Explore the Beauty of Nature and the World Outside

Take a trip to a magical adventure!

From the Author:

These eight fun, calming stories are also available in CD or audio version - beautifully and professionally read with gentle musical backgrounds. Imagine, the e-book version, is the optional script companion to this collection of stories and narratives, intended to be read aloud to a child or group of children. Children can be encouraged to join in with the stories with miming, movement, acting etc – or the stories can be used as relaxation visualizations where children simply relax, listen and use their imaginations to go on the different adventures.
Read the scripts slowly, pausing so that children can follow instructions where needed. The pace can be adjusted to your particular group of children/child’s needs.
The final story/narrative is a simple, calming relaxation for children.
Recommended: the CD or audio to accompany this script.

From Mrs.D: 

Well, this was my first experience with children’s audiobooks for my grandson and me. And boy, we weren’t disappointed! Finally we have something interesting to get Grayson away from the iPod and YouTube!

The book included eight soothing stories, perfect for young children to feed their fantasies, and for me to experience a peaceful time. Grayson enjoyed mimicking all kinds of animals and growing things. And taking a trip to a magical woodland was pure pleasure! And don’t start me on the voyage into outer space with gentle background music and a great storyline. So much fun!

Listening to these engaging stories, we learned a lot about trees and what they try to teach us. The author beautifully linked the life lesson with the intriguing stories and beautiful music. This book will bring a child a sense of stability and security. Just like in nature. “Sad things can happen. Difficult things can happen. Good and exciting things can happen!”

Hilary Hawkes has created a beautiful message for children and grown-ups. Great stories to listen to in the car, on a trip, or just before bedtime. It is a very soothing and interactive fable for any age, teaching children to explore the beauty of nature and the world outside. If you want to calm down your child, this book is definitely for you!

Biography

Hilary Hawkes began her writing career in her late teens and twenties, writing short stories and articles that were published in magazines. Her first children's fiction books, and non-fiction books for adult readers, were published from 2000 onwards. Today she writes mainly for young readers up to age twelve. She says she especially likes writing about crazy things that might not really happen, but that really ought to happen. And stories that nurture and inspire. Visit her website at www.hilaryhawkes.co.uk

As well being traditionally published by several different UK publishers, Hilary created Strawberry Jam Books (aimed at children from preschool to age 12). Strawberry Jam Books produce stories and resources that promote kindness, friendship, awareness of differences and disabilities and understanding of ourselves and others. It includes the Story Therapy(R) series - stories, audios, cd that help children with feelings and emotions. Follow the link to Strawberry Jam Books on her website for more details.

More from the Author

Merry Christmas, Little Owl!

Merry Christmas, Little Owl!

Website 

Facebook

 Strawberry Jam Books produce stories and resources for children from preschool to 12 that promote acceptance of differences or disabilities and understanding of ourselves and others. 

Unexpected Twists with Strong and Likable Characters

The Adventures of Sheriff Williker: 

The Case of the Riverdale Lake Monster

About the Book:

"This is a fun children’s picture book. Children will become engaged and want to help Sheriff Williker uncover the mystery behind the lake monster. Solving this mystery was important to Sheriff Williker for several reasons, the main one being the Riverdale Fall Festival, and it will become important to your child as well. It was fun to not only read this story, but watch Sheriff Williker navigate the solving of the mystery. This book displays a great message for the young reader that things are not always as they seem and you can't believe everything that you hear. If you're looking for a lovely children's book that will keep your child entertained, add this book to your library." -- Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

From Mrs.D: 

This tale of adventure, mystery, and suspense begins with a rumor about the lake monster, and Sheriff Williker is on the case again! People speculate that if the gossip is true, then the yearly Riverdale Fall Festival will be ruined. As in the first story, “The Adventures of Sheriff Williker, Book 1: The Case of the Missing Horseshoe,” by Kim Hansen, that I read with my grandson, Sheriff Williker comes to the rescue. He quickly puts all the facts together, and the mystery of the lake monster is solved and the Riverdale Fall Festival is saved. This mystery story will leave youngsters on their toes as they try to solve the puzzle of the lake monster.

This book has a great message for children: think before you speak. Fear has huge eyes! With this said, this book is about a lot more than just mystery and adventure. It is a book of friendship, traditions, loyalty, family ties, love, and a splash of history. Excellent twisty mystery for young children, with smart and colorful illustrations every book lover will enjoy. I really think that this is a book that child and adult readers will enjoy in equal measure, making it a great choice for family or classroom reading. A cute and fun little adventure that will keep your little ones very busy!

About the Author:

Kim Hansen is an Amazon bestselling author/writer/illustrator of THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER, a new series of children's picture books, ages 4 to 8. Kim believes every child should be read to. THE AUTHOR’S INSPIRATION BEHIND THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER: The Adventures of Sheriff Williker was inspired by Kim's childhood memories growing up in a small lake community in northwest Iowa. She named the sheriff after a saying her mom often said, ‘gee whiz willikers!’ Kim’s grandparents lived in the quaint town of Superior, Iowa. They had strong family values and were the picture perfect ‘Norman Rockwell’ grandparents. In their spare time, they loved to garden and fish—grandpa in his overalls— grandma in her apron. Her grandpa was a U.S. Marshal and the town's sheriff. Her grandma was a cook at the local school and known as the town’s ‘doctor.’ Kim would sit and listen for hours in amazement at the stories they would tell her of the early days. Her grandma would say… "long before there were automobiles our mode of transportation was a horse and buggy—a kerosene lamp lit our way." Her grandma made house calls to deliver babies—many times traveling in freezing temperatures through snowdrifts. When Kim was sick, her grandma would make her feel better by giving Kim one of her homemade remedies—warm lemon juice, honey—and lots of love! Kim is also a talented artist/muralist. She owns and operates JK Hansen Studios, f/k/a Custom Murals & Designs. Her work has been showcased throughout Colorado, Florida, and Arizona. In 2009, Kim became involved in true crime book projects as an investigative researcher with self-published bestselling authors, Sherrie Lueder, John Hansen, Jill Hansen Smith, and Tyson Wrensch. Both books, "He Killed Our Janny" and "Until Someone Gets Hurt,” have won numerous awards and international bestsellers. The literary team has appeared as guests on numerous radio shows and television, including INVESTIGATIVE DISCOVERY’S ‘Forbidden’ and ‘A Stranger in My Home.’ In January 2014—combining her talents as an investigative researcher and muralist—Kim set out to accomplish her dream of writing and illustrating a series of children's picture books, THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER. In the spring of 2014, she self-published book no. 1,'The Case of the Missing Horseshoe," in both English and Spanish editions, and became bestsellers on Amazon Top 100 Books [Large Print] Children’s Books, and #2 in Hot New Releases in Children’s Books.

More from Kim Hansen

http://jkhansenstudios.wixsite.com/johnshansen

Mysteries, Clues, and Heart-pounding Adventure!

About the Book:

A missing horseshoe for a prize winning horse...a set of mysterious footprints...suspicious looking characters... Up against time, Sheriff Williker is called in to find the missing horseshoe for a prize winning horse before tomorrow's big race. Follow the Sheriff, as he unravels the clues to solve his first case. "The Case of the Missing Horseshoe" is a colorful picture book with adorable forest animals representing the towns' people. The reader will be introduced to Sheriff Williker, Mrs. Williker, Mr. Drexel (the town's blacksmith), and other lively characters throughout this new series of picture books. Each book will take you on a new adventure and every story has a moral. 

From Mrs.D:

Whenever I take my grandson to the library, I always look through the new books to see if something looks interesting that he may enjoy. “The Adventures of Sheriff Williker, Book 1: The Case of the Missing Horseshoe,” by Kim Hansen, is a book I was happy to read with Grayson. It has just enough of everything to keep him and me interested … a dash of mystery, excitement, adventure, and a touch of goofiness to give it great kid appeal. A real treat!

Making this book even more fantastic is the bold artwork that the author created. A trace of the mystery could be seen in each character, including two bandits—raccoons, with which I have a special relationship. I could not get those night-snacking thieves out of my attic for months. With each clue, we come closer to finding out who stole the horseshoe.

This new book was our favorite for sure! Reading the synopsis, I knew the book sounded interesting, but it turned out to be an absolute treasure. We devoured it in a matter of a half hour and were very sad to see the end of it. Good thing this is the author's first book, and there are a few more books for us to discover.

If you are a teacher, parent, or grandparent, this book can really pack a punch. As a grandma I kept thinking what a great book to use for teaching children about compassion, forgiveness, and kindness, because in the end of the book two “bad guys” are offered a good job, home, and meals.

I cannot imagine a better way to kick off the winter reading season! This book is perfect for any future detective. It is an adventure chock-full of fun action, smart animals, and some drama. It will make your child want to turn the page and read the next book. We really enjoyed the characters, settings, and clues!

About the Author:

Kim Hansen is an Amazon bestselling author/writer/illustrator of THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER, a new series of children's picture books, ages 4 to 8. Kim believes every child should be read to. THE AUTHOR’S INSPIRATION BEHIND THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER: The Adventures of Sheriff Williker was inspired by Kim's childhood memories growing up in a small lake community in northwest Iowa. She named the sheriff after a saying her mom often said, ‘gee whiz willikers!’ Kim’s grandparents lived in the quaint town of Superior, Iowa. They had strong family values and were the picture perfect ‘Norman Rockwell’ grandparents. In their spare time, they loved to garden and fish—grandpa in his overalls— grandma in her apron. Her grandpa was a U.S. Marshal and the town's sheriff. Her grandma was a cook at the local school and known as the town’s ‘doctor.’ Kim would sit and listen for hours in amazement at the stories they would tell her of the early days. Her grandma would say… "long before there were automobiles our mode of transportation was a horse and buggy—a kerosene lamp lit our way." Her grandma made house calls to deliver babies—many times traveling in freezing temperatures through snowdrifts. When Kim was sick, her grandma would make her feel better by giving Kim one of her homemade remedies—warm lemon juice, honey—and lots of love! Kim is also a talented artist/muralist. She owns and operates JK Hansen Studios, f/k/a Custom Murals & Designs. Her work has been showcased throughout Colorado, Florida, and Arizona. In 2009, Kim became involved in true crime book projects as an investigative researcher with self-published bestselling authors, Sherrie Lueder, John Hansen, Jill Hansen Smith, and Tyson Wrensch. Both books, "He Killed Our Janny" and "Until Someone Gets Hurt,” have won numerous awards and international bestsellers. The literary team has appeared as guests on numerous radio shows and television, including INVESTIGATIVE DISCOVERY’S ‘Forbidden’ and ‘A Stranger in My Home.’ In January 2014—combining her talents as an investigative researcher and muralist—Kim set out to accomplish her dream of writing and illustrating a series of children's picture books, THE ADVENTURES OF SHERIFF WILLIKER. In the spring of 2014, she self-published book no. 1,'The Case of the Missing Horseshoe," in both English and Spanish editions, and became bestsellers on Amazon Top 100 Books [Large Print] Children’s Books, and #2 in Hot New Releases in Children’s Books.

More from Kim Hansen

http://jkhansenstudios.wixsite.com/johnshansen

Great Storyline and Strong Characters

From Mrs.D:

Welcome to Hampton, where mystery unfolds through an intriguing storyline. Hampton Players meet to begin practices on their yearly am dram, but they soon start to make a connection between the imaginary storylines and unexpected events. They fear that a murder is about to happen.

Before you know it, author Tina-Marie Miller draws readers into the plot with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. The story glues readers to pages that have it all: gripping action, loads of secrets, a twist you never see coming, and a cliffhanger at the end.

Poppy and Richard Hambly-Jones are back to host the Autumn Ball. The well-rounded characters and scenes enable readers to smell and taste life in an English village. Anyone who likes a good mystery with a little wit thrown in will appreciate this book and the way the story unfolds. Readers will fall in love with Reverend Peter, who has a golden heart and hands. And Cathy, his tipsy wife, who manages to empty bottles of the altar wine, brightens the story with dark secrets. Diana Fortune, an intriguing woman with her own secretive past, makes her entrance on a dark and stormy night... Imagine the unpredictable!

This book has everything you want in a book: mystery, suspense, history, love, friendship, really interesting characters, lots of twists and turns, and quite a few surprises. I hope there will be a sequel. An excellent mystery with an intriguing storyline, written in such a way that you always want more, so I have to keep reading!

Tina-Marie Miller is a UK based author and writer of women's fiction. Having previously enjoyed a successful career working for a number of blue chip organizations based in London and the Home Counties, Tina-Marie now lives in a small village in South Cornwall where she spends her time reading, writing, meditating and walking along the idyllic Cornwall coasts. She enjoys nothing more than curling up with a good book and a cup of tea (or a glass of red!), and losing herself in tales of love, life and laughter.

For more information please visit www.tinamariemiller.co.uk or connect with her on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/tinseymiller/

https://twitter.com/tinseymiller

More books from Tina-Marie Miller

Voice for Victims

“When Angels Fly” by S. Jackson and A. Raymond is not a book you want to read by the cozy fireplace with a glass of wine. It is a heartbreaking story you want to absorb with every inch of your body. This story will stay with you for a long time after you flip the last page. It took me all night and a box of Kleenex to go through the agony of the woman who was struggling, making the best of her tragic life. In a mesmerizing recap of the author’s excruciating experience with life, I relived my childhood and my mother’s destiny.

Suffering women and victimized children are scarred for life. It was hard to relive Jackson’s misery and the tortures she underwent. I felt her pain, her hopelessness, and her agonies with each bone, because I was a child of an abused mother, who never left her abuser. Unlike the author’s mother, my mom sheltered her children with her body, protecting us from our crazed alcoholic father. She was the mother each child should have.

This heart-wrenching story is based on everyday reality that the author experienced throughout her life. Her journey was not a cakewalk, and Jackson keeps a detailed journal of what she had to do to survive her horrible ordeal and preserve her painful memories. Since the day of her birth she was tested, abused, and victimized. Her faith in humankind, family, and love are lost, but she is a survivor who keeps her last hope alive, a faith in God. It took her a long time to realize that she is worthy to be a normal human being, to feel happy and raise her children in peace and a safe home. It is not easy to break away from an abusive mother and husband and domestic violence. Wounds may heal, but the aching scars are constant reminders of everyday pain, every minute of struggle and the irreplaceable loss of her two children. The author is right: only one who has lost a child can closely relate to a mother who has kissed her baby goodbye for the last time. After many years, I still see the pain in my mother’s eyes.

This story is an autobiography, based on true events. The author plunges the reader into her misery from the first page. Abuse, suicide, domestic violence, and finally social acceptance and the confidence to stand up to her cruel mother and leave her abusive husband were an emotional ride for me. The photographs prove that the people discussed in this book are not made up, but the painful memories of the author’s life.

Jackson writes with passion and the understanding that this story will open a can of worms. Every word is a hurting reminder that many children suffer and die every day from abusive and unfit parents. Her story screamed to the world: Please listen to women and children trapped in horrible families and relationships. This story is their voice, their hope, and their escape. It is not easy to open your soul to the world and share the painful recollections. It takes strength and courage to say NO to the abusers, but Jackson did just that. She encouraged the forgotten scared women and helpless children to look for a way out and to start their lives over again. Not an easy task, but the author proved it is doable.

This book is a clear reminder that there is a way out, there are good people in this world, and there is life after darkness. I hope her little angels look over all scarred children and their grieving mothers. Please stop your busy lives for a moment and take a close look at your blessings. Stretch out your hand to the helpless, sick, and needy, wipe away the tears of a crying child or just hug the person next to you. Kindness matters and support encourages. A little sign of love will not go unnoticed. Stand up for the voiceless, and do not be afraid to be a voice for victims, as this author was.

And for those who are still treating their women and children as slaves, one day you must answer for your sins. The victims are resilient people. They will rise above their pain and hardship and will find their way into the world, just as this author did. Life is unfair, but the spark at the end of the tunnel is very reachable. It was hard to read this memoir, but well worth it. It is a passionate and uplifting journey from the darkness to the light. Must-read story!

Biography

I grew up in a small Kansas (USA) town and I lived in more than one state since then. At this time, my husband and I split our time between Kansas and Colorado (we love the mountains and off road 4-wheeling). Traveling is one of our most favorite things to do and I always have a book or even three books that I read, in the same week. Books were really my thing. It seemed like every time I turned around I was obtaining a new library card due to the current one being stamped complete. Diving into a good book made any day perfect and you would be surprised at the number of books I read over and over. I drew paper dolls and clothes for them, and using watercolor as my medium when painting scenes, especially flowers. I continued with art in high school exploring a wide variety of arts and I loved it! The creative side of me loves to be an amateur "shutter-bug" and we actually have an online art gallery. In college I went into the sciences of all things and received a Bachelor's degree in the Science of Nursing. My nursing career was highly successful and I hung up my nursing hat in December 2012. 

S. Jackson is a retired registered nurse; a member of the Catholic Church, and has taught kindergarten Catechism; she has worked in various capacities for The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Cub and Boy Scouts, (son, Noah, is an Eagle Scout), and sponsored trips for high school children music. She loves all forms of art but mostly focuses on the visual arts; such as amateur photography, traditional, and graphic art as her health allows.

A. Raymond is a member of the Catholic Church, and has helped his wife with The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Cub and Boy Scouts, and sponsored children alongside his wife on music trips. He devotes his spare time to fishing, reading, playing poker, Jeeping, and travel adventures with his wife. Both love spending time with their grandson, Austin.

https://whenangelsfly.wordpress.com/

Perfect Book for a Cool, Crisp Fall Day

5.0 out of 5 starsMesmerising and educational 

That Is How Things Are - New Release by Mrs.D.

  ByBarbara Mojica
Enthusiast on Amazon

This book consists of two short stories that focus on the advent of autumn and winter. At the outset of the first story, “The Autumn Wind,” the wind is lying in a hammock about to awaken for a new season of work. He smiles at the beautiful garden which is enjoying the final days of summer. As the wind starts to howl, the flowers and trees shiver and shake in their battle to maintain a fragile existence against the inevitable change of seasons. 

The second story, “The Kitten and the Sparrow,” is seen through the eyes of a kitten. This kitten is watching from inside a window as his friend, the sparrow, feels the sharp, biting signs of winter approaching. Soon there will be no food or protection from the harsh weather that approaches. The language is almost lyrical as we follow the personified characters play their roles. The colorful illustrations portray the emotions and mood as the seasons unfold.

Children witness both the beauty and power of nature told in a compelling narrative. Recommended as a read aloud, a bedtime story or beginning chapter book to be read by a child independently. 

Perfect book choice for a cool, crisp Fall day.

What Are Squirrels Up to When No One is Watching Them?

From the Authors:

In this children’s picture book, and sixth book in our ‘Shadow and Friends Series’, Uncle Stubby Gets Married, a fox squirrel named Uncle Stubby has fallen in love with a girl squirrel named Sparkles. Squirrel family and friends, including a small dog named Shadow, and her boyfriend, Max, are invited to attend the wedding in a special Valentine Fairy Forest. Uncle Stubby thinks Sparkles is the most beautiful girl squirrel in the land. Uncle Stubby’s twin, Shorty, flies in from New York City with his family, and Shorty is best man for his brother. Foxy is matron of honor for Sparkles. The Valentine Fairy Forest is truly a magical land, the illustrations show how this dream forest looks, and all the animals are safe in this forest both day and night. Along the way, we meet mouse fairies, and Minister Mouse conducts the wedding. Sparkles’ wears a crown, and Uncle Stubby is dressed in a cummerbund. Various other animals are present, including one unicorn, and the bride and groom spend their wedding night in Walnut Forest, a special part of the Valentine Fairy Forest. Children will love seeing how magical the forest is, with abundant sparkles thrown in for good measure. This delightful and funny book for children, targeted at ages 4-11, is easy to read and perfect for home or classroom. This story illustrates how beautiful the Valentine Fairy Forest looks, produces pure imagination in children, and the illustrations will fascinate children and adults.

From Mrs.D.

“Uncle Stubby Gets Married” is one of those books that expose children to the fascinating world of animals and their life. Just like in real life, the young readers will attend the wedding taking place in Valentine Fairy Forest, where two squirrels are getting married. It is a very enriching tale, in which the authors have merged a story of kindness, joy, and celebration. Most young children have heard of weddings or witnessed them at some point and have some knowledge of what marriage is all about. But how awesome it is to be exposed to the squirrels’ wedding!

This book is part of a series, which I sadly haven’t had a chance to read yet, except for this one book. I’m definitely planning to read them in the near future. This particular story is about the marriage between Uncle Stubby and his fiancée Sparkles. The friends and family are traveling to Valentine Fairy Forest to celebrate the happy day with two squirrels who are in love. The tale is filled with humor, kindness, fun, and all the happy moods that weddings prompt. It’s simple and believable. Children will find themselves in the memorable setting of animals that are teaching them good lessons while providing entertainment.

I must inform you that this book is for children who are a little older. It will best serve elementary school students who like to explore life situations, children who already have an understanding of marriage and are able to maintain their attention on a subject for those who are a little older. Through the story, the young readers will develop logic, inspiration, and curiosity. And, of course, who doesn’t want to find out what squirrels are up to when no one is watching them? 

Overall, two talented authors, Jackson and Raymond, have created an exciting fable that will educate children about morals, circumstances, and occasions. Readers don’t need previous information about the characters to understand this story. It stands on its own just fine.

Tap into a flavor of whimsical wedding and celebrate the love of two squirrels!

BIO:

"I grew up in a small Kansas (USA) town and I lived in more than one state since then. At this time, my husband and I split our time between Kansas and Colorado (we love the mountains and off road 4-wheeling). Traveling is one of our most favorite things to do and I always have a book or even three books that I read, in the same week. Books were really my thing. It seemed like every time I turned around I was obtaining a new library card due to the current one being stamped complete. Diving into a good book made any day perfect and you would be surprised at the number of books I read over and over. I drew paper dolls and clothes for them, and using watercolor as my medium when painting scenes, especially flowers. I continued with art in high school exploring a wide variety of arts and I loved it! The creative side of me loves to be an amateur "shutter-bug" and we actually have an online art gallery. In college I went into the sciences of all things and received a Bachelor's degree in the Science of Nursing. My nursing career was highly successful and I hung up my nursing hat in December 2012. 

S. Jackson is a retired registered nurse; a member of the Catholic Church, and has taught kindergarten Catechism; she has worked in various capacities for The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Cub and Boy Scouts, (son, Noah, is an Eagle Scout), and sponsored trips for high school children music. She loves all forms of art but mostly focuses on the visual arts; such as amateur photography, traditional, and graphic art as her health allows.

A. Raymond is a member of the Catholic Church, and has helped his wife with The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Cub and Boy Scouts, and sponsored children alongside his wife on music trips. He devotes his spare time to fishing, reading, playing poker, Jeeping, and travel adventures with his wife. Both love spending time with their grandson, Austin."

https://whenangelsfly.wordpress.com/