Author Interview: ‘The Goblin Pitcher’ by Paul Lonardo

About the Book:

The one thing eleven-year-old Jake Lupo loves more than anything else is baseball. However, despite his father being a professional pitcher, Jake’s fear of failing has kept him from competing against children his own age. When his father, who has recovered from a serious arm injury, is invited to pitch for an independent team, Jake and his parents move to Pine Barrows, a far flung forested mountain outpost. Jake is excited about his father’s chance at a comeback, but he soon learns that he is not the only one in Pine Barrows who loves baseball. Goblins love to play baseball, too, and Pine Barrows happens to be chock full of them. Then Jake discovers that the region is occupied by two factions of warring goblins.

Seeking to take control of the goblin kingdom, the leader of the evil goblins kidnaps Jake’s mother and bans baseball, a game which itself is a natural source of power for the goblins.

It turns out that Jake has a secret kinship with the legendary beings, and he is the only one who can save them, their kingdom and his mother. However, Jake must believe in himself and play a winner-take-all game against the best goblin players in Pine Barrows.

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Purchase Links:

Amazon – UK / US

Author Interview:

1: Tell us a little about yourself and what got you in to writing?

I am fortunate to be able to write full time now, doing freelance work and contributing to a local magazine/newspaper. Besides my own fiction and nonfiction projects, I ghostwrite and collaborate with aspiring writers or people who have a unique or interesting experience they want to share with others. I really enjoy all of it. However, filmmaking was my first love, and as a kid I got hold of an old super-8 film camera and started making movies with my friends in the backyard. I wrote scripts, telling original stories with the camera, editing, and screening the completed films to family members and friends. After high school, I even went to a film school in Hollywood, CA. I was a great experience, and it’s where I developed a love of writing, short stories at first, and eventually my first full length novel. 

2: Do you have a favorite time and place where you write?

I feel I am at my most creative in the evening, and late at night. When everything is quiet and the day is done, I can focus better on a creative project. The daytime hours I usually spend doing promotional work and research, as well as reading.

3: Where do your ideas come from?

There is no telling where an idea will come from, but it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It could come from something you read, see in a movie or on television, or something you hear someone say that sparks an idea for a storyline, a character, some dialogue or just a cool sounding title. Once that little seed gets in my brain, it starts to germinate. If this nascent idea is not acknowledged and cultivated in some way, it will wither and die. Whether you call it a muse, an inner voice, or some other extraneous force whispering in a writer’s ear, wherever inspiration comes from, it cannot be denied. Maybe all people hear these whisperings, but a writer cannot simply dismiss them.

4: Do you have a plan in your head of where the story is going before you start writing or do you let it carry you along as you go?

Often a story will “write itself.” That does happen, but it only works if you have a character that is fully developed, one you completely understand. That character will take you on a journey that you as the writer may not know, at least not consciously. Go with these characters, trust them. If your story is getting pulled in some inexplicable direction, then you have to pull back and find out more about the character. That is the key.

5: What genre are your books and what drew you to that genre?

As evidenced from my list of books, there are numerous genres represented, both fiction and nonfiction. I really enjoy the challenge of writing in a genre that is new to me. It keeps me feeling fresh and eager to learn different styles of writing and approaches to a topic or subject matter. This also ensures that I continue reading, because you have to read in the genre you are writing.

6: What dream cast would you like to see playing the characters in your latest book?

My latest book, being a middle grade fantasy/adventure, it would be difficult for me to name a current young actor to play the main character. However, I drew such inspiration from an early Stephen King novel, The Body, and have an affinity with the film adaptation of that story, Rob Reiner’s directed, Stand By Me, that I pictured young Wil Wheaton playing Jake in my book. His parents, I could see Matthew McConaughey playing his dad because of his athleticism, and Toni Collette playing his mom. She was so good in The Sixth Sense.

7: Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors?

I read a ton growing up. Being the late 70’s and early 80’s, horror was king, and Stephen King was Overlord. So, one of his books was never far from me. I liked the horror masters, Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, but I also read many other contemporary authors of fright and the macabre, such as Clive Barker, Dean Koontz, Joe R. Lonsdale, Ramsey Campbell and Robert McCammon, to name a few. I still read today, perhaps not as much, but certainly a much more diverse array of writers, because of my penchant for writing across genres.

8: What book/s are you reading at present?

I am reading a couple of books right now, one is a middle grade novel and the other is a sports book. With the recent passing of baseball legend, Hank Aaron, I picked up a biography on Hammering Hank. I alternate between chapters of that book and a middle grade adventure, titled “Took: A Ghost Story” by Mary Downing Hahn. 

9: What is your favourite book and why?

Truman Capote’s ‘In Cold Blood’ is one of my favorite books, and one of the few that I have read more than once. Why I like this book so much is because of the perspective the author offers the reader in the telling of this story. Capote does not sensationalise the crimes or make the murderers out to be rock stars. It is an approach that works on so many levels, and you see the approach emulated in true crime books today, but never surpassed by Capote’s signature work.

10: What advice would you give for someone thinking about becoming a writer?

If writing is something you really enjoy, don’t let anything stop you, no matter how little time you have to devote to it. Always write for you first, write what interests you, and the readers who find you will be lucky they did.

11: What are the best Social Media Sites for people to find out about you and your work?  

Recently, I have been scouring the Internet for all the best sites to reach the reading public. I have joined a whole host of them, and if anyone has other recommendations for me to consider, please feel free to let me know. You can find my books and information about them, and me, on Goodreads, LibraryThing, AuthorsDen, BookBub, The Authors Guild, LinkedIn, and of course my Amazon author page. I also have a new website, www.thegoblinpitcher.com, featuring highlights, giveaways and other fun stuff related to my new middle grade fantasy adventure book, THE GOBLIN PITCHER.

About the Author:

I have authored both fiction and nonfiction books in a variety of genres, from true crime to romance. As a freelance writer, I often collaborate with people to help them write and publish their biographies, memoirs, or to help them relate a particularly compelling or personal experience.

I studied filmmaking / screenwriting at Columbia College – Hollywood. I earned an A.S. (Mortuary Science) from Mount Ida College and a B.A. (English) from the University of Rhode Island.

I live in Lincoln, RI with my wife and son.

Author Interview: ‘Halloween Monsters’ by Eric Guth

A Guide of Spooky Facts and Faces

 

About the Book:

Spooky. Informative. Fun!

Learn the facts and origins of famous Halloween Monsters. Each creature is formed with the objects that best represent them. Mummies, Vampires, Witches — discover several of the scariest and most iconic monsters that have been featured in the media, used as decorations and worn as costumes for decades. This collection is sure to be an enjoyable and informative experience for both kids and parents.

 

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Purchase Links:

Amazon – UK / US

 

Author Interview:

1: Tell us a little about yourself and what got you in to writing?

As an elementary teacher, husband, and proud father. I noticed that kids love spooky or scary stories, but there were no origin type stories with classic Halloween monsters geared for kids. I started researching and became fascinated with the topic. Over the next few months that ended up developing into my first picture book, Halloween Monsters: A Guide of Spooky Facts and Faces.

2: Do you have a favourite time and place where you write?

Having a full-time job and two little kids at home, I find that usually late a night is the ideal time. The couch is home, so that I can also be next to my lovely and supportive wife as I research and write.

3: Where do your ideas come from?

I try to think about what kids love and our interested in. I want to try to put together concise non-fiction books on these topics for kids. My niche age range for my writing seems to be age 8 – 13. I think my book topics can hopefully be motivating to normally reluctant readers and also filled will information where parents can learn something new too.

4: Do you have a plan in your head of where the story is going before you start writing or do you let it carry you along as you go?

I seem to have a plan, but the formatting evolves as I start to put together the facts from the book. I try to think about what would be the most visually appealing and interesting and appealing to kids.

5: What genre are your books and what drew you to that genre?

Informational text and classic topics that kids love such as Halloween, pirates, and U.S. presidents. I have always been drawn to real world topics and wanted to create books that made those topics appealing to all kids, but especially reluctant readers.

6: What dream cast would you like to see playing the characters in your latest book?

For playing Halloween monsters, Cate Blanchett as a witch or Hugh Jackman as Frankenstein would be fascinating.

7: Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors?

I try to regularly read picture books to see what is popular and see if they spark any ideas. Some classic authors that I love are Eric Carle, Tomie DePalma, and Dr. Seuss.

8: What book/s are you reading at present?

My 3-year-old son loves the story Otis by Loren Long. A cute story about a tractor and a calf.

9: What is your favourite book and why?

I loved the book, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. A great survival tale geared toward teenagers.

10: What advice would you give for someone thinking about becoming a writer?

Write what you love and that you think others will love too. Just start writing and let the ideas flow. You can always clean up your work later, but as soon as a thought pops into your head try to get it down, so you do not forget it.

11: What are the best Social Media Sites for people to find out about you and your work?  

Twitter: @guthbooks

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/20448475.Eric_Guth

 

About the Author:

I am an aspiring author with my first book going live in August 2020. I hope to create children’s book on topics that are loved by kids with information that can be enjoyed by both kids and parents.

Author Interview: ‘Seacity Rising – A Tale of Unwatery Adventures’ by Elika Ansari

About the Book:

When the underwater animals of Seacity pond learn that their home is in danger, they decide to investigate further by doing something no one has ever done before – go up to land to seek the answers they need. An unlikely team of two royal turtles, a genius goldfish and a timorous frog are then assembled to embark on a series of adventures. Whether they are racing the fastest tortoise on earth, falling in love with travelling mice theatre, or bringing peace to warring ant colonies, each unique experience is taking the group of friends closer to the heart of what is really going on. But will they make it back in time to save Seacity before the Winter’s Slumber?

 

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Purchase Links:

Amazon – UK / US

“The scroll read: ‘Heed the words of the Water Gods. Something terrible comes to the pond. Something that will catch you off guard and destroy you all against all odds.'”

Author Interview:

1: Tell us a little about yourself and what got you into writing?

Hi there. I’ve been into writing for as long as I can remember. I came up with my first poem in Persian before I could even read or write. As for fiction, I remember once in Year 4 we had to come up with a plot for the following title in English class: “Whatever happened to Professor Potts?” I enjoyed the exercise so much; I came up with a whole series of crime fiction after that. Not that they were any good, lol.

2: Do you have a favourite time and place where you write?

Time – whenever I get the chance, really, but I am more productive in the mornings. My ideal routine would be to get up, go to a yoga class, then chill in a not-too-busy cafe and let the writing muses to their work. But that isn’t always possible, so I take what I can.

3: Where do your ideas come from?

My sources vary. Sometimes ideas from other stories, sometimes from real life experiences. As for my debut book, ‘Seacity Rising’, the idea first came about when I was observing my two turtles in their aquarium. At daytime, they seemed like regular turtles, but at nighttime, they switched into adventure mode – swimming this way and that, helping each other to search every nook and cranny of the aquarium for what I assumed to be treasure. I started coming up with different characteristics and plotlines for the turtles, and from there, the Seacity World was born.

4: Do you have a plan in your head of where the story is going before you start writing or do you let it carry you along as you go?

I have a vague plan, and often surprise myself in the details as I go along. But I seriously advise having the clearest plan possible. It is a bit of a drag, but I always find it makes the writing process so much smoother.

5: What genre are your books and what drew you to that genre?

I tend to focus on Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Fantasy mostly, but I don’t mind branching out at times. What draws me to kid lit in general is the expanse of imagination one witnesses in such stories, which, in my view, is often lacking in adult literature. Also I tend to find kid lit much more upbeat in general.

6: What dream cast would you like to see playing the characters in your latest book?

Well, it would have to be an animated movie, since the main characters are a frog, two turtles and a goldfish. As for voice actors, Babak the Frog should definitely be voiced over by Omid Djalili, the Princess Dolores (Lo) by Mae West, Lenore (Lee) by Elizabeth Banks, and Dr Goldberg by Gary Oldman.

7: Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors?

I read less than I would like to, to be honest. Some of my favourite authors are JK Rowling, Tahereh Mafi and Elif Shafak. A rare mix, I know, but they all have such an incredible gift for storytelling.

8: What book/s are you reading at present?

I just finished one, but I was about to start reading Elif Shafak’s 10 minutes and 38 seconds. It is about a woman reflecting on her life story in the minutes immediately following her death, which sounds like a fascinating premise to me.

9: What is your favourite book and why?

That’s a difficult question. But I can easily admit that Lewis Caroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is one of my all-time favourites, but since I came upon the book as an adult, I feel I was much better equipped to properly appreciate its quirks and depth.

One of my favourite books as a kid was Wilma’s Wicked Revenge by Kaye Umansky. It is about a girl who is training to be a wicked queen like her mother and sisters, but she is not very good at it. I remember reaching the last 10 pages of the book and basically refusing to read on because I didn’t want the story to end!

10: What advice would you give for someone thinking about becoming a writer?

Just do it! I mean, just write that story you’ve had in your mind for God-knows-how-long. My biggest obstacle was thinking I lacked the vocabulary to write a book. So the two things that helped me the most were: 1 – Active reading in the same genre of my story while writing (i.e. taking note of vocab that could be helpful) and 2 – Accepting that the first draft will never see the light of day – i.e. it can be the worst thing I’ve ever written, as long as something is written. Editing garbage is still doable, but you can’t edit blank space.

11: What are the best Social Media Sites for people to find out about you and your work?  

Here comes the shameless self-promo! Apologies in advance.

Website: www.elikaansari.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/elikaansari

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/19226072.Elika_Ansari

Instagram page: www.instagram.com/elikaansari

 

About the Author:

Elika Ansari is a writer, social scientist and humanitarian professional. She currently works in what has been recently described as ‘the world’s worst refugee camp’ in Greece, and as such she has had the (mis)fortune of hearing many touching stories about hardship and perseverance. She tries to focus her writing on globally relevant issues with the hope of one day making a difference through the stroke of the pen (or click of the keyboard), however small that may be. She loves writing anything from essays and articles to children’s fiction, and she does not shy away from the occasional rants about society’s downfalls. Ansari has published 100+ reviews, articles and short stories, and her debut children’s book, ‘Seacity Rising: A Tale of Unwatery Adventures’ is due to be published on June 6th, 2019 by Black Rose Writing.

Author Interview: ‘Chicago Treasure’ by Rich Green

About the Book:

A new hardcover book of photography, illustrations, poetry, and prose that celebrates inclusion and the boundless creativity of children

Chicago has many treasures. The Magnificent Mile and Wrigley Field, wonderful public art and parks, beautiful bridges and skylines. But the true heart and the real treasure of the city are its children. This book is devoted to Chicago’s children. Come along as they travel to worlds within worlds, becoming storybook characters who follow the Yellow Brick Road, sip tea in Wonderland, tame a tiger, live in a shoe, climb a magic beanstalk to bring home a golden-egg-laying hen, turn a frog into a prince, meet fairies and dragons.

Continue as they step into painted canvases to inhabit scenes from other times and places. After climbing down from those framed worlds, they explore the city, high-fiving the victorious Chicago Bears, joining penguins at the theater, and leaping across State Street Bridge aboard African impalas.

The kids are the story. The book is their adventure. Its door swings open. . .

Everything Goes Media / Lake Claremont Press

Reading Nook readers may use coupon code CTBLOG15 for a 15% discount on their entire order at Everything Goes Media so why not take a look! – www.everythinggoesmedia.com

With twenty-five years of experience and a love for books and small-scale enterprise, knowledgeable authors with passion projects, and connecting with readers, we are an independent book publisher forging our own path within the industry establishment. Our books have an initial print run of 2,000 to 10,000, and often reprint. We specialize in choosing nonfiction books for particular audiences, supporting authors’ goals, public outreach, and creative sales and marketing. Our imprints include Everything Goes Media (business, gift, hobby, and lifestyle books), Lake Claremont Press (Chicago and Chicago history titles), Lake Claremont Press: A Chicago Joint (distribution for nonfiction Chicago books), and S. Woodhouse Books (ideas, history, science, trends, and current events titles).

 

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Purchase Links:

Amazon – UK / US

Author/Illustrator Interview:

1: Tell us a little about yourself and what got you in to writing?

I came into writing through my years of working as an illustrator focused on children’s books. I have always been interested in art and drawing, specifically computer graphics, and my style and interests have always been influenced by children’s themes, books and animation. A few years back, I discovered the SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and started attending monthly Illustrator Network meetings in the Chicago area. The group and its mentors share a wealth of knowledge on the industry. Along the way, I started to get more and more interested in the idea of writing and illustrating my own stories. I have been working on a few manuscripts and book dummies I am hoping to pitch later this year.

2: Do you have a favourite time and place where you write?

Usually I do most of my work, both writing and illustrating, from my home office. Instead of having a specific time of day I like to work, I find myself most productive on wintery days when the snow is falling and the world looks so calm and peaceful. Plus, one of the stories I am working on is set in winter, so it helped put me in the right mood. My other favorite time to work is on sunny days with temps in the low 70’s where I can have the window open to get the nice breeze and hear cars, people and animals passing by outside. It makes me feel connected to the community even though at that moment I am alone in my office.

3: Where do your ideas come from?

I have learned that both in illustration and storytelling in general the best ideas come from things you know and your own personal experiences. No one can tell those stories better than you, and I think it really connects with the readers much more.

4: Do you have a plan in your head of where the story is going before you start writing or do you let it carry you along as you go?

Since I am generally writing for children’s picture books, I usually have a pretty good sense of where the story is going. You have such a small number of pages and limited number of words, so the key is to focus the story text and fill in the gaps with things unsaid via the illustrations. It is that combination which has me so excited about being both author and illustrator.

5: What genre are your books and what drew you to that genre?

The books I have previously illustrated are by author Amy Logan. Her Girl and Boy With A Cape stories focus on acts of kindness: the idea that a small act of kindness can spread around your neighborhood, town, city, and the world. I really enjoy that positive and inspiring type of story. My latest book, Chicago Treasure by Larry Broutman, John Rabias and me, takes classic storybook, fairytale and nursery rhymes and puts a modern spin on them. The illustrations feature photos of real children as the main characters. Our message is one of access and inclusion for all children, regardless of ability. That is a message I am very proud of, and the response to the book has been wonderful.

6: What dream cast would you like to see playing the characters in your latest book?

Chicago Treasure features real children in the illustrations, so I can say, without a doubt, we have our dream cast for this project already. Each one of these children shine. Many asked if they were going to be stars when they were being photographed by Larry Broutman. Many have since gone on to be featured in TV and newspaper articles about the book, so I would say they are in fact stars!

7: Do you read much and if so, who are your favourite authors?

As an author/illustrator, I think it is pretty much a requirement to read all the time. That may be even more true in the children’s book world, as you need to see what types of stories are being told, what styles of illustration are resonating with art directors and audiences, and so on. I try to make it a weekly routine to head to my local library and check out a handful of children’s books to keep myself informed and inspired.   Being so involved in the SCBWI has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many amazing authors and illustrators. Forming a bond with some of them has really taken my love of their books to a new level. Matthew Cordell is high on that list. I even had the honor of getting a portfolio review by him several years ago, and now he is a Caldecott medal winner for his incredible wordless picture book Wolf in the Snow. Another favorite of mine is Don Tate who has authored and/or illustrated several incredible books and is the kindest, most humble guy. I find that so inspiring.

8: What book/s are you reading at present?

Two of my fellow SCBWI-Illinois friends, Doug Cenko and Alex Willan, just had new books released. I am anxiously awaiting my copies, so I can check them out. Doug’s book, My Mama is a Mechanic, is a follow up to his wonderful My Papa is a Princess. Alex’s book, Jasper & Ollie, is his debut author/illustrated picture book. It was just released earlier this week. It’s always exciting to see your friends/peers have their breakthroughs.

9: What is your favorite book and why?

I recently read the children’s book The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, and I absolutely love it. It is so clever and imaginative. It is a children’s book that is written for the adult reading the book to a child as much as it is for the child. That is my current favorite for sure.

10: What advice would you give for someone thinking about becoming a writer?

“Do great work and be great to work with.” I think most of us work really hard at giving our best when it comes to our craft, and that is important. But equally, if not even more important, is to be someone who is also great to work with. That means being upbeat and a positive personality when interacting with others. It means meeting deadlines and making the process go smoothly for all involved in your projects. It is such simple advice but very effective. I share it with everyone, as it’s a small world, and being known as someone that is good to work with will definitely take you places.

One other saying I rely on is “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” This is so true in all aspects in life. Sometimes you have to say yes to a concept or project before you even really know how you are going to complete it. Say yes to chances and opportunities, even if they scare you (For many writers and illustrators public speaking comes to mind). Stepping outside your comfort zone is certainly scary at first, but you never know where it will lead and how much it will enrich your life along the way!

11: What are the best Social Media Sites for people to find out about you and your work?  

You can find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/richgreenart, Twitter: @richgreenart and Instagram: @richgreenart or my website www.richgreenart.com

About the Author/Illustrator:

Illustrator Rich Green is a former Disney intern, a computer graphics professional, and the illustrator of several popular children’s books. Although he works mostly digitally, he also enjoys putting pencil to paper and brush to paint. His artworks can be found in regional galleries. Rich lives in Joliet, Illinois, with his faithful dog, Annie.

About the other Author and Illustrator:

Larry Broutman

Since the 1990s, Larry Broutman has traveled the world over to capture the perfect photograph and has found his hometown of Chicago to have a plethora of visual inspiration. Broutman has been interviewed by high-profile television programs, radio shows, newspapers, and art magazines to discuss his critically-acclaimed photography books Chicago Eternal, Chicago Monumental, and Chicago Unleashed. Chicago Monumental has won a Midwest Book Award for best interior design and an IPPY (Independent Publisher) Award in the Great Lakes Nonfiction category.

His photography projects include work with Lincoln Park Zoo, Africa Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Children’s Memorial Hospital Clinic, and The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Broutman was a finalist in Africa Geographic magazine’s Photographer of the Year contest.

Broutman attended MIT where he received his S.B., S.M., and doctorate degree in the field of Materials Engineering and Science in 1963. Specializing in Polymer Engineering and Science and Composite Materials, Broutman has vast experience writing college textbooks, reference books, and technical articles. In fact, he was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame.

John Rabias

Teacher and magician John Rabias works in digital illustration and post-production imaging and has taught computer graphics at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for over twenty years. When not working on screen, John paints in oil. He lives in Chicago with his Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster.

Book Review: ‘Megan’s Munchkins’ by Pamela Foland

Title: Megan’s Munchkins (Megan’s World Book 1)

Published: 21^st June 2017

Publisher: Sonny’s Legacy Publishing

Author: Pamela Foland

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpamelafoland

Twitter: @pamelacfoland

 

Synopsis:

What’s hidden in the darkness of Megan’s closet? Kittens! Four abandoned one-day-old kittens. These helpless babies were starving in the hedges when thirteen-year-old Megan Thompson discovers them and decides on the spot that she must save them. Knowing her parent’s answer to her many pet requests, she decides to raise the kittens in secret. Follow Megan across the next five weeks, as her life becomes an endless cycle of feeding schedules, vet visits, homework, household chores, and sneaking around. Megan’s dreams have come true with her four precious friends, but what will Megan’s parents say about her furry secrets? Will Megan be allow to keep the kittens she loves with all her heart?

 

Review:

A story about taking responsibility for something other than yourself and showing respect and growth in learning new things. She may go about it in the wrong way to start with but Megan does know how to be a good owner to her new kittens.

There was never a question about what Megan was going to do after finding four little day old kittens in a box under a bush. Of course she was going to save them. I would do the same, hands down. She just had to do it secretly due to her parents no pet rule until she could show them she was taking on some responsibilities – housework, chores, helping her parents when asked, along with keeping her grades up at school. Good job that looking after her special fluffballs teachers her that.

Four little munchkins that you will want to just curl up and cuddle with. It’s kitten heaven with these four: Gizmo, Misty, Petey and Chip. A bit of a handful but Megan sees it as well worth it. This book is good at showing the responsibilities of looking after a pet. You have to take care of everything to keep them alive. She may have had to tell a few lies to keep them hidden at the beginning but she definitely took on the role of mother to them.

This is a book for a younger audience but the writing was good and made the story interesting to get through. Kind of got a bit of a Beethoven 2 vibe to it with the part where the three kids are looking after the puppies without their parents finding out. They take on all the four hourly feeds, cleaning them, teaching them to eat and play to help them develop. They had three kids looking after the four pups whereas Megan had to look after and pay for all the kittens’ things herself. Granted kittens are smaller but still a lot of hard work.

This book brought back fun memories of having to look after my cousins own little munchkins. Hand feeding them just like Megan does. Helpless little furballs but they were well worth the work with looking after them.

An interesting starting point to this learning book style series. Good teaching guides for younger kids who are asking about wanting a pet but maybe not quite understanding all that’s involved with looking after them. Having a pet is a huge commitment that has to be taken seriously. If you want one badly enough that you are willing to do the work to look after them then maybe you might just get one.

4 out of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.