By: Samantha Zimbler,
on 12/9/2015
With the most widely-celebrated winter holidays quickly approaching, test your knowledge of the cultural history and traditions that started these festivities. For example, what does Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer have to do with Father Christmas? What are the key principles honored by lighting Kwanzaa candles?
The post Ready for the winter holidays? [Quiz] appeared first on OUPblog.
By: Heidi MacDonald,
on 8/12/2015
Recently, Comixology has begun translating and releasing a line of comics licensed from Delcourt, a major French publishing house. This week’s roster of comics features several returning players from the past including Duarte, the incredible artist behind the fantasy-tinged Elves; Eric Corbeyan, who pens political thriller The Call of the Stryx with great nuance; and Carole Beau, who produces lovely colors […]
By: Debbie Ridpath Ohi,
on 1/26/2015
By: Nina @ Death Books and Tea,
on 5/29/2014
By: Jen Robinson,
on 2/24/2014
Books: Keeper of the Lost Cities and Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities, Book 2)
Author: Shannon Messenger
Pages: 512 and 576
Age Range: 8-12
The first book, Keeper of the Lost Cities, starts with a 12 year old girl who has never quite fit in who discovers that she is actually an elf. And not just any elf, but a special elf, for whom elves have been searching for years. 
Naturally, I have been asking myself "what makes these books work for me, despite certain thematic parallels?" I think it boils down to a combination of relatable protagonist and thorough world-building. Oh, I have a technical quibble or two about the world-building. But I still love it. Like this:
"She stood at the edge of a glassy river lined with impossibly tall trees, fanning out their wide emerald leaves among the puffy white clouds. Across the river, a row of crystal castles glittered in the sunlight in a way that would make Walt Disney want to throw rocks at his "Magic Kingdom." To her right, a golden path led into a sprawling city, where the elaborate domed buildings seemed to be built from brick-size jewels -- each structure a different color. Snowcapped mountains surrounded the lush valley, and the crisp, cool air smelled like cinnamon and chocolate and sunshine." (Chapter 3, Page 19, Book 1)
Who wouldn't want to go there?
The main character, Sophie, has been hearing other people's thoughts ever since an accident that occurred when she was five. She has a photographic memory, and is about to graduate from high school at twelve. She loves her family, but looks nothing like them. So when a strange boy with gorgeous eyes comes along and tells her that she's actually a long-lost elf, well, this isn't as much of a shock as it might have been.
Sophie quickly learns that she will have to give up her human family and go to live with the elves (they live in hidden cities, where humans aren't allowed). A kidnapping attempt convinces her that this is necessary, even as it breaks her heart. Once in the elf city, she has trouble fitting in at school, and with her new foster parents. She is insecure and anxious, and desperately wants to understand her own background. Her combination of gifted and vulnerable is, I think, what made her get under my skin.
The elf city is full of fabulous buildings, interesting customs, and delicious (vegetarian) foods. It's a brighter, more glittery world than that of, say, the Harry Potter books, even as danger lurks. I found myself wanting to spend more time there. There are also interesting social aspects (it's quite hierarchical, for instance), which I expect to develop more as the series progresses.
The plot is filled with conspiracies and hidden clues, set against the mishaps of a girl raised by humans adapting to elf-hood. I did see a couple of the twists coming, but I also puzzled over the motivations of the people leaving Sophie clues, and wondered who Sophie should trust. The ending is quite suspenseful.
Several of the supporting characters are strong, though I would like to see a couple of Sophie's friends fleshed out a bit. Age-wise, I think this book is fine for elementary school kids who are strong readers (it is long). But there are enough hints at crushes and peer groups to keep it relevant for middle schoolers, too.
"That night Sophie dreamed the Keebler elves were holding her hostage until she perfected all their cookie recipes. Then she told them she liked Oreos better, and they tried to drown her in a giant vat of fudge. She woke in a cold sweat and decided sleep was overrated."(Chapter Six, Book 1)
"There were many, many questions racing through Sophie's mind as she scratched her neck where the furry collar was tickling it. But the most important one was probably, "Why am I dressed like a shaggy elephant?" (Chapter Sixteen, Page 146, Book 2)
While I can see these books perhaps not working for jaded adults who have read a lot of fantasy, I think that kids will really enjoy them. Personally, I've found the Keeper of the Lost Cities series to be addictive, and I look forward to the next book. Recommended for fantasy fans, boys or girls, age 8 and up.
Publisher: Aladdin (@SimonKids)
Publication Date: October 2012 and October 2013
Source of Book: Bought them both on Kindle
FTC Required Disclosure:
This site is an Amazon affiliate, and purchases made through Amazon links (including linked book covers) may result in my receiving a small commission (at no additional cost to you).
© 2014 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook.
By: sketched out,
on 12/12/2013
“Christmas Rapping”
(Click for larger view of Santa and his crew gettin’ down with their bad elves.)
Why not hip hop over here and see what the other HoHoDooDa Doodlers are up to!
By: Jennifer Wylie,
on 5/31/2013
Broken Prince by Jen Wylie
Book 2 of The Broken Ones
Fantasy novel
Sometimes, when you’re broken, you can heal on your own. Sometimes, you need the help of your friends, your family, and the people you love. Keeping those pieces together when the world seems intent on ripping you apart is the greatest challenge of all. Especially when the ones you love, the ones who hold you together, start falling apart themselves.
Arowyn and her family continue on their journey to return the Elven Prince, Shael, to his homeland before he fades and dies. A journey full of triumph and horror, love and sorrow, rips them apart with every fighting moment, and yet brings them together as a family. They don’t allow the prophecy to rule their lives. Some don’t believe, some don’t care. Prophecies aren’t written in stone. Events can change. People can change. They are only words. From besieged cites, to the elusive Were and wild Fey, nothing quite prepares them to face their deadliest of enemies, one they didn’t know existed.
Broken Prince is now here! Pick it up at an introductory price of 2.99, and if you haven’t read Book 1, Broken Aro, it’s on sale for 0.99!
Available at Amazon US, Amazon UK and other Amazon sites. Prime members can borrow for free!
Check out what people are saying about it on Goodreads and add it to your TBR list!
Don’t miss the party!
June 2nd come join me on Facebook for a Broken Prince release party!
Stop by for lots of fun and games!
Add a Comment
1) “Children of the Lamp (The Akhanaten Adventure)- by P.B Kerr, published by “Orchard books, and imprint of scholastic Inc. New York 2004. What if you find out that you are descendants from a long line of Dijon, human-like beings created from fire. They are able to grant wishes, and take on different animal forms. This is exactly what happens to two twelve-year-old twins, John and Phillippa, after they get their wisdom teeth pulled. The children are sent to London to their Uncle Nimrod's home where their amazing adventure begins. This venture takes the reader on a magic carpet ride through a fantasy Middle Eastern World. This journey teaches the twins that granting wishes is not only dangerous for themselves, but for people who desire wishes as well.
2) “Peter and Star Catchers”-Written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, illustrated by Greg Call. Published by Disney Hyperion paperbacks for children New York 2004. How was never-land discovered? How did Peter Pan become a boy forever? This book helps the reader find answers to those questions and many more. Peter Pan is a never aging boy, who visits children at night and takes them to fantasy island called Never-Land where magic lives. Through the use of vivid language and pencil illustrations, the authors introduce us to how Peter Pan became a part of a world, full of amazing creatures, and magic. This story reveals the mystery of magic dust and how Children can make it real by looking within and tapping into their own imagination.
3) “Infinity Ring book three the trapdoor”- written by Lisa McMann, published by Scholastic Inc. New York 2013. The next book in this interactive serious takes our heroes Dak, Sera and Riq to Maryland in 1850 just before the Civil War. The main character in this book travel back it time and fix History Breaks, that has been caused by an evil corporation with intentions to take over the world. The time period in this book describes how new law has been passed that allows any white American to report free blacks, and then make them slaves. The children's mission is to stop this law, and to save the civil right leaders from a prison Dream like landscapes, humor and adventure take the seriousness of the topic at hand, and twists it into a fun read for everyone. 
I don't have much in the way of Christmas Elves, but the woodland and brownie varieties are a different matter. This is one of two pieces I produced for a Japanese children's calendar back in the day.
4 Stars Seymour's Christmas Wish Jane Matyger Javier Duarte Mirror Publishing 28 Pages Ages: 3 + ..................... ...................... Back Cover: Seymour, a tiny, tiny mouse, lives at the North Pole. Each Christmas Eve, he shines Rudolph’s red nose before Santa’s big trip. This year Seymour has a special wish . . . a wish that [...]
By: Mark Miller,
on 11/1/2012
Recently, Brian D. Anderson, author of the highly successful Godling Chronicles Book One: The Sword of Truth, did a guest post on my blog, which you can read HERE.
I am happy to announce he and his son, writing together, are back with Book Two in his series. Below is the official press release:
By: Debbie Ridpath Ohi,
on 5/26/2012
This is one of my favourite Neil Gaiman quotes. Thanks to Neil for his permission to illustrate it. :-)
You can hear the original quote in this video in which he offers advice for young writers:
And if you haven't already seen the inspirational commencement speech he gave at the University of the Arts:
For more info about Neil Gaiman and his work, visit http://www.neilgaiman.com/
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By: Zoe,
on 5/14/2012
I’m so excited! The wonderfully talented, super generous author and illustrator Clara Vulliamy is kicking off a new series here on Playing by the book today.
Every month (where possible), she is going share some ideas to encourage children to tell stories of their own, using the monthly theme from the “I’m looking for a book about…” carnival. She and I will be turning her prompts into a library of mini books you can print off and give to the kids in your life (and yourself!), along with a blank mini-book ready and waiting for stories and illustrations to fill its pages.
These mini books are unique little treats, and Clara and I hope that with her prompts, and a great list of books to read/share from the monthly carnival, we’ll be firing up imaginations and encouraging kids, young and old, to create tales of their own.
As Clara says…
I’ll suggest a starting point, a few nudges along the way to keep the story flowing along and an inspiring object or two (I always find an actual THING helps me when I’m writing a story) –
Whose bed could this be?
- and the rest is up to them!
Now to the first mini-books from our library-to be…
Two books especially for you from Clara and me
The Small book of Big Story IDEAS by Clara Vulliamy
A blank book waiting to be filled with stories!
For each book you’ll need to download a pdf file (see below), print it off, and then use the method shown in this video to fold/cut the paper to create the actual book:
To download Clara’s Small Book of Big Story Ideas (No. 1), on the theme of elves and fairies, please 4 Comments on A World Exclusive! A mini illustrated book for inspiring young story tellers, by Clara Vulliamy, last added: 5/14/2012
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 12/6/2011
By: Mark Miller,
on 6/30/2011
Okay, I told you about this a few days ago and here it is!
Giovanni Gelati, blogmaster of Gelati's Scoop and host of the G-Zone on blog-talk-radio, created an innovative series called the Author's Lab with Trestle Press. Basically, he partners with a variety of authors to write an ongoing series of digital shorts. These e-books cover many genres mostly for adults, but I have the privilege of working with him on the first All-Ages story.
If you have a Kindle, it's only $0.99!
You will see inspiration from The Empyrical Tales, but this story takes on a life of its own. Hopefully, the G-Man and I will revisit these characters later this summer.
In the meantime, here is A Prince in Trenton, Seriously?
If you have already read The Fourth Queen and The Lost Queen, this will tide you over until The Secret Queen. If you haven't picked up The Empyrical Tales from Comfort Publishing yet, maybe this will entice you to step into my world!
Click HERE to go straight to Amazon!
Fantasy Book Reviews
Picture Books
1) Where The Wild Things Are -This picture book by Maurice Sendak and a very popular book. I highly recommend it if you did not read it yet. The book is a classic and has been for years. It was published originally in 1963 and won the 1964 Caldecott Medal for most distinguished picture book of the year. When a boy named Max misbehaves his mother sends him to his room where his fantastic journey begins. After his journey he comes home to discover that barely any time had passed even though his trip seemed to take place a very long time. This book is a wonderful read not only for children but adults as well. It explores the possibilities of other worlds and so much more.
2) The Egg- This picture book by M.P Robertson is less known, but also a great read. It was published in 2001 by Dial books. It is about a boy named George, who one day discovers a huge egg under one of his barn chickens. When the egg is warmed and hatches a dragon is born. It is then when George's adventure begins. His adventure takes him for a special training and eventually to another world where dragons live. The book has amazing illustrations and a great fantasy story line that any child or adult will enjoy. It is a great read for everyone. Make sure to look for this book and to share it with your children in the classroom or by a sizzling fire.
3) Sweep Dreams- This picture book came out in 2005. It is by Nancy Willard and Illustrated by Mary Grandpre. It was published by Little Brown and company. It is about a man who fell in love with a magical broom. The mystery started when the lady at the register had no idea where this broom was from. Since it had no cost on it she gave it to the man as a gift. The man never used the broom to sweep and this made her sick. As soon as started using her to sweep the floors and etc.. the broom became very happy and danced outside in the street. A bad man saw it and kidnapped her. As the book goes on many magical adventures take place. I believe children will get right into the story. The book has all kinds of wonderful pictures that almost everyone will enjoy. Please pick up a copy.
Middle Readers
1) The Phantom Tollbooth- I read this wonderful book back in elementary school. It was written Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer who I had the pleasure to meet and talk to a few months ago. It came out from Random House in 1961. I love this classical book that teaches many things to children. It is about a boy named Milo who is bored of everything in his life. One day a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room. Milo drives through it in his toy car because he has nothing better to do. This leads him to a different world. It is here that Milo's whole view of life changes. he takes on several amazing quests and meets fantastic creatures including a ticking watch dog named Tock. I loved this classic fantasy book as a young lad and I truly believe your son or daughter will as well.
2) The Book of Time Trilogy- I got a chance to read this Trilogy on my trip to FL. You can look back at my older posts to read more about it. It includes three books: The Book of Time, The Gate of Days and The Circle of Gold. They are by Gullaume Prevost and were translated by William Rodarm. The books originally published by Gallimard Jeunnesse in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The English- language translations were published by Arthur A. Levine books in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Cheryl Klein was the wonderful editor who worked on this wonderful Fantasy Trilogy. The books are about Faulkner family. They could be any ordinary family on the outside, but they have many secrets. Sam Faulkner a 13 year old boy discovers a sec
Posted on 12/12/2009
By: Kiko,
on 12/3/2009
I made this illustration for a Christmas Children's book, which was published 2 years ago. I hope you enjoy it.
By: Andrew,
on 12/3/2009
By: FrankenBarry,
on 12/2/2009
A visit from the Ghost of Christmas Cards Past.
This one goes back almost 20 years – it was my first greeting card sale. The landscape version was a postcard I sent out as a direct-mail promo. I was contacted about a week later by a greeting card company wanting to buy it. I was pretty psyched to make the sale, but then I found out I would have to reformat it to portrait – it drove me crazy trying to recompose all of those elements (Elvises), and took longer than the original drawing. The greeting card company got a cease-and-desist from the Elvis estate, but fought back, reached a compromise, and the card stayed in print for about 10 years. I only have the inks, but the printed greeting-card was in color. I thought about re-colorizing it, but my style's changed a lot over the years... maybe it's time to just redraw this one.
Have a Hunka Burnin' Holiday!
©1992 Barry/Right-Hemisphere Laboratory
By: Jennifer Lea,
on 11/30/2009
By: josh pincus is crying,
on 11/30/2009
Dammit! I think I read that challenge wrong...
Hey! Hooooo! Santa’s in da house. Come oooon, evry bahday!
I am loving your illustrations they are so much fun.
LOL, awesome
I love getting your post notifications in my Inbox! Your work is just delightful!
Perfect, Julie! I can hear it now!
Thanks so much, Cecilia!
Hee hee! Thanks Karen!