Meet the Authors! Hosted by a Gypsy...

Can you imagine? Just the other day, I was whisked away by two ladies I've come to know very well. They took me to an elementary school in Middlebury, Connecticut, and it was such an adventure! It was lovely to see all the kiddies traipsing about, learning things. There were some who thought it wise to call me ugly, and, of course, they should have been cursed, but I held back at the request of my hostesses- it wasn't easy.

The classroom was bright, and the children all listened to Stephanie and Jess, authors of the new middle grade mystery The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow, talk about how the story came to be. Fate wrote me into this tale, and in August of 2015, when the book is released, you and I can spend some time together. But today, it's all about those rosy-cheeked darlings....

All of my things were packed up for the trip- even my fancy perfume bottle that I cherish! The kiddies enjoyed looking at my magical trinkets, and I had fun watching them peruse. Of course, they all wanted to try on the high-heeled sneakers, but those are not to be fooled around with. I would never want anything bad to happen to the little darlings...

When the children gathered 'round me after the presentation, I could sense their excitement, and, of course, they all wanted to explore the Begonia House... who wouldn't?

The day was filled with magic, and I predict that I will see their sweet cherub faces again soon!

Now, I leave you with some good advice: When in doubt, and you must sort it out- trust your gut to know what's best, help yourself, then take a rest... I bid you farewell dearies.  

The Begonia House keeps its secrets. Everyone knows that. Everyone, that is, except for clever eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow, whose family has just moved in. Being the Senior Investigator in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly known as the DMS, she’s ready to uncover the mysteries hidden within the strange manor. As the investigation gears up and the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, the DMS enters into a world where anything is possible, and the danger is most definitely real. Follow along with Fairday and her friends, as spooky meets lovely in this twisting tale of dark secrets and hidden pasts.

Read the reviews for The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow 

Represented by Rachael Dugas with Talcott Notch Literary 

Scheduled to hit bookstores everywhere in August of 2015!
Brought to you by Krista Vitola at Delacorte/ Random House

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What is Sophie's Plan?

“Words," he said, "is oh such a twitch-tickling problem to me all my life. So you must simply try to be patient and stop squibbling. As I am telling you before, I know exactly what words I am wanting to say, but somehow or other they is always getting squiff-squiddled around.” ~The BFG

Sophie is captured late one night, as can happen when one can’t fall asleep. Luckily for her, the giant who took her is not like the rest of his kind, for he is kind and gentle (a little on the short side too, at nearly 24 feet). He doesn’t want to eat Sophie and doesn’t dine on children (or any “human beans”).  The BFG, as he comes to be known, eats veggies and a fizzy drink which cause him to “whizzpop”.  Although he is a giant, he has a heart of gold and enjoys giving kids pleasant dreams, which he stores and blows into their rooms while they are dozing. Sophie and the BFG become fast friends. When Sophie finds out that the other giants have a plan to devour lots of other children, she begs the BFG to help her save them. She has a plan, but it won’t work if she tries it alone. Will Sophie and the BFG be able to save the unsuspecting humans? Will the other giants find out what they are up to? Is it really possible for a giant and a human child to be friends? You will have to read this book to find out!

I have read most of Roald Dahl’s books, and I enjoyed The BFG. The main characters are easy to relate to for different reasons. I appreciated the BFG's sensitivity and Sophie’s determination. I loved all of the fun made up words throughout the book. There are lots of quirky details, which I have come to expect from this author. I found myself laughing out loud as I pictured some of the scenes. I think this book would appeal to kids in third grade and up (younger kids would enjoy having it read to them).  The BFG has a way of talking that can take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it- his personality pops off the pages. I liked the themes in this book about good and evil, and that friendships can happen where we least expect them. This was another reminder that we shouldn’t judge books or people by their covers and that we should laugh often!

Has anyone else read The BFG? Or have you read another book by Roald Dahl? We would love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading!
~L

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Answer to Monday's Riddle: Huzzah for Giants!

Excellent guessing Riddlers! This week, we're hanging out with some really cool giants. Lizzy's review will stretch our imaginations, and Friday, we've got something special to share with all of you. Over the weekend, we always enjoy hearing your thoughts on The DMS Wants to Know. See you all around the book block ; ) ~ F

I'm rather tall, and known to be large. I'm as big as a house or even a barge. In my story, I'm told to be scary; sometimes called monster or ugly and hairy. Once, there was a man named Jack, who took my prize away in his sack. Another time, there were tiny people, who poked and prodded, then tied me to a steeple. But, I can be helpful! Just ask a Bumble. When something's high up, I won't stumble. I'm very merry, and I like to have fun. I can fill the space only as one. No need to worry about being eaten- I've lost the taste for those that I've beaten. I'm in your dreams and the stories you hear- and, though I'm enormous, there's nothing to fear. 

What am I? Answer: A Giant! 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Available in all e-book formats
Download for only .99¢ on Smashwords

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Monday's Riddle! A Monstrous Height?

Hello Riddlers! It's that time again. Can you guess our theme this week? I always thought they were nice, despite how they're often written in. ; ) ~ F

I'm rather tall, and known to be large. I'm as big as a house or even a barge. In my story, I'm told to be scary; sometimes called monster or ugly and hairy. Once, there was a man named Jack, who took my prize away in his sack. Another time, there were tiny people, who poked and prodded, then tied me to a steeple. But, I can be helpful! Just ask a Bumble. When something's high up, I won't stumble. I'm very merry, and I like to have fun. I can fill the space only as one. No need to worry about being eaten- I've lost the taste for those that I've beaten. I'm in your dreams and the stories you hear- and, though I'm enormous, there's nothing to fear. 

What am I?

I gave you a clue!

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The DMS Wants to Know!

Monday's Riddle was about the Big Apple, and Marcus's review of Nate Rocks the City by Karen Pokras Toz was a fun trip! Friday, Marcus teamed up with Nate Rockledge in the Nate Rocks Virtual Sketchbook, where we'll be featuring some really incredible adventures! Check out Nate Rocks the Bandits and ride off into the sunset. Today, we want to hear from you!

The DMS Wants to Know: Have you ever been to New York City? If so, what do you remember most about your visit? 

Week theme: NYC!

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