We put a great deal of effort into promoting our new, recent and upcoming books but often our previous releases get sidelined.
In this latest series I am offering authors in the Cafe and Bookstore and the Children’s Reading Room a chance to promote an earlier book (not your most recent) by sharing an excerpt from the book of up to 500 words. At the end of the post you can find out how to participate.
Today an excerpt from Brody Cody and the Stepmother from Outer Space by Toni Pike.
About the book
Brody Cody is almost eight years old and definitely, absolutely, positively does NOT want a mother. His mother died when he was a baby but life with his dad is just perfect.
Brody is horrified when his father goes away to a publishing conference and returns with a wife, Pandora Smith, who is a children’s author. His life spirals out of control as he is forced to eat healthy food, do his homework and help with some chores.
Even worse, he and his friends suspect that his new stepmother might be an alien from outer space.
The excerpt from the book – Chapter 2: The Lump of Slime
Kyle, with his parents and sister, lived a few streets away in a small brick house that had a neat little garden. Mr Johnson spent most of the weekend mowing the lawn and weeding. Mrs Johnson talked all the time, which is probably why she was so thin. She used all her energy to boss everyone around.
Kyle ran out to greet him with a smile that bent the red freckles all over his face. He had spiky orange hair and, just like his mum, talked without stopping to breathe.
“We set up the folding bed in my room,” he said. “We’re going to have fun. Put your stuff in there and we’ll go to school.”
As he walked inside, Kyle’s little sister Lucrezia said hello. She was six years old and, just like her father, had dark hair and hardly said a word. She always followed them around at a safe distance, watching everything they did like a well-trained spy.
When they arrived home from school that afternoon, Brody was feeling tired and hungry. But Mrs Johnson was waiting with her first set of orders. She repeated them three times, to make sure they understood.
1. Sit down.
2. Have a glass of milk.
3. Do your homework.
4. No fooling around.
5. No playing until your homework is finished.
“Yes, Mum,” said Kyle. He sounded like an obedient slave.
Brody thought there should be a law against things like that. Then, much to his horror, Mrs Johnson walked over to his own backpack. She stuck her thin pink arm deep inside – and let out a shriek that made him jump.
“What on earth is this thing?” she cried. In her hand was a black and horribly slimy lump.
Brody felt a knot of fear in his stomach. He knew that it was probably a very old banana.
“Just a piece of fruit,” he said.
“That is disgusting, absolutely disgusting,” she replied, pulling a hideous face. “Come and clean your bag, please, Brody.”
He was beginning to discover that clean was her favourite word. But he decided to talk his way out of trouble.
“Don’t worry, Mrs Johnson,” he replied calmly. “My dad always washes the inside of my bag every weekend. He’ll be back in seven days. I’m sure he’ll do it then.”
Mrs Johnson’s eyes opened wide and he wondered if she was going to faint. “I don’t think so,” she said and shook her head. “I think it’s time for you to look after your own bag.
You’re nearly eight years old now. I don’t have time to clean this mess up.”
But…” said Brody.
“There will be rats breeding in there if you wait until your dad gets home.”
Brody liked the idea of some pet rats. That would really scare Anastasia Bertorelli. She was their friend and sat in front of him at school. But she screamed every time she saw so much as an ant.
It was time for Brody to use his acting skills. He pretended to clean his backpack until Mrs Johnson left the room. Then he raced up to the bedroom and hid it under the bed.
He realised that staying in Kyle’s house was going to be really tough. Even worse than he could have imagined.
But at least it made him sure about one thing.
He NEVER EVER wanted to have a mother.
©Toni Pike
One of the recent reviews for the book
It’s a cute story. I smiled SO much while reading it, and the alien discovery and investigation are exciting. Pike chooses the best names, like Brody Cody, Peppermint, and Persimmon, and Brody’s house is on Flowerpetal Street.
Also by Toni Pike for children and adults
Connect to Toni: Buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Toni:Goodreads – Website: Toni Pike – Twitter: @piketoni1
About Toni Pike
Toni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing exciting thrillers for adults, non-fiction, and hilarious books for children. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day.
Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.
The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.
She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight and coping with the journey. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with great advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
I hope you will participate in this series.. there are currently 130 authors on the shelves with reviews within the last six months and you can check your entry at this link – Cafe and Bookstore – and Children’s Reading Room
Thanks for dropping in and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. thanks Sally.
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