Welcome to the Reading Room update with reviews for books on the shelves for children up to the age of twelve.
The first author with a review is Miriam Hurdle for her first children’s book Tina Lost in a Crowd t
About the book
Tina invited her friend Erica to attend a popular Tchaikovsky’s Spectacular concert on a summer evening with her parents. During the intermission, her dad left the seat to buy some snacks. Tina and Erica followed him wanting to use the restroom. The shoving crowd pushed them away, and they lost sight of him. It would be impossible to fight through the 18,000 people to find him or go back to Tina’s mom. What would the girls do?
This story tells about what happened to Tina and Erica after they got lost. Children can adapt to the learning from different situations they may observe or encounter. Adults could have discussions with the children about the situations to help them develop problem-solving skills.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Third grader, Tina Tyler, looks forward to summer. It is the last day of classes, and she has had such a great school year that she hopes the next year will pair her with her teacher, Mrs. Jackson, who stands outside smiling and waving goodbye to her students and reminds Tina that the fourth grade will be a new adventure, a prospect that Tina readily embraces.
Tina is the exuberant sort, and when her mother takes her home to officially begin summer break, the two sit down at the kitchen table and prepare a ten-point list of best case scenario summer activities, and thus the merits of planning are demonstrated to the reader. Tina is excited by the prospects of swimming and asks her mother if she can host a sleepover party for her friends, which her mother encourages because it is important to be appreciative of one’s friends.
In a delightful surprise for Tina, Mrs. Tyler tells her daughter there will be an outdoor concert at the Hollywood Bowl where an orchestra will play Tina’s favorite music: Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Tina, wanting to include her best friend, asks if she may invite Erica, and when her mother says yes, Tina jumps for joy and claps her hands.
There is much to look forward to at the concert, and Tina’s parents take her and Erica on a two hour train ride to the outdoor event, which will include a picnic and culminate in a fireworks display more resplendent than any Tina has seen prior.
But one has to be prepared for the unexpected, and when in dire circumstances, a child does well to remember the wise counsel of their parents, so when Tina and Erica discover they are lost in a crowd of thousands of people, Erica despairs, until Tina says, “We should stay here. I remember Mom told me a long time ago that if I could not see her, stay where I am, and she would come to find me.”
Miriam Hurdle’s Tina Lost in a Crowd is a joyous, vibrantly illustrated parable designed to depict the safety and security that comes from listening to and trusting one’s parents. In seamless companionship with the gorgeous artwork of Victoria Skakandi, it demonstrates that having a plan to resort to when in the grips of uncertainty will lead to a certain solution where all will be well.
Also by Miriam Hurdle for adults
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And:Amazon UK – – Goodreads: Miriam Hurdle – Blog: The Showers of Blessings – Twitter: @mhurdle112
The next author with a review is Darlene Foster for her recently released book Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady.
About the book
Amanda receives a postcard from her best friend, Leah, and is surprised to learn that she is in Malta with her aunt. Reading between the lines, she senses Leah is in trouble. Desperate to help her, Amanda travels to Malta with her classmate Caleb and his parents.
Amanda is intrigued by this exotic island in the middle of the Mediterranean, full of colourful history, sun-drenched limestone fortresses, stunning beaches and fascinating birds. But…who is killing the protected birds? Who stole a priceless artifact from the museum? And why is Leah acting so strange? She couldn’t possibly be involved in these illegal activities, or could she?
Join Amanda and her friends as they visit ancient temples, an exciting falconry and the enchanting Popeye Village, as they try to get to the bottom of the mystery of the Sleeping Lady.
A recent review for for the book
This book continues the excellent children’s book travel series featuring twelve year old Amanda as she visits remote locations, where she joins us in learning about history and culture, and manages to also squeeze in time for adventures and solving a mystery or two.
In this book, Amanda visits the beautiful Mediterranean archipelago of Malta, (including the island of Malta as well as the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino) with her friend Caleb and his parents.
Full disclosure: my parents are Maltese and I lived in Malta for a few years, beginning when I was twelve years old too. Given that Amanda and my nostalgia would be so heavily in synch, it is no surprise that I was definitely curious to read this book. The good news is that I was delighted to find Amanda’s perspective of Malta, as well as the snippets of history and travelogue provided, not only interesting and wonderfully researched but presented in a fun and lively manner that I’m sure middle school children will enjoy as well as take learnings back from.
Amanda and her friends visit all the expected tourist locations in Malta, including (amongst other stops on this tour) the walled capital city of Valletta, the ancient ruins of Hagar Qim, the caves of Ghar Dalam, the historical Mosta dome cathedral, and the underground temple known as the Hypogeum. They also sample local cuisine (including everyone’s favourite Maltese pastizzi pastries), and experience the azure splendor of the waters and caves of the Blue Grotto.
To complement the story, Amanda’s motivation for visiting Malta is driven by her need to help her friend Leah out of a jam and the plot of this book thus nicely interweaves learning about the islands with an element of mystery and danger that is sure to delight modern day Nancy Drew fans.
A selection of other books by Darlene Foster
Find out more about Darlene’s books and read the reviews: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Darlene Foster WordPress – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @supermegawoman
The final author today with a new review is Kathleen Jae for Elanora and the Salt Marsh Mystery
About the book
After a series of terrifying events, Elanora is transported to a strange neighborhood where the only way to get about is by water and the only food to eat is the grasses of the marsh. Her newfound guardians do their best to help her adapt, but the food is odd and unappetizing, and she feels isolated and alone. The colony of muskrats who live in the marsh refuse to accept the young chipmunk and ignore her each time they gather to eat at night. In her former home, Elanora spent most days exploring, but her guardians insist she sleep like the rest of the colony. After she learns about an enormous gray creature that swims in the deeper part of the marsh, Elanora sets off one day to find him. When the sea cow tells her about the marsh’s troubles, Elanora begins her investigation into the mysterious lowering of water levels and the suffering of the swimming creatures. Despite relentless attempts of intimidation from some younger members of the colony, Elanora, along with an elder, piece together clues that lead to a terrifying conclusion. Elanora and the Salt Marsh Mystery sheds light on two important topics: the impact of bullying and the consequences of the destruction of ecosystems. It’s a tale that explores the importance of diversity and celebrates one youngster’s fight to be heard.
One of the recent reviews for the book
This is a cute, fun book to read. Young readers will enjoy spending time getting to know Elanora and the rest of the critters like Akira, Tam, and Beathas to name a few. I know that I sure had an enjoyable time reading this book. As an older reader, I did reconize the underlining lesson of environmental impacts on places like the salt marsh. Yet, younger readers may not pick up on this. However, this book is one that the family can read together and use as a lesson.
My favorites are Elanora and Beathas. You have the young and the wise. All of the various different creatures that Elanora met were great to get to know. I could picture everyone in my head. It was like the whole story was playing out as a movie in my head. Where Beathas is concerned. She is an elder and very wise. She helped Elanora along the way. As I stated previously, this book is one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Also by Kathleen Jae for parents of children with autism
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Kathleen: Goodreads – Website: Kathleen Jae – Facebook: Author Kathleen Jae – Twitter: @KathleenJae2
Thanks very much for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. thanks Sally.
A lovely collection of authors, books, and reviews. Thanks for sharing, Sally. Wishing Darlene, Miriam, and Kathleen Jae all the very best. Hugs 🙂💕
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Thanks very much Harmony..hugs ♥
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Thank you so much, Harmony. 💖
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What a wonderful trio, Sally – and fabulous reviews. Toni x
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Thanks very much Toni..hugsx
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Thank you, Toni. 💖
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Hi Sally, it is lovely to meet Kathleen who is a new author to me. I have read and loved both Miriam and Darlene’s books. I’ve ordered a paperback copy of Tina in a crowd for our little Coco- Rose.
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Wonderful Robbie and delighted to introduce you to Kathleen.. I am sure Coco-Rose will love the book. Is she nearly two now or have I lost track of time? hugsx
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How lovely that you’ve ordered a copy of Tina Lost in a Crowd for Coco-Rose, Robbie. I remember seeing her picture long time ago. She must have grown a lot. I hope she likes the story. 💖
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I am sure she will. My sister doesn’t like me putting her picture on social media.
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I understand about social media, Robbie. Thank you again for ordering the book. Have a great weekend.
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Unbelievable, but every review is like a new meeting with the book. Great reviews! Thank you for sharing, Sally! xx Michael
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Wonderful to hear thanks Michael..hugsx
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Thank for sure great, Sally! Thanks! hugsx
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What an lovely comment, Michael. I agree with you. When I read reviews, I’m at awe of their insights. I’ve never thought of the Tina story is like a parable as Claire Fullerton referred to. Thank you.
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Thats true, Miriam! Every review brings new thoughts, and sometimes when reading a book twice with reviews in mind its feels like reading a new book. xx Have a wonderful weekend, and pleasure stay save Miriam. xx Michael
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This is the reason I read every review, Michael. Have a great weekend. 🙂
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Me too, Miriam! Thank you, and have a beautiful weekend as well. Michael xx
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Oh, now my weekend is gone. Have a wonderful week, Michael!
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Oh, Miriam! I am feeling sorry, but the next one will arrive soon. 😉 Thank you! Have also a wonderful week! xx Michael
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Thank you, Michael. I’ll be going to visit my grandkids in a couple of days! 🙂
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A wonderful look at some books for kids, Sally. I enjoyed Miriam’s foray into children’s books, and Darlene has been taking the world by storm with Amanda’s latest adventure. Thanks for the introduction to Elanora and her adorable book. The cover is a delight. Congrats to all the authors. 🙂
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Thanks Diana. Children’s books radiate so much colour and hopefulness and I think at this point in time we can all do with a good dose of that..hugsx
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I agree with you, Sally. Children’s books bring our minds and hearts back to the pure curiosity and simple excitement. I get energetic when watching my grandkids. 😍
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You have much fun ahead of you..♥♥
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I’m expecting that, Sally! ❤ ❤
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Sally’s Children’s Reading Room is rich in delightful books, Diana. I’m so excited to be included. It’s a wonderful place to meet new authors. I appreciate your comment. 😍
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♥♥
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🙂
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You couldn’t have a better group for children’s authors (YA) than Miriam and Darlene. I haven’t read Kathleen’s but it sounds excellent and the picture is darling.
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Thanks Jacqui and I agree Kathleen’s cover is very sweet, x
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I appreciate your recommendation, Jacqui. Your review is delightful. 😍
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Super authors and reviewers, Sally
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Thanks very much John ..hugs
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Thank you so much, John. 😊
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Nice selection of children’s books today Sal. Congrats on the great reviews to Darlene, Miriam and Kathleen. ❤
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Thanks Debby children today have so much more choice than we did.. wonderful ♥
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No kidding! ❤
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I can get lost in Sally’s Children’s Reading Room, Debby. It’s a happiest place on earth. 🎶😍
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Thanks Miriam..hugsxx♥
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That is truth! 🙂 xx
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🙂 ❤
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A great group of books, authors and reviews. Congratulations to all of them.
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Thanks very much Carla. have a lovely weekend. x
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This is like having a book fair, Carla. Thank you for reading the Tina book to your grandkids and review. 💖
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Thanks so much for including Amanda and her adventures in Malta today. We are in great company!! So great to see these wonderful reviews.
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Pleasure Darlene.. have a lovely weekend..hugsxx
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I’m excited to be here also, Darlene. It’s like bringing our children together to have a party. I love all the praises in the reviews.
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I’m delighted to be in this great company, Sally. Thank you for including Tina. I enjoyed reading Amanda in Malta and her young detective adventure. It’s wonderful meeting Kathleen today. Have a wonderful weekend. 😍💖
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My pleasure Miriam.. and have a wonderful weekend..hugs ♥
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Thank you, Sally. I’m having fun watching the caterpillars and will have five chrysalides by the end of the day! ❤
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New life.. nothing better.. ♥
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Reblogged this on The Showers of Blessings and commented:
I’m over at Sally’s blog in the Children’s Reading Room. Please head over to read the updates. It’s a wonderful place to meet children’s book authors and find out more about their delightful children’s and YA books.
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I have read Tina Lost in a Crowd and Amanda in Malta and enjoyed them both. Elanora will have to be next. A lovely selection. Thanks, Sally.
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Thank you Norah.. I love the reading room with its bright covers and illustrations.. xx
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I do too, Sally. 💖
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I’m honored that you read Tina Lost in a Crowd, Norah. Thank you so much. Isn’t it wonderful to meet new authors at the Children’s Reading Room?
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The Reading Room is a fun place to be to find out about new books and new authors, Miriam. It was great to see you and your book featured here.
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Sally does an amazing job running the Reading Room, Norah.
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Thanks Miriam ♥
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She does, Miriam. And so much more. She is amazing.
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Thanks Norah..that is lovely to hear.
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It’s great to see children’s books in The Bookstore, Sally. Congrats to Darlene, Miriam, and Kathleen.
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Thank you Jacquie.. pleased to see it growing..such colourful covers..xx
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