Friday, October 11, 2013

I Vant My "Vampire Baby" Contest!





Just in time for Halloween...I Vant My VAMPIRE BABY contest!
Prizes include an autographed copy of VAMPIRE BABY by Kelly Bennett for your little ghost or goblin – along with fun VAMPIRE BABY swag such as bookmark, postcard, and fangs.
It’s easy to enter, here’s what you do:

1) Check out the book trailer for VAMPIRE BABY on YouTube between 10/15-10/31/13

2) Post a comment about the book trailer on that page (below the trailer)

3) You’re entered! It’s just that easy!!

All contest details are posted at Kelly's Fishbowl blog: http://kellybennett.com/blog/2013/10/i-vant-my-vampire-baby-contest-details

Book Review - Stillwater


Stillwater

By: Nicole Helget
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishing Date: February 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-547-89820-9
Reviewed by: Mary Lignor
Review Date: October 10, 2013

This book is a very good read, written in four parts. The story jumps around a bit but the author is good at characterization and keeps the reader up on all the things happening in the small town of Stillwater, Minnesota during the 1860’s, just as the Civil War begins. The people of this town include fraternal twins, Angel and Clement. When the twins were born, their mother had run away from their father to a home run by nuns. She wanted a place where she could leave the babies and not be afraid that they would be harmed.

Angel grew up in a wealthy household but her adoptive mother was a little unsound of mind and kept a close eye on her daughter, not letting her out of the house very often and finally marrying her off to the first rich man who asked. Clement, on the other hand, grew up among orphaned children, along with Indians and runaway slaves. The twins are aware of each other but do not live together, yet seem to be able to communicate even though they seldom see each other.

As the Civil War comes closer to Minnesota, Stillwater becomes a stop on the Underground Railroad and black and white come together, becoming more dependent on each other. Readers will get a good look at how things were in the northern states and territories, which was just as bad, or worse than the south during the war. Most novels written about the Civil War seem to concentrate on the south and this one was interesting as it was about the northern states and what they went through.

During these difficult times, Angel and Clement, got to know each other and went in opposite directions in their lives. Minnesota, being so close to Canada, was a perfect place for a stop on the Underground Railroad. The town gives readers a look at how things were in the Civil War years in the North. The lives of many different folks come to the pages of Stillwater, including; pioneers, Indians, slaves, etc., who are all looking to better their lives. There are some difficult scenes including moms and dads, sisters and brothers, families of all kinds taking care of each other and in some cases never seeing each other again. Also, readers will need to pay close attention so as not to get lost, but as I mentioned earlier, the prose is well-written and the story is enjoyable.

Quill says: This was a look into parts of the US during the Civil War that people don’t think about so much, the Northwoods, and is a marvelous story!





Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Books In For Review

Here's a sample of books that have recently come in for review.  Check them out and then stop by our site, Feathered Quill Book Reviews, in a few weeks to read the reviews.





Jackpot: A Frank Renzi novel by Susan Fleet A serial killer murders lottery winners. Book 4 in the Frank Renzi series. Nigel Heath wants to be the next Boston Pops conductor. A compulsive gambler, he's deeply in debt. He's also deeply in love with Vicky, a Pops clarinetist. He wins the lottery and thinks his problems are over, but they're just beginning. Homicide Detective Frank Renzi is hunting a serial killer who targets lottery winners. Don't miss the exciting showdown between Frank Renzi and the killer. A prequel to the first three books in the Frank Renzi series, Jackpot takes place in Boston in 2000, before Renzi moved to New Orleans. Follow Frank Renzi and his relentless pursuit of justice in Absolution, Diva and Natalie's Revenge, the previous novels in the series.  

Tarnished Hero by Jim Gilliam In the early 1960's, Tim Kelly's Coast Guard career takes him to Galveston. Hoping to put his father's death at the hands of a union busting thug behind him. Kelly transfers to San Francisco where he meets Brenda Conrad and clashes with an overbearing and sadistic executive officer. Given a choice between courts martial and combat duty in Vietnam, he chooses Vietnam. After receiving the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in combat during an action where three of his friends are killed in action by our own Air Force. Kelly releases his rage in an Air Force officer's club, earning him a less than honorable discharge. Returning to the U.S. with the stigma of a less than honorable discharge, Kelly embarks on a new career as an undercover narcotics agent. After his rescue from the drug cartel when his cover is blown, he plans to marry Brenda, but before the wedding can take place Brenda and her best friend the daughter of the Governor of Texas are kidnapped and spirited to the cartel's secret island base off the coast of Yucatan.

Roscoe is a RAKster: You Can Be One Too by Janice E. Clark Roscoe's initials are R. A. K. and Nana says they stand for "random acts of kindness" because he is always helpful. Whenever he performs a RAK, she calls him a RAKster. She says anyone can be a RAKster, even you. Just do something nice for someone. It's easy. Try it!

The Trickster's Hat: A Mischievous Apprenticeship in Creativity by Nick Bantock In The Trickster’s Hat, bestselling author of the Griffin & Sabine cycle Nick Bantock invites you to lose yourself in order to become a better creator. Inspired by Nick's popular and mischievous workshops, the book's forty-nine perceptive exercises will encourage you to forget your destination while you meander through the wondrous world that awaits you in the periphery of your mind's eye.  

Reflections of Life by Jon M. Nelson A poetic look at life through a soldier's eyes. There's more to a soldier than serving and defending his or her country. There is real emotion and humanity inside the hearts of each and every one. In Reflections of Life you can feel the emotional look at humanity from a soldier's perspective. Author Jon M. Nelson expresses his experiences and raw emotion of his military career as well as an outlook on life in general. There are so many problems and issues that this world faces today, and he addresses many of them in his own poetic style.

On Linden Square by Kate Sullivan It’s the first day of winter vacation and Stella Mae Culpepper is bored. As she looks out from the window of her second-floor apartment, she can see all of the usual happenings on Linden Square, her city neighborhood. There are her neighbors. She knows them all by name—or by the names she’s given them, depending on their activities and what Stella Mae can see from her window. Stella Mae thinks she knows her neighbors but she doesn’t really. Everyone in the neighborhood is too busy minding their own business to pay much attention to anyone else. But now it’s the first day of winter vacation and a storm is coming. Not just any storm but a big, wonderful winter storm. It’s a blizzard! And when the snow finally stops and Stella Mae ventures outside to play, something quite marvelous happens on Linden Square.  

Tuki and Moka: A Tale of Two Tamarins Eduardo and his family live in a small town in Ecuador, not far from the Amazon rainforest. The rainforest is an important part of their lives. Each month Eduardo and his father travel by river from their town to the rainforest. There, using just a basket and a machete, they gather Brazil nuts. They are castañeros and this is how they earn their living. But the rainforest is not only important to the castañeros; it is home to many exotic species of plants, birds, and mammals, including two playful tamarins that Eduardo has named Tuki and Moka. So although it is difficult work being a castañero, Eduardo looks forward to his visits to the rainforest so he can play with his two friends. But one night, the peace of the forest is threatened by poachers, animal traffickers who illegally capture and then try to sell some of the birds and animals. Can Eduardo save his friends?  

Digger and Daisy Go to the Zoo by Judy Young Meet Digger and Daisy They are brother and sister. These dogs like to explore their world and see new things. Sometimes they agree with each other. Sometimes they disagree. But no matter the situation, one thing always stays the same--their steadfast love and concern for each other. In playful, simple stories written especially for the K-1 audience, author Judy Young explores the dynamics and nuances of the sibling relationship. In Digger and Daisy Go to the Zoo Digger tries to imitate the various animals they see while Daisy tries to tell him what he can and cannot do.  

Frog and Friends: Frog Saves the Day by Josee Masse Welcome to Frog and his world. He enjoys nothing better than spending time floating on his pond or visiting with his friends. He appreciates the simpler things in life and would prefer that things stay just the way they are—nice and peaceful. From acclaimed children’s writer Eve Bunting comes a beginning reader series featuring the delightful Frog and his friends Rabbit, Possum, Raccoon, and Squirrel. In Frog Saves the Day Frog and his friends mistakenly think a nearby train is a ferocious dragon and later Frog rescues a friend’s child from danger.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Book Review - Halloween Hustle


Halloween Hustle

By: Charlotte Gunnufson
Illustrated by: Kevan J. Atteberry
Publisher: Two Lions
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
ISBN: 978-1477817230
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: Octobert 8, 2013

The moon shone full behind the gnarly old tree. What’s that wild and weird thing dancing up the street on the sidewalk? A strange little critter smiles and wags its tail as it watches Skeleton dance. “Bony thumbs and fingers snap. / Bony heels and toes tip-tap. / Knees knock-knock and elbows flap, / Doing the Halloween Hustle.” Those toes tippity tapping up the street were moving fast ... until they caught in the crack on that sidewalk. Boom, bam! Down Skeleton went with a clatter. Oh, no, would he be able to do the Halloween Hustle if he was a mere pile of bones?

At the bus stop Frankenstein, Mummy, and Witch watched in awe as “He sticks his bones back into place, / Adds rubber bands, just in case. / Gets up and grooves with ghoulish grace, / Doing the Halloween Hustle.” Skeleton swung around the bus stop sign, danced for all to see, and off to town to buy some fancy duds to dance some more. All of a sudden a big black cat crossed his path. Boom, bam! Down Skeleton went with a clatter. Was is all over for Skeleton or would he be able to pull himself together in time for the dance contest?

This is a fun, hilarious tale of Skeleton and his Halloween Hustle that will delight young children. Just reading this infectious story in rhyme got me to tapping my toes. The beat was perfect and this must read aloud Halloween tale will get little ones to join in the fun with their own version of the Halloween Hustle. The bright, animated artwork brings the monsters and ghoulish characters to life in a non-scary manner. One of the best scenes is a lively two-page spread of all the monsters jumping and jiving, doing the Halloween Hustle at the dance contest. If you want a Halloween tale with a new twist, this is it!

Quill says: This amazingly unique Halloween tale is destined to become one of those "read me again" tales that youngsters will request year after year!




Book Review - The 25,000 Mile Love Story


The 25,000 Mile Love Story: The Epic Story of the Couple Who Sacrificed Everything to Run the World

By: Serge Roetheli
Publisher: Dunham Books
Publication Date: September 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9851359-8-0
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: October 8, 2013

The 25,000 Mile Love Story, Serge Roetheli’s memoir, is a clear message to the reader: embrace your dreams and make them realities.

Before delving into the meat of his story, Mr. Roetheli sets the tone of his heart-felt passion in the preface: ‘These few lines are indeed more than just the preface of a book. They are an outpouring of love for a man and a woman, who have always managed to find the means of attaining their wildest dreams—to go farther than anyone had ever dared to go, to run longer than anyone had ever dared to run, and to do it out of passion, for themselves and for others…’

Between the years of 2000-2005, Serge and Nicole Roetheli set out on their mission of passion to run the world. The feat took 1910 days and miles covered were 25,422 (Serge on foot; Nicole by his side on her motorbike). To put things into perspective, the daily miles Mr. Roetheli accomplished equate to running a marathon a day for five years. Through an insistent and resounding message of personal conviction and perseverance, Mr. Roetheli describes his epic achievement through poignant prose and many passages fueled with purpose. Each chapter feeds and builds not only from the momentum of the previous, but portrays a deeply rooted tenacity to succeed.

Mr. Roetheli’s deliverance of his incredible journey is focused. He takes his time telling the entire story. The layout is equivalent to that of a brick setter who sets one brick upon the next and does not quit until his task is complete. There is no drag to bog the reader down where he or she is forced to read through flowery imagery or silly anecdotes. Rather the content is raw and direct as near-defeats are often depicted. Roetheli has a precise and gradual pace and chose to start his story with background of his growing up from young boy to man. He carefully chooses his words and masters showing the reader his ever-present love of the outdoors. The latter is described through his deeply seeded (and perhaps genetic) disposition he inherited from his mother. He describes ‘Mama Nora,’ his mother, as his beacon of encouragement and role model when it came to reaching out for the impossible and the importance of never giving up until the feat has been attained. Two days short of her seventy-fifth birthday, Nora Roetheli passed away. The lifelong gift of inspiration she bestowed upon her son was even though she was well into her 70’s, she still managed to conquer formidable climbs; like the 4,027-meter peak ‘Allalin,’ mere days before her passing.

Mr. Roetheli has written an engaging memoir. He achieved a humble tone throughout when describing his personal accomplishments. Instead of sounding like a braggart, he is insightful and shared what inspired him by prefacing each chapter with quotes from notable (and iconic) philosophers—Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Henry David Thoreau, to name a couple. There is a fine line between pride and ego-centricities. Mr. Roetheli may be both, but throughout this book there is a tangible sense that his purpose in writing this was to deliver an outstanding and inspirational story toward the importance of purpose. Add solid writing ability to your list of achievements, Mr. Roetheli. This was well written and an extremely inspirational read.

Quill says: The 25,000 Mile Love Story is very much a story of love. However, Mr. Roetheli has managed to deliver a broader understanding of ‘love’ that transcends well beyond its conventional meaning.






Monday, October 7, 2013

Book Review - Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift


Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift

By: Dara Goldman
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: September 2013
ISBN: 978-1585368594
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: October 8, 2013

Boris and Stella are the BEST of friends! They both like hats, scary movies, and enjoy each other’s company. Stella loves to listen as Boris plays his music, and Boris LOVES the cakes that Stella makes in her bakery. While Boris grew up in Russia and Stella’s family came from Italy, that fact only helps make their relationship more interesting. They are best friends forever.

As the holidays approach, Stella knows that she wants to give Boris a special present for Hanukkah. Checking her piggy bank, she is saddened to discover that she only has a few coins. How can she buy a special present with so little money? All she has is her pine tree that came from Italy to remind her of her family. At the same time, Boris is trying to figure out what to get Stella for Christmas. He, too, wants to find the absolutely perfect gift for his best friend. Alas, his little savings bank is just as empty as Stella’s. Whatever will he do? All he has is his collection of beautiful dreidels.

Reminiscent of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi (one of my favorite short stories), Boris and Stella show what true love is as they decide to part with items dear to their hearts in order to bring joy to another. The author/illustrator, Dara Goldman, has done an outstanding job of retelling a famous story so that children can grasp the true meaning. Her illustrations perfectly compliment the story, with their bright colors and expressive characters. I love everything about this book and belive it is the PERFECT present for the holiday season.

Quill says: The perfect gift for a family that celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah, as well as anybody who enjoys the holidays. Peace, love and hugs, what can be better than that?




Sunday, October 6, 2013

Book Review - Macaroni and Cheese


Macaroni and Cheese (Anthology) Vol. 1: Comfort Food for Kids

By: Stacie Isabella Turk
Publisher: Ribbonhead
Publication Date: April 2013
ISBN: 978-057807128
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: October 7, 2013

Sabrina’s imagination held no bounds and was almost as expansive as her long, beautiful red hair. Well, not quite because nothing was quite like that hair. Sabrina smiled to herself as she imagined things like “jungles filled with pink penguins and purple polar bears.” Her mind swirled with all kinds of amazing things, including the fact that she wanted to be a teacher. Unfortunately, not all the things Sabrina thought about were happy thoughts. Mommy criticized her unkempt hair; Mrs. Grandview, her teacher, didn’t like her penmanship; and even those mean voices in her head were throwing negative thoughts her way. Sabrina was so preoccupied with that critical committee in her head she tumbled over her “long beautiful red hair” and fell to the sidewalk.

The negative voices and thoughts overwhelmed Sabrina and her “imagination took her to so many far away places that she would sometimes forget other important things.” Perhaps those voices and thoughts were right. Sabrina was just going to have to try harder and concentrate on things that mattered to those around her, including Mommy and Mrs. Grandview. That night she worked hard on her Show and Tell project. Sabrina smiled as those cotton balls were glued on to the paper and her project began to take shape, but something was wrong. A doubting voice began to nag at her and she had second thoughts about her project, about herself. Was Sabrina’s project any good at all? Was Mommy, Mrs. Grandview, and that committee right about her?

"Sabrina and Her Committee" is the first of three short stories in the Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort Food for Kids anthology that takes a close look at the self-esteem issues many children face. The two other stories, "Mediocrity" and "Grumpy, Grouchy and Grateful" encourage children to look beyond life’s little difficulties and have a positive outlook on life. It’s oftentimes easier for children, and adults for that matter, to see how another person’s negative stance and unrealistic expectations of themselves can impact their well-being. The accompanying CD has readings of all three stories and two lively, inspirational songs, each relative to themes surrounding self-esteem.

Forget the Rest (chorus):

Listen to your heart,
Listen to your soul, Listen to the voice inside
That never grows old
That tells you you’re the one
That tells you you’re the best
That’s the one that’s always right ... forget the rest!


The charm of Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort Food for Kids is inescapable and the lessons it imparts are priceless. Each tale has its own theme, yet many others can be found within these pages. In the back of the book are some suggested activities and questions children (and grown-ups) can ponder and discuss together. The book, combined with the CD, would make an excellent addition to any homeschool or classroom shelf. Of course, a little macaroni and cheese on the home front is the perfect recipe for a big smile!

Quill says: This is a perfect read and discuss book to use with any child who is having self-esteem issues or feeling a bit blue.