Crocodile Sky

At first I saw a crocodile in the clouds but then from another perspective, I thought perhaps I was looking at a hummingbird. So, what is it that you see?

For certain, on a clear day it looks like you can see forever.

Take a peek at other beautiful sky photos at Sky Watch Friday.

By the way, I took this shot with clear skies yesterday. Then today you probably heard on the news about all the wind damage that has happened here in California.

How is the weather where you are?

Best,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: Catch That Collie - Author Interview: Tarrin Lupo

Catch That Collie by Tarrin Lupo

My Review

Catch That Collie

A warm and wonderful children’s book written by Tarrin Lupo is a huge success and a must for every home and school library. It’s true, animal lovers love happy endings! When a dog (not just any dog but your dog) finds you or I should say, you find him or her, then a beautiful friendship begins.

The story opens with a family adopting a Collie and interacting with one another, the children find a special name for their new pet. Raja, means “King” in Indian, and he is thrilled to be surrounded by love and friendship. The children’s mother shares most importantly ‘how to be nice to animals’ and properly care for them. The author shares great caring and nurturing tips and the responsibilities of owning a pet. Raja now has a new collar and license.

The only thing is that Raja misses his buddy, a black dog Marcie back at the Savannah Humane Society and runs away to find her. The action of the story moves along quite nicely and at an exciting pace. My grandsons and I found this book to be a real page-turner and very engaging.

Find out what happens when the owners tie Raja to a tree, build a fence but that doesn’t seem to stop the many exciting adventures of Raja looking for his favorite pal Marcie, the sweet black dog whom he adores. By the way, you’ll find a very informative Pet Care Checklist at the back of the book.

I love this 5 star book and highly recommend it. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. By the way, "Catch That Collie" is now ranked in the top 50 free ebooks on Amazon overnight. Get your free eBook download here

Interview with Tarrin Lupo

Author of Catch That Collie, Tarrin Lupo, graciously said "yes" in answering so many questions that I wanted to ask. Here's what Tarrin had to say...

1. Tell us a bit about your book and where it’s available.

"Catch That Collie is the tale of a Savannah Shelter Dog that is adopted by first-time pet owners. As the inexperienced family makes mistakes, Raja, The Collie, escapes and explores Savannah, Georgia. Through trial and error, Raja teaches his new family how to properly care for a dog and be responsible pet owners.

Amazon has the best price, it is also at local shops in Savannah ga."

2. What was the inspiration for your book?

"When I lived in West Virgina I worked at a humane society and was appalled at the way folks out there treated their dogs. It was a culture of pet irresponsibility that got passed for generation to generation. I remembered someone trying to adopt, who wanted three dogs because he was pretty sure two would die over the year."

3. What was your aim for this book? What did you want readers to think and feel when reading it?

"I wanted to try and break the cycle of irresponsible pet ownership by reaching the children before it became ingrained."

4. Do you have any other books currently available?

"Yes I have 10 other books, my most current book I co-authored with Ruby Hilliard. The novel is a young adult story about a pirate treasure hunt around. Think of it kind of like a modern day Goonies."

5. What will you be working on next?

"I am currently working on an extremely unique project that is currently top secret. I think it is going to be a revolutionary book that people will think about long after they finish it."

6. How did you originally get into writing?

"I started off writing non-fiction manuals about secret hiding places. I moved into fiction two years ago and have really enjoyed the change."

7. What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

"The hours and freedom. I also get to work with the best team around, I love my co-author and editors Sandi and Reagen."

8. What do you find hardest about being a writer?

"Staying focused and dealing with getting the final product perfect."

9. Who or what would you count as your main influence?

"The terrible economy and depression opened the door. I have been talking about writing a novel my whole life, but it was not until I was out of work that I final had time to do it."

10. What do you enjoy reading?

"I like reading my fellow author’s friends work. It seems so much more personal when you actually know the author. Lately I have also been really interested in graphic novels, like Escape from Terra and The Walking Dead."

11. Who is your favorite author?

"Douglas Adams, I loved Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy."

12. What would be your ideal writer’s haven for creating your book? Would you have a desk in a quiet cabin somewhere or an iPad on the beach?

"I am comfortable anywhere, but I demand a top quality office chair so my back does not die."

Thank you Tarrin Lupino for answering all 12 questions to share with dear readers who love children's literature and have been celebrating Picture Book Month all of November! Oh, my... I'm the lucky one!

Best wishes and much continued success,

-- LadyD

For more information, visit:

email: Luporeport@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarrinplupo

Website: www.Lupolit.com

Twitter: @TarrinLupo

Blog: http://tarrinlupo.wordpress.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: Waiting

Waiting for the Horse and Carriage Ride!

My grandson has been waiting for the horses to show up. He has been watching and patiently waiting for what seems like eternity to him, at almost 18 mos. He has waited long enough! Oh, well... guess it's time to boogie on down. After all, it's only been 2 seconds! Sometimes it's just too hard to wait!

Lately or perhaps most recently, have you found yourself in the waiting room? Hope your having a wonderful mid-week day!

LadyD Books is linking up with,

InLinkz.com

Best Wishes,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: You Be You by Linda Kranz

For ages 4 and up

As a member of Library Thing, I was so excited to learn the good news that I had won a children's picture book, You Be You from the author Linda Kranz. She is the author of Only One You. I just love the book and the illustrations in bright primary colors are so beautiful with cheery details galore! Let me tell you why it is a hit with me...

My Review

I highly recommend this positive, engaging, colorful book for home, school and church libraries. It's a real page turner, for sure! You will love the main character, Adri who is a rock fish and how he begins to observe others around him and grows in embracing all types of fish and their differences. The simple story line offers a powerful message of love, friendship, uniqueness and acceptance. I love how Adri's parents proclaim a benediction, if you will, over their son with such love and grace. My favorite line, "Life is a grand journey, Adri," Mama said. "You be you." 5 stars! A very nurturing and affirming book that is excellent for everyone's self esteem.

I look forward to hearing more from this talented author, illustrator... wow!

Book Description

A companion book to the bestselling Only One You, Kranz once again uses her famous "rockfish" to express the themes of diversity, individuality, and acceptance to children. When Adri sets out to explore the ocean, he has no idea how colorful the world is. He quickly discovers that there are all kinds of fish in the deep blue sea—big and tiny, smooth and spiny, colorful and plain, different and the same. Join Adri as he travels the ever changing currents of the ocean and see if you can find your favorite rockfish among the waves!

Product Details

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing (October 16, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589796667

Editorial Reviews

Youngsters will enjoy the catchiness of the text and the lively nature of the illustrations, while appreciating the concepts found within....A good choice to help children consider similarities and differences.

(Kirkus Reviews )

The combination of the colorful, jewel-like objects and affirmative messages is likely to make this book as popular as Kranz’s first, which has a loyal following.

(Publishers Weekly )

You Be You brings a whole new level of excitement to painted rocks. A rounded, smooth rock is a limited canvas, but Kranz’s design and the variety of patterns on the rocks makes the book worthwhile before you even read a single word. I looked through the entire book and marveled at the painting and design before I went back to read it.
(Raising Arizona Kids )

About the Author

" When our children were born I began to appreciate so many wonderful children's books. Oh, how books have changed since my childhood. Treasured books that I have on my bookshelf still have a special meaning to me although the art isn't anywhere near as vibrant as art in children's books today."

Linda was born in Georgia and moved many times when she was growing up. "I have always loved art and journaling. Being creative kept me grounded. As young child I would draw and color for hours. As a teen I painted on canvas or blank walls and I wrote.

"Since my husband and I have been married, we've spent a lot of time outdoors, hiking and enjoying the natural world. It seems to me that when you are an artist you notice opportunities to create. Years and years ago I came across a rock that was perfect for painting."

"My love for art and children's books is what inspires me to write and illustrate books. This is a great quote, "If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~ Toni Morrison. We all have stories inside us waiting to be released. It is a joy to bring a story to life. Set aside time to read your favorite book today or discover a new book. I know you will smile and be inspired."

Linda has written 11 books. Eight journals with guided prompts that are combined with various artists' illustrations, unique graphics or beautiful photography which encourages the writer to fill up the empty pages with their own life stories, Let's Rock: Rock Painting for Kids which won a Children's Choices award and Only One You which focuses on the love between parents and their child, Adri. Her latest book You Be You continues where Only One You left off and now Adri is discovering the world for himself. These books speak to readers of all ages.

From the Author

In Only One You Adri's Papa and Mama share with him the wisdom they have learned in their lives. The reader will find either Mama or Papa or both Mama and Papa floating on the pages.

Now in You Be You Adri's adventure continues.

Join Adri as he is out discovering the world on his own. Look for Adri swimming among all the coloful fish.

In this story I wanted the reader to feel comfortable about who they are. We are all different. We have our own talents and we should develope our unique gifts and share them with the world. The message is to be yourself.

Just like the end sheets in Only One You more wisdom and encouragement spills onto the front and back inside covers of You Be You.

I want my stories to speak to all ages.

After reading a story I love to close the book with a smile.

Thank you, for taking the time to read "From the Author."
If you would like to learn more about Linda Kranz, visit her website, www.lindakranz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Do We Care About Our Environment?

Poppies on the Ranch

It's amazing to me, how a little bit of water from one of our recent rain storms, brought the poppies back to us again. I love how they recede themselves all over the place! Do you have them in your area?

Wikipedia says:

A poppy is one of a group of a flowering plants in the poppy family, many of which are grown in gardens for their colorful flowers. Poppies are sometimes used for symbolic reasons, such as in remembrance of soldiers who have died during wartime.
Poppy flowers have 4 to 6 petals. The petals may be almost any color, and some have markings. Before blooming, the petals are crumpled in the bud, and as blooming finishes, the petals often lie flat before falling away. A whorl of stamens is in the center of the flower. The pollen of the oriental poppy, Papaver orientale, is dark blue. The pollen of the field poppy or corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is dark blue to grey. Bees use poppies as a pollen source.

Flowers on Saturday is hosted by Ewa Kelly

Welcome to Quote It!

Please feel free to grab the button and create your own post.
Add as many quotes as you wish, from whom ever you wish. It can even be lyrics to a song.
Just tell us who it is. Anonymous welcome too.
Quote It is hosted by Freda

Here's Mine:

"While I'm a little more optimistic about the air, because I believe that the oil industry and power companies are striving to eliminate air pollution, another aspect of energy is far more worrisome. That is the fantastic amount of heat produced by any kind of power plant."

-- Dr. Rene Dubos (Distinguished scientist; quote taken in an interview from Boys' Life. Dr. Dubos wrote 'So Human An Animal' in 1969.)

More info if you need it:

I was reading an article written by Martin Cohen. He has been writing since he was in primary school in a little town in Western Pennsylvania. Since then he has written fiction and articles on a variety of subjects published in several magazines. He lives with his wife and three sons who share his concerns about the environment.

Do We Really Care About Our Environment? was one of many environmental articles he worked on for several magazines. he had previously worked with Dr. Dubos, and he knew that besides being a brilliant scientist, he is a man who deeply loves children. Because of this love for children, he thought he would have the patience to word and explain this large amount of material for youngsters. (for ages 12-17.) Martin Cohen was correct.

Cool Kid's Books

The New 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth

Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment

Download flower picture for kids to color from Jan Brett

LadyD books is participating in 3 memes today. I love to look at flower photos from all around the world and brush up on famous quotes.

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Friday 56: Sharing Literature With Children

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted at Freda's Voice.

Friday 56 Rules:

Grab a book, any book.
Turn to page 56.
Find any sentence that grabs you.
Post it.
Add your link at Freda's Voice

Here's mine to share with you:

"There was a sign on Rosie's door.
It read, "If you want to know a secret, knock three times."
Kathy knocked three times and Rosie opened the door.
"Hello, Kathy."
"Hello, Rosie. What's the secret?
"I'm not Rosie anymore," said Rosie.
"That's the secret."

From: The Sign On Rosie's Door by Maurice Sendak

More about it:

The Sign on Rosie's Door is a hilarious and accurate representation of children at play. Maurice Sendak has been widely praised as an illustrator and as a writer of fantasy. Do you have a favorite? I like Where The Wild things are, Higglety Pigglety Pop! and Night Kitchen.

Katy at the A Few More Pages blog is hosting this weekly meme.

How to participate:

Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments. Include the title and the author so we know what you're reading.

Then, if you feel so moved, let us know what your first impressions were based on that first line, and let us know if you liked or did not like the sentence. The link-up will be here at A Few More Pages every Friday.

Here's how the book begins:

"This book is designed for use in collage classes in children's literature, as a source book in libraries and in elementary schools, and for parents who want to share great literature with their children. Besides being a collection of literature for children, the book offers a theory about children's literature that grows out of something we all have experience and sensed intuitively-that the most deeply moving literature seems to center in certain basic symbolic themes, which keep recurring like the patterns in music."

My thoughts...

This wonderful book covers rhymes, fables, folktales, fantasy, fiction and nonfiction. I love how the book shows the connection of children's personalities enjoying the sheer fun of reading many stories.

Sharing Literature With Children: A Thematic Anthology

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by Parajunkeeand Alison can Read. Please click on one of their links for the rules. This week’s question is.

Q. It's Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for - blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?

A. My family and friends, my faith and my readers. The Lord has helped me along the way, with His grace and strength using so many beautiful people, showering me with love and kindness. I am thankful for my Bible because it is the best blueprint for my life.

LadyD Books is linking with,

InLinkz.com

Blessings to you,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Storm Passing

SkyWatch Friday

Storm Passing

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. How about you? Weather here in southern California was filled with passing clouds steadily moving along and heading Eastward toward a local mountain range. There wasn't any snow dusting the mountain tops because it just never got that cold today. A few sprinkles here and there. I just love how the sun came out and lit up the side of the hill. A great visual that seemed to say, "All is well. The storm has passed!"

Happy Friday. Hope you'll stop on over for more cool sky pics at SKYWATCH FRIDAY