I Lost My BFF

 I Lost My BFF

A book about jealousy and rejection within friendships

by Jennifer Licate

Boys Town Press

Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

Description

Sophia and Camila have been the best of friends for a long time now – since first grade! They do EVERYTHING together. They like the same things, and they always have fun!

So imagine Sophia’s surprise when Camila starts spending more time with Christabel, and it’s interfering with Sophia and Camila’s time together. All of this change is hard, and Sophia finds herself wondering why. Does this mean Sophia did something wrong? Does it mean Camila likes Christabel better? Sophia finds herself thinking… I Lost My BFF.

Through honest conversations and open-mindedness, Sophia, Camila, Christabel and Asha soon learn that it’s okay for friends to have other good friends, and not everyone needs to like to do the same things all of the time. If they are kind and respectful toward one another, their friendships can grow and change.

My review- 4 out of 5 stars

I think we all have had that one BFF who suddenly stopped hanging out with us. This book discusses the emotions a girl feels when her best friend forever simply starts hanging out with an another friend. It also provides a solution and a new approach towards friendship.

Sophia is sad because Camila, her BFF, is being distant with her. She's got a new friend and is hanging out with her often. Sophia finds herself alone, rejected and jealous. She does want to lose her BFF. She tries joining Camila and her new friend but they don't seem interested in her. This continues until Sophia can't take it anymore. She talks to her mom who advices her to communicate and express how she feels. But Camila is unaffected by knowing how Sophia is feeling. That makes her frustrated. Her mom further advices her to befriend other girls in her school. Mom explains her that friendship can't be forced, if Camila wants to have two BFF's she can. That Sophia should accept that while growing up we make many friends and not all stay. Amazing story with lovely illustrations and a wonderful message! Thank you Netgalley so much for the copy!

Rissy No Kissies

 Rissy No Kissies

by Katey Howes,

 illus. Jess Engle

Lerner Publishing Group

Carolrhoda Books ®

Description

A lovebird who doesn't like kisses? Rissy's friends and family wonder if she's sick, confused, or rude. But kisses make Rissy uncomfortable. Can one little lovebird show everyone that there's no one right way to show you care?

Rissy No Kissies carries the message that "your body and your heart are yours, and you choose how to share." A note at the end provides further information for kids, parents, and educators about body autonomy, consent, and different ways to show affection.

My Review - 5 out of 5 stars

Childhood is not all happiness, it is also about knowing yourself and learning to say 'No' to what you don't like. Rissy is a small little lovebird who does not like getting kisses from anyone. While everyone finds her mean or rude or sick and doubts is she even a lovebird... Her mother agrees that only Rissy decides what she likes or dislikes. It's her body so she has the right to say "No". 

Most of the times, kids are taken for granted that they love hugs and kisses, but just as adults they should be asked for permission before touching them. People should respect if a child disagrees to hug or kiss. 

The book is easy to understand and conveys the message very clearly. Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy.

Author Interview : Siri Katragadda (the author from Columbus!)

Please welcome Author Siri Katragadda on my blog! 

Author of When Amma was a Little Girl - Ganesha's Birthday in Columbus -  https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B08D3KLQSB 

Paperback - https://store.pothi.com/book/siri-katragadda-when-amma-was-little-girl-ganeshas-birthday-columbus

and When I was a Baby: At Zoo -https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B084F7N869 

• Introduce yourself.

I am Siri Katragadda who is an Electronics Engineer by profession and a novice writer by passion.  I grew up in Andhra Pradesh, India but now in Columbus a small urban town in USA where I work.

• Tell us about your books

I penned two children’s books, “When I was a Baby – At Zoo” & “When Amma was A Little girl – Ganesha’s Birthday in Columbus”. 

My first book is about a 5-year old narrating his experiences when he was a baby and how he helps people based on his baby experiences. He has three buddies which are emergency vehicles who help him during those expeditions. 

My second book is about two little boys who live in the city of Columbus, which is far away from their Mom’s ancestral home in India. They learn about this fun celebration from Mom and take part in this joyful event.

    

• What inspired you to write? 

Sharing Amma’s childhood in the form of a story is the favorite thing for my kid to do before his bed time. It usually starts with Amma’s story followed by my little ones. I have blogged for couple of years but writing a book is something inspired by this bed time routine. 

• Your favorite authors?

It keeps on changing and depends on the book or series I am reading! Now it is Amulya Malladi.

• Favorite life quote? 

A reader lives thousand lives before he dies. (Wow!) 

• Favorite destination 

I am an avid traveler and has a bucket list of destinations to visit. However, whenever I have an upcoming trip to Vijayawada (city which I grew up), I get excited for that forthcoming trip. No other destination fascinates me like this one because hometown is a treasure.  

• Hobbies

Travelling, reading, gardening and of course being master chef to my family of four.

• Favorite food

Nothing in particular but I like to experiment with food and try fusion recipes. 

• Do you celebrate as many Indian festivals as possible in Columbus? Which are they?

Always and each one of them! This is my way to connect back home.

• What are you planning to write next?

Sankranthi, which is amma’s next favorite festival. 

• How was response from family and friends on your book?

I come from a family of Engineers but none of them are writers. They got thrilled to hear my new adventure. I heard some good reviews and feedback which I tried to incorporate for the later releases.

• Who encouraged and supported you throughout writing? 

Akshar, my 5-year old who is also one of the characters in my second book. He is my first reader and critiques without any filter.

• Describe your writing desk

Ohh, it’s little wierd. Since I work full-time, I hardly get any time to write during mornings. I write at the end of the day after my kid’s sleep and it will be usually sitting on the couch or next to my kid’s bed.

• Favorite spot/place to write? 

I am a busy working mom with two active kids, so I would be happy if I get a quiet spot where I can focus. Also a walk in the trail or woods motivates my brain.

• Challenges you faced while writing or publishing?

Being a novice author, I did not get my first edited which was a major mistake. I feel book editing takes your book a long way. 

I, Hemdiva,  thank you for your precious time! It was a pleasure having you on my blog.  All the best and keep writing! 

Book Review : When Amma was a Little Girl - Ganesha's Birthday in Columbus

When Amma was a Little Girl - Ganesha's Birthday in Columbus

Siri Katragadda

Description

Ganesh Chaturdhi is a special holiday celebrated throughout India with humble prayers, colorful decorations and tasty food. Akshar and Saharsh live in city of Columbus, which is far far away from their Mom’s ancestral home in India. They learn about this fun celebration from Mom and want to be a part of this joyful event.
How do they make their very own Ganesha?
How do they welcome Ganesha to their house?
How do they plan the decoration?
How can they take part in Ganesha’s outdoor celebration? “Ganesha's Birthday in Columbus” has all those answers.

A fun educational ride introducing Ganesha, The Elephant-Headed Hindu God and his pompous birthday celebration. And how fellow Indians staying abroad, cherish our culture and religion by celebrating Indian festivals with great enthusiasm in a foreign land.

My Review -

5 stars

Awesome! Ganpati Bappa Morya in Columbus!

Ever wondered how indians staying abroad celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? Well, this book has all the answers! A enjoyable read about two children, Akshar and Saharsh, living in Columbus and how they celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with their mom's help. This book also has cool steps to create a Ganesha of your own.

Available in ebook and print on Amazon. 

Buy Paperback here - https://store.pothi.com/book/siri-katragadda-when-amma-was-little-girl-ganeshas-birthday-columbus

The House Next Door by Darcy Coates

The House Next Door
by Darcy Coates 

Blurb

I live next to a haunted house.

I began to suspect something was wrong with the gothic building when its family fled in the middle of the night, the children screaming, the mother crying. They never came back to pack up their furniture.

No family stays long. Animals avoid the place. Once, I thought I saw a woman’s silhouette pacing through the upstairs room… but that seems impossible; no one was living there at the time.

A new occupant, Anna, has just moved in. I paid her a visit to warn her about the building. I didn’t expect us to become friends, but we did. And now that Marwick House is waking up, she’s asked me to stay with her.

I never intended to become involved with the building or its vengeful, dead inhabitant. But now I have to save Anna… before it’s too late for the both of us.

Review-

Jo lives next to a haunted house, the family that lived there vacates the house running away in the middle of the night. Then after a long time, a woman, Anna comes to stay there. Jo befriends her and enters the house. Anna has her own troubles, dealing with her ex. Jo helps her in all ways possible until the ghost of the house takes over. The characters are superb! Very realistic and engaging. I found myself agreeing to seeing such characters in real life. 

Jo is lonely, cat lady who prefers staying away from her relatives. Anna and her friendship is very heart-touching. The ghost part is creepy and is good enough to give you nightmares. Ending is full of twist and turns and still a happy ending.

Darcy Coates is for sure, my favourite author.  Read the book in just 2 days!

The House Next Door: A Short Horror Story (Horrors Next Door) Kindle Edition by Tom Coleman

The House Next Door: A Short Horror Story (Horrors Next Door) Kindle Edition

by Tom Coleman 

Price- FREE!

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Can't put down! Not too scary but very engaging! Loved it! So this girl goes to the house next door to find out if its haunted and is gone forever...

Sarah's next door neighbour is an elderly widower. He just likes to plant roses, that's it. Everyone thinks he is creepy but Sarah. She decides to pay him a visit and enters his house. He lets her in and then she is trapped! 

What she discovers inside the house is beyond imagination and the story is ended with a cliffhanger. I surely wanna know what happened next!