R is for "Read it!" (plus a giveaway)

So, I'm cheating again.

This post is part of a blog hop. Today I'm sharing some of my Spring Fling books (i.e. reads I'd give up anything for).

---

Now, before I do, let me tell you about the AWESOME Good Tales Book Tour Company. I know how authors - indy and traditional alike - often dread putting together. Why can't there be a company that already has a slew of bloggers who are willing to blog about your book and you?

Well, now there is.

And this blog hop, has a taste of some of the awesome bloggers lined up and ready to promote your book. Now, here's my SPRING FLINGS OF BOOKS.

My First Love

I'll never forget the box of Silver Burdette Readers. At the time, I didn't know or care what level they were. The only thing I thought was that these books were a far sight more interesting than the talk my mom was having with some lady about my schooling. One story in particular caught my eye. It was about a little boy named Milo and a misnamed watch dog. Before long, I was engrossed in the magic of the Doldrums.

"What is she doing?" the homeschool lady asked.
My mom didn't answer. I guess it was pretty obvious what I was doing.
"But-but," the lady stammered, "That's an 11th grade reader!"
I should probably mention that I was entering 2nd grade.

Years later, that wonderful dog with a clock in its middle walked back into my life. This time he was on the cover of a WHOLE book! I found him while traveling with my grandma. She'd promised to buy one item - anything I wanted - on the trip.
"That's what I want for my souvenir." I told her.
"Are you sure?" her nose wrinkled.
I was sure. Oh how I was sure.

Maybe you groan at the mere mention of the title. Many do. But for me, The Phantom TollBooth by Noron Juster will always be my First Love. 

---

The Book I'd Marry

The book - not the author. Don't get any creepy ideas.

I found this book while researching how to be an author.

Let me clarify: I'm a writer. I've been one for as long as I can remember. But when I decided I wanted to be an author, I knew I needed to do some research. There are MOUNTAINS of books to help you be a better author, but this one helped me in ways no other book has.

It told me the words to use.

Some writers hate this book. They say "Why are we dumbing down our words? The kids can handle it!" That's true to a point, but I've seen too many kids quit reading because the words were too hard, or too long, or... you get the idea.
Think about it: if you are spending so much time figuring out the words, how on earth are you going to be able to enjoy the story?

That's why I'd marry Children's Writer's Word Book by Alijandra Mogilner. I can provide the story, and it can provide the age-appropriate words.

---

My Spring Fling List

If you are a member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) then you know about the Chrystal Kite Award. I've been having a Spring Fling with the books on the list, and here are titles in my division that made it to Round 2:
A Girl Called Fearless by Catherine Linka
Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood and Jonathan Bean
Bombs Over Bikini: the World's First Nuclear Disaster  by Connie Goldsmith
Dalia's Wondrous Hair / El cabello maravilloso de Dalia by Laura Lacamara
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Weeds Find a Way by Cynthia Jenson-Elliott and Carolyn Fisher

The Blog Hop!!!

The next stop on this hop is http://shadetreeblogging.blogspot.com

This blog hop is hosted byGood Tales Blog Tour Company. If you have a book coming out, definitely consider their services.

Have you visited all the stops on this hop? Double check with the list below. I wouldn't want you to miss any of them.

https://lauriestarkey.wordpress.com/blog/
http://wackymommareads.blogspot.com
http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com
https://gloriouspanic.wordpress.com/
http://sarasbooksandthings.blogspot.com/?m=1
http://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
http://soulcleverbooks.blogspot.com
http://bfdbookblog.net/
http://www.anovelkindofbliss.blogspot.com/
https://bookandbastille.wordpress.com/
http://onceuponawish.weebly.com
https://blogtasticreviews.wordpress.com/
http://lovelyparanormalbooks.blogspot.co.nz
http://thebookish-life.blogspot.com
http://herbookthoughts.reads-it.com
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com
http://athousandwordsamillionbooks.blogspot.in
http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com
http://theapbookclub.blogspot.com/
http://themistresscase.blogspot.com/
https://bookandbastille.wordpress.com/
http://recklessindulgence.wordpress.com
http://thebookishowl.net
http://aamzybookwonder.blogspot.co.uk/
http://mistralkdawn.blogspot.com/
http://archiestandwoodsreviewsandwritings.blogspot.com
http://britishbookwormblog.com
http://lexicalcreations.weebly.com/jens-blog
http://shadetreeblogging.blogspot.com

And Now, the Giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Organized by Good Tales Book Tours