Story Magic with Kids
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How to Turn Your Mom into a Monster
Do you like smearing your lunch all over yourself? Do you fight with your sister just because she’s there? Do you find yourself unable to go to bed because mysterious ninjas keep stealing your pajamas? Then you’re a little monster! Guess what: Mom can be a monster too! It’s up to you to make your mom’s monster come out to play . . .
Awards
Gold Winner at Benjamin Franklin Book Awards 2018 IBPA
Bronze Winner at Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards 2018
2018 Eric Hoffer Grand Prize Finalist
“I loved it! It made me giggle!”
— Roman O., age 7
“This book is silly, Mommy!”
— Liv E., age 3
“Good book! Mom, I tooted.”
— Wilson Q., age 3
How to Turn Your Mom Into a Monster was inspired by Aurora Whittet’s five-year-old son and his friends and offers a positive perspective of young trouble-makers and their antics. Parents who look for creative, fun read-alouds for youngsters attracted to funny-looking monsters and picture book stories that include psychological insights will relish this story of how children have about ten hours in a day to turn a smiling mother into a Cuddly Monster. This account takes the form of a how-to manual that gives clues on how to ‘bother Mom’ that range from flinging her purse into the floor and writing her name on the wall with her lipstick to starting a fake fight with one’s sibling. The purpose? More bed-time cuddles. But, bed-time is the prime time for resistance…isn’t it? Kids and parents will relish a funny story that takes many unexpected turns and encourages dialogue and laughter in read-aloud settings. Too many bedtime and read-aloud picture books are overly predictable. The serious and fun story presented here offers exceptional psychological insights in a fun and different story, not to be missed.
– D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Quiz
What Kind of Mama Monster Are You?
Grey made a mistake.
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Bloodmark
Sixteen-year-old werewolf princess Ashling Boru is different from other wolves–she was able to shift to a wolf at birth. Rather than bringing pride to her family, it brings fear, and she is sent to live in Ireland’s secluded countryside. Ashling’s reputation is further blackened when she refuses her betrothed, defying the ancient laws. When her pack’s oldest rivals begin to hunt her, she finds herself in the small town of York Harbor, Maine, far from everything she’s known.
When she crosses paths with dark and rebellious Grey Donavan, something ignites within her soul. There’s just one problem: Grey is human. Their instant connection turns into a passionate romance, and Ashling begins to believe she can create her own life outside of wolf laws. When she uncovers long-buried pack secrets that threaten to destroy all she holds dear, Ashling’s courage and tenacity are tested. Will she choose her deep and enduring love for Grey or will she follow Old Mother’s path to her destiny?
Bloodmark Saga Map
- Rock of Cashel the Irish throne of King Pørr of the Boru.
- Maine, U.S.A. is the current home of Baran Killian of Scotland.
- Netherworlds, Canada is an underground city of wolves.
- Dvergar Castle is the throne of King Crob Dvergar in Iceland.
- Bloodrealms are the fighting pits and underground wolf cities of Fenir and Stonearch in Norway.
- Myceanae, Greece is the throne of Mother Rhea Vanir.
Quiz
Discover Your Pack and run with wolves.
Bloodrealms
Werewolf princess Ashling Boru’s eighteenth birthday is only a year away, which means that she only has twelve months before she is claimed and fulfills her prophecy to unite the packs and lead her people. Her father decrees that her four suitors must fight in the Bloodrealms, the werewolves’ ancient underground fighting world, and the winner will have King Boru’s choice to win Ashling’s hand. The wolf laws are rigid and barbaric, and Ashling’s illicit love for Grey, if discovered, will mean his death. But when Ashling and Grey get trapped in the blood-soaked depths of the Bloodrealms, they find ancient horrors far greater than Ashling’s father’s rule.
With betrayal around every corner and old nemeses set to destroy Ashling, she is more divided than ever between the destiny she didn’t choose and the love that she did. To make matters worse, her decision will not only set the course of her future, but the future of her entire race.
Bloodrealms is the second book in the Bloodmark Saga.
Bloodmoon
Just months shy of her claiming at Carrowmore and fulfilling a centuries-old prophecy, werewolf Ashling Boru has stepped into her role as the Crimson Queen. She finally has the support of her pack and her love for Grey is stronger than ever.
But it’s not easy being queen. Ashling’s guardian, Baran, has been captured by the Dvergars, a family of evil wolves who will stop at nothing to possess Ashling’s power and destroy everything–and everyone–she loves. Ashling must unite the clans and build an army to stand against the Dvergars before it’s too late. Unfortunately, the Dvergars also have armies of the darkest creatures the world has ever known.
Shadows loom, growing ever larger as generations of pack secrets begin to unfold. Ashling’s people, the humans they protect, and Old Mother Earth herself all hang in the balance of Ashling’s choices. Will Ashling have to forsake her true love to save the world? And will she have the strength to do it?
Bloodmoon is the thrilling conclusion to the Bloodmark Saga.
a little bit of love for the Bloodmark Saga
Endorsements
A Toolbox of Love
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Mama's Knight: A Cancer Story of Love
Once upon a time… It’s how all heroes begin their story, and you’re a hero, too! Your mama has cancer, and it’s a scary journey, but you can help your mama just by being you—special, wonderful, YOU. Your mama loves you just the way you are. You are your mama’s knight.
Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love is an emotional toolbox that can help kids and parents communicate about what it means for Mama to have cancer. The book is filled with tools and activities designed to make coping with illness easier on both parent and child, and can be personalized for each child.
Midwest Book Review
Midwest Book Review named the book a “Reviewer’s Choice” saying, “Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love is an emotional toolbox that can help kids and parents communicate about what it means for Mama to have cancer… Mama’s Knight is very highly recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.”
Activity Center
Search for activity ideas based on your child’s age or based on your energy level. Cancer treatments are brutal, but with a little love and laughter it can brighten your day.
a little bit of love for The Mama's Knight
Endorsements
