The Magic of Harry Potter and How I’ve Come to Love the Book Series

I admit that I’m extremely late getting to the Harry Potter Party, but I recently began reading the book series. When Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone came out I was a busy single mom of three young children with a ton of responsibilities and reading just never seemed to fit into the schedule. When the movie was released, I took my youngest son to see it and I was in total awe. Sure, it was long, particularly for children, but it was truly magical.

Now that I have more time to read for my own enjoyment I find myself happily gravitating to children’s books and the Harry Potter series was a natural choice. I decided to read the series, in order of course, and have completed the first two books – the aforementioned Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.

Regarding Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone, at first I wasn’t all that impressed with J K Rowling’s writing – that is, the mechanics of her writing. What I do think is she’s an amazing world-builder and that’s what makes this series so phenomenal. Readers become completely engrossed in the magical world of Hogwarts, Magic and Muggles. Sure, there are some glaring plot holes that adult readers might find glaringly obvious, but when we remember that this is a children’s book series these things are easily forgivable. And the author's writing improves tremendously as the series progresses.

There’s no denying that J K Rowling’s success with the Harry Potter series has probably far surpassed anything anyone could have ever imagined. It’s not often that a book is turned into a movie, but an entire book series being spun into a movie series is quite an awesome feat. And let’s not forget that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios continues to break visitor records year after magical year. A clear indication that there's no short supply of Potterheads in the world. Affection for the series shows no signs of waning anytime soon.

Would I recommend reading the series? Absolutely! The books are fun, fast-paced, non-wordy, and spectacularly glorious. Readers can quickly find themselves immersed in the tales of Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of J K Rowling’s characters. If you read for the sheer pleasure of it, then I encourage you to begin the series. If you read the Harry Potter books as a child, I encourage you to revisit as an adult. You’ll be seeing things through an entirely different perspective.

Using Your Imagination to Ground Yourself and Focus on What Really Matters in Life Guest Post By Children's Book Author Daniel Linsteadt

I'm all about finding holistic ways to calm and ground ourselves. I'm also a HUGE fan of children's books. When I reached out to children's book author Daniel Linsteadt to request an author guest post, he really nailed it. He managed to give us a post that addresses both of these topics and more. Take it away, Daniel!

The other day, my coworker said in an excited tone, “Come check this out!” There was a colorful image on the computer screen that I was to relax and stare at. As I looked, the colors on the screen faded away. Unable to hold my gaze, I blinked or readjusted my eyes and the color would reappear. The physical world around us is truly a miracle. This is the playground for my stories.

In my new Nila series (Water, Air, Fire), I toy with all our senses. Our first scent of the ocean is exquisite, but quickly fades with each exhale. Taking in your first breath of pine scented air in the mountains is strong and vibrant, but this too dissipates with time. Why does this happen? What other sights or smells am I missing that are right before me? I believe love for another person is the same, which requires us to readjust and refocus on that person to rekindle that sensation back into a flame.

           

I adore nature and all the wondrous sights, smells and textures she provides…life-giving properties that are just as important as water, air and food. Nature grounds me from all the static I absorb throughout a busy day. Our bodies and mind need that calming energy to stay vital, like the first day we opened our eyes to this world and our life.

© 2018, Susan Barton

You only need to watch a child place his fingers in running water for the first time—wow! First, there’s a slight frown from not being able to possess it, then a smile at how it flows over his skin. Water reflects color and light from the world around it, as well as the temperature…another sensation that is acute at first and then dulls—we call it getting used to. The young child then begins to laugh and talk to the water as they splash themselves and others with their newfound water friend. But as we age, water becomes, well, just water.

© 2018, Susan Barton

     

To bring that child back into me, I only need to step out into the sunshine with bare feet and breathe in the fragrant air. My imagination runs rampant with stories as I gaze at colorful flowers, multi-shaped leaves and fluorescent dragonflies darting through the air. Isn’t this what we did when we first arrived on planet Earth?

My second Oaf story, Oaf in Bear River, was born in this way. As I watched dragonflies bouncing off the glinting water’s surface and I rested my back against a log in the middle of the river, an idea began taking shape. A rainbow of light fluttered just beyond my arm’s reach on the streambed, and boom! My mind was off to the races, and the story was practically written before I came ashore.

I have a folder on my computer called “Stories” that contains many Word documents. Each saved with a title, and its contents a budding tale discovered when out in play. If I only had enough time write and give attention to each fantasy that has popped into my head. Going to work is important, but it does get in the way….

ABOUT DANIEL LINSTEADT

Daniel Linsteadt is the author of the Nila children’s book series and the Oaf children’s book series. He has a BA degree in Environmental Studies (emphasis Geology) and a BA degree in Geography (emphasis Remote Sensing) from UC Santa Barbara.

Daniel has spent most of his career as an IT programmer and administrator. His joy has always been creating tales, so now he shares his passion for life with inspiring and uplifting stories.

Daniel can often be found sipping coffee in the foothills of Auburn, California where nature is still wild ... if you know where to look.

Readers are invited to connect with Daniel on his author website.

Book Review of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It's time for another book review! I've chosen The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. If you haven't yet read it, I'd highly recommend doing so. If you've seen the movie, I urge you to read the book. There's so much more here than was included in the movie. Well worth the read!

Eleven-year-old Liesel Meminger is a foster child who has recently arrived in a small town outside Munich, Germany during WWII. Liesel has been sent to live with Hans and Rosa Huberman, presumably for the small stipend they’ll receive. Liesel is still suffering from the loss of her little brother and the difficult and somewhat mysterious separation from her mother. She takes an immediate like to Hans, who is kind and thoughtful, but takes much longer to warm up to the abrasive Rosa.

Liesel makes friends with next-door neighbor Rudy and establishes herself as a self-proclaimed book thief. Becoming unlikely friends with the Mayor’s wife Ilsa affords Liesel the opportunity to read the books in the Mayor’s massive library. Along the way, Liesel is witness to the atrocities of war, heartbreaking events, love, loss and other life-changing events.

I saw the movie The Book Thief several years ago and loved it. When I decided it was time to read the book I was absolutely captivated. Although the book is 550 pages long, I read it in just two days – it was THAT good.

The book is different in several ways, ways in which I won’t go into in my review. Suffice it to say that I’m glad I saw the movie first and then read the book. I think I might have been disappointed with the movie version if it had happened in opposite order. This just goes to show how well the author has written this important piece of fictionalized history. The time period, location, mood, characters, etc. come to life as the story unfolds.

I was surprised at some of the other reviews, stating that the book was just plain depressing. I’m not at all sure how a book that deals with the systematic extinction of a race of people can be written about in an uplifting, happy way. Yet, the book is so much more than a story about a German girl who is living in Nazi Germany during WWII. There are many lovely, tender elements to be found in The Book Thief. The additional anniversary edition footnotes written by the author (at the end of the book) provide wonderful insight.

I think it’s extremely important that all generations read books like The Book Thief. This is part of history and, as poet and philosopher George Santayana said, "Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it." This is a book that is emotionally draining, but very much worth the read!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton, DIY Mom Blog

The Tiniest Elf by Uncle Amon Book Review Share and One Day Freebie!

I've read many of Uncle Amon's children's books over the years and I'm always impressed with them. When it comes to this author, I know I'll be downloading an activity-packed, kid-friendly eBook that will be sure to appeal to a wide range of ages. 

The Tiniest Elf is FREE today and tomorrow only and I encourage you to grab it while you can during this freebie promo. To convince you, continue reading on to my book review below!

These stories center on Twinkletoes the elf, who was the tiniest Christmas elf. In the first story, Twinkeltoes is a sad little elf. He was so tiny, he couldn’t perform any elf chores. Although the other elves were nice to Twinkletoes, he was very sad that he wasn’t much help. Even Santa couldn’t cheer him up. Things become serious when Twinkletoes begins to realize his sadness has greater consequences.

There are four other Twinkletoes tales in this one book and each one is an adorable story for children! They’re each sweet with happy resolutions that children will be sure to enjoy. There are also some great kid-friendly activities at the end of each story. As is usual with Uncle Amon’s books, kids get plenty of quality stories, puzzles, jokes and more. Great value!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton for DIY Mom Blog

Another Adorable Bedtime Story for Toddlers and Preschoolers from Uncle Amon

HERE'S ANOTHER ADORABLE UNCLE AMON BOOK FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS. IT'S CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON, THRU 8/25/17

It’s nighttime and not just human children are getting ready for bed – cute and sleepy animals are being tucked into bed too. Patchwork Bear lives in Teddy Bear Hollow with Mommy Bear, who tucks him in bed and kisses his pink gumdrop nose. Rosie and Robbie bunny chat a bit before drifting off to sleep. Ollie and Cuddles the owls are off to dreamland as well.

This is another wonderful Uncle Amon book. I loved the illustrations! The various baby animals are colorful and adorable.

Goodnight Animals is sure to become a bedtime favorite for young children. It’s perfectly suited for its intended toddler/preschool audience. I’m sure I’ll be reading this book to my grandkids for many nights to come!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

This book is FREE on Amazon until 8/25!

Much to Do Before a Dog by Danny and Sheridan Blitz is an Awesome and Valuable Book for Children!

I recently spotted this book on Amazon and knew I had to grab it. Wow! I was NOT disappointed. I can highly recommend giving this a read. Below is my book review. 

The unique and adorable illustrations in this book caught my attention. Then, when I read that it’s based on a true story, I knew I had to grab it.

Koda is a little girl, who tells readers that, by the time she was five, she knew she was a dog whisperer. Koda wanted a dog and in order to convince her mom she learns how to relate to just about every dog she meets. When Koda finally gets the courage to ask her mom if she can have a dog, mother and daughter sit down to have a heart-to-heart talk about the responsibilities of owning pets.

Wow! I LOVED this book! There are so many wonderful things going on in this book – fantastic and eye-catching illustrations, a lovable main character, a patient and kind parent, the importance of adopting shelter animals and a truly valuable lesson for children.

As a mom, grandmother and early childhood educator, I can say that Much to Do Before a Dog is an excellent, educational book for children. In my opinion, this book will appeal to both boys and girls, as well as a wide variety of age groups. A wonderful read!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton, DIY Mom 

Oliver and Jumpy by Werner Stejskal - New Stories Are FREE for a Limited Time!

Oliver and Jumpy are back and FREE for a very limited amount of time. Grab this awesome children's book of three stories while you can!

DIY Mom Book Review:

Oliver the dapper cat is back with his best friend Jumpy the Kangaroo for three more action-packed adventures:

1. Flood
2. Lazy Squirrel
3. Unexpected Lory 

In “Flood”, Oliver and his friends are waiting out a powerful storm in the treehouse. Things get scary, but Oliver, as usual, is the voice of reason and jumps into action to help his friends stay calm and safe. There’s plenty of excellent role modeling and lessons for children in this one! There’s also a sweet poem at the end.

In “Lazy Squirrel”, Oliver is visited by a distraught squirrel. Of course, Oliver compassionately listens to the poor little squirrel and he soon agrees to help. Children learn about caring for others and apologizing when we’ve done wrong.

In “Unexpected Lory”, we begin with Oliver chasing Mausi the mouse, but all is not as it seems. Oliver is far too kind to cause any harm. When Oliver returns after a hard day of chasing Mausi, he’s intrigued to find that he has a very beautiful visitor named Lory in his treehouse. Oliver listens to Lory’s story and wonders what to do about this new visitor.

I loved these new Oliver and Jumpy stories. Werner Stejskal’s books are always a joy to read and look at! The stories are engaging, filled with action, and the illustrations are colorful and beautiful. I highly recommend this and all of the Oliver and Jumpy books to children, parents, grandparents and caregivers!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

Uncle Amon Book FREEBIES

ATTENTION PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND KIDS! 

© Uncle Amon Books

Just a quick post to let everyone know that Uncle Amon is running an awesome promo on a bunch of his books. There are plenty of freebies to grab during this promo, so download them while you can! Several Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas books are included!

You can check out the Uncle Amon collection here. 

Children's Book Author Rebecca Hubbard Stops by To Talk About THE GIFT - Author Guest Post and Giveaway

Paperback: 62 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 23, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1515181839

ISBN-13: 978-1515181835

ABOUT THE BOOK

All eleven-year-old Pip wanted was a best friend. When Pip gets a horse for her birthday, she’s delighted. She thinks that the horse she names Buck will be her best friend from the moment that they meet. But she finds out that friendship does not come that easily.

Pip’s father gently guides her so that Pip can discover for herself how to make Buck a true friend. Pip's new friend, Buck, has a story of his own. After leaving his own herd, to move to Pip's house, he is looking for a relationship that will help him feel safe. He, too, learns that making a friend takes patience and understanding.

Told from the perspectives of both Pip and Buck, The Gift is a heartwarming and valuable lesson about friendship, trust and love, that will appeal to a wide variety of readers.

PURCHASE“THE GIFT” ON AMAZON

ENTER THE GOODREADS SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY HERE

 ABOUT REBECCA HUBBARD

Rebecca J. Hubbard is a master's level Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over twenty years of experience working with children and their families. She began writing short stories as a child for her own amusement and enjoyment. Rebecca discovered that she could facilitate the healing of her young clients by writing stories for them.

Currently, Rebecca works at Spirit Reins as a clinician and as the clinical supervisor where she practices Natural Lifemanship, ™ a Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy™ model.

Rebecca is a native Texan, who enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her two dogs, Idgie and Sully, and her two horses, Cash and Cloud. She also loves to read, paint and garden. Rebecca encourages readers to connect with her via her website and Amazon Author Page.

AUTHOR GUEST POST

“Why I write” by Rebecca Hubbard

Writing has been a part of my life since early elementary school. I remember writing my first poem on fat lined school paper. I do not remember what my first poem was about but I recall writing to understand the things I was experiencing in my life. I also wrote about nature and things I wondered about. If I wasn’t on a horse or reading a book, then I was writing something. Growing up, writing was a salve and a constant companion. I did not start writing for others until I was a therapist. As a therapist I began using my writing skills to help my young clients cope with traumas and difficult experiences. This started out with me telling them very short stories. Then I started writing short stories that they could take home. My first story of this nature was called “Sneaky Pee.” My process evolved into creating stories for a larger audience of children.

My passion is writing stories for children who do not have books that reflect the trauma that happened to them. I want all children who have experienced traumatic events to be able to find a book that helps them feel that they are not alone, and gives them hope that they can feel better. It is an honor to shed light on the problems children face and on their resilient and beautiful spirits. The majority of the stories I have written are to be used in a therapeutic setting. These stories do not have a publisher so they are not available at this time. While the “The Gift” leans itself to as a therapeutic story, it also stands alone simply as a children’s book. enjoy writing stories that help children grow and learn about themselves and the world around them. I know I will continue to write these types of stories, as well as the ones that are more specialized. I cannot imagine my life without writing stories for children. It is an honor and a privilege to give a voice to children who feel they do not have one.

REBECCA IS GIVING AWAY A $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD AND A BEAUTIFUL SIGNED ILLUSTRATED PRINT FROM HER BOOK (SEE PHOTO BELOW). ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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Book Review of God's Good News by Billy Graham

Billy Graham is a well-known Evangelical Christian Minister with an incredibly huge following. Mr. Graham is reported to have encouraged more than 3 million people to accept and follow Jesus Christ over the decades.

God’s Good News is certainly another one of his admirable accomplishments. This book is substantial and well made. It’s clear that no expense was spared during publication, ensuring it will stand up to daily use. And, daily use is what comes to my mind with God’s Good News, since it’s filled with Biblical stories to be shared every single day.

Unlike many other Bible books, geared towards children, God’s Good News uses actual Bible text and never oversimplifies things for readers. Accompanying each story is Billy Graham’s own words, which encapsulate the stories beautifully. I can definitely see this book being used by Sunday School and VBS teachers. Parents can read a story each night at bedtime to small children and early readers should have no problem reading alone. The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching.

I would highly recommend this beautiful book. It would make a lovely Christmas gift and would certainly be a welcome addition to any Christian household.

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review of Bubbles Big Stink in Frog Pond by Ben Woodard

Bubbles is a frog with a problem. No matter what kind of bugs he eats, they cause him to make some stinky bubbles in Frog Pond. The other frogs are tired of putting up with Bubbles’ “problem” so they banish him from the pond. But, when the other frogs really need him later, will Bubbles come back to save the day?

This story is adorable and easily relatable to most children. Most parents know firsthand how hilarious children think it is to make their own “bubbles” in the bath. This book is sure to engage and entertain even small children. The illustrations are charming, colorful and eye-catching. It’s a short read, so it would make an excellent bedtime or even bath time read. Great fun!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

Book Review of The Bees by DC Swain

I chose this book because of the lovely cover art and because I adore children's books. This is a cute little story of the busy lives of bees. This can definitely be used as a stepping-stone to teach children how important bees are to our ecosystem. The book is rated for small children up to age 5 and as a parent, grandparent and former preschool teacher I'm certain it will entertain and hold the attention of little ones.

The illustrations are gorgeous, colorful and whimsical. The book is written in rhyme and in my experience with small children this is always a hit. I would recommend this sweet book for anyone who wants to share a quick and adorable story of the life of bees with children. 

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton