#BookAwards - Last Day to Nominate!

Nominations close today for our annual Feathered Quill Book Awards. Learn more at:

https://featheredquill.com/feathered-quill-book-awards/

(We've unofficially extended the date for books to arrive at our office because USPS, even their priority service, is in meltdown mode right now.) #bookawards

#BookReview - A Lesson for Every Child

A Lesson for Every Child: Learning About Food Allergies

By: Sally Huss with Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
Publication Date: March 2020
ISBN: 978-1945742583
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: December 8, 2020

Jack never wanted to be the center of attention, but in the informative children's book, A Lesson for Every Child: Learning about Food Allergies, he does just that so that he can teach the other students in his class all about food allergies.

A Lesson for Every Child begins with a brief introduction to Mrs. Emerson, a wonderful teacher who loves learning and sharing. Turn the page and we see Mrs. Emerson meeting a new student - Jack. While she reads his file, Jack sits quietly in a chair, a bit scrunched up in the hopes of not being too visible to his neighbors. He really, really doesn't want to be the center of attention.

After reading Jack's file, Mrs. Emerson announces to her class, "We have an extraordinary opportunity to learn something new. And Jack here is going to be our teacher. His parents have given permission for him to tell us about it." Oh, boy, Jack really doesn't want to do this...but then...

Mrs. Emerson explains to her class that Jack knows something that they all need to know. That caught Jack's attention and he quickly sits up and it sure looks like there is a smile on his face. Mrs. Emerson tells the class that Jack has food allergies and he would be the best one to explain just what that means.

Jack, happy that he knows something the other children don't, begins his explanation of food allergies. The class is enraptured with his words and ask many questions. It would be a day that the kids wouldn't soon forget.

A Lesson for Every Child tackles a topic that many children (and adults!) deal with every day (per the text, six million American children face food allergies). The children in the story ask many probing questions, questions that the reader will be wondering about too. The authors also tackle something that seems to get glossed over much too often - how the child who has the food allergy (or allergies) feels about being "different." With simple, bright illustrations that convey the children's feelings perfectly, young readers will enjoy learning about what food allergies are and how those who have such allergies deal with them. At the back of the book is a page with some information on food allergies, as well as a link to FoodAllergyAwareness.org where readers can learn more. This is an excellent book that should find its way into all school libraries as well as be shared with both those youngsters who have food allergies and those who have never heard of such things.

Quill says: A Lesson for Every Child is a fun book that will open the eyes of many children to the challenges of food allergies.

For more information on A Lesson for Every Child: Learning About Food Allergies, please visit the author's website at: www.elizabethguarino.com

 

#BookReview - Moral Indignation: Embryonic Stem Cells, DNA, and Christians

Moral Indignation: Embryonic Stem Cells, DNA, and Christians

By: Sherman P. Bastarache
Publisher: Idein Publishing
Publication Date: July 2018
ISBN: 978-0992159412
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Date: December 2020

Sherman P. Bastarache’s Moral Indignation is a challenge to his readers to open the mind and consider the ‘...impartment of a soul and human dignity…’ when seeking the balance between morality and science around Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

To sit and attempt to unpack the plethora of considerations outlined in this book is a monumental feat in and of itself. Before diving into Chapter 1, Mr. Bastarache’s starts with a Preface. His explanation is simple: ‘I was not going to include a preface in this book, but I felt it necessary to inform the reader of certain facts. The main one being that it is not possible to cover all the content of this subject in anything resembling complete detail.’ I could not agree more. The depth and breadth of information, subject matter, opinion, etc. within the covers of this 280+ page book is mind-boggling. Immediately beyond the preface, the tone is set in Chapter One, ‘The Knowledge Tree.’ The notion of ‘...In dealing with faith and reason, some of you, reading this book, will be tempted to close your minds...’ nuances the dichotomy between faith/religion and bare bones science, ergo, which side are you (figuratively) on?

The complexities of this body of work continue to evolve. Moving on to Chapter Two, ‘Modus Operandi,’ Mr. Bastarache presents food for thought around evangelical ministers and how they define their description of God. Is the foundation of who God is based on faith? Belief? Both? After birth, ‘...the scriptures indicate one must first believe, and then be baptized...’. Bastarache’s argument is there aren’t scriptures indicating anything to the contrary, i.e., ‘...Baptism does not save you! Believing saves you!...’ Continuing on, Bastarache presents scientific theory and consistently attempts to balance the argument with theology. There are foundational arguments around when is a life a life as much as when is it safe to perform stem cell studies without threatening the sanctity of life?

I tip my hat to Sherman Bastarache for writing such an in-depth body of work on a controversial topic. There is a strong argument and view on both sides of the coin—science and religion, in addressing the ‘morality’ (or lack thereof) toward Embryonic Stem Cell Research. It is abundantly clear Mr. Bastarache has woven his theories and opinions throughout the book, but not with arrogance. Rather, he took his time with carefully crafted theories and left it up to the reader to decide: is this moral or is this for the greater good of progress, scientific breakthrough and a necessity to the continued evolution and advancement of man? In the next breath, he plays with his audience and strips the theory of science away and leaves it up to the reader to consider, perhaps the overall research is unnatural and all rests in God’s hands. This was an interesting and quite thought-provoking read. This book is not ‘light’ reading but is bountiful in its delivery of both scientific basis as much as theological considerations.

Quill says: Moral Indignation is a well-balanced and foundational read that enables the reader to enlighten him/herself with both ‘science’ and ‘faith’ when it comes to understanding the importance of Embryonic Stem Cell Research whichever side one considers.

For more information on Moral Indignation: Embryonic Stem Cells, DNA, and Christians, please visit the author's website at: shermanbastarache.ca

 

#AuthorInterview with Norman Whaler

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Holly Connors is talking with Norman Whaler, author of Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge: The sequel to A Christmas Carol (Children's Edition - Narrated With Audio Christmas Carols).

FQ: You obviously have a deep love for Dickens and A Christmas Carol. What is it about this story that captivates you?

WHALER: Yes, that’s true! (Lol) The message I love the most is that every one of us is redeemable, no matter how far down we are!

FQ: Kindness is a theme that runs strongly through your story. In this hyper-crazy time we’re living in, what can people do to spread a little kindness?

WHALER: One can open a door, carry a heavy package, or maybe simply say a kind word to someone who needs it! If everyone did just one act of kindness a day for another person, can you imagine the different world we could make together?

FQ: I love the “feel” of the illustrations in your book. Would you tell our readers a little about the process of working with your illustrator(s) and what you wanted to convey with the drawings?

WHALER: For myself, I always prefer illustrations that have what I call ‘movement,’ an ‘action’ from the story that helps propel the story forward and that makes, I think, the story much more interesting. Static (or still-lifes, I call them), as beautiful as they may be, doesn’t do this nearly as well for me. I always give illustrators very detailed notes of what I am looking for including character actions, positions, and background ideas. And trust me, illustrators appreciate it! This style is called ‘Fantasy’ and has a realism element I love.

FQ: A lot of young readers today look at a Dickens novel and only see the “long” story and “difficult” language and stay away from his writings (or complain miserably if forced to read a Dickens tale). They want the quick and easy reads. But his stories are so rich and vivid. What would you say to a teen or even younger reader to encourage them to try a Dickens novel?

WHALER: I would say, “Really? Dickens’ books reveal flawed good guys, devious bad guys, unsavory characters throughout, painfully unflattering details with a dose of sarcasm, eccentric characters, humor and life lessons, struggles and victories, love won and lost, moral conflicts, and an unvarnished look at the human condition. Pretty good stuff, if you ask me! Move over, Netflix and Hulu!”

FQ: Are there other Dickens novels that are calling to you, asking for a sequel? 

WHALER: Not at this time, but it would be an interesting idea for Dickens,’ Great Expectations!

FQ: Is this your first audio ebook? Might you also do audio versions of your other children’s books?

WHALER: Yes, this is my first interactive ebook with narration, illustrations and music. The adult edition of the book with the same title also has an audiobook edition with sound effects and Christmas Carols (carols are a bit more classic and haunting, though), produced in London with Gordon Griffin as narrator. I am definitely thinking of producing interactive ebook editions of my other books!

FQ: How difficult was the process of converting your story to audio and would you recommend doing audio ebooks to other authors?

WHALER: It is definitely a longer process, to be sure! But I think the effort is well worth it! I mean, narration, illustrations, and music all in one book! And yes, I would recommend to other authors! It is a great way to ‘up’ their game with readers!

FQ: This story is a shortened version of your 2017 print story by the same title. How hard was it to re-work the text, writing in verse, and deciding what to include and what to cut out? Was it hard to leave so much of the “original” sequel behind?

WHALER: There are many lessons and themes in the adult edition geared to an older reader. For the children’s edition, I needed to simplify for a much younger reader and select just one theme to be the focus. In this case, I chose ‘kindness,’ something a younger reader could readily understand and everyone can do.

FQ: I love the addition of the Christmas carols to the book. How did you decide what songs to include?

WHALER: My father was a classical composer (passed in 2011) and wrote four of the carols I included in the book. The other selections were based on classic Victorian traditionals with an ‘up’ feel, not only for children to enjoy, but adults as well!

FQ: Might we be seeing Tiny Tim in another story next Christmas? Or, if not, what’s your next project?

WHALER: I am working on another ‘Oink and Gobble’ book (series book 4) that should be out by Spring 2021.

#BookReview - Pinky Doodle Bug by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino

Pinky Doodle Bug

By: Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
Illustrated by: Vova Kirichenko
Publisher: Waldorf Publishing
Publication Date: October 2020
ISBN: 978-1636848440
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: December 3, 2020

A sweet story about a cute little bug who loves to draw and doodle will enchant children who will want to read about Pinky Doodle Bug every night.

Pinky Doodle Bug is an adorable bug who has a passion for doodling. She likes to doodle and draw things she sees in the world as well as things she sees in her mind.

One day, while Pinky was doodling, she had a strange thought...she was sure something wasn't quite right with her doodles but what was it?

"She doodled on this and she doodled on that.
She doodled on everything she could see and everywhere she sat.
As she doodled, she thought there was something amiss;
it was a thought she could not dismiss."

Pinky couldn't figure it out so she called to her friends the birds. In just moments, birds from the forest flew from their perches to help their friend with her problem. Her doodles were amazing so what could the problem be? Fortunately, the birds had an answer, "You need stories and tales to go with your art." But how would Pinky Doodle Bug get those stories?

Luckily, Pinky had lots of friends in the woods - the birds, lightning bugs, bunnies, butterflies, caterpillars, turtles, porcupines...and so many more. They all agreed to help Pinky find the best stories ever. Would they find the stories she needed to go with her amazing doodles?

Pinky Doodle Bug is such a fun story with a great message - by working together great things can happen. The story is upbeat and Pinky is a character the reader will undoubtedly fall in love with as she plays with her friends. All the characters work together to come up with neat stories that Pinky can then bring to life with her doodles. The story is told in rhyme and works perfectly without any clunky, strained lines. Finally, no review of Pinky Doodle Bug would be complete without mention of the beautiful illustrations by Vova Kirichenko. The drawings are bright, playful, and when combined with the author's words, really bring the world of Pinky to life. I can't wait to see what Pinky will do next - this will hopefully be a series with many more adventures for Pinky.

Quill says: I love the story, the illustrations, and the fantastic message Pinky Doodle Bug shares with readers. This is a book that your child will love reading again and again.

For more information on Pinky Doodle Bug, please visit the author's website at: www.elizabethguarino.com

 

#BookReview - Why Did Chicken Cross the Road? @BooksFrog

Why Did Chicken Cross the Road?: Chicken and Egg Book 2

By: Deborah Stevenson
Illustrated by: David Stedmond
Publisher: Frog Prince Books
Publication Date: November 2020
ISBN: 978-1732541078
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: December 2020

Chicken and Egg are at it again - this time as they try to solve the age-old question of why did the chicken, or in this case Chicken with a capital "C," cross the road?

As the story opens, best-buddies Chicken and Egg are walking along the sidewalk, deep in discussion. They have just come from the pharmacy where Chicken had to pick up some medicine. The two friends can't seem to agree on how to pronounce "antibiotics."

"It's pronounced an-TIE-biotics," said Chicken
..."No, no, NO!" argued Egg. "It is most certainly pronounced an-Tee-biotics!"

Chicken and Egg continue to argue as they cross the road. Once on the other side, Egg asks his friend why he crossed the road. Hmmmm.... Chicken didn't know. "I'm sure I had a reason," he declares. But what was the reason?

Why did Chicken cross the road? The two friends think, and think, and think...and as the author notes, "this went on for a ridiculously long time" (a statement that is repeated often throughout the story, much to the delight of the reader). Egg eventually comes up with an excellent solution - to retrace their steps. Surely if they follow their earlier path, they'll likely discover why they crossed the road. Chicken agrees and off they go.

Chicken and Egg first go to the doctor's office and ask the receptionist for help. She makes some suggestions of what they might have forgotten - a hat, a jacket, a prescription. Nope, nope, nope. None of her suggestions help Chicken remember why he crossed the road. Next, they head to the hardware store. Surely they'll find a clue to why Chicken crossed the road there. Unfortunately, all they find is an annoyed clerk when the two friends make a mess. Will Chicken and Egg ever discover why Chicken crossed the road?

Author Deborah Stevenson has written a treasure-trove of children's books with memorable characters and fantastic illustrations. With her newest series, Chicken and Egg, she has taken the well-known "why did the chicken cross the road" question and created an entire, delightful world for Chicken, Egg, and all their friends. In this, book 2 in the series, Chicken and Egg go on another hilarious adventure that children will love. And in case you're wondering, yes, they do discover why Chicken crossed the road and kids are going to get a giggle when they discover the reason.

Quill says: The Chicken and Egg series is such a fun series - it's funny, clever, and offers up loads of giggles. If you haven't added these books to your child's reading list, don't delay! They will absolutely love Chicken and Egg!

For more information on Why Did Chicken Cross the Road?: Chicken and Egg Book 2,please visit the publisher's website at: www.FrogPrinceBooks.net.

 

#AuthorInterview with Tyler Michael - Author of Apex

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Barbara Bamberger Scott is talking with Tyler Michael, author of Apex.

FQ: Did current isolation/quarantine play a role in what must have been your intense concentration in constructing this complex story?

Author Tyler Michael

MICHAEL: Absolutely. My career keeps me on the road most weeks, and my company made the correct decision in March to ground my team and have everyone work from home until the pandemic subsided. With my workload shifted to my home office, and travel restricted, I was able to allocate significant time to the crafting and writing of Apex.

FQ: Can you cite one major work that influenced your plot?

MICHAEL: I don’t think you can attempt a story like Apex without acknowledging Richard Connell’s classic short, The Most Dangerous Game. This was certainly a piece of work that I kept in the trunk of my mind as I worked through the Apex storyboarding process. However, as I dug deeper into the characters and events of my book, it became clear that this was a story I wanted to tell and a story that could stand on its own.

FQ: You would seem to have some specialized knowledge of wilderness survival; from where does that spring?

MICHAEL: I have family and friends who are avid outdoor enthusiasts and I’ve have been fortunate enough to join them on various outings over the years; I owe 100% of my limited knowledge of survival skills to them. That being said, Apex absolutely draws from the experiences I’ve had on the trails over the years, especially the sequences involving the river and hills.

FQ: The suspense in Apex gets pretty intense in parts - how did you keep your focus while writing these parts? Did you have to walk away for a bit or ?

MICHAEL: Keeping focus wasn’t a challenge. I storyboarded every chapter and event in Apex before writing a single word. Once I had the characters and events where I wanted, I commenced with the writing process. This is true with all of my works; I strongly believe in having a blueprint. Ironically, my main concern was that I didn’t create enough suspense throughout the book; it can be tough to evaluate when you know every twist and turn.

FQ: How has your obvious interest in computer games, etc., come about – is it profession-related or solely personal?

MICHAEL: Computer Games, Movies, and Thriller Books have always been my escape. I own (literally) hundreds of movies and books. I’m always amazed by the worlds and complex scenarios that the creators come up with. I love being taken for a ride or given the opportunity to navigate within a world on my own. These interests are major influences in my writing.

FQ: Do you see Ranger as a sort of central, behind-the-scenes mover/shaker who might appear in future works?

MICHAEL: Ranger is certainly in a difficult position. He’s accepted his role within Apex, but his disdain for certain expeditions is obvious. As to whether we’ll see him again, you’ll have to wait and see.

FQ: Given that the hunters in this story seem to have mixed motivations, perhaps including power being wielded over them, do you have a sequel in mind?

MICHAEL: Yes. The storyboard is complete, and writing is underway. Without giving too much away, the next chapter embraces the pacing and unpredictability of the first but has zero interest in kidnapping another group of unsuspecting young adults and throwing them into a hunt for survival. I’ve written that book, and it’s time to take the story somewhere else.

FQ: Related to the last question, do you think a sequel might work with a different setting? Say in a city?

MICHAEL: Different settings could certainly work, but I don’t think a city is one of them. Part of what made Apex chilling, in my opinion, is the isolation and sense of helplessness experienced by the protagonists. Cities introduce complex social structures, access to technology and resources, and other components that would likely require an exponentially more complex and far-fetched story.

FQ: Do you believe that the kind of “game” depicted in Apex might actually be playing out somewhere in reality?

MICHAEL: I certainly hope not.