Rosie’s Good Read Collections – Children’s books

Welcome to “Rosie’s Good read Collections”, I’ve put together the books I’ve read into subject headings that I think the books belong to, for you to browse. Some of these books would easily cross over into the Young Adult market too.

Hurrah! This is the first in the Becoming Anorak Nid series by Alix B macey. Perfect for 8+ children + reluctant readers. Nid avoids water at all costs – in whatever form it takes; puddles, ice-bergs, baths, even spit – do you? In the face of all this, for goodness sake don’t spill the beans, but Nid has a job to do – will he be able to pull it off though? Purposefully, with a touch of mysterious silence, lurking in the corner of Mr. Busy’s bumble sale – underneath holey socks, smelly jumpers and odd knickers, is the magical answer to all of Nid’s bonkers thinking – that could change his life forever… Joined by his astonishing mute ant friend, Sile Ant – who for obvious reasons has no speaking part (quite odd in a book really?), Nid heads off on one of the most challenging adventures he will ever have to undertake –ever, in the whole world of England. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk. Amazon.com. My Review;http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2MN Alix is a local author and I was very pleased to support her work.

 Whoopee! Phew..the story thankfully continues in this, the 2nd in the exciting fictional children’s adventure “Becoming Anorak Nid” Series by Alix. B Macey.
Has he become Anorak Nid, or has he began to become? Is he becoming… or just beginning? When we left Nid things were getting very strange indeed. Where had Cricket the cricket mysteriously disappeared to? What was that ribboned scroll in his inside toffee wrapper pocket of his new anorak and just who were those mysteriously vague words intended for?
If you think this is all strange enough (or absolutely boring) you haven’t even started yet! Things are really starting to get a wee bit kooky in “Becoming Anorak Nid, in a second – and why orange marmalade really isn’t his colour!” Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review;http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2Qs

Explosions, sabotage, caves, deadly warnings and a dangerous red-haired man. Imagine The Hardy Boys meet Tom Sawyer. Add a layer of teen angst and excitement plus a mysterious group trying to stop a new dam while stirring up racial tensions. That’s STEPS INTO DARKNESS, the next book in the Shakertown Adventure Series by Ben Woodard. Fourteen-year-old Tom Wallace again makes plans to escape the small town in the 1923 Kentucky countryside. The town that won’t let him forget his past, when a horrific event changes his mind. He teams with his cousin Will and young FBI agent Rick Sweeney to try to solve a perplexing mystery. Attempts on the boys’ lives and a bewildering list of suspects keep them on edge and confused. An old man gives them a clue that leads to a false accusation and embarrassment until they discover the real villain, and then wish they hadn’t. STEPS INTO DARKNESS is a fun, page-turning thriller with a hint of romance that delivers adventure and mystery while exploring the fears of a teen living with a frightful memory. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review; http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2MC

Rhyllann Jones’s geeky cousin Wren is convinced an ancient diary can lead them to the mythical treasure of Bad King John, last seen 900 years ago. Trouble is, “The Brotherhood” will stop at nothing to get to it first. Even more dangerous in Rhyllann’s eyes is Detective Inspector Crombie. This father of four daughters knows Rhyllann is lying, and is certain Wren is a master manipulator. Crombie is determined to keep the boys safe at any costs. This leads “The Brotherhood” to take desperate action to learn the secrets Wren keeps, plunging Crombie and Rhyllann into a race against time across the wild Cornish moors. “But the treasure is guarded. He who wishes to enter the secret chamber must first ensure he knows of the Celtic rites and mysteries. No other hand is permitted to touch Caliburn, sacred sword of the Celtic Nations.” The Celtic Cousin Adventures continue with A Ripple in Time, a time travelling fantasy, and An Explosive Time in which Crombie makes a comeback, along with a surprising guest star. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com. Several of Julia’s other books would also fit here, The Griffin Cryer appeared in my YA collection, and Julia has a new book out The Griffin’s Boy, which I am planning on reviewing in March.

Good Deeds Week November 24th – 30th

This is all about my journey to achieve one Good Deed a day for a year. I was inspired to set myself this challenge when I began reading “A Year of Doing Good” by Judith O’Reilly. Judith undertook some amazing deeds in her year, my own challenge has opened my eyes to opportunities which would previously have passed me by, where I can make a difference to the world, not matter how small.

November 24th -Today I’ve spent some lovely time in the garden with my husband giving it some last tender loving care before the winter sets in. The recent frosty nights have ended the fuchsias and the last flowering geraniums. It’s nice to tidy it up and energise the garden, then I placed the pots of bulbs in prominent places ready to watch them bud in the early spring. Sadly heard that a dear friend had recently passed away, my thoughts and wishes go to the family left behind.

November 25th – My morning giving my time to the local school. I also took in some bottles of booze for their Christmas Fair from my cupboards. Good Deeds Received; Lots of thanks for my help and the bottles.

November 26th – A lovely short morning at work which was great because the farm barn which is our office was quite cold. Dropping off some books to the charity shop later. Good Deeds received: Had some great comments on today’s book review post of “The Initiate” By Sue Vincent and Stuart France. Here is a link to my book review http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-37P

November 27th – I have a group of friends coming around after lunch. After my disappointing first try of a banana cake I’ve reverted to cakes I know will work and I’ll try another banana cake at a later date. I’ve soya milk for the friend who needs to avoid dairy and I’ve made brownies with rice flour for the friend who can’t eat gluten. Good Deeds received; Lots of lovely thanks from my friends for hosting the afternoon.

November 28th – Sourced and bought a small pack of wallpaper paste the other day for my Mum, delivered it today so she can do a bit of touching up around some windows after they had new double glazing installed. Wow! had our first Christmas card today, so nice to be in people’s thoughts.

November 29th – Am thrilled to publish a post today for some great friends I’ve met over the internet. Andy and Kirsty are launching their book “It’s NOT a Holiday” all about overland group travel. They’ve written a fun A to Z guide for anyone thinking of going on some of the fantastic trips that are available world wide. Here’s a link to their guest post; http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2RV and a link to where you can get a copy Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

November 30th – The December issue of Fleet Life has just been delivered and I’m excited about my book review page. This month is a bumper issue and I’m on page 50! The books that I have reviewed are; “It’s NOT a Holiday” by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor, “Becoming Anorak Nid” by local author Alix B Macey, “Beatrysel” by Johnny Worthen, “Death of the Mad Hatter” by Sarah J Pepper and “What it Takes” by Terry Tyler. Brilliant, the online version is up today, so I’ll be posting and tweeting to the lucky authors. Good Deeds Received: Lots of brilliant re-tweets and thanks from this month’s set of authors who are featured in the magazine.

December Issue of Fleet Life

I’m really thrilled to once again have my book reviews featured in Fleet Life. This magazine goes out locally and is also available online at www.fleetlife.org.uk click on the online directory and find my review page on Page 50.

This month my featured books are;

 It’s NOT a Holiday by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Becoming Anorak Nid – A Rude Awakening by local author Alix Macey Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

 Beatrysel by Johnny Worthen Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Death of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J Pepper Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

 What it Takes by Terry Tyler Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Good Deeds week October 27th – November 2nd

This is my weekly diary of a year long challenge that I set myself back in April. I am attempting to do at least one Good Deed a day for a whole year. Along the way I’ve met some lovely people who have joined or supported me in the challenge and I hope to be able to get us an interview with the lady who inspired it all Judith O’Reilly.

October 27th – Today I shall write a letter to an Aunt and arrange a visit for December. We’ve been helping to some house clearing and have unearthed some of her old school books and pictures/ photographs which we will take to her. Good Deeds received; Given from garden fresh tomatoes and apples.

October 28th – It’s the school half term holidays so I can’t rely on my morning of volunteering at school today as my Good Deed. After a night of horrific storms across Britain, I’m e-mailing friends today to make sure they are all ok.

October 29th – Did some litter picking after the storm and tidied up some shared pathways which had tree debris strewn all over them. Good Deeds received; Thank you to fellow authors who have been spreading word across cyber space about my own book.

October 30th – My youngest child went to play at a friends house so I sent along some biscuits for them all to share. Good deeds received; Having my child to play then dropping him home afterwards.

October 31st – Dropped some items over to my Mum and spent a bit of time visiting. Good Deeds received; Came home with some lovely pears from the garden.

November 1st – Fleet Life’s November issue went online today www.fleetlife.org.uk where my book review page can be found on Page 56 this month. Featured books and the 5 lucky authors are; “The Singing Dagger” by Kylie Sabra, “Good Husband Material” by Trisha Ashley, “Inceptio” by Alison Morton, “Becoming Anorak Nid” by local author Alix B Macey and “Steps into Darkness” by Ben Woodard.

November 2nd – Am just sorting out the books for the December issue of Fleet Life because the copy deadline is quite early. Mum has a working computer again after a lightening strike frazzled her last one, then a power failure delayed all the delivery and sorting. Have been helping with advice to get her e-mails back up and running. Ended up going over to my Mum’s and spending 3 hours tweaking her new computer. Good Deeds received: Came home with two jars of bottles pears which the kids love.

Becoming Anorak Nid – A Rude Awakening by Alix B Macey

A Rude Awakening by Alix B. Macey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the adventures of Nid the ant. I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons which the lovely fairy gave Nid in his quest to change his life. At the end of the first book we are left on a cliff hanger as Nid must face his fears and help his friends. Once again the Author’s voice is heard as the narrator and often the voice of reason. Nid and his friends are loveable characters in this children’s book of garden delights.

Find a copy of this book here from Amazon.

View all my reviews

November issue of Fleet Life

This month’s issue of Fleet Life is now available online go to www.fleetlife.org.uk click on the online Directory and Rosie’s Good Reads are on page 56 this month.

This month’s featured books and authors are;

“The Singing Dagger” by Kylie Sabra

“Good Husband Material” by Trisha Ashley

“Inceptio” by Alison Morton

“Becoming Anorak Nid” by Alix B Macey

“Steps into Darkness” by Ben Woodard

Guest Author Alix B Macey

Today my guest is Alix Macey a local author of “Becoming Anorak Nid” which I reviewed here on the blog yesterday. Follow this link to the review post http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2MN

Let’s go and meet Alix;

1)  Where is your home town?

Oooh now there’s a question!  Hometown? Born in Hampton Court, Middlesex, but we moved around a lot.  I have lived in 27 different places in the UK and 11 of those were before I was 15 years old! ( I have just written them all down so I could count)

Happily, now home is in a little village called Crondall, Nr. Farnham in Surrey. At  6 years, this is the longest place I have ever lived in, so this for me is most definitely “home” (followed very closely by Suffolk, then Kent – if that’s allowed?!)

2) How long have you been writing?

Ever since I was 4 years old and I could hold a pen!
I was full of stories as a child and would write story after story. In adulthood however, I am a relative newcomer to “grown-up” writing. I have written radio programme scripts, children’s animation scripts and website articles.  But my first two books in the Becoming Anorak Nid series began as an idea about 15 years ago and have been finished in the last 6 years. (yes I did say 6 years!)

3) Have you always written children’s books?

Not at all really.  I worked for a presenter for the BBC up until 2005, and so a lot of my writing has been scripts for programmes.  I have written a few scripts for children’s animations, but they were much more serious than I like to be when writing.  I see myself as a bit silly – well my children tell me on a daily basis that I am, and they are such judges of character, so I guess I must be!

4) Your fun book has a lot of subtle play on words with some of the names, can you tempt the readers with one or two examples?

Ha ha…yes,  I love this question.  My favourite is Sile.  He’s an ant who can’t talk so he is Sile-ant.  Being silent he is mute, so he is a mute-ant…mutant! He carries cardboard signs around with him everywhere so he can communicate –  so he uses “sign” language  Hah! Sorry I know I shouldn’t laugh but he just makes me giggle.  Then of course there is our hero; Nid.  He is a spider which of course is an-“arachnid”…an-arachnid. Nid buys a magic coat/anorak and becomes a bit of a superhero and gets known as Anorak Nid (an-arachnid).  Tee hee..can’t stop giggling..there are loads more…

5) You’ve chosen English Garden creatures as the characters, why was that?

I am an out-doorsy kind of girl, so I love nature. But to be honest it was really the way the story unfolded.  Nid, being a spider, could either have been a house or a garden of sorts.  And once he started on his adventure to Mr. Busy’s Bumble sale it took him outside, where he met all manner of wonderfully colourful characters.

6) Poor Nid lost his parents, can you tell us what happened to them?

They unfortunately got trodden on by the SB’s (Shoe Beings). It was a most unfortunate encounter with a sole and the stone tiling on the kitchen floor.  Sniff!

7) You’ve made the author have a voice as a narrator in the story, why?

Do you know; I don’t know why. It wasn’t a conscious effort, and not thought of at all. I just found myself talking to Nid, and he answered me back, so we became sort-of friends and he helped me tell his story.

8) Is there going to be a moral to the story?

Great question.  Oh yes, there are lots of morals – which come in the shape of a fairy with a massive social disorder – and lots of odd ribboned scrolls.  All is revealed in Book Two – A Rude Awakening. Things are not at all what you think they might be.

9) The book, but not the story, ends on a real cliff hanger which the reader can pick up in “Becoming Anorak kid – The rude awakening” what made you choose to make the story into 2 books?

…Shhh , don’t tell anyone but originally it was all one book.

I was told by a book analyser (that story is on my blog www.alixbmacey.com ) that for a paperback version the story was way too long, at over 30,000 words. So I was advised to turn it into two books. There seemed to be a natural split at the da..da..daaaa moment. So there you have it; one becomes two.

10) What are you working on at the moment? Do you have a publication date?

Book 3 in the Becoming anorak Nid series is currently being worked on – sadly in the loosest sense of the word.  I really must get a wriggle on.  Thank you for reminding me.  Names are not forthcoming yet, but it may very well have the word Turd in the title…eeeyeww!

Becoming Anorak Nid available here on Amazon.co.uk

Becoming Anorak Nid – A Rude awakening available here from Amazon.co.uk

Website – www.alixbmacey.com

Twitter – @alixbmacey

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277897.Alix_B_Macey

https://www.facebook.com/AlixB.MaceyAuthor

Thanks for being our guest today, it’s been great meeting someone local.

Becoming Anorak Nid by Alix B Macey

Becoming Anorak Nid by Alix B. Macey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Becoming Anorak Nid was a surprise to me, I envisaged the storyline being about a child, but it was a delight to read about lots of English garden creatures. This children’s book is fun and easy to read and follows the timid character of Nid the spider, in his search for a suitable coat at a garden sale. Nid’s best friend uses sign language and Nid himself suffers at the hand of a garden bully. Nid’s tale has added asides by the narrator and ends with a cliff hanger which leads straight into the second book in the adventure. This book is very suitable for junior school age children or could easily be read to younger children by an adult.

Find a copy of this book here on Amazon.

I am delighted that the author is local to my area and I shall be interviewing Alix tomorrow on the blog, do pop back and check it out.

View all my reviews