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In her Porcupine series book 2, kindergarten teacher Donna Neumann transforms her daughter Annie into a snarky porcupine who feels bad that she doesn’t have a birthday party.

“Books should be mirrors and windows for children to see into other people’s lives and to see their own life reflected in the stories,” Neumann said.

Neumann who has been teaching virtual kindergarten for 20 years based the series on her own real-life experience.

“I don’t have memories from holidays or from birthday parties,” she said. “Our family didn’t celebrate these, but we went on vacations and made memories.”

Even though birthday parties are not just about birthday cakes, they should be celebrations of belonging and not being left out.

“I want to be a part of everything,” Neumann said.

Neumann, not only found healing in the book, but she now celebrates birthdays with her family and her new grandson.

“I wish I had done it sooner,” she said about writing the book.

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of ‘All I Want is a Birthday Party.’

Sponsored by Doc Chavent and The Lowell Ledger

Copyright (c)2023 Emma Palova

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Ann Dallman has lifelong roots in Michigan’s UP. She started out as a newspaper reporter/photographer and returned to journalism after retiring from teaching. 

In Cady and the Birchbark Box, Cady Whirlwind Thunder solves the mystery behind a weathered journal found inside a very old birchbark box. Why was the box buried behind a deserted garage?

 

This is the question her friend and “crush,” John Ray Chicaug, asks her after the two of them find it. And, what meaning do the notes in the book have? Cady’s grandma and her ever-present companion, a noisy blue jay, encourage her as she puts together the pieces and ultimately restores the reputation of a deceased elder.

Listen in for a chance to win an autographed copy of Cady and the Birchbark Box.

Sponsored by Doc Chavent and The Lowell Ledger

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-2zjeh-1256e00

Enter the fairy world through a magic portal that Eleanor has received as a gift in a book. She turns into a fairy joined by Elfie and Milo to find the magic crystal that will restore order to the kingdom that went bonkers.

It even started snowing in the enchanted purple and blue glowing forest and in the village with gargoyles, goblins, and magicians. Salmon started turning lime green.

Mitchell penned this middle-grade book during the pandemic with its limitations.

“Eleanor is much like I was as a kid,” she said. “I’ve always wished I could travel into all these stories.”

The book is set in 1945 without any technology; Eleanor doesn’t have a cell phone, a computer, or a TV.

“Books and libraries are magical places that people should visit often,” Mitchell said.

Among the insights, she gained from her writing journey was the fact not to put away your writing projects.

“I shouldn’t have put my creative writing on the backburner,” Mitchell said. “Nightshade Forest helped me get my voice out there.”

Listen to the episode for a chance to win a signed copy of Mitchell’s book.

Sponsored by Doc Chavent, the Lowell Ledger and Nikki Mitchell

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6y5gu-11940b2

A pre-school teacher turned author Renae Micou gives us a hug with her delightful characters Kai and Ms. Coo in her brand new illustrated children’s book “I Think My Teacher Needs a Hug Today.”

Presenting for the first time at the Ann Arbor Holiday Art show, Micou skillfully recreated the classroom atmosphere, as reflected in her new book illustrated by Stephen Elugbemi.

It took two years to put the book together and to fit it with the right illustrations on the go.

Take a listen for a chance to win a signed copy of Micou’s new book.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mkjcs-1148769

Happy holidays from the “For the Love of Books Podcast” and children’s author Melinda Falgoust.

Listen in for a chance to win a free book from this fabulous author.