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Saturday Book Review: “Percy Finds A Girlfriend”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of the Observations from a simple life blog:

Percy Finds A Girlfriend (A Frame Named Percy Book 1)

by Sissy Parker

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478764632

Synopsis:

Pamela Jones has established herself as an up and coming artist, critics have praised her work as a chip off the old block. Pamela’s father William Jones has been guiding his daughter’s work for quite some time now. Four years ago Pamela created a frame for the family’s portrait and she gave it a kiss and called him Percy and this is where Percy’s life started. Unbeknownst to Pamela every time she gives her creations a kiss and a name they come to life but nor can they talk to her or any other human under the age of 10. Pamela felt Percy needed a companion so she created a beautiful porcelain statue and again she gave it a kiss and a name but before Percy could bond with the statue it was stolen. Pamela suspects someone in the family but the family thinks someone came in and stole the statue. The Jones family will go to great lengths to find out who stole the porcelain statue. Percy Finds A Girlfriend is another episode in Percy’s adventure; he is still trying to learn how humans and his friends deal with everyday life. Come join him on this ride of love, friendship and betrayal.

Critique:

Percy Finds a Girlfriend by Sissy Parker is a magical story of a picture frame named Percy and how he is able to speak and interact with the other household items as they witness the lives of the Jones family.

The story opens with the house on Mulberry Street with its occupants. Hanan is the wife of William and mother to Pamela, Bernita, Anita, Sandy and Liz. Pamela is an artist who crafts amazing works of art including stained glass and other works. The Jones family is preparing for a wedding. Hanan’s niece is coming and the house is in a fury trying to get everything ready. Pamela has a special reveal for her family and their guests. It is a small porcelain statute she named Jacqueline. Jacqueline was created as a girlfriend for Percy. The family doesn’t believe that Percy is alive and finds it weird that she would make a girlfriend for the picture frame. But unbeknownst to the family, Pamela is able to breathe life into her creation with a simple kiss. Then suddenly, Jacqueline goes missing. Who is the thief? Will Jacqueline be returned safely?

I enjoyed the precise about a magical picture frame and other household items who are the often silent witnesses to the Jones family. I think this story is a great imaginative adventure as told through the eyes of a beautiful picture frame. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy magical stories.

Percy Finds a Girlfriend

is available on Amazon

on the Kindle for $5.00 and in paperback for $9.95

[ reviewed by Jennifer Lara ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

The narration of the book is the primary character in the book, Percy. Pamela Jones, an artist designed Percy,a picture frame.Pamela sets the frame by the family portrait and gives it a kiss. Every time she creates something and kisses it, it almost becomes alive. It becomes smart. These creations can only talk to children under 10 years of age. At least they are the only ones who understand them. Well not quite, a family of mice can also have communication with the kissed objects.Pamela develops a plan to give Percy a girlfriend. She makes a statue, [and names] it Jacqueline. Percy finds love. A theft occurs at a wedding and Percy and Pamela are really upset about it. Jacqueline is gone. Will the thief be discovered? Is it a new character or an existing character? Will things get back to normal? Will Percy find his Love? or is she gone forever? Will the ending be a happy one or sad one? This was a great book for children and adults. Children and adults attach themselves to different things and sometimes believe they’re like human.It’s a fun and exciting read. Great story for children and adults alike.Pick up a copy and read it with or to your child and be introduced to Percy, Jacqueline, Pamela and others. I enjoyed it and I’m going to pass it along to some nieces who I know will enjoy it.

– Amazon Reviewer Gayle Pace

The primary character and the narrator in this book for children is a picture frame named Percy. He was made by artist Pamela Jones and when he was put around the family portrait Pamela kissed him and somehow granted him sentience. Percy is not the only intelligent object in the house, every object that Pamela creates and then kisses develops a consciousness. They can talk to each other but only humans under the age of 10 can understand them. There is a family of mice in the house and they can also communicate with the objects kissed by Pamela.

Pamela creates a porcelain statue that she names Jacqueline and she places her next to Percy with the intention of giving him a lady friend. Her plan works and Percy finds himself in love. There is a human wedding with a large number of attendees at the house and in the aftermath someone steals Jacqueline, an action that devastates Pamela and Percy.

After a bit of moping and engaging in a process of elimination, the culprit is discovered and it turns out to be someone that has been cranky and disagreeable throughout the entire story. All is restored in the Jones household when Jacqueline is returned.

The premise of sentient objects is an interesting one that children will find entertaining, for they naturally develop attachments to objects and consider them to be alive with dynamic personalities capable of having deep emotions. There is a significant amount of family drama and subterfuge as well, even though there is a happy ending and the “bad person” is forced to confess and accept punishment. This is a good story.

– Amazon Reviewer Charles Ashbacher

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

amazon reviews, Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Saturday Book Review: “I Love Grass”

I Love Grass

by Maria Boston

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478725688

Synopsis:

Do you love grass?

There are so many things to love about grass. We can love the way it looks, the way it smells – even the way it changes its green from season to season! Read on to add to your experiences with grass.

Maria Boston has always written children’s stories. She pulls on her rich experiences from her own and her daughters’ childhoods. “I Love Grass” is her first published book. She lives in Virginia with her two daughters and their dog.

Critique:

I Love Grass is a textured, craft-filled, illustrated essay on grass for children age 6 and up. Carefully photographed works of textured needlecraft and carpet samples present colored illustrations of a gentle narrative description of grass, progressing through the seasons, exploring the rich colors, different flowers and plants that grow in grass, and living inhabitants of the grass such as bugs, insects, or even humans. I Love Grass is a multimedia celebration of grass, presented in fastidious portraits of creative craft and yarn needlework, incorporating joyous observations of each vision of all the different shades and kinds of grass.

[ reviewed on the Easy Reader Shelf at MBR ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

I just received this book and had to review it right away. I absolutely loved it. I review a lot of children books, so I think I know when I see a good one, and I have to say, this is a good one.

First, I have to say I really love the art work in this book. All the pictures are out of yarn. The houses, bench, grass, sky, ground, flowers, etc. It really adds to the creativity of I Love Grass. Each time the “grass” changes, you get to see from the different colors of yarn. I believe this will really hold a child’s attention when they see it. There is also a little grass design on all the pages with words. It is just a beautiful book.

Second, the story. It is just as cute as the book. You can really tell how passionately the author feels about grass and how much she really wants one to love it just the same. Her words are simple, so a younger reader can read it to themselves. One can also learn from it as the author explains the different changes and seasons and shows it along with the pictures in the book. The book isn’t very long so young children’s attention won’t be lost.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think everyone should get I Love Grass for their kids. They will love it and want to read it over and over again.

– Amazon Reviewer Allergykidmom

I don’t have young children but saw this book on a friend’s coffee table and after reading it, I wanted a copy for myself. What caught my attention was the amazing imagery. It is absolutely beautiful!!! The author created all the images out of yarn. How creative! I couldn’t put it down.

So I read it to my cousin, who is more than 40 years younger than me (see how I didn’t give my age away?) She loved it! She asked me to read it a few more times that night so I’m thinking children really like this children’s book as much as I do.

If you are a fan of table books and or have young children, I don’t think you can go wrong with this book. As an adult, it inspired me to get my creativity on! (I hide it when my young cousins visit though. Don’t want icky, sticky children’s fingerprints all over it!)

– Amazon Reviewer Miss G

There are so many things to love about grass. We can love the way it looks, the way it smells – even the way it changes its green from season to season! Read on to add to your experiences with grass. I Love Grass is a refreshing return to life’s simple pleasures. The book brings out the nature-lover in every child by calling their attention to this, and other, wonders of Earth.

I Love Grass returns young readers to a simpler time of wonderment over the marvels of the natural world. The newly released book by children’s author Maria Boston is published by Outskirts Press.

The first in a new series of children’s books, I Love Grass offers an alternative focus to today’s juvenile reader. The book draws their attention from the mind-numbing stimuli of electronics and computer-generated graphics back to organic things of beauty. It’s the story of one child’s excitement over something so simply ethereal – an oft-unnoticed and unappreciated patch of grass. Through this overlooked foliage, the young girl learns to appreciate the beauty of Earth’s abundance, and revels in the quiet presence of nature.

Parents will appreciate the lessons in I Love Grass, a book that inspires quiet introspection and helps lay the foundation necessary to build future generations of environmentally conscious adults.

– Blogger Apple Blossom of The Blended Blog

Book Trailer:

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Saturday Book Review: “Pluto the Starfish: An Undersea Tale for Children 1 to 101”

Pluto The Starfish: An Undersea Tale for Children 1 to 101

by Bonnie M. Anderson
Illustrated by Malinda Raines

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478730408

Synopsis:

It’s a beautiful day in the crystal blue waters surrounding Buck Island. This magical undersea world, with its glittering rainbow of colors and fine, sparkling sand, is home to Pluto the Starfish…but Pluto is feeling sad and confused. Many of his friends can swim gracefully and swiftly. Some can even breathe air and move about on land, and others are large and fierce-looking. But Pluto can’t even swim! It took him all day to move two feet in the sand near the coral reef. He believes he’s not even good enough to be considered dinner! Pluto wonders why he is so different.

Why can’t he do more things like most of the other underwater creatures? What is his purpose?

Luckily, Pluto has good friends-like Lewis the Lobster, Lolita the Latina Leatherback Turtle and Nancy the Nurse Shark-who teach him that everyone is important and wonderfully different. Pluto the Starfish is a charming, delightfully illustrated book that not only helps children discuss their feelings and fears but it also teaches respect and care for the spectacular and varied inhabitants of our waters. A must-read for children of all ages.

Critique:

Pluto the Starfish: An Undersea Tale for Children 1 to 101 is a delightful children’s ocean allegory that stars special marine creatures in a search for life’s purpose and meaning. Pluto the Starfish is sad because he has no idea of his purpose in life. He is comforted by many different marine characters, including Lewis the Lobster, Nancy the Nurse Shark, Lolita the Latina Leatherback Turtle, Harriet the Humpback Whale, Konky the Conch, and even a human diver. Answering Pluto’s fear and sadness, Lewis the Lobster tells him: “You are the star of the ocean…You don’t have to swim… or be fast… or be furious…. or even be big. You are our star and you are humble, beautiful and kind. You are a good friend, too. That is your role and we respect and love you.” Pluto the Starfish is an entertaining and imaginative marine fantasy that encourages outside the box thinking while educating about many fascinating facts of marine biology. The expressive illustrations provide living, vivid background to every page of white text.

[ reviewed on the Fantasy/SciFi Shelf of MBR ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Like all truly universal tales, chances are anyone who reads “Pluto the Starfish” will see aspects of themselves in the little guy who feels he doesn’t quite measure up to his underwater friends. But thanks to their kindness and wisdom, Pluto learns that everyone has something to contribute and that “we’re all here for a purpose.”
Apart from teaching little ones about our neighbors who live under the sea, Pluto also imparts lessons about why we must all look out for one another through charming characters, a touching story and illustrations so vivid they jump off the page.

– Amazon Reviewer Gail O’Neill

This is a great tale to encourage children and to show that while everyone has unique qualities and talents, everybody is important and of value. Personally, I found this story oozing with morale, but then this is my personal impression from the POV of an adult which is not the target group and therefore shouldn’t affect the rating of this book too much.

My son really loves the story of little Pluto and his friends, which shows that its simplicity combined with the beautiful pictures meet a child’s perception perfectly. He had a lot of questions regarding the different sea animals and their characteristics as well as each animal’s talent and worth. We had to interrupt reading several times to discuss the story’s details and the book kept us thinking for a long time. His detailed and lasting interest in this charming adventure show that Pluto the Starfish is a fascinating book sure to attract and inspire children.

– Goodreads Reviewer Elke

Book Trailer:

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Saturday Book Review: “Doggie Delicious”

Doggie Delicious

by Mary Jo Wisneski Johnston
Illustrated by Malinda Raines

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN:9781478722779

Synopsis:

A Uniquely Talented Dog!

Life at the ranch is fun and happy, but nobody could have imagined how much more interesting it would become when Bibi, a very unusual dog, came to add an exponential level of joy. As Bibi explores her gifts and chases her dream, surprises abound as all the animals at the ranch find themselves catapulted out of the status quo and into a new world where anything is possible. A magnificent ranch play day evolves, where each animal makes a special contribution to share the best and most unexpected parts of themselves with the neighborhood children. The play day goes so well that the animals can hardly wait for the next adventure. Bibi’s success in realizing her intentions shows the animals what determination and courage can accomplish, and as she models faith and trust in the greater wisdom of life, all the people and animals around her begin to understand that there is much more to themselves, and to the world! This charming beginning chapter book with its positive, inspiring message is sure to become a favorite with readers of all ages.

Critique:

I was very impressed with this read as it touches on living life with all its joys and sadness. Life, death, eternity all play a roll in our lives, be it with other humans, or animals that we treasure so deeply. This is a story of living, not dying, of hope, imagination, caring, and joy. It is about a family, not just made up of humans, but made up of lives that are all a part of one another’s day, and life. It is about Babi, a special dog, with special traits, that brings front and center imagination, hope, inspiration, and love to all the animals and humans that this special creature comes in contact with. Babi is the example for all others of forging ahead, open to the tasks, the challenges and the victory to be had. It is a story of love, encouragement, faith, hope and winning. Very moving read, well done. Recommended..

[ reviewed by Shirley Priscilla Johnson]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Doggie Delicious by Mary Jo Wisneski Johnston is a special book about love and finding your inspiration to follow in order to make
your special contribution to life. This is a chapter book. It can be read to your child or if your child is a reader then they can read it alone
or to you. It is a great book to add to your child’s book shelf. It is about Bibi who is adopted and lives on a ranch with many other
animals. She soon develops wings. Bibi uses her wings to help people, her animal friends and her “Master.” A ranch play day is
planned, neighbors are invited and all the animals participate with their special contribution. Everyone begins to understand that
there’s more to themselves that than they thought. The party ends with everyone looking forward to the next play day. I gave this book
5 stars but it deserves many, many more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to more from Mary Jo Wisneski
Johnston.

– Barnes & Noble Reviewer MargieS1

In this captivating children’s story we meet the Bibi. She is a lovely white pup who comes to live at the ranch. She quickly entrenches herself into the hearts of her owners and then the fun begins. Bibi has a great adventure and has a very special talent (but I’m not going to spoil it here).

This is a chapter book with full colour page illustrations by Malinda Raines. I think many children will enjoy Bibi’s story. If you’re looking for a children’s chapter book that your child will treasure then this will make a great addition to your library.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book there were times when I worried about the complex language and sentence structure. On reflection though I don’t think it would put a good reader off. Also, it’s important to challenge children as they require the necessary skills and develop their appreciation of our language.

The story is well thought out and engaging. I found it delightful and can highly recommend it.

– Goodreads Reviewer Susan Day

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

amazon reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Saturday Book Review: “The Prince and the Scorpion”

The Prince and the Scorpion

by Dick Nelson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478741435

Synopsis:

America is under attack from her mortal enemies … and only Brad Tilsdale can save her.

In the highly anticipated sequel to The Trojan Horse Conspiracy, Brad Tilsdale—former Navy SEAL, FBI agent, CIA operative, and now National Security Advisor to the President—expands his influence over the U.S. government’s clandestine operations, while a weak President looks the other way. As Tilsdale weaves his way through the Washington bureaucracy to head off a massive Al-Qaeda attack, his sharply etched character begins to evolve in sinister ways, revealing a dark and ruthless side of his personality.

Tilsdale plots and schemes to protect the United States, often from itself. His unorthodox alliance with the two most influential women in Washington—a romantic triangle with treacherous implications—becomes a struggle for control of the nation’s Special Operations and clandestine services, exposing layer upon layer of personal agendas and an insatiable pursuit of power. In a final cataclysm of violence and duplicity, Tilsdale’s character emerges as a flawed hero who will kill without remorse in order to achieve his secretive goals, aided by a beautiful, powerful woman who is irresistibly drawn to his strength.

The Prince and the Scorpion is a gripping, action-packed tale of political intrigue, assassination, and heroism—a tale that will leave the reader with an entirely new view of their government in Washington … and the people who manipulate it..

Critique:

In The Prince and the Scorpion, Dick Nelson once again spins a superbly fashioned novel of political intrigue, assassinations, and heroism. A solid entertainment from first page to last, The Prince and the Scorpion is very highly recommended, and along with its prequel, The Trojan Horse Conspiracy (9781432795085, $19.95), would prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Action/Adventure fiction collections. It should be noted that The Trojan Horse Conspiracy and The Prince and the Scorpion are also available in Kindle editions ($2.99 and $9.99 respectively).

[ reviewed in the Mystery/Suspense Shelf of Midwest Book Review ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Brad Tisdale, former Navy SEAL and FBI agent (The Trojan Horse Conspiracy) and now National Security Advisor, meets his match in the Scorpion, a well-funded and highly resourceful terrorist. The two clash in a series of terrorist plots, but Tisdale is also beset with other world crises, and deals with competitors and enemies in the US and other governments (some fictional, some thinly disguised real world actors). Nelson mixes history, alternative history and speculation to produce near-constant action.

Reflecting his military background, the author is particularly effective in his treatment a broad range of weapons and intelligence systems, as well as tactics and procedures from the unit to the theater level. He is also keenly aware of the internal workings and conflict in the US and foreign governments.

This is a spellbinding novel about what it is (or should be) like to operate at the highest level of government: the loyalty and the duplicity, the cumulative effect of shadow war on people and relationships, and the deep bonds between warriors. Both books in this series are recommended to fans of John Sandford, Michael Connolly, and Robert B. Parker.

– Amazon Reviewer Bat

Fasten your seat belt and tighten your shoulder harness! Nelson’s latest work takes the reader on a fast-moving three dimensional journey of action in the “black ops” world with lots of action and twists in the plot. There are also some rather steamy amorous adventures in the story.

The plot is a blend of real the real and the fictional, wonderfully blended together. The reader is taken around the world in this fast-paced adventure. In the preface, the author encourages the reader to look up some the book’s fascinating locations using “Google Earth” – which I did and that adds anther dimension to this fascinating novel.

I liked everything about this book, including the cover.

I can’t wait for Nelson’s next book!

– Goodreads Reviewer ROBERT M HINCKLEY

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

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