Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Christmas Book Fair – #Children’s and #YA books Special.

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

A slightly different format today as there are quite a few Children’s and YA books that I have not as yet featured in the Christmas Book Fair… the gift of books to children is one of the most important in my view and I know in yours too. The wonder of seeing images and words brought to life by the skill of the author… opening up worlds and stimulating imaginations, hopefully creating the writers of tomorrow.

Some of these authors do also write fiction for adults in which case you will find details of those on their Amazon Author pages.

A selection of Children’s and YA authors in the Bookstore.

Andrea Balsara, Buy: https://www.amazon.com/A.-T.-Balsara/e/B077THW3QL/
Website: http://www.torreybalsara.com/

An extract from an early review for The Great & The Small

The Great and The Small by A.T. Balsara spins a narrative that intertwines the adventures of Fin, a Tunnel Rat, and Ananda, an adolescent artist, as they negotiate the ups and downs of their respective communities. The framework of Stalinist political oppression and the Black Plague of fourteenth century Europe provide a backdrop for the dramatic, high stakes commentary on interpersonal relationships. Not only is the reader led into the complex intrapersonal angst of the characters in the story which triggers deep reflection along relatable themes of bullying, loyalty and free will, but also led to consider the thread of hope offered by complex iterations of love, sacrifice and service. All this, in an engaging, action driven story that is at once visually stimulating and acoustically active: Balsara’s descriptions and dialogue make the context and characters jump off the page.

Robbie Cheadle, Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Robbie-Cheadle/e/B01N9J62GQ
Blog: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/

An extract from a recent review for Sir Chocolate and the Condensed Milk River.

Paul Andruss on his blog http://www.paul-andruss.com/sir-chocolate-and-the-condensed-milk-river/

The concept was the brain child of Robbie’s son Michael. When he was a few years younger than he is now, and learning to read, he cleverly realised he could draw his mother away from dull lessons by weaving tales about made-up characters in a land of chocolate.

Equally clever (like mother like son, no doubt) Robbie turned it to his educational advantage by encouraging him write down his stories. So was born a family–friendly, cross-generational series that combined their love of spending precious family-time together indulging in favourite pastimes such as writing poetry, cooking, and it must be said, eating chocolate.

Colleen Chesebro, Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Stone-Chronicles-Swamp-Fairy/dp/1541015967
Website: https://colleenchesebro.com

One of the most recent reviews for The Swamp Fairy

Fairies, Butterflies, greed and deception. By blondieaka on October 9, 2017

Abigail ,The fairy whisperer and orphaned girl sent to live with an aunt that she didn’t know and an aunt who had no children and was just as nervous as Abigail at the thought of having a young girl coming to live with her.Tragically orphaned Abby discovers a lot about herself and her destiny, a fiesty little soul who is passionate about preserving her birthright and equally passionate about what she knows to be injustice and greed.

This story draws the reader into Abby’s world , the world of buterflies, fairies and magic, but also a world of greed in the shape of Rafe Cobb who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. A book which will leave you wanting to turn the page and if you know a girl who loves fairies and butterflies she will love this book.

Paul Cude, Buy: http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Cude/e/B007339206
Website: http://www.bentwhistlethedragon.co.uk/

An extract from a recent review for A Threat from the Past

This is book is an amazing adventure story that both children and adults alike will …

By Terri B. on December 6, 2017

Bentwhistle the Dragon in A Threat from the Past by Paul Cude is a story set in the present day world where dragons are disguised as humans and have infiltrated the human race to guide and protect them. Peter Bentwhistle and his friends Tank and Richie are three young dragons fresh out of the nursery ring. Peter rises to the head of security at Cromptech; a firm that provides laminium which is a critical resource for dragons. Peter’s boss starts going through his own changes which appear to be due to a security consultant named Manson. The three young dragons get caught up in an evil plot to steal the precious commodity vital to the dragon community. How does Peter and his friends restore his boss to his former personality and old self and thwart Mansion?

Darlene Foster, Buy: http://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Foster/e/B003XGQPHA
Website: www.darlenefoster.ca

Please visit Amazon or Darlene’s blog to view all her books.

An extract from the latest book Amanda in New Mexico

Excellent travel story for young people By Susan Drees on October 4, 2017

This is the latest installment in a series about a 6th grade girl who is lucky enough to travel, this time with many in her class on a school trip to Taos, New Mexico. They are all students who are artistic, write blogs, take photographs or express themselves in other ways that they are producing each evening after their sightseeing. Taos is a place I have visited and enjoyed so I find it exciting to see it used for the setting of a young adult novel. I also read mysteries when I was young and enjoyed the opportunity to see what is being produced today in this area,and with that hint of the paranormal.

Annabelle Franklin, Buy: http://www.amazon.com/Annabelle-Franklin/e/B00CHL8RF0
Blog: http://annabellefranklinauthor.wordpress.com

A recent review for Slapstyx

Engaging! Great for pre-teens! By O on August 31, 2017

The Slapstyx is very appropriate for its targeted age. I have a nine year old niece that adores to read. Her sister is twelve and she struggles. As soon as I finished this book I told my sister to get off her but and get a copy for both of them to read!

They story is far fetched and extremely magical, yet clearly and intelligently written in a way that pre-teens can actually grasp and relate to. Not only that, but it has a few educational qualities about pollution and moral values. Ultimately it sends a good message.

I wasn’t extremely fond of the twins, Gem and Gorgie. I felt their characters lacking despite their magic. They were clever enough, but sometime seemed to be missing. But, that being said, the goblins and Mr. Zigstack to make up for the personality lack of the girls. I loved them. Wonderfully engaging. Great for kids!

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne, Buy : http://www.amazon.com/Deanie-Humphrys-Dunne/e/B003FFS15S
Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com.

Please visit Amazon or Deanie’s website to view all her books.

A recent review for My Life at Sweetbriar on Goodreads

Nov 09, 2017 Sarah Hays rated it it was amazing · Excellent read!

This is a wonderful story about a girl following her dreams! Growing up, Deanie loved to riding horses. It was difficult at first as she was born with cerebral palsy, but her father helped her to become an awesome rider. Deanie began to participate in competition and she became a champion rider! I recommend it to horse lovers everywhere!

Ali Isaac, Buy: http://www.amazon.com/Ali-Isaac/e/B008TV9ECW
Website: https://aliisaacstoryteller.com/

A review for Conor Kelly’s Legends Ireland

Excellent presentation of many Celtic myths and legends By Michael Fenster on October 3, 2016

Excellent presentation of many Celtic myths and legends. In some tellings, these can be difficult to follow. Here, the author welcomes you into an easy and entertaining story. One is transported back to the days and evenings of the bard singing tales by the firesode. The only thing missing was the harp and feast! A highly recommended resource for any interested in the tales of old!

M.J.Mallon, Buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L/
Website: https://mjmallon.com/

Extract from a recent review for The Curse of Time

Enjoyable By Shelley Wilson on 19 November 2017

The Curse of Time is a young adult fantasy novel set in Cambridge, England. This book has a complex mix of themes running through it, and at times my head did spin as I tried to keep up. Amelina is a likeable character. She receives enchanted gifts and dreams about an elusive cottage. Her parents can’t offer her the support she needs, and instead, she turns to Esme, a friend who lives in the mirror.

As a qualified crystal therapist, I liked the inclusion of crystals throughout the story.

Jemima Pett, Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Jemima-Pett/e/B006F68PVE
Blog http://jemimapett.com

Please visit Amazon to view all of Jemima’s books.

A recent review for Willoughby the Narrator

Jul 09, 2017 Victoria Zigler rated it Five Stars.

I loved hearing Willoughby’s whole story, and thought the addition of some of his tales when he’s telling them was a nice touch.

Teri Polen, Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Teri-Polen/e/B01MYOUA6V
Website: https://teripolen.com/

An extract from a recent review for Sarah

F.R. Jameson Nov 15, 2017 F.R. rated it really liked it

In the day or so since I finished reading SARAH, I’ve been trying to figure out what it does right so as to utterly grip me. After all, this is a YA novel about the ghost of a teenage girl, and the other teenagers who encounter her. Written baldly like that, most people are going to feel that it’s something they’ve seen before/read before. (Teenage girl ghosts seem to be two a penny, why aren’t there more 1890’s escape-artist ghosts?) But Polen takes something that’s in danger of tipping into hackneyed cliché, and creates a book which builds up slowly until its genuinely edge of the seat stuff.

Gigi Sedlmayer, Buy: http://www.amazon.com/Gigi-Sedlmayer/e/B003U8G4WC
Blog: http://gigised.com/

Please visit Amazon or Gigi’s website to view all her books.

An extract from a recent review for Encounter.

I enjoyed the love spent for these animals and the way … By S. J. Main on September 1, 2017

Encounter is the fifth and final book in the Talon series. Talon, Tima, and Tamo are in danger as the poachers, Zed and Pete want to capture these birds and kill them. Matica is distraught and seeks the help of the Indian village leader. Things have changed from the first book. Matica used to be an outcast and now that she can fly with Talon, the Indians find her interesting and have accepted her.

Pete and Zed dominate the story with their vicious plot and agenda towards these birds. The story is filled with action and drama as Matica sets her heart in, once again, protecting these birds.

Blog: http://jemsbooks.wordpress.com

Please visit Amazon or Janice’s blog to view all her books for adults and children.

One of the reviews for The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost.

Sarah Reviews Another Winner! August 9, 2017

The wonderful and prolific author, Janice Spina, continues to entertain children with another terrific installment in the Davey and Derek Junior Detectives series, “The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost.” In this, the latest installment, Ms. Spina introduces the twins’ new cousins, Abby and Holly, who moved into a neighboring house that is haunted by ghosts. The frightened girls entreat the help of the now famous junior detectives. The twins, Davey and Derek, are not only excited about their new assignment but are also happy for the friendships developing between themselves and the lovely cousins. The story is most engaging and will entertain young readers going along for the ride, as the junior detectives, helped by their fabulous Aunt Gigi, tackle this new adventure.
Highly recommended!!

Bette A. Stevens, Buy: http://viewauthor.at/BetteAStevens
Website/blog: http://www.4writersandreaders.com

An extract from the most recent review for Dog Bone Soup

A delightful story By Robbie Cheadle on October 1, 2017

In preparing to write this review, I read a couple of other reviews of this book on Amazon and Goodreads. I was interested to note one comment that likened this book to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. I can see why this comparison has been drawn as Bette A. Stevens main character, Shawn Daniels, and Huckleberry Finn are both boys dogged by poverty and abusive and alcoholic fathers. Both boys are also fairly resourceful and have survival skills.

For me, however, that was where the comparison ended. Stevens depicts the Daniels family as being tight knit despite their unfortunate father. The children and their Mother work together to salvage their situation to the best extent they can. I really felt sad for the Mother as she was a victim of her own hormones and emotions and could not find the strength to break away from her selfish and abusive husband. She remained in a downward spiralling situation and ended up having a fourth child which was really unwise.

Jann Weeratunga, links to buy: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15797624.Jann_Weeratunga
Website: https://kidsbookswithoutborders.com/home/

An extract from a review for Polly’s Piralympics

Gregg Davies rated it Five Stars on October 17th 2017

This review should actually be written by my son, Ryan, aged 8. I’ve been reading a bit of this book to him every night for the past month and through reading to him for years I thought he’d really tuned out and just liked my presence and voice keeping him comfort as he went to sleep and the story had become irrelevant.
Hmm what do dad’s know!!

Victoria Zigler, Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Zigler/e/B00BHS9DQ6
Website: http://www.zigler.co.uk/

Please visit Amazon or Victoria’s website to view all her books.

One of the recent reviews for Witchlet

Natalee Pfeifer rated it it was amazing on Goodreads

This is a very charming story about a very young witch, frustrated with not being taken seriously because of her age and frustrated because she needs to also hide her powers from members of her own family. You will not want to miss this one!

Happy Christmas and I hope you find a wealth of fun and learning in the books I have featured..