“Look just because some man in a red coat hands you a sword, it doesn’t make you a hero!”
~Susan Pevensie, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Movie
What then does make a hero? Does a uniform? I know when I think of a hero, the first thing that comes to mind is our men and women who serve in the military. I don’t know if that is because my Gramps Pat who served in WWII, his grandpa who fought in the Civil War, or my uncles who were in Vietnam.
This though goes to prove one of my soap box themes–read to and with your kids! It builds memories and shared experiences. You’re able to talk about characters as if they are family friends. You can have teachable moments instead of you lecturing them. Just pause and discuss the situation the main, or side, character finds him- or herself in and ask your child, “What would you do?” It becomes a natural way of teaching. Need some ideas for good books besides these? Check out my top 10 plus three list of children’s books or my list of other great books.
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Last year this time, I was excitedly participating in Children’s Book Week with posts every day. I looked forward to the release of Dragon’s Future as if in a daze. Since then, I’ve had four books published. This last weekend, my publisher announced it was closing. I’m frantically trying to figure out the realm of self-publishing. So, this year, I’m almost blindsided by Children’s Book Week. I thought giving a list of great kids’ books that I’ve personally read in the last year would be a good start to the week. So, here goes.
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The day showed promise. One hundred-nine young men and women prepared to walk the aisle and receive their diploma, a certificate notifying the world they had completed one full year of Bible college. They could hold their heads high and rejoice in their accomplishment. Parents, family, and friends crowded in creating standing room only to watch. Potential filled the auditorium. If each student went out and influenced one other person, who in turn reached one other person, creating a domino effect, then the possibility of impact was mind boggling.
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Loving fantasy, not only for writing but also for reading, I am naturally drawn to good clean fantasy books. I love reading them and finding new ones I can enjoy. I have had the opportunity of beginning it during my lunch break on Friday. I was instantly drawn into the story and plot, even though I have yet to read book 1. I am excited to finish reading book 2 and then pick up book 1 and read it.
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Growing up I had my share of Star Trek and Buck Rogers, but I only saw a little bit of Dr. Who. I know shameful of someone who loves scifi! I knew there was a man called The Doctor who traveled in a blue phone booth and there was an odd shaped metal box-like robot that was the enemy. I may even have learned the name Dalek.To be quite truthful, I’ve fallen in love with the ninth doctor. I love his humor, the way he cares for Rose, and his smile.
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This time 28 great Fantasy Authors have banded together to bring you an awesome prize.
What prize?
Maybe I should’ve said PRIZES!
That’s right, the winner of this giveaway gets a $50 Amazon.com certificate AND an ebook bundle of 28 wonderful flinch free fantasy novels.
Games are a fun way to learn something new. There is a game called Pyramid in the pack. To play pyramid, you have to collect cards that equal thirteen. Suddenly, I was doing math. I was memorizing that 9 and 4, 8 and 5, 3 and 10, and 6 and 7 all make thirteen. These numbers are now drilled into my head. Did I have to work hard to memorize them? Not really. The game taught me to look for those combinations.
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Love is one of those emotions that everyone has differences of opinions on. The ideas are as varying as the ages of the people who define it. Ask a child and he or she will define love based on what they can receive from someone. They get the gift they’ve been dreaming of for the last several hours or days, and suddenly they love the person who gave it to them and that person loves them.
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As you’ve seen from previous posts, I love tea. Tea has been a mainstay since my teen years at least. Mom loved to plan tea parties. When we were in high school, she would often greet my sister and me after school with a cup of tea and some treat and we’d chat about our day with her.
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