Book Reviewer InterviewLeanne McGinty, Ahgoo Review

I am pleased to welcome Leanne McGinty from Ahgoo Review. Leanne, tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

Thank you. I’m pleased to be here. Ahgoo Review is a book review site for children and their parents. My mission is to encourage early literacy and family reading in an effort to build readers for life. At 17, I won an award for my children’s book - The Doll House. Reading and writing have been passions of mine for as long as I can remember and with Ahgoo Review I hope to instill that passion in others.

I agree with you that early literacy is of critical importance. What are some ways it can be nurtured by parents?

Parents can spend as little as 15 minutes a day reading to their kids and the impact will be immense. In addition, parents can get creative and host Family Reading Nights complete with activities to bring the books alive.

Children's books can be of value to adults also, can’t they? 

Children's books are chronicles of innocence. When I look at a children's book I see the images and they remind me of how a child's mind works. Those illustrations help a child develop a way to read books with no words. As an adult I still love children's books because they are works of art bound and distributed to the masses. There is nothing as special as a book for a child.

Tell us something about your book, The Doll House. 

I wrote The Doll House when I was 12. I rewrote it several times as I do with most of my stories. When I was 17, I was approached by a publisher and my dream of having a published book came true. It's a story about two little girls that live inside of doll houses. They come to life and have adventures in the big house.

And now you have the Ahgoo Review.  Who or what inspired you to want to become a book reviewer?

The birth of my daughter as well as my passion for books in general. 

What genres and age groups do you prefer? 

Ahgoo Review specifically reviews children’s books up to the Middle Grade (Tweens) reading level. I have been approached to review Young Adult but have not yet ventured down that path.

Typically, how many books do you read a month? 

On average 30 to 40.

How does your rating system work? 

The rating system I use is based on the fact that a book is not the product of a single individual. With that, said my rating system breaks the book down into five categories. Story, Illustrations, Format/Quality, Originality and Read-Aloudability.

What are your 10 favorite children’s books published in the past six months?

The Lemonman by Natasha Ferrill which is a story of a young Lemonman that has adventures in his town of Applenook 

A Reel Cool Summer by Martha Rodriguez about three kids that enter a video contest in an effort to win enough money to buy a swimming pool. 

The Bravest of Us All by Marsha Diane Arnold about a girl that appears not to be afraid of anything but hides a secret about a true fear that comes out during an unlikely tornado. 

Old Bumpy Alligator by Pat Blanchard and Joanne Suhr about an alligator that loves to chomp and from the beginning of the story to the end goes from bumpy to stumpy. 

Six Weeks to Yehidah by Melissa Studdard is a story of a girl that plays in a horrible rainstorm and winds up in a place on the other side of the clouds. 

Back to School Tortoise by Lucy M. George about a tortoise that is nervous about the first day of school. 

Dinner at the Panda Palace by Stephanie Calmenson is a creative book about counting and kindness along with animal recognition. 

Jealous Ellis by Sandi Stallings is about a duck that becomes jealous when his sister offers to teach his best friend how to swim. 

Bun, Onion, Burger by Peter Mandel is a simple book about grilling and cookouts that creatively teaches kids about the various ingredients used with hamburgers. 

A Royal Little Pest by Anita Reynolds MacArthur about a spoiled little prince that has to learn that imitating people isn’t very nice. 

What are your favorite classic children's books?

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Kiddies; I always loved this book because instead of regular weather the sky rains and snows food. When storms blow in the weather goes crazy dropping large pancakes and other giant food from the sky. 

Where the Red Fern Grows - Kiddies and Tweens; this is a touching book about a little boy and his two coonhounds. My father used to read this book to me and my sister before bed. It's a tearjerker and a great all around story. 

Stuart Little - Kiddies and Tweens; this was the first chapter book I ever read. I always loved the idea of a animals being able to go on adventures and talk. I remember a scene where Stuart was in a little boat that I associated with the book every time I hear the name.

Nancy Drew Series - Tweens; Nancy Drew was my gateway series into the world of mystery. I still love reading Nancy Drew today and I love that a girl is shown as resourceful and innovative. She is a great role model for girls and shows them that they can do anything they put their minds to.

Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic - Kiddies; I love all of the poems by Shel Silverstein, they always made me smile. They are all so quirky and relatable to every kid. I love Sarah Silvia Cynthia Stout Who Wouldn't Take the Garbage Out and Sick. Those are my two favorite poems. 

Do you have any projects in the works you would like to mention? 

I am working on ways to further integrate the promotion of early literacy into my website. Also my book The Doll House has been re-released and can be purchased on my website or Amazon. In addition I am working on several children’s books and one YA book all in very early stages.


What do you do in your free time, if there is any? 

Being a mom of a 17 month old I have very little free time, but in that time I write. What else would I do? Haha!

Thank you very much for your time, Leanne.  Leanne will be back in about six months with her latest selections.  Meanwhile, please visit her blog frequently.  It's always interesting.

Illustrations by Karen Ross-Ohlinger

Book Reviewer Interview
Leanne McGinty, Ahgoo Review

Author Interview & Giveaway Martha Rodriguez, A Reel Cool Summer

This morning, I am interviewing a new author - Martha Rodriguez. She has recently written and published A Reel Cool Summer. Here is a link to a review of her book .  It has already been chosen as a best book by one of our reviewers.  Welcome Martha and congratulations. Let me start by asking you to tell everyone a little about yourself.

Thank you, Bob. Jose is my love and Joey, Danny and Jacqui are my babies. I live in Florida but LOVE New York including the Mets and Rangers. Cheesecake, inside-out cheeseburgers, bacon, pizza, and Pepsi. Born in Cuba when the dinosaurs roamed the earth and came to the US at the age of three. I have a crazy but lovable family with many nieces and nephews who are making me feel old… oh, yeah, and I try not to take myself too seriously.

In a couple of sentences, why should someone read your book?

Kids should read A Reel Cool Summer because it’s wacky and silly. After all, isn’t that what kids like? It’s a how-can-we-turn-a-hot-and-boring-day-into-a-reel-cool-summer movie-making adventure like no other. There’s a pirate, a princess and two guinea pigs – I mean aliens. I bet they’ve never read a book like that before! The main characters in the book, Joey, Danny and Jacqui, talk and act like real kids and real kids will enjoy their over-the-top creativity and imagination. They may even be inspired!

What inspired the general plot of the book?

The general plot of A Reel Cool Summer was inspired by true events. The real Joey, Danny and Jacqui from the book are my children, who are now very much grown. One summer, a few weeks after school let out, they, like many kids, ran out of things to do… or so they thought. I suggested they take our old video camera and make a movie. Just as in the book, they wrote a script, found costumes and choose a setting. It took them a few days to film the movie and another day to edit it using two VCRs (kids are probably asking what VCRs are!). They were determined to make a blockbuster and for their dad and me, it was the best movie we had ever seen! It’s still in our collection but now transferred to DVD. What’s a VCR again?

In writing the book, what did you find easy and difficult?

The easy part about writing A Reel Cool Summer was the story. Even though the story in the book is not the exact story of what happened that one summer when the kids were bored and made a movie, it was easy to write this new and original story based on the kids' personalities.

I found that the difficult part was telling the story the way I wanted to and using the illustrations we wanted, all while keeping the book to 32 pages. Joey and I were a fledgling author/illustrator team and we were self-publishing the book, so we wanted to stick to our budget as best we could.

How would you like the reader to feel after they finish the book?
 
I would like children to feel like they were right in the middle of the action with Joey, Danny and Jacqui; that they were part of the fun and silliness. I hope they will try to imagine what kind of movie they would make if they were in the kids’ shoes. Maybe they’ll even take up the challenge to make a movie of their own. It’s so much fun!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a second book featuring the kids in another real-life-inspired adventure. This time, they are snowbound! That’s all you’ll get for now.  Stay tuned for more.

Tell us about the illustrations for the book.

Since A Reel Cool Summer is a picture book, a good story alone was not enough. I would say that, as my children were growing up, we mostly choose picture books for their covers. So, when it came time to decide on an illustrator, I knew that my oldest son, Joey, would be the only choice. I mean, he actually lived the story in the book and knew his two cohorts so well, that there was no one better equipped to capture the quirkiness of the characters. I’m not sure he knew what he was getting into when he agreed to illustrate the book, but at the end we both agreed that writing and illustrating this book was our very own adventure. We wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

I can definitely see myself in my characters because I’m one of the characters in my book. I don’t have a big part in the book because I decided to let the kids steer the action, but I also see a little of myself in my children and that translates to their characters in the book.

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

My first book sale was to a wonderful friend who ordered the book through my website without telling me. At first, I was shocked to read the email saying that we had made our first sale, but when I saw who had purchased the first book, I was elated that it was one of my best friends. I knew she was at work so I emailed her to thank her for being so incredibly amazing. Then, I sent an email to my family with the subject line: WE GOT ONE! (a reference to one of our favorite movies, Ghostbusters). They knew exactly what I meant… that’s the kind of crazy we are! It was definitely a Rodriguez way to do it.

How do you react to a bad review?

Well, lucky for us, the book has not received a bad review (oops, I think I just jinxed it!).   I have been thinking about this quite a bit because you have to be prepared for that day. I think the trick will be to determine if the reviewer is telling you that the book is not structurally sound or if he or she just didn’t enjoy your book due to the subject. You can always learn from constructive criticism so I hope to be open-minded and use the occasion to become a better writer.

Finally, tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

I haven’t been published for very long, as the book was released in June, 2011 but I have to say that until now, my most rewarding experience was seeing that first review from Ahgoo Review. I remember that Leanne McGinty tweeted that she would post the review on her blog later that day. I think it was about two hours after she tweeted that the review would be posted. I was very nervous. I didn’t know what to do with myself. When there were a few minutes left until the post, I think I was refreshing her blog page every second. I guess I was thinking that if it was a bad review, maybe I could somehow change it by being the first one to read it. Actually, I don’t know what I was thinking. Then, the review appeared… four stars! I was thrilled, I was crying, and I was emailing the family! I don’t think I took a breath for about five minutes and I don’t think my feet touched the ground the rest of that day.

It seems you and your family have had a lot of fun with this project. Thank you, Martha, for agreeing to be interviewed today and good luck with your book.


AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAYS (The Giveaway is now Closed)


Martha has generously provided three prizes in conjunction with this interview:

One copy of A Reel Cool Summer signed by author and illustrator

A copy of the script “Mama Mia Can’t Believe Her Ears” so kids can make a wacky movie just like Joey, Danny and Jacqui

One kids T-shirt.  Winner may choose from one of these four designs in either white or grey:

a.  Eating broccoli and fighting aliens! 
b.  Making movies is cool!  Lights!  Camera!  Action!  

c.  I like princess and fairies and shiny bracelets and necklaces!  

d.  Cute guinea pigs… or mean evil aliens?  

We will accept entries until October 18, 2011 at 12 noon EDT. This blog will select the winners by random drawing using Random.org. After being notified, a winner has two weeks to respond by email or another winner will be selected.

The author is responsible for providing the prizes and their shipping.  However, neither the author nor this site is responsible for prizes lost in the mail.   The winner is responsible for any applicable taxes.  Only one prize per winner.  This Giveaway is open to any U.S. resident where not prohibited by law.

Thank you and good luck!

Illustrations by Karen Ross-Ohlinger

Author Interview & Giveaway
Martha Rodriguez, A Reel Cool Summer

Story - "The Fly-In"

This mini-story is based upon the characters in the new children's book: Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore

Branna Bluebird was flying back over Ballymore Pond after completing a message delivery to Stoddard Swan. The day had started off nice and sunny but now, mid-afternoon, clouds had rolled in from the south and the wind was stronger. The forecast was for rain tonight and it seemed to be right on schedule.

Coming towards her, higher in the sky and just below the cloud deck, she saw a group of about twenty geese. They were in the familiar V-formation and headed south. It was migration time.

She thought she would greet them, so she flew up to the point of the V and said hello to the leader. The lead goose was gracious and returned the welcome.

"We could use a little help," he continued. "It looks like there's a storm coming and we're looking for a good place to settle for the night."

Branna said immediately, "Yes, it's going to rain, and you're very welcome to stay here in Ballymore. There's plenty of room on the island, and there's plenty to eat."

"That would be much appreciated," said the goose. "Thank you very much. There is one problem though. A larger group of us is a few miles behind. We were sent ahead to scout."

Branna said, "I'm sure we can accommodate everyone."

"Thank you, again. We'll go back and tell the others." The geese did a U-turn and flew north.

She watched as they left and then flew to her home to tell her family about the geese. Her father asked how many geese would be arriving.

"Not too many, I think.   Hmmm, I'm not sure," she answered.

The Bluebird family went down to their dock and watched the sky to the north. Shortly, a flock of geese, again in V-formation, came over the treetops and flew to the pond. They were quickly followed by another formation and another and another. The total came to twenty, each comprised of about twenty geese. There were more than four hundred geese! That's more than eight times the population of Ballymore. The flying armada began to slowly circle the pond and honk.

Branna's father laughed.  "Well that's something I've never seen before," he said.

Branna said, "I didn't think there would be this many. I'm sorry father."

Her father said, "If they had told you how many there were of them, would you have refused them?"

"No, I guess I wouldn't," she answered.

"You did the right thing, honey. I'm proud of you," said her father. "We'll make due. They're our guests."

The loud honking brought several residents from their cottages including Bartholomew Owl. Bartholomew watches over everyone and everything in Ballymore.  After circling several times, the geese began to land on the island. The island was big enough but it was beginning to look like a feather duster.  The Bluebird family, Bartholomew and several others went to meet them. Branna explained what was happening to Bartholomew. He then met the lead goose and welcomed them all.

"There are more of you than we expected but it's not a problem. I think it's best to divide up and have each group stay with a resident," he said.

There had been twenty V-formations and each was a separate goose family. One family was assigned to each resident; some ended up with two. The bluebirds escorted them all and explained the situation to everyone. The geese were warmly welcomed. Plenty of grain and water was offered. There wasn't enough room in the cottages for the geese to sleep, so tents were set up outside. They preferred to be outside anyway.

As evening approached, the rain held off, and small parties occurred on each dock around the pond.

One of the more surprising parties occurred at Grenby Groundhog's dock. Grenby was the resident weather forecaster for Ballymore. He was also very eccentric and preferred to keep to himself. Despite that, just after dark, he brought out a small harmonica and began to play some lively tunes. Within a few minutes, his geese visitors were dancing around and having a great time.

Bartholomew visited everyone throughout the evening and made many new friends. He invited them to visit again when they returned north in the spring. The atmosphere was quite festive and quite unexpected. A normally quiet Thursday had been expected. You never know what the wind might blow in.

More Ballymore Stories

Illustrations by Karen Ross Ohlinger

Story - "The Fly-In"

Story - "An Ambulance For Chauncy"

This mini-story is based upon the characters in the new children's book, Tales From The Glades Of Ballymore.

In a recent story, Rachel Rabbit had made a new friend - Chauncy Squirrel.  Chauncy was an old squirrel and had recently injured one of his legs in a fall from a pine tree.  Rachel was concerned about him and went to visit Brigit Badger - the Ballymore doctor. She treats injuries and uses herbal medicine for diseases. Dr. Badger agreed to go with Rachel and visit Chauncy.  She also suggested they take Branna Bluebird with them in case they needed to send a message back to Ballymore.

The next morning they walked a half-mile through the woods to Chauncy's tree home.  It took less than an hour.  Of course, Chauncy was there and was quite happy to welcome the unexpected visitors.

After hugging Chauncy, Rachel introduced her friends.

"This is Brigit Badger.  She is our Ballymore doctor, and she would like to look at your leg.  This is my friend, Branna Bluebird.  She and her family operate the Ballymore messenger service."

Chauncy said hello to everyone and offered them some tea.

While having the tea, Brigit asked about the accident.  Then she looked at his leg.  The fall occurred about two weeks ago, but the leg was still swollen.

After the brief exam she said, "I'm sorry, but your leg is broken, and it needs proper treatment.  I don't think it's a bad break, and you'll be fine after I set it.  Unfortunately, you're going to have to come to my office and probably stay for a couple of days.

Chauncy was concerned but not about the treatment.  He was concerned about how he was going to get to Ballymore and back.  He certainly couldn't walk.  Normally, in a situation like this, the patient was flown by swan ambulance to Dr. Badger's.  The swan ambulance is a specially fitted stretcher that Stoddard and Sean Swan use to transport patients. This time, however, the glade was too small an area for the swans to land. Another method was needed.

Dr. Brigit said to Branna, "Please go and ask the weasels to bring the medium-sized ambulance here.  Also, alert the ducks, and have them bring the raft to the rabbits' dock."

Branna left immediately.

Dr. Brigit noticed a book leaning against a wall.  It was a dictionary.

She asked, "You have a dictionary here?"

"Yes, I like to study the words occasionally," said Chauncy.

She was astounded.  "You can read?"

"Yes.  When I was young, my family lived near a hamlet south of here. They held classes in the church. I would sit outside on the window sill and watch and listen.  I did this for three years and learned to read and do math.  I didn't learn to write because I had nothing to write with."

"That's wonderful," said Rachel.  "Jonathan Owl teaches reading and math in Ballymore.  I would not be surprised if he would like to talk to you about helping."

"I'm not sure.  Ballymore is a long way away, but it does sound interesting," said Chauncy.

Rachel said, "We also have a small library."

It was obvious that Chauncy was interested.  There wasn't much for him to do here where he lived.  His wife had passed on two years ago, and the children had moved south to be closer to the hamlet.  There was a wonderful selection of food available in the hamlet, and getting nibbles was easy when no one was looking.  

The animals around the glade mostly stayed to themselves.  They had their own families that kept them quite busy.

"Well let's get that leg fixed first," said Dr. Brigit.

"Yes, doctor.  I agree," responded Chauncy.

"Please call me Brigit or Dr. Brigit.  Everyone else does."  Dr. Brigit placed her paw on Chauncy's shoulder and smiled.

They continued to talk about Chauncy's life and Ballymore.  Before they knew it, Wilde and Wilder Weasel arrived with the ambulance.  They carried Chauncy to the dock where the raft was waiting.  The trip across the pond was quick, and they arrived at Brigit's cottage just before 2 bongs in the afternoon.  Chauncy was then carried to the room where Dr. Brigit fixes things like broken legs.  They gently laid Chauncy on a soft padded table.

Dr. Brigit said, "Now, I'm going to give you an herbal drink that will put you to sleep, and when you awake everything will be fixed.  Later, I'll give you a different medicine so you'll feel very little discomfort."

"I'm ready," said Chauncy.

Rachel went up to Chauncy and hugged him.  She had a tear in her eye. Chauncy wiped her tear and said, "There is nothing to cry about little one. This is a simple operation and we are friends.  And in another hour we will still be friends, won't we?"

"Yes," sniffled Rachel and hugged Chauncy again.

Dr. Brigit asked everyone to wait outside.  "The operation will only take about one hour," she said.

They waited and waited some more.  When you are waiting for something important to happen, time slows down, or so it seems.  It really sloooowed down for Rachel.

But finally, Dr. Badger came out and said that she was finished.  Chauncy was fine but groggy.  They went into see him and held his paws. Chauncy mumbled a hello.

Brigit asked, "How much is thirty-three divided by eleven?"

Chauncy thought for a while and then slurred, "Thwee."

Everyone looked at Brigit.  After a while she said happily, "Correct!"

The animals laughed and Chauncy smiled from his bed.

More Ballymore Stories

Story - "An Ambulance For Chauncy"