey-pokey biscuits. 

dawn@dawnmcmillan.co.nz

Review: Zoe and Beans Pants on the Moon by Chloe and Mick Inkpen

Title: Zoe and Beans Pants on the Moon

Authors: Chloe and Mick Inkpen

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books

Release date:  1^st January 2013

Pages: 30

Amazon - TBD

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Zoe is hanging her pants out to dry one day, when - whoosh! A big gust of wind blows her and Beans up, up, up into space - along with the washing line full of pants! When they finally land on the Moon, there's a lot of exciting exploring to do. But how on earth are they going to get home again?

Review: 3 ½ out of 5 stars

Miss 7 absolutely adores this book! It is a very easy book for her to read but she is more obsessed with the beautifully detailed illustrations and of little Zoe’s antics with her pants and her doggy companion, Beans.

The story begins with little Zoe hanging her washing and a gust of wind blowing her into space and onto the moon; she is initially upset but then realises there is a whole moon to explore or as my daughter exclaimed ‘she gets to have a fun adventure’.

It is a sweet story and one that kept us entertained but it didn’t have a clear, defined message; it was all for fun but it was lovely to share this book with my daughter; we are excited to pick up the other books in this series.

Examples of the wonderful illustrations can be found on the Zoe and Beans website as well as some fun activities and a delicious biscuit recipe!

 

Author information: Chloe Inkpen grew up surrounded by picture books and has a natural gift for storytelling. She studied at Glasgow School of Art and was awarded second place in the Macmillan Prize for Illustration in 2008. She then began writing with her father, Mick Inkpen, and together they have created a new picture book series which they write together and Chloe illustrates. Mick Inkpen is one of today's most popular picture book author-illustrators and the creator of KIPPER and WIBBLY PIG. He has won the British Book Award twice, as well as the Children's Book Award, and his stories are enjoyed across the world.