Review: Kindertransport by Kena Sosa

 

Kindertransport 

by Kena Sosa, illustrated by Jeanne Conway

Review by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Kindertransport by Kena Sosa is the touching story of a young Jewish girl in Germany who gets onboard the Kindertransport train headed for England.

In the days before the outbreak of World War II, Helen finds herself trapped inside her house. Unable to understand why her family’s life has changed so suddenly, she worries as Vater’s mood changes and Mutter pretends she doesn’t like eggs simply so Helen will have enough to eat. Then one day, Mutter tells her to pack her suitcase so she can ride a train that will bring her to England until the danger is over.

Sosa has done a fabulous job of bringing to life the experiences of so many Jewish children in the days before the war started. She captures the emotions, the frustrations, the uncertainty Helen feels as life has changed. I’m sure the interviews she conducted with Jewish survivors helped flesh out the details, and it is that research that allowed her to create such an incredible story. An afterword shares more about Kindertransport, and a list of materials used in the research for the book is included.

Accompanying Sosa’s moving text are the black and white illustrations by Jeanne Conway. The burning of Vater’s bookstore, how Helen clings to her bunny as she packs, and the hope Helen feels as she holds on to the ship’s railing on her way to England are all brought to life by Conway. 

Kindertransport might be one of the most stirring books I read this year. I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.

Kindertransport and other books by Kena Sosa are available at https://www.4rvpublishing.com/kena-sosa.html and other online retailers. 

Review: Louie Finds A Friend by Vivian Zabel

 

Louie Finds A Friend (A Louie the Duck Story)

by Vivian Zabel, illustrated by Jeanne Conway

Review by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Louie is back with another story in Louie Finds A Friend by Vivian Zabel. 

Louie enjoys riding waves, but it is lonely without any friends. He plays with his cousins, but they don’t like riding waves. So, when Mr. and Mrs. Goose’s grandson, Gus, comes to live on their lake, Louie hopes Gus will like him even if he is different.

Zabel wrote the Louie the Duck stories for her grandchildren. Now, in published form, this adorable series shares the adventures of young Louie and his life on the lake. In Louie Finds A Friend, Gus comes to live with his grandparents and Louie is asked to be his friend. Louie is unsure if they will get along, especially because he likes to ride waves, unlike his cousins. What unfolds is a sweet story of friendship. 

Jeanne Conway provides the artwork for Louie Finds A Friend and the other books in the Louie the Duck series. Colorful and filled with tons of detail, these illustrations are the perfect complement to Zabel’s story. From rolling waves to sandy shores to yellow and orange skies as the sun sets on the cove, young readers will be enchanted and turn page after page. 

A charming story of making new friends awaits your young reader in Louie Finds A Friend.

Louie Finds A Friend and other books by Vivian Zabel are available at www.4rvpublishing.com and other online retailers. 

Review: A Baby Doll from Santy Claus by Vivian Zabel

 

A Baby Doll from Santy Claus

by Vivian Zabel, illustrated by Diane Brown

Review by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

A Baby Doll from Santy Claus by Vivian Zabel is wonderful story, set after World War II, about a young girl’s Christmas wish.

The war is over, and factories are making toys again. Ellouise’s parents take her to a store in San Antonio to tell Santa what she wants for Christmas. That’s when she spies a beautiful doll. But, how will Santy Claus bring her that baby doll if she is visiting her grandparents instead of staying home for the holidays?

Oh, my goodness, what a sweet, sweet story. Here is this young girl getting to visit Santa after the war is over. Can’t you just imagine how joyful a time that was for her? The author portrays such a time of excitement, which is further relayed by the colorful artwork from Diane Brown. Then, suddenly, all that excitement turns to worry as she wonders how it is possible Santy Claus will find her at her grandparents’ house. Zabel captures the true emotions of a child so well in this story.

If you are looking for a story about the wonder and excitement of Christmas, you will want to pick up A Baby Doll from Santy Claus. You will also find information about World War II, and readers will learn the inspiration behind the story. Truly a seasonal treasure.

A Baby Doll from Santy Claus and other books by Vivian Zabel can be found at http://www.4rvpublishing.com/vivian-zabel.html and other online retailers. 

Review: Where Did Panther Go? by Vivian Zabel

 

Where Did Panther Go?

by Vivian Zabel, illustrated by Carrie Salazar

Review by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Join along with Katie and Panther as that curious black kitty gets into all sorts of mischief.

One day, Uncle Chris brings Katie a new friend. Panther is a black kitten with mint-green eyes and a white spot on his tummy. They like to play games together, and Katie makes up a song when they play hide-and-seek that makes Panther jump out. But, one day, Panther is lost, and Katie fears he won’t be found. 

What a cute story! Where Did Panther Go? by Vivian Zabel is perfect for cat lovers of all ages. The first of Panther’s adventures, this series is sure to delight young readers. 

Artist Carrie Salazar provides the adorable artwork for Where Did Panther Go? That mint-green cover, the inside of Katie’s room, and Panther stretched out on the grass are some of my favorite images.

Zabel includes Panther’s Song lyrics, cat facts, and more! If you like cats or sweet stories, Where Did Panther Go? is the perfect choice.

Where Did Panther Go? and other books by Vivian Zabel can be found at http://www.4rvpublishing.com/vivian-zabel.html and other online retailers. 

Review: Dust of Lies

 

Dust of Lies

Written by G.K. Davenport

Published by 4RV Publishing

2020

Review by MLM Opinion's Reviews 

I enjoyed the book. It’s an excellent little mystery read. It’s about Kay, a reporter who is looking for the story of the year. She was going to cover the story of an old jail building that was about to be knocked down, the last piece of history.

“Here, I hang. With my face to the wall. Ora Price was the cause of it all.” She finds a piece of a wall with words written by a prisoner, Ezra Hacker, who died while incarcerated. It was a poem that touched her, and she found herself wanting to know more about this man and his history. 

The poem is where the story begins. Kay is determined to figure out Ora, the prisoner’s wife, and what causes Ezra to abandon all responsibility. Her mother-in-law encouraged her to dive deeper and discover the truth. 

Dust of Lies is an excellent look into the past and the secrets waiting to be exposed. This book kept me wanting more, and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book, especially if you love a good mystery.

Understanding How Book Reviews Make You A Better Writer

Back in 2010, I wrote an article titled The Elements of a Good Book Review. Working in online book promotion at the time, my hope was this would encourage more bloggers to review our clients' books.

A review is one person's opinion of a book they have read. It is not a play-by-play description and it shouldn't contain spoilers. The information contained in a review can also give the author a glimpse into her strengths and the areas that might need some attention.


Here are two of the blurbs from reviews of A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing in 2012:

I appreciated the simplicity of the story that had such a powerful message wrapped up inside it.

It is not often that a simple children's book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded.

These reviewers appreciated the simplicity of the story, but were touched by its message. What did the author (me) learn? Keeping it simple for first time readers is important, while the adults are able to understand the message behind it and use it as a teaching point.

Here's a review blurb from my first book:

...this is the type of book that I would read to little children versus letting them read the book themselves. Only because there was a lot of words and children do not have a huge attention span to read all those words. 

Compare the two: one is said to be a simple story and the other was found to use too many words, therefore, making it harder for young children to read by themselves. Did I consider that reviewer's feedback when I wrote future books? Of course, because my market is children and those who buy for them.


 Here is part of a review I wrote about The Brain Sucker by Glenn Wood:

There is so much to enjoy in this novel: the well-developed characters, the neat inventions, the antics of Lester’s bumbling thugs, the craziness caused by Jinx's “little problem,” and so much more... It didn't take me long to finish this one because I never wanted to put it down. I also really felt the selected font was perfect for the story, so kudos to the book designer.

Wood got to know the age group he was writing for and it showed in every page of this story. This book was so fun to read. Then the designer used a font that matched the vibe of the story perfectly. Should the author consider what the designer is doing? I think so. He might not have the final say, but a book is a package deal from outside to inside.


Here's a blurb from my review of The Undercover Kids' Holland Adventure - The Trunk in the Attic by Gloria Smith Zawaski:

The one thing I found confusing is that the book starts in present tense, then changes to past tense and occasionally switches through the story. This interrupted the flow of the prose at times.

This is a middle grade adventure story, so complexities are expected. You just don't want to lose your reader over them. Sometimes when you're working on a manuscript, you've read it so many times you don't see some of its challenges. It happens to all of us. That's why critique groups and editors are so important.

Reviews, while subjective, can be helpful to the writer who uses them to build upon her strengths and fine tune areas that come up as challenges for readers time and again.

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Little Shepherd, A Christmas Kindness, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving and the recently released, Amos Faces His Bully. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married. Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com and her children’s book blog at https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com

You Have a Book Contract. Now, what?

What have I learned from getting my first book contract that I’d do better next time?

                                                                 LOTS

I was green as an alien. 4RV Publishing offered me my first contract in July, 2011. I'm grateful they took such a newbie under their wings.

 

Here’s my top ten tips:


1. Read your contract and clarify anything you don’t understand.

2. Have a professional picture and a short bio ready to go.

      3. Read any guidelines or information given by the publisher.

 

      4. Make friends in your local area with librarians, book store owners, and newspaper columnists before your book comes out, and you want a favor.

 

      5. Stay in town or with definite internet access during the last two months before release of the book.

 

      6. .Have an acknowledgement page ready to go when requested.

 

      7. Search out like books online and in book stores for what you desire in the cover art, so you’re ready with input when asked.

 

      8. Get reviewers and guest blogs lined up before your book releases.

 

      9. Consider arranging for a blog tour to announce the book

 

     10. Publishing is a team effort. You need the publisher, but they also need you, so don’t fear speaking up about something you don’t like or asking questions on anything you don’t understand

 

      11. Be ready to work as hard on the manuscript after the contract as you did before the contract.

Okay, I gave you 11. Sue me.

Does anyone else have words of wisdom to share?

Book Review for Porcupine's Seeds

     From time to time, The Midwest Book Review will post a review of one of 4RV Publishing's books. The January 2013 issue of their online book review magazine "Children's Bookwatch" features Porcupine's Seeds, written by Viji K Chary and illustrated by Bridget McKinna. The review is found on the Picture Book Shelf for January.

    Reviews are not only posted on their website, and archived for five years, but they are also provided to libraries and book review indexes. Below is the review as printed on The Midwest Book Review website.

Porcupine's Seeds
Viji K. Chary, author
Bridget McKenna, illustrator
World of Inc Network
4RV Publishing LLC
P,O, Box 6482, Edmond, OK 73083
9780983801849, $14.99, www.4rvpublishingllc.com

"Porcupine's Seeds" is a magical teaching story, or fable about Porcupine and his attempt to grown sunflowers from seeds. Porcupine loves to visit the garden of his friend, Raccoon. He plays in the grass, eats apricots from the tree, and listens to the fountain's water sounds. Porcupine wishes he could grow a garden, but he has a brown thumb. Raccoon gives him some sunflower seeds, telling him they just need soil, water, and sunshine to grow. Porcupine has many amusing adventures attempting to plant his seeds where they will grow just right. Finally Porcupine gives up in despair, because he dropped the pot full of planted sunflower seeds and it broke. This is where the magic comes in. As time goes by, Porcupine finds that 5 sunflower seedlings have sprouted in his garden where the pot broke. Porcupine waters the sunflowers faithfully, and one day Skunk admires Porcupine's blossoming sunflowers. Eccentric, unusual color illustrations of Porcupine and his friends and garden make the humorous narrative even more memorable. "Porcupine's Seeds" is perfect to appeal to children ages 6-9.

     Porcupine's Seeds can be found through most brick 'n mortar stores, most online bookstores, and the 4RV Bookstore.

Promotion - Life on Hold

posted by Vivian Zabel 

          The following review will be found in the November 2012 issue of The Midwest Book Review's online book review magazine "Reviewer's Book Watch." Life on Hold is written by Beverly Stowe McClure, which is entered for several book awards.

          The review, written by Katherine Boyer, will be archived on the Midwest Book Review website for the next five years.



****


          Beverly Stowe McClure writes excellent stories for the youth of today. She has done it again with Life on Hold. He comprehension of a teenager's feelings, as they mature and become more aware of life around them, is very astute and empathetic.

           Myra Gibson has to put her life on hold when she happens to come across a very disturbing piece of paper while cleaning out the family guesthouse. It is such a shock to her that she cannot even think about it, much less ask her parents about it.  As an introverted teen, she has no one she can confide in.

          "On June eleventh, ten days after my sixteenth birthday life as I knew it came to an end."

          The startling discover will change Myra's life, both with her family and friends. She has to work it out by herself at first, but eventually starts to open up with her mother, then her father. Later she brings her friends into her secret and finds that she has a lot of support from all sides. Teens will love following Myra and hter friends and family to the conclusion of her dilemma.

          Beverly Stowe McClure lives in Texas with her husband, Jack. She is the moter to three sons, grandmother to four granddaughters and two gransons, and great grandmother to one great-grandson. Her official bio says she married very young.

                                   ****

Find Life on Hold through most book 'n mortar stores, online book stores, and at the 4RV Bookstore.

 



 

Promotion: Stolen review on The Midwest Book Review

      From the April issue of The Midwest Book Review 

Stolen
Vivian Gilbert Zabel
4RV Publishing LLC
P O Box 6482, Edmond OK 73083
9780982588642, $16.99, www.amazon.com

Stolen crafted by Vivian Gilbert Zabel is the proverbial page turner done with sensitivity and emotions that will keep you wanting more. The emotions are garnered from her own life as two of her grandchildren were taken by their father.

Torri Adamson and her children go to live with her family, after she learns that her husband has married another woman. She has spent her whole married life forgiving him his predilection for other women. This bigamous marriage is the last straw. He lets her have a divorce and does not want to have anything to do with the children. He even talks the other woman into marrying him legally.

As Torri picks up her life, she loses her best friend to cancer; she develops a new relationship with Jason, her best friend's widower who provides the father role in the children's lives. Then, her ex-husband makes a move that she cannot believe. He takes the children from her - stolen!

Mrs. Zabel has captured the tension that is always connected to a crime like this. You must read it if for no other reason than to see how Torri and her family deal with the ordeal.

"Abruptly halting in mid-step, she whirled to face Jason, her expression slightly out of focus with terror and tears. 'He wouldn't, would he? He couldn't, hurt, really hurt them, could he?'"

Vivian Gilbert Zabel has written several books and poems over the years. She always knew she would be a writer and she was right. She taught high school English and writing for twenty-

seven years. She lives with her husband of 50 years, Robert, in Oklahoma and periodically surrounds herself with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as she writes her books and poetry.

Katherine Boyer - reviewer

Aidana WillowRaven, who designed the cover and interior of the novel, created a trailer for Stolen. The novel can be purchased from the 4RV Bookstore, other online bookstores, and brick 'n mortar stores.

     Let's watch Aidana's trailer:

Book Review -- Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia by vehoae

          William Young gave me permission to re-post the following review of Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia, which was posted on OKNews.

Okie Bookshelf:   Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia

Posted by Young Bill Young

on December 22, 2011M at 4:53 pm

 

The great astrophysicist Stephen Hawking warns us that contact with alien life may not be in our best interest. After all, human history shows all too well how indigenous peoples suffer at the hands of a more technologically-advanced society.
The laws of space and time suggest that such visitations are probably not in our future. Still, if we were to awake one morning to find mother ships overhead, I suspect that a nervous Earth might hear our visitors say something like the following. (Note: just replace “Indians” with “Earthlings”):

“The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and, in their property, rights, and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed.”
—[Secton 14, Article 3, Northwest Ordinance of U.S. Congress, July 13, 1787
This quote introduces Chapter 5—“What’s mine is mine. What’s yours is mine!”—of  Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia by vehoae. In the author’s first book, she illustrates, through exhaustive research, how the perspectives and motivations of the European invaders and their progeny influenced the rhetoric, politics, and decision-making of the day regarding the continent’s Indian Nations.

Beyond the dishonest diplomacy practiced with the tribes, we are treated to the views and arguments of political and religious leaders as they sought a solution to the Indian problem. Such quotes and primary document details trace the discussions of extermination, assimilation and segregation of the tribes from early European settlement to the days of the Indian Boarding Schools.

It’s an uncomfortable history, of course. Reading about the worse angels of our nature (if I may twist the resurrected Lincoln quote) should make us feel uncomfortable. Seeing an unflattering side of American statesmen like Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson strikes at our patriotic heart.

We know this truth about our past, but some Americans would just like us to forget about it. But vehoae says, “No, look. This is what we did. Here is the proof.” Her appendix, exhibits, bibliography and end note citations take up a third of the book. (I wasn’t kidding about exhaustive research.)
While at the University of Oklahoma in the late 70s, I was lucky enough to have a class with Dr. Jerry Steffen, who warned us about condemning past generations. The future will laugh at us, and condemn us, too, he said. He reminded us to always consider past history in light of the times. This did not mean we should not pass judgements on cruelties of the past. It meant that by understanding the period of history, we could understand why such cruelties happened.

There is no advantage to ignoring our history, but there is much to gain by confronting painful truths. For what better way will we truly find the better angels of our nature?
———————————-
Visit vehoae’s website to find out more about the author, her interests and her work.
Read an interview with the author, where she discusses her book and the writers that inspired her. Plus, she provides a host of research tips for non-fiction writers!

4RV Publishing website  

Promotion: Review of Aldric & Anneliese

by Vivian Zabel 

          The Midwest Book Review sent the company the tear sheet of the Katherine Boyer review of Aldric & Anneliese. This is the second review posted in their online book review magazine "Reviewer's Bookwatch."

           Anyone can send two copies of his/her book to The Midwest Book Review, along with a media kit, and any good book will be reviewed and posted online.

           Now, for a sample of Katherine Boyer's review:

Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. has written a thrilling novel set in the 6th century titled Aldric & Anneliese. This book depicts 6th century Eastern Europe when chivalrous knights abounded and ladies supported them. It was a lawless age where barbarian tribes traveled the countryside killing and plundering as romances flourished and knights fought wars with honor.

Aldric is raised with Edmund who was to become king of the unified regions. Unfortunately, Edmund's life ended soon after he became king ... After Aldric recovers from the wounds he received in the same battle, he sets out to avenge the death of his friend and king.

          Boyer ends the review with the following:

I found this book to be a "page turner" that will entice several age groups. I hope Mr. Gilleland will follow Aldric ...

          The only thing I would have liked to see, or not see, would be for the reviewer not to reveal details that spoil the book for others to read. Somethings need to be found only when the book is read.

          Aldric & Anneliese can be found through most bookstores, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and the 4RV Bookstore. It is also available on Kindle and Nook.

Promotion: Review of Sparrow Alone on the Housetop

by Vivian Zabel

          Sparrow Alone of the Housetop by Jean James and Mary James will be released in two weeks. As I do when we don't have a contributor, I'm sharing a review of the book to spark interest and to promote 4RV books and authors.

Review of Sparrow Alone on the Housetop 

(James, Jean and James, Mary, 2011 4RVPublishing) 

by Denise Hall Dickinson, 

founder of hiswitnesses.com, Missions Promotion and Support Network

          Jean James and Mary James have written an incredibly compelling tale of wealthy corporate American power and corruption amid the backdrop of a single Christian woman’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of the poverty stricken residents of two small villages in the Mexican highlands. Her successful mission is abruptly interrupted by a sudden chain of events and she finds herself back in her former life, unwillingly and yet just in the right place and time to still make a difference to her friends in the villages, now suffering, possibly at the hands of her father’s corporation.

           Sparrow’s main character, Anne, full of spunk and tenacity, searches for the truth while vowing to maintain her Christian integrity. Complicating that search is her new friend, Jim Orr, a pilot who works for her father’s corporation, which makes Anne unsure of his trustworthiness. Anyone with a respect for mission work or ministry will appreciate the selfless attitudes and actions woven into the storyline. Scripture and suspense meet in the pages of this unique story of faith and family- for better or worse.

Denise Hall Dickinson, August 23, 2011

           The novel may be pre-ordered on the 4RV Bookstore, and it will be available through any bookstore as well as online sites after September 15.

4RV Publishing 

Promotion: A Review of Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective

by Vivian Zabel     

 

          Since we often have days without any articles scheduled, presenting recent book reviews and book trailers might interest readers. I can post such material without it being self-promoting, too, where if the authors involved did, they would seem to brag.

          Katherine Boyer recently posted a review for Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective (written by John Lance and illustrated by Diana Navarro), the first in John's series taken from fairy tales. The review has appeared on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books a Million. It will appear in the Midwest Book Review in September. She graciously gave permission for the review to be posted here.

• Title: Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective
• Author: John Lance             
• Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC

·Publisher's address: PO Box 6482

Edmond, OK 73083

• 13-digit ISBN number: 978-0-9840708-7-9
• List Price: $13.99

Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective by John Lance is a very funny, imaginative children’s book that calls on many familiar fairy tales, such as the Muffin Man, Cinderella, Rapunzel and others, to tell the story and solve the crime.  It will make adults want to reminisce about their childhood and retell their favorite stories. 

            The mystery loosely follows the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears as they return home and find someone has been in their house.  Priscilla is hired by the Bear family to find out who broke furniture in their house and ate their porridge.  She begins her investigation and finds the following clues:

                        “1. Shoeprint (small)

                         2. Long blonde hair

                         3. Pink bow”

            With just these three clues and her ‘greatly honed detective skills’ she investigates and solves the mystery.  The solution will not be a surprise to those who are up on their fairy tales.  However, following Priscilla through her detecting process is unanticipated fun for all ages.  The penalty for the perpetrator is one that is in line with the offense.

            I really enjoyed the book and Mr. Lance has a great knack for relating fun stories for children.  The illustrations by Dianna Navarro are wonderfully imaginative and telling.  Children are going to have a lot of fun with this story and laugh at the insertion of other familiar stories and nursery rhymes.

            In an interview with Tracy S. Morris, Mr. Lance discussed the origin of this story: 

“Priscilla Holmes is one of those rare cases (for me at least) where the character came first. I was sitting in my study one day and looked out the window to see my daughters playing in the backyard and that was when a girl detective popped into my head. Priscilla is smart and determined (like my daughters) and has a distinct dislike for cleaning her room (also like my daughters).”

 

John Lance lives in Massachusetts with his wife, two daughters and two slightly-crazed Labrador Retrievers.  He enjoys spending time with his family and reading, writing and working in his garden.

Name: Katherine Boyer
E-mail address: kbooks1@verizon.net

         

 The book may be bought from the 4RV Publishing Catalog, as well as found on other online bookstores and through any physical bookstore.