I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the SWEET LITTLE YOU by  Joni Halabi & Lisa Wee (Illustrations) Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: SWEET LITTLE YOU

Author: Joni Halabi & Lisa Wee (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: August 1, 2022

Publisher: Joni Halabi

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

An endearing new picture book lovingly shares a unique story of a mother with a dream of having a child who makes her wish come true by having a baby on her own. Tenderly written with beautiful painterly illustrations, Sweet Little You is a loving and unique story about a different path to becoming a family.

In this tender affirmation, the story’s new mother pens a love letter to her baby of how her child came to be and how she cherishes their little family of two. A precious and rhyming text shares the mother’s promise to help them dream, explore, and find adventure in life.

Evocative of beloved classics such as Guess How Much I Love You, Pat the Bunny, and Love You Forever, yet with a contemporary and diverse variation, Sweet Little You is for all of the intentional single parents who haven’t seen their own type of chosen family represented in a picture book that they can share with their child. The poignant story’s stirring and loving message is perfect as an affirming everyday read-aloud and also as a thoughtful and heartfelt gift for special occasions and milestones such as baby showers, new baby, birthdays, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day.

Reviews:

“Must read. The little bundle of joy was precious from their head down to their tippy toes.”– Reedsy Discovery

“Sweet Little You is a lovely picture book story narrated by a mother who tells her baby about how she was wanted and conceived by a single mother. The book’s lovely blend of colorful illustrations and simple love-centric story make for a winningly inviting production.”– D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

 

 

About Joni Halabi:

Children’s book author Joni Halabi first entrée into publishing was spurred by what she saw as a necessity. A single mother by choice who lovingly took a less customary path to having a child on her own, Joni was frustrated by the lack of selection for picture books that depicted families like hers. Though many “welcome baby” and storybooks addressed varying family structures, few spoke about single mothers by choice. She wanted her daughter to see her own type of family represented, so she wrote one and Sweet Little You was born.

The books that Joni writes are personal stories based on books she wishes existed about her life’s path. Sweet Little You is the book she wished she had for her daughter when she was born. She hopes that her book resonates with other families like hers who will appreciate their relatively unique family structure being portrayed in a story that their child can relate to.

Joni is a web developer at Georgetown University and conference speaker who writes technical articles as well as a blog focusing on her life and journey to becoming a mother. When she isn’t busy writing poignant stories for families and children, she enjoys running, doing yoga, reading, listening to podcasts, and seeing live music near her home in the Washington, D.C. area. A new pursuit of Joni’s is learning to play the ukulele. Sweet Little You is her debut picture book.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

About Lisa Wee:

Lisa Wee debuts as author/illustrator, “Li Na is my name, Dixi Books Publishing, UK.Dixi Books Publishing, UK.

Lisa has illustrated several picture books for prominent organisations and self-published authors. Her quaint, quirky and vibrant illustrations are inclusive, embracing diversity in celebrating the lives of children from all walks of life.

Her clients 

Celebrity Top Chef Kristen Kish in collaboration with Upwork, Babybug magazine, Ladybug magazine  World Vision International for International Day of the Girls campaign 2021.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of SWEET LITTLE YOU, US Only.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the NOTHING IS LITTLE by Carmella Van Vleet Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: NOTHING IS LITTLE

Author: Carmella Van Vleet

Pub. Date: July 19, 2022

Publisher: Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 224

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

The case of a missing father is hard to crack . . . even for Felix, a tiny kid with a huge heart and an eye for detail.

Eleven-year-old Felix likes being the smallest kid in school.
 
At least he knows where he fits in. Plus his nickname, “Short-lock Holmes,” is perfect for someone who’s killing it in forensic science club. To Felix, Growth Hormone Deficiency is no big deal.
 
And then Felix learns that his biological dad was short, too. This one, tiny, itty-bitty piece of information opens up a massive hole in his life. Felix must find his father. He only has a few small clues to work from, but as Sherlock Holmes said, “To a great mind, nothing is little.” 

The further Felix gets in his investigation, though, the more he starts to wonder: What if his dad doesn’t want to be found? And what if Felix’s family—his mom, his stepdad, the baby on the way—needs him right where he is?
 
Tender and uplifting, this warm novel from Christopher Award–winner Carmella Van Vleet celebrates little differences in us that can make a big impact.
 
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Reviews:

“A captivating, humorous, and heartfelt story of friendship, family, and crime-solving.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A fresh and funny read that sells itself, and it demonstrates that there is more than one way to grow.”—Booklist

“The story keeps a steady pace as it ­alternates between school and home, ­giving a firsthand account of what it’s like to be young and faced with decisions that are difficult to navigate. ­Engaging and heartfelt, Van Vleet’s title delivers big on the feels. Anyone who’s ever been made to feel small will benefit from ­hearing ­Felix’s story.”—School Library Journal

“Nothing Is Little offers powerful proof that little things can matter in a great big way. What a beautiful book! The most huge-hearted and heartwarming story you’ll read this year.”—Claudia Mills, author of The Lost Language

“Smart, funny, and memorable. You can’t help but love Felix! He has big goals and a great big heart, and he’ll live large in your memory long after the final page is turned.”—Margi Preus, Newbery Honor–winning author

 

 

About Carmella Van Vleet:

Carmella Van Vleet is a former kindergarten teacher and the author of numerous books for children, including To the Stars!, which was co-authored by astronaut Kathy Sullivan and named to the Amelia Bloomer list. Her debut children’s novel, Eliza Bing Is (NOT) a Big, Fat Quitter, received the Christopher Award and was named to four state award master lists. Just like Eliza, Carmella loves tae kwon do—she has earned her black belt! She lives in Ohio and can be found online at carmellavanvleet.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of NOTHING IS LITTLE, US Only.

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Nothing Is Little

By Carmella Van Vleet

Excerpt for Rockstar Book Tours

The Alien

Things started changing when the alien took over. 

For example, Mom used to stock up on desserts during back‐to‐school sales. But it’s two weeks into the year, and there’s still nothing sweet to pack in my lunch. 

“Sorry, Felix,” Mom says, standing in front of the open pantry. “No Oreos.” 

“I put them on the grocery list,” I say.

She gives me a tired smile. “I forgot to take the list.”

I feel bad complaining. Remembering stuff is hard for Mom lately. So are mornings.

We’re running later than usual. Mom’s in her pajamas and hasn’t showered yet. She overslept on account of she’s pregnant and spent the whole night getting up to pee. 

For the record, my mom’s not the alien. My sister is. Boo’s not even born yet, and she’s already causing trouble. 

It’s must be super weird to have some invisible being kick your bladder. The other night, Boo had the hiccups and I could actually see my mom’s stomach jump every few seconds. 

And it’s not just Mom’s body. Boo has taken over our house, too. There’s a bunch of baby things and boxes of diapers piling up in the dining room. Even though my sister won’t be here for three more months, there’s a bottle sterilizer hogging space on the kitchen counter. Mom pushes it aside to check the fruit bowl. 

“We’ve got bananas,” Mom tells me. “Or . . . Well, we have brown bananas.” 

“It’s okay,” I tell her. “I’ll buy something at school again.” 

There’s just enough time for me to finish up my Spanish homework, so I shove my lunch bag into my backpack and sit down. 

Paul strolls into the kitchen. When he sees me he says, “A good sleep I trust you had, Padawan.” He’s been saying that ever since the two of us did a Star Wars movie marathon a few months back. I give him a thumbs‐up and go back to my worksheet. 

Paul walks over to Mom and rubs her middle. “How are my favorite girls this morning?” Lately, his “favorite girls” are his favorite topic. Boo has invaded Paul’s vocabulary, too. He must have a Pregnancy Word of the Day calendar or something. He drops words like gestation period, amniotic fluid, and placenta (gross, gross, aaaannd gross) into conversations. 

Mom tells Paul his favorite girls are fine, and he gives her stomach one last pat before grabbing himself coffee. 

“Got a busy day?” Paul asks Mom. 

She tells him she’s got a focus group coming in later at her downtown office. Mom works for a market research company that gets people’s opinions about different kinds of products. 

Excerpt from Nothing Is Little / Text copyright © 2022 by Carmella Van Vleet. Reproduced by permission from Holiday House Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS by Anna Rose Johnson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

 

About The Book:

Title: THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS

Author: Anna Rose Johnson

Pub. Date: July 12, 2022

Publisher: Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 224

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audiobook, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you’re Ojibwe.

“INSPIRING.”—Kirkus Reviews
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A #1 New Release in Native American Children’s Fiction!
A #1 New Release in Historical Fiction for Children!
A #1 New Release in Stepfamily Fiction for Children!

Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories—stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage. 

Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia’s mother forces her to pretend she’s not Native at all—even to Mr. Ward, Ma’s new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia’s irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It’s dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan.

Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it… and upon her discretion. 

But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is?

Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson’s family history.

“INTIMATE.”—Publishers Weekly
“UNPUTDOWNABLE.”—Anne Bustard, author of Parents’ Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies

 

 

About Anna Rose Johnson:

Anna Rose Johnson is a journalist, blogger, and seasoned correspondent for Inside Gymnastics. Anna is passionate about historical fiction, the Native experience, and writing for children. She is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe; The Star That Always Stays is directly based on her great-grandmother. Find her at annarosejohnson.com. 

Website | Twitter | Facebook Group | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS, US Only.

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