Book Review - Kay Kay's Alphabet Safari

Kay Kay's Alphabet Safari

Written and Illustrated by: Dana Sullivan
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: August 2014
ISBN: 978-1585369058
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: August 2014

Kay Kay was walking past the grass huts in Bungoma and soon arrived at the Star of Hope school. It was a new school and the children danced around them and pulled at his hands. “Kay Kay, look at our new classroom!” Ah, ha! There was something missing, but Kay Kay couldn’t think of what it was. He smiled as he discovered just what it was. “Your bright, white wall could use some pictures,” he told them. Naturally what that wall needed was animals, all kinds of them. Animals from A to Z would be just perfect, but Kay Kay was going to have to put on his thinking cap.

Kay Kay began to walk around the fields of Bungoma. Surely something would come to mind. As he was walking, he ran across a friend. “Why, hello, friend Ant,” Kay Kay said as he leaned down to talk to Ant. There was no way he could stay and talk because he was trying to think. Just what kind of A to Z animals could he paint on that wall? Baboon, Crocodile, and Dragonfly asked him to dance. No way Kay Kay could dance because he was trying to think. Elephant, Fox, and Giraffe invited Kay Kay to tea. “No tea for me,” he explained, “I’m looking for animals from A to Z.” Just what kind of animals was Kay Kay going to paint on that wall?

This is a charming animal A to Z animal tale that young children will love. Of course they will easily see that Kay Kay is talking to those very animals who should go on the Star of Hope school’s classroom wall. The animals dance though the pages trying to get Kay Kay to play with them, but no go until he gets his thinking done. The critter artwork is very lively, especially a centerfold that features all of them. This fictional tale is, in part, based on the Star of Hope school near Bungoma, Kenya. There’s an author’s note that talks about the school along with photographs of the children. There’s a mini-dictionary of Swahili words and phrases in the back of the book.

Quill says: This is a fun, adventurous book of Kay Kay, a Kenyan boy, and his search for those A to Z animals that will give little ones a case of the giggles!

Interview with Author Carol June Stover

Today we're talking with Carol June Stover, author of Surviving 26th Street

FQ: In reading your biography, I was impressed to learn of your background in the hotel industry. Were any of your career encounters inspirational in developing any of your characters in Surviving 26th Street?

STOVER: I specialized in hotel advertising and marketing, and my favorite part of that work was writing brochures, press releases, etc. To attract guests, I had to put myself in their place so I could answer questions like, “What does the prospective guest want to know about this hotel? What are they looking for and why are they visiting?” So that aspect of hotel work served to peak my imagination about people and lead to my writing in general, rather than leading to a specific character.

FQ: "Justice" seemed like the antithesis of the character "Winton." How did you decide on using it as the family name?

STOVER: I wanted daughter Jane Justice be the one seeking truth in all matters and her father Winton Justice to be the one who was truly unjust. I thought the contrast was ironic, as was the fact that these two opposites shared the last name of Justice.

FQ: After a successful career in the hotel industry, was there a particular moment (or series of incidents) that redirected you toward pursuing your writing career and would you please share?

STOVER: I always wanted to spend my days doing what I liked best...writing. So when I remarried and moved to Chicago in 1994, it seemed like a good time to make the change. I started writing non fiction books about my hobby of doll collecting...my childhood doll was Ginny created by the Vogue Dolls Inc., so I wrote about her and her many competitors in Small Dolls of the ‘40s and ‘50s, and co authored two editions of The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls, and also Doll Values: Antique to Modern, Eighth Edition. After that I decided to work on my first novel, Current River Redemption, www.currentriverredemption.com, a story I borrowed from my Grandmother’s family of pioneer preachers. Next I borrowed the story for Surviving 26th Street, www.surviving26thstreet.com from growing up in New Jersey with my wacky family. Both novels are also e books as well as hard copy.

FQ: Laura Justice’s character is bright, positive and she is motivated. Yet, she joins forces with Winton and assumes subservience in many aspects. Do you think women have become too independent and self-sufficient in today’s society? If so, what example would you site toward such premise?

STOVER: I think it’s great if a woman today can be independent and self-sufficient when need be, but not to the point of “ruling the roost.” I think marriage should be a partnership of two equals who can give and take and appreciate each other for who they truly are. I site my own second marriage as a good example of that.

FQ: Without too much of a spoiler, why was Laura’s discovery of Winton’s antics with the neighbor somewhat down-played?

STOVER: In the end, Laura realized what she’d known all along...that there was something wrong with her relationship with Winton and that despite her best efforts, she couldn’t fix it. However 1950 taboos and expectations kept her tied to the relationship, and her own mother told her to stick it out. However, when she finally found out about Winton’s games, she had to admit what she already knew. His antics were just another example of the truth--she had an unloving husband. There was no shock, just resignation. That's why she didn’t launch yet another round of fighting or shouting to straighten Winton out. She’d already done that trying to keep him in line and she’d had enough. It was time for her to just walk away. Smart lady.

FQ: Am I naïve in saying I found it difficult to believe a woman in the 50’s with young children worked outside of the home? I found this to be a bit of a disconnect (i.e., did mom’s work outside the home in the 50’s)? Was this intentional and if so, why?

STOVER: Like many authors, I used my own family experience growing up in the 50s to create the Justice family. My mother was the only mother on the street that was not at home baking cookies. She went back to night school to take courses to get her teaching certificate and was a teacher in the local Junior High School to support my father’s small business efforts. That left me and my brother alone after school when she stayed late to tutor, roaming the neighborhood and latching on to kind neighbors for support, just like Jane Justice did. My best friend lived on the street next to ours and she was also the only kid on her street whose mother went off to work every morning. We did a lot of bike riding and roaming together. So yes, mothers with young children did work in the 1950s, but it was the exception in my neighborhood. I tried to show that reality in my tale.

FQ: Were there any parts ofSurviving 26th Street that were difficult to write and if so, what did you do to overcome the discomfort of writing it?

STOVER: I’m not one to write romance novels, so I found it hard to write about Rachel Christian and Winton’s affair. However, I made the woman so bizarre, it was actually funny to write it. I got through it that way.

FQ: What words of wisdom would you impart on todays up and coming women to the working world to enlighten them?

STOVER: Competence is important, but being good on the job isn’t the only key to success. Don’t forget to think positive, listen to others with an open mind, always lend a helping hand, and volunteer often. You learn a lot this way and it doesn’t hurt when promotion time comes around.

FQ: Who has been the most positive influence for your writing and what makes him or her “the one”?

STOVER: On a personal level, my husband Frank had been so very encouraging about my writing. However, he’s also not one to mince words or to give out unwarranted compliments, so when he says something “works” I know it’s good. I always count on his read. My daughter in law Marie Summerfield has also been a trooper about reading my chapters and gives great feedback on scenes. On a professional level, Sue Roupp (www.sueroupp.com), a fellow writer, and also a superb lecturer, seminar leader, editor and all else creative has been so very encouraging and instructive. She is also a TV host and a stage actor, so she has helped me to understand how critical it is to include a character’s movement and actions in my writing and to creatively stage in my scenes.

FQ: Are you currently working on a new project? If so, would you mind providing a sneak preview?

STOVER: I am just completing the manuscript for my novel entitled Kenmore Square. It is set in Boston in the 1960s, the tale of a ner-do-well son of a notorious bookie who is raising his daughter as a single father in the Kenmore Square rooming house he owns. His biggest problem? His daughter is convinced that on her tenth birthday he murdered her mother. When his daughter turns eighteen, she sets out with one of his boarders (a has-been nightclub chanteuse!) to discover the truth once and for all. I'm looking for a publisher now. Wish me luck!

To learn more about Surviving 26th Street please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.

Book Review - Murder on the Naval Base

Murder on the Naval Base

By: Behcet Kaya
Publisher: CreateSpace
Publication Date: February 2014
ISBN: 9781495478598
Reviewed By: Kristi Benedict
Review Date: July 31, 2014

Lieutenant Anderson Garret is devastated when he realizes his wife Bevin has been having an affair with a man he considered one of his greatest friends, Charles McPhearson. Bevin was the only woman Anderson had ever felt comfortable enough with to share his life, while many great memories were made with Charles and his family spending countless vacations together, but now Anderson is feeling betrayed by the two people he trusted most in this world. Not only has this affair been going on for a while but it adds salt to the wound when he finds out they were together briefly even before Anderson and Bevin were married. Yes, Anderson was upset and thought about confronting the two of them about this situation but committing murder was not an option he was considering. However, when both Bevin and Charles are shot and killed in broad daylight at the Officers’ club, all evidence and eye witness accounts points straight to Anderson. With no knowledge of what just happened Anderson is apprehended by the local police and charged with the murder of his wife and former friend.

When the trial begins the prosecuting team throws every detail out that they can, trying to convince the jury that the anger Anderson felt about the affair was enough to brutally kill the two people who were closest to him. Even though Anderson knows he did not do anything of the sort he begins to feel that proving his innocence will be next to impossible. The odds become better however, when an anonymous person pays for Anderson to have one of the best defense attorneys in the nation to represent him. Will it be enough, however, to convince the jury to decide Anderson is not guilty? Anderson’s freedom is on the line but with no other obvious suspects the defense team will have to dig deep in order to uncover the truth about this murder.

From the very first page this book had me hooked as it begins with a bang by laying out and describing the murder which had me instantly turning pages as quickly as I could. I was intrigued as I continued to read about the background of each character and the events leading up to the pivotal murder, and with a mystery book I think that is the greatest part. It is so much fun for me as a reader to feel as if I am putting together clues and facts just as the characters are but still be in the dark on a few secrets. That is exactly what Behcet Kaya did with this book as he included little details that help the reader put together pieces of the puzzle, but not enough to give anything vital away. In addition, while the opening to the story was definitely exciting, the ending had me biting my nails as there were so many unexpected twists that I completely did not see coming. This made for an amazing conclusion!

Quill says: A thrilling murder mystery that delivered non-stop secrets from beginning to end.

For more information on Murder on the Naval Base, please visit the author's website at: www.behcetkaya.com

Book Review - Sports Illustrated Kids What are the Chances? The Wildest Plays in Sports

Sports Illustrated Kids What are the Chances? The Wildest Plays in Sports

By: Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids
Publisher: Sports Illustrated
Publication Date: July 2014
ISBN: 978-1618933744
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: July 2014

There are bloopers and then there are some of those really mega-cool things that happen now and then in sports. There are rare, really rare, almost impossible, and those close, but no cigar “never happened” events we all wished for. Maybe you weren’t around to watch Micheal Williams in action, but he almost made 100 free throws in a row. Missed it by only three, but Micheal made the record books for something that never happened. Ooooh, ahhh! So sorry, Micheal. There’s another Michael (different spelling) for a super rare feat that probably won’t be seen again any time soon. Michael Jordan scored more than 3,000 points in one season, 3,041 to be exact. Way to go, Michael!

Some people sit around reading record books, but if you watch your favorite teams in action long enough you just might see something that will make it into a book. You into hockey big time? Maybe you were on hand to watch Semyon Varlamov as he “became the 47th goalie in NHL history to reach 40 wins in a season.” That’s one Colorado Avalanche player who no one can put anything over on. How about baseball? Now that’s one sport that has more than a handful of fans. Garret Anderson was some hot when he belted in ten RBIs in a game. If you’re a Los Angeles Angels fan, you’ll never forget that game. Neither will the New York Yankees because that “really rare” feat handed them a loss.

Basketball, hockey, baseball, golf, tennis, soccer, and football are all sports that have those moments we all love to watch. Sometimes those “never happened” moments are just as awesome as the ones that did. Hey, where’s bowling? Yes, that sport is in here too because there’s a lot of fans who watch the players closely. If you love golf and enjoy getting in a few games now and then, you probably have checked out Yusaku Miyazato’s record. Now he “became the second golfer to make two holes-in-one in the same round of a PGA Tour tournament” in 2006. Now that was almost impossible, but Yusaku did it. Twice in the same round probably even surprised him.

Young sports fans and fanatics will love to see their favorites in action. Some are way before their time, while there are other way wild accomplishments they may have seen with their very own eyes. Things are wild and wacky in this book, just what the sports lovers love to see. Of course you don’t have to be young to enjoy this book, but being a kid at heart like me certainly helps. The eye-popping layout with lots of action-packed photographs certainly livens things up. Baseball, basketball, football, and hockey are heavily featured, but that’s where the high interest lies for the intended reader. It’s definitely a fun book that will find its way into the hands of even the most reluctant readers. In the back is an index that will point the way to some of those record-breaking players and those who didn’t quite make it.

Quill says: This book has everything from the rare to the “never happened” wild n’ wacky sports events young readers will love!

Book Review - Sports Illustrated Kids Football: Then to WOW!

Sports Illustrated Kids Football: Then to WOW!

By: The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids
Publisher: Sports Illustrated
Publication Date: August 2014
ISBN: 978-1618931160
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: July 31, 2014

We all know that in football a touchdown is four points. No, not so. How about five? No, not so. It’s now six points, but it wasn’t always. Over the years there have been lots of changes in the rules, starting in 1878 when that touchdown went up to five points. Over the decades, right up to the Tuck Rule in 2013, football has seen all kinds of changes and not just in the rule department. Everything from the very ball players have used to the stadiums they play in have undergone some form of change. Way back in 1892, William (Pudge) Heffelfinger made a whole $500 for playing football. Do you know what your favorite player makes? Not chump change like Pudge made.

There are plenty of betcha-didn’t-know facts in this book. For example, if you take a look at an NFL football you’ll see the signature of the NFL commissioner on the ball. On the other side is “THE DUKE.” Hmmmm, now that is an odd one, but if you are an NFL history buff, you’d know that it’s in “honor of New York Giants owner Wellington (Duke) Mara.” This book is so full of fun facts and trivia anyone reading it will be surprised at what they don’t know. A lot of players had nicknames as well. White Shoes, Ickey, Whizzer, and A.D. are just a few of them. Recognize any of these players?
Starting with the “Basics,” this book starts from day one of football and runs, passes, and snaps its way to the present-day game. Just imagine a bunch of guys sitting around a table with Walter Camp making up the rules. Fast forward to fantasy football and you’ll realize just how big and popular the game really is. In between there are the players, the equipment, those rules (again), technology, records, positions, and soooo much more! Oh, yes, forgot those coaches and their styles. There are the “master motivators,” the masterminds, and the taskmaster. If you’re a football fanatic, let’s just say you might like this book. Well, maybe love it.

This book pops in more ways than one. The layout breathes life into the game and makes it come alive for the young reader. Even the most reluctant readers will be drawn to the eye-popping, action-packed photographs and all those fantastic football facts. There are four basic chapters that cover the basics of the game, the players, strategies, and take a look at how fans enjoy the game. There are photographs galore, line drawings, illustrated timelines, and captions that add some very interesting information to the book. The book is a lot of fun, but most certainly a learning experience that everyone from the football fanatic to the ordinary fan will get a kick out of!

Quill says: This is one book that kids from nine to ninety just won’t be able to put down!

Book Review - Discovery Snakeopedia

Discovery Snakeopedia: The Complete Guide to Everything Snakes-Plus Lizards and More Reptiles

By: Discovery Channel
Publisher: Time Home Entertainment
Publication Date: July 2014
ISBN: 978-1603209908
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: July 2014

Ever dream of becoming a herpetologist? Maybe you don’t even know what that is, but if not you probably know if you are into spiders ‘n snakes. Maybe lizards, turtles, tortoises, crocs, and gators have that wow factor for you too. If they don’t, just walk way away from this book fast because there are loads of them in this book! Pssssss ... this book is for snake lovers who want to know more about their favs. Everyone has heard of rattlers, but did you know that “some fiddlers and banjo players put [their] rattles inside their instruments?” No! Yes, and that’s just one interesting fact you’ll discover about snakes inside this book. Some of the facts are just eeew, but some are mega-cool.

There is a bit of science behind snakes and a few unfamiliar words that will pop right out at you. You’ll quickly learn that the snake is from a class of animals we call Reptilia. Next you’ll slither over into a section about their taxonomy, a “way of organizing our natural world.” If you don’t know about their kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and their species, you will after you study a bit about them. Perhaps you just want to look at snakes, but that’s not a problem. There are a ton of them to look at. You’ll be able to pore over blind snakes, shield-tailed snakes, pipe snakes, sunbeam snakes, pythons (oh, yeah!), boas, wood snakes, file snakes, and more!

Venom is so not cool if you get a snake bite, but awesome to learn about. There are even different varieties. They are called neurotoxins, cytotoxins, cardiotoxins, and hemotoxins. Did you know that “the same snake venom that can kill people can also save them?” It can. You’ll learn about the anatomy from head to the end of that tail in snakes, not just those fangs. Some snakes even have the remnants of legs, but if you want to know more about that, you’ll just have to read this book. Crocs are cool too, but you probably won’t see one until you head to Africa, but you might see a gator. One thing for sure is that you’ll see lots of critters in this book!

This is one eye-popping book that will keep any young snake lover turning the pages. It’s an encyclopedic book that is loaded with facts and photos that will not only amaze, but also educate. The layout of the book is alive with Reptilia slithering, sliding, and staring at us from the pages. The book is peppered with numerous informative sidebars that add a lot to the book. For example, there’s one on mamba legends that debunk some and lend a bit of credence to a couple of others. There are “Did you Know?,” “Word!,” “Star” sidebars, and “Fang Fact” sections that are short, sweet, and add to the experience. In the back of the book are activities, a section on how children can help reptiles, reptile resources, and additional recommended book resources to explore.

Quill says: This is one fangtastic book that young snake lovers everywhere will go wild over!

Interview with Author Scott Pinsker

Today we're talking with Scott Pinsker, author of The Second Coming: A Love Story

FQ: I would like to begin with the character of David Shepherd. He is a very outspoken individual, strong and forthright, so much so it sounds a lot like he is a preacher. Does this character have any special meaning for you? Such as, is David the person delivering your own personal views while being the "verbal sharpshooter" as you refer to him in the novel?

PINSKER: Just like his Biblical namesake (which wasn't coincidental; all the characters in The Second Coming: A Love Story are modern updates of Bible characters), David is a warrior with blood on his hands. He's never been able to forgive or forget those who've wronged him, and he's as much defined by his insecurities as he is by his strengths. By trade, David Shepherd is a speechwriter for far-left causes, and you're correct: He's almost evangelical in his bloodlust to out-preach, outduel and outgun his (perceived) enemies. On the surface he's witty and charming - a hip, trendy Washingtonian who'd be a blast to gossip with at a DC cocktail party - but a river of unresolved rage is always bellowing below.

As for the second part of your question, no, David wasn't echoing my personal beliefs. None of the characters are. I know this sounds peculiar, especially since it's fashionable for authors to use their stories as a personal soapbox, but it was never my intent to apostatize for ANY ideology, theology or denomination. This novel is an elaborate thought-experiment about religion, politics and the human condition - and all the characters are tools to unlock the Almighty's most vexing secrets. They're rats in a maze, all searching for the same thing, but searching in very different directions.

The Second Coming: A Love Story will directly challenge your belief in God, humanity and the meaning of life... but beyond that, I have no interest in arguing to the death about what happens after you die. That's your burden, not mine.

Author Scott Pinsker

FQ: The points given in the story are certainly present-day truths. When you look at churches/organizations in the 21st century, do you believe there are those that still were made to basically prey on the people who feel hopeless in order to get the congregation they want? And is it really all just for cash, or do you believe there are good souls out there who mean what they say?

PINSKER: No, it's not always about the money. I'm not that cynical. Instead of casting blanket dispersions on the sincerity of religious men and women, I prefer to take them at their word.
Not all, of course... but most.

Faith-based charities are responsible for a remarkable degree of good worldwide, and we should all applaud them for it. Still, one can't help but remember Harper Lee's words in To Kill a Mockingbird: "Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle." Religion surely makes many people better, but it also makes a percentage far worse - and infinitely more dangerous.

FQ: Do you believe humanity will face Armageddon at some point? And what will be the turning point to make that happen, considering horrific things are happening and have been for hundreds of years?

PINSKER: As our weaponry and scientific sophistication increases, our margin of error proportionally decreases. Deadlier firepower raises the stakes - and we've reached the evolutionary tipping point when we can genetically modify viruses, split atoms in suitcase bombs, and hover armed drones over unsuspecting citizens. War and conflict have always been part of the human condition, but never before have the keys to extinction been in so many hands.

We're standing at the threshold of a great gateway - and the Sword of Damocles is swinging overhead. I don't advise wearing a top-hat.

The author with his best buddy

FQ: It is extremely interesting that you used the pulpit to separate the people; using the congregations as left-wing versus right. Which may just upset some readers...wondering which group followed the evil side. Do you believe that politics is like religion? After all, the leader of the free world holds power, and can pick and choose a great many times when it comes to ruining or bettering humanity.

PINSKER: We might be able to separate church from state, but it's impossible to separate God from politics. Our entire theory of American government is predicated on the belief that God has endowed man with certain inalienable rights - which was a shocking declaration to other nations, who still insisted that rights were bestowed by the whims of a Monarch. Even the constitutional provision of impeachment closely mirrors the Biblical belief in regicide: On occasion, Judeo-Christian morality demanded the deaths of Kings. (Benjamin Franklin wryly noted that the impeachment clause was considerably more beneficial to a President than anyone else - because without it, the only recourse for a President's removal would be the removal of his head.)

Interestingly, if pro is the opposite of con...then wouldn't the opposite of constitution be prostitution?
In The Second Coming: A Love Story, the culture war between Red America and Blue America explodes, and there's never any hope for reconciliation. Since we're already demonizing one another on a daily basis...what would we do when a REAL Demon appears? The hardcore left that hated George W. Bush and the hardcore right that despises Barack Obama have one big thing in common: No matter WHAT happens, the most dastardly motive that could possibly be ascribed to the other side is the one that MUST be true! This is the new American default setting, and there's an intrinsic danger to perpetually thinking the worst about your countrymen.

FQ: How do you think social media changes humanity for good or bad?

PINSKER:L Social media hasn't changed who we are as a people, but it's greatly accelerated our tribalization. A conservative in Red America will see, hear, eat and drink something completely different than a liberal in Blue America. This insularism reinforces our differences, expanding and exasperating the cultural divide. We spend more time in our self-imposed echo chambers than in the outside world.

Before the rise of the World Wide Web and social media, there was far greater cultural conformity. We all sampled and shared the flavors of society's top tastemakers. Red America and Blue America overlapped constantly. Everyone knew about The Beatles, who shot J.R., Michael Jackson's moonwalk and why Johnny Carson hated Joan Rivers.

That’s not the case anymore.

With the Internet, Facebook feeds, digital downloads and all the social media sites, a person can fully immerse himself in his tribal passions 24/7. There is no popular culture; it's all just cult culture. And as The Second Coming: A Love Story explores, who better to exploit cult culture than a cultist?

FQ: And, considering the plot of the story, I must ask: If you could ask Him one question, what would it be?

PINSKER: Hmm... I'd ask God, "What should I do to be a better father?" I have two little boys, and being a good Daddy is the most important thing in the world to me. (Or maybe as a Dallas Cowboys fan, I'd ask him why He's clearly CURSED Tony Romo...? Argh!)

FQ: And...what would you hope His answer would be?

PINSKER: Imagine if God simply answered, "You're doing good, Scott. I love you and I'm proud of you." What could be better than that?

To learn more about The Second Coming: A Love Story please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.