We Have A Winner…and An Apology

I’m so excited to announce we have a winner for our February #PayABookForward FREE book bundle.

To have a chance to win the FREE bundle of children’s books, all people had to do was leave a comment on the original blog post, Facebook post, or Twitter tweet. People did that, and a winner was randomly drawn.

The winner of February’s book bundle is:

CAROLYN B FRAISER!

Carolyn, you will have until the 25th to accept your prize by providing a valid mailing address so I can send you your books. You can send your mailing address to my email, donasdays@gmail.com. Congratulations and I hope you continue to share the love of books with others!

Now for the apology…

It seems I’m somehow not getting across how easy it is to add your name to the hat for a chance to win a signed book from one of my author friends. I’m sincerely sorry for any confusion. All you need to do is use your smart phone and take a picture of a book…ANY BOOK…you want to share with someone else.

A child.

A librarian.

A teacher.

Then post that picture to one of my blog, Facebook, or Twitter post during the PAY A BOOK FORWARD monthly event that I’m running every 10th through the 20th of each month.

It’s that easy!

Just take a picture of the book you want to pay forward and share the book love for a chance to win a signed book. This month’s book by the fabulous Lori Degman won’t be able to be given away, but will be held over for another month or giveaway.

I also need to clarify EXACTLY what I’m trying to do with this #PayABookForward year-long event. It seems some people didn’t understand all I want to do is give away books.

Many, many books.

Not to get more followers.

Not to add to my email list.

Not even to sell my OWN books.

I’ve been a voracious reader since I was four years old.

I LOVE BOOKS!

All books.

And my heart tells me I need to share that love of books with others. This isn’t the first time I’ve done it. I’ve given away over $175,000 worth of books to many, many people over the years.

Sometimes boldly.

Sometimes anonimously.

But NEVER for any other reason than to put GREAT STORIES in the hands of young readers.

So, hopefully, that clears up the confusion some people had. On February 10th, there will be another chance to win a different bundle of books for your school elementary library, local library, free libraries, homeschool group, or even your own home library. It’s my wish and prayer that word of mouth will help me get the word out about this #PayABookForward year-long event. Those free books are starting to pile up at my house and I want to shower the world with great stories all year long!!

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Best-selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/donnalmartin

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

February PAY A BOOK FORWARD Book Bundle Is Here!!

Beginning Wednesday, February 10th and continuing until Saturday, February 20th, anyone who comments on this post, or the Facebook post, or Twitter tweet will have a chance to win this book bundle for their favorite school, local or home library! And the best part?

IT’S ALL FREE!!

Every month during 2021, I am giving away a bundle of newly purchased and gently-loved books to one lucky winner.

There is also a chance to win BONUS PRIZES, like this month’s “Travel Guide For Monsters”, autographed by my friend Lori Degman! To have a chance to win the BONUS PRIZE, all you have to do is take a picture of one book YOU are planning on sharing with someone else during this PAY A BOOK FORWARD year-long event and then share in the comments here, on the Facebook post or in a tweet on the Twitter post!

This month’s book bundle includes:

“Poptropica: Lunar Colony”…adapted by Patrick Kinney

“The Critter Club” (3 books in 1)…by Callie Barkley

“I’ve Seen Santa!”…by David Bedford

“I’m A Little Teapot”…by Iza Trapani

“Tanks”…by Geoff Cornish

“Inside a House That Is Haunted”…by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

“You Are My I Love You”…by Maryann Cusimano Love

“Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?”…by Bill Martin Jr

“Alladin”…by Disney

“Skippyjon Jones”…by Judy Schachner

“Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clar Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist…by Jess Keating

“The Pout-Pout Fish”…by Deborah Diesen

“Wild Animals!…illustrated by Michael Steward

Tell your favorite teacher! Tell you favorite librarian! Let all your book-loving friends know to check out this month’s book bundle and leave a comment or share a picture for a chance to win this book bundle or even the BONUS PRIZE!!

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Best-selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

www.storycatcherpublishing.com

www.twitter.com/donasdays

www.facebook.com/donasdays

www.amazon.com/author/donnalmartin

www.goodreads.com/author/show/18279692.Donna_L_Martin

YAY! It’s almost time for February’s PAY A BOOK FORWARD event!

***PAY A BOOK FORWARD***PAY A BOOK FORWARD***PAY A BOOK FORWARD***

Another month and another chance to win a bundle of books or even a BONUS PRIZE!!

Tomorrow, I’ll share the bundle of FREE books I will be giving away this month, but right now, I’m soooo excited to share the lovely book my friend, Lori Degman, was kind enough to autograph as one of the BONUS PRIZES in my PAY A BOOK FORWARD giveaway event!

From Wednesday, February 10th through Saturday, February 20th, anyone who posts a picture here or on the Facebook post, or Twitter post of THEIR paying a book forward, will automatically be entered for a chance to win Loris book! It can be a book you share with a friend, donate to a school, gift to a library…just sharing a little book love!

If you’ve never read some of Lori’s books (Wait! What planet have YOU been on?), you can check out her website here…https://loridegman.com/books-1. Or her Twitter page…https://twitter.com/LoriDegman?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor.

So, grab one, two, or three books and choose that special someone to share a little book love with! But don’t forget to take a picture first and share it here for a chance to win Lori’s book on the 20th! And come back tomorrow to get a sneak peek at this month’s book bundle I’m giving away!

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Best-selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

www.storycatcherpublishing.com

www.twitter.com/donasdays

www.facebook.com/donasdays

www.amazon.com/author/donnalmartin

www.goodreads.com/author/show/18279692.Donna_L_Martin

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Susanna Leonard Hill

llama.jpg

 

Title: When Your Llama Needs A Haircut

Author: Susanna Leonard Hill

Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publishers

Ages: 0-4

 

Synopsis:

 

Does your llama need a haircut? When your llama needs a haircut, you’ll first need to pick the perfect style…

 

Why you should get it:

 

 
When I found out my friend, author Susanna Leonard Hill, was releasing a new series of board books, I offered to review one. My friends know I’m not likely to give a favorable BOOK NOOK REVIEW unless I sincerely like the book I’ve been given.

The day WHEN YOUR LLAMA NEEDS A HAIRCUT came in the mail, I was having a very rough time at work. I thought I would give Susanna’s book a quick read and then delve deeper into it at a later time. I found myself actually chuckling out loud at some of the adorable illustrations Daniel Wiseman created to compliment Susanna’s cute story, like this one…

 

llama 2.jpg
It brougt me back to the days of my own youth when I tried wearing a perm myself, as well as those days of trying to tame my own son’s curly locks. It is also written in a similar vein as author Laura Numeroff’s “If You Give…” series which makes WHEN YOUR LLAMA NEEDS A HAIRCUT a very enjoyable read. I can’t wait to read other books in the series like WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH and WHEN YOUR ELEPHANT HAS THE SNIFFLES.

 
Young readers will laugh at the whimsical artwork and parents will find their own little ones asking to hear this delightful story “just one more time!” A great addition to any home library…

 
Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it.

 
**Rating scale**
5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take it or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

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Donna's Books

 

Looking for a way to spend that Christmas cash? Gift cards burning a hole in your pocket? Books always make a great gift! There’s everything from inspirational essay journals to picture books…young adult fantasy novels to historical fiction chapter books. Something for everyone on sale now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other retailers. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams can also be found at the Titanic Museums in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri.

 

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donna - Copy

 

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest chapter book series is called HISTORY’S MYSTERIES. Book One, Ship of Dreams, is available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers. Also, coming to the Titanic Museums in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Book Two, A Chocolate Train Wreck, was released in November.

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Stephen Krensky

 

dinosaur.jpg

 

Title: Dinosaurs In Disguise
Author: Stephen Krensky
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers
Ages: 4-8

Synopsis:

 

What if the dinosaurs never really went extinct?
What if they’ve just been in hiding for 65 million years?

Why you should read it:

 

There are many levels and many reasons to enjoy author Stephen Krensky’s tale of DINOSAURS IN DISGUISE. The story itself is told through the eyes of a young “explorer” on a hunt to prove his hypothesis that dinosaurs never became extinct, but are hiding somewhere in the world all around us. It’s just up to us to coax these timid creatures out into the open.

Such a whimsical theme is enhanced by the colorfully detailed artwork of illustrator Lynn Munsinger. Whether it’s a desert sphinx or even a participant in the first thanksgiving feast, readers will enjoy discovering the many ways dinosaurs have made their way into our more modern world through Ms. Munsinger’s illustrations.

Even early elementary educators will find DINOSAURS IN DISGUISE of great use in their classrooms as children will love the guessing math work of determining just how many hidden dinosaurs can be found on each page.

Our imaginations are allowed to run wild and the possibilities are endless in this delightful picture book. It not only challenges young readers to search for the hidden dinosaurs lurking all around them, but to also join one young man’s promise to keep those hiding places a secret…at least for now…

A great addition to any home library!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it!
***Rating Scale***

5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

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books

They make great stocking stuffers!

HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams
HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: The Chocolate Train Wreck

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donna - Copy

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest chapter book series is called HISTORY’S MYSTERIES. Book One, Ship of Dreams, is available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers. Also, coming to the Titanic Museums in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Book Two, A Chocolate Train Wreck, was released in November.

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Tony DiTerlizzi

Ted

 

Title: Ted
Author/Illustrator: Tony DiTerlizzi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publishers
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

This is the story of a father and a son and a big, raspberry-colored, fun-loving, troublemaking best friend who brings them closer together.

 

Why you should read it:

 

Most children, at some point in their lives, discover a best friend to hang out with. I know I did. But I don’t remember my friend being as creative or as special as one boy’s new friend, Ted.

Author/Illustrator Tony Diterlizzi entices readers to join the adventure when a life size bunny/pig like creature stops by one day to play with a lonely little boy. Mr. Diterlizzi has captured the essence of youthful exuberance in Ted’s facial expressions and I especially love the look on Ted’s face when he is to trying to convince the boy to help him build an indoor swimming pool.

 
Nothing is impossible in Ted’s world, but Dad is less than pleased with the outcome of their various adventures because he doesn’t believe Ted is real. It takes a scary turn of events to make the boy’s father finally realize that his son’s new friend is as real as he needs to be and can even help a father discover a secret from his own past.

A great addition to any home library!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it!

***Rating Scale***

5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Marjorie Dennis Murray

 

 

halloween.jpg

 

 

Title: Halloween Night
Author: Marjorie Dennis Murray
Illustrator: Brandon Dorman
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Ages: 4 to 8

 

“Twas Halloween night, and all through the house
Every creature was stirring, including the mouse;”

 

Synopsis:

 

Everyone from the witch to the banshees are getting ready for the best Halloween party ever. Too bad they never thought to warn their guests about what to expect on the scariest night of the year!

 

Why you should read it:

 

Rich artwork by illustrator Brandon Dorman combine with a tantalizingly familiar tale by author Marjorie Dennis Murray about getting ready for party guests to arrive. It’s minutes before midnight and everyone in the old haunted house is getting ready to party. I enjoyed all the colorful pictures but it was the whimsical, rhyming storyline that kept me flipping the pages just to see how this would end. I especially liked the look on the party guests’ faces when the old witch opened the door to invite them in!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**
5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take it or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Paul Rogers

animals
Title: Funimals

Author: Paul Rogers
Illustrator: Charles Fuge
Publisher: Barron’s Publishers
Ages: 4-8

Synopsis:

What’s this animal? Do you know?
A speckledy-neckledy? A roly-pole?

A funny and inventive parade of almost familiar animals from author Paul Rogers and illustrator Charles Fuge to take readers on a whimsical journey through the land of their imagination.

Why you should read it:

There are some picture books that are so magical that illustrations almost aren’t necessary in order to draw a reader into the world of an author’s imagination. And then there are fun stories like Paul Rogers’ FUNIMALS that seem to be driven by the very artwork the words have created.

Illustrator Charles Fuge has managed to elevate an otherwise cute story into a delightful visual journey through a montage of animals any child would love to call their own. Bright colors and expressive faces on each animal encourages readers to stop for a moment to study the details within the pages of this adorable children’s book.

FUNIMALS may be an older picture book, but it is still a goody and a great addition to any home library!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it!

***Rating Scale***

5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Adam Stower

 

troll

 

Title: Troll & the Oliver
Author/Illustrator: Adam Stower
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

Every day when Oliver goes out, Troll tries to eat him. But catching Oliver is very tricky—he’s fast, sneaky, and just too clever! It is only when it looks like Troll has given up and Oliver celebrates victory that—CHOMP!—he gets eaten, and it turns out that Olivers don’t taste very nice after all.

 

Why you should read it:

 

It was the clever book design that first caught my eye. With a partial peekaboo cut-away cover, I was immediately drawn into wanting to find out who this cute little kid was and why a Troll seemed to be after him. The whimsically silly story reminded me somewhat of the old Road Runner cartoons where poor Wile E Coyote endeavors to catch a pesky road runner for a midday meal. Kids will also like the surprise ending after Troll discovers an Oliver might not be as tasty as he once thought! Author/illustrator Adam Stower’s lovely illustrations will delight young readers. A great addition to any home library.
Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**
5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take it or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

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donna - Copy

 

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams, is now available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers. And coming to the Titanic Museums soon in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!

BOOK NOOK REVIEW: Kevin Henkes

waiting

 

Title: Waiting
Author/Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Publisher: Green Willow Books
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

Look at the owl
and the pig
and the bear
and the puppy
and the rabbit
What do you think they’re waiting for?
A visitor?
A surprise?

 

Why you should read it:

 

I’m drawn to picture books with simply drawn illustrations showcasing a deeply thought out story line. This masterfully written story by author/illustrator Kevin Henkes reminds me of THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein; one of my favorite picture books of all time.

I can’t help but be drawn to the facial expressions of everyone waiting on the window sill for different things. I was even touched by the artwork when I read, “Once a visitor arrived from far away. He stayed for awhile, then he left and never returned.”

This beautiful book helps teach patience to those of us destined to have to wait. And for young and old alike, THIS lovely book was definitely worth the wait!

 
Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

 
**Rating scale**

 
5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take it or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

************

 

donna - Copy

 

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams, will be available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers on October 14th, 2019.
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