Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Review for BROOMSTICKS

Broomsticks


Authors': Sean McHugh and Katie McHugh Parker

ISBN : 978-1-935290-14-8

Publisher: Diversion Press, Inc.



Click Here To Purchase Broomsticks

Broomsticks will take you on an unforgettable, magical journey. It's a children's story about a special friendship and a magic you find in just being yourself. An engaging story guaranteed to charm you.

Nine-year-old Pocky McQuire knows she's different but has no idea why—not until she attends a school for gifted students. There she meets a strange boy with a goatee. From the moment she meets him, she knows he's different. Stamp (the strange boy) wants nothing to do with Pocky. Nothing to do with anyone mortal.

After learning a few things about him, Pocky hopes to become friends as she yearns for him to teach her a few tricks of the trade.

Turns out Stamp is a little more gifted than she expected. But, Stamp is a sorcerer who doesn't need a novice. Suddenly she doesn't feel as alone in the world. Levitating books and freezing angry dogs in their tracks doesn't seem so bad after all.

But will it take a special kind of magic to bring these two similar souls together?

Broomsticks is an enchanting tale sure to entertain all ages.

Reviewed by Martha Ramirez of Bookpleasures

Katherine (Katie) McHugh Parker was born in Maysville, Kentucky on October 7, 1974 to Etta Molton McHugh and the late John Michael (Jack) McHugh. She graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Maysville. She received her Associate in Arts Degree from Maysville Community College, her BA in Elementary Education and MA in Elementary Guidance Counseling at Morehead State University. In 1997 she began teaching at St. Patrick's School, where she currently teaches 4th grade. She resides in Maysville with her husband Ricky and their daughter Sophia. It was in 2000 that her uncle Sean McHugh, a cartoonist and caricature artist at Disney World, offered her the opportunity to collaborate on a project to turn his comic strip "Broomsticks" into a children's chapter book. Diversion Press picked up the manuscript in 2009. It was released in October 2010.

FOX 19 interview with authors: Sean McHugh and Katie McHugh Parker


Click Here To Purchase Broomsticks

Friday, February 11, 2011

The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle



Author: Dan Bodenstein

Illustrator: Brian C. Krumm
Publisher: Totem Tales Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9843228-0-0


Click Here To Purchase The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle



The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle is a fabulous and colorful story about a young sea turtle named Eartha who finds help in the last place she expects.



Based on a true story, the tale starts off as Eartha enjoys a swim but swims into something she had never seen before. The more she tries to get out of the tangled mess, the more it takes a hold of her. Pleading help from her fellow sea friends, they all try to release her but unfortunately the mess happens to be much bigger and stronger then all of them put together.


If nobody from the sea can help her, who can?


Sad and alone, fear sets in as Eartha searches for hope and the will to survive, but how could she if all of her friends can't help her? Mr.Crab's claws aren't sharp enough. Squid's tentacles aren't mighty enough. Not even a lobster or a clam can help.


Later that night Eartha stares at the moon in hopes of becoming free. Only a miracle can save her now. She notices the moon getting bigger and bigger. And then the whole sea around her lights up.


In the end there is a happily ever after and Eartha is swept away by somebody who cares. Somebody she least expects.
With vivid illustrations and a fantastic storyline, children will learn the importance of helping animals who may become injured due to man's negligence. This colorful tale makes for an interesting and educational read—a great reminder not only for children but adults as well.


And the story behind the story is just icing on the cake.


The book also includes a useful Parents' page that directs you to a sea turtle webpage. A sure win for both boys and girls.


Two thumbs up!

Reviewed by Martha Ramirez of Bookpleaures

To learn more about the author and Eartha click HERE

Click Here To Purchase The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle