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The blog provides an interview venue for children's book reviewers and authors. It also offers stories, Best Books lists and current reviews from associated children's book blogs
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1. Post natal massage Singapore: What is the Utility

New mothers dependably pose this question. “At the point when would I be able to do a reversal to my pre-pregnancy figure?” This is a question that is asked by many at different times when they become moms. So these happens to be a widespread questions regarding the post pregnancy issues. Now that most of the moms are office goers, they need to be considerate regarding their physic. This is something that every mothers look for actually now.

New moms require recovering from labor pain and body changes. Exceptional dinners are cooked for recovery from labor while to recover from body transforms, we would connect with a masseuse to give post natal massage Singapore.

Post-natal massage is a customary treatment which has been passed on a few eras and even rehearsed today and it’s generally done in the solace of your own home. The anxiety from labor and time spent administering to your newborn is saddling on our body. In this manner, post-natal massage not just gives sustaining and enthusiastic backing to help mothers increase back their lost vitality; it additionally takes body back to its pre-pregnancy condition by holding muscles and connective tissue.

Different advantages of Post natal massage include:

  1. Gives unwinding to the depleted body
  2. Soothes throbs on shoulders and neck from conveying or bolstering your newborn
  3. Realign the body weight to its unique dissemination
  4. Restores the uterus to its unique state
  5. Disposes of overabundance body fluids, lessen fluid retention
  6. Tones the overextended ranges of skin, particularly over the belly
  7. Advance blood dissemination inside the body
  8. Shed dead cells and recover skin reestablishment

For mothers who conveyed normally, they can begin their post natal massage when they are agreeable and prepared. Notwithstanding, for cesarean segment delivery, mothers are urged to sit tight for no less than 2 weeks after delivery or when entry point is legitimately mended before they could begin their massage.

This post natal massage Singapore begins with kneading the bosoms which advances milk supply furthermore clears any blocked conduits. Taken after by full body massage, utilizing hot oil with lemon, lemongrass and eucalyptus. The hot oil utilized decreases water retention, smolder fats collected amid pregnancy and to disperse wind that was produced amid work. At last, jamu glue is connected onto the stomach wrapped over by bengkung (a cotton fabric of 15 meters). This wrap restores the uterus to its unique state, shrivels the tummy and diminishes weight. With a specific end goal to see the impacts of a compliment tummy, the wrap must be on for no less than 10 hours and must be done successively for no less than 5 days.

Following these massage techniques is easy now as there are different services that provide these kinds of services to the mothers. The persons in charge for these tasks are properly trained and they can provide the massage in the most perfect process. Post-natal massages are so important for the most that the demands for these massages are increasing fast.

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2. Anti Ageing Supplements for Restoring Youth

Good news for all! Anti aging supplements can contribute a lot in fetching a youthful body as well as look. They can also make you to look younger. Phenq-avis.com has brought lots of anti aging supplements in the form of vitamin pills, energy boosters and many more.  It is true that leading life like an old and aged person is really of no fun.

Age can affect the way your body functions and you look. It also alters the behavior along with affecting mental concentration. Aging along with affecting your appearance through wrinkled skin also makes you more susceptible to infections as well as diseases by simply weakening your immune system.

HGH Supplements – Best Anti Aging Supplements

There are many who are well known to experience pains and aches as they approach towards old age for no apparent reason.  Pain caused in soft tissues in the body is gives rise to a condition which is known as Fibromyalgia. It is linked to a drop in the growth hormone production into your body.

As per Emily Jones and other experts, HGH supplements are some of the best anti aging supplements. They help a lot in boosting the production of growth hormone and help your body overcome all effects of age.

Benefits Associated with HGH Supplements

Phenq clearly states the fact that HGH supplements can make you look younger by easing out wrinkles along with fine lines. They can easily boost the secretion of collagen along with elastin in order to provide a youthful looking skin.  Increase in HGH may assist an individual to fetch a leaner and muscular body.

HGH not only increases the number of cells but also enhances their size. It also contributes in boosting metabolism hence ensuring faster fat burning in the body. It also helps to boost ones libido so that you may have much more fun in the bedroom.  They also lifts ones mood along with making you feel lighter and happier. Another highly recognized benefit is that they help to strengthen bones as well. Basically, HGH ensures a complete body makeover.

Highly Recognized HGH Supplements

There are thousands of HGH supplements that are sold by online portals. Though, it is the quality along with selection of ingredients that set apart a good supplement from the rest ones. Some of the top line HGH pills comprise ingredients which include:

  • I-arginine
  • I-valine
  • Bovine Colostrum
  • Rhodiala rosea
  • Green tea extract
  • Resveratrol
  • 5HTP
  • Astragalus and many more.

They are clinically proven in order to enable your body to produce more HGH on its own. Though such ingredients can be highly effective in stimulating HGH production in body, you need to have them in the required strength for ensuring proper results. However, good supplements come with a greater potency in order to ensure faster benefits. They also comprise Bioperine, which is a bit expensive but works faster.

Getting back the lost youth is no more difficult as medical science has become highly advanced. If applied at the proper time in the right manner, you may expect to get applauding results. You may also go through forum discussion.

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3. Family or your dream? How to select the right option?

There is always a fine line between doing a thing and doing the thing correctly. You can achieve things in the most traditional way or in the right way. However there is always a thing that you have to remember whilst you conquer the world. It is the most important thing in your live and you may not even realise that. No we are not talking about fame, authority, money, hard work or patience. We are talking about your family.

Do not forget your loves ones

In all the glitz and glamour of your dream and in between the long nights at the office and the hard work, you may forget the people who love you the most. Yes your colleagues and co-workers are your family too, but it’s your loved ones who are the most precious people in your life. You can never discount the love that you can get from them and you can never ignore the affection that you have for them too.

Of course, in all the hard work you can occasionally forget their existence and that alone can be a huge knife in your relationship with them. Sure, even they understand that you are a dreamer and a vision-ist. However you have to remind them that they are special to you as well. In fact in order to be successful you have to always provide them the time you have. Sure your work and your dream are important, but if you do not have a family, everything is void and useless.

Your family understands, but

We are sure your family wishes you all the success and good luck in your professional career. However they do that because they love you and they need to be happy. You may become selfish and forget their role in all this, but you just can’t ignore their love for you. But when it comes to selecting between the two, you must always give them equal preference and chance.

They understand your dream and even you should understand their want. A loving wife or a husband needs his or her partner by his or her side at pivotal points in life. This is where you dream can take a temporary break. We are not commenting you to let go of your dreams, but we are telling you to give your family a chance too. They are humans and they are the most precious thing that you can ever have. Hence do not lose them.

What exactly should you do?

Well you can’t let go of your dreams can you and without your family you are nothing. Hence it is always better to balance it. Take Weekends off, go for family picnics or treks, take family vacations and tours, have dinner together every day, take your kids to school once in a while, say I love you to your partner often, and meet your parents every week. These are simplest of things, and you can do them pretty easily. You can’t select one over the other; hence mixing them up is the best thing.

Remember, a big and glamorous house without a family is just a house, not a home.

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4. Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

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5. Beauty and the Beasts

★★★★/★★★ Dear Reader, This past week, I completed The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker. This is a debut work of historical fiction with a generous serving of dark fantasy. The title characters are mythological beings who display human bodies but retain troublesome superhuman capabilities. The Golem is an animated creature from Jewish mythology. She was formed from clay by a

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6. Crowdsourcing

Dear Readers, My writing 'career' began rather late in life.  I retired about four years ago and suddenly had the spare time we all cherish.  I am a lifelong bibliophile, so it was not too surprising that I decided to write.  So far I have written two children's books that have been favorably received.  Favorably received but not purchased.   As a new author, I find my self grouped with

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7. Ye Olde Blog by Ye Olde Blogger

Illustrations by Karen Ross Ohlinger

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8. Ye Olde Blog by Ye Olde Blogger "Misty"

This is Misty, our seven year old chow-chow.  She is one of the best behaved dogs I have ever met. This is largely due to the two years of training that Selma put in with her. She has made at least one animal friend here on the campgrounds. There is a small children's barnyard with two ponies, two goats, and a donkey named Eeyore. Eeyore is her favorite. Whenever she can, she visits him at

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9. Ye Olde Blog by Ye Olde Blogger"Reeds & Ducks"

Last evening I took a short stroll to the canal that skirts the south and east sides of our campgrounds. The photo shows the reeds that relish the adjacent wet area.  They are about nine feet high and are acquiring their winter plumage.  A paddling of ducklings swam by practicing their quacking.  They headed upstream.  I was surprised to see ducklings this late in the season.  Since I have no

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10. Ye Olde Blog by Ye Olde Blogger"The Forest From The Trees"

Today is the autumnal equinox as the sun has crossed the equator on its journey south.  For those of us in the northern hemisphere, night hours will now overtake daylight hours.  It is a time of harvest and storage for the coming winter.  This week's full moon was known as the Harvest Moon. We've discovered that a family of mice is living near us in the woods.  I don't know exactly where their

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11. Ye Olde Blog by Ye Olde Blogger"Anne With An E"

One of the best children's book series was written in the early twentieth century by Lucy Maud Montgomery.  Of course, I'm referring to Anne of Green Gables.  The main character, Anne Shirley, is a joy.  Her boundless imagination fills the books with a childhood magic.  She clearly sees and feels the simple and the beautiful, and she is not shy about vocalizing her observations. The author is

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12. Ye Olde Blog by Ye Olde Blogger"Natural Selection"

From April through October, we are fortunate to spend most of our time at our campsite on the edge of the Veluwe in central Holland. The Veluwe is the largest contiguous natural area in the country. It is mostly forested with some fields, lakes and heather. Quaint villages are scattered throughout.
The picture shows a particularly beautiful area about ten minutes bike ride away. There is a small island in the backgound I hope to visit one day.  Right now, the plants and animals are beginning their preparations for winter. It's something we will be doing also. There's a lot of winter cooking to look forward to.  I'll be posting some favorite recipes.

The animals of Ballymore are also thinking about winter.  Their big winter holiday is on winter solstice.  This year the date is December 21.  One of the most important associated events is the selection of gift givers.  In early December everyone will gather in the pavilion and choose names from a bucket.  When someone selects a name, he or she will be responsible for obtaining a gift for that named animal.  After all names are selected, each animal tells the group what they would like. Everyone knows what they will be getting but they don't know who will be giving it to them. That's part of the fun.

Today is quite rainy but hopefully it will clear by this evening.  If it does, we look forward to toasting marshmallows with some friends.  It's been many years since I've done that.  How about you?

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13. Ye Olde BlogA Simpler Time


Remember when responsibilities and worries were few? Everyone was so kind and the world seemed magical.  Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore can take you there. Welcome to Ballymore.

The setting is deep in the Irish countryside surrounding a large pond in the year of 1891. The lovable animal residents have the ability to speak and have created a self-sustaining community that has existed for many years. The success of the community is rooted in the caring and sharing they extend to each other. The underlying theme of the book is the "Golden Rule".

You are most welcome to join the animals as they help each other through their many adventures -- big and small. 

There is Bartholomew, the wise old owl, who watches over everyone including:

Branna Bluebird - the brave, spunky messenger;
Wilde and Wilder Weasel - the mischievous, unofficial security guards;
Finn Frog - whose middle name is "Adventure";
Grenby - the eccentric, weather forecasting groundhog;
The Chipmunks - who seem to attract trouble wherever they go;
The "Pond Creature";
and many more.

This is a heartwarming, humorous, and adventurous book of intertwined tales that the whole family can enjoy together. The book is intended for parents to read to their younger children. It is also intended to be read alone by children eight and older but can be appreciated by anyone still young at heart.  The classic tales are enhanced by beautiful full-color illustrations.

The world can be a harsh place for children.  It can be a harsh place for everyone.  My intention for this book is to provide a respite - a place of softness.  Let children enjoy their childhood and not grow up too soon.  And when they do grow up, let's leave some pieces of softness in their hearts for the future benefit of all.

You may also enjoy my other book, Ballymore Adventures, Book 1, which features ten short-stories about these same animals.  It is written for younger children.

Thank you,

Bob Brooks

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14. Story - "A Red Rose"


This mini-story is based upon the animal characters in the children's book: Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore

Rachel Rabbit decided she would like to make a new friend. She didn't know who it would be, but that would be part of the fun. So she got up early one day and went to the garden with one of her mother's baskets. She filled it to nearly overflowing with many kinds of beautiful flowers. There were roses and Canterbury bells and poppies and more. In addition to looking beautiful, they smelled wonderful.

It was a lovely day for a bunny hop, and she decided to go to a glade about 1/2 mile into the woods. She had only been there once before, but it seemed like a nice place to find a friend. When she arrived, she placed the basket on the ground, sat down, and waited. The ground was covered in soft moss and clover. Bees were buzzing all around the clover. At first, she heard no sounds even though she listened very hard. Then a few birds began to tweet, and possibly, she saw a squirrel hiding in a nearby tree. She decided to just sit there and remain very quiet and see what would happen.

Suddenly two sparrows landed on the edge of her basket. She was about to say hello when they grabbed a poppy and flew away into the woods. That was a bit rude, she thought. Then a small rabbit hopped quickly through the glade but seemed not to even notice her.

Nothing else happened for a while, and before she knew it, she heard the church bell from Waterford bong 12 times. She should go home for lunch. Rachel stood up and said to whomever could hear her, “I have to go home for lunch now but I’ll leave the flower basket here. Anyone is very welcome to take and enjoy the flowers.”

Then someone said, “I would like a flower but I can’t walk to the basket.”

Rachel thought the voice was coming from a hollow in a large oak tree and hopped over to it with her basket. She looked inside and saw an old squirrel with one leg wrapped in a cloth.

The squirrel said, “Welcome to my home. My name is Chauncey.”

Rachel responded, “My name is Rachel Rabbit, and I am very pleased to meet you. How did you hurt your leg?”

“I fell out of a tree when I tried to jump between two branches. I guess I’m not as young as I used to be.”

“I’m very sorry. I hope you get better soon,” said Rachel kindly. “Which flower is your favorite?”

“I think the red roses are beautiful."

“Yes, they are.” She picked out the biggest rose and gave it to the squirrel.

“Thank you so much,” said the squirrel. “I know you have to go now, but would you like to come back and visit some time?”

“I would be honored to come and visit, and I would like to be your friend," she said.

“Then we shall be friends,” said Chauncey and smiled.

Rachel said, "I do have to leave now, but I promise to return soon for a visit."

Chauncey said goodbye, and she began her hop home.

Rachel was thrilled. She had made a new friend with just a red rose.



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15. A New Short-Story


Tuatha De Danaan
A KNOCKREEDY SHORT-STORY


From Connaught's storm-battered, rocky coast to the mist shrouding the obelisk at Glendalough;

From St. Patrick's mountain to the Hill of Tara;

Ireland remains a land of beauty and mystery.

Old men in remote pubs still spin their tales of ancient warrior races that swept over the sceptered isle eons ago. They tell of the spirits that still roam the land today.

It's a cold, windy Saturday night in Knockreedy. You are most welcome to sit in at Sweeny's and enjoy the lamb stew. The "Old Man" is about to begin a personal tale of the Tuatha de Danaan.

This short-story takes you back to 19th century Western Ireland when people and the Otherworld coexisted.


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16. Fantasy Book of the Week:The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. 

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead. 

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart. (From Amazon)

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17. A Snippet from Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore

It was 8 bongs now, dark, cloudy, and windy.  There were whitecaps on the pond.  The wind direction had shifted slightly, and spray from the pond was occasionally hitting the windows.  They continued to rattle.  Unlike most cottages, this one had no storm shutters.  Morris meant to add them, but he was always too busy.  Burton couldn’t help but notice the missing shutters and offered to build and install them after the storm ended.

“That is very gracious of you.  Thank you,” Morris responded.

Belva was watching the storm from a front window.

Suddenly she yelled, “Come quick.  I think I see something!”

They rushed to the windows.

Her father asked, “What do you see, dear?”

“There, to the left of the dock, there is a big shape in the water.  I think it’s moving.  Can you see it?”

Everyone squinted, trying to see through the storm.  Indeed, to the left of the dock was a large dark oval shape, apparently partially submerged.  It was not smooth but had a number of parallel ridges on it.  It wasn’t floating on the water because leaves and other debris were moving by it.

“It’s probably a log,” her father said.

Then, the “log” turned and looked at them with, what seemed to be, two large red eyes.  Belva screamed.

Birk yelled, ”What is it Papa?  Let’s go out and see!”

“You will do no such thing!” said their mother.

“Your mother is right.  We’re not going out in this storm,” agreed their father.

They continued to watch from the windows as best they could.  Soon the shape with eyes, sank below the water and disappeared.  The children were scared and fascinated at the same time.


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18. Book of the Week: Princess Callie and the Totally Amazing Talking Tiara


Despite her highly abnormal name, Calandria Arabella Philomena Louisa Anastasia Richards tries very hard to fly under the radar. So she knows her life has gone crazy when she passes a note to her best friend: 

“Lewis—something strange happened to me this morning.I got a message in my Alpha Bits that said I was a princess and I had to help this place called Albion in their fight against an evil queen.

C.

P.S. Dad says you can come for pizza tonight."

On her quest to stop a bloodthirsty queen, Callie will have to steer a near-sighted dragon, decipher an ancient riddle, and learn to command a tiara that talks back! And to save this magical world she only just discovered, Callie must risk more than she ever thought possible...

"Princess Callie and the Totally Amazing Talking Tiara is rip-roaring, side splitting good fun! It’s a modern day fairy tale filled with magic, laughter, and a delightful cast of characters that will sweep you off your feet.

Debut author Daisy Piper has created a charming and loveable young heroine who will steal your heart and keep you smiling from the first page to the last, in this classic tale of an everyday girl who discovers she can be and do so much more than she ever imagined possible. Readers will cheer from the rooftops for Callie, and will eagerly await the next instalment in this fresh and exciting new series."

-USA Today betselling author Julianne MacLean (From Amazon listing)

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19. Interview with Susan Ross


Today I am pleased to interview children's book author Susan Ross.  Susan is the author of four hilarious picture books: The Great Bellybutton Cover-up, Say Please to the Honeybees, The Kit Kat Caper, and The Rose and the Lily and is currently working on Emma the Mouse Brings Joy to the House. She has a B.A. in psychology and a B.Ed. with a specialty in primary education. She was born in Toronto and now lives in London, Ontario with her husband, Nathan, and a menagerie of animals.

Good morning, Susan.  Welcome to "Be A Child Again".  Please tell us why someone should read your book, The Rose and the Lily.

SR:  Thank you, Bob.  The Rose and the Lily is a beautifully illustrated fairy tale about Rose, a stunning but vain and spoiled princess, and a homely but kind-hearted peasant girl named Lily. The story illustrates the proverbs “beauty is only skin deep” and “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Every child should read this book because it emphasizes that character is more important than beauty.

What inspired the general plot of the book?

SR: The story was created for an event at a strawberry festival at London’s Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Initially the princess sent the prince on a quest for the perfect fruit (strawberries, of course). I changed the quest for our city’s children’s festival. It became a search for the perfect hairpin. 

What points were you trying to make in the book?

SR: The media, especially television, is constantly bombarding children with the message that their self-worth is dependent on their physical attributes. The Rose and the Lily challenges this assumption through humour. The story emphasizes that beauty itself is subjective and a matter of perception. As the story progresses Princess Rose becomes less and less attractive to the prince because she’s rude and selfish; Lily, on the other hand, becomes prettier and prettier because she’s kind and smart and funny.

How would you like the reader to feel after they finish reading the book? 

I want people who read the story to have a big, satisfied smile on their face and to realize that they are worthy of love and respect exactly as they are.

The book sounds very interesting.  Do you intend for it to be valuable for both boys and girls? 

Absolutely. The concept of character being more important than beauty is important for all children to grasp. I read the manuscript to hundreds of children and ensured that the humour would be enjoyed by both boys and girls. The princess is hilariously horrid. I made the horse's part in the story more prominent as well to make it more boy-friendly and added a dragon and orgre.

What age group is it best read by?

I'd say 5 to any age for girls. Ages 5-9 (grade 4) for boys.

What are you working on now?

I am working on a book called Emma the Mouse Brings Joy to the House.  It is about childhood cancer. It deals with the issue of hair loss due to chemotherapy in a whimsical and sensitive manner. A family of mice live in Sydney’s dollhouse. Emma the mouse is Sydney’s best friend and helps her through her battle with cancer. Kids and parents will laugh at the mice’s antics. (Parents may tear up in some parts.) The book is about friendship, courage, hope and, naturally, happy endings.

Almost every family has been affected by cancer in some way. Your new book will be a welcome addition to children's books. What inspired this book? 

The story was originally about a mouse that yearned for long hair just like the little girl with whom it “shared” a farmhouse. Thoughts of my childhood friend, who had a type of cancer called leukemia, somehow merged with this storyline and the two concepts began to fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Thus Emma the Mouse Brings Joy to the House was created.

What are your thoughts regarding the value of children's books to adults?

No matter how old we get, we still want to laugh. A good children’s book will entertain an adult as much as a child. I loved many of the books I read to my daughter as much as she did. My Mother is Weird by Rachna Gilmore, for example, is hysterical. 

Are there any other subjects you would like to discuss or points you would like to make?

In a society obsessed with appearance it is important to assure children that, in the real world, character is what truly counts. 

Who or what inspired you to want to become a writer?

Many (many) years ago I was a storyteller. At one venue a woman came up to me and told me I should write my stories down for my future grandchildren (which I STILL don’t have). I dabbled in writing a bit but didn’t get serious until I saw the movie The Bucket List. Since I didn’t want to “kick the bucket” before getting my stories published, I began writing in earnest. 

Why do you prefer to write children’s books?

It’s fun! I love being a children’s author. I get to use my imagination and quirky sense of humour. I love doing crafts and am able to encourage children to love them as well by including a craft in each of my books. I get to collaborate on the illustrations with my talented illustrators. And best of all, I get to go into primary classrooms and encourage children to read and write for the fun of it by reading my stories and telling children all about the publishing process.


What were your favorite books when you were a child/teenager?

My favourite books were A Little Princess and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I read them to my daughter and yes, I’ve read them again as an adult just for pleasure. (P.S. Although I am an atrocious speller, “favourite” is not spelled incorrectly. I am Canadian.)

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

Yes, because (shhhh, don’t tell the kids) I AM the impolite little witch walking around on my knees demanding Kit Kats in The Kit Kat Caper. (Some people will do anything for a Kit Kat.)

Which authors have influenced you the most? 

I would say Pheobe Gilman. She had craft instructions on how to make a pig in her wonderful book The Wonderful Pigs of Jillian Jiggs. I loved that idea and have made having a craft in every book my “signature.”

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? 

Here it is and I can’t emphasize this enough: BEFORE publishing your story read the manuscript to children, lots and lots of children (at schools, libraries, camps, etc.). Then take your story home, rewrite it according to their comments, and do it again and again until 90% of the kids love it. (You’ll never please everyone so don’t even try.) Praise from your family and friends is NOT enough of a reason to publish your book. 

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

I always wanted to be a teacher. As a child I would put my many stuffed animals in a circle around my blackboard and “teach” them.

What do you do in your free time?

What free time? Oh, you mean when I’m not writing, editing, collaborating with my illustrator, researching, marketing, selling… that free time. Well, I garden; I take my teeny tiny dog, Abby for a walk; I watch (too much) T.V.; and I read historical romance and thrillers, usually with Lucy the rabbit. (We’re always joined by Abby and sometimes joined by Theo and/or Moses, my cats. If I’m on the porch, odds are you will find Lucy, Abby and Theo snuggled together on my lap. Either they’re very small or I have a very big lap.) Oh, and I eat chocolate. Anybody have any…Kit Kats?

What's your favorite season/weather? 

I like spring and fall. It’s not too hot and it’s not too cold. (Hmmm, I sound like baby bear which is appropriate since I generally hibernate during winter.) In spring I look forward to gardening. In fall I love the leaves changing colour.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you? 

You have nothing to lose by trying. (Just be fiscally responsible.)

Susan, thank you very much for your time.  I wish you the best of luck with your great books.  Dear readers, Susan's books are available on Amazon.  Please take a look.





 
Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore


I am pleased to announce that I have completed my children's novel.  It is a heartwarming, humorous, and adventurous family book about a community of lovable animals.  It has an underlying theme of the "Golden Rule".  The early reviews are excellent. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.  The book and a free sample are now available on Amazon.  NOTE: Kindle or iPad not required.

                         Thank you,        Bob Brooks


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20. Children's Book World

If you are looking for the latest children's book reviews and recommendations, please visit my new Pinterest site: Children's Book World.
 
Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore


I am pleased to announce that I have completed my children's novel.  It is a heartwarming, humorous, and adventurous family book about a community of lovable animals.  It has an underlying theme of the "Golden Rule".  The early reviews are excellent. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.  The book and a free sample are now available on Amazon.  NOTE: Kindle or iPad not required.

                         Thank you,        Bob Brooks


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21. Favorite RecipesStrawberry Shortcake

Making one generous biscuit instead of individual shortcakes lends this dessert a grand presentation.

From Saveur Magazine




 
Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore


I am pleased to announce that I have completed my children's novel.  It is a heartwarming, humorous, and adventurous family book about a community of lovable animals.  It has an underlying theme of the "Golden Rule".  The early reviews are excellent. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.  The book and a free sample are now available on Amazon.  NOTE: Kindle or iPad not required.

                         Thank you,        Bob Brooks


0 Comments on Favorite RecipesStrawberry Shortcake as of 4/20/2012 12:53:00 AM
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22. Story - "Vanishing Strawberries"


This mini-story is based upon the characters in my new children's eBook, Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore.

Spring in Ballymore was now evident everywhere. The trees were greening.  Wildflowers popped up daily in the woods.  It smelled like spring.  Petunia Porcupine's large gardens were no exception.  She provided most of the fruits and vegetables for the Ballymore residents. Little green shoots were emerging from the soil in many neat rows.

On the other side of the pond the chipmunk kids, Colin, Craig, and Conner, loved spring also.  It meant they would be having their favorite dessert soon - strawberry shortcake.  Actually, they loved strawberries no matter how they were served.  One morning their mother suggested that they create their own small strawberry garden.  Everyone agreed that was a great idea.

So they went to Petunia's to get some young plants that they could grow.  Petunia gave them five.  There was one for each member of the family.  Petunia also told them how to take care of the plants so that they would have the biggest and juiciest strawberries.

They brought the plants back to their cottage and carefully planted them according to Petunia's directions.  By noon there were five little strawberry plants enjoying the sun in a small garden to the right of the cottage.  Each plant was given a name: Colin, Craig, Conner, Cheryl, and Charles.  These would be the most cared for and watched strawberry plants ever.

In the middle of the first night, Craig crawled out of bed and went to visit the strawberries.  It was a cool, clear night with a full moon.  The plants were bathed in a bluish light.  He sat and watched them quietly. Before long Conner and Colin had joined him.

Conner whispered, "What are you doing?"

"I'm waiting for the first strawberry to be born.  I don't want to miss it."

Conner laughed.  "You'll have a long wait.  It won't happen tonight."

"Are you sure?" asked Craig.

"Oh, yes.  It might take a long time."

The three brothers continued to stare at the plants in the moonlight.

As they watched, two pairs of eyes were watching them from the edge of the woods.  Wilde and Wilder Weasel, the unofficial Ballymore security guards, were on their nightly rounds.  Coincidentally, they also loved strawberries.  More than once each year, they visited Petunia's gardens to sample the sweet treats.  Of course, Petunia knew what they were up to and planted extra strawberries.  Even with the weasels' sampling, there were plenty of strawberries for everyone.

Over the next few weeks, the strawberry plants grew fast.  Eventually, tiny buds appeared followed by tiny strawberries.  The chipmunks were thrilled as they watched this "miracle" develop.  The weasels were also watching each night.

One night, near dawn, again under a full moon, the weasels believed that the time had come for them to "help".  They brought a wheel barrel and trowels with them.  Carefully, they dug up the five strawberry plants and placed them in the wheel barrel.  Then they smoothed the soil.  You could hardly tell it had been a garden a few minutes previous.

Quietly, they moved to the other side of the cottage and replanted the strawberries there. &nb

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23. Story - "The Unbirthday"


Rachel and Rain Rabbit watched from the front window of their cottage as a soft rain dappled Ballymore pond.  Their mother, Rhonda, was standing behind them.

"Girls, it's going to rain all day.  Why don't we do something new?  I think we should make an 'unbirthday' present for someone."

Rain asked, "What shall we make and whose unbirthday is it?"

Their mother laughed.

"It's probably everyone's unbirthday and we can make almost anything made of fabric.  I think we should pick someone who needs a little cheering up."

So the rabbits sat down at the dining table.  While they enjoyed tea and scones, they discussed the possibilities.  Last week Sam Snapping Turtle was helping the ducks pull the delivery raft across the pond when a basket of flour tipped over.  He was briefly turned into a snow turtle. Recently, Grenby Groundhog tried to make another cake.  The result was the same as his previous try; cake batter ended up all over the kitchen.  Oh, and Finn Frog had his kite drag him into the pond during the kite flying contest last month.  It was the second year in a row that that had happened.

As they were talking, they could hear the ratt-tat-tat of the sewing machine from the next room.  As always, Reginald, the head of the family, was hard at work making clothes for the Ballymore residents.

Rhonda stopped and said, "Why don't we make something for your father.  He is always making clothes for everyone else but hardly ever anything for himself."

The three rabbits stared at the door to the room.  Ratt-tat-tat-tat.  Then they stared at each other and smiled.

"What shall we make?" asked Rain.

"Well," said Rhonda, "he has always liked those wool caps that people in England wear.  Of course, we would have to change the design a little."

Just then the ratt-tat-tat noise ended and Reginald came from the room.  His family looked at him and smiled.

"Why are you all smiling at me?" he asked.

"You'll see," answered his wife.

He shook his head and smiled also.

"I have to go and visit Burton Beaver and Petunia Porcupine.  I need to check some measurements for their spring clothes.  It'll take a while."

He gathered his measuring tapes, put on a rain coat, grabbed a scone from the table, and hopped out the door.

Rachel yelled, "Yeah!  Perfect!"

The family went into the tailoring room.  There were pieces of cloth lying everywhere.  Rhonda found a picture of a nice English style cap.  It would be made from a piece of grey and white checkered wool.  The material was left over from a skirt for Belva Beaver.  They sized the cap to fit Rhonda because her head was about the same size as Reginald's. They added two important slits for his big ears.  When it was finished, Rhonda modeled it.  They all laughed.  The cap fit well, but it was not her style.  Then they found a box and some gift wrapping paper.  After a total of three hours, the "unbirthday" gift sat on the tailoring table.

"How shall we surprise him with it?" asked Rain.

"I think we should just let him find it here.  He certainly isn't expecting anything," answered Rhonda.  "Let's go back to the kitchen, get something to eat, and wait.  He won't be long."

Everyone was excited.  This was the first unbirthday gift they had ever made.  About a half-hour later, Reginald came home, said hello, and quick

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24. Favorite RecipesRaspberry Trifle


"A trifle is of a far greater character than its name implies," says chef Jeremy Lee. This classic dessert is moistened with the sweetened, wine-spiked cream known as syllabub."

From Saveur Magazine




 
Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore


I am pleased to announce that I have completed my children's novel.  It is a heartwarming, humorous, and adventurous family book about a community of lovable animals.  It has an underlying theme of the "Golden Rule".  The early reviews are excellent. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.  The book and a free sample are now available on Amazon.  NOTE: Kindle or iPad not required.

                         Thank you,        Bob Brooks


25. Book of the Week - GreenLaura Vaccaro Seeger


Die cut pages bring surprise after surprise in this magical new book from the "Queen of the concept book"�an intricate and satisfying homage to green, the color of all creation.

How many kinds of green are there? There's the lush green of a forest on a late spring day, the fresh, juicy green of a just-cut lime, the incandescent green of a firefly, and the vivid aquamarine of a tropical sea. In her newest book, Caldecott and Geisel Honor Book author Laura Vaccaro Seeger fashions an homage to a single color and, in doing so, creates a book that will delight and, quite possibly astonish you.

Among Laura Vaccaro Seeger's many distinctive books for children are First the Egg--a Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book; One Boy--a Geisel Honor Book; and Dog and Bear: Two Friends, Three Stories--winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book award. Laura lives on Long Island with her husband, Chris, their two sons, Drew and Dylan, and their dog, Copper. (Amazon)

REVIEW:

Laura Vaccaro Seeger is a hands-down favorite for creating remarkable concept books for the young child and those who share them. They are so effective in helping the child visualize just what she wants them to learn. The die-cuts that she uses to entice them from one page to the next are often unexpected and always genius in design. (Ages 2 and up)


Please read the rest of the review at Sal's Fiction Addiction

 
Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore


I am pleased to announce that I have completed my children's novel.  It is a heartwarming, humorous, and adventurous family book about a community of lovable animals.  It has an underlying theme of the "Golden Rule".  The early reviews are excellent. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.  The book and a free sample are now available on  0 Comments on Book of the Week - GreenLaura Vaccaro Seeger as of 1/1/1900
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