Thursday, July 31, 2014

Fantasy Tween Series: The Heroes Sword books by M.E Sutton

Learning and Growing the Piwi Way is part of the Mother Daughter Book Reviews book blast for the YA series 'Hero's Sword' by M.E. Sutton.

About the books: Book 1: Power Play

Power Play - Heros Sword - Book 1 by M.E. Sutton


Published: November 20, 2012  by Delabarre Publishing, LLC  Recommended age: 8 to12

Summary: All Jaycee Hiller wants to do is survive eighth grade. Mostly that means hanging with her friend, Stu, avoiding the cheerleading squad, secretly crushing on Nate Fletcher, and playing her favorite video game, Hero’s Sword.
When she receives a new video game controller, Jaycee finds herself magically transported into the Hero's Sword video game world. Survival takes on a whole new meaning. No longer battling with a plastic joystick, Jaycee picks up a real sword and bow and arrow and readies herself for battle. Can she save Lady Starla's rule in Mallory, keep herself in one piece, and maybe even learn something about surviving middle school? Kids will love this fast-paced adventure novel and will cheer along with Jaycee's thrilling adventures. What kid hasn't dreamed of actually fighting and battling the villains in their favorite video games? Jaycee finds out if she has what it takes - and what she learns in the fantasy realm of Mallory impacts her mundane, middle school life in unexpected ways.

 Purchase:

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * iBookstore * Goodreads

 

Book 2: Storm Clouds

Storm Clouds - Heros Sword - Book 2 by M.E. Sutton

Published: November 7, 2013 by Delabarre Publishing, LLC |  Recommended age: 8 to 12

Summary: Eighth-grader Jaycee Hiller is beginning to fear she only imagined her trip to Mallory. But when a rainy afternoon leaves her with hours of playing Hero's Sword, her favorite video game, she finds herself drawn back into the game - literally.
STORM CLOUDS is the exciting second volume of the HERO'S SWORD saga - chronicling Jaycee Hiller's trials in eight grade, and her exciting adventures in Mallory, the setting of her favorite video game. Jaycee enters the video game realm via a special controller and is caught up in the action of this fantasy realm. In STORM CLOUDS, a valuable jewel belonging to the neighboring estate of Devin, the Sapphire Star, is missing, stolen at the Spring Consortium. Lady Starla stands accused of the theft. Devin's demands are clear: return the Star or they will take it back by force. Now it's up to Lyla Stormbringer to find the Star and the thief. before Mallory finds itself at war. 

Purchase:

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo

iBookstore * Createspace * Goodreads

 

Book 3: Wedding Bliss

Wedding Bliss - Heros Sword - Book 3 by M.E. Sutton

Published: July 17, 2014 by Delabarre Publishing, LLC  Recommended age: 9 to 12

Summary: Jaycee Hiller (aka Lyle Stormbringer) has long sensed that Roger and Lady Starla belong together. When handsome and noble Perry Goodhaven shows up and wins Lady Starla's affection, at first glance it seems a more fitting match.
However, those close to Lady Starla notice alarming changes after Perry's arrival - Starla sleeps more often, is often lethargic when she is awake, and begins to defer important decisions to Perry. With Roger falsely imprisoned, it's up to Lyla Stormbringer to uncover the truth about the man positioning himself to rule Mallory with an iron fist. WEDDING BLISS is the exciting third adventure of the HERO'S SWORD saga - chronicling Jaycee Hiller's trials in eighth grade, and her exciting adventures in Mallory, the setting of her favorite video game. 

Purchase: Amazon
 

The Buzz About the Books

Book 1: "Power Play: Hero’s Sword (Vol. 1) features a relatable main character, fast-paced action, devious enemies, and an exciting plot that will absolutely capture the intended audience’s imagination. I think (and my daughter fully agrees!) that M.E. Sutton has hit on a winning series. I highly recommend Power Play: Hero’s Sword to all tweens, but to reluctant readers in particular, due to the ease of language, the video game setting, and the fast pace and physical length of the book at 64 pages." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
Book 1: "This is a fantastic read to inspire kids against giving up as well as keep their imaginations going because I totally see my son imagining this happening to him as he runs through the house with his sword (could be anything from wrapping paper roll to a stick) noises like he is in a sword fight. I can't wait to finish reading it with him & continuing the series." ~ Cassandra Lost in Books
Book 1: "This is a quick and fun read. The language is simple, so it is perfect for the intended audience of a middle grade child. It is full of action and I think kids will love the concept of falling into their favorite video game and living out the fantasy. "~ Bookworm Lisa
Book 2: "This second installment is even better than the first. The storyline has more depth, and more imagery to go along with this tale of adventure, drama, and even a little bit of fairy tale romance. I became more fascinated by the main cast of characters, cementing my interest in this awesome series. The writing style is spot-on for a middle grade adventure, and there is enough action, suspense, and mystery to keep the reader flipping the pages to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this series to fans of middle grade fantasy and video games. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author. " ~ Toni @ My Book Addiction
Book 2: "This is such a fun series! My ten year old and I thoroughly enjoyed reading these together. I think it’s really special when you can find something worthwhile to read together. " ~ Brooke Blogs
Book 2: "I think many middle grade kids will enjoy reading about a kid their age falling into their favorite video game and living out the fantasy. It is perfect for kids who enjoy using their imaginations to escape the real world at times (and better to read about video games than to spend all day playing them!)" ~ Susan @ Mom Loves 2 Read
 

About the Author: M.E. Sutton

Mary SuttonMary Sutton has been making up stories, and creating her own endings for other people's stories, for as long as she can remember. After ten years, she decided that making things up was far more satisfying than writing software manuals, and took the jump into fiction. She writes the HERO'S SWORD middle-grade fantasy series as M.E. Sutton and finds a lot of inspiration in the lives of her own kids. A lifelong mystery fan, she also writes crime fiction, including THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS MYSTERIES, under the pen name Liz Milliron. Her short fiction has been published at Uppagus.com, Mystericale.com (Fall 2013), and in LUCKY CHARMS: 12 CRIME TALES (December 2013).  

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Google+

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: August 29, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Mary Sutton and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services

Monday, July 28, 2014

Pirate themed Summer Fun for Kids for the Poppins Book Nook

This month we are sharing a great collection of books by one of our favorite New Zealand authors and the Pirate activities that have been keeping us cool this month. Margaret Mahy wrote over a 100 hundred children's books and pirates were clearly one of her favorite characters!




The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate is a about a shy man with an office job takes two weeks leave  to help his Mother relive her youth -as a Pirate!
It is a bright and fun book full of characters that try to put him off setting sail. You'll have to check this one out to see if he finds his sea legs!






The Great Piratical Rumbustification is a treat because it is also illustrated by Quentin Blake who also illustrated many of Roald Dahl's books. Pirate turned Babysitter, Orpheus Clinkermanages to turn his latest sitting job into an all out pirate party. Be sure to read this one out loud because it is one of the best examples of Ms. Mahy's fun alliteration that kids love.









The Horrendous Hullabaloo switches the pirate theme up to show that not all pirates behave badly! Peregrine Pirate has left his aunt and parrot at home for the last time. He never takes them to his parties so Polly and his Aunt decide to through their own Parrot Pirate Party at homes. Oh no!







Our pirate fun this month continued with two cool projects: Frozen Gold Doubloons treats and Pirate Bath Treasure.


This a very simple treat the kids were able to make themselves. We mixed together:
  • 4 Oz Container of Vanilla flavored Greek Yogurt
  • 1 Mashed ripe banana
  • 1 Tablespoon of Peanut or Almond Butter
Spoon the mixture into a ice cube tray and freeze until solid (approx 2-4 hrs). We love the Fred and Friends Have an Ice Day Icetray.


The bath time treasures I made for my little pirates can be used as body and hair wash!


Here's what you need!

1 Packet of Gelatin (2 1/2 teaspoons)

1/2 cup hot water

1/2 c kids’ shampoo and body wash (we used Sauve Kids Wash)

1/2 teaspoon cooking oil

Mixing bowl and spoon

Square plastic container to use as a mold

Plastic knife

Directions

1. Prepare the mold by greasing it with the vegetable oil
2. Pour the hot water into the mixing bowl and add the gelatin.
3. Whip the mixture quickly until the gelatin has dissolved.
4. Add the shampoo and mix until completely combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and place in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours.
6. When the jelly is set, turn out onto a paper napkin and cut into a 1 inch cubes
7. Store the cubes in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

I hope we inspired you to grab a pirate book or two and have some fun! Please take some time to look at all the other creative posts from the rest of the Poppins Book Nook bloggers this month!





 

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