A Boy Named Mu, an African Journey, and You

Mu, a ten-year-old orphan, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness, and little hope that anything will ever change.

But one day, everything does change. On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through a fascinating and ever-changing landscape.
A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest blends magical realism with a compelling story. The exciting story line combines an orphan’s journey to find a home with the plight of child soldiers and the dangers of the Ebola virus and, along the way, highlights universal themes of integrity, loyalty, faith, and love. Written by long-time medical missionary J. A. Myrhe, the artful story is laced with subtle gospel themes and handles cross-cultural issues with grace and sensitivity. Kids will encounter good and evil and learn the truth about hope, happiness, and what it means to be human in this page-turning first book in a new series.
​
—A page-turning children’s action and adventure story set in a fictional African land
—Blends magical realism and compelling storytelling with gospel themes to draw kids gently into the truth
—Deals with real-life but (seemingly) faraway themes like the plight of orphans, the duties of child soldiers, and the reality of the Ebola virus
—Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa who handles cross-cultural issues with grace, sensitivity, and love

Available to purchase on Amazon:
Paperback

​J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents.
Find out more about J.A. at http://paradoxuganda.blogspot.com.

You can also connect with J.A. Myhre on:
FACEBOOK | TWITTER

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest by J.A. Myhre is a captivating African tale that children will love.  This book is about a child who embarks on a quest with the help of a chameleon.   Faced with adventure and dangerous animals, and dangerous situations, Mu goes on a journey that helps him discover who he is, as well as his way home.  With delightful characters and a fascinating storyline, taking place in the heart of Africa, this novel would be a good parent and child read-a-loud.  I would recommend this novel to children that enjoy adventure stories.

Genre: children’s; Christian; Africa
Publisher: New Growth Press
Publication date: October 6, 2015
Number of pages: 128
Category: Elementary School +
Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via LitFuse.

Avaialable to purchase on Amazon:
Kindle
Hardback

Emma Parker graduated summa cum laude from Southern New Hampshire University with a BA in English and Creative Writing. She was born and raised in Southern California and currently lives in Utah to work her dream job as an acquisitions editor for a publishing company. “Papa’s Book of Mormon Christmas” is her first book. You can learn more about Emma at emmaraeparker.com.

Alexa Terry Hanson is a true-blue California girl born in Chico, California. She discovered her talents at a young age, and as the years went by, her skills continued to develop. After a few years of college, she returned home and fell in love with her husband. They currently live in California, where she has had many experiences and opportunities as a freelance artist with companies such as TOMS Shoes and Disney Television Animation Studios. Every day she continues to create new characters and new worlds using her artistic talents, and she could not be happier.

​Toys and books are lots of fun, but when it comes down to it, the true meaning of Christmas is what matters most.  In their story for children, Papa’s Book of Mormon Christmas, author Emma Rae Parker portrays a beautiful and fun story of how a father teaches his child.  Illustrator Alexa Terry Hanson enhances the story by adding her delightful and fun artwork too.  I would recommend this captivating picture book to children and youth alike and any parent to use as a teaching opportunity.
 
Genre: holiday; Christmas; LDS
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Publication date: October 13, 2015
Number of pages: 32
Category: Pre-school+
Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 5 star

Melissa Blowfish likes to brag that she can swim the fastest, climb the highest, and has the best of everything. Corey finds her crying in the sand box with her broken shovel, the only toy she really had. They all chip in treasure coins for her birthday present. Melissa prays, giving thanks to God for her friends, and learns they are more important than all the toys in the sea.
​
Lee Ann Mancini and Dan Sharp have created an underwater world that explodes with color, drawing the children into the captivating story.“

Available to purchase on:
Amazon
Paperback
Hardback

GLM Publishing

Lee Ann Mancini is the creator of the Adventures of the Sea Kids Series and holds a Bachelor of Religious Studies form Regent University, A Master of Biblical and Theological Studies from Knox Theological Seminary and a Master of Christian Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  She is also an Adjunct Professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary.  Lee Ann is a wife and mother of two who has devoted her live as a servant for her Christ and she attends Spanish River Christian Church in Boca Raton, Florida.  Part of the proceeds after costs will be donated to fund Christian charities that minister the needs of children.

Connect with Lee Ann on:
​Goodreads      Amazon      Website

Dan Sharp is an artist with over thirty years experience illustrating for children.  He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University and has illustrated many children’s books.  He has specialized in the creation of licensed artwork designs for Disney, Warner Brothers, American Greetings and many other licensors of popular character properties as well.  Dan loves the Lord and attends Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
uilding furniture and acoustic instruments. He attends Calvary Undenominational Church and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. 

Connect with Dan on:
​Website

​In the second book in the Sea Kids Adventures, What a Bragger!, author Lee Ann Mancini and illustrator Dan Sharp have come together and created yet another beautiful and brightly colored book that kids will absolutely love!  Filled with excellently detailed and brightly colored pictures, this story teaches children that sometimes there is more going on with a person who is being mean than what it seems on the surface.  It also teaches kids to be kind no matter what.  Parents and teachers will enjoy using this story to help children see and come to understand these easily relatable, real-life examples of how to treat others.  This book, as well as the first book in the series, are great teaching tools to help children understand principles and do and become better people.
 
Series: Sea Kids Adventure Books
Genre: children’s fiction
Literary awards: Readers’ Favorite Illustrator Award; Readers’ Favorite Book Award Finalist
Publisher: BLM Publishing
Publication date: March 1, 2015
Number of pages: 32
Age: 3+
Grade level: pre-preschool+
 
Other books in the series:
1-Fast Freddy
3-I’m Not Afraid (coming in 2016)

​Content Ratin: G
Book Rating: 5 stars

It was the first day of school and anxieties were running high. For certain​ ​there was the excitement of moving up a grade, but there was also the dread of anything and everything that could go wrong. Not only were the possibilities endless, they were totally out of your control. Whether or not you were accepted rested squarely on the shoulders of the popular kids. Suppose you were too short or too tall; too smart or not smart enough; too rich or too poor; or just plain different?

These thoughts were fresh on the minds of Otis, Chandler and Marissa. Three pre-teens whose paths had never crossed, although they lived in the same town in Connecticut. Their backgrounds were so diverse they may as well have lived worlds apart. That was all about to change when on their way to school a series of bizarre events lump them together. Literally!

Join them on this unreal journey to alternate realities never before re­vealed. Go back in time to a parallel past, the All Agos. Coexist in a present experience that mirrors your own, the Ne’er Now. Finally and with greater understanding, manifest in a future of your creation, the Will Be Once.

Then you will have come closer to achieving ...as it should.

Available to purchase on Amazon:
​​Paperback

Trudie L. Hayes’ personal story and family life influenced her mission to spread the core values of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and self-love to children and persons of all ages. An affiliation with physically and mentally disabled adults and children spanning many years is a major contributing factor. The caregiver role has been paramount throughout much of her life, even while furthering her education or working full-time in a corporate setting.


These experiences have given her a deep understanding of the trials and struggles associated with a compromised existence. As well as the inspiration and joy derived from living life to one's personal best.


It is through these myriad life experiences that Hayes began writing and registering several related trademarks. With a grander vision of promoting confidence and self-worth.


Born and raised in Connecticut, Hayes still calls the Nutmeg State home. The oldest of two children, she remains close to her siblings. When Hayes is not writing or managing her business, she dedicates her time to other creative outlets and artistic pursuits. Hayes has a deep appreciation and passion for music in its many forms; she enjoys writing song lyrics, performing, and has an affinity for Jazz.

Connect with Trudie on:
​Goodreads      Twitter      Amazon      Website

In this story where three unlikely kids form a friendship and are thrown together in a grand adventure, the storyline and cast of characters has some potential.  Although it has a good start, this novel is at times hard to follow and there seems to be a disconnect between what was previously taking place and what is currently taking place in the story.  Even though I did not particularly care for this novel, young readers that enjoy science fiction, fantasy novels may more thoroughly enjoy it.
 
Genre: thriller; fantasy; science fiction
Publisher: Love Your Me, LLC
Publication date: July 31, 2015
Number of pages: 340
Category: Middle Grade
Content Rating: ​G

Book rating: ​3 star

Oct 12 – Domestic Chanteuse – book spotlight
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Oct 19 -  A Bit Bookish - review / giveaway
Oct 20 – Rockin' Book Reviews – review / guest post / giveaway
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Oct 26 – Reading Authors - review
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Oct 30 – 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy & Sissy, Too! - review/guest post/ giveaway
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Nov 3 – Collecting Moments – review / author interview
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Nov 4 -   Mommy Wants to Read - review
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Nov 9 -   #redhead.with.book – review / giveaway
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Nov 13 -  The Cubicle Escapee - review / giveaway

A review copy of this book was provided by iRead Book Tours.

​Fast Freddy is one of the sea kids that live in the “coralhood.” Fast Freddy overcomes the ridicule of being different (half shark, half octopus) from the other kids in his new school. Once they find out he can swim fast like a shark, they ask him to join the swim team. They realize he is a great kid and are happy that he helps them win the championship for the first time. He comes from behind overcoming Marcus who is a formidable threat on team Barracudas. His octopus arms wave in victory as he crosses the finish line! Freddy receives the MVP award, but says a prayer of thanks to Jesus for being different and having new friends. Lee Ann Mancini and Dan Sharp have created an underwater world that explodes with color, drawing the children into the captivating story..

Available to purchase on:

Amazon:
Paperback
Hardback

​GLM Publishing

Lee Ann Mancini is the creator of the Adventures of the Sea Kids Series and holds a Bachelor of Religious Studies form Regent University, A Master of Biblical and Theological Studies from Knox Theological Seminary and a Master of Christian Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  She is also an Adjunct Professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary.  Lee Ann is a wife and mother of two who has devoted her live as a servant for her Christ and she attends Spanish River Christian Church in Boca Raton, Florida.  Part of the proceeds after costs will be donated to fund Christian charities that minister the needs of children.

Connect with Lee Ann on:
​Goodreads      Amazon      Website

​ Dan Sharp is an artist with over thirty years experience illustrating for children.  He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University and has illustrated many children’s books.  He has specialized in the creation of licensed artwork designs for Disney, Warner Brothers, American Greetings and many other licensors of popular character properties as well.  Dan loves the Lord and attends Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
uilding furniture and acoustic instruments. He attends Calvary Undenominational Church and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. 

Connect with Dan on:
​Website

In this award winning children’s picture book, author Lee Ann Mancini and illustrator Dan Sharp have created a beautiful and fun book that kids will not only like, but will thoroughly enjoy.  With brightly colored, beautifully detailed pictures, as well as a great story, children will love this novel that teaches them about not picking on others and being friends with everyone.  A main theme of the story is being nice and accepting people that are different than yourself.  Don’t judge someone because they are different, figure out what you like about them because they are different, and most importantly become his or her friend.  Not only will children enjoy this story, but parents and teachers alike will love the real-life teaching principles within the story.  I would recommend this book to teachers and parents to use as a learning tool, as well as for children that love to learn new principles in life to help them become better.
                                                                                                        
Series: Sea Kids Adventure Books
Genre: children’s fiction
Literary Awards: FAPA Gold Winner: Best Children’s Picture Book; IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award; Moms Choice Award Winner; readers’ Favorite Finalist: Children’s Books K-3rd; Readers’ Favorite Illustration Award Winner: Children’s Books K-3rd
Publisher: BLM Publishing
Publication date: April 9, 2015
Number of pages: 28
Age: 3+
Grade level: Pre-preschool+
 
Other books in the series:
2-What a Bragger
3-I’m Not Afraid (coming in 2016)

Content Ratin: G
Book Rating: 5 stars

​“Recycle and create.” That’s Tinker’s motto. He’s an inventor, who lives with his uncle and cousins on planet Kitz. The Invention Institute is having a Recycle Race to choose a new apprentice for their boarding school for young inventors. Tinker builds an airbike for the contest. When Tinker’s cruel cousins destroy it, a robot dog helps Tinker fix his entry in time to compete.

Available to purchase on Amazon:
Kindle
Paperback

Connect with Jill on:
Goodreads      Facebook      Twitter      Amazon      Website

Connect with Luke on:
Goodreads      Amazon

Jill and Luke Williamson have come together and created a fun science fiction novel that kids will love.  Filled with fun characters and relatable situations, such as getting picked on, youth will thoroughly enjoy this fun read and first book in the RoboTales series.  Young readers will anxiously await book two in the series to see what happens next in this fun, new, and exciting series for kids.

Series: RoboTales
Genre: fantasy, science fiction
Publisher: Novel Kids Press
Publication date: September 7, 2015
Number of pages: 91
Age: 7-13
Grade level: 2-8