New Review for ALPHABET ZOO

 

I am excited to share the newest review for ALPHABET ZOO, reviewed by Regan W. H. Macaulay, multi-award-winning author.

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“Alphabet Zoo” by Karin Larson, illustrated by C. E. Dale

Kids can learn the alphabet, and fun facts about animals!

What an adorably clever rhyming alphabet book! And not only do young children have the opportunity to learn the alphabet in a fun way with lots of cute, brightly illustrated animal scenes, there is “an alphabet” of animal trivia at the end of the book! Answers are included after the trivia questions. Keep in mind that the letter beside each trivia question is a hint, too. I love this!

Highly recommended as an excellent tool for children who love animals and are learning their ABCs.

 

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Thank you, Regan, for your time and kind words about my book. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Storystorm 2024 Complete

 

38 new ideas in 31 days, 39 if you count a new twist on an older idea. Thank you, Tara Lazar, for the month of inspiration and motivation!

National Authors Day

 

Today marks a relatively unknown day of recognition for authors. It is National Authors Day today. What a concept...celebrating authors and the art of writing!

I read this day was originally established in 1928 as a way to recognize and celebrate American authors and their literary works. 

I hope this day becomes better known as a means to foster a love of reading and writing in everyone but especially in children as too many today get caught up in technology and don't simply cuddle up and enjoy the worlds within the pages of all the amazing books that exist. I could do so day in and day out!

Who are your favorite authors and/or fav books? 

Children's Book Week Wrap Up

 

So, how did you book this week? 

Did you read picture books? Chapter books? YA?

Did you read "real" books or those on your kindle or nook? Listen to audio books?

Were you reading in bed? Lounging in the sunshine? Laying on the sofa? Swinging in a hammock?

I would love to hear what your Children's Book Week entailed as well as what and who your all time favorite books and/or authors might be.

Children's Book Week

 

Today begins the second, of two, full weeks celebrating books for young people and the joy of reading. The first was in May. This week in November, running today through November 13th, is meant to focus specifically on engaging students at schools, libraries and after-school programs.

Children's Book Week was originally established in 1919 and is a celebration not only of books but of connection. How wonderful! Books and connection go hand in hand for me, and it is truly beautiful to see this happen in young people. Perhaps this is why I love writing for kids. Picture books are a magical work of art, and I plan to spend my Children's Book Week immersed in as many picture books as possible.

How about you? What do you like to read? Where and how do you most love to read? I will be back at the end of the week to check in. Until then, enjoy!

New Book Review

I am delighted to share the first review of my newest picture book, ALPHABET ZOO, by award-winning children's book author, Donna McDine. Donna's review reads...

Alphabet Zoo is beautifully illustrated by C.E. Dale. Children’s author, Karin Larson takes the reader and their young muses on a whimsical tale through the alphabet, from A to Z. The habitat of each animal is captured perfectly through the written word and illustrations. The “what comes next question” will continually be had before turning each page and the discovery of what animal that correlates to each letter of the alphabet is fun for all ages. Alphabet Zoo is a true delight and inspires thought provoking imagination. Bravo!

Thank you, Donna. Much appreciated! 

For more information, visit my website at www.karinlarson.com.

Explore Alphabet Zoo

 

It has arrived! Hard and soft cover copies now available from me as well as from 4RV Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase from me personally, I can sign and send or deliver to you.

I hope you have fun learning about the animals of Alphabet Zoo!

Coming Soon...

 

Animals from Alphabet Zoo...coming soon to a bookshelf near you!

Coming Soon...

 

The time has FINALLY come! ALPHABET ZOO is coming to life. Thank you to 4RV Publishing and Vivian Zabel for believing my story worthy of publication and to C.E. Dale for so beautifully bringing my words to life. My author copies have been ordered and will arrive soon for any who would like to purchase directly from me and/or have a signed copy. In the meantime, it is also available on the 4RV Publishing website, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

4RV Publishing, Barnes & Noble, Amazon

Mission Complete

 

March was a busy month full of amazing daily posts and so many mentor text suggestions. Thank you to Rate Your Story and all of the wonderful authors who provided daily inspiration and knowledge to aid all children's authors in their writing journeys. I learned so much and will continue to do so as I read through my list of all the mentor texts. 

I highly encourage you to check it out and take the pledge yourself in March 2023. 

Learn more at https://www.rateyourstory.org/

National Read Across America Day

A day to celebrate reading. What more could we want?

This day, National Read Across America Day, is celebrated every year on March 2nd, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. While I will read at least one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books today, I will also be celebrating by reading my own books, BEDTIME KISSES and LITTLE BUG, to a very special group of young kids at John Paul II Elementary, the school in which I serve as Speech/Language Pathologist and the school all of my own kids attended from preschool through 6th grade.

What a privilege! Thank you to Mrs. Morgan for inviting me to visit. I can think of no better way to celebrate the joy of reading than by sharing my own books with children. I love to engage with kids and share my love of reading and books. I strongly believe it is imperative to encourage kids to read and foster a love of books, especially in the face of the technologically driven world in which we live today. It is so important for kids to learn that books are exciting and fun. The stories contained within the pages can transport us to completely different worlds and places as well as allow us to meet new characters and have new life experiences. In addition, reading is relaxing and helps us learn about many things. For, in the words of a very wise Dr. Seuss,

"The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

So, today, as Read Across America Day kicks off the National Reading Month of March, pick up your favorite picture book, novel, biography, etc., and lose yourself in the pages of a great story. And, please, help me spread the word to all those young minds eager to learn and explore. Reading is the very best way to do so!

StoryStorm 2022

 

Looking forward to a new year of Tara Lazar's annual STORYSTORM challenge in January. 30 picture book ideas in 31 days...game on! If you haven't participated yet, I highly recommend you give it a shot. It is a great way to kick off the new writing year. 

You can find more information here, https://taralazar.com/.

New Website

 

I am so excited to announce my new and (much) improved website is now live, safe and secure! It has been a long haul, but I am pleased with the final result. Thank you to the team at web.com/register.com for all of the help throughout the process.

Check it out at https://www.karinlarson.com/ and let me know what you think. I would appreciate the feedback.

Happy Weekend!

National Book Lovers Day

 Whether your book of choice looks more like this...

Or more like this...

Put down your phone and computer, grab your favorite book(s) and beverage and settle in to enjoy National Book Lovers Day today for whatever period of time you're able.

What a treat to celebrate the love of books!

Book Review: THE HATCHLING

In the spirit of Easter and the Spring season, I would like to share my most recent book review with you.

TITLE:  THE HATCHLING

PUBLISHER:  4RV Publishing, January 2021

AUTHOR:  Vivian Zabel

ILLUSTRATOR:  Jeanne Conway

PAPERBACK ISBN:  978-1-950074-15-0

HARDCOVER ISBN:  978-1-950074-16-7

 

THE HATCHLING is a heart-warming story of two best friends, Louie Duck and Gus Goose, who go about their days playing, riding waves in the lake and enjoying each other’s company. But soon comes a surprise…Louie is going to be a big brother. How will this new sibling affect Louie and Gus? THE HATCHLING explores the feelings involved in both the sibling relationship and the friendship bond in a heart-warming and relatable way all kids will understand without feeling a lesson is being taught. Ms. Zabel uses active and lively, at times alliterative, language which kids will love. Back matter sections with discussion questions and additional information about ducks compliment the text which kids and adults alike will enjoy. Ms. Conway’s illustrations are bright and fun and bring the characters and story to life. This story is perfect for kids ages 4-9 years of age.

 

To learn more about Vivian Zabel or the other Louie the Duck stories (WAVE EXCITEMENT, LOUIE FINDS A FRIEND), visit https://www.4rvpublishing.com/vivian-zabel.html or www.vivanzabel.com.

 

For more information about Jeanne Conway, visit https://www.jeanniespaintings.com.

 

DISCLAIMER:  I received a hard copy of THE HATCHLING free of charge in return for my honest review. This review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced by anyone in any way.

Picture Book Inspiration

In the start of a new week, in the beginning of a new month, at the dawn of a new year and commencement of a new decade, where do you find your inspiration? This fun puzzle was great fuel for the creative fire for me. I believe I will shellac it and hang it on my wall for continued incentive.

How many of these classics have you read? Which are your favorite? I would be hard pressed to pick just one though would probably say THE GIVING TREE followed closely by GOODNIGHT MOON and WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. Any all time favorites you feel are missing?

Wishing you all renewed and continued inspiration and fruitful writing in the new year.

Celebrate Read Across America Day

Today, March 2, is widely celebrated as Read Across America Day. This day serves as motivation and awareness in calling every child to celebrate reading in honor of the birthday of Dr. Seuss.  Who better to celebrate than Dr. Seuss who made reading and enjoying books so much fun for kids, and who continues to enchant and entertain children and adults today.

Motivating children to read, which, in turn, improves student achievement and performance in school, is so very important.  As a children's author, my goal is to write books that make kids (and the parents reading to their kids) want to read them time and time again.  I want to instill a love of reading and books in kids and make them want to pick up a book and read. 

Losing oneself in the pages of a book and the life created therein is what made me want to be an author in the first place.  To do this for children is the greatest honor and privilege, and I salute Dr. Seuss for helping the world see the fun words and stories can be for children.

So, today, grab your favorite book, Dr. Seuss or otherwise, and settle in to read. I know I will be doing the same.

Should you feel so inclined, please share your favorite Dr. Seuss book below.  It is hard to beat THE CAT IN THE HAT, but OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO is one of my favs! How about you?

Reading for Research Month

I am excited to be participating in ReFoReMo again this year.  What a wonderful month of inspiration and information.  Join in the fun and dive into the reading-writing connection with wonderful posts and mentor texts.  Registration is accepted through Monday, March 4.

Learn more at http://www.reforemo.com.

Angel's Forever Home Book Review

I am pleased to share my most recent book review. 

Title: ANGEL’S FOREVER HOME

Authors: Rita Gigante, Bobbie Sterchele-Gigante & Donna McDine

Illustrator: Renie DeMase

Publisher: Mascot Books

Published: 2019

ISBN-13:978-1-64307-121-3

ANGEL’S FOREVER HOME is a heart-warming tale of hope, courage, love and comfort as a rescue dog named Angel waits patiently to find his home after an earthquake in Chile leaves him injured.  The authors of this sweet story beautifully capture Angel’s voice and make him so relatable one can’t help but root for him and hope he finds a home as special as he.  The kindness shown to Angel tugs at one’s heartstrings, especially in appreciation of rescue animals everywhere and those giving them their “forever homes.” Ms. DeMase’s beautifully detailed and soft illustrations really bring Angel and his story to life.  A must read for children and adults alike! 

To purchase your copy, please see one of the following:

https://mascotbooks.com/mascot-marketplace/buy-books/childrens/picture-books/angels-forever-home/

http://www.donnamcdine.com/books.html

Storystorm Success

A storm of ideas it was through the month of January. I generated 31 ideas in 31 days, one of which has already been developed into my first rough draft of the year.  Thank you, Tara Lazar, for providing this opportunity to kick off the new year right!