Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon (Saturday, April 25): Updated Book Recommendations for Readathons

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Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon is next weekend and I am ecstatic about it! If you missed my last post about Dewey's readathon, you can find it here. Are you beginning to gather your books for your TBR pile for the readathon? For today's post, I am updating my book recommendations for readathons.  My previous recommendations can be found here. The books below are my additional recommendations.

Firstly, I am going to start with some books that I read during the last Dewey's Readathon. During that readathon, I read a lot of Children's fiction, novellas, and graphic novels. Here are my recommendations from the last readathon.

Children's fiction

Dying to Meet You by Kate Kline is my first recommendation. This is a hilarious children's fiction novel about a boy that moves into a haunted house. This book is written completely in letters and newspaper articles. This was a quick read and I really enjoyed the novel. I gave this book 5/5 stars. You can find my full review for this book here.

Adult Clean Romance Novella

The Year of Weddings novellas are my second recommendation.  The novellas in this series are clean romance novels, each written by a different author. I love novellas for a readathon because I can get a lot of them read and I fell like I have accomplished a lot at the end of the readathon. I have read the first two books in this series, both during the last readathon, and I gave them an average rating of 4.5/5 stars.

Lastly, I would like to recommend two young adult novels and a newly released novella that I have read since the last readathon. These are both full length novels, but they are really engaging and to me were pretty quick reads.

My next recommendation is the Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry. I have read the first three books in this quartet and they were amazing! I gave them an average of 4.7/5 stars. This is an action packed dystopian series with each book having different main characters.  The first book, The Giver, is about Jonas who is in a world where everything is seemingly perfect. There is no war, no fear, and no pain. Jonas is singled out to recieve special training from the Giver, but can he handle all that he has to encounter? You can read my full review of The Giver here.

In Between by Jenny B. Jones is a YA Christian fiction contemporary novel about a girl that is in foster care and is moved to a new foster home in the middle of no where. Filled with both laughter and sentimental moments, In Between is a book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a great, light, inspirational read. This book was also free on Amazon when I purchased it (and it may still be). I gave this book 5/5 stars. You can find my full review here.

12 Hours by Hannah Harvey is a YA contemporary fiction novella (released last week) that occurs two months after Ivy's boyfriend breaks up with her on graduation day with no explanation. The events of the book happen within 12 hours. This is a great, quick (only 65 pages), intense read that would be great for any readathon. My full review can be found here.









Are you signed up for Dewey's 24H Readathon? If not, you can sign up here. Do you want to be a cheerleader? You can learn more about being a cheerleader and how to sign up here. Do you want to host a mini-challenge? You can sign up for hosting a mini-challenge here.

If you are signed up for the read-a-thon, what are your goals?  I would love to hear about your read-a-thon progress during and after the read-a-thon! Comment below or tweet me at @blog_gal.

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon (April 25th 2015): Announcement of Participation

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Another readathon is coming up soon. It is another Dewey's 24 hour readathon! Woohoo!

Dewey's Readathon lasts for 24 hours and begins at the same time across the world (times canbe found here). It is full of hourly challenges, giveaways, cheerleading (#rahrahreadathon), and lots of reading. You can find more information about this readathon here. I participated in this readathon last October. You can find my posts about the October readathon at the following links:

• Reading Goals for the October Readathon
• Book Recommendations for Readathons
• Overall Goals for the October Readathon
• Opening Meme
• Mid-Event Survey and Progress
• Wrap Up Post and Closing Meme

As you can see, I get very excited about this readathon so I have a lot of exciting posts for the days leading up to the readathon. Here is the outline of the posts that I am planning for before the readathon:

• Updated Book Recommendations for Readathons (Saturday, April 18)
• Overall Goals (Wednesday, April 22)
• Reading Goals and TBR Grab Pile (Friday, April 24)

Are you signed up for Dewey's 24H Readathon? If not, you can sign up here. Do you want to be a cheerleader? You can learn more about being a cheerleader and how to sign up here. Do you want to host a mini-challenge? You can sign up for hosting a mini-challenge here.

If you are signed up for the read-a-thon, what are your goals?  I would love to hear about your read-a-thon progress during and after the read-a-thon! Comment below or tweet me at @blog_gal.

Release Day Novella Review: 12 Hours by Hannah Harvey

Novella Title: 12 Hours

Author: Hannah Harvey

Publish Date: April 11, 2015

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance Novella

Why I Read this Book: I received this book for review from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Two months ago, Riley was heartbroken when her boyfriend of almost a year, James, broke up with her on her graduation day, and then left town without saying goodbye.
She hasn't heard from him since that day. Until now.
Now it's two months on. It's midnight, and she's just received a message from him.

I'm outside. I need you.

Three little words she's never been able to resist from him. Over the next twelve hours, follow Ivy on an emotional journey, as she tries to work out why he's back. If he's staying and what she wants now that he's back in her life again.

Review

This contemporary romance is filled with suspense. The story begins two months after Riley's boyfriend broke up with her and left town without giving a reason for his departure. What happened during there relationship and during these two months is unknown at the beginning of the story. For me, the suspense in not knowing the full story was what kept me longing for more of this novella.

The characters were not very well developed, but this is often hard to do in a novella. When I was finished reading the novella, I was left wanting more because there were a lot of questions that were left unanswered.

I would recommend this book for someone wanting an intense contemporary novella.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 4/5

You can purchase this book on Amazon.

Blog Changes

Hello all! I hope this week has brought you many exciting things! If you haven't noticed yet, I have a new tab at the top the my blog called "Book Review Archive".

In this marvelous new tab, I have created an alphabetized list of all of the books that I have reviewed, including novellas and children's picture books. They are organized both by author's name and by book title. Please check it out and give me feedback. If I have any error, please feel free to let me know. I created this archive in order to make it easier for you to find a specific book that I have reviewed. 

As always, I still have the "Browse by Topic" module on the right side of the blog for you to find books by genre and also to find posts that I may have put up during certain events, like the Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon (which is coming up again very soon).

I have also begun something else. I have started using AdSense to display ads on the right hand side of my blog. I will get a small profit for displaying the ads based on how many times my blog in viewed. I never intended this blog to be used to earn money, but I am putting an increasing amount of time into blogging, reading, and reviewing books. I am hoping to use this money to help support the blog by being able to buy more books that I am interested in to review.

Finally, I may begin occasionally reviewing non-book items, such as cooking supplies, that I receive for review. This will not effect the overall content of my blog; this will always be a blog about books. I just hope to supplement what I am already reviewing on the site and bring items to you that you may be interested in.

Please leave your thoughts about these additions to the blog in the comments below.  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Virtual Book Tour: Love, Hope, Faith Anthology (Produced by Vanessa Miller)

Title: Love. Hope. Faith Anthology

Produced by: Vanessa Miller
Genre: Christian Inspirational, Non-Fiction
Paperback: 166 pages
Publisher: Praise Unlimited Enterprises, LLC (February 18, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1508505330
ISBN-13: 978-1508505334

Stories of Love, Hope and Faith line the pages of this spiritually uplifting anthology produced by bestselling author, Vanessa Miller. Love. Hope. Faith. will take you on a journey toward your happy place. The contributing writers of this anthology pour out their hearts to deliver soul-stirring, Godly stories of triumph. The Love. Hope. Faith. anthology will touch your heart as it allows you to believe again.

From Trust-less to Trustworthy - By: Yvette Wilson Bentley

"When I looked at my friendships with women and why I didn’t trust them, I realized that I had lots to unpack and examine. I was okay not trusting women, but I knew that living as a Christian meant that my attitude and mindset had to change. Was it something that I wanted to do? At first, absolutely not! But I knew that to be of service to God and His people, a change had to be made, so I became willing to be willing. "

Back At One - By: Kendy Ward

“God, You promised that if I served You, followed You with every fiber of my being, then You would restore my family. It’s been five years. I don’t doubt that You can do anything. You specialize in the impossible, but my faith is faltering.” Jason then prayed in his heavenly language.

I am not a man that I should lie. I will complete the good work I have begun.

Jason released a sigh of relief. “Thank You for hearing me. I’ll wait. However long it takes, I will wait.”

No Greater Love - By: Rita Moore

“A few weeks into my pregnancy the doctor told us, the medications I had been taking caused harm to our child, test showed abnormal fluid. He suggested we terminate the pregnancy, or prepare for a child with birth defects! I was devastated, but my husband reminded me of the God we serve! Abortion was not an option! We found a new doctor, a believer, a doctor who trusted the miracle working love of God! Nine months later we had a perfectly healthy baby girl!”

"On the day of my surgery, prior to being wheeled into surgery, the doctor took my hand and said, “It is my custom to pray with my patients prior to conducting surgery”. I have never known a doctor to do that! Everything happens for a reason. His prayer spoke of his faith and trust in God to guide his hands, and he prayed for my complete healing. I felt confident he was definitely the doctor I needed to perform the surgery. God said He perfects those things that concern us!”

Leap Into Your Destiny- By: Sherae Bell

One morning in late December, as I posted what I expected to be my last prayer to Facebook, my seven-year-old granddaughter, Anashija, ran into the room.

She stood beside me, put her arm around my neck and politely, but in a matter-of-fact manner, said, “Grandma, are you writing your God Notes?”

I did not realize that she had been paying attention. Surprised, I looked at her and said, “My God Notes?”

“Yes, Grandma, your God Notes!”

“Why did you call them my ‘God Notes’?”

She took a deep breathe, sighed and then said, “Grandma, because you write your notes to God every day.” She ran out of the room as if she had completed her mission to confirm that my postings had nothing to do with me and everything to do with God.

God’s timing is always perfect. Not until we acknowledge that it is just that, His timing, will we be able to live as He has designed. Every time I wanted to give up, He stopped me from waving the flag. I realized that God ordained my words. I knew that He had more work for me. God is faithful. He brings to fruition what He has ordained to be accomplished, no matter the package used to deliver it.

Courage To Stand- By Paulette Harper

Have you ever took a step of faith in what you believed you heard from God and got mid-way through and wanted to turn back, put the brakes on, put the car in reverse and start all over? You knew this was not the way you had envisioned your current situation. Everything you see before you tells you that somehow you’ve missed God. Fear settles in, doubt and anxiety comes knocking at your heart.

Prior to taking that step of faith, confidence in what you were doing was strong and un-quenching, yet all alone God knew exactly what trouble awaited you, what problems were in the making and He knew you would be in that place of doubt and disbelief.

In your mind, you began to question if God told you to do this, did you really hear God? For sure if God told you then there shouldn’t be any problems, no challenges, no regrets, right? On the contrary, it’s in those places that we can be assured that God has us right where He wants us. In places of trouble, in that wilderness, in that place where even His still quiet voice is not speaking. This place is where your faith will be stretched, the promises of God will be challenged or questioned. It’s in this place that going back seems like the better solution, at least that’s what your flesh wants you to believe. Clearly what’s in front is more difficult than what is behind.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage - By: Valerie J. Lewis-Coleman

All eyes were on Jeanine as she took slow orchestrated steps toward the altar. The beaded embellishments on her tailored gown glistened in the sunrays that beamed through the cathedral windows. Every strand of her short bob was in place, Mac makeup flawless. The elegant bouquet of fresh-cut flowers bombarded her senses. For a brief moment, she stopped, closed her eyes, inhaled. The pianist seemed to strike the keys in sync with her racing heart. She opened her eyes and gazed down the aisle to see the groom poised, ready to meet his bride. A full smile washed across her face, she steadied her breathing. As she walked toward him, acknowledging each friend and family member with a glance, slight grin and head nod, she whispered a prayer.

“Father, I thank You for this beautiful day. Everything is coming together as planned; even the weather is perfect. I ask Your grace upon this union. Let it flourish. Keep away the naysayers. Divorce is not an option as this marriage will represent Your unconditional love. I count my request as done. I just have one question: When will it be my turn as bride? I’m happy for my girl, but…I’m tired of being alone, crying myself to sleep. Smiling at every man I meet, hoping, praying that he’s the one. I love my nieces and nephews, but I’m ready to be a mother. The official has shot the gun to start the foot race and I’m stuck in the blocks watching my girlfriends run ahead with husbands in tow. Why am I still single? What is it about me that keeps me on this side of matrimony?”

As the tears flowed, Jeanine took her place, two bridesmaids from the bride. She dabbed at the tears with a monogrammed handkerchief provided by the groomsman who escorted her.

As I Look Back - by: LaDawn Michelle

When I first got clean from drugs I learned in order to positively deal with any feelings I must first identify them. Today there is a popular saying going around “I felt some type of way.” That phrase doesn’t do anything to promote healing. “I feel some type of way” does not identify a feeling. You cannot heal emotionally by identifying with “feeling some type of way.” The only thing the statement does is give a voice to the fact that there is a dysfunction in your emotions. We must be careful that we do not allow our spirits to latch onto the commonalities society gives us that do not promote good emotional health by handicapping us with catchy phrases that mean absolutely nothing once they are dissected. One of the first tools I was given when I got clean from drugs was a feeling words list. In order to embark on a journey of emotional healing, one of your first steps may be to get a feeling word list and use it.

Triumphant Victory - by: Kyna Williams

My mind had been tainted to believe that all the good things in life only happened for the pretty girls with long hair or the children with both parents in the home. I believed the world was filled with two categories of people. One category consisted of “THOSE OTHER PEOPLE” who seemingly have no problems, no hidden secrets, or shameful pasts that stripped them of the freedom to live the “Good Life.” The second category consisted of the broken souls, filled with hopelessness, like me. I was void of even the faintest perception that I would one day have the opportunity to be one of “THOSE OTHER PEOPLE.” I had decided within myself that I was damaged goods. I carried with me the weight of emotional baggage my secretive fragile past had attached to me, limiting my ability to dream of a future where I would be free to live the “Good Life” or any type of life that did not require me to mask who I felt I really was beneath the surface of my glamorous facade. If anyone were to find out who I really was beneath it all, it would certainly result in the complete ruin of the flawless public façade I had mastered displaying.

The Visionary - by: Loureva Slade

“I need you all to trust me,” Pastor Gaines said as he tensely tapped his fingers on the table, unamused by Deacon Clemmons’ humor. “And if that is too difficult, trust that God has put me over this congregation and trust that He won’t allow me to do anything that doesn’t align with His will. Can you all just do that?”

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary

Calling Authors, Motivational Speakers and Ministers of the Gospel…
With Volume 1 of the Love. Hope. Faith. Anthology complete, I am now in search of inspirational testimonies for Volume 2.

*Is your life a living testimony?

*Are you a new author looking for a way to break into the industry?

*Can you take a motivational speech and write something that will inspire readers?

*Has God put a burning desire to minister to His people in your heart?

Contact Vanessa Miller for submission guidelines: vanessa.praiseunlimited@gmail.com

Blog Tour (with Giveaway and Excerpt): A House Divided by Jennifer Peel

Tour Schedule

House Divided

There is a law irrevocably decreed in the state of Alabama that you must choose a team. You're either an Auburn fan or an Alabama Fan. There is no fence sitting or waffling. It’s one or the other. However, it doesn't mean that you can’t fall in love with someone from the opposing side. They even have a name for it ... House Divided.

Ellie Eaton and Brady Jackson were just such a couple, but unfortunately they were separated by more than just their loyalty to a university. Against the odds and against the rules, Ellie and Brady dove right into the forbidden current of friendship and then love. Their sweet, innocent romance was one for the storybooks, but old rules and family prejudices ultimately tore them apart, just as they were each ready to depart to their beloved universities, Ellie to Auburn and Brady to Alabama. But years later, when near tragedy strikes, they're brought together again and given a second chance at love, this time with help from some very unlikely sources.

House Divided is a sweet romance filled with southern charm, a dash of humor and, for good measure, a pinch of lies and intrigue.

AMAZON

Praise for the Book

"House Divided was one of those books that made me want to ignore my children, my to-do list, my need for food, and pretty much anything else that would keep me from reading. Jennifer Peel has a real gift for depicting first love, heartbreak, and hope."

"A tender, soft, story that truly is a gem to read."

"Ms. Peel has created a story that stands as a tribute to true southern gentility, it's foibles and strengths. Truly a beautiful read that gives heart and meaning to true devotion. She truly knows how to weave a story that has beauty and true southern charm."









Author Jennifer Peel

I'm a Colorado native who currently calls Alabama home. I'm the mother of three amazing children who have grown up way too fast. I enjoy the mountains, vacations at the beach, date night with my husband, late night talks with my kiddos, touring model homes, and pink bubblegum ice cream.

I grew up on the Western Slope in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I learned to love the beauty of the outdoors, but not camping--unless staying overnight at the Marriott counts. I met my husband while living in Denver and then several years later we traded the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the art and culture of Chicago, Illinois. My family and I enjoyed living near this world class city, despite the crazy cold winters, but new adventures awaited in Northern Alabama--just six hours away from Orange Beach, Alabama. These three magical places (the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and Orange Beach) are the inspired locations used in several of my books.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/12/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Excerpt

I was so thrilled that Brady was in my home that I didn’t notice he wasn’t acting like himself. I pulled him into our drawing room where the fireplace was lit and the twelve-foot high Christmas tree sparkled in the dimly illuminated room. Under the tree sat my wrapped present for Brady. I retrieved the present and sat in front of the fireplace on the floor. Brady sat next to me, and before I could say a word, he pulled me to him and kissed me like he never had before. It was like a man kissing a woman, not a boy kissing a girl. I could barely breathe when he was done. His breathing was ragged too.

"Well, Merry Christmas," I said. That was present enough for me.

He smiled that country boy smile I loved so much, but it was then I noticed it didn’t touch his eyes like his smile always had.

"What’s wrong, Brady?"

He pulled on my hair, like he always had. "Ellie …"

"Brady?"

He took a deep breath and looked at me with his baby blues. "We can’t be together anymore," he quickly blurted out.

I just shook my head. Surely I had heard him wrong, but I knew I hadn’t.

I backed up, and he scooted closer. The tears welled up in my eyes and in his. "Please, Ellie, just listen to me."

"My name is Ella," I replied bitingly.

"Ok … Ella. I’m so sorry, but being with you is tearing my family apart, and with my daddy so sick … I … I have to … I have to do this for my family. Can you please understand that?"

I was speechless. I loved him. I had broken my aunt’s rules and heart for him. And he, he was the one who pursued me and who had to shout it to the world that we were together. How could he just end it like that? I didn’t understand. The tears began to flow. He tried to wipe them away, but I wouldn’t let him. I didn’t want him to touch me.

He stood up, but before he left, he looked down at me. "I love you, Miss Ellie."

How could he? I just stared up at him blankly.

"Don’t worry, Ellie, you don’t have to say it back. I love us enough for the both of us."

Number two

Wait, Ellie."

"What, Brady?"

"Can we please talk?"

"I don’t think there’s anything else left to say, Brady."

"Ok, Ellie, but if you think I’m going to let you walk out of my life again without a fight, then you have another thing coming, so saddle up, Ella Lu Eaton."

"Brady!"

"Goodnight, Ellie." And just like that he hung up.

He was on my ever living last nerve tonight. Well, you have another thing coming, Brady Jackson. "And by the way, I didn’t walk out of your life in the first place. You pushed me!" I don’t know why I said that out loud, it wasn’t like he could hear me.

I stomped up the stairs and took a long, hot bath. As I lay there soaking, I tried not to think of that fool. Who did he think he was, telling me to saddle up? Well, cowboy, you better hold on to your hat because I have no intention of losing this rodeo.

Number three -

He kept pace with me nicely and reached for my hand. There were too many people around for me to pull away from him. I wouldn’t embarrass him like that. He grinned at me. He knew me too well. On the elevator, I refused to look at him, but I knew he was looking at me. I could feel it. Before we reached the ground floor, he leaned over. "Ellie, you’re so pretty when you try to ignore me."

I was ready to turn and look up at him with my icy glare, but he had the sweetest, sappiest smile on his face and I just couldn’t. I couldn’t help but smile back at the fool, but I did shake my head at him. As we walked off the elevator, he leaned in again. "You’re even prettier when you smile at me."

I lightly elbowed him.

He chuckled.

As soon as we made it to the parking lot and were alone, I tried to let go, but he anticipated. He pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me.

"Let go of me, Brady Jackson."

"Ellie Eaton, I have no intention of ever letting you go again, and I’ll pick you up and throw you over my shoulder if I have to."

"You would do no such thing."

"That sounds like a challenge, darlin’."

"Don’t you dare, Brady! I’ll scream."

"Even better," he said as he scooped me up without any effort and threw me over his shoulder. He apparently still worked out like an athlete. I could feel his muscles, which kind of made me forget that I was completely furious with him for taking such liberties with me.

"Brady Jackson, put me down! I’m not seventeen anymore and I’m not your girlfriend!"

"No, you’re definitely not seventeen anymore," he responded salaciously. "The last ten years have done your body good. You filled out quite nicely. And as far as you being my girlfriend, that’s just a technicality I plan on fixing.

"I can’t believe you just said that. Does your momma know you talk like that?"

Virtual Book Tour and Review: Derek the Dragon- Children's Book Collection

About The Childrens Book Collection

Title: Derek The Dragon 

Author: Leela Hope

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: January 26, 2015

Pages: 22

ASIN:  B00SSFWFEI

Genre: Childrens Books

Format: eBook (.mobi - Kindle) / PDF



Purchase The Book - Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Books-Illustrated-Picture-collection-ebook/dp/B00SSFWFEI/ref=la_B00ERYI2A0_1_28_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422744409&sr=1-28







Derek The Dragon



Do your kids ever feel sad?



Do they have trouble making friends?



An amazing story for all ages to enjoy, aimed at children 0-5 years of age. Watch as Derek the Dragon learns about the meaning of happiness in this tale. Come and meet an adventurous dormouse who decides that he can change his lot in life and through caring about others he ends up saving his village. The story is told through rhyming verse and vivid illustration. Derek the Dragon contains a great message about caring and friendship for parents to share with their children.

Title: Derek The Dragon And The Missing Socks 



Author: Leela Hope

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: January 25, 2015

Pages: 22

ASIN: B00SRWHITY

Genre: Childrens Books

Format: eBook (.mobi - Kindle) / PDF



Purchase The Book - Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Book-Missing-Illustrated-collection-ebook/dp/B00SRWHITY/ref=la_B00ERYI2A0_1_17?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422744676&sr=1-17





Derek The Dragon And The Missing Socks



Do your kids forget to clean up their rooms?



Have they ever asked you to find things for them?



This story is pure family entertainment. It is great for kids 2-82 but it is aimed at the 0-5 age group. The book covers a very important life skill, cleaning. Derek the dragon does not like to clean, but he learns that he needs to get his house clean if he is ever going to find his lucky socks. Devin the dormouse comes to help his friend and shows him the way to get his house clean. The friends clean the cave and find the lucky socks. The story is brought to life through vivid illustrations and is told in rhyming verse.

  





  

Title: Derek The Dragon and Princess Dayna 

Author: Leela Hope 

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing 

Publication Date: January 25, 2015 

Pages: 22 

ASIN: B00SRVFCI4 

Genre: Childrens Books 

Format: eBook (.mobi - Kindle) / PDF 

Purchase The Book - Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Book-princess-Illustrated-collection-ebook/dp/B00SRVFCI4/ref=la_B00ERYI2A0_1_16?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422744939&sr=1-16

  

Derek The Dragon and Princess Dayna 

Do you or your kids have trouble with people who are different? 

Do your kids have trouble making friends? 

This is a terrific story aimed at kids 0-5, and yet, it is fun for the whole family to read and enjoy. Derek the Dragon, the dormouse, Devin and Princess Dayna all learn a lot about friendship. The book deals with misunderstandings and stereotypes, but in a way that is very palatable for little children to understand. The villagers are worried about a dragon flying around their village. They send their princess off to deal with the situation. The story is told in rhyming verse and featuring dynamic illustrations. It is a story for the whole family to enjoy.   

Purchase The Book Collection

My Review of the Book Collection:

This is an adorable book collection involving a dragon and his friends. This series would be great for younger children who are just beginning to read and who love stories about the adventures of a group of friends. These books also include the starting point to great lessons including not judging others and the importance of cleaning. Therefore, not only are these books adorable with great illustrations and great story lines, they also contain great lessons.

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE

Meet The Author

Leela Hope is a writer with over 22 years of experience in writing endearing children's fiction. Her lively characters have entranced and captivated her audience, and she has taken great joy in writing the three series of books, each beautifully illustrated with love and care. Her stories concentrate on the adventures of floppy eared bunnies and wide-eyed children learning lessons in life, before returning home wiser and eager for sleep. leela hope writes her stories to entertain the very young, but also to educate. Her vision is always of a parent sitting on a child's bed, reciting the stories each night, while the young one drifts off to sleep, lulled into a dream world full of fun and adventure. 




From her very earliest years of childhood, Leela made up stories in her head, telling them to her younger brother and sister. The stories flowed easily from her mind, and it wasn't long before she realized she had a gift for writing. By the age of 14, she had already written a small book of short stories for her own entertainment, and by the age of 22, she had published her first full-fledged children's fiction in several magazines. Leela hope was destined to be an author and she knew exactly what genre of fiction she wanted to dedicate her life too.



Born in San Diego, California, and still residing in the area, Leela studied English Literature at Berkeley, earning a degree in 1989. Her writing covers a span of several genres, but she always returns to her first love, children's fiction. She enjoys scuba diving and visiting wildlife parks, seeking new inspiration for cuddly characters for her stories. leela hope lives in an urban area of San Diego and is presently at work on a new book.





Connect with Leela:



Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Leela-hope/e/B00ERYI2A0/ref=la_B00ERYI2A0_pg_2?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_82%3AB00ERYI2A0&page=2&ie=UTF8&qid=1422744644





Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008346312646





Twitter:  https://twitter.com/leelahopee





Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9848538.Leela_hope

Derek The Dragon
Childrens Book Collection Tour Page

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2015/01/31/pump-up-your-book-presents-derek-the-dragon-childrens-book-collection-virtual-book-publicity-tour/