Cover Reveal of Resist by Casey L. Bond

RESIST: 
Abby Kelley returns home from the Greater city of Olympus to find that things in Orchard Village are bad, very bad. The Olympian Guard has taken over village affairs.  The Lessers are being worked to the bone in the coldest winter Orchard has seen.  Villagers are being dragged away for the slightest indication of what they call “resistance.” She needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. But, it’s so hard to do when everything within you screams rebellion.
Kyan is coming on strong, trying to convince her to take a chance on him. Shocking news of Crew’s activities in Olympus sweeps through the Villages. When Abby is taken away by the Olympian guard, Kyan sends word to Vesuvius for help. But, no one could have predicted their idea of help or what they might expect in return.
Who will be left to pick up the pieces of Abby’s heart?

Releasing in the Summer of 2014
                       

 

REAP: 
The remnants of the United States of America have been divided. From five enormous, technologically-advanced cities, the Greaters rule over the Lessers. In the Lesser village of Orchard, things are not as perfect as Abby Kelley thinks they are. When the apple harvest draws near and the Greater’s  engineered fruits become too much for one village to handle alone, reinforcements from neighboring villages are called upon. 
Having to choose between her best friend, whom she has no romantic feelings for, and mysterious newcomer Crew, Abby finds herself in the middle of a harvest that she had no intention of becoming a part of.  She becomes involved in a situation that threatens the strict rule of the Greaters, and just might give the Lessers hope for a better tomorrow.  But, can she help the Lessers without losing Crew? And if she chooses Crew, will she lose her best friend?


REAP Excerpt:
Something was touching my face, caressing my cheek. The skin that brushed mine was rough, hardened by the work we all share. Am I dreaming? I waited, trying to see if this was real or part of a dream. Whichever it was, it was nice, comforting.
Rough fingertips moved over the parts of my back that weren’t split open and packed with gunk. I sucked in a breath and held it. This was real. I moved my head and saw his silhouette against the candlelight flickering in from the kitchen and living room. “Ky?” My voice was raspy and barely sounded like my own. Sleep and exhaustion filled every chord.
“Shh. I’m here.” Suddenly, I was very aware that I was lying shirtless on my bed. Even though, I was on my stomach, that didn’t help me feel any less naked in front of my best friend, who happened to be a member of the male species—a very fine male specimen according to my girlfriends.
I knew he was handsome. I wasn’t blind. But, I didn’t see him like that. He’d dated many of my friends and now was getting ready to marry Paige Winters in just a few weeks, after the harvest was complete and the orchards picked bare. His fingertips trace the in-tact skin between my shoulder blades and I tensed under his touch.
He’d kissed my head and temple and hugged me more times than I can count, but this was somehow different. This was more intimate. His touch was delicate, gentle compared to his normal strength and anything but playful. “Ky?”
He didn’t answer. His fingers explored my back, careful not to stray too close to the wounds that streaked across my skin. “Kyan?”
“Shut up, Abby. Just let me... Just shut up.” He’d never talked to me like this. His voice was raspy and he’d never, ever told me to shut up before. So I did. I wasn’t sure why. He shouldn’t have been touching my skin. Shouldn’t have been caressing the good parts left of me, but sitting with me in the dark, he was doing exactly that and I was allowing it.
 Paige would be furious if she saw us now. She’d always had a jealous streak, had always hated any girl who dated or flirted with Ky. Lately, she told anyone and everyone who will listen that Kyan was hers and that she hated me with a passion. She wasn’t lying. She hated me.  Rather, she hated my relationship with Ky. He was my best friend. I wasn’t interested in him as anything more or anything else. I’d told her that. He’d told her that a million times. But, she refused to listen, adamant that I wanted him for myself, adamant that he wanted me.
I honestly didn’t have those types of feelings for Kyan. I never have had them. Ever. And up until now, I’d always thought he felt the same. But feeling his fingers exploring my skin made even me question that sentiment. And it scared me to death.

Want to check out the first book?
REAP Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/pht888t
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/kvj83zp
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/p6djny5
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reap-ebook-casey-l-bond/1118930952?ean=2940149395262


REAP BOOK Trailer: 

Contact Casey:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20890250-reap
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcaseybond
Twitter: @authorcaseybond
Website: http://caseybond.tateauthor.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caseyb007/reap-the-harvest-series/
Other Books by Casey L. Bond: Winter Shadows, Devil Creek, Pariah (Releasing 5/14), Shady Bay  and Resist, Book 2 of The Harvest Saga (Late Summer 2014).

Cover Reveal of Resist by Casey L. Bond

RESIST: 
Abby Kelley returns home from the Greater city of Olympus to find that things in Orchard Village are bad, very bad. The Olympian Guard has taken over village affairs.  The Lessers are being worked to the bone in the coldest winter Orchard has seen.  Villagers are being dragged away for the slightest indication of what they call “resistance.” She needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. But, it’s so hard to do when everything within you screams rebellion.
Kyan is coming on strong, trying to convince her to take a chance on him. Shocking news of Crew’s activities in Olympus sweeps through the Villages. When Abby is taken away by the Olympian guard, Kyan sends word to Vesuvius for help. But, no one could have predicted their idea of help or what they might expect in return.
Who will be left to pick up the pieces of Abby’s heart?

Releasing in the Summer of 2014
                       

 

REAP: 
The remnants of the United States of America have been divided. From five enormous, technologically-advanced cities, the Greaters rule over the Lessers. In the Lesser village of Orchard, things are not as perfect as Abby Kelley thinks they are. When the apple harvest draws near and the Greater’s  engineered fruits become too much for one village to handle alone, reinforcements from neighboring villages are called upon. 
Having to choose between her best friend, whom she has no romantic feelings for, and mysterious newcomer Crew, Abby finds herself in the middle of a harvest that she had no intention of becoming a part of.  She becomes involved in a situation that threatens the strict rule of the Greaters, and just might give the Lessers hope for a better tomorrow.  But, can she help the Lessers without losing Crew? And if she chooses Crew, will she lose her best friend?


REAP Excerpt:
Something was touching my face, caressing my cheek. The skin that brushed mine was rough, hardened by the work we all share. Am I dreaming? I waited, trying to see if this was real or part of a dream. Whichever it was, it was nice, comforting.
Rough fingertips moved over the parts of my back that weren’t split open and packed with gunk. I sucked in a breath and held it. This was real. I moved my head and saw his silhouette against the candlelight flickering in from the kitchen and living room. “Ky?” My voice was raspy and barely sounded like my own. Sleep and exhaustion filled every chord.
“Shh. I’m here.” Suddenly, I was very aware that I was lying shirtless on my bed. Even though, I was on my stomach, that didn’t help me feel any less naked in front of my best friend, who happened to be a member of the male species—a very fine male specimen according to my girlfriends.
I knew he was handsome. I wasn’t blind. But, I didn’t see him like that. He’d dated many of my friends and now was getting ready to marry Paige Winters in just a few weeks, after the harvest was complete and the orchards picked bare. His fingertips trace the in-tact skin between my shoulder blades and I tensed under his touch.
He’d kissed my head and temple and hugged me more times than I can count, but this was somehow different. This was more intimate. His touch was delicate, gentle compared to his normal strength and anything but playful. “Ky?”
He didn’t answer. His fingers explored my back, careful not to stray too close to the wounds that streaked across my skin. “Kyan?”
“Shut up, Abby. Just let me... Just shut up.” He’d never talked to me like this. His voice was raspy and he’d never, ever told me to shut up before. So I did. I wasn’t sure why. He shouldn’t have been touching my skin. Shouldn’t have been caressing the good parts left of me, but sitting with me in the dark, he was doing exactly that and I was allowing it.
 Paige would be furious if she saw us now. She’d always had a jealous streak, had always hated any girl who dated or flirted with Ky. Lately, she told anyone and everyone who will listen that Kyan was hers and that she hated me with a passion. She wasn’t lying. She hated me.  Rather, she hated my relationship with Ky. He was my best friend. I wasn’t interested in him as anything more or anything else. I’d told her that. He’d told her that a million times. But, she refused to listen, adamant that I wanted him for myself, adamant that he wanted me.
I honestly didn’t have those types of feelings for Kyan. I never have had them. Ever. And up until now, I’d always thought he felt the same. But feeling his fingers exploring my skin made even me question that sentiment. And it scared me to death.

Want to check out the first book?
REAP Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/pht888t
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/kvj83zp
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/p6djny5
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reap-ebook-casey-l-bond/1118930952?ean=2940149395262


REAP BOOK Trailer: 

Contact Casey:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20890250-reap
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcaseybond
Twitter: @authorcaseybond
Website: http://caseybond.tateauthor.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caseyb007/reap-the-harvest-series/
Other Books by Casey L. Bond: Winter Shadows, Devil Creek, Pariah (Releasing 5/14), Shady Bay  and Resist, Book 2 of The Harvest Saga (Late Summer 2014).

Reap by Casey L. Bond! YA Dystopian

This is another book I've added to the kid's to read list. I personally met Ms. Casey over the weekend at the Louisville Authors Event. She is an amazing person who I am very honored to work with.

Reap is Ms. Casey's third released novel.

Synposis:
The remnants of the United States of America have been divided. From five enormous, technologically-advanced cities, the Greaters rule over the Lessers.

In the Lesser village of Orchard, things are not as perfect as Abby Kelley thinks they are. When the apple harvest draws near and the Greater’s engineered fruits become too much for one village to handle alone, reinforcements from neighboring villages are called upon.

Having to choose between her best friend, whom she has no romantic feelings for, and mysterious newcomer Crew, Abby finds herself in the middle of a harvest that she had no intention of becoming a part of. She becomes involved in a situation that threatens the strict rule of the Greaters, and just might give the Lessers hope for a better tomorrow.

But, can she help the Lessers without losing Crew? And if she chooses Crew, will she lose her best friend?

Well what can I say about this novel?! If you love YA Dystopian GO GRAB IT but I'm the editor so... :) However, my mom did give it 5 stars! Woot woot!

The Destiny Series by Cindy Ray Hale! YA

So... I edited this amazing book called Synchrony by Cindy Ray Hale. At first I was like I'll just edit the book because another friend recommended her to me. I didn't know if I would have a connection with the story because the characters are high school age. I don't read or edit a lot of young adult. Ms. Cindy sent me the first book to the series, Destiny, to read so I could have the background for Synchrony. Well, I'll admit when I'm wrong, but I was completely wrong about Synchrony. After reading Destiny, I was ready to jump into Synchrony. This story is more than a girl picking the right guy to be with. Religion plays a huge role in this series. I'm a lover of religion, I love learning about the different religions. I'll admit I didn't know that there was a conflict with the Mormon Church and the Baptist Church and this series brings it to the forefront. I did some research of my own and was taken back by the way the Mormons are unfairly judged. Ahhh Anywho, not the point of my post. I just wanted to let you know about this amazing series. I purchased both books for Hunter to read. There is a huge lesson in this series and I can't wait for Hunters thoughts on these novels!

   

 Destiny Clark, a young Mormon girl living in Tennessee, is wildly infatuated with Isaac Robinson, the headmaster's son at her Baptist high school. When they're cast together in the school's production of Les Misérables, Destiny is horrified to find that she has to be publicly humiliated by acting out her true feelings of rejection onstage. As their rehearsals begin, Destiny realizes the unimaginable: Isaac has developed deep feelings for her despite their religious differences and the fact that he has a girlfriend. But will they be able to find their place amongst the backbiters of their ultra-conservative world? Weaving around Destiny and Isaac's alternating viewpoints, Destiny is the first book in a series inspired by the characters of Les Misérables and explores heartbreak, self-discovery, intolerance, and love.

   

When her parents discover she’s been sneaking out with Isaac Robinson, the forbidden Baptist boy, Mormon girl Destiny Clark decides it’s time to keep their relationship quiet. As their relationship moves to shakier ground, Destiny discovers that Isaac has a terrible secret, and she is left completely shattered. The moment Destiny feels all hope is lost, Preston Nelson, her longtime church friend and Isaac's bitter rival, arrives like a beacon of light. It isn't long before two separate disasters strike for Preston and Destiny's best friend, Hannah. As Destiny helps them through their issues, she discovers that sometimes the best way to forget about your own problems is to help a friend in need. Just as her heart begins to mend and her friendship with Preston begins to heat up, Isaac walks back into her life, threatening to rekindle the feelings she’d hoped to bury forever. Will Destiny and Preston find the synchrony they so desperately need, or will she find a way to forgive Isaac and return to his outstretched arms?

Destructive Series by LU Ann *16+

**Note: This series is a little older than what we normally review on this blog. However, this story is amazing and based on true events. I believe it's an eye-opening read for a new adult, which reaches some of the age group of this blog. I have read the adult edition of this series and I was an emotional wreck but it's a story I am proud of the author that she wrote it... ~Anna**

 

 

If you never speak of the past, can it be erased?

Lacey Edwards has a past.

A past which changed her life forever.

A past she is desperate to forget.

Lacey is quiet and reserved compared to her best friend Becca Fox. They became instant friends when Lacey moved to Maryland nine years ago. Becca helped pull Lacey out of her internal shell to experience life. By high school, Lacey was active in the club scene and would occasionally have to drag Becca with her. One night, Lacey realized she might be able to run from her past with the help of Becca and one steamy Caine Rogers.

Lacey didn't know, until it was too late, how feelings, honesty, heartbreak and life altering events can change a person. Lacey has Becca’s support but will that be enough?

Will Lacey sacrifice her own happiness to do what is expected?

***WARNING***

Appropriate for readers 16 years and up. This novel contains heavy life issues that some might find offensive.

AMAZON / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK

BARNES & NOBLE / SMASHWORDS / KOBO

If the decisions you make don’t define you, what price would you pay to change them?

“Close your eyes. This is the darkness I see, I feel, I live because of my choices."

I spent my life running. Running from my past. A past that changed my life, robbed me of my childhood, and bound me for a life of silence. Silence protected me from further hurt. When I couldn't control my life, I found reprieve in my silence. Dark, cold silence. I’m trapped, trying to find my way out, trying to make a stand, trying to finally live; but is it too late?

Lacey Edwards fought emotional turmoil most of her life. She made choices that unknowingly put her through more painstaking heartache. She found bits and pieces of happiness in all the wrong areas except for one. This one gave her hope for a fresh new life full of promises. Could she hold onto it, or would it slip through her fingertips?

***Warning*** Young Adult Edition. Appropriate for audiences 16 years and above. This novel contains heavy life and social issues that some might find difficult or offensive.

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / AMAZON / WEBSITE

TWITTER /PINTEREST / INSTAGRAM / TUMBLR

Author L.U. Ann moved to Colorado from the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband and two children. Life in Colorado is so much different. In Maryland, you would find her in the garden tending to her vegetables and flowers, sea glass and shark tooth hunting once a week, and enjoying the kids swimming in the backyard. Her life took a drastic change when her family moved to their own “Little House on the Prairie" at an elevation of over 6,000 feet above sea level, and a semi-arid climate that makes it hard to grow anything. While barely anything can grow where she resides now, the wildlife makes up for it. Mountain Lions, and coyotes, and rattlesnakes, oh my!

She tries to spend a little time each day writing, but domestic chores around the house usually take precedence. She would much rather hide them from her husband. She tends to her loving four-legged children who at times become much too demanding when she locks herself in the office. This often results in MORE domestic work, and she finds herself cleaning up after their deviant behavior.

At night, you’ll find her begging the kids to go to bed so that she can catch up on the latest book before her sister can. Yes, she is an avid reader who escapes her chaotic but wonderful home to the feisty depths of romance land in search of her newest book boyfriend. Shh, don’t tell her husband!

She is an artist by the grace of God. She worked as a set designer for six years, helping establish a local children's theatre where she was the scenery artist, set, and prop designer. Before that, you would find her covered in paint, so engrossed in painting a mural that time didn't exist. Graphic design is her guilty pleasure.

Special Note From L.U. Ann

I created this Young Adult Edition to reach a wider audience. Lacey is nineteen years old and finishing high school. The issues she faces are the very issues a teenager could be facing right now, some possibly even younger.

This series deals with heavy life issues. Issues that are real. It may not be for everyone, but it's a reality for so many. I hope you take some valuable information away from reading A Destructive Novel series. If anything, please read the resources found in the back of each book.

Thank you for the opportunity to tell Lacey’s story. My story.

L.U. Ann

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

Review of The Sad Tree and Pronuba by Christina Steiner!

 Written by: Christina Steiner Illustrated by: Mary Manning

Published by: Outskirts Press  Publish Date: October 29, 2012

Age Group: Elementary

About:
A Lonely Tree and a Special Friend... The desert is a lonely place for Joshua, a tree who has never seen another tree like him. He asks everyone in his environment to help him find a companion...but although the desert loves him, nobody can help. Things change for Joshua one beautiful spring night when a tiny moth comes to visit. This exquisite story about the life-cycle relationship between the Joshua Tree and the Pronuba Moth will delight readers of all ages


Our thoughts of The Sad Tree and Pronuba:
We read this book as a family. It's a beautiful story of science and life.

I will admit it, we did shed some tears when I explained the cycle of life a little further when asked why Pronuba didn't come back. But the relationship between Pronuba and Joshua shows children that although we are different, we can help each other.

Joshua was lonely and there wasn't any other trees around that looked like him. The wind told him that there was another tree that looked like him around the rock but the wind couldn't stay to help him. Pronuba came along, as she was looking for a place to lay her eggs and they work out a deal. This is where the science lesson really gets working. Children don't realize that they are learning about science until they reflect back on the story. The story and lesson draws you in. 

I would recommend this to read in a classroom or at home!

"Thank you, moon and stars, for watching over all of us." ~Joshua
5 from Dane, Hunter, and I!

*We did receive this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

About the author:
Christina Steiner lives in Southern California. She is the mother of two daughters, who loved illustrated children’s books when they were growing up. The Sad Tree and Pronuba was inspired by Christina’s visit to the Mojave Desert, where she became fascinated by the Joshua Tree and the desolate environment in which it flourishes.

 

  The Sad Tree and Pronuba

Review of Kurt, Gert, Jazmine, and Bagel by Irene Dolnick!

Written by: Irene Dolnick Publisher: Outskirts Press

Published: October 15, 2013 Ages: 6 to 8

Dane: I really liked this story. It reminded me that I need to make sure to include all my friends so they don't feel left out. And it's okay for me to make new friends. I liked the pictures of the dogs.

Mama Anna: This was a cute story. I love that it had the phonics help included in book. That extra step makes it friendlier for the younger reader. I liked the corky graphics. They didn't take away from the story. The only problem I had with the book, and I think it's because I'm an editor, was the speaking punctuation. If that was corrected, it would be perfect. It's a great story for kids.

4.5 from Dane and I!!
*We did receive a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author
Irene Dolnick has four beagles, whose love is the inspiration behind her creativity and who have taught her that dogs are as adventurous as people. Irene lives in El Paso, Texas, a warm climate that allows her to share in the dogs' craziest schemes.

Kurt, Gert, Jazmine, and Bagel

Cover Reveal: True Colors by Melissa Pearl!! (YA)

Cover Designer by: Kate Strawbridge of Dwell Design & Press

Hosted by: Mrs Potter's Book Publicity Services

Blurb:

Caitlyn Davis always cruised through life, not being the type to ruffle feathers or involve herself in high school drama…until a chance encounter with a strange, homeless man changes everything.

Suddenly, Caitlyn has the ability to see behind people’s masks. She discovers that her life isn’t as simple as she imagined and her high school is filled with secrets…some very sinister ones.

Unable to ignore her new gift, Caitlyn embarks on a mission to learn why one of her friends now appears terrified, but masks her fear behind a bright, smiling veneer. Will Caitlyn’s new ability lead her into hot water? Or is her new found vision a blessing that will expose her friends’ true colors?

Her quest will lead Caitlyn to lose friends, stand up for those in need, and even find love.

At Palisades High School every face tells a story…

Book Link:

Goodreads

Author Bio:

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Author Social Links:
Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Melissa Pearl Blog and YAlicious Blog

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Author Page

Smashwords Author Page

Newsletter Subscription

Website

Pinterest

Other Titles by Melissa Pearl:

The Time Spirit Trilogy
Golden Blood - Black Blood - Pure Blood

The Betwixt Series
Betwixt - Before - Beyond

The Mica & Lexy Series
Forbidden Territory
Forbidden Waters (due for release: 2014)

The Masks Series

Book 2 (due for release: 2014)

Book 3 (due for release: 2014)

Book 4 (due for release: 2015)

I Know Lucy Series
I Know Lucy (due for release: 2014)
Set Me Free (due for release: 2014)

The Song Bird Series

Fever (due for release: June 2014)

True Colors Masquerade Ball Facebook Event

The True Colors Masquerade Ball is happening on February 16th to celebrate the release of True Colors. All party-goers will be entitled to purchase a copy of True Colors for only 99c. There will also be competitions, giveaways and guest appearances from other authors who will be unveiling their own secrets. So come and join in the fun and help us welcome True Colors into the world with style.

Book Blitz: Net Riders by Giorgio Marino!!

adventure/science fiction novel for middle graders.

Synopsis: 

When Zane and Megan crack the Secnet, they stumble across Project Net Rider. It’s an awesome Cyber Warfare program with a virtual netbike to infiltrate any computer in the new global network. But the software is dangerous—and in the wrong hands—capable of unlimited destruction. So when the notorious Haxta steals a copy, the entire world is threatened. And the two hackers have to risk everything to stop him.

iTunes | GoodReads | Amazon | Kindle

About the Author:

Giorgio Marino has degrees in Engineering and Business and has worked in Technical, Sales and Marketing roles all over Australia. He has traveled extensively around the world to research his novels, and now lives in Adelaide, South Australia with his wife and two young children. His main interests are reading, writing, movies, illustrating, web design, travel and of course, exploring playgrounds. He writes full time and when not running after children, is working on a new novel. Net Riders is his first published book.

Website | Amazon | GoodReads

In The Hall of the Mountain King by Allison Flannery Illustrated by Vesper Stamper

Written by: Allison Flannery Illustrated by: Vesper Stamper

Published: April 2013 Ages: 4-9

What we thought of In the Hall of the Mountain King:

Dane: I thought it was adventurous and it went to different scenes that had cool animals. I liked the pictures and the music that came with the book. Peer was curious and kind of naughty. I'd recommend to my friends.

Mama Anna: I really enjoyed reading this book with Dane. Hunter said she was too old to read with us, she is 11. We read the book without the CD the first time. We read it later again with the CD and it fits in perfectly with Peer's actions. The illustrations are fun and full of color. They draw the reader in to the scene. We stopped several times to look at the pictures instead of reading. 

I would highly recommend this as a read at home or even in the classroom! It is a wonderful adaptation from Henrik Ibsen and it really gets the reader engaged with the story! Also, the website is full of fun accompaniments to the story! 

5stars from Dane and I! 
*We did receive a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Q and A session with Ms. Allison Flannery:

Tell us a bit about your book and where it’s available:
In the Hall of the Mountain King is a picture book that loosely follows the story line from Norwegian playwright Henrik Isben’s Peer Gynt written in the 1860's. I modified it into a kid-friendly story of a young boy on an adventure, which ends in the mysterious Mountain King’s castle. The story’s action mirrors the music that Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg wrote for this scene of the play. I include directions in the book on how to make story and music an interactive experience for children that helps them learn about musical dynamics in a fun way.

It is available through my website and through Amazon.

What was the inspiration for your book?
I was asked to write this book by one of my Kindergarten students two years ago. Five year olds really believe anything is possible and he was no exception. I had told this story orally to my classes, and he kept insisting to see the "book that goes with that story." At that time, there was no book, but because of his persistence, I started the process that led to the book getting published. It is dedicated to that student!

What was your aim for this book? What did you want readers to think and feel when reading it?
I wanted my students to appreciate and enjoy classical music—to notice its movement and variations—and, for this piece, to visualize the action mirrored by the sounds. As a teacher it is my aim to make learning fun as well as to impart beauty, truth, and goodness in my teaching. I hope that readers will enjoy the story and the music and be inspired by its power and beauty. I love engaging young readers with whole body movement and to try to make the music come alive for children physically as well as emotionally. Through it all, I hope they will gain appreciation for the great composers and writers that left of these classic works of art and not overlook them as "boring."

Do you have any other books currently available?
No, this is my first book.

What will you be working on next?
I would like to write stories based on other scenes from the Peer Gynt play, based on other pieces by Edvard Grieg. There are several interesting possibilities, so I am not sure where I will go next, but it will likely be a story that accompanies one of the other pieces on the CD included with my current book.

How did you originally get into writing?
I have always been an avid reader, staring in my elementary school years. Books were my best friends. I think writing is just an extension of reading. I feel privileged to have gotten to write this book.

What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
I really still don't consider myself a writer. I am more of a discoverer. I discovered this book more than I wrote it.

What do you find hardest about being a writer?
Writing a picture book is challenging because most of my words in the original manuscript ended up on the cutting room floor. The illustrator did such an amazing job of saying what I wanted with the illustrations that my editor and I deleted much of what I had originally written. But I do miss some of those words!

Who or what would you count as your main influence?
My mother and my paternal grandmother. My mother read to me constantly in my early childhood. My grandmother always sang to me and took me on long walks on the family farm where I grew up. I think the combination of these two women created a love of the written word and the beauty of adventure in nature. I am grateful to have had them shape my life in such profound ways.

What do you enjoy reading?
I love reading biographies and learning about people – how they think, what drives them to be successful, why they make the choices they do, and how that influences them and the world around them. I also love children’s books. They were and still are such a big part of my own children’s lives. Some of our most precious times have been reading and entering in to stories together. There are books that I’ve read over and over to each of my children or whole series that I’ve read to each of my daughters at certain ages that very special to me—and to them to.

Who is your favorite author?
Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read all of her books 13 times by the time I was in the fifth grade. Her books are one of the series I referred to above that I’ve read to each of my daughters as well. They let you experience a different world and a different time, while helping to instill values that are as relevant today as ever.

What would be your ideal writer’s haven for creating your book? Would you have a desk in a quiet cabin somewhere or an iPad on the beach?
Probably a classroom full of kindergarteners. I would love to have a whole day with them to hear their ideas, listen to great music, and interact with their responses to it. They are so uninhibited by the world around them and see life so purely. They would give me great ideas and inspire me to make them happen!