This weeks review showcase is for Jasmine the Chef (written by Maria Rochelle and illustrated by yours truly). Jasmine the Chef is the 2nd book in the Jasmine Dreams series.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Delightful children's book!, October 29, 2014

Carla Burke "writergirl"

This review is from: Jasmine The Chef (Jasmine Dreams Book 2) (Kindle Edition)

Join Too Chef Jasmine and her friends in making her dreams come true cooking up cupcakes, pizza and more! Delightful, easy read with recipes at the end of the book!

Carla Burke, Award -Winning Author of "I Spy a Dragonfly".

5.0 out of 5 stars

A pinch of sweetness and a whole lot of awwww, August 17, 2014

J. D. Estrada "Jokersurfer"

(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Jasmine The Chef (Jasmine Dreams Book 2) (Kindle Edition)

Just as sweet as the first adventure and just as recommended for young readers in search of something sweet to lead into slumberland.

5.0 out of 5 stars

... book in the Jasmine Dreams series that I have enjoyed with my grandchildren, July 15, 2014

Kathy Mashburn "Kathy"

This review is from: Jasmine The Chef (Jasmine Dreams) (Volume 2) (Paperback)

Jasmine The Chef is the 2nd book in the Jasmine Dreams series that I have enjoyed with my grandchildren. Jasmine's adventures will keep children interested and giggling. We can't wait to see what Jasmine dreams next!

4.0 out of 5 stars

Cute Book, June 21, 2014

Amazon Customer

This review is from: Jasmine The Chef (Jasmine Dreams Book 2) (Kindle Edition)

Cute story with great pictures and fanciful rhyme. Children who like dogs will enjoy Jasmine's adventure! Definitely worth the money.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Cute Book, June 11, 2014

Stephanie

This review is from: Jasmine The Chef (Jasmine Dreams Book 2) (Kindle Edition)

Very cute book. My kids love dogs and they get excited when we read about all the things Jasmine can do.

5.0 out of 5 stars

great book, June 1, 2014

Beth

This review is from: Jasmine The Chef (Jasmine Dreams Book 2) (Kindle Edition)

Love the book Maria is a close friend. My granddaughters love the series. So proud of the writer she has became.

Grab your copy of Jasmine the Chef here. Once you've read it, please take a minute to post a quick review. Little things like that mean a lot to us ;)

P.S. The 3rd book in the Jasmine Dreams series is now available for pre-order. Be one of the first to get your hands on it and order now!

Title: Twee’ for Two

Author: Susie E. Caron

ISBN: 978-0-9889113-4-5

Purchasing links: Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Twee-Two-Susie-ECaron/dp/0988911345/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413742288&sr=1-1&keywords=Twee%27+for+Two

http://goo.gl/aMimrG

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Twee%27%20for%20Two

http://goo.gl/FLVEMS

Book blurb: In this 3^rd picture book from Susie’s “Between You and Me” series, Twee’ realizes she has no friends, except for Rock, who never talks with her. Twee’ can see children playing in the apple orchard, and she wishes for a friend who can play with her. Her wish comes true, but not in the way she anticipates. Join Twee’ as she learns the meaning of real friendship and discovers that new friends can be right around the corner.

Susie with the real life cat
the character in the book is based on

Author bio: Susie E Caron is a Mommy Coach, Blogger, Psychologist-Master, Christian, Wife, Mother, and Author of 3 picture books from her 'Between You and Me' series. Susie created these books following years of experience working with children and families. In Twee', I Am Twee' and Twee' for Two, Susie illustrates childhood feelings and experiences through the eyes of childlike pine tree, called Twee'. When read aloud, Twee' stories help kids to talk with their parents about their own experiences and feelings. Susie also writes blog-articles to help Mommies understand and enjoy their children, and gain their cooperation and have more fun. Her unique gifts include her authentic presence, an ability to connect at the deepest levels of need and want, and wisdom to share. Find out more at http://www.SusieCaron.com Susie lives in VT with her husband, two horses and a bouncy Boxer named Coda.

Author website and/or blog url.

www.susiecaron.com

http://www.susiecaron.com/blog--between-you--me

http://www.SusieCaronOnAmazon.com

Reviews:

Twee’ for Two, the third book in Susie Caron’s Between You and Me Series, is just as delightful as the first two books. Twee’ has grown in this book. She is the same adorable and loveable pine tree, but she is faced with handling changing surroundings, feelings of loneliness, managing new relationships, and dealing with loss. She does so with the help of her new friends, and young readers are left feeling empowered about dealing with similar situations in their own lives because, if Twee’ can do it, they can too! Twee’ for Two, is sure to capture and hold the hearts and minds of children and parents alike. It will spark meaningful and heartfelt conversations between parent and child. Once your children have read a Twee’ book, it will become a part of your nightly bedtime story routine. Twee’ will soon become a welcomed part of your family, like she has ours.

~ Lindsay Brant-Brumwell, M.Ed., Author of Fiddle and Dee and the Bedtime Band (The Adventures of Fiddle and Dee Series)

By marcy on October 19, 2014

Format: Paperback

Wonderful book for kids of all ages. Great story about friendship.

A wonderful read for anchild

By Kellet Garnett on October 20, 2014

Format: Paperback

A wonderful read for any child. This is the third book in the Twee series and the whole series is wonderful for my 2 year old. The illustrations are great and the story is wonderful.

I love twee and so do mittle clients

By Susan Paquette on October 21, 2014

Format: PaperbackI love twee and so do my little clients. I have this in a special place on my desk and the kids come in and ask for it every time. I can't wait to show them Twee for Two. I know they will love this story of friendship as much as i did.

By Joanne R Fiske on October 21, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

I have known Susie Caron for a number of years and when I heard she was writing the Twee books I was very excited because knowing her, I knew she would create great entertainment with a very important lesson for kids of ALL ages. That’s what all good writers do, layers of meanings so as to reach and impact for the better as many people as possible with what they are passionate about; even us 60+ kids! I too fell in love with Twee. I adore his honest personality and willingness to learn and and sure enough the lessons hit home all too well with me too. This past week I had the opportunity to read Twee for Two to my 7 year old grandson. I thought, he’ll be bored, after all it’s not the movie Transformers or an exciting video game. But delightfully, he sat listening intently, engaged in the story and making comments on the pictures. After we finished, he said it reminded him of a first time classmate in school who he liked a lot but who had moved away. He said, I miss her, but I have new friends now...but it was good to have had her as a friend. It was a good reminder for him that he still cared about her but that it was OK. Reading Twee for Two together helped us grow closer just talking about his feelings…Thank you Susie! Your books are keepers and remain on my coffee table for kids of all ages. Keep them coming. They are fun and helped me as a grandma teach and talk about how best to handle the ups and downs of emotions in life with my grandson.

Susie with her dog

Mini Interview:

Why did you write this book? I wanted to offer children and parents a book about what it means to be a friend, and how sometimes that includes saying ‘goodbye’. Children and adults often don’t have a chance to have a good – “Good-Bye” with some of their friends and family members. This is so important and I illustrated that in Twee’ for Two.

Anything in particular you'd like to share about this book or its creation? Yes! Twee’s first talking friend is a cat who appears quite suddenly. His name is Link and he belongs to my daughter, who adopted two kittens from a barn litter. Both kittens grew into large Maine Coon Cats. The female is sweet and a beautiful sable color. Link is dark with a lot of white markings, and he has such a personality, that I couldn’t resist using him as the model for Twee’s friend.

What can we expect to see from you in the future? I enjoy writing children’s books and I plan to write more. Currently, I write parenting articles on my weekly blog- “Between You and Me”. I have sketched out a gift book based on Twee’, a parenting book, and I hope to release a book of my poetry as well, all in the next year.

If part of tour: Where can people find out more about your tour? I’d like to do a virtual book tour over the next few months. To find out more about my tour and how you can help, please go to www.susiecaron.com and click on Tour.

Please visit my Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/SusieECaron.Twee

Follow me on Twitter : http://twitter.com/CGPsusiecaron

Find me on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/susiecaron3/

Thank you Jo Linsdell for hosting me on your Featured Friday Posts. I love visiting you!

This weeks review showcase is for Jasmine at Work (the first book in the Jasmine Dreams series written by +Maria Rochelle and illustrated by yours truly).

5.0 out of 5 stars

Sweet doggy daydreams and rhymes, August 17, 2014

J. D. Estrada "Jokersurfer"

(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Jasmine At Work (Kindle Edition)

Super sweet book and you can't help but love Jasmine and her adventures. I always wondered what my dogs dream about and think about and here's a perfect example of a canine daydream. Definitely something sweet to read to your kids to put them to sleep with lovely thoughts.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Really Cute Book, March 14, 2014

Kathy Mashburn "Kathy"

Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Jasmine At Work (Kindle Edition)

Jasmine At Work is a cute and colorful book that any young child would enjoy reading. My granddaughers have read it several times, and they alwasy end up chatting about other things they imagine Jasmine might do next! We look forward to the author's next book.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Fun & colorful!, January 26, 2014

Karjoe

This review is from: Jasmine At Work (Paperback)

A great book for all dog lovers! So cute and colorful. Young readers will enjoy the adventures of Jasmine and her friends.

5.0 out of 5 stars

LOVED the book! Great children's book, January 4, 2014

Kristy Davenport

This review is from: Jasmine At Work (Paperback)

Recommended for children and parents great book. My children enjoy reading this book and it captures their attention throughout the entire story

5.0 out of 5 stars

Great book!, December 31, 2013

Kathryn L Kent

This review is from: Jasmine At Work (Kindle Edition)

I love this book. It is great for the family and the author makes the character very real. I would recommend this for anyone :-)

Grab your copy now here.

Once you're done reading it, please take a minute to post your own review to the Amazon page. Both Maria and I would love to hear your feedback.

Featured Friday

Visionary From The Stars and The Alien Mind

Today's Featured Friday is my good friend +V.L. Jennings, who is currently touring two re-releases.

When V.L. Jennings isn't traveling to other worlds through her imagination, she calls Dillon, South Carolina her home. Virginia is the author of two speculative fiction books; "Visionary From The Stars" and "The Alien Mind," both published by PDMI Publishing, LLC in the fall season of 2014. She has also illustrated a children's book for PDMI, titled "Wiggle Worm's Shape Adventures," written by Karen and Kathy Sills.

But what motivates Virginia to create, to illustrate, to prognosticate? Virginia is a speculator, the kind of person who always debates the "what if?" of where stories both true and fantastical are leading themselves to, which explains her love of post-apocalyptic fare such as "The Walking Dead." Through her writing, she enjoys trying to figure out what our human potential is, and where our innate desire for a better world could lead us.

Overall, Virginia is just about as real as a person can get. Yes, even authors love to sing along with their favorite local radio station while driving, and Virginia is no exception to this rule. She enjoys watching Doctor Who or Star Trek with her family over dinner, and also watching the latest sci-fi and action movies with her husband. On the weekends, you may even find Virginia and her family at the local comic book store, hunting down more comics to add to their collections.

Virginia loves to connect with new people, as well as hashing out story concepts and other creative ideas on her blog, at www.virginialorijennings.com.

BOOK TOUR LINK: http://www.virginialorijennings.com/p/book-tour.html

Authors Website: www.virginialorijennings.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/vljennings

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vljennings

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/VLJennings

Tour Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visionary From The Stars

Author: V.L. Jennings

Publisher: Rara Avis: Imprint of PDMI Publishing LLC

Middle Grade Science Fiction

E-book pre-orders available at 2.99 on Amazon till December!

Release Date: November 5th (the day you will get your e-book)

Paperback release date to be set soon.

Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/37PHJ1j

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20900840-visionary-from-the-stars

For millenia, humans thought they were the only life in the galaxy-- until the day an alien species claiming to have humanity's best interests in mind forces its way onto an unsuspecting exploration craft. In another part of space, the Star Traveler's crew sets out on a camping trip to the surface of the moon. There, they stumble upon an object covered in alien writing revealing the first piece of a galactic map that will lead them into an intergalactic controversy--all while the Platonian race strives to sabotage their every move.

What Critics are calling:

“An excellent job & impressive cast...”~ Pamela Valerio

http://www.amazon.com/review/R53VGE6RZM70U/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1424158958

“A great story for young readers...”~ Author Bruce Goldwell

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3ASD4HV05VLCS/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1424158958

“Cleverly entertaining!” ~ Author Geri Ahearn

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2Z3F0EMEZBWQ5/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1424158958

The Alien Mind

Author: V.L. Jennings

Publisher: Rara Avis: Imprint of PDMI Publishing LLC

Middle Grade Science Fiction

E-book pre-orders are available at 2.99 on Amazon till December!

Release Date: November 17th (the day you will get your e-book)

Paperback release date to be set soon.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3n6xjAL

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23350290-the-alien-mind

Rivi may be human, but she's lived away from Earth for more years than she lived on it—first as a prisoner of the Aruk, and then as an adopted child of the Aunantet, where she learned to use the full potential of her mind in a way she never could have back among humankind. Now the Aruk want to steal her back, along with the rest of the rescued human children. Now the skills her alien family taught her—skills rooted in the potential of her human intelligence—must be taught to the others so that they may be set free. Will Rivi be able to find the secret to preserving her freedom—and that of the other children like her—somewhere between human strength and The Alien Mind? Come on the adventure and see for yourself!

Reviews:

This Sci- Fi story is really a must-read for children... Mamta Madavan, Readers Favorite

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/13023

“A chilling entertaining adventure!” ~ Geraldine Ahearn, Amazon Top 500 vine Voice Reviewer http://www.amazon.com/review/R3E5I3MGDIGX4O/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0805990380

“The novel itself was witty, funny, and entertaining to the max...”~ Amy E. Crowe aecrowe.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/this-weeks-book-review-is.html

“Out of this world!” ~ Barbara Ann Mojica

http://www.amazon.com/review/R15Q52AU3CIS91/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1480111562

Mini Interview for Jo's Featured Friday:

Why did you write this book?

I wrote both of these books because I love science and science fiction. When I was in middle school it was very hard to find science fiction in my local library. I found my sci-fi fix in television shows like Enterprise, and movies like Star Wars. As I got older and started writing I set out to write books that would help inspire others to reach for the stars and explore their own hidden potentials.

Anything in particular you'd like to share about this book or it's creation?

I am excited to announce, that after 6 years, I finally found a publishing company that I can feel proud to be apart of. Both books have been fully edited, with added illustrations by PDMI Publishing LLC's illustrator Matt Ostrum, as well as fully and spectacularly reformatted! My vision for these books has finally been realized!

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I have at least two projects in the works on the writing front. However, I also illustrated Wiggle Worms Shape Adventure, a childrens book by fellow PDMI authors Karen and Kathy Sills. I heard that they are almost done with the sequel and I can't wait to get to work illustrating that one as well!

If part of tour: Where can people find out more about your tour?

Www.virginialorijennings.com/p/book-tour.html

This week's review showcase is for A Birthday Clown for Archer, which I illustrated for author +Kathy Mashburn.

Here's some of the things people have been saying:

5.0 out of 5 stars

Finally, someone addresses this fear May 24, 2013

By Justin B. Wright

Format:Paperback

As a professional clown, I often encounter coulrophobia as have every single one of my colleagues over the years. It is often a topic at clown workshops/ conventions and the subject of articles in our trade magazines (the New Calliope and Clowning Around). This is the first book I have seen on the subject, and I believe it will help remove the barriers between clowns and those who are irrationally afraid of them.

As much as some would want to pretend otherwise, Archer knows that clowns are just people. Some are good and some are bad. Use all your senses to determine if one is trustworthy. He wants a clown for his birthday, but his mother is irrationally afraid and cites each piece of the clown's appearance as a reason. Archer swiftly counters with why those things are what he loves about a clown.

This pioneering book is a step in the right direction toward helping the professional clown stay viable in a time when parents often choose a safer but impersonal option for birthdays: Chuck E Cheese, Charlie's Safari, Jumpin' Jack's, etc. That's a benefit to me, but Mashburn's main intention is to help parents and children find a way to work through fear to experience happiness and joy.

If you choose to find a clown for your event, you are effectively inviting a disguised stranger to surprise you. That can make you and your guests feel very alive, and it might not work out if you have members of the party with unaddressed issues of coulrophobia. Let's just say that it could get ugly fast. This book could helpful when deciding whether to hire a clown and when letting guests know a clown will be present.

This is a book I could recommend that clowns bring with them to parties as a way to diffuse the anxiety of those coulrophobics who did not know a clown was coming. At 32 pages and about 300 words, this is the kind of book that could be used to warm up a hesitant audience and could be left as a souvenir to always remind parents and children to be courageous.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent book! June 12, 2013

By Author V. L. Jennings

Format:Paperback

I had seen previews of the illustrated cover from the author and illustrator's social feed but I was totally unprepared for being struck with awe as I opened the book from the mail. The illustrations are cute, bright, vibrant, eye catching, and entertaining! Will certainly captivate young readers! My two year old really enjoyed turning the pages to see the BIG clown feet on one set of pages, Big rainbow hair, and BIG bow. He even giggled seeing the whole clown revealed in the very end.

The story is just as good as the illustrations! A Birthday Clown for Archer is about clownphobia. Archer's mom is really afraid of clowns. Archer with his 5 yr old curiosity asks her question after question trying to understand and help his mom overcome her fear. Will Archer's mom overcome her fear in time for Archer to have a clown for his birthday? Check out the book to find out!

Do you have a child that shows signs of clownphobia? Try reading this book to them to show them how clowns can be silly instead of scary!

I really enjoyed reading this book, I couldn't stop smiling!

5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent book for young children June 12, 2013

By Jenny

Format:Paperback

What a delightful book for young children!

Archer wants a clown for his birthday but his mother is afraid of clowns and gives several reasons why she doesn't want him to have a clown. For every reason his mother gives him, Archer has a positive response.

Archer's innocence and ability to see the good in people helps his mother overcome her fear instead of her shifting her fear of clowns to him. A beautifully written message about fear that is appropriate for children of all ages.

The illustrations are beautifully done, eye-catching and add much charm to the story.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Very cute book! July 30, 2013

By S. Leatherwood

Format:Paperback

This book is so cute! It really hits home because I have always had some kind of issue with clowns. My daughters, on the other hand, haven't cared one way or the other . This book has really nice pictures that make clowns seem not that bad. We should over come our own fears for our children. My kids love this book!!

5.0 out of 5 stars

Kids loved it! June 21, 2013

By Sharlinda Haight

Format:Paperback

This was a wonderful book! Both of my kids loved the book! My son loves clowns so he particularly enjoyed it. He thought the clown was awesome. They loved the illustrations too. My daughter kept counting the balloons on the cover.

Grab your copy here.

If you've read the book, please take a minute to post your own review to Amazon. Both Kathy and I would love to hear what you think of it.