The Write Stuff Review

Caleb & Shalev by Max Ediger

2010-09-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

Caleb & Shalev by Max Ediger

Illustrated by Lucia Wah Sui Kwan

Max Ediger brings us a new story of Christmas in his inspirational children's book, Caleb & Shalev.

Caleb is a lame little orphan boy who is terribly mistreated by the shepherds who care for him. The only love that he receives is from a little crippled lamb who he cares for named Shalev, meaning peaceful heart.

While following the shepherds on their journey to see a king, Caleb comes upon a stable in which a baby has been born. To his surprise he is told that the baby is Jesus the King and as he had no other gift to give, he presented Shalev to Jesus. His act of kindness brings peace to Caleb's heart and to the heart of the shepherds who had been treating him so poorly.

Author Max Ediger wants children to enjoy the story of Christmas from a different perspective. By seeing the story through the eyes of the child Caleb, the young reader can relate to the story in a whole new way.

Publisher: Eloquent Books

ISBN: 978-1608608089

36 pages

I Sit In A Wheelchair......But I Will Be Okay! by Brittany Crawford

2010-09-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

I Sit In A Wheelchair...........But I Will Be Okay! by Brittany Crawford

Author Brittany Crawford brings us the touching tale of 5 year-old Penny Brown in the uplifting children's book, I Sit in a Wheelchair.......But I Will Be Okay!

Penny is not like the other children in her class as she is confined to a wheelchair. Although at times she struggles with what she cannot do, Penny is able to focus on the things that she can do with help from her friend Amy.

I found this story to be uplifting and with important lessons for the young reader. Although written for the child with disability, this book is appropriate for any child who has struggles of any kind. The book focuses on the importance of friendship and family and the rewards of positive thinking.

I Sit in a Wheelchair......But I Will Be Okay! is Crawford's debut children's book and based on her own experience. She is currently working on releasing an I'm Okay series of books.

Illustrations done by Michelle Oakley

ISBN: 978-1609112004

Publisher: Eloquent Books

Age: 9-12 years

26 pages

The Legend of Witch Bane by Kevis Hendrickson

2010-07-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Legend of Witch Bane by Kevis Hendrickson

Hendrickson gives us the ultimate summer read with The Legend of Witch Bane. This young adult novel is full of mystery and intrigue,

and an absolute page turner! With Hendrickson's writing style the reader is able to visualize each step of every colorful character.

The kingdom is under a terrible curse and it is up to the children of Kaldan to save their people. Only the magical sword Witch Bane is

able to give them the power to defeat the evil but darkness and doom are around every corner.

The Legend of Witch Bane is a classic fantasy story for the modern reader and a wonderful read for both young adults and adults.

ages: 9-12

348 pgs

Outskirt Press

ISBN: 978-1432712983

The Lost Secret of the Green Man by Tiffany Turner

2010-07-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Lost Secret of the Green Man
The Crystal Keeper Chronicles, Book 2

Tiffany Turner has brought us yet another adventure with the imaginative and fun Book 2 of The Crystal Keeper Chronicles, The Lost Secret of the Green Man.

Wanda should be studying and enjoying time with friends but who has time for that when you are being called upon to be the savior of the fairies!

When a unicorn appears in her bedroom, the real adventure begins and Wanda must solve the deepening mystery that lies ahead.

The Lost Secret of the Green Man is well written and a fun read. The questions keep you guessing and turning the pages as it is hard to put down. It is a wonderful fantasy book for the young adult and older. The book can be ordered on-line through Trafford publishing and other book retailers.

Author: Tiffany Turner
Cover Art: Rich Wallace
Publisher: Trafford Publishing, 2009
106 pages
Fantasy/Adventure
ISBN: 978-1426921568

The Journey Of The Nightisans by Rebecca Linam

2010-06-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Journey of the Nightisans is a creatively written and highly entertaining story by Rebecca Linam, that will keep you guessing, and laughing throughout each and every page.

Lucasse Koltz cannot escape being part of the most embarassing family; his Father, the village mad scientist, disappeared into the very black hole that he created; His blue-haired sister has visions of happenings elsewhere and now he has found himself teamed up with a talking cat and other oddities to try to save the world!

Of course Lucasse was the one to put the world in danger in the first place but now the moon is on a crash course with the planet and it is up to him and his nutty sidekicks to find the one person who can stop it. Even the magician he hires is allergic to magic!

The chances of Lucasse succeeding look slim, especially when the someone who wants to stop him from breaking the curse turns out to be a shadow from his past.

Linam has succeeded in writing a witty and colorful story that is easy enough for the young adult to read but can be enjoyed by the adult reader as well. It is a well written, laugh-out-loud story and I highly recommend it.

published by I-Universe

ISBN 978-1-4401-4071-6

May 12, 2009

264 pages

young adult

Torn From Normal by Martin Bartloff

2010-04-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Martin Bartloff's dubut novel Torn From Normal, is an emotionally charged story that will engage the reader of any age. Main character Andy Riley has been torn away from all that he has known by a series of tragedies that will tug on your heart.

Bartloff's writing style is fluid and sensitive and makes it possible for the reader to feel the emotions of the main and supporting characters. Any contentment that Andy finds is short-lived and readers will quickly find that they are riding the emotional rollercoaster along with him!

Torn From Normal is a well written novel that is difficult to put down after the first page. I applaud Bartloff for tackling such sensitive and emotional issues in a way that will engage the Young Adult. A definite 5 stars for Bartloff's Torn From Normal.

Torn From Normal by Martin Bartloff

Publisher:Snowflake International

Young Adult Fiction

278 pages

ISBN 978-0615310725

by Meg Walsh

author, Mama, Won't You Play With Me?

ISBN 978-1449014247

www.megwalshonline.com

Tell Me A Story 3 : Women of Wonder by Amy Friedman

2010-04-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Tell Me A Story 3

Women of Wonder

It was a wonderful change of pace for me to review this audio book. It is not often that I have a story read to me so I was just able to sit back and appreciate the words and music.

Tell Me A Story 3 is the 3rd installment in the mythical audio book series Tell Me A Story by Amy Friedman.

This six story collection starring heroines and goddesses is narrated by the very recognizeable voices of Paula Poundstone and Bryce Dallas Howard. Accompanied by music with an Old World and sometimes Celtic flair, the stories become alive with Friedman's imaginative and descriptive words.

Friedman has successfully redesigned folktales from diverse cultures including Turkey and Cambodia, into lively and mystical adventures that will captivate listeners at any age.

Tell Me a Story 3 was the 2009 Parents Choice Gold Medal Winner and now a Finalist in the 2010 Audie Awards. More information about Friedman's work and successes can be found at her website, http://www.mythsandtales.com/.

I have had the pleasure of listening to the entire three piece set of the Tell Me a Story collection, and I award 5 stars to the entire collection!

by: Meg Walsh
author, Mama, Won't You Play With Me?
ISBN 978-1449014247
www.megwalshonline.com

The Most Beautiful Color of All, by Kelly Fischer

2010-04-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Most Beautiful Color of All, by Kelly Fischer

illustrated by: Michelle Duckworth

The Most Beautiful Color of All is an inspiring children's tale, that reminds us all of how different but special we are.

When the classroom is empty, alive comes a box of colored pencils. Each with their own attitude, a contest arises to determine which pencil is the most beautiful.

Written in simple terms, the author gets her message across that each "pencil" is unique and beautiful in their own way. The illustrations by Michelle Duckworth lend beautiful color and animation to the story.

The Most Beautiful Color of All was a 2009 Indie Book Finalist, and because of its special message has been chosen by St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis to be given to their graduating class. It is a special tale that shares the message that all children need to hear.

Cold Tree Press

ISBN: 978-1583852811

ages 4-8

36 pgs

by: Meg Walsh

author, Mama, Won't You Play With Me?

ISBN 978-1449014247

www.megwalshonline.com

Bug Juice by Diane Macioce

2010-03-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

Bug Juice by Diane Macioce is an absolutely wonderful choice for toddlers and beginning readers.
From ants to worms, the author uses colorful rhyme to engage the young reader and even provoke a few giggles along the way.

Illustrator Larisa Anghelon brings the rhyme to life with her bright and happy artwork that can make anyone smile. Each insect's happy face makes the book even more fun to read, if that's even possible!

The simple writing style is perfect for beginning readers and the fun, smiling bugs are sure to keep their interest and keep them coming back . For a fun read about ants going bezerk and burping crickets, I highly recommend Bug Juice by Diane Macioce.

The Beckham Publications Group, 2009
ISBN: 978-0984199112

by: Meg Walsh
author, Mama, Won't You Play With Me?
ISBN 978-1449014247
www.megwalshonline.com

Author Spotlight.........Joshua Smith

2010-03-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have received many requests for reviews, however there is one in particular that stood out. I received a request from a gentleman named Craig Smith to take a look at his son's work. I was extremely surprised and impressed to hear that his son, Joshua, is just 9 years old.

Joshua has been writing and illustrating books since the first grade and has written 26 books. The first that I read is Frog's Space Adventure, and one cannot help but be impressed by his artistic and creative abilities.

Joshua is a dedicated young man who appreciates and respects the arts and who surely has the potential to make great contributions as an author in the future.

For more about Joshua and his work, please visit http://lulu.com/joshuaschildrensbooks

by: Meg Walsh

author, Mama, Won't You Play With Me?

ISBN 978-1449014247

www.megwalshonline.com

Not Ordinarily Borrowable or Unwelcome Advice by Thomas Thurman

2010-03-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

Imagine having the kind of day where a fiery dragon steals all of your books, ruins your studies and destroys the library! That is how the day starts for main character Maria in Not Ordinarily Borrowable by Thomas Thurman.

The story is an imaginative adventure from start to finish. Main character Maria is struggling with her courage as she considers confronting the supposed to be extinct dragon, and embarks on an adventure that keeps the reader entertained the whole way.

Not Ordinarily Borrowable is a colorful, imaginative story that had me laughing out loud more than once. It is a story that can be enjoyed by all age groups. If you are looking for a funny, and not so ordinary story, I highly recommend this book.

Not Ordinarily Borrowable or Unwelcome Advice

author: Thomas Thurman

publisher: Createspace, September 2009

106 pgs

ISBN: 978-1449517540

by: Meg Walsh

author, Mama, Won't You Play With Me?

ISBN 978-1449014247

www.megwalshonline.com

We Do Remember You by Steve Butler

2010-02-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

We have all suffered the loss of a loved one in our lives, and most of us cringe at the thought of having our children exposed to death. When we think of children's books, it is usually cute fluffy characters and bright colors that are thought of, and certainly not the subject of death. Author Steve Butler has managed to write to children about the topic in a most comforting way.

We Do Remember You is a heartwarming and beautifully written story through which the author focuses on possible ways of "doing" our grief. With beautiful artwork by Grace Mayfield, the story takes place in the Heavens, and all of the little Angels are wondering who back on Earth remembers them and how.

The author takes us through many special ways that we can remember our loved ones and the happiness that it brings the Angels above. It is an inspirational story for bereaved readers and families and if possible, lightens the subject of loss and death.

We Do Remember You written by Steve Butler
illustrated by: Grace Mayfield
ISBN 978-0965489980
Enheart Publishing
softcover
48 pages

reviewer: Meg Walsh
author, Mama, Won't You Play With Me?
http://www.megwalshonline.com/

Tuttle Leaves the Puddle by R.J. Glover

2010-01-26T06:41:00.000-08:00

Tuttle Leaves the Puddle

The Adventures of a Red Eared Slider Turtle

by R.J. Glover

Tuttle Leaves the Puddle is the adorable story of Tuttle Turtell and his family who reside in the most peaceful and beautiful of all places, Serenity pond.

Young Tuttle goes off to find adventure and meets many colorful and interesting characters along the way like Larry Flyer, the Blue Dragonfly and Bogart the Bullfrog.

It is a story that is easy to read and follow and perfect for young readers. The illustrations are bright and colorful and will immediately grab the attention of the younger ones, making this a perfect bedtime story as well.

If you are looking for a fun book that adults as well as children will enjoy, I highly recommend Tuttle Leaves the Puddle.

Tuttle Leaves the Puddle

The Adventures of the Red Eared Slider Turtle

author: R.J. Glover

illustrator: Patrick Carlson

Booksurge Publishing

ISBN: 978-1439261194

66 pages

-Meg Walsh

author: Mama, Won't You Play With Me?

http://www.megwalshonline.com/

The Write Stuff Book Reviews

2010-01-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

Now accepting review copies of new self-published children's books for review. Please visit my website at http://www.megwalshonline.com/ , or email me at megwalshonline@optonline.net for more information.