Tag: indie author

Help Me Decide!

~ cynthiahm ~ 5 Comments

I’m super excited that my next book is nearing publication! I want your input. What do you think would make the best back cover for my early chapter book, The Lullaby Monsters?

This night time adventure features Kelsey and Thomas who meet a bunch of monsters. When monsters steal Thomas’ most prized possession, Kelsey and Thomas must face their fears in an effort to get it back. Through the story, they learn about fear and friendship in this fun adventure under the stars with an unexpected, funny twist at the end that will make children want to pick up the book and start again.

Here are the back cover options…

1. Kelsey and Thomas
2. The Monsters
3. Kelsey and Thomas Biking

So… which one do you think is best? Let me know!

I appreciate your input and can’t wait to reveal the front cover when it is ready. I look forward to your comments.

Summer Reading Challenge Week 4

~ cynthiahm

Still going with the Summer Reading Challenge!   Week four already!

The top of my list this week has to be Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld!  Book #22 Have you read this one?  If not, go to a library and find it… as soon as you can.  I’m sure the little ones in your life will love this book and it is so easy to read over and over again.

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And I found a playful place to read…our backyard playhouse!

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Look by  Jeff Mack was a new discovery for me.  Book #23 What a challenge to write an entire picture book using only two words!  And yet the words and pictures work together to tell the story so very well.  Easy reading for the adult but lots to talk about in the images. IMG_5107

The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena is really wonderful.  Book #24 A lovely story about grandparent and grandchild with realistic questions from the main character.  IMG_5070

Ellie by Mike Wu from Disney’s Pixar was a pleasure to read.  Book #25 This was Mike’s first picture book.  A great story about how a little elephant with a paintbrush saves a zoo from closing.

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The Tree House That Jack Built  by Verburg and Teague features a book within a book. Book #26 This tree house is truly a magical place and reminded me of my wish for a treehouse in childhood.  We never quite had success building one but there was no lack of trying.  This book I chose to read someplace big in my oversized chair.  Honestly, this chair can fit two people (okay, slender people but still).

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A Hungry Lion and a Dwindling Assortment of Animals by Ruth Cummins was book #27. Even though I’m not having fires these days, I sat by my fireplace (someplace warm).   And what a great book to introduce children to a word like dwindling.

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And Oops! I almost forgot Bee by Britta Teckentrup Book #28.  This one is a peek through book with absolutely gorgeous illustrations.  To really see everything in the images, you need to take a little extra time to take it all in. A book that appreciates bees is valuable and so I purchased this one for my collection!
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Join me next week and discover more new picture books as I continue the challenge.  I hope these posts are giving you some new picture books to look for at your library or in the book store.  If you’re enjoying this series, you can show your appreciation by liking my Facebook page. Or follow me on twitter

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

A Real Life Katie Shaeffer

~ cynthiahm ~ 6 Comments

Though this does not count as inspiration for the book, here’s a great example of a real life Katie Shaeffer.  One of my preschoolers, age 5, wanted to bring something for show and tell and it could not be a toy.  He and his Mom showed incredible initiative, resourcefulness and creativity to visit the beach, collect the items and then using a glue gun, put together this awesome pirate ship.

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Celebrating the real Katie Shaeffers of the world and their trusty assistants who help make it all happen! Creativity can be part of your lifestyle just like Katie’s in the story.

Check out Katie Shaeffer Pancake Maker, an inspiring book for you and your child!

Relax and Read

~ cynthiahm ~ 7 Comments

I am pleased to announce that my first big book order arrived this week!  I now have a copy at the preschool; here’s a small fry enjoying Katie Shaeffer Pancake Maker at the end of the day.  It feels just amazing to see a child enjoying my book 🙂

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Katie Shaeffer Pancake Maker will be released April 24, 2017.  Order from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

This charming story was written to instil confidence in emerging readers. Children will enjoy Katie’s pancake adventure and cheer for golden fluffy pancakes!