The Holly Joliday by Megan McDonald

The Holly Joliday by Megan McDonald is a chapter book full of comical situations with the characters Judy Moody and her younger brother, Stink. Stink is yearning for snow and Judy is creating a christmas present list for herself. Also, a Christmas concert is held at their school. Stink is supposed to be a Christmas Mouse but ends up as a snowflake on stage. Mr. Jack Frost, the mailman, seems to know when there will be snow! Stink is hoping for the white stuff, will he see it for the holidays? Join their fun and read this book. I had a few chuckles myself. I give this book four out of five books!

Judy Moody Goes to College Book Review

This book is full of funny antics and shows children a glimpse of what it is like to attend college. Judy's substitute teacher suggests that Judy obtain a tudor so her parents find a college girl to teach Judy math. Judy is thrilled about all the things she discovers in college from the clothes that girls wear on campus to the creative paintings in art class. Here's an excerpt:

At college, all that mattered was that you (1) use your imagination

(which Judy had loads and loads of) (2) be yourself. Who else would

she, Judy Moody, be?

Join Judy Moody as she goes to college. I did. and it was 'Sick-awesome!' I give this book 4 out of 5 books rating!

Review of a book from Candlewick Press

Aarr! This book is any pirate's fun adventure. The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt is a chapter book by Megan McDonald. Starring Judy Moody and her brother Stink, this pirate's tale takes them to "Artichoke Island" where the clues and all treasure hunt begins. Every clue is a rhyme that they figure out to get to the next clue. Here's a sample of Clue 1:

Tall as a tree.

dressed in white.

my bridal veil

in shiny bright

Up all night.

never sleeping:

if I rest.

many are weeping.

Upon these shores

since days of old.

my silent message

points to gold.

Join Judy and Stinky as they solve this clue and many more! I give this book 4 out of 5 books! I really enjoyed the funny antics and the lively characters.

Candlewick Press New Books

I have four new books I'm excited to review. I am going to start reading them tomorrow so I will review them after I finish reading them. One book is called The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt written by Megan McDonald. In fact, they are all written by Megan. The others are called The Holly Joliday, Stink and the Great guinea Pig Express and Judy Moody Goes to College. 

I am thrilled to have a chance to review these books published by Candlewick Press. Stay tuned!

New Video on CBI Clubhouse

Here's a link to the informative Jon Bard's website. I recorded a video on his site commenting on his informative tips for children's authors. I hope you enjoy the site as much as I do.

http://cbiclubhouse.com/2009/07/write-for-success-7-tips-for-childrens-book-writers/

All the best,

Lily Erlic

Children's Author

Review of books from Dawn Publications

In the Trees, Honey Bees by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Cris Arbo is a book for children ages 4 to 10. It begins, "Morning light. Warm and bright. In the trees, Honeybees!" Being a children's author who rhymes, I appreciate the concise and tight rhymes of the book. There is an economy of words that is appealing. It is to the point, educational and entertaining at the same time. The illustrations are detailed and lively as well. I recommend this book and give it four books out of five books!

There's a Babirusa in My Bathtub Fact and Fancy about Curious Creatures by Maxine Rose Schur and Illustrated by Michael S. Maydak is a book for children ages 7 to 12 years old. There are rhymes in this book too featuring animals like a babirusa, Civet, Colugo and Dingo to name a few. Here's an example of a rhyme in the book, 

Matamata waiting all alone, 

Looking like a leafy stone.

Along comes a fish and bites his back

Thinking leaves are a tasty snack 

I give this book three and 1/2 books out of five books.

 

Writing Books for Children

Are you starting out? Do you want to start writing for children? It's not easy but you can do it! With patience, perserverence and consistency, you could write a whole picture book or short story for a magazine.

What do you do? Where do you go to begin such a task? The simplest of all materials but they are the main materials, are a pen and paper. What are these you ask? Today, in a world filled with technology, these items are becoming passe. But I think pen and paper are the fundamentals of any good writer. You can put them in your purse or pocket and go anywhere with them without having to carry a laptop. Some people can not even afford a laptop, the pen and paper are inexpensive. Sometimes they are free too. Some business' give out free pens and there is always paper around too. 

My powerpoint presentation explains the 'where to start' process in detail and will guide you to a children's writing experience. It's called Children's Book Course-Where to Start? Tips on what to do and how to begin your path to writing books for children.

For more information, e-mail me at lily.erlic@shaw.ca