Adventure Awaits with Tahir Shah

Happy Father's Day!

In honor of Father's Day I am going to review a book that I think is perfect for a Dad or a Grandpa to share with their children/grandchildren. 

 

Scorpion Soup

Tahir Shah

(I do not know Mr. Shah. I received a copy of Scorpion Soup from Holly at Tribal Publishing. She asked me to read it and write an honest review of what I thought. I received no monetary compensation and all thoughts in my review are how I honestly feel. I would like to thank Holly and Tahir Shah for the beautiful book and the opportunity to review it.)

O.M.G. This book blew me away. It was so good I had to give away two copies, (not mine - they will need to rip my copy out of my cold dead hands if someone wants it). This book is amazingly beautiful. It is a book that makes a wonderful present. It is a book that if you leave it on your table your guest will have to pick it up. And they will not want to put it down. Spread throughout the book are maps. I delighted as much in these beautifully drawn maps as the stories. The stories. *insert huge sigh* Oh the stories! They are adventures that you will be drawn into. They will come alive in your mind and you may find yourself going back in time. Back to childhood where you begged just one more story. Back to a time when stories took you to lands far away where you met exotic people who had unbelievable things happen to them and had they a moral to them. You will be enthralled with Scorpion Soup, reading with eyes wide open, your mind and heart racing. You will finish a story and want another even though you have things to do. And then when you sleep, just as you had as a child, your sleep will be filled with rich dreams where you revisit the stories you read earlier. Scorpion Soup is a magical book written by a master dream weaver. I want to tell you my favorite part of this book but when I try I just keep coming up with so many things. The stories that weave a spell making it impossible to pick just one favorite. The maps you can, and will, pore over imagining the world you read about and making up your own adventures. That brings us to another best - the stories and maps incite your imagination. To me, that is the sign of a master storyteller. Not only do you get lost in his words but you begin adding to them or just dreaming a whole new adventure. True storytellers inspire and that is something Tahir Shah does well. The final "best" part of this book? It is a book to be shared. It is a book to read during family read hour or as bedtime stories. It is a book to tell friends and strangers about. If you think this is a book you will read once and then put it on a shelf to get dusty you will be proven wrong. Since I received this book I have gone back and read it again and once again. Most likely I will start it again before the summer is finished and I know, during the winter, I will probably read it again. There are very few books I do this with. After all there are thousands of books I want to read and thousands more that will be written. There is just something so comforting yet exciting about Scorpion Soup that makes me read it over and over. I hope you will get this book. If you have children read it with them. If you have grandchildren what a wonderful book to share with them, especially if you live far away. What could bring you closer, across the miles, than listening to Grandma or Grandpa reading this story over the phone or on Skype?  How wonderfully loved your grandchild will feel hearing a bedtime story from you. There is violence in the book so I would read it first to judge how the child would react. In thinking back to my children, I would have started the book with them when they were 8 or 9. 

I took these photos of the maps for you, (sorry about the quality), to give you idea of how cool they are.

I also want to tell you a few of the names of the stories to fire your imagination, ( I know after all this you will want to know where to buy the book. Don't worry links are coming). The Shop That Sold Truth, Frogland, The Clockmaker's Bride, The Man Whose Arms Grew Branches and The Singing Serpents. Yes, I know your imagination is going wild and you are going to kill me soon without the links so here they are.

Kindle Edition (which is great for grandparents who want to read to the grandchildren and send the hard copy with the impressive maps to the children).

Hardcover Edition

Tahir Shah has more books, one of which I am poring over now. Here is his collection, starting with the Timbuctoo, (the book I am immersed in).

this book is available in a Kindle Edition but I highly recommend investing in the Hardback. Trust me. You will want this in hardback. 

   

  

  

You can find his books, (in several languages), on his Amazon page 

You can follow him at http://www.tahirshah.com/

Watch some amazing videos, (some about his books and writing. Some about things we need to know) on his YouTube page

LinkedIN

Twitter

FaceBook

Pinterest

GoodReads

At Tahirshah.com you can also sign up for RSS Feed and email. 

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. Now go get the books and tell me what you think. 

Put This On Your TBR Now

COMING SOON!!

Gwynneth Ever After 

Linda Poitevin

*I received this book from NetGalley for review. No compensation was sought or received. Opinions of this book are my honest thoughts.*

Summary: Gwyn Jacobs doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Ever since her ex-husband walked out, leaving her alone with three small children, Gwyn has been mother, father, and bread-winner all rolled into one. Her own scarred heart aside, she refuses to open up her children’s lives to the possibility of another heartbreak, and so she has an unbending policy of no dating and no unattached men in their lives.

Until her very own fairy tale falls into her lap...and the hero won’t take no for an answer

My review:

I LOVED This book. I read an excerpt on the author's web page and was impressed. Actually I was caught up and desperately needed to finish the story. The author let me know it was available on Net Galley and I immediately requested it. I read the book every moment I had free. Okay I stayed up until I finished it, (I am writing this at 4:20 AM). This is a light romance between a single mom of a three and a famous Hollywood actor. She has issues that deal with her husband abandoning her and the children which translates to lonely but not looking for love and one night stands are not happening. He has an ex-wife who convinced him to let her have sole custody of his daughter, a decision he regretted immediately but she forced him to keep. Our couple meet accidentally while he is in her town waiting to meet the daughter he never had a chance to know. His ex is in total control of that meeting - or so she thinks. This isn't your typical let's rush into everything romance. The single mother issue is taken seriously. It was interesting to read the actor's side of things too. I did wonder if the author had personal knowledge of how a celebrity's life can be or if she just thought it up. Either way I thought she did a great job. I admit to thinking of a certain actor while reading it. There are two points of view, some steam towards the end, (though not really graphic - it was tasteful steam), fun family scenes and enough tension that I was pulled to keep reading. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever crushed on an actor or been a single mom trying to date without dragging the kids through that process.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for letting me read and review this book.

You can friend Linda Poitevin on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
Read her blog at http://www.lindapoitevin.com/

Here are books by Linda Poitevin you can check while waiting for the romance of the summer.

  

Sins of the Angels

Sins of the Sons

Look for Book 3, Sins of the Lost this fall! 

The Grigori Legacy is a dark urban fantasy. A homicide detective who knows there is a Heaven, a Hell and what is in between, earth with all her people, stuck in the center of the war. A Guardian Angel who doubles as a Hit Man. A Fallen Angel with one agenda...the apocalypse. Who will win? Which side will you choose?

Broken Wings

BROKEN WINGS (Book #2 in the Hidden Wings Series)

Blurb:

Emma’s world is falling apart, and Kade, the only one who seems to hold her together, is missing. With death lingering right outside their door, decisions must be made before it’s too late.

The Midway has refused to send help, so they are left to seek out the only other who can stop Lucian.

A perilous quest sends Emma and a few Guardians into the Underworld, where the unimaginable abide, to beseech the Prince of Darkness himself. Lucifer.

Now, they must endure the deadly levels of Hell, which not one …mortal or immortal… has ever survived.

Prepare for love, loss, and the unexpected.

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17301746-broken-wings

Amazon Link:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D4KN9BK/ref=as_li_ss_sm_fb_us_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=399837&creativeASIN=B00D4KN9BK&linkCode=shr&tag=junigrov-20&=books&qid=1370075903&sr=1-5&keywords=Broken+Wings+Cameo+Renae

Hidden Wings (Book #1)

On Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/HiddenWingsSeriesebook/dp/B00B27GAC2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3

On Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15757099-hidden-wings

  

Blurb:

Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise. As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm, and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.

Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.

A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously, captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.

My Review of Hidden Wings 

Descent (Hidden Wings Novella)

 On Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Descent-Hidden-Wings-Novella-ebook/dp/B00CSEJ386/ref=la_B004X2PEH0_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1369536854&sr=1-3

On Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17794709-descent

Blurb:

Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise. As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm, and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered. Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is. A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously, captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.

 My Review of Descent 

Author Bio:

Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, CA, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and recently moved with her husband and children to Alaska.

She loved reading from as long as she can remember, and it was C.S. Lewis' - Chronicles of Narnia – which sparked a fire in her soul and made her want to create her own wondrous, magical worlds and characters to go on adventures with.

Her published books are In My Dreams (A YA Paranormal Romance Thriller), Hidden Wings (Book  #1 in the HW Series), Descent (A HW Series Novella) and Broken Wings (Book #2 in HW Series).

One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe, and ride away on her magical unicorn... until then... she'll keep writing!

Cameo’s Links:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CameoRenaeFanPage?ref=hl

Website: http://cameorenae.com

Author blog:  http://cameorenae.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4794993.Cameo_Renae

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CameoRenae

My review of Cameo Renae:

I first met author Cameo Renae not long after this blog started in 2011. I met her when I was offered the chance to review her debut novel, In My Dreams, (my review here). I follow her on her blog and Goodreads and Twitter but am most involved with her on Facebook. She is one of the most genuine, caring and friendly authors I know. I truly appreciate the way she treats her fans. She interacts with her fans and I believe values them. I know a lot of authors have FB and Twitter to share with fans. And that is what they do. I am not knocking them as I follow them and appreciate their posts. However Cameo goes a little further. She answers you and will comment on things you post that interest her even if it is not about her books. She is a special person and a wonder author. Follow her for a new experience with an author. Read her books for an entertaining escape into fantasy. 

Guest Post - Author Michelle Granas

Hi Everyone! Sorry I have been away so long. It is a medical issue. I am trying to get back to the blog but it has been difficult. 

Author Michelle Granas has written a guest post for us. Michelle is author of one of the most amazing books I have read. It is a bit long but it moves along. I found myself engrossed and time flying by. When I received the book, in all honesty, I was a bit daunted by the size. I thought for sure it was going to take weeks. Instead I found it only taking a few days. I would recommend making time for this book. Once you start it you will be lost in Poland. Not the Poland you so often see written of - WWII; but the Poland of today. Time will fly by and you will come back to earth a bit disoriented hours after you start reading. The book is a love story and a bit political. It is not politics that will bore you or that you cannot relate to and it is not overwhelming. This is not a political thriller. Matter of fact, with recent events I found the parts with the CIA to be quite interesting and where I once would have thought it fantasy, I now find it believable.

This is the author's first novel. The book does not contain graphic sex and violence. It can be read by any person without the worry of offending. I do think it will appeal to readers who love the more classic type of novel; where character development and location are a huge portion of the writing. Though this is a modern novel it reminded me of the feeling I had reading Jane Eyre and Emma. I highly recommend this book.  

As of the date of this post the kindle edition is 99 cents. That is an amazing price for a book of this quality. 

*I received a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and feelings about the book are my honest impressions. No compensation was requested or given.*

Guest Post 

 Cristina has asked me if moving to Poland, where I now reside, involved a big adjustment, as I was born and raised in Alaska. The answer is yes and no. I left Alaska when I was a teenager and lived in many other places, including Cairo and Montreal, before landing in Warsaw, so it wasn't exactly a matter of going from one environment to the other. Nevertheless, I was still an Alaskan at heart perhaps, and there were many aspects of my new life that required an effort to accept. The Alaska of my childhood was filled with educated, independent-minded, friendly people. The society was egalitarian; I didn't understand the idea of social classes until years after leaving. There were also wide open spaces and trails through the forests where one could roam for hours without meeting a soul.

Poland has its forests too, and in the winter they are blanketed with snow in a very Alaskan way. But it is equally a country of quiet farmland and of vibrant cities crammed with theatres, writers, and philosophers. Above all, it is a European country, full of wariness and hierarchies and formal behaviors - the hand kiss, the slight bow, the 'sir' or 'madam' that won't be dropped from speech even when two antagonists are hurling insults at each other. 

 It is also a country that, having freed itself from Communist rule, has enjoyed dynamic economic growth and the rapid construction of democratic institutions. Being an Alaskan, the idea of freedom is close to my heart. But democracy is so easily undermined. It was the growing threat, some six years ago, to the gains Poland had made, that form the background for my novel Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law. I wanted to show how a country where the authorities are inclined to assume arbitrary powers could be encouraged further in that direction, most regrettably, by the Western countries they look to for guidance, and what consequences that could have for ordinary people. 

 And after years of living in Poland, the ordinary people have won my sympathy; it's a romantic place, where the men are gallant and the women competent but very feminine. It seemed like a good setting for a love story. But love stories are universal. 

 The behavior of dogs is universal too, although the typical Alaskan dog is a tough, athletic husky and the typical Polish dog is a wispy mongrel, often of peculiar ancestry. In the excerpt from my novel below, the handicapped heroine tries to rescue one such animal. 

 Excerpt from Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law 

 And then she had taken the bus and perhaps, if it hadn’t been for the dog, everything would have gone normally or, well, differently anyway. 

 He was there when she got off her last bus. She saw him as soon as she stepped down, a little more slowly than the crowd of quickly dispersing fellow passengers, onto the sidewalk along a busy four-lane highway. The passengers walked along a corridor of sound barriers to staircases and tunnels and the city spreading itself on either side. 

 The puppy’s chances were not great; were, in fact, nil. He was lost, a very little and ratty-looking mongrel, not very steady on his legs yet, wandering from side to side of the road, the wind from the stream of cars buffeting him as they whizzed past, the wheels of the delivery vans way above his head as they bowled down on him as he made a try to cross the street, then flattened to his stomach again, tail clapped down, eyes frightened, as each one passed. It’s a terrible thing to see a life crushed out, smashed beneath the wheels of a vehicle, an insensate machine of metal, rubber and destruction – one moment of inattention, of panic, a wrong move: the approach, the split second of disbelief, and then…Cordelia imagined it all in a split second too. 

He couldn’t get off the street; he was caught there between the barriers. Beyond there were parking lots, modern office buildings, warehouses, the inhospitable environs of the Warsaw periphery. There was no place for him to go or to have come from; he must have been dumped, thought Cordelia in distress as she stood on the sidewalk uncertainly, watching him. Some dreadful person must have just opened a car door and dropped him out to meet his death. 

 She glanced at her watch again. She had fifteen minutes until her appointment. She hesitated, closed her eyes and cringed as the puppy started again across the street as another truck came thundering along. The puppy began to run. No, no, no, she wanted to scream at him. Too late. He darted across the road, and she shut her eyes again, waiting for the slight impact of small body and wheel. But when she opened them again the puppy was on the other side of the road, the truck was retreating into the distance. But now the puppy, thoroughly disoriented and distraught, was preparing to cross again. 

 Oh why hadn’t she taken the other bus, the one that would have let her off on the other side of the building, where she would never have known of this poor little dog’s fate, but could have gone calmly – well, as calmly as possible – to her job interview. And now, what was she going to do? If she caught the puppy, she would have to take him with her. A fine impression that would make, but really, she couldn’t leave him here. 

She made up her mind, and began to hurry clumsily down the sidewalk towards the creature, lurching, her bad leg swinging out awkwardly. Really, he was very ugly: a thin blackish puppy with frightened eyes glinting under a mat of wild hair. He was cowering beside the curb. 

 Stay there, she told him in her mind. I’m coming. I just can’t move very fast, you see. I can’t really run. But I’ll be there in a minute. She was almost level with him; if only there would be a break in the traffic, she would rush over and catch him. Why did people have to drive so fast? Just stay there, puppy. 

 But he wasn’t staying. He was going to run towards her, between that car and another truck coming from the opposite direction. No! She shouted at him, and stepped out into the street, holding up her hand to the approaching car. There was a screech of tires. She was no judge of distance... 

PAPERBACK

KINDLE EDITION

SMASHWORDS

NOOK EDITION

 I left Alaska when I was 17 and lived in many other places - including Cairo and Montreal - before landing in Warsaw, so it wasn't exactly a matter of going from one environment to the other. I had lived in large cities, and in large cities undergoing political turmoil. Nevertheless, there were many adjustments to be made in living in a different country… a country that was leaving its communist past behind and shifting from being a Russian satellite to being an enthusiastic member of the European Union. Alaska is different than anywhere else I've lived in

Deadly To Love

Title: Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)

Author: Mia Hoddell

ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA

ISBN: 9781291319170

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

Description

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenceless.

Serena knew that but still, it didn't stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.

However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life... But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.

Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important...her love or life.

Buy Links: 

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Paperback (Lulu) and will be available on Amazon soon

What People are Saying:

“I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. The story line was original, intriguing and made you feel like you were part of the action. As well as this there were many twists and turns that kept me hooked and the book was really well written with a solid plot. The book didn't reveal everything straight away which was great as it left in suspense right up until the end.” ~Lucy M 5/5 

“ I found that it's surprisingly original concept was quite common in real life but not so much in books. I found it a delightful read that I will look forward to reading in the future. And the new cover! Marvelous.” ~ Kathy H 5/5 

“All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters.” ~Brianna 5/5

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn't even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved onto short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Author Links

Blog, Facebook Page, Twitter, Goodreads

Giveaway!

• 1 ebook copy of Deadly to Love - Gifted through Amazon Giftcard (INT)
• Deadly to Love Swag (UK ONLY) - minimum of 2 winners

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Kissing Hand (Un Beso en Mi Mano)

  

The Kissing Hand 

Un Beso en Mi Mano

Audrey Penn

Tanglewood Press

*I received a copy of this title from NetGalley. NetGalley is a wonderful company that invites reviewers to request a wide variety of books. They offer books from many publishing companies in a variety of genres. No compensation is given for reviews. Honest reviews are requested, be they good or bad.  You can learn more about NetGalley at https://www.netgalley.com/. In accordance with this and the policy of Alaskan Book Cafe no compensation for this review. All opinions are the honest thoughts of Alaskan Book Cafe.*

In The Kissing Hand we are introduced to Chester Raccoon. Chester is going off to school but, as this is a new  experience, he is scared. He tells his mother he does not want to go and she tells him of The Kissing Hand. 

I read this book and it's follow up, A Pocketful of Kisses, with Junior. It quickly became a favorite read. He also wanted a kissing hand. Once I filled his hand with kisses, he insisted on filling mine. When he came home from school he would tell me if he was low on kisses.  This was a highlight for me. Touch does not come easy to Junior. Neither do great shows of affection. It is just part of his autism.  That he wanted kisses on his palm thrilled me. That he wanted to give them - well I don't have words to fully express my joy. All from this wonderful story of a mother's love. We continue to read this book together. It is one of his frequent request.  The story is absolutely delightful. The pictures are rich and filled with the love between Chester and his mother. I highly recommend this book. 

Junior: I love this story. It told me about the kissing hand. Now I don't have to miss my grandma so much. I have kisses in my hand. I really like the pictures. I like the raccoon. It wears a mask like a bandit. I thought it was because it will steal your food. But I read about them and maybe it is to help them see. Did you know a raccoon can run so fast at 15 miles per hour? Did you know they like to go in water? They examine things they find in the water. Their hands have fingers. That is what makes it so good at stealing food. Like the book says they stay up at night time. I wonder if Chester closes his hand to keep the kisses in? I do at first but when they are stuck I open my hand. 

En Beso en Mi Mano se nos presenta a Chester Raccoon. Chester va a la escuela, pero, como se trata de una nueva experiencia, él tiene miedo. Le dice a su madre que no quiere ir y ella le dice que de beso en mi mano.

He leído este libro y su seguimiento, A Pocketful of Kisses, con Junior. Rápidamente se convirtió en una lectura favorita. También quiso besar la mano. Una vez que llenó su mano de besos, insistió en llenar la mía. Cuando llegó a casa de la escuela me decía si estaba bajo en besos. Este fue un momento culminante para mí. Contacto no es fácil para Junior. Tampoco los grandes muestras de afecto. Es sólo una parte de su autismo. Que quería un beso en la palma me emociona. Que él quería darles - así que no tengo palabras para expresar mi alegría por completo. Todo lo de esta maravillosa historia de amor de una madre. Seguimos leyendo este libro. Es uno de su petición frecuente. La historia es absolutamente encantador. Las imágenes son ricos y llenos del amor entre Chester y su madre. Yo recomiendo este libro.

Junior: Me encanta esta historia. Me habló de la mano besándose. Ahora no tiene que perder mi abuela tanto. Tengo besos en la mano. Me gustan mucho los cuadros. Me gusta el mapache. Lleva una máscara como un bandido. Pensé que era porque va a robar su comida. Pero he leído acerca de ellos y tal vez es ayudarles a ver. ¿Sabías que un mapache puede correr tan rápido de 15 millas por hora? ¿Sabía usted que les gusta ir en el agua? Examinan las cosas que encuentran en el agua. Sus manos tienen los dedos. Eso es lo que hace que sea tan bueno en robar comida. Al igual que el libro dice que se quedan hasta por la noche. Me pregunto si Chester cierra su mano para evitar los besos en? Yo al principio, pero cuando están atrapados abro mi mano.

Audrey Penn has also written the following Chester the Raccoon books:

     

   

Audrey Penn has a wonderful website at http://audreypenn.com/

Her blog is at http://audreypenn.com/blog/

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11095.Audrey_Penn

Amazon, where you can purchase the Chester books as well as her other books http://www.amazon.com/Audrey-Penn/e/B001JOZQ00/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1365119592&sr=8-1

For more titles by Tanglewood Press please go to their site at http://www.tanglewoodbooks.com/

Review: Can't and Able Children's Book

Can't And Able

Cynthia Fabian

Daniel Stevens, Illustrator

* I received a copy of this book from the author for review. No compensation was given. The opinions in this review are mine, Junior's and a few other children. * 

When I opened the envelope containing this children's book the first thing that caught my eye was this beautiful cover. The illustrations in this book are amazing. Mr Stevens did a wonderful job. The children who shared this book with me loved them. The most popular illustration was the final one.  The book was shared with children 5 -8 in age. Some had special needs and you all know Junior is on the spectrum. 

The book opens with a poem written by David Higgins. At the bottom it stated he wrote the poem in 6th grade. This was copied by an 8 year old to hang on her wall. It is a wonderful poem that describes the spirit of this book. Here it is.

Little Star

David Higgins

from the book Can't and Able by Cynthia Fabian

Shine bright little star

Never forget what you are

Have hopes that are high

You will stay in the sky

Go your path, find your way

Look straight forward, you wish, you may

Little star, life is long

Your glow will last, your will is strong

So shine bright little star, shine your light

Shine little star, for all in sight.

This is a story about a little star Can't who has a disability and  Able an old star who shines brightly. Can't is young, small and unable to shine bright. Able laughs at him and all the other stars join in. This bullying hurts Can't who goes off by himself. Later Able is injured and can't steps in for him. Can't turns into Can and even defends Able when Able gets bullied. 

This is a delightful non religious inspirational story. It held the children's attention. When it was read in a group, a few times some children interrupted to talk about it. I know when a book is a hit when it engages them. I also knew they were relating to it by the, "one time that happened to me."  

                                                         

Junior: I like this book. Stars were mean to Can't but he turned into Can. I like that Can didn't laugh at Able. Lots of kids need to read this book so they know they can do whatever. Little kids who can't read yet will like the pictures. 

A few of the children, (I do not have permission to give their details): 

Boy 6 : I was laughed at and I was sad. It is hard to be nice when kids won't play with you. Maybe my teacher can read this to us.

Girl 8 : I like this poem so much. I am going to put it on my wall so I can read it before school every day. It tells me to keep my hopes up and not to let anything stop me. This book is important. Lots of kids get made fun of. It really hurts when people laugh at you. 

Boy 8: I was the bad star. But I won't be anymore. I didn't think it hurt. I was just laughing. 

Cynthia Fabian was a teacher, is an inspirational speaker and author. She states she grew up with a disorder. When she became a teacher she saw many children were struggling as she did with teasing and hurt feelings. She wrote this book so that children would learn to believe in themselves and be able to change their circumstances.  It is my opinion that she is on target with this book. It was entertaining and educational as well as inspirational. She gives presentations on various topics foe adults, teens and children as well as presentations on Epilepsy. She has also written the following books:

    

Daniel Stevens also illustrated the book Second Hand Art. 

For more information on Cynthia Fabian please her website http://fabianwriter.com/

Her books are also available for purchase on her site. 

You can follow her on Twitter: @cynthia_fabian