THE WATER CYCLE
WATER PLAY SERIES BOOK 1
By Mayra Calvani
Illustrator Alexander Morris





Rain. Hail. Snow. Blizzards. Some people love to watch raindrops tap against the windowpane on a drizzly day. Others prefer to play in the snow and build snowmen and throw snowballs at friends. If you or your children are wet weather lovers, can you explain to your wee ones how the rain forms and what happens to the water when it reaches earth?

If you need help, Author Mayra Calvani’s new picture book, THE WATER CYCLE, WATER PLAY SERIES BOOK 1, will take you on a delightful journey through the water cycle. The book begins with the water droplets huddled inside the cloud until they’re too heavy, when they fall to earth. The different types of rain are described, from drizzle to downpour, from hail to snowflakes, and to everything in between. What makes the book so much fun, to me, are the questions the book asks the reader. This involves the child to not only read the words and look at the illustrations, but to think about the effect rain or snow or floods have on people. Speaking of the illustrations, Alexander Morris has created characters with personality. What do I mean by that? Has a raindrop ever winked at you? Or what about the tiny raindrops with … I think I’ll let you find them for yourself when you read the book.

THE WATER CYCLE would be a great book for Kindergarten, first, and second grade classroom science lessons. Students would have fun while they were learning. If it had been available, I would have used the book in my third grade classes when I was teaching. The book ends with activities for the children to do. I imagine young readers will want to read about the rain over and over. This is the first in a series. I’m looking forward to the others.

###

It's been a long time since I've posted on Live Journal. What? You didn't miss me? I know how busy the writing/reading world is. Anyhow, I hope to visit more often. I'm also happy to announce the release of my latest young adult contemporary novel, Life on Hold. Aidana WillowRaven is the artist of the gorgeous cover.

A paper found.
A secret revealed.
A girl's life changed forever.

C. Lee McKenzie's latest YA novel, The Princess of Las Pulgas, is a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. From GoodReads:

After her father's slow death from cancer, Carlie thought things couldn't get worse. But now, she is forced to confront the fact that her family in dire financial straits. To stay afloat, her mom has had to sell their cherished oceanfront home and move Carlie and her younger brother Keith to the other side of the tracks to dreaded Las Pulgas, or "the fleas" in Spanish.

 My Review: 

If you’ ever lost a family member, you know how devastating it is and how your whole life changes. Then, if circumstances cause you to have to leave the home you’ve grown up in and live in a new place totally different to what you’re used to, it’s understandable that you’ll be bitter and hate your new life. At least at first.

Author C. Lee McKenzie’s latest novel for young adults, The Princess of Las Pulgas, deals with such a situation. When Carlie Edmund’s father dies, she loses not only the father that she loves but also her home and her friends. Unable to afford their expensive beach house any longer, Carlie’s mother sells it and they move to Las Pulgas, the worst place in the universe Carlie can imagine living. Even the cat, Quicken, is upset and runs away. Carlie and her younger brother, Keith, also have to attend a new school where Juan, the boy with the big smile, gives her the nickname Princess because she acts like royalty. Carlie has a lot to learn about the students in her new school as well as her old friends from Channing. And along the way little whispers in her heart remind Carlie of advice her father gave her. To me, these whispers show how close Carlie and her father were and how she is hurting for him.

Ms. McKenzie has written a touching story about love and loss, family and friends, and how we can misjudge people when we don’t really know them. This book would make a great addition to school libraries to help students that may be going through a situation similar to Carlie’s and also for your own personal library.

###

Lee Chambers, author of The Pineville Heist that I reviewed awhile back, is having a contest. Here are the detals:

THE BOOK:

Aaron Stevens got away with $5 million and went on the run in The Pineville Heist. Now you have a chance to get away with $100 by taking in this cracking new thriller that's on the way to becoming a movie!


THE CONTEST:

Check out THE PINEVILLE HEIST and you can win a $50 gift card for Amazon.com and a $50 VISA gift card courtesy of author Lee Chambers and www.thesimpledude.com.

Entering the contest is simple. All you need to do is:


1. Purchase the thriller The Pineville Heist in e-book format for JUST 99 cents, yes, it's LESS than one dollar!

2. Review the book on Amazon.

3. And LIKE The Pineville Heist on Facebook.


Five lucky people will be chosen at random to receive an autographed copy of The Pineville Heist. And one grand prize winner will get a $50 VISA gift card AND a $50 Amazon gift card.The prize drawings won't take place until New Years Eve, so you have time to read it. But don't wait too long!


http://www.pinevilleheist.com/

I'm entered. How about you?

Happy Reading

Margot Finke is celebrating Picture Book Month on her blog by listing a bunch of great picture books you might be interested in. Examples are: Mostly Monsterly by Tammi Sauer, Stella the FireFarting Dragon by J. Aday Kennedy, and Frankie's Perfect Home by me. There are many more. What better way to do your Christmas shopping than with a good book for the little ones you know? Check them here: http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com
Enjoy.

Do you like ghost stories? Paranormal characters are some of my favorite characters. So, in honor of all the ghost lovers out there, I'm having a giveaway. To win a signed copy of my YA novel, Listen to the Ghost, all you have to do is stop by my blog and sign up. It's easy and painless. Promise. When you have a chance please visit my blog. My ghost and I are waiting.

Happy Spook Month to you all.

Perhaps you've noticed the new userpic. This is the cover of my first picture book. We once had an armadillo that loved to dig up our yard. He was an interesting little critter, so I decided to write a story about him.






So here is Frankie, searching for the perfect home.

Myspace Graphics, Fourth Of July Graphics at WishAFriend.com

Hi Everyone,

Twilight Times Books has 50 award-winning ebooks on sale for $2.99 via Amazon Kindle until June 15th. Historical, literary, mystery, SF, YA and more. http://amzn.to/eYYy6s. My YA historical novel, Caves, Cannons, and Crinonlines is included. http://amzn.to/jrbVSO.

I'm going to be reading for a long time. :)

Also, Caves has been named a Finalist in the Novella category of the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. If anyone has a paperback copy of Caves, I can send you an award sticker to paste on the cover. Just let me know. They're pretty neat. The complete list of Finalists and Winners can be seen at www.IndieBookAwards.com.

Happy reading and writing.

</fck:embed></fck:object></lj-embed>Kim McDougall from Blazing Trailers has made this fantastic video for my YA historical.

Hi, Friends,

Just wanted to let you know I'm the Indie Featured Author this week at Free Book Friday. I'm giving away three copies of my YA Historical novel, Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines. Here's the link. Free Book Friday Indie. Hope to see you there. Thanks.

Beverly

Happy Reading and Writing

Myspace Graphics, St. Patrick's Day Graphics at WishAFriend.com

Have a splendid St. Patricks Day whether you're Irish or not. We have Irish on both sides of our family, along with other nationalities. How about you? Any fellow Irishmen/women out there?

Happy reading and writing.

Quote of the week: Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer. Barbara Kingsolver

Looking back at 2010, I have to say it was a good year.

I signed a contract with 4RV Publishing for my YA novel, Life on Hold. It is now with the editor, undergoing edits. We've done two rounds, waiting on the next and then, hopefully, the copy edits. They've also accepted my picture book, A Tumbleweed Christmas. Details to follow when I know them.

I signed another contract with Twilight Times Books for my MG story about the Orphan Trains, based loosely on my mother's life. Scattered to the Winds.

Guardian Angel Publishing assigned artist Alex Morris to illustrate my picture book, Frankie's Perfect Home. What I've seen is just right for my little armadillo.

Our oldest son and daughter-in-law came for a visit in the spring. They had reservations for Christmas, 2009, but we had the blizzard, closing DFW airport, as well as the highway to our house, so they had to cancel. Glad to see them finally.

My YA historical novel, Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines, Twilight Times Books, came out June 15. I had book signings, contests, and more are planned for 2011.

A nice ending to the year was the announcement that Just Breeze, 4RV Publishing, was the first book sold at the 4RV Bookstore. If you live in the area, check it out. I wish I lived closer.

4 Love of Books & Art



c/o OpenMarketplace


8235 Hwy 51 North


Millington, TN 38053


901-217-5831


901-850-7631



The best part of the year was that DH only had a few visits to the hospital. Much improved.

I also was on a win streak and have some great books, some that I've already devoured from cover to cover, others waiting their turn. I think I've mentioned most of the ones I've already read in previous posts. Also, they're listed on GoodReads and Shelfari. I'm going to keep better track this year.

Happy Reading and Writing

Myspace Graphics, Christmas Graphics at WishAFriend.com

It begins today, Dec. 1st. What? you ask. My contest, I answer. I love contests. Recently, I've won some great books by entering just about every one that I've seen mentioned. Fun. My table is stacked high with future entertainment. More about the books I've won later. Now, to get into the act, I'm having my own giveaway. It's easy and painless. All you have to do is leave a comment (please say something nice) and your email and you're entered. If you tweet the post, tell me and you get an extra entry.

What can you win? The book of your choice from my published works. Here they are: Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines, Just Breeze, Rebel in Blue Jeans, Secrets I Have Kept, Listen to the Ghost.

The contest ends Mon. Dec. 6. Winner will be announced and email sent.

Books make awesome gifts too, for Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate.

Have fun and happy reading.

Part of our family was able to get together for Thanksgiving this year. We ate ham, instead of turkey. Our oldest son and wife sent the ham since they could not be with us. Here's our lovely family .



         

The pilgrim and Indian were at peace.

Granddaughter's dog enjoyed the day.



The cat was happy when everyone went home.



Happy reading and writing.

Myspace Graphics, Thanksgiving Graphics at WishAFriend.com

This Saturday, November 20, the teen librarian at the Wichita Falls Public Library and I are presenting a Vision Boarding Workshop for children and teens. Fifteen children have signed up. Maybe you've heard of Vision Boarding. I had not until the librarian contacted me asking if I was interested. So I did what any good writer does when undertaking a new task. I Googled Vision Boarding.

It turns out I've been doing something similar only had no idea it had a name. Shucks, and I thought I was original. When I start a new story, I scan magazines, catalogues, newspapers, and other sources to find my characters. I cut out the ones who resemble the image in my mind of what I want my characters to look like and paste them on poster board. Even though I do profile sheets and interviews, I still write their names, ages, etc. next to their pictures. This saves time when I forget the eye color or even the character's name. Yes, since I work on two or three stories at a time, I sometimes confuse my characters.

I also find pictures of houses, cars, other items that relate to my characters' goals or what they like. In one of my current WIP, I posted pictures of volcanoes found on the Internet. The walls of my writing room are plastered with poster boards. (That's also a good way to cover the walls so you don't have to paint them.)

So, anyway, this Saturday we'll be discussing what the teens read, why they read certain books, and why they want to write. We'll look at plotting, character development, and setting. They'll be given poster board, magazines to look through, and we'll start. They'll finish their Vision Boarding at home.

They will also be given blank books to write their story in for a contest the library will be having later. I'm excited, and a bit nervous, too. This is my first workshop.

How do you keep track of your characters, setting, plot? Do you do something similar or have your own method. Please share. Thank you.

Have a great Wednesday. Happy Writing.

Myspace Graphics, Veteran's Day Graphics at WishAFriend.com

Friday, November 12, 2010A Late Veteran's Day Celebration

Myspace Graphics, Veteran's Day Graphics at WishAFriend.com

I know Veteran's Day was yesterday, but life kept me from posting. We should honor our veterans every day of the year, so I'm adding them to my thankful month of November.

My uncle was in WWI.
My brother served as an MP in WWII. He was stationed in Egypt where he met his lovely wife, and their first child was born.
My husband's oldest brother was in WWII.
His second brother served during the Korean War.
My hubby was in the National Guard and then the Army Reserve.

I am thankful to all of the men and women who left their families and risked their lives for me to live in the safety and comfort of a free America.

We could go all the way back to the beginning of our nation and thank our ancestors who fought in the early wars. The American Revolution. The War of 1812. The American Civil War. And so many others. It seems to me that freedom is bought with a high price. I often wonder why we can't live in peace. Wouldn't it be a beautiful world if we loved others and could live in harmony with one another, not seeing our differences but our likenesses.

Anyway, God bless our men and women who gave their all.

Labor Day Graphics by MySpaceGraphicsandAnimations.com

Quote of the Week: Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same. Unknown.


This is so true, not only of the friends I've made over the years in my town, but also of my cyberspace friends, from all over the world. Isn't the Internet great?


When I was in high school, I had a few penpals. I wrote to one young man in Japan. He sent me a lovely kimono and shoes, along with little dolls.








I still have them today and someimes wonder where this young man is.

I also wrote to a girl in Germany and a girl in England. We exchanged photographs, though they've been lost over the years.

Then there are all my friends at school. Wish I had space to post all their pictures. But they're in my mind and my heart, always to be remembered. The good times and the not so good.





Here's a photo of my favorite librarian, Sue, and me at the signing I had earlier this month. Our local library is a lovely building that once was the private home of Tom Burnett. He left it to the city on the condition they turn it into a library.

I'm thankful for my friends of the past. They taught me about friendship, no matter where a person lives.

I'm thankful for my friends of today, who continue to show me the meaning of true friendship. So my blog today is for all my friends, in cyberspace, at home, or wherever you are. I'm glad you're my friend.

Have a super week.
Happy Reading and Writing.

If so, skip on over to Kai's blog and read about Kimberley Griffiths Little's latest book, The Healing Spell, and how you can win prizes. http://bit.ly/aN3Q2p.

Have fun.

Happy Reading

Quote of the Week: "Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." Unknown. HAPPY 98th BIRTHDAY, MOTHER, IN HEAVEN.

The characters have taken over today. They want to tell you where you can meet them.

Greetings, everyone. My name's Elizabeth (everyone calls me Lizzie) Stamford. I'm fourteen and live in Vicksburg, Mississippi, which once was a beautiful place located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Then the Federal Army decided Vicksburg was important, since it would give them control of the river, and they will stop at nothing, even to starving us, to take control. I would love to meet you, so if you're in the area of Wichita Falls, Texas, next Saturday, here's where my family and I will be:

HASTINGS BOOKS, MUSIC, AND VIDEOS
2801 Southwest Parkway
Wichita Falls, TX
Saturday, July 17, 2010
From 2 to 6 PM
We'll be waiting to meet you and perhaps share a cup of tea.


Nathan (Nat) here. I'm Lizzie's brother. Even though I'm taller than Lizzie, she calls me her little brother since I'm only 12. Now I love my sister, but Lizzie sometimes is headstrong and doesn't listen to what I say. You see, since our older brothers are in Virginia, Father put me in charge when he is at the hospital tending the sick and wounded. But Lizzie ignores my advice. She even ... I'd best not give what she does away. She is right about us wanting to meet you though. We will see you Saturday, if you live close by.

I must see what mischief Lizzie is involved in now.