Some recent reviews for children’s authors on the shelves of the Reading Room.
The first 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 on Goodreads
An exciting mystery for children in a fascinating location
Amanda in Malta is Book 8 in the Amanda Travels series, and it is a great mix of mystery, adventure, travel and history.
I think this series is a brilliant concept, allowing young people to learn about wonderful places around the world while developing their reading at the same time. It’s sure to inspire an interest in travel, and each book in the series can be read as a standalone novel.
Amanda is a twelve-year-old girl who receives a strange letter from her friend Leah. Leah is visiting Malta with her aunt, and seems to be in trouble. Then a friend invites Amanda to travel there on vacation. The adventure plays out around the most interesting historic and tourist sites in Malta, so for the reader it’s almost as good as really being there. Tensions rise when a tiny Neolithic statue, The Sleeping Lady, is stolen from the museum.
This is an enjoyable mystery that young people will love. Amanda and her friends are courageous and daring, always willing to head into danger, and the story is a real page-turner. The historic and tourist sites are brilliantly woven into the action, and are integral to the most dramatic scenes.
I was very interested in this book, having visited Malta on a cruise about four years ago. It was a pleasure to visit again through Amanda’s eyes, and learn so much more about it.
Although suited for children aged 9 – 12, it would also be excellent for anyone learning English or trying to improve their literacy. it’s an easy and enjoyable read, so would be a great choice for reluctant readers. The whole series would be a good gift idea for children of the right age.
This is the sort of story that ticks all the boxes, helping to inspire a love of reading in children as well as expanding their general knowledge. I give it a resounding five stars.
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
Now for a review for Miriam Hurdle – Tina Lost in a Crowd.
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.
A recent review for the book
Tina and her friend Erica go to the Hollywood Bowl with Tina’s parents to listen to a classical music concert and watch fireworks. During the intermission, on the way to the restrooms, Tina and Erica get lost. Thankfully, Tina remembers some words of wisdom and all ends well. This is a cute story appropriate for preschoolers and young readers, and it shares some excellent advice for kids if they ever get separated from their caregivers. The language is accessible and the illustrations are delightful. It made me want to visit the Hollywood Bowl!
Head over to buy the book: Amazon US – And:Amazon UK
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
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books…thanks Sally.
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Thanks so much for showcasing Amanda in Malta and Toni´s amazing review. I am delighted to be featured here with Miriam. You are the best, Sally!
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Delighted to share Darlene..have a good weekend. hugsxx
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Congrats to Darlene and Miriam on their excellent reviews! I’m happy for them both. How great that you got a big order through your church, Miriam!
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Thanks Pete.. have a good weekend. x
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Thank you so much for sharing the reviews for Amanda in Malta and Tina Lost in a Crowd, Sally. I loved this young detective book of Amanda. Please read the good news I shared with Diana about Tina Lost in a Crowd. Because of Covid, only 1/3 of the class showed up last Sunday. I’m get more order this coming Sunday. 🙂
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Congratulations on your orders, Miriam. Well done.
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Congratulations, Miriam – how exciting!
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Delighted to share Miriam.. hugsxx
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Thanks so much for sharing my review of Amanda in Malta, Sally – it was very well deserved, a great story for children. Congratulations to both Darlene and Miriam. Toni x
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Thanks Toni.. delighted to share..♥
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Two wonderful authors, Sally. I’ve enjoyed Darlene’s/Amanda’s adventures though I haven’t read this one yet. And Miriam’s first children’s book is not only entertaining but covers an important element of safety for kids. Thanks for sharing my review. 🙂 Congrats to both Darlene and Miriam.
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You’re my biggest fan, Diana! Thank you so much for your reviews of Tina and the poetry book and created the trailer. I’m delighted to let you know that I got 22 paperback orders of Tina Lost in a Crowd last Sunday from my church group. I’ll pass around the ordering sheet one more time this coming Sunday. I’m donating the books, all the proceeds go to support an annual missionary project. 🙂
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That is fantastic Miriam an not only will many get to enjoy your book but it will have a knock on positive imact on the missionary project..hugsx
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Wow. That’s wonderful, Miriam… the interests, the orders, and the lovely donation. ❤ ❤ How sweet is that. ❤
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Got some more order this morning and made 36! ❤ ❤
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That’s great, Miriam! What a treat to know your book is being read by lots of kids.
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Thank you, Diana! We have many grandkids in our group.
I’m working on my Christmas song video. I have the mp3 of my song, picked a few images and typed the lyric in PowerPoint. Still looking for a few more images.
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Nice, and how fun. 🙂
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I got the transition of the pages and animation of the text done. I’ll learn how to sync the audio next. It turned out that I only sang one verse of the song because it was a Christmas concert and that was the part I sang. It only has 2:14 minutes. I don’t need more images after all. 🙂
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🙂
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It’s done. I saved it as mp4. Would you like to watch it? You’re my inspiration for doing it, Diana! It’s the Christmas song, O Holy Night! 🙂
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Of course, I’d love to see it. Is it on your youtube channel? Just send me the link.
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Thanks Diana.. I enjoyed both books…♥
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I read, loved and reviewed both of these books. I definitely want to read more of the Amanda series. I learned a lot about what things to see and do if I ever visit there.
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Thanks for adding your recommendation Carla.. I read them both too and lucky children who get to read them and enjoy…xx
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Congrats to Darlene and Miriam for their wonderful books and reviews. Hugs xox
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Thanks very much Debby ♥
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❤
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Two wonderful books reviews, Sally. Darlene and Miriam are stellar children authors that capture children of all ages.
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Thanks Rebecca and totally agree with you… love having them over.. hugs ♥
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I have read and loved both of these wonderful children’s books, Sally.
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Thanks for adding your recommendation Robbie…hugsx
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Thanks for the reminder, Sally! Wonderful reviews, forcing me to gear up my reading speed, once again. xx Michael
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you and me both Michael..hugsx
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🙂 🙂
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for sharing Michael..hugsx
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🙂 🙂 hugsx
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Fabulous children’s books, authors and reviews, Sally! Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks Jan..hugsx♥
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