Spotlight: The Case of the Greensboro Gremlins by Erik Christopher Martin

Middle Grade Paranormal Mystery

Date Published: October 2024

Twelve-year-old Dotty Morgan is a supernatural sleuth who has solved cases involving French fry phantoms and zombie ninjas in her hometown of Elderton, NC. Now, she’s heading to Greensboro, where her girlfriend, Hannah, is wrestling in a major tournament, and her BFF, Parker, is competing in a fashion show for young designers.

Dotty looks forward to a few fun and relaxing days in the city. But when weird accidents plague Parker’s fashion show, she determines paranormal forces are to blame. Dotty declares her vacation over and the investigation on.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Erik Christopher Martin is a San Diego writer originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He has published four books for YA and middle grade readers under the In A Bind Books imprint. His latest book ‘The Case of the French Fry Phantom’ launched in all formats on 3/17/2023. It is Book One of the Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Series.

His short stories can be found in A Year Ink 4, The Guilded Pen 2019, on CoffinBell.com 2.3, Frontiertales.com, Tales to Terrify podcast, HauntedMTL, and the Monster Anthology by AEL Press.

Visit his website at ErikChristopherMartin.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ErikCMartin.

Erik is a member of the SCBWI, SDWEG, and the HWA.

Erik loves all things book related. He is a former bookstore owner (In A Bind Books in Lakewood, Ohio opened in 2000 and closed 2 years later), and former part-time library employee.

Besides writing, Erik loves to read authors such as Vonnegut, Moorcock, Pratchett, and Douglas Adams. And when he plays D&D, he’s the DM, 9 times out of 10.

Connect:

Website: https://ErikChristopherMartin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikcmartinauthor

Spotlight: Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin

Publisher: Mezzo Publications

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

Pages: 24

Genre: Children’s Christmas Book

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is the story of a young girl who loves Christmas. When she sees that the people of Melodica are losing their Christmas spirit, she sets out to help them rekindle their magic. At the end she finds that all we really need is to believe in the power of love.

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is available at Amazon.

Excerpt:

Princess Sophie lived in the tiny kingdom of Melodica with her father King Olav and her mother Queen Bianca. She loved her friends who were the birds and the rabbits and the squirrels who lived in the nearby forest. Princess Sophie especially loved Christmas. In fact, she loved everything about Christmas.

She loved the jingles and jangles. She loved the horns and the hooters. She loved the lights, the wrapping, the singing and clapping. She loved everything about Christmas. What she liked most was that warm, comfy feeling that you got just before Christmas. That something really good was going to happen. That feeling lasted for 12 whole days while Christmas went on in Melodica.

But this year something was just not right. There were still sparkles and sprinkles and lights all around. There was even a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the town square. Yet, Princess Sophie did not have that feeling, that special Christmas feeling. In fact, it felt a bit sad. She asked her mother, her father and her teacher but nobody knew what had happened. Worst of all, no one knew how to fix it.

“Oh, no,” said Princess Sophie to her favourite rabbit friend, Hopper. “We have to do something. We can’t have Christmas without that special Christmas feeling. What can we do?”

Well, Hopper was a great friend, but he couldn’t speak human. So, he started hopping instead. He hopped and hopped and hopped until Princess Sophie got tired of all the hopping and asked him to stop. But the hopping somehow had given her an idea.

“When I am sick, nurse gives me special medicine to help me feel better,” she said. “Maybe we can find a medicine that brings back the Christmas spirit. But where we would find a medicine like that? Princess Sophie asked her mother, her father and the nurse but nobody had ever heard of a medicine like that.

Now Princess Sophie was getting sad herself. “There must be somebody who can help us, but who? Hoppy didn’t have that answer so he hopped and hopped and hopped until Princess Sophie finally told him to stop hopping. “Your hopping has given me another idea,” she said. Christmas is magical, so the Christmas spirit must be magical, too. Who should we talk to about magic?” The rabbit just looked at her.

“A magician, of course,” said Princess Sophie. She asked her father who was the best magician in Melodica. 

“Why, it’s Lady Ariana,” said King Olav. “She is absolutely the best.”

– Excerpted from Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin, Mike Martin, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.

He is the award-winning author of the best-selling Sgt. Windflower Mystery series, set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 15 books in this light mystery series with the 2024 publication of Too Close for Comfort. 

He is also the author of 3 Chldren’s Christmas books. The Christmas Beaver, A Friend for Christmas and now Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir.

Connect:

X ➜ https://www.x.com/mike54martin 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552604938333 

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220363612-princess-sophie-and-the-christmas-elixir 

Spotlight: Maggie the Cat Loves Pip's Thanksgiving Surprise by Julia Russo and Grace Metzger-Forrest (Illustrator)

Maggie the Cat Book 2

Children's Book

Date Published: October 15th

Publisher: Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Wonderful illustrations bring us back up to Grandpa's mountain farmhouse for a Thanksgiving homecoming. Pip will soon have a Thanksgiving surprise, but what exactly will it be? Will it have to do with the treats in the oven? Pecan pie with oatmeal? Cornbread? Dutch apple pie? Mmmmm, they all smell so good!

Will it have to do with a new park for all of the children to play in, being built at a neighbor's farm? Wow! A brand new park where everyone, and I mean everyone, is working very hard. Will it have to do with little Barney who is the littlest goat ever and who is really working hard and chomp chomp chomping away to make the park soft and free of brush?

Or finally, will it have to do with Pip's best friend ever, Maggie? Read along, and let's find out together. We don't have that long. Thanksgiving is coming very soon!

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Julia Russo spent many winters in the mountains along with her little dog, Chloe, and her sweet husband, Kent. She continues to live in Atlanta but her heart is really in those woods.  

One of her favorite things ever was hearing her first graders read aloud. She sometimes wrote for the government and companies, and later wrote descriptions of homes. She even spent time as what is called a roustabout!

After her debut book, Maggie the Cat Who Came Home for Christmas, released in 2023, Julia is excited to continue the series. She visits her mountainside cabin often. One of these days, she’s hoping to get a little goat.

Spotlight: Who Am I? by Veronica Landers

A Child's Journey of Discovery

Date Published: February 19, 2024

Who Am I?: A Child's Journey of Discovery by Veronica Landers is a heartwarming children's picture book perfect for ages 2-9. Follow Emeri as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, guided by her loving parents and the book of names. Through her adventure, Emeri uncovers the profound significance of her name and the deep thought her parents put into choosing it, realizing how names connect to one's identity and destiny.

This beautifully illustrated story celebrates the uniqueness of each child, reminding them that their name is not just a label, but a reflection of who they are and who they are meant to become. Along the way, Emeri learns that the most important things in life are the love of family and God.

Inspire your child to explore the meaning behind their own name and embrace the qualities that make them special with Who Am I?. This touching narrative is a must-read for parents looking to instill a sense of confidence, love, and purpose in their children.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Veronica is a writer who has always had a passion for storytelling. From an early age, her parents instilled in her the importance of embracing who God created her to be and facing challenges head-on. This mindset has shaped her writing style and themes, as she strives to inspire young readers to embrace their own unique journeys. In addition to writing, Veronica also enjoys exploring the great outdoors. Hiking and embarking on new adventures are some of her favorite pastimes, as they allow her to connect with nature and discover new perspectives. This love for adventure often finds its way into her stories, as she aims to transport readers to exciting and unfamiliar adventures. Veronica is constantly seeking inspiration from her surroundings and the people she encounters. With a heart full of curiosity and a desire to uplift others, she hopes to leave a positive impact on readers through her words. Whether it's through thought-provoking narratives or heartwarming tales of resilience, Veronica's stories aim to remind readers of the beauty and potential that lies within each of us.

Spotlight: Yay...I Love To Learn by Mr Bs Books

Date Published: July 23, 2024

Another wonderful rhyming Childrens story from Mr. B about the value of learning at school, home or with family and friends...Yay. The thirteen rhymes and and magical illustrations bring excitement and fun to the importance of learning, listening, paying full attention and the importance of asking questions with every learning experience. Like Mr. B's first first three books, Yay...It's My First Day of School, Happy Makes Me Happy and Twins With Love x2 your hearts will smile. 

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Mr. B

Happy Makes Me Happy

Amazon Best Selling Children's Book Author

Mike Barnes is a semi-retired new author whose passion for writing came to fruition upon his retirement from 38 years of authentic servant leadership.

As a father and grandfather, Mike was reading to his twin granddaughters and decided to unleash his passion for writing children’s books with rhyming stories about love, care, and kindness.

In addition to Happy Makes Me Happy, Mike has a second book Twins With Love x2 and a third book, YAY… It’s My First Day of School coming this year.

Mike also recently started Barnes Leadership and Strategy Coaching whereby he has been a keynote speaker on Authentic Servant Leadership Hardwired to the Heart.

Connect:

Website: https://mrbsbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrBsBooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrBsBooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrBsBooks

Spotlight: Lumilore by Sabine Ruh House

Date Published: August 3, 2024

Discover a magical journey with Lumilore, the enchanting dragon whose fur glows with the light of a thousand stars! 

A heartfelt adventure awaits in a lush, mystical forest where dreams dance in the breeze. Meet Lumilore, a brave and wondrous creature with a heart as radiant as its fur. When the forest's beloved Sparkling Stream loses its shine, Lumilore sets off on a courageous quest under the moon's watchful eye to restore its magical glow.

Join Lumilore as it encounters wise otters, playful fireflies, and mysterious birds, all while avoiding the feared Grouchylo. With each step, Lumilore learns about bravery, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.

This beautifully illustrated tale is perfect for readers of all ages and will captivate your imagination and warm your heart. Children will be enchanted by the whimsical story and stunning artwork, while parents will appreciate the timeless messages of courage and self-discovery.

Why you'll love Lumilore:

   * Engaging Story: A heartwarming tale of adventure and bravery that will keep children and adults alike turning the pages.

   * Beautiful Illustrations: Vivid, full-color artwork brings the magical forest and its inhabitants to life.

   * Timeless Themes: Explore important life lessons about self-belief, friendship, and overcoming fears.

Join Lumilore on its magical journey and let the light of this glowing dragon illuminate your heart.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Sabine Ruh House is the author behind best-selling titles like Uncle Jay Has a Boo-Boo and Playing with Phosphenes. An alumna of the University of Chicago, SRH seamlessly combines her roles as a poet, medical researcher, and lifelong learner. Her work draws on her profound passion for medicine, gardening, animals, and advocacy.