Goodreads Challenge 2024 Archives

Welcome to Books by Rose, April 2024!

Do we have a treat for you!

Meet Author Jessica Adams and her daughter, Janelle. This talented young lady not only writes her own stories, she illustrates them, too!

Let’s Meet Jessica Adams First

Why did you decide to publish children’s book, Jessica?

I have always enjoyed writing stories and poems. When an author/illustrator visited my elementary school when I was in sixth grade, I thought it would be neat to write a children’s book someday. I forgot about that dream until I had two daughters who were very messy and didn’t want to clean their toys up, so I came up with a story to inspire them to clean their rooms.

As parents, we can all relate to that one, Jessica.

What has been your favorite part of your writing journey?

My favorite part of my writing journey has been working on my stories with my kids. Another mom thought it would have been neat if my kids illustrated my first book since they are characters in the story. So, for the next books, I had my kids do the illustrations. Now Janelle has become quite the artist and has done an amazing job with illustrating Liam Lion Lost at the Bloomsburg Fair, Back to Grandmom, as well as Firefighter Fox. She’s hired for my next books, too!

I’m excited to hear about that one.

To find out more about Jessica, click on the image below to visit her website.

Let’s Meet Janelle Adams!

I see you wrote and illustrated a book called, Moon-Force 1.

What is your favorite part of your book?

My favorite part is when Mesa meets Ethan.

What is the best part of illustrating your books?

Animating them is a lot of fun after I write and draw my stories.

I bet you that keeps you busy with school and other activities.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Of course, drawing and designing the characters from the books. It’s also a lot of fun thinking about each character’s designs.

What do you want to do when you finish high school?

Graphic Design

That doesn’t surprise me at all, Janelle. You will do very well at that and will be at the top of your studies with the experiences you have already had.

To find out more on Janelle’s books and talents, join her website here:

► Janelle Adams Website

More News at Books by Rose

Outside of reading lots of books for this 2024 Goodreads challenge, (see more below) I’ve been working on my next project. You will hear bits and pieces of it over this next year.

There’s a part in the story where I’m researching different eras. I’ve already put a shout out to my family and friends on their memories from that time period.

Here was my question for them.

“If you were thirteen years old anytime during the 90s, what are some of your vivid memories. You can mention brand names, bands you listened to, fads you remember here, I just may not be able to use them in my book. I’ll try best to explain them in general terms, if not, I’ll leave those out.”

So, My Questions For You Today Is…..

What are your 90’s memories? Even if you were not thirteen on that decade, what’s a fun thing that stands out in your mind?

Goodreads Challenge Books 2024 and Reviews

Kathy J. Perry's book, "Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893" (Emeline Book 2.) Claudia Gadotti, Illustrator,

Step into the 1890s America with author Kathy J. Perry’s book, “Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893” (Emeline Book 2.) Claudia Gadotti, Illustrator, did a beautiful job with the images, as well.

Middle grade readers, and adults alike, will experience Emeline’s journey as she travels from Indianapolis to Missouri to take care of matters which are a huge undertaking, the family farm.

Perry’s impeccable descriptions will take the reader to the settings and hardships which will keep readers turning page after page until the end.

I highly recommend this book for those who want to experience the life of the late 1800s and so much more.

Jennifer Milius’s book, “Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message,” is a book which is concise and will help authors and entrepreneurs planning any outside events for their books and/or products.
Milius’s guide is full of ways to learn everything from managing what to do now your book is written. There are many guided questions at the end of each chapter which give you a plan in place for every aspect on what to do next.
Everything from, what events will you choose which are best for you, your book or your product. How will you present yourself? How will you present your book and setup your table, and so much more.
You will learn how to conduct yourself on podcasts and speaking engagements. How will you manage your inventory and the outcome of your profits?
By following these steps in this guide, you will know how to plan and execute successful book events that will help promote your book and connect with lasting customers.

Another book I read last month was not counted towards the Goodreads Challenge because it was under 100 pages, was a book I featured in March.

See, Sandra Bennett’s interview ► here.

That’s all I have for this month.

Please let us know how your March 2024 went.

Any big news to share?

How about projects you are working on?

We’d love to hear from you.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Welcome to Books by Rose March 2024 as we dive into author Sandra Bennett’s new release, “Dragons Drumming.” If you live in areas where storms are abundant, you will want to get a copy of this one for your young readers!

Meet Author Sandra Bennett

Even though Sandra lives on the other side of the world from me, I feel we have always been kindred spirts and have the same ideals when it comes to, family, children and education.

Let’s get started.

Sandra, how did you arrive at your new story?

It was a dark and stormy night. You know how the rest of the story goes. You’ve heard it all before, … or have you?

In my case, it was a grey and gloomy afternoon. Storm clouds gathered on the horizon; distant thunder grew louder. By the time the storm blew across into our valley, the rain lashed sideways, striking our windows. The wind whirled through the trees as the rumbles became even louder grumbles. Lightning lit up the sky in sheets as bolts struck the ground. The house shook. My grandson was terrified. He clung to his mother for comfort, while my little dog scrambled for cover under the protection of her favourite hiding place, a bed.

It just took one simple sentence from my daughter-in-law to calm my grandson.

‘Don’t worry honey, it’s just the dragons drumming.’

I could see the glint in his eyes as my grandson considered this. His inquisitive mind immediately playing in overdrive. He peered through the window to the storm outside and tried to look towards the sky. Then, with a deep breath he bravely asked if he could go outside to get a better look at the dragons.

From that simple, innocent encounter, I knew a story was born. I could imagine an entire family of dragons, each playing a different percussion instrument. The commotion and possibilities were enormous and unstoppable.

How did you go about finding your illustrator?

I considered my options and quickly concluded that if I wanted to see this story published, I had to do it myself. Within various writing groups I had heard the names Tadaa Book and Anil Tortop many times. Then I happened to attend a SCBWI ACT lunch where I was shown the incredible work that Tadaa were doing for a friend. She had nothing but praise for working with them and so, my decision was made. I knew they were the perfect choice to help bring my dream to reality. After seeing several of the books that Anil Tortop had illustrated, I really wanted to work with her. Unfortunately, Anil was not available for twelve months as she was already booked. However, her husband, Ozan suggested that I look at the portfolios of several other illustrators he had on his books. I decided to go ahead with Maya Bora as I liked what I saw and believed she would be an ideal fit.

I adored Maya Bora’s illustrations right from the initial concepts. She seemed to just get me. We shared the same vision. The Tadaa Book team made the entire process so easy, stress free and enjoyable.

Sandra, here is my 5 Star review for “Dragons Drumming and where to buy on ► Amazon

“Author Sandra Bennett’s. “Dragons Drumming” is the perfect rhyming book for young readers who are afraid of storms. Illustrator Maya Bora sets the story with vivid colors to match this darling tale.
I wish I would have had a book like this growing up as we live where the storms are a large part of our spring. This book gives a positive twist to the thundering skies by imagining, “Dragon’s Drumming.”
I highly recommend this book for homes and classrooms which would make great read a louds. A child who is learning how to read will enjoy this book and will gain confidence as they work their way through the fun words.”

Sandra, what other books have you written you wish to share with our readers?

I also have a chapter book series for older readers, 7 -12 years. The Adamson Adventures is a four-book series, with the fourth and final book about to be released in June this year. This series takes three siblings, Zac, Clare and Luke on holidays to strange and amazing places where they inevitably fall into mischief and strife one way or another.

In Secrets Hidden Below, book1, the family is on vacation in exotic Bali when Luke happens to come across a map in a bottle buried deep in the sand on Kuta beach. Naturally, our reluctant heroes find a treasure map irresistible, and the pirate treasure hunt leads them to various locations around the island. Followed by a sinister shadow, the tension continues to increase right to the nail-biting climax in an erupting volcano. This book was short-listed in the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards in 2019.

A Lighthouse in Time, book 2, finds the family on yet another surfing holiday much closer to home. While exploring a cave on the NSW South Coast, the kids are lost, only to be rescued by a strange figure who quickly disappears once they reach the safety of sunlight. The mystery of the ghost-like figure unfolds around the ruins of an old sandstone lighthouse where all is not what it seems as many strange happenings occur.

Fossil Frenzy, book 3, takes a different turn as the kids head inland to their uncle’s drought-stricken farm in the harsh Queensland outback. Quite innocently, Zac, has a plan to help save the farm by searching for fossils. With the disbelief that a cyclone or two could possibly merge and rain down on them, the kids are caught in a terrifying storm and forced to seek shelter. When all is calm, and they emerge, the environment is suddenly very different. The trio appear to have time-travelled to the land of Australian dinosaurs. Now they must find a way home while trying to stay safe and not become a mega-raptors meal. This book has been a finalist in several international awards and won a competition to be pitched to film producers here in Australia in 2020. Tracks in the Mist, book 4 is almost here. The final thrilling adventure is set in the rainforest wilderness of Southern Tasmania as the kids go on a search and rescue mission to find their beloved secret pet that somehow goes missing from the farm. I don’t want to give away too much yet, suffice to say, they find much more in the Tasmanian wilderness than they ever expected. It’s a story of endangered species and the fight for survival.

Thank you so much for being here today, Sandra! I’ve enjoyed learning more about your new book. Best wishes on all your books and your writing journey!

If you have any questions or comments for Sandra and her books, please leave us a note below. I know she would love to hear from you.

What’s New at Books by Rose?

This short month has kept me busy with various activities. Yes, I’m still in the Goodreads Reading Challenges for 2024 and getting in a lot of books.

I’m also reading many books which will be released in the coming months, which you will hear more about. I have a project I’m working on for 2024 and very excited about that one, too. Keep watching!

Goodreads Challenge 2024

February, I’ve read and reviewed…

“Modern Fashion Illustration,” book by Holly Nichols gets a 5 star review from me all the way!
This easy to understand and practice guide is so helpful with traditional drawing and digital drawing, as well.
If you are interested in drawing, faces, bodies, designer clothes and other styles of fashions, this book is for you. Nichols also explains background ideas along with props to add to your projects.
I highly recommend this book.

Author Lori Luster with “Fashion Forward: Creating Your Look With the Best of Vintage Style (Craft It Yourself,)” is a fun fashion book everyone will enjoy. Styles from the 1920s – the 1990s will give readers a look at the various styles throughout these awesome decades.
Readers also are given suggestions on how to pull off these styles with items they can put together on their own.
I really enjoyed reading about some of these fads in clothing which I had forgotten about. Go-Go boots, Paper Dresses, the colors, fabrics, hairstyles, makeup and so much more.

Author Flora Ahn presents, “A Spoonful of Time” which brings readers many twists and turns. The recipes throughout this book to convey a history with her grandmother were interesting and worth looking into. This “time travel” book holds many mysteries to the end.

“The Big Book of Mod Podge: Decoupage Made Easy,” by Plaid Enterprises, Inc. was one I was excited to read. I really enjoyed learning about all the different Mod Podge products as I never knew of some of them were available.
The crafts and ideas made in the book are a bit dated since this book was written in 2015. Just the same, the techniques could be used for more updated projects.
One can also find projects from this company on Youtube which is helpful.

I adored Marion Ross’s book, “My Days: Happy and Otherwise.” As reluctant as she was to write her autobiography, she did a beautiful job relaying the story of her life with all her experiences in show biz and her personal journey. She may be best known as, “Mrs. C.” in “Happy Days,” but she has made many other wonderful movies, TV shows and plays to add to her list, plays being her hearts desires.
I didn’t want her book to end as it was like sitting down and visiting with a longtime friend.
I highly recommend this one if you like reading about stars. I’ve added this one to my favorites for this years reading list, so far.

Your Turn!

What have you been up to?

Writing any new books?

Working on art projects?

What books have you read this past month?

Please let us know in the comment section below.