Hammock “Read-of-the-Week” – Make Way For Ducklings

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Robert McCloskey’s classic, Make Way For Ducklings, continues to be one of my all-time favorite children’s books, probably because my mom read it to my sister and me on a regular basis when we were young. Each time I come across a duck family attempting to cross the road (as happens occasionally near our neighborhood), I pull over and watch as they waddle toward a nearby creek or pond. Inevitably, this book springs to mind, and when I return home, I pull out the copy my mom used to read and hope that the family I saw has as good a life in their pond as Mr. and Mrs. Mallard. McCloskey’s drawings are timeless, and the expressions he gives the family are priceless. Make Way For Ducklings is a gem for all generations! Happy hammock reading!

Hammock “Read-of-the-Week” – Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book

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This gem of a book was found at Beyond the Door, a charming store in Richardson, Texas. I have been a fan of the Little Golden Book series since childhood, my favorite being the Poky Little Puppy. The author of this book, Diane Muldrow, happens to be a longtime editorial director at Golden Books, and has combined many of the lessons learned from these jewels into a new classic. You finish this book with a smile on your face and the realization that sometimes the best advice is as simple as “Be Unique” and “Stay Curious.” Happy hammock reading!

Hammock Read-of-the-Week

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Hammock Read-of-the-Week
Hammock Read-of-the-Week

Today I am jumping into something I have wanted to do for a while. Being the reader that I am, I love finding new, interesting books that have a unique twist to them, and this one fits the bill. So, today is the first in a series of posts I am calling my “Hammock Read-of-the-Week.” Glamping with Mary Jane is a fabulous book that my chic cousin sent my way. Knowing how much I love both glamour and camping, she hit the nail on the head with this book. I picked it up, stretched out in the hammock, and couldn’t put it down. I can hardly wait to “glam-out” our RV! Take a peek at this jewel, and send a shout-out with cool books that have changed your life. Happy hammock reading! #hammockreadoftheweek #coolcamping

 

This Saturday, August 22 – The East Texas Book Fest – BE THERE!!!

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This Saturday, August 22 – The East Texas Book Fest – BE THERE!!!

Here comes a shout-out to all the voracious readers in east Texas this weekend! If you are in the Tyler area, or want a great road trip this weekend, come by table 3C at the Harvey Convention Center in Tyler and say hi! I (Muffet) will be there all day Saturday signing my books along with Murray Richter and about a hundred other authors. Books will be everywhere – there should be something for everyone!

See you there!

Where’s the Best Place to be in August? The East Texas Book Fest, of course!

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Tyler, Texas is home to beautiful azaleas, roses, and, of course, the East Texas Book Fest!

August may not be peak azalea or rose season in Tyler, Texas, but it IS prime “East Texas Book Fest” season! About 100 authors, including myself and Murray Richter, will be on hand at the Harvey Convention Center in Tyler on August 22nd to chat with readers and “talk books.” There will be exhibits, reading and writing seminars, and presentations on literacy. Best of all, the event is FREE to the public! Check out www.etxbookfest.org or their FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/etxbookfest for all the details on the seventh annual East Texas Book Fest, and plan on heading to Tyler for a fun day! We’ll see you there! Muffet

650 Kids … 4 Days … 1 Fun Week of School Visits!

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Thank you Davis Middle School!

It was a week to remember! And it all started with MOON TEARS being integrated into the Language Arts curriculum at Davis Middle School in Georgia. I had the honor of speaking with two groups of 150 6th graders each at Davis, most of whom had read the book. The presentation incorporated writing techniques along with several interesting little-known aspects of World War II. The breadth of questions and insightful comments these amazing kids shared were beyond inspiring. I’m proud to call them the future of our country.

Signing bookmarks in the sound booth before the second talk

Each of the kids left with a bookmark and a pencil with which to begin their masterpieces!

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A view of the crowd from the sound booth

 

One of the highlights was a first for me – signing arms! I think I may have just made it!

Signing arms and bookmarks
Signing arms and bookmarks

The next day was a fun trip to World Language Academy. Luckily, I was speaking to the one class of third graders in which the students are allowed to speak English. It was a good thing, or else I would have had to have found a Chinese, Spanish, and/or Portuguese interpreter! The kids were awesome, and we stretched the 30 minute visit to a full hour and 15 minutes.

Third graders at World Language Academy
Third graders at World Language Academy

Sugar Hill Elementary was my next visit. I spoke with five classes of fifth graders about what it’s like to be an author and what writers do all day. The kids were filled with enthusiasm and so eager to learn about writing and World War II.

With a class of inquisitive fifth graders at Sugar Hill
With a class of future authors at Sugar Hill
Presenting to a class of fifth graders at Sugar Hill
Presenting to a class of fifth graders at Sugar Hill

The final tour day was a return trip to Sugar Hill to read MISS MUFFET & BITSY to six classes of kindergartners and second graders. After story time, the kids tried on the props and became swashbucklers and party princesses for a day!

A beautiful princess experimenting reading with the magnifying glass.
Bitsy looks on as a beautiful princess experiments with the magnifying glass.
Arrgghh! A swashbuckler!
Arrgghh! A swashbuckler!
Celebrating a great week with kindergartners and second graders at Sugar Hill
Celebrating a great week with kindergartners and second graders at Sugar Hill

One of my favorite comments was from the teacher next door to the room I was in. Since we have screaming and cheering throughout MISS MUFFET & BITSY, her class said, “I wish we could be in there all day. They’re having ALL the fun!”

It was without a doubt a week to remember, and so thrilling to share my books with so many amazing kids!

Book Signing Fun!

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Book signings are tons of fun! At our recent book signing in Whitney, TX, Murray and I had a great day with friends, family, and many new friends, and at the end of the day, we had the opportunity to share our work with a great group of people. I also had the pleasure of meeting several DAR sisters from the local chapter.  They were placing flags outside the Whitney Library and I knew they were either with the library or the DAR!

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One of my favorite times during signings is when I hear stories from others, hidden gems that they might not have shared for years. It creates a bond through literature. And that is what writing is all about!

 

 

 

 

Book Signing tomorrow in Lake Whitney!

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Tomorrow is the day!  Murray Richter and I will be signing our books at the Lake Whitney Library from 3 pm until 5 pm tomorrow, October 3rd!  If you’re in the  Lake Whitney or Waco areas, please stop by and see us!  The address is 602 E. Jefferson Ave., Whitney, TX 76692.  We will have “fresh off-the-press” copies of Murray’s book, Lucky Rocks, on hand as well as my novel and picture book. We look forward to seeing you there!

Announcing the Release of LUCKY ROCKS by author Murray Richter!

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TEN STORY BOOKS is proud and excited to announce the release of LUCKY ROCKS, the debut middle-grade novel by author Murray Richter.

LUCKY ROCKS is available NOW on Amazon.com. Click here!

And here is a taste of what this story has in store for you!

Led by a one-legged World War II vet, Kevin, Preech and Rudy face a summer they’ll never forget. From fishing to endless pranks that would make the most seasoned trickster jealous, they think they have the answer to all of life’s mysteries. But as the steamy Texas days of summer roll by, Kevin and Preech discover Rudy’s secret – a secret that could change their lives forever.

Here’s what is being said about LUCKY ROCKS:

“Packed with adventure and heart, LUCKY ROCKS will make you laugh and leave you wanting more!”  –Lori Ann Stephens, Award-winning author of SOME ACT OF VISION

Congratulations to Murray for a fabulous debut novel! We hope you enjoy the story! Let us know what you think of this new classic adventure! HAPPY READING!