KIDLIT AND MORE! - KidzTales

Holly the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows

11/28/2022

TITLE: Holly the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows
AUTHOR: Mandy Farmer
PUBLISHER: Independently Published
FORMATS: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
ISBN-13:9798836444990

Holly the Holstein is back to tell us all about the milk cows on the farm. She’ll be able to answer any question you ask her. Do milk cows have registers that say who their parents are? How much milk does a milk cow produce in one day? Do you know that some milk cows are red and white while others are black and white? Holly can answer these questions and tell you much more about milk cows.

The end of the book has a very special surprise. You can go to Mrs. Mandy’s website and download coloring pages, dairy snack recipes, and you’ll also be notified when new Holly the Holstein books are available! You get all of this just for joining Holly’s Book Club! You can learn much more about Mrs. Mandy, too. Her website is here.

Holly the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows has been written for ages three to eight in very simple language that your young readers and listeners can grasp. They will also enjoy looking at the brilliantly colored pictures in the book of Holly and the farm she lives on.

This picture book will be a welcome addition to your child’s library. Holly the Holstein will also make a great Christmas gift! If you would like to purchase this entertaining picture book you can buy it here or here.

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

11/21/2022

I realize that this article isn’t going to apply to everyone. After all, not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving. Other countries, like Canada, do. The holiday might be in a different month, but it’s still their Thanksgiving.
Do you have any memories of Thanksgiving dinners when you were growing up? They can be good or bad, but let’s hope they’re great!
I remember getting up for the day, hurrying up to finish breakfast, and watching the Santa Claus parade on TV. Through most of the parade, my mother would be in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving dinner. I have to pause here and tell you that at this time me, my brothers, and my sisters were all way too young to help with the cooking or anything else!
Some of our Thanksgiving dinners were lean, but we also had some years where my parents were able to provide the traditional feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, vegetables and pumpkin pie. As I said, when we were elementary school aged, mom made the dinner herself. As we got older, things changed.
My mother announced to us that it wasn’t up to her and her alone to make the complete dinner. This was fair. Mom wasn’t able to visit with anyone or truly get to enjoy the holiday. So, since we were all older or married with children, she announced that everyone would bring something different and that she would provide the meat. We asked her what we were supposed to bring. She assigned a different thing to everyone. This worked out great. It really did!
We had many memorable Thanksgivings with everyone providing something different, but there is one that stands out in my memory.
One of my sisters had just gotten married. Her and her new husband met a couple on their honeymoon and became good friends with them. Well, after a few years the couple wanted to experience a ‘country’ Thanksgiving. They wanted to come to our house. There were eight in my family. This didn’t count the husbands, wives, or grandchildren. With my sister and brother-in-law’s friends, we were close to thirty people there! Since there were so many of us, our visitors thought they were going to have a “Walton’s-type Thanksgiving.”
We put the grandchildren at a card table we dubbed “the kid’s table.” Isn’t there always one of them at a family gathering? We had a couple of tables for the adults since we had to have room for the food plus us.
Dad said grace before we passed the dishes around so we could serve ourselves. One of my sisters took on the responsibility of making sure that the grandchildren were served at the kid’s table.
Our visitors had a ball. They told us how Thanksgivings were at their houses when they were growing up. They were far different from ours since both were either from very small families or were an only child.
I can’t imagine that. Being the oldest of six children, I always had a gang of people with me. We were a party in all by ourselves. Growing up, I always had someone to fight with, get in trouble with, or to get in trouble! You miss this as you get older. Maybe that’s why I’m in such a nostalgic mood and am telling you about this.
Back to the dinner. Well, we were all slowly finishing up eating. Really some of us were completely stuffed! One of our visitors asked for another piece of turkey. Yes, there was a little left!
The turkey platter was by yours truly. Was I polite and picked up the turkey platter and pass it down. NOT! I just picked up a turkey leg and handed it to the person sitting next to me! Down the table the turkey leg traveled, from one person to the next. It finally reached our visitor’s place. He was grinning from ear-to-ear. He never experienced that … ever. The wife thought it was the greatest thing ever and pronounced it just like the Walton’s!
After dinner was probably like after Thanksgiving dinner in your house. My father, brothers-in-law, and the grandchildren went into the living room. We, of the female species, were on clean-up duty.
I do hope that all of you are able to create more precious memories of your own this Thanksgiving. Be it goofy like this special memory or sentimental. It really doesn’t matter just so you make them. So, from me to all of you …

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!

What To Get? Part II

11/6/2022

Last week we started to wonder about what to get you favorite writer for Christmas. As promised, we're doing it all again only for middle graders, young adults, with some things that cover writing in general. Not to mention those all important idea prompts!

What's that you say? You didn't see last weeks installment? Have no fear. If you didn't, just click here.

Writing Irresistible Kidlit for Middle Graders and Young Adults

5-Minute Daily Writing Prompts

Writing for Children and Teenagers

How to Market a Book

The Successful Author Mindset

How to Write an Awesome Novel

Character Development Journal

Writer Emergency Pack

What to Get?

10/30/2022

Hi,
It's that time of year again. What do you get the writer or writers on your list? I've listed a few items that I know they would love. Just follow the links!

If Santa is reading this, I'd love the book called, The Magic Words!

HOW TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978679199

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S BOOK and GET IT PUBLISHED https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1630261130

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S BOOK and GET IT PUBLISHED https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1472135792

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1736545930

THE MAGIC WORDS https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039329224X

CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS MARKET https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593332059

WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR DUMMIES https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119870011

CHILDREN'S WRITERS WORD BOOK https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582974136

THE BUSINESS OF WRITING FOR CHILDREN https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1620355019

EVERYTHING GUIDE TO WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440505497

WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582975566

Next week, I'll have more gift ideas for you!

Interview With Author Dayna Ault

10/23/2022

Hi! Join me today as I interview Dayna Ault, author of 'Who Made This Mess?'.

Here are Dayna's website and social links so you can get to know more about her and 'Who Made This Mess?':

Website: https://daynaault.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/daynaaultwriter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayna-ault-0663272a
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AultDayna
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daynaaultwriter

FREE! FREE! FREE!
Dayna is giving you a freebie just for signing up for her newsletter! Please go here.

TITLE: Who Made This Mess?
AUTHOR: Dayna Ault
PUBLISHER: Joyful Brook Publishing
FORMATS: Hardback, Paperback, Kindle
ISBN-13: 979-8986670409
ASIN: BOBCTWQYY1

“Who made this mess? Which one of you did it?” Mommy asks her three children. In this delightful rhyming picture book, we see broken things and paw prints everywhere.

In this gentle teaching book, we find that the children have a secret! What is it? And who made the mess?

I highly recommend this entertaining and gentle book. Your little ones will just love it for its highly relatable story and bright-colored pictures. If you would like to add this to your home library, you can find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or wherever fine books are sold!

SHOULD YOU PAY FOR A BOOK REVIEW?

10/3/2022

I’ve been reviewing children’s books for quite a while now and there’s one question that I get asked quite a lot. It’s, “Do you charge for reviewing books?” No, I don’t. In my opinion, charging an author for a review is just plain unethical. I, for one, couldn’t live with myself. Anyway, it’s not fair to the author at all and here’s why.

If you charge an author, you’re obligated to give that author a positive review even if that book, even if that book is riddled with all kinds of errors. So much that the story doesn’t make sense. That’s just not right and as I said I couldn’t live with myself.

I know that some people do charge and they even make a living at it. But they do have a problem here. Once word gets out that they charge, their credibility goes down the drain. If it doesn’t go down the drain, their reputation for honesty lowers quite a bit! As I stated above, the reviewer is obligated to give a positive review if they’re paid.

I can guess what you’re thinking. “I want positive reviews.” This is where you’re wrong. You should have both good and bad reviews.

Books in all are made interesting if you read the controversial reviews. I read reviews for one. One positive review was glowing with compliments. For the same book, a negative review said something like it was the worst book she’d ever read. In fact, she couldn’t get past the first chapter and suggested everybody save their money. This got my curiosity up. There were equal amount of positive vs. negative reviews for this book. Which one was true? My curiosity was at its peak by this time. I had to find out. Yes, I did buy that book and no, it wasn’t a waste of money. It was the best thing I’ve read in a long time! It’s still on my Kindle to re-read. So, getting an honest review, even if it’s negative, is a selling point. So, controversial reviews equals sales and that makes you a winner!

To my surprise, I’ve found on the social media sites, that many people ask for a review but they ask that the reviewer to buy their book in order to review it. That’s not how it’s done. A reviewer will shy away from taking on a job like this. I’ve steered clear many, many times.

Here’s the proper way to handle this. First, contact the reviewer through their website asking if they will review your book and describe the book a little. Tell them if it’s a children’s, adult’s, or poetry book. Then, send the reviewer the book in print, .pdf file along with a .jpg of the book cover, or gift the reviewer a copy of your ebook for their Kindle, Nook, or other ereader.

Reviewers are everywhere and you can find them easily. If you’re in a Facebook group go to the files section at the top of the page. Click on that files tab. You should find a section there that lists reviewers in your group that reviews and also list what kind of books they accept. If there isn’t just type a regular post asking if anyone would like a review and say if it’s a children’s or adult’s book. You should do this in every social media site you’re on since the more reviews, the better. Here’s a great a great site I found that lists book review sites. Hopefully, this will help you get that review: http://bookbloggerlist.com.

Also, following is a YouTube video on the subject. I hope this will give you more insight on the subject.

Writing Software

9/19/2022

Hi,
You know that there is a lot of writing software out there, but how in the world do you know which one is right for you? When you get down to it, which one will do all that it's advertised to do?

Well, today, I have permission from Dave Chesson from Kindlepreneur to link-back to his article about writing software. He's taken all the guess work of of it for you. While your at Kindlepreneur, sign up for the newsletter. You'll never miss an informative article again. Heck, sign up for the site and take a look around!

Sorry. I digress. I was talking about writing software. Read Dave's article at https://kindlepreneur.com/best-book-writing-software. I think you'll thank Dave as much as I do!

LITTLE WANDERERS: THE EVERLASTING SEASONS

9/11/2022

TITLE: Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons
AUTHOR: I.K. Silver
FORMATS: Kindle-$3.99,Paperback-$13.99,Hardcover-$4.28

Join Snowy, a little dwarf from the Winter Village, as he sets off in search of Originin. When Snowy arrives in the Summer Village, he meets Komoro and his mother. He soon talks Komoro into joining him on his quest.
Along the way, the two friends have many adventures, but none so great when the people of the Autumn village are sure that Komoro is their king and there’s no talking the villagers, guards, and servants out of it!
I enjoyed this tale of adventure and wits. If you would like it for your home library, just go to https://www.amazon.com/Little-Wanderers-Everlasting-I-K-Silver/dp/6250097686.

SWEET DREAMS: GOOD NIGHT

8/22/2022

TITLE: Sweet Dreams: Good Night
AUTHOR: Brittany Herrera
PUBLISHER: Independent
FORMAT: Paperback
PRICE: $9.50
ISBN-13: 979-8729248216

Little Ally doesn’t want to go to bed. Every night, Mommy hears the same excuses. You can hear Ally cry, “Mommy, I want a drink of water!” Or, “Mommy, I need the potty!”

In this adorable picture book, Mommy teaches Ally a way where she can sleep and have fun, too. Mommy tells Ally that she can go on any adventure she wants. She also tells her little girl that in her dreams, Ally can be a princess, pirate, cowgirl, or anything she wants to be!

If your a little one who doesn’t like bedtime, take a cue from Ally’s mother. Tell him or her about the fun that will happen in their dreams.

If you’d like to purchase Sweet Dreams: Good Night, you can find this picture book on Amazon.

WHY ARE CRITIQUE GROUPS IMPORTANT TO A WRITER?

8/15/2022

Why are critique groups so important? It’s usually suggested that you join one, but how do you find one? What kind should you join? How will it improve your writing?

A critique group will improve your writing
It’s true. They will in many ways! In critique groups, there’s usually a schedule to follow. A person submits his or her story on a certain day and they critiques have to be in by the end of the week. This isn’t always the case. Some groups have two people submit and those critiques have to be in by the end of the week. Why? The reason for this is simple. It prepares the writer to write for a deadline.

You will get honest feedback and suggestions from the other members, and this is so important! Your fellow critiquers can help you see problems in your story that you’ve missed. Writers live in their own solitary world. I can’t say it’s lonely since you always have your characters talking to you in your head. I know. That sounds crazy, but it’s true. Your critique group can help you improve your manuscript with their feedback. Thus, you’re pulled back into reality. Because of the other member’s honest feedback, you’ll be able to catch your mistakes more easily.

It’s Fun
It really is fun! You develop friendships with the other members that can go beyond the critique groups. Writers live in their own solitary world. I can’t say it’s lonely since you always have your characters talking to you in your head. I know. That sounds crazy, but it’s true. Developing a friendship with another writer is a precious thing.

You can discuss writing with other writers
That’s right! Talking to another writer is priceless! Yahoo Groups are chat enabled so you can talk to each other. I’m not sure about Google Groups since I’ve never been in one. Currently, I’m in one called Kidlit Connect and we meet on Webex. Which means it’s a lot like meeting on a Zoom call. Really, it’s exactly like that since we can see and hear each other in real time.

What kind of critique groups are there and where can I find them?
I guess you already know that there are two kinds of critique groups. There are the physical ones. They’re the ones you’ll find in your local libraries and bookstores. My town used to have one in the local library, but the group hasn’t existed for years. I wish it was still there. In these physical ones, you read your story to the others and get feedback right away. You’re face-to-face with other people. Or maybe that group has a unique set of rules where the person, whose turn it is to submit their story, prints up enough copies for every member to peruse carefully. In either instance, there are usually snacks and a social period after the meeting. As I mentioned before, there are groups like the one I’m currently in who meets over real time. Another great place to start is Kidlit 411.

If your town doesn’t provide a physical group, there’s no reason you can’t belong to a critique group. They abound on the internet. You might have to try several groups before you find one that’s the perfect fit for you. Where can you find these online critique groups? You can do this easily by going to your favorite search engine and typing in “Children’s Critique Groups.” You’ll get a long list of groups. Or go to Yahoo and scroll down to groups (this is on the left side of Yahoo’s homepage. Once you click on “groups” that takes you to a page where you can search for a children’s critique group. You can do the same thing on Google. Go to their homepage and click on Google groups. All that’s missing in the online groups are the snacks.

I mentioned my Kidlit Connect group on Webex. It’s exactly like a physical site except we meet online in real time. We upload our stories so everyone can print a copy out. Also, like physical groups, we read our stories online and get fantastic feedback! Can you tell I love this group? If you’re interested in joining me there you can for a minimal cost, that is. Just email Dayna Ault (our fearless leader) at dayna.ault.author@gmail.com.

One last thing
Critique groups also give you an advantage over other writers. You’ve already had several other sets of eyes scrutinize your work and they haven’t.

So, whatever kind of critique group you decide to join, physical, online, or both, stay a while to make sure it’s the right group for you. There are a few ways you can do this. Ask yourself these questions: Am I learning something here? Is the group schedule to much for me to handle? Do the other members take the time to explain their suggestions? Am I comfortable here? Are the other members encouraging? Is there a risk of anyone stealing my ideas? This question should be able to be answered by the moderator. If you can’t answer yes to any or some of these questions, it’s time for you to find another group. When you find the perfect group for you, you’ll be able to answer yes to these questions and more!

Why are critique groups so important? It’s usually suggested that you join one but how do you find one? What kind should you join? How will it improve your writing?

A critique group will improve your writing
It’s true. They will and do in many ways! In critique groups there’s usually a schedule to follow. A person submits his or her story on a certain day and they critiques have to be in by the end of the week. Some groups have two people submit and those critiques have to be in by the end of the week. Why? The reason for this is simple. It prepares the writer to be able to write for a deadline.

You will get honest feedback and suggestions from the other members, and this is so important! Your fellow critiquers can help you see problems in your story that you’ve missed. Writers live in their own solitary world. I can’t say it’s lonely since you always have your characters talking to you in your head. I know. That sounds crazy, but it’s true. Your critique group can help you improve your manuscript with their feedback. Thus, you’re pulled back into reality. Because of the other member’s honest feedback, you’ll be able to catch your mistakes more easily. This improves your writing greatly.