It's Cool

Summer vacation is cool even if the weather is hot and the humidty makes everything sticky. I've spent time in dry heat too. It's not much better. So swealtering heat is not cool, but summer vacation is. Confidence is cool. Inventions can be cool. Imagination is cool. And opening a brand new book is definitely cool... at least to me. So when I saw this new book, "Mac Slater Hunts the Cool" I thought, "this could be cool."

"Mac Slater Hunts the Cool"

By Tristan Bancks
For Ages 8 - 12
A quick-paced story about imagination, being yourself, and questioning what is cool, "Mac Slater Hunts the Cool" is entertaining and interesting. Unfortunately it lacks depth and misses the chance to be great. Rated 3.5 (dangerous stunts, cliques, mild bullying)

Mac Slater has never thought of himself as cool. He lives in an old bus next to the artists' village in Kings Bay, Australia. His mother is a diehard hippie and his father is a protester. His best friend Paul is an outcast as well, but together they work well. They both like to invent - currently it is a flying bike. So it strikes both Mac and Paul as odd when some hip young corporate types offer Mac a chance to hunt cool things, film them, and post the videos on the Coolhunters website. Only one catch. Mac has to compete with the "it" girl fashionista, Cat, to see who will get the gig and a chance to fly to New York.

The story questions what "cool" is and where you can find it. This is a pretty good idea and it provides for some fun adventures and plenty of humor. The story briefly explores class structure in high school, from geeks to jocks, but it balks at the chance to delve deeper into teen psyches. "Mac Slater Hunts for Cool," is a quick paced story about friendship and imagination. It's about being yourself and happy with whoever that is. That's cool.

Tristan Banks' background in acting and filmmaking comes through in the pacing and structure of "Mac Slater Hunts the Cool." It sort of reads like a movie. Unfortunately it reads like a mediocre movie with no real depth. On the surface it is enteratining and fun. It's light and humorous, but it misses too many opportunities to be a great book. Not cool.

If your kids want to read something fun and interesting, this story is cool. This is a planned series so maybe Bancks will explore more depth as the story continues, but don't expect more from "Mac Slater Hunts the Cool" than what is on the surface.

Is It Really the End?

I don't know about you, but I prefer to take paperback books with me when I travel for summer vacations. Unfortunately for me some of the best reading this summer is coming from new hardcover books. I was particularly looking foward to the newly released book from Brandon Mull. That is why I purchased it last week and spent a couple days reading it.

"Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison"
By Brandon Mull
For ages 10 - 15
This fast-paced fantasy adventure is filled with magic, mystery, fantasy creatures and a battle between good and evil. "Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison," is a fun and engaging epic with creative plot twists and deft character development. Rated 4.5 (perilous situations, violence, death, magic)
The fifth book of Brandon Mull's "Fablehaven" series finds Amy, Dan and the rest of the Knights of the Dawn facing what appears to be the eminent destruction of the world. Dan and Amy are on separate quests which could be the only hope for success in the final battle to come. Dan still acts impetuously and Amy still lacks confidence in her abilities. Strangely these characteristics lead to a few interesting turns of events. When the demons doublecross the Sphinx (imagine that, deceived by demons) he must work with the Knights of the Dawn to prevent the demon horde in Zzyzx from destroying the world. As the doors to the demon prison are opened all creatures of light converge on Shoreless Isle for the final battle.

We've followed Amy and Dan from the beginning as they were introduced to a fantasy world that existed within our own, but hidden by the limitations of our own vision. Each book brought new dangers and new powers. And each book brought the Society of the Evening Star closer to releasing the demon king from his magical prison.We've seen Dan and Amy get involved in the fight as they and slowly became the keys to success. Mull finishes the Fablehaven series with fast-paced adventures, perilous situations and plot twists that will keep you guessing. He answers old questions, introduces new characters and leaves some new questions unanswered.

It may not be the best book of the series but it is a fitting end. Although Mull says, in an afterward, that he may revisit the world of "Fablehaven" and its characters in the future he has made it clear any new book on the subject would not be a sequel. I thoroughly enjoyed the "Fablehaven" series. If you enjoyed Harry Potter and have been looking for a series to fill the void, this one will do it admirably. Thank you Brandon Mull. I look forward to your next series of books, whatever they are.

In a Real Pickle

A new book by Promitzer puts a strange spin on summer vacation.

I am still reading summer vacation books and I may be doing that for some time to come. My column for June will cover paperback books for summer. Pick up a copy of Lowcountry Parent, Upstate Parent or Palmetto Parent to read it. Or, wait until July and I'll include some of the reviews here. Anyway, I finished reading an intersting book that takes place over a summer vacation a couple weeks ago and thought you may be interested. You can find it in bookstores now.

"The Pickle King"
By Rebecca Promitzer

For ages 12 - 16
This interesting story is as strange as the cover art of glowing pickles and an eyball in a jar. An exciting mystery-adventure with twists turns and a few supernatural elements set in a dismal rainy town. Rated 3.5 (gruesome imagery, perilous situations, ghosts)

Set in the nowhere town of Elbow, "The Pickle King" follows Bea, an 11-year-old girl, whose father is missing and whose mother is in a sanitatium. Bea lives in her family home with a close friend of her parents. They don't have much money and she longs to change her fortune with a sunny summer vacation. Unfortunately, summer vacation in Elbow is dismal. It rains incessantly. It's not a pretty rain either. Dark and hard, the rain is actually blamed for causing some residents to lose touch with reality.

Bea and a few of the other students stuck in Elbow for the summer are forced to spend time together - it's a school thing. When Bea takes a photo of a mysterious dead body strange things begin to happen. The mystery involves ghosts, shady men, secret societies, missing persons, and swamp people living under the refuse in the city dump. It's plot is a little wonky but the suspense, twists, and turns tend to make up for it.

Bea and the other "Raintown Convicts," as they come to call themselves, act as a makeshift "Scooby Gang" and embark on a gruesome quest to uncover the towns' many buried secrets. Though forced together the gang become friends risking their lives for one another from attacks by giant rats and demented surgeons. Whether it is a bag full of human intestines, a secret stairway covered in roaches, or a mansion stocked with human parts, the grizzly details and descriptive narrative are what keep this story interesting.

Everything culminates in a showdown between Bea and a centuries-old tycoon. That's right he is avoiding death with a steady supply of replacement parts and organs harvested from the town's discarded and forgotten residents.

The narrative has holes and the mystery is a little out there, but Promitzer's gift with language and description draws the reader into this uniquely odd town with quirky characters you may actually relate to and mysteries you'll want to solve.

Summer Sensibilities

It seems it has been a very long time since I last posted a book review. I have gotten so into highlighting illustrators, writing opinions, and conducting interviews that I have had little time to post reviews. I am still reading though, so the reviews are coming. I'll get things started with a short one.

“Scones and Sensibility”
By Lindsay Eland
For Ages 8 – 14
"Scones and Sensibility," is a break from the average fantasy oriented teen fare. With allusions to "Pride and Prejudice" this airy novel is a great summer read about love and freindship. Rated 4 (humor, friendship, no fantasy creatures)
Tired of vampires, pixies, and werewolves? You’ll find none of that in this delightful tale of friendship and matchmaking. Enamored with Jane Austen’s heroic Elizabeth Bennett, from “Pride and Prejudice,” young Polly Madassa tries to live her life as a close as she can to the refined and ladylike manners of her 19th century heroines. This also puts her very out of touch with the modern world around her. While working in her parents bakery Polly decides it is her calling to encourage love to bloom throughout her sleepy little New England town. Nothing ever works out so easily, but that also adds to the fun. Be sure to have a pastry in hand before you begin reading, "Scones and Sensibility" will make you hungry. This light and airy novel will be a fun summer read for girls looking for something without blood, battles and the end of the world.

Part 2: Write What You Know: An Interview with Author, Michelle Barfield

The last time I posted a new entry I presented the first half of an interview with Michelle Barfield, author of “The Sully Bug.” Now that you've had a chance to learn a little about Michelle and her book I’ll continue with part two. Enjoy.

“The Sully Bug,” for children 4 – 8 years old, tells the story of a brother’s joy and excitement for his new baby sister. The book also reveals that each child is a unique and individual gift from God. Written in verse, the story is easy to read with cute illustrations and a heartwarming message.

Part 2: Write What You Know: An Interview with Author, Michelle Barfield.

MF: Were you interested in writing before you decided to write "The Sully Bug?"


MB: I am a former first and second grade teacher. I had always thought it would be fun to write a children's book, but never really imagined that I would actually do it. I guess it makes sense because being an early childhood educator, as well as a parent of small children, I have always loved reading to kids. And children's books are so much fun!

MF: Did you show the book to anyone for input while writing it? Critique groups? Friends? Editors?


MB: I did share the manuscript with my husband, children, several family members, and friends. Everyone was very positive and supportive, but I did hear the same advice over and over. "You will probably have to send it to many different publishers before anyone takes notice. Don't get discouraged. Don't give up." It was good advice, and probably very true, but God sure had other plans this time.

As you may remember from part one, the first publisher to which Michelle submitted “The Sully Bug” decided to publish it.


MF: What kind of publisher is Tate?


MB: Tate Publishing is a Christian publishing company that has been absolutely awesome to work with. They have done everything they said, when they said they would do it ¬– above and beyond what I had even expected. I enjoyed every aspect of publishing and truly enjoyed getting to know the people with whom I was working. It has been a fun and exciting experience.

MF: Did Tate provide Greg White as an illustrator for “The Sully Bug,” or did you find him on your own?


MB: Tate provided Greg as an illustrator. I had a great time working with him. They (Greg) are in Mustang, Oklahoma so we were only able to talk on the phone and send pictures, etc. on the computer. He did such a great job up front, taking the time to understand what I wanted, that I didn't request one single change. He was truly amazing!

MF: Now that you are working on some new books, how has the writing process been different than working on "The Sully Bug?"


MB: Actually, the process has been very similar. I enjoy writing in rhyme. The next two books are also rhyming, but they are a little more "silly" than "The Sully Bug." All three are about completely unrelated topics.

MF: Are you doing any book signings, readings, or appearances to promote your book?


MB: I have done many book signings all over my community. I have also been going into schools and actually going classroom by classroom to read to the students on a more personal level. Then they have the opportunity to ask me questions. I have read to over 50 classrooms – over 1,000 children in my area. One of the funniest experiences I have had was the time I did "Pajama Night" at a local Chic-fil-A. The kids received a free kid's meal if they came in their PJs. I was asked to wear Chic-fil-A PJs as advertisement. It turned out that mine were about two sizes too small!! It is very humbling to stand in front of the town in PJs that are too tight!

MF: Where can interested readers find and purchase "The Sully Bug?"

MB: It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders. I live in Spartanburg, SC, so it is available in Christian Supply (Spartanburg), as well as, Bookstore and More (Boiling Springs).

I will be signing books at the Greer Family Fest in Greer, SC on Friday, April 30 and Saturday May 1. I am very excited about this event. I love doing festivals, or any event, that allows me to meet and talk with people face to face.

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Michelle Barfield. If you have any suggestions for more author interviews please let me know and I’ll see what I can arrange.

Write What You Know: An Interview with Author Michelle Barfield

I’ve been on vacation, but now it is back to work. I finished a bunch of books while on a vacation and I had the opportunity to interview another author, Michelle Barfield. Speaking of interviews, I hope you had a chance to read my recent interview with Meg Walsh, author of "Mama, Won’t You Play With Me?"

Michelle Barfield is a first time author. Her new book, "The Sully Bug," is a paperback picture book published by Tate Publishing. “The Sully Bug,” for children 4 - 8 years old, tells the story of a brother’s joy and excitement for his little sister. The book also reveals that each child is a gift from God. Written in verse the story is easy to read, with cute illustrations and a heart-warming message.

The following is part one of an interview with Michelle Barfield. Enjoy.


MF: What inspired you to write a children's book?

MB: In 2002, my husband and I welcomed our first child. Our son, Riley, brought so much joy and happiness to our lives that 2 1/2 years later we decided to expand our family. It was during this period of time that we experienced 3 years of heartbreaking failure and two devastating losses. In July of 2007, God blessed us with our beautiful daughter, Sullivan ("Sully Bug"). I tell people that the book is my expression of thanksgiving, my "thank you" note to God, for my two wonderful, healthy children.


MF: How long did it take you to write and rewrite before you finished the final draft of “The Sully Bug” we see today?


MB: I believe that God's hand was on the entire process. I was so exhausted from the demands of a new baby that I could not even put two coherent sentences together to speak, much less write a book, but the words just kept flowing. I would put a notebook beside my bed at night, wake up in the middle of the night and just scratch down a thought, phrase, etc. Then, I would pick up on it the next day. It only took me about three days working when I had a few minutes to finish the manuscript… Another reason I believe that God's hand was on me was that I was offered a contract by the very first publisher that looked at it. I was shocked! I know that God opened the doors for me, and He has continued to amaze me!


MF: How long did it take you to go from submission to Tate Publishing to printed product?


MB: It took almost exactly one year from submitting my manuscript to getting the advanced copies in my hand. That was such an exciting day, holding that first copy. I inscribed the first two to my children. Then it was hard not to give them to everyone I saw. My church actually purchased several hundred copies to use as a part of our children's/outreach ministries. We do actually give them away to children in our community. It has been awesome to give a child a book with the message that God is our Creator, and we can make our requests known to Him through prayer.


MF: What was the greatest obstacle you faced in publishing your book?


MB: Probably myself. I didn't send the manuscript in right away. I guess I was afraid of rejection. But then I thought, "So what if they don't like it. What have you lost other than a little time and a stamp? If you don't try, you will never know, and you will probably always regret it."


MF: Are you working on any more books?


MB: As a matter of fact, I have about three others that are ready to go. I have been advised, however, to slow down and concentrate on this one for now. When I reach a certain goal, I will be ready to go ahead with book number two.

Come back tomorrow for the rest of the conversation with Michelle Barfield as we speak about her experience with illustrator Greg White and Tate Publishing.

"The Sully Bug" can be found at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Borders.

Mmmm, Tasty!

I was watching Iron Chef the other night when Chef Symon made a version of green eggs and ham. This was the second or third time I've seen green eggs and ham on Iron Chef and it got me to thinking about cookbooks for children. I own "The Spatulatta Cookbook," a great book written by sisters, Isabella and Olivia Gerasole. They host Spatulatta.com and are kids cooking for kids. The green eggs and ham, however, had me thinking of Dr. Seuss. So I decided to review the "Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook." Maybe next time I will review the "Star Wars Cookbook" or "Fairies Cookbook."

“Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook”

By Georgeanne Brennan

Illustrated by Dr. Seuss

Photography by Frankie Frankeny

For ages 7 – 14

A great book to help expose chidlren to cooking and food fun. Rated 4 (tasty and fun recipes, kid context, Seuss rhymes)

Have you ever wondered how the crazy foods in Dr. Seuss’ books might taste? How about some Green Eggs and Ham or Gunker Stew? Georgeanne Brennan answered the question with the “Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook.” It is filled with wonderful creations inspired by the good doctor himself. Try a swig of Pink Ink Yink Drink or a bite of a Daisy Head Maisy Burger. More than 40 recipes will keep you and your children busy and excited about cooking.

Each recipe is accompanied by the original "inspirational" verse and often by Seuss' illustrations as well. The book is spiral bound for easy page flipping. Each page is also laminated to help prevent damage from spills and splatters.

Dr. Seuss fans and crazy kids alike will have fun in the kitchen and at the dinner table with this book. Bon appetit.