Friday, March 27, 2015


Dress A Girl Around The World




I'm taking some time off from writing and reviews.  I've decided to spend my time making dresses for the Dress a Girl Around the World Organization.  If anyone is interested in sewing cotton dresses for little girls, below is a link to the Dress a Girl organization/webpage.

These little girls are from poor countries and without this project most would never own a new dress in their life.  The dresses are easy and simple to make. Some are made from a simple pillow case. If interested you can leave a question in the comments.


I'll be back in the future to write more reviews, but for now my interest lies in  a stack of fabric to make dresses and dolls for adorable little girls around the globe. 

God Bless, and Hugs to all 



Sunday, January 25, 2015


Her Pink Hair


The simplicity of this book is what makes it so perfect for young children. The illustrations are depicted with clay models which bring awareness that this child has a problem without burdening a small child’s emotion.  The story depicted is of few words, but enlightening to the situation. 

Jill Dana, author of Her Pink Hair wishes to bring awareness to small children about cancer. In the book Jill portrays that some who have cancer get better and some do not.  She expresses in a way that leaves a child only taking from the situation what they are able to understand and handle.

The book does not state that a child has died, or that a child suffers. It simply displays the fact that this child lost her hair and this child had to rest and that this child was not able to go to school. I think this is a wonderful book for young children to have a first experience of a friend or sibling who is undergoing chemo therapy.


This book was reviewed by author, Susan Hornbach



Author of Her Pink Hair






Sunday, January 18, 2015

Dog Bone Soup


Shawn Daniels grew up in the Boomer era. He was a poor boy materialistically, but rich in spirit and ingenuity.  Shawn went from foster care to a tarpaper house with no doors on the bedrooms and an abusive drunken father. His ability to withstand his environment led him to rise above and find new horizons.

This is a fast moving read that will take its characters from early childhood to adulthood with all of the trials, fears, joys, and experiences that life had to offer a poverty stricken family. Middle grade to adult will find this book entertaining.

Bette Stevens, author of Dog Bone Soup, has captured the essence of a dirt poor family struggling in the 1950s and 60s. Her ability to put you right in the action of the story will amaze. For those who grew up in the 1950s, this will take you back, and for those experiencing for the first time, this book will drag you in and hold you till the last page.  Happy reading everyone. Great book!



Author of Dog Bone Soup




BIO
Inspired by nature and human nature, author Bette A. Stevens is a retired elementary and middle school teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of five. Stevens lives in Central Maine with her husband on their 37-acre farmstead where she enjoys writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. She advocates for children and families, for childhood literacy and for the conservation of monarch butterflies (milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat).

Bette A. Stevens is the author of award-winning picture book AMAZING MATILDA; home/school resource, The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too!; and PURE TRASH, the short story prequel to DOG BONE SOUP. 

Friday, January 16, 2015




This is a lovely book written in two languages (English & Spanish) by Ann Morris. Her writing is inspired by her son, Mikel. Small children will find life lessons here as well as entertainment.  The story takes a young boy on a walk in the park. He and his mother discover a number of things while learning the importance of safety.

Mikel finds that his mother’s instructions are for his own good and he also gets to make a choice of his own.  While exploring the outdoors Mikel spots something that requires some research. He and his mother take a trip to find out what exactly they did see.

Spending time with his Mom, Mikel enjoys the day, is excited to explore, and learns many valuable things on his walk.  The illustrations by Blythe Russo, are pleasant and appealing to children. A fun read for the little ones.

Reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children's literature



Author of
Mommy & Mikel Go For a Walk


Ann (Ana) Morris Bio
Ann (Ana for Spanish books) Morris has a deep interest in education.  She knows that children have vivid imaginations and an insatiable love of learning.  Morris developed an interest in writing children’s stories with the intention of recording memorable experiences with young family members sprinkled with memories of her own youth.
As a teacher and as a community worker, Morris has collaborated with and served people from many cultures new to our country, including our Latino friends. She speaks and writes Spanish as well as English.  Her hopes are to encourage children and parents learning to read their native language, as well as to motivate language learners.  She includes a positive adult role model, a curious child and a unique learning experience in each story. 
Ann (Ana) Morris is the author of
·         Mommy and Mikel Go for a Walk/Mikel y Mami dan un paseo
·         Surprise in Auntie’s Garden!/¡Sorpresa en el jardín de la tía!
·         (Awaiting illustration completion) Everything Is Different!/¡Todo es distinto!
She has other works in progress and many other memories yet to record


Purchase Here

Friday, January 2, 2015

Kangaroo Clues


Make haste and come join the chase. Kangaroo outsmarts the Dingo. He is joined by his friends in the outback where the sun scorches the Earth and survival is definitely for the fittest. 

Author Margot Finke, does not disappoint in yet another intriguing book of rhyme.  The illustrations by Mustafa Delioglu are alive with color and expression.  The Australian wildlife with all of its wonder is depicted in these educational pages. Explanations and definitions rest at the bottom of several pages, which is quite handy for educational guides such as teachers or home school parents.

Children will experience the struggle and survival of creatures large and small. Kangaroo Clues will intrigue them, and excite their curiosity.

Margot Finke is the author of many rhyming books for children.  Kangaroo Clues is a beautiful book that will make a fun and educational addition to any child’s library.  My advice would be to view all of her rhyming books, both Australian culture and otherwise.  Margot also writes about dyslexia.  Check out all of her books on Amazon.com


This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature


Margot Finke.

Margot Finke is an Aussie author whose 13 books range from midgrade adventure fiction to rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. 

Their three children are now grown and doing very well.  Four delightful grandchildren round out Margot’s family.

Her Manuscript Critique Service helps children’s writers polish and tighten their stories before publication.  Helping other writers succeed, and HOOKING kids on reading, are Margot’s special goals.

She didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot says, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "







Friday, December 26, 2014


Dreamtime Man written by Margot Finke, is a work of art from the interesting educational verse it is written in, to the magnificent illustrations by Joana Zdralea.  The colors are simply mesmerizing.   Details of the Australian Aboriginal people will not only educate children and adults, but also entertain them as well.

Even though the text may be a bit advanced for young children, the illustrations will still hold their attention and introduce them to an ancient and proud culture from the Down Under.

This is an exceptional book for children and adults; both in text and art. The author and the artist were certainly in sync on this one. Beautiful book!



This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature



**LISTEN to Margot read Dreamtime Man: http://tinyurl.com/qham5nv
**Available from Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/bg9dtxt
**Autographed—with a FREE copy of her 
“Fairdinkum   Aussie Recipe Book.”
http://myplace.frontier.com/~mfinke/Magic%20Carpet%20Books.htm




Margot Finke.

Margot Finke is an Aussie author whose 13 books range from midgrade adventure fiction to rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. 

Their three children are now grown and doing very well.  Four delightful grandchildren round out Margot’s family.

Her Manuscript Critique Service helps children’s writers polish and tighten their stories before publication.  Helping other writers succeed, and HOOKING kids on reading, are Margot’s special goals.

She didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot says, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "




Sunday, December 21, 2014

Tommy's Amigo



Tommy’s Amigo written and illustrated by Nancy Carty Lepri, is a story about a Mexican boy who desperately misses his father and also wants to fit in with his school mates.  He lives with his grandmother who has also migrated to the US.  In spite of her deep love for her grandson, his Grandmother’s pride seems to rule her judgment.   As a result, Tommy is left to desperation that could cause him his life.

Tommy is bullied, but tries to roll with the punches. He finds himself in confrontation in the lunch room at school.  His close friends back him up, but Tommy’s life begins to spiral out of control from that point on.  His father has been sent to jail for something he is not guilty of and Tommy must find a way to stay out of foster care.

Tommy’s Amigo is a pleasant surprise.  His Amigo shows him how to hang in there when all is unraveling.  Tommy finds himself in trouble a number of times throughout these pages.  The story is fast moving and will hold the attention of boys and girls to the end.

The problems in this book are true to life and would certainly help any child relate to those of other culture or those who are experiencing similar conditions.
Great Book!

This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature





Wednesday, December 17, 2014


Frannie who has to make many new adjustments due to her father’s job relocation becomes empowered to help another.  She finds herself juggling new problems, but somehow rises above her woes.  She is not only lonely because she now has to make new friends, and attend a new school, but she also has a twin brother who torments her very soul.

Frannie finds herself enthralled in an eerie situation.  She becomes involved in detective work, and is put in a position that calls for a life or death decision.  Frannie must find a killer, capture him and do it without anyone else knowing she is involved.

This is a story of a young girl who misses her mother and can’t figure out what has happened to her.  Her family depends heavily on her support and she is dragged into danger by an unexpected ghostly being.

The book is a page turner and holds your interest to the end of the last paragraph.  It’s filled with dilemma, drama, sibling rivalry, mystery, and many things that can concern a young girl and boy.  If you like ghosts, mystery, and waiting for the next page to suck you in further, you’re going to like his book. 

Some of the expressions used by the kids were foreign to me, but all in all it did not detract from the excitement of the story.  I very much enjoyed this book and recommend it to teens and adults alike.


Margot Finke is known for her rhyming books for children. The Revenge of Thelma Hill is a new and exciting addition to her creative collection of writing. 


This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach author of children's literature




Margot Finke.

Margot Finke is an Aussie author whose 13 books range from midgrade adventure fiction to rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. 

Their three children are now grown and doing very well.  Four delightful grandchildren round out Margot’s family.

Her Manuscript Critique Service helps children’s writers polish and tighten their stories before publication.  Helping other writers succeed, and HOOKING kids on reading, are Margot’s special goals.

She didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot says, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "


Purchase Books Here







Wednesday, December 10, 2014



See all 5 customer reviews (newest first)

Amazon link to the print version:

Amazon link to the Kindle version:

Barnes & Noble link:



After a partially-covered body displaying unusual physical characteristics was found in the backwoods of Virginia, FBI agent Jack Stanwick is once again summoned. This was the third victim to be discovered in this condition, and with most of the brotherhood on another high-profile case, he needed some outside help. Jack knew just where to go. He hires three former police officers who work for the Davenport Detective Agency. During the initial investigation, the detectives focus their attention on the militia group, M.A.G.O.C. (Men Against Government Overtaking Control), only to find that several members and a high-ranking official in the White House are involved in a governmental conspiracy. Digging further, the detectives come upon Prescott Chemicals, where an elixir that was discovered in the Amazon Rain forest by the Mayapo natives years before, is now being transformed into a formula with irreversible consequences. While investigating a lead, the detectives accidentally come into contact with the elixir and experience a change to their bodies and minds causing some amusing, yet permanent issues. With the assistance of a beautiful journalist and a bitter French physicist, the detectives come upon the location of the perpetrators and uncover a plot which culminates into the betrayal and a secret that affects one of detectives, changing his life.  

Saturday, November 22, 2014



A heartwarming story of a boy who over comes his fears by applying his efforts and following the path of Jesus. Ben has to prove to his family he is responsible enough to take on summer camp and look in the face of everything that scares him.  In the process he proves to be a hero with his handicapped friend Mary who has lost her service dog and also his new found homeless friend Jeremy.

This is a book that will hold the interest of children, but also the reader will be able to identify with Ben’s fears and sibling rivalry. Janet Ann Collins has written a story that teaches compassion, alerts a child to the hardships of others in life. 

The story awakens children to the troubles some people have in their lives, and shows them how God interacts through all of us in ways we never expect.

The characters Ben and Tom develop personal growth both in daily life and in spiritual being.  Great story and inspiring book for kids.   Lots of stars for this one.

This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children's literature


Tuesday, November 11, 2014




Buzzing about, kitty cat prowls, and storing the nuts for the winter, is what this book is touting. If you like rhymes and cats that purr and climb, bumbles that buzz and pollinate, this would be a great selection for you or any child’s library.

Children will love the magnificent vivid, pop off the page illustrations by Elizabeth Koenig. Each picture is more inviting than the last.  Children will delight in these full color pages that are sure to entertain.

Margot Finke has written yet another book of rhythmic verse for children. She is well known for her rhyming books and her ability to delight and amuse children with her entertaining and educational stories and facts of not only the down under, but also other parts of the world.

Squirrels can’t Help Being Nuts offers vocabulary words at the end of each page.  Great book, fun for kids, excellent read!

This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature.





Friday, October 3, 2014

Guardian Angel Kids Magazine


October Issue is filled with features, stories, and animals from Down Under. Not only is  this issue educational, but is sure to delight kids with it's photography and beautiful illustrations. For other issues: Click Here

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

October, National Domestic Abuse Month, Promote Awareness

For Immediate Release

Erin Ireland


erinirelandwrites@yahoo.com
    www.erinirelandwrites.com

The assaulting truth about abuse! Local author Erin Ireland lays it out for you… In a book titled: A Voice in the Night: Silent Abuse, The Early Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life.  

West Chester Pennsylvania –Oct 1, 2014 - From a woman who endured what most don't dream in a nightmare. This is the loneliness of abuse. Let there be awareness that spouses do poison their mates, and authorities do not put enough stock in the fact that it does happen every day to people who are being silently abused. Many die without anyone knowing what killed them. Poisonings and gassings are silent abuse that need to be expressed, and exposed. So many never realize how much abuse they do submit to, thinking they are merely sucking it up for the betterment of the relationship. An abusive life can be replaced, and fulfilled with happiness. Abuse is a conditioning that can be unlearned. If one can find the strength to believe in them self, they can find their way out!

This is a book to serve many. A book that will enlighten you on how the treatment you accept from others is a huge factor to whether or not you will be happy in your life. There are those mates who view their partner as a possession. Possessions are discarded when no longer needed. A Voice in the Night will provide hope for young people to find a safe ground to stand on; to give them the warning signs early on when beginning to date. It is a book for all ages to take notice of the treatment they allow from others. Erin Ireland has hopes for you to find your peace and to know your rights as a human being. The message truly is "A Voice in the Night" for all who wish to be happier in their relationships or simply happier without their abusive relationship.
Are you not sure whether your mate is actually abusive? Erin Ireland has laid it out for you. When you finish reading these pages you will know the ingredients for a solid relationship and the specifics of when your mate has crossed the abusive line. "A Voice in the Night, Silent Abuse, The Early Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life" Now available at www.erinirelandwrites.com

Read Reviews and Purchase  here at Amazon


See all 7 customer reviews (newest first)


Erin's Website  

This is a Self Help Book to bring awareness to those who may not recognize abuse; for those who do, and need help; and for those who are afraid to admit they have a right to something better for themselves. Erin Ireland is a woman who has spent many years observing the abuse of others as well as herself. Her experiences have been many in the direction of others who suffer in silence with isolation, controlled obsessions, verbal abuse, Superior attitudes, deceit, jealousy, physical, and sexual assaults, and many more indignities suffered everyday by beautiful people.

Erin Ireland is a nom de plume, in order to protect the innocent. She will always speak her mind and the truth for the betterment of all those who seek answers and comfort. She has written a book Titled, "A Voice in the Night, Silent Abuse, The Early Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life". This is a book to help others bypass the long suffering that can be eliminated when learning to view the traits of an abuser early on. Erin Ireland wishes to touch the lives of all who wish to live and enjoy an abuse free life.
  

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