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Character Interview: Freddy from Michelle Nott’s Early Reader Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses
We’re thrilled to have here today Freddy from Michelle Nott’s new Early Reader, Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses. Freddy is an eight year-old student.
It is a pleasure to have him with us today at Beyond the Books!
Thank you so much for this interview, Freddy. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
Michelle portrayed the troubles I was having very clearly. I just hope it didn’t look like I am poor in math, because I’m actually rather good at math.
Do you feel the author did a good job colorizing your personality? If not, how would you like to have been portrayed differently?
Yes. I actually really enjoy school, which is why I was hopping to get into class that day. But, I do get sad when my classmates laugh at me. Now that I have my glasses, though, I don’t do anything to make them laugh at me in a mean way anymore. I can see what’s going on now.
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
My imagination. When I didn’t know why everything was blurry, or why I couldn’t see the numbers on my ruler, or read the title of books at the library, I imagined Hoppie, a little frog that could help me.
Worse trait?
Stubborn. My eyesight problems had been going on much longer than you can tell from the book. I didn’t want to believe anything was wrong.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
Elias Harger would be a great choice!
Do you have a love interest in the book?
No! I’m only eight years old!
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
When I came home AGAIN with a terrible headache, I knew I had to tell my mom somehow.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
I would not want to be my math partner who wouldn’t even put a star on my paper. He’s too negative.
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
I love it. I feel better about myself, and I know Hoppie is helping a lot of other children too.
What words of wisdom would you give your author if s/he decided to write another book with you in it?
I didn’t get to show off my baseball talent in this book or how well I draw. Maybe she could write about all that one day.
Thank you for this interview, Freddy. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
I hope so!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses
Genre: Early Reader, ages 6-9
Author: Michelle Nott
Website: www.authormichellenott.com
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Purchase link: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/freddy-hoppie.htm
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Freddy-Hoppie-Eyeglasses-Michelle-Nott/dp/1616337338
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is about a little boy and his imaginary frog named Hoppie. Whenever Freddy struggles, Hoppie helps out. Specifically, Freddy’s having problems at school that he doesn’t realize stem from his poor eyesight. Not sure how to tell Mom about his trouble, he explains that Hoppie is the one with headaches, etc. Of course, Mom understands that Hoppie is the tool that Freddy uses to express himself. So, she takes Freddy (and Hoppie) to see the eye doctor. When Freddy leaves with brand new eyeglasses, Hoppie stays to assist the eye doctor with the other young patients.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Before becoming an author, Michelle Nott enjoyed being a French teacher (pre-K to university levels) in the U.S., working for a French company in Paris and an art gallery in NYC. She has also edited and written articles for numerous on-line and print magazines in the American and European markets.
In 2004, Michelle moved to Belgium. When she noticed that her daughters’ book collection included more French titles than English ones, she decided to put her creative writing degree to use. Many of these early stories can be found on her blog Good Night, Sleep Tight where she also reflects on raising Third Culture Kids.
In 2015, Michelle and her family returned to the U.S. But with American and French citizenship, they travel to Europe regularly. Their favorite places include the French Alps, the Belgian countryside, and the Cornish coast in the UK. Her family’s life and adventures prove great inspirations for her stories.
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is Michelle’s first book for children. Her future children’s books are represented by Essie White at Storm Literary Agency. She is a member of SCBWI, Children’s Book Insider and Houston Writer’s Guild.
Connect with Michelle Nott on the Net!
@MimiLRN
Character Interview: Dee from Donna McDine’s children’s book, Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters
We’re thrilled to have here today Dee from Donna McDine’s new children’s book, Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters. Dee is 6 years old and is a fraternal twin sister and student living in Tappan, New York.
It is a pleasure to have her with us today at Beyond the Books!
Thank you so for this interview, Dee. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
My creator, Donna McDine, did a terrific job and I’m very proud to be part of this story.
Do you feel the author did a good job colorizing your personality? If not, how would you like to have been portrayed differently?
Since the author Donna McDine and I are one in the same, she definitely stayed true to “our” personality.
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
My loyalty to my fraternal twin sister and that she is one of the most important people in my life.
Worse trait?
I can be waaaay too talkative. It has created problems for me in school and I need to learn to be quiet at the most difficult times.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
This is easy… that would be… Brooklyn Rae Silzer who plays Emma Grace Scorpio-Drake on General Hospital. Shhh, please don’t tell my mom I sneak to watch General Hospital.
Do you have a love interest in the book?
Yikes, gross… I’m only 6!
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
When my fraternal twin sister, Deb and I had to go to two different classrooms.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
That would be Casey, the girl I made friends with in class. At least I knew my sister was right across the hall, she didn’t have anyone.
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
Love how it shows my excitement to come back to school the next day.
What words of wisdom would you give your author if s/he decided to write another book with you in it?
Make the story longer. I so love reading about myself.
Thank you for this interview, Dee. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
Thanks for having me! I don’t know, that all depends my creator my alter ego, Donna McDine.
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Title: Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters
Genre: children’s
Author: Donna McDine
Website: www.donnamcdine.com
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Purchase link: www.donnamcdine.com and Guardian Angel Publishing / Amazon
About the Book: The anxiety of finding one’s own place and friends in kindergarten without the comfort of having her fraternal twin sister nearby at first overwhelms Dee until she realizes even without her fraternal twin sister, Dee and her classmates for the most part are in the same boat.
About the Author: Multi award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine’s creative side laid dormant for many years until her desire to write sparked in 2007. Her latest release Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters joins the four early reader children’s picture books, A Sandy Grave(January 2014), Powder Monkey (May 2013), Hockey Agony (January 2013) and The Golden Pathway (August 2010) all with Guardian Angel Publishing. Join McDine as her adventures continue as she ignites the curiosity of children through reading. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI.
Connect with Donna on the Web!
Character Interview: Robert from Cheryl C. Malandrinos’ first chapter reader, A Christmas Kindness
We’re thrilled to have here today Robert from Cheryl Malandrinos’ first chapter reader, A Christmas Kindness. Robert is eight years old.
It is a pleasure to have him with us today at Beyond the Books!
Thank you so for this interview, Robert. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
Cheryl did a great job portraying my character. It’s tough being a kid. When she was my age she didn’t have to deal with the half the stuff I do. Before I met Glenn I didn’t really think about the kids out there who might not have warm clothes or a lot of toys. But meeting him made me forget about what I wanted for Christmas for a while.
Do you feel the author did a good job colorizing your personality? If not, how would you like to have been portrayed differently?
Isn’t coloring something you do with a coloring book and some crayons?
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
I guess I would have to say I’m a kind person.
Worse trait?
Well, I was only thinking of myself at the beginning.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
Haley Joel Osment would have done a great job when he was younger. Casey Simpson, who plays Ricky Harper on Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn would be great too.
Do you have a love interest in the book?
Girls are still kind of yucky to me…though the girl who stood next to me in line as I waited for Santa was really cool.
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
When Glenn told me about his younger brother. It made me really sad and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
Being Santa would be awesome. Think of all the good I could do then.
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
It was nice to see my mom so proud of me.
What words of wisdom would you give your author if s/he decided to write another book with you in it?
Well, I hope Cheryl would write a book with me being a bit older to see if I took her message to heart.
Thank you for this interview, Robert. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
I’m not sure. You’ll have to check with Cheryl about that.
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A Christmas Kindness
Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?
Find out more on Amazon
Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer, children’s author, ghostwriter, and editor. Her children’s books include Little Shepherd (GAP, 2010) and A Christmas Kindness (4RV, 2012 & 2014). She is also a book reviewer and blogger. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.
You can visit Cheryl online at:
Website: http://ccmalandrinos.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccmalandrinos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cheryl-C-Malandrinos-170542359697682/
On the Spotlight: Anita Banks, Author of ‘Tanner Builds a Block Tower’
Title: Tanner Builds a Block Tower
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, ages 3-6
Author: Anita Banks
Website: www.anitabanks.com
Publisher: Wee Creek Press
About the book: Tanner is determined to build a tower with his blocks. Despite the distractions of the garden’s various animals and losing his blocks on the way, Tanner joyfully shows determination and perseverance.
About the author: Anita Banks harbored her secret of writing since she was in junior high school where the desire took seed in a creative writing class. She still journaling, reading, running and traveling, but nothing compares to playing with her grandchildren.
Links to your site/blog/FB and Twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/anita.banks.9
@anitambanks
Character Interview: Mama Ringtail from Sylvie Michaud’s Bedtime Story ‘Book of Dreams’
We’re thrilled to be talking to Mama Ringtail from North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Thank you so much for this interview, Mama Ringtail. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
I like how I was portrayed. The author set me in an environment that I feel comfortable with, natural and green, so I could be myself. Raccoons are very family oriented, so being able to spend so much time with my son and partner exploring the natural world felt great!
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
My strongest trait is my ability to live in a world that is constantly changing but stay in the present moment at the same time.
Worst trait?
Oh, I suppose I could be better at making plans for the future.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
Angelina Jolie as a voice over.
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
I can’t say that I felt nervous. There were no warning signs that our adventures were going to go sideways. Although, I was a bit concerned when Papa and Baby Ringtail were so close to the grizzly bears.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
I think it would be hard to be Baby Ringtail. Children are so dependent on the environment they find themselves growing up in. It’s a wild world out there!
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
It ends as it should, with a feeling of security and safety.
What words of wisdom would you give your author if s/he decided to write another book with you in it?
I would say to keep true to the heart and let that guide the story.
Thank you for this interview, Mama Ringtail. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
Yes you will. In fact, I can be found in the two other titles that make up the Ringtail Series, the Book of Love and the Book of Wishes.
Purchase at:
Amazon soft cover: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Dreams-The-Ringtail-Family/dp/0978295587
Amazon digital: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Dreams-The-Ringtail-Family-ebook/dp/B00BTPBX0Q
B&N soft cover: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-of-dreams-the-ringtail-family-sylvie-michaud/1110202903
Sylvie Michaud is a North Vancouver, BC based writer and graphic designer. After years as a writer, editor and designer for The Canadian Red Cross Society newsletter, “The Responder”, Sylvie has gone on to write for several other groups & magazines including Pacific Yachting, GardenWise and the North Shore’s own Lynn Valley Literary anthology, “Wintertide.”
In 2011, Sylvie won the Lynn Valley Literary Society’s short story contest for “Fire and Fortune.”
In addition to her literary background, Sylvie is the ower of Blackbarn Crafts where she designs, produces and sells handmade crafts for crafts shows and other online venues.
Learn more about Sylvie Michaud and the Ringtail Family collection at www.craftycanuck.com and http://shop.craftycanuck.com/
CHARACTER INTERVIEW: LEAH FROM A SANDY GRAVE BY DONNA MCDINE
We’re thrilled to be talking to Leah from Donna McDine’s tween chapter book, A Sandy Grave. She is taking a quick break from enjoying the beach. It is a pleasure to have her with us 
today at Beyond the Books!
BTB: Thank you so for this interview, Leah. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
Leah: My personality definitely flows from the pages and I enjoy how my creator portrays me as a curious individual.
BTB: What do you believe is your strongest trait?
Leah: I trust my gut instincts.
BTB: Worse trait?
Leah: I can exhaust others by asking too many questions.
BTB: If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
Leah: Drew Barrymore
BTB: At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
Leah: When the men began chasing us. I was scared what they would do to us if they caught us.
BTB: If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
Leah: Either of the men that stole the whale’s teeth. They were both grimy and deceptive.
BTB: How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
Leah: Relieved.
BTB: What words of wisdom would you give your author if s/he decided to write another book with you in it?
Leah: Portray me older in the next book, because I’m growing girl and want even more exciting adventures.
BTB: Thank you for this interview, Leah. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
Leah: I hope so, but that’s up to my creator. Maybe if I keep yelling at her in her mind she will have to write about me again.
About the Book
The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of adventures to be had–especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they discover mysterious men poaching whale teeth at the beach?
About the Author:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children’s author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway.
Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna’s 2013 releases of Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony and the 2014 release of A Sandy Grave will be joined by an additional book to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing, Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is a personal assistant from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network, and Family Reading Partnership.
Visit Donna online at www.donnamcdine.com or her blog at www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
Donna McDine is giving you a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card.
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
- This giveaway begins March 3 and ends on April 25, 2014.
- Winner will be contacted via email.
A Christmas Kindness by C. C. Gevry (Book Blast)
Title: A Christmas Kindness
Genre: First chapter reader
Author: Cheryl Malandrinos
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
Pages: 24
Language: English
ISBN – 978-0985266141
Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?
Excerpt:
Inside the mall, Christmas music and the tinkling of jingle bells tickled Robert’s ears. With his mother, Robert weaved through the crowd of shoppers. He smelled fried food from Burger Mart. The sweet scent of warm chocolate chip cookies from the bakery made his mouth water.
Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvW-tUyxDq8
Purchase your copy:
C.C Gevry is a children’s author from Western Massachusetts. A Christmas Kindness is her first book with 4RV Publishing. She is also a member of the SCBWI. Ms. Gevry is married with two young children and a son who is married. Visit her online at http://ccgevry.com
Just released: A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear, by Mayra Calvani
A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear
By Mayra Calvani
Illustrations by KC Snider
Guardian Angel Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 9781616334345; $15.95
Softcover ISBN: 9781616334352; $10.95
eBook ISBN: 9781616334369; $4.99
24 pages
Amazon / Guardian Angel Publishing
Little Bear offers Mama Bear various items to make her feel better, but she’s too busy to notice—until he gives her his super, so good, so very special dolly. Silly humor, alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia make this a fun read-aloud story. A celebration of the special love shared between mother and child. For ages 3-7.
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Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications both in print and online. She lives in Belgium with her husband, two wonderful kids, and her two beloved pets.
Website: http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/
Blog: http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.be/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayra-Calvanis-Fan-Page/162383023775888?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcalvani
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/272703.Mayra_Calvani
Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow on Sale in October!
The story of “Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow” takes us on the journey she travels to figure out how to get the cows at a new farm to like and accept her.
While she hopes to find friendship at her new home, instead she learns what it means to be different from everyone else. (Spotless!) Mary Elizabeth uses clever ideas and a sense of humor to help her on her quest for friends at the new farm.
This inspiring tale shows how perseverance in spite of obstacles, using a sound thought process to arrive at solutions and the importance of having fun, using humor and enjoying playtime can build friendships.
When you buy this book, 50% of net proceeds go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Program to make a difference in the lives of children with critical and life threatening illnesses.
Excerpt:
Once upon a time……..there was a farm in Ohio with lots of Cows. They all had many spots to be proud of. One day a truck pulled into the farm. The back door opened and out came a new Cow. The other Cows were so excited to have a new friend!
But as the new Cow came out of the truck the other Cows looked on in shock!!! “Oh My! What on Earth?!”
It seems the new Cow, whose name was Mary Elizabeth, had no spots!
“Where are your spots??!!” Demanded the Cow called Anna Belle.
“I don’t have any spots. I was born spotless, you see.”
Well, Anna Belle and the other Cows were horrified.
(Not mad, you had to be very careful about mad)
Purchasing information: During the month of October, purchase Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow from the Sweetles website for only $12.00 (List price: $17.99). When you buy this book, 50% of net proceeds go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Program. Visit http://www.sweetles.com/product/books/mary-elizabeth-the-spotless-cow-book/ for more information.
Sal is the author and illustrator of “A Sweetles Dream”® book series. As the Creative Director for Hartman-Barbera llc, a family media & entertainment company, he is also an animator, sculptor, painter and all around fun guy. Sal lives the phrase: “A day without laughter is a wasted day”. To that end, he uses his writing, illustrating and animation skills to create endearing characters and comedic stories.
Sal’s sense of humor and empathy for his characters explore personal and social situations in ways that makes it enjoyable for both adults and children to experience together. Born in New York City, Sal moved to North Bergen, NJ where he grew up on a steep hillside neighborhood with his four older sisters. He currently lives in sunny Arizona with his wife and artistic partner, Sheri, who he defines as his inspiration. On any given day Sal might be painting, sculpting, drawing, animating, writing or enjoying one of his favorite pastimes: cooking, television, movies and golf.
Visit Sal Barbera’s website at http://www.salbarbera.com.
Visit Sal’s other tour stops at:
October 1st
Interview at Blogcritics
October 2nd
Book spotlight at The Writer’s Life
October 3rd
Book spotlight at As the Pages Turn
October 4th
Book review at Alicia Finn Noack
October 7th
Book spotlight at Literarily Speaking
October 8th
Book spotlight at Between the Covers
October 9th
Book spotlight at The Book Rack
Book review at Classic Children’s Books
October 10th
Book review at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
October 11th
Guest post at Paperback Writer
Book spotlight at Review from Here
Book review at A Year of Jubilee Book Reviews
October 12th
Book spotlight at 4 the Love of Books
October 14th
Interview at Straight from the Author’s Mouth
October 15th
Book spotlight at Broken Teepee
Book spotlight at Beyond the Books
October 16th
Book review at Lynn’s Corner
Book trailer reveal at If Books Could Talk
October 17th
Guest post at The Story Behind the Book
October 18th
Interview at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
October 21st
Book review at My Devotional Thoughts
Book spotlight at Deco My Heart
Book spotlight at A Year of Jubilee Book Reviews
October 22nd
Book review at 4 the Love of Books
October 23rd
Guest post at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase
October 25th
Book review at Mary’s Cup of Tea
October 28th
Book review at Thoughts in Progress
October 30th
Book review at Maureen’s Musings
October 31st
Book review at Blooming with Books
Guest post at Lori’s Reading Corner
Beyond the Books 