The Boy Who Swallows Flies

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Michael F. Stewart

 

 

Jarrod is ill and nor does he or anyone else understand what the problem is.

He has his "moments" and everytime experiences things that seem unreasonable.

He's also the 'Bug-Boy' for he's very fond of bugs. All kinds of bugs. He has them in his room and can't resist noticing them in the school or anywhere he goes.

His moments continue occurring often affecting his health, his grades and his social life.

Until one day when he realises that what he sees or hears is real. And someone somewhere needs his desperate help.

And a super hero is born. And like every super hero, no one believes him or his powers but he tries his best to help.
He tells his best friend and even proves it.

Well he really does swallows flies. Because that is what his Super Power is about.

A very enjoyable read for kids, especially boys who love reading about super powers. For Jarrod has a very very unique power that no can even think of.

Thank you Netgalley for the copy.

About The Book

Jarrod can view the memories of any bug. He just has to eat it. It’s not the tastiest of superpowers and, let’s face it, fly memories aren’t all unicorns and rainbows. Eating insects also doesn’t net him many friends, but Jarrod’s ready to prove that he and his bugs are worth more than ridicule.

When he swallows a fly while biking, he’s in for a shock. The bug saw a room stacked full of sick dogs and puppies in crates. It’s a puppy mill, and Jarrod needs to save the animals. But the flight range of the common housefly is five miles. Even if the police believed him, with no evidence, they can’t help. It’s up to Jarrod.

Trained cockroaches survey neighborhood basements. A fly taped to a window makes an excellent sentry. Every ant, mosquito, caterpillar—don’t eat the fuzzy yellow ones—and beetle is his edible sidekick.

Will Jarrod save the dogs? Or is it all too much to swallow?
 

Author Interview : Michael F Stewart

Let’s welcome Michael F Stewart


Author on Twitter

Facebook

Website -http://michaelfstewart.com/

Author of 'The Boy Who Swallows Flies' 

Special question- How did you come up with idea of “Bug-Boy”?

I’ve always been fascinated by bugs. Bugs, if you think about it, all have little superpowers of their own. But I prefer superheroes that aren’t all that powerful and it struck me as a pretty funny superpower to be able to see bug memories. So … Bug-Boy.


Tell us about your books.

That’s a big question. I’ve written over twenty different books now in a whole variety of genres. I tend to write contemporary novels with some supernatural twist. So in The Boy Who Swallows Flies, Jarrod discovers why he’s been fainting all these years—he can see bug memories--and that kicks off a mystery to solve.

One super power you’d love to have yourself?

Super-fast reading. I’m a slowish reader. As a writer, this is a problem. I love to read. I read a ton, but I need to read more. Our imagination is only useful when well fed. I guess I’m going to want a better memory as well … Can I pick two superpowers?

Are your characters based on real-life people?

Well … they’re always bits and pieces of real people, right? I had an old friend who is pretty close to Jarrod’s bestie. He’s a certifiable genius.


Your favourite bugs, if any?

Crickets with some salt and pepper. Or did you mean favorite as in which are cool … ? Ants rule the world. But specifically, I’d have to say Histeridae—Clown Beetles. They’re pretty smart. Predators prefer live prey so by feigning death it gets them out of all sorts of trouble (spoiler: this doesn’t work as well for Jarrod).

Why did you choose this particular genre/s?

I believe genres choose themselves. If you're going to write a story about a kid that eats bugs and can see their memories, then you're going to have a middle grade mystery.


The day you decided you will be a writer?

It’s a process. Really. I decided when I was about eight while reading the Dragonlance Series. That was when I knew I wanted to write. But I needed to remind myself of this when I was eighteen, twenty-five, and finally I left my job on my 30^th birthday. Haven’t looked back.

What profession you’d choose if not an author?
I’d write code. Seriously, I think being able to build software of all sorts using code is the closest we can come to magic. It also allows you to innovate and be entrepreneurial.



Do you think it’s easy/ difficult to write for children?
Hard. You have to put yourself into the mind of a child, but then write like an adult. You can’t dumb anything down. You have to balance the craft elements with the crazed fun of a kid. Kids writing and humor go hand in hand and humor in writing is hard.


Would you ever go for traditional publishing? (If you’re a self published author or vice versa)

Sure! Some books make more sense to self pub, but I think traditional publishing has a lot of advantages when it comes to distribution and marketing access. I’ve done both. I tried to find a traditional publisher for this book. No luck.

Your favorite place on earth? Why?

Oh, boy, I’m blessed. I’d say it’s kayaking on a river. In the arms of my wife. (maybe I should put that one first?) Skiing an awesome trail. Diving a reef. It's a coffee shop with my laptop open.

Your thoughts on life? What helps you to deal with ups and downs of life?
Ha, wow, you go for the easy questions, huh? Life’s alternately frustrating and amazing, right? But you wouldn’t know what’s amazing without the frustration. So I try to suck it up.


Your favorite quote?
I recall Neil Gaiman talking in a video commencement speech about dandelion fluff and how you have to get your ideas, your fluff, out there, and that you never know where it’ll take seed. (that’s the opposite of paraphrasing, btw!) It’s always stuck with me.
 

Book Review: The Girl Who Said Sorry

The Girl Who Said Sorry

Hayoung Yim

Illustrated by Marta M.

 

The Girl who Said Sorry is about how a girl is easily
encouraged and even easily discouraged.

She is expected to be sorry for being herself.
But the writer believes that we shouldn't be "sorry"
for being ourselves. Because we are not hurting someone,
instead we're expressing ourselves.

Girls are motivated to be brave, smart, follow their mind , etc.
But at the same time they're expected to never be bossy and be a lady.

Everytime she says "Sorry" and finally she realises
that for being herself she shouldn't be sorry.
Thank you netgalley for the book.

About the book
Too girly or too boyish. Too thin or too fat. Too quiet, too loud. Be ambitious, but don’t hurt feelings. Be inquisitive, but don’t interrupt. Be outspoken, but don’t be bossy. Most of all, be yourself—but be a lady.

What’s a girl to do in a world filled with contradicting gender expectations, aside from saying sorry?

The way we teach politeness norms to children is often confusing, changing based on gender—and can have lasting effects. And while everyone should be courteous and accountable for their actions, apologetic language out of context can undermine confidence and perceived capability.

Within the subtle yet beautiful illustrations and powerful rhyme of "The Girl Who Said Sorry", developing girls will learn that self-expression and personal choices can be made without apology, and with confidence.

50% of profits from this book is donated to Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation campaign dedicated to empowering young girls to take action on global issues.

Book Review: The Prayer Box

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The Prayer Box

By Jennifer Berry

Illustrated By Josie Portillo

Rosetta is sweet little girl who enjoys everyday with her mom. Her teaches her many things and they also have fun together.

One day her mom tells her about the prayer box in which writes prayers. The girl is tempted to peek inside but is disappointed to find no prayers for her.

Her mom than explains her why.

That leads her to know how special she is and how special every kid is.

Sweet illustrations and perfect for mamma's girl to read.

Thank you Netgalley.

Author Interview: Jennifer Berry

Let’s welcome Jennifer Berry!

Tell us about your books. 

"The Prayer Box" is my first book. However, I’ve written eight plays and have been working as a playwright for years.

my website is www.Jenniferberry.net for press on my plays etc.

The day you decided you will be a writer?

I can’t remember the day but I always kept a journal. And  I always wrote stories. Then I put writing away as my high school English Teacher said I could never be a writer. It wasn’t until college when I had an incredible creative writing professor who encouraged me.

Who helped you with your dream? Your support?

My husband is my biggest support and I have a circle of very supportive friends who make up my creative family. I also have to add my nine year old twins are my biggest cheerleaders.

Do you think the process of writing (Typing/Handwriting) is tiring? How do you deal with it?

I take many breaks during the day. And I exercise to release stress.

What profession you’d choose if not an author?

Probably a visual artist.

Why did you choose this particular genre/s?

I thought this particular story was best written as a children’s book. 

Do you think it’s easy/ difficult to write for children?

As a playwright, I write a lot  of dialogue. With “The Prayer Box”  I had to flex a different mussel. Less is definitely more with a children’s book.  You must make children’s books simple or you loose your reader.

Have you ever met a fan/reader?

I have met many audience members of my plays. It is always fun.

Would you ever go for traditional publishing? (If you’re a self published author)

I think any way to get your story out in the world is just fine.

Do you interact with other authors? Do you think it’s important?

I do. I have a writer’s group that I meet with once a month. Other writers inspire me.

Your favorite food/dish/cuisine?

Anything my husband cooks?

Your favorite place on earth? Why?

My home or the Southern California coast line. Why? Because it’s home and I'm  there with the people whom I love.

Your hobbies other than writing? Do you find time for it?

I’m a killer baker. Yes, I find time for it about three times a week. It gives me a nice break from words. I also get to give my twins some yummy treats after school.

Your thoughts on life? What helps you to deal with ups and downs of life?

Oh, gosh! Life? My first thought is:  life is a gift. I love life and being alive. 

I was really sick a year ago and it gave me a perspective to enjoy every day. Even if you are having a bad day, there is still something to focus on that will bring out your attention. My children’s laugh, the view from my kitchen window, dawn breaking with my favorite cup of tea. 

When I get really down, I call my best friend. Having a strong community of friends, neighbors and family gets me though the down times.

Your favorite quote?

Aristotle: The definition of happiness is the exercise of one’s vital talents along the lines of excellence in a life that gives them scope.

If you become a billionaire overnight, what would be your reaction? What will you do with the money?

I would probably make sure everyone I love had enough money to be safe and secure.  

Special question- How do you think does prayer/ praying help us?

There have been so many studies that prayer elevates pain or stress in the mind.

But more important than that, it taps into our biggest wishes, our most heartfelt concerns, and our sincerest gratitude.

Prayer is personal. It can be different things to different people. But children’s prayers are so often prayers for the world and we should listen to that!

Thank You so much for the interview!

The Prayer Box by Jennifer Berry

Book Review : Be Bully Free

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Be Bully Free

Catherine Thornton, Michael Panckridge

This a great book. I believe every kid should definitely read it because it covers all forms of bullying and the solutions for each, too. Many children aren't even aware that there are so many kinds of bullying exist. They fall prey to it and it affects their complete life. 

Doesn't matter if you were never bullied, are currently being bullied or have a fear you might face it sometime in your life! This book is all you need, ever!

Be Bully Free also tells how to really find real friends! I especially love this about the book! Parents should buy this book for their children, irrespective of the age, because it is very helpful.

It also explains as to what role others can play and how they can help the one who is being bullied.

 It is a complete guide to fighting, surviving and winning over Bullies!

Thank you Netgalley for the copy!

 

 

Book Review: Mae and June and The Wonder Wheel

Title: Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel

Author: Charise Mericle Harper

June is a little cheerful girl. She and her dog Sammy have lots of fun. The way she connects with Sammy is really cute. She feels that only she can understand his talks and no one else can. She completely understands by his actions, what he's trying to say. That only shows how close they both are. Since her sister, Isabella, is no more interested to play with her, she and Sammy look for a new friend.

The new friend should however, have the qualities similar to June & Sammy.

One day, she gets a present and that's how the story of the wonder wheel begins.

A really lovely tale about June, her pet dog Sammy, their new friend and the Wonder Wheel. June narrates the story like how a little girl would do noticing, guessing, questioning and trying out new things. The illustrations add to the story and are also cute.

A story any kid would love to read again and again!

Thank you Netgalley for the copy!

Wishing every lady a very happy Women's Day!