Down Under Calling by Margot Finke

Andy Frazer has it made.  Even with his dad's job having been downsized, Andy has a loving family, a great girl-friend, Kelly, who seems to be morphing into a girlfriend, and a wacky life-loving grandmother who lives in Brisbane, Australia.

And who better to have written Down Under Calling than author, Margot Finke, a transplanted Aussie who has called Oregon home for many years.

When Andy and his Grandma begin exchanging letters, all kinds of magic begins.  From an interest in x-boxes and such, Andy and Kelly begin branching out--to all things Australia.  

Grandma Rose's letters are chock-full of wonderment and adventure and even mystery.  It doesn't take long for Andy to realize how lucky he is to have a family like his!


This book is a must-read for those kids who love learning about new and exciting places.  And what kid does not want to learn about Australia and its exotic animals and places to visit.

Down Under Calling is a gem of a read.  The prose is young and fun.  The book is filled--cover to cover--with the wild and wacky tales of that place known as Australia!

This blogger recommends the book to young readers wholeheartedly.  Snag your copy today!

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes mid-grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband, children, and grandchildren.  Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. Her husband is retired, and very supportive. 

Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "

She has 13 published books + Survival by Walkabout, the follow-up to Taconi and Claude, is due out soon.  All her books, +  Video readings, trailers, reviews and sample pages can be seen on her website. Margot also does Skype Author Visits to many schools in the US, and she runs a Manuscript Critique Service. Nothing gives Margot a bigger thrill than to hear that a book she helped polish has been published.  “This is always a huge YEA moment.”

Website: http://www.margotfinke.com

Amazon ( Kindle and soft cover) : http://tinyurl.com/bg9dtxt

Nook: http://tinyurl.com/m7zecfs

Hook Kids on Reading: http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margot.finke

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/margotfinke/

Guardian Angel Publishing Champions Multi-Cultural Books for Kids

Several weeks ago, I wrote a blog post on Guardian Angel Publishing and protagonists of color.  The publisher, Lynda Burch and many of the authors are dedicated to this policy. 

Thank You, Author/Artist Margot Finke

In this post, I am  showcasing authors who write books featuring multicultural children as protagonists.  I hope you will find them inspiring and useful for your young ones, classroom or library.

A list, alphabetically by author is as follows:  (Please click on the author's name for all pertinent information.)

Barbara Arbo   Scripture for Kids 

A book packed with Scripture promises along with color visuals to apply God's word to their lives.



Penelope Cole     Magical Mea

Matthew's little sister is a trickster.  Mea got her magic when Matthew lost his.  Matthew tries to guide Mea to use hers for good.  But she wants to do it her way.  Will she get in trouble?

In the words of Lynda S. Burch, publisher of Guardian Angel Publishing:

Guardian Angel is proud to offer a mixed variety of children's books for all ethnicities and also multiple language platforms.  We have been aware of the needs for a broader base of stories for kids from around the globe and in our own backyards and have extended our efforts to produce quality children's books that kids can identify with-no matter their skin color or ethnicity.  Many of our books include multicultural characters that gently teach acceptance for all children of the world.  We believe in cultural diversity is a literary portal from which we can embrace our global community with our books.

Janet Ann Collins           Signs of Trouble

Children with learning disabilities get separated from their Special Education class on a field trip and use what they’ve learned to get reunited with them. The included activities can help children learn safety rules, understanding of people with special needs, basic reading skills, and creative writing skills.  They, of course, are the heroes!

Andi Houdak    Stop That  Pudding!

Passing up fruits and veggies for an afternoon snack, Kevin grabs a chocolate pudding and heads out the door. His adventure begins as he opens up his pudding cup and watches it spring to life! Find out if Kevin and his spoon are fast enough to catch his quick snack!

Mary Jean Kelso       The Christmas Angel

Melissa is a young girl who moves with her family to Oregon via The Oregon Trail. She has been allowed to bring one prized possession and she struggles to see that the porcelain angel that has topped the family Christmas tree makes the journey safely. This adventure on the Oregon Trail has added educational tools including a map, lists of supplies, info on the trail, links to sites and games about the Oregon trail. Five extra pages of activities.

Donna McDine     Hockey Agony

Peer Pressure and Honesty many times go hand-in-hand. What is Larry to do when his teammate asks him to cheat when he is given the responsibility to run the clock during the big hockey game? Outwardly, it may seem he will follow suit, but his conscious tells him otherwise at the moment of truth.

Mary Esparza Vela 

A tiny burro shows up at a little boy’s house and becomes a real asset to the family. The day he disappears, they never expect to see him again until he prances in one dark spooky night.  Ms. Vela's books are written in Spanish as well as English.

 

Colleen L. Reece         God Loves You Whoever You Are

Young or old, big or small, fat or thin, God loves each of us. We may have blue eyes, or brown eyes, gold, green or grey. Our skin may be colored any shade. God loves  us.

 

Cynthia Reeg     Gifts from God 

Gifts from God celebrates God’s loving gifts to each child. Glorious color photographs highlighting children and nature accompany each gift. Every double-page spread has an easy reader sentence on the right and a scripture quotation on the left making this an enjoyable and uplifting book for both children and adults.

 Kristen Zajek       Ebeneezer's Cousin

Maria Jimenez and her dad share many things including a passion for going to see the monkeys at their local primate sanctuary.  But when Maria’s father returns home from military service with an injury, how will she find a way to help him recapture his spirit and independence?

 

Guardian Angel Publishing Lauds Kids' Books With People of Color Protagonists

My post of August 18, titled Why Do Kids' Books Stay Perennially White? caused such a positive stir, I decided to look closer to home--my publishing house, Guardian Angel Publishing.

Margot Finke, Artist and Author

Happily, this house makes a point of showcasing protagonists of color. This post then will feature books and authors who have and continue to do just that.  It is my hope you'll take a look at them, see the real value, and obtain some for the youngsters in your life.

In the words of Guardian Angel publisher, Lynda S. Burch:

 Guardian Angel is proud to offer a mixed variety of children's books for all ethnicities and also multiple language platforms.  We have been aware of the needs for a broader base of stories for kids from around the globe and in our own backyards and have extended our efforts to produce quality children's books that kids can identify with-no matter their skin color or ethnicity.  Many of our books include multicultural characters that gently teach acceptance for all children of the world.  We believe in cultural diversity is a literary portal from which we can embrace our global community with our books.

The books are in the authors' alphabetical order.  The links for each book will lead you to its page at Guardian Angel Publishing where all information about it can be found.

Bear Cahill

We're Brothers & Sisters: The Booples

Even if your friends have different mothers and fathers, as children of God, we're all brothers and sisters. As we learn from the Bible, God adopted us all as His children and to find our brothers and sisters, we just need to look around! 

Penelope Cole
Magical Mea

Matthew’s little sister Mea is a trickster. Mea got her magic when Matthew lost his. Matt tries to guide Mea to use her magic for good. But the more Matt tries to mentor Mea, the more she wants to "do it her way.” Matt worries Mea might get into trouble.

Kevin Coller

Dreamchaser

We’ve sewn a flowing flag of glory, and created a dialogue of resilience: one where seeds of hope are planted, and the fruit is harvested and shared by all.  Believing one person can make a difference to the many is the direction of this story...the direction to a better world. 


 Donna McDine
The Golden Pathway
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa

Margot Finke
Takoni and Claude

Taconi, a young aboriginal boy living on Coorparoo Cattle Station, in outback Australia, fears the unknown. His upcoming Man Ceremony, Dreamtime Spirits, and his Dad's change of job are just three of the unknowns he must tackle. Claude, his chatty cockatoo, offers wise one-liners. Yet Taconi must discover courage and insight for himself. 


 

Nicole Weaver
My Sister is My Best Friend  

 Sisters are very special: Meet two sisters that do everything together. This delightful story transcends all cultural barriers. It will warm the heart of little girls from all over the world.

Las hermanas son muy especiales: Conozca a dos hermanas que hacen todo juntas. Esta bella historia trasciende todas las barreras culturales. Tocará el corazón de todas las niñas del mundo.

Les sœurs sont très spéciales : Rencontrez deux sœurs qui font tout ensemble. Cette jolie histoire transcende toutes les barrières culturelles. L’histoire va réchauffer le cœur des petites filles dans le monde entier.


Vishpriya
Tales from India:  Character Counts! RESPECT

Throughout my growing years, character formation made a distinct mark. Through numerous stories and daily experience, my parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents continuously re-iterated the importance of good character and how it helps form the person you are in future. In this tale Viswas Ram learns about respect.

Kristen Zajac
Chasing the Spirit of Service

Emma comes from three generations of Air Force pilots and misses her father when he travels. Her best friend Adam tries to cheer her up. Emma’s great grandfather, one of the first African American pilots during World War II, shares his life story with Emma and Adam and helps them appreciate the spirit of service.

 

Nancy Stewart
Sea Turtle Summer

Bella and Britt think living by the beach is the coolest thing ever.  When they discover an unprotected sea turtle's nest, they go into action!   Will their bravery and quick thinking save the baby turtles?  How can they do it, and what lessons will they learn about themselves?  The book also contains kid appealing sea turtle facts.

Lyrical Children's Book, Kangaroo Clues by Margot Finke

Who sewed the pouch on the Kangaroo
And placed her Joey in there, too?
Was it a Dreamtime spirit-man
Who made up creatures from a plan?

These lovely and lyrical words begin the very special children's book, Kangaroo Clues, by Margot Finke.  The glorious illustrations were done by Mustafa Delioğlu.  The book was published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

The book is told through Australian Aboriginal eyes and tells the story of the Dreamtime, where all things come from and where they go back to when their time on earth is finished.


Aboriginal spirits made all things,
Like kangaroos and birds with wings.
But I’ve a tale that’s just for you.
It tells the secret of Old Man Roo
.

The book conveys a tale of bravery on the kangaroo's part.  Is it true, or is it fable?  No matter.  The story is what counts. The imagery.  The mysticism.  The beauty.  And the dreamlike quality of of the allegory itself.

 


Perhaps spirits gave Kangaroo some smarts,
Allowing him to lose dogs in watery parts.
I’m told it’s true, so you have a choice—
To believe or not in the Dreamtime’s voice.

This joyous book contains explanatory notes on each page, so the reader is always informed on the text.

Margot Finke is a master story teller, and this time she has outdone herself in the sumptuous work that would be a gorgeous gift for adults as well as for children. And in Margot's Australian words, Well done, Mate!

You may get your hands on Kangaroo Clues and/or more of Margot's wonderful books at:

Autographed copies:  http://myplace.frontier.com/~mfinke/Margot%27s%20Books.htm#purchase

Publisher: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/kangaroo-clues.htm

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/kqq3bqw

Powell’s Books: http://www.powells.com/s?kw=Margot%2BFinke&class=  

Barnes and Nobel (no cover yet) : http://tinyurl.com/l27z6n3

 

My website: http://www.margotfinke.com

HOOK Kids on Reading: http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com/

Margot Finke, Author--Busy as a Mama Grizzley Bear!

It is my great pleasure to showcase children's author, Margot Finke and her exciting new book series on the blog today!  Margot is a fellow Guardian Angel Publishing author and a good friend.  A U.S. citizen, she was born in Australia, and memories of and experiences from that lovely country colors much of what she writes for kids.

NS  I am enchanted by your new book, Margot!  Where did you get the idea?

MF  It all began when I was a teacher’s aide.  I told stories about Australia and its unique animals to second graders, and my teacher friend said I should write them down.  I did, and the rest is history.  Mama Grizzly Bear, along with six other rhyming books, form my Wild and Wonderful series.  They tell fun facts about animals from the US and Australia.  Originally ebooks, with a publisher in Australia, all 6 are now with Guardian Angel Publishing ( GAP). They will still be available as ebooks, but will also be published as soft cover books.  Mama Grizzly is the first to jump into soft cover format, and the rest will follow over time. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/mama-grizzly.htm   I am thrilled with this wonderful opportunity from GAP.

NS  You are an American by way of Australia, where you grew up.  Many of your writings reflect your rich Australian heritage. Please tell us about your time as an Australian child and how that has well and truly influenced your writing career.

MF  The old saying is true, mate: You can take the woman out of Down-under, but you can’t take Down-under out of the woman. I have actually written a book about this, titled “Down-under Calling.” It tells about a grandmother in Australia and her grandson in Oregon.  It features letters back and forth between the two of them, interspersed with the problems they both must face in their daily lives.  The grandson is reluctant to write at first, but he and his friend soon fall under the spell of grandma’s stories.  She tells him of the fascinating Aussie critters that visit her garden, and tales of her growing up there in the middle of the 20^th century.  This is a book written from my heart, and I would love to find a publisher for it. Hint, hint!

NS  Everyone wants to know how an author spends a typical writing day.  Do you follow a schedule, and if so, tell us about how you organize it.

MF  I have not done much actual writing lately. Too busy dealing with the upcoming publication needs of “Mama Grizzly” + “Survival by Walkabout,” the young teen follow up to my “Taconi and Claude- Double Trouble.” This is another Aussie outback adventure – full of danger, surviving a nasty medicine man, and the wild dogs that fancy Josh and Bindi for dinner. Sibling rivalry, a big lie, a nasty threat, and tales from the Dreamtime round out the plot. 

I have a wonderful writing room with windows that look out onto our back gardens.  My husband made me a super desk for everything I have to store or use for my writing. In winter, we bring in all the tender plants and display them on wall shelves here.  It becomes a jungle when everything outside has withered and disappeared – lovely.  Special lights keep the plants healthy. 

I am at my desk seven days a week, always writing, promoting, or helping clients write tight and terrific pages.  Sometimes it is hard to balance the needs of my manuscript critique clients with that of my need to write, blog, or just take a break.

On top of all that, I have breaking news about another three of my books.  My young teen ghost story, “The Revenge of Thelma Hill,” will be self-published any day now. I have never self-published before this, and oh boy, is there a lot for a novice like me to wrap their head around. Sometimes I feel as dumb as dirt.  But my good friend Agy Wilson designed a super cover for it, and has helped me SO MUCH.  I could never have done it without her.  Thanks Agy!!  I even get to promote all my other new books at the end of it.  How’s that for cool.  You will hear my shouts all over the US when it is published.

AND, as if that is not enough, I am in a partnership with Agy Wilson to self publish my two story books, “Kobi Borrows a Pouch” and “Oscar Hunts for a Friend.”   Agy is also illustrating  and animating them both. Hey, I don’t call her Awesome Agy Wilson for nothing,  you know.  All I know about animating is that it is a hot ticket now for picture books. I am simply breathless at the thought of it. 

All this began happening about the same time.  No wonder I am breathless.  I never seem to catch up on editing, learning, rewriting, and crafting assorted blurbs and synopses for the various books.  But hey, I am thrilled.  I am also one very fortunate lady to have my dreams come true – even if they all decided to come home and roost at the same time!

 NS  Please tell us where your fans can find you to learn more or get in touch.

Website: Books and Manuscript Critiques -  http://www.margotfinke.com

Oscar and Kobi - they kidnapped my blog -  http://Ozfriends.blogspot.com/ 

SHORT and SWEET – a FREE sneak peek inside 8 of my books -   http://tinyurl.com/8qw44al

FREE short story.  Taconi and Claude’s  BIG 21stCentuary Adventure – a fun adventure featuring  characters from 3 of my books -  http://myplace.frontier.com/~mfinke/FREE%20T&C%20Download.htm#FREE

The Revenge of Thelma Hill has just been published and isd now on Kindle and Smashwords - with more eReaders to come.

*My new, YOUNG TEEN BOOKS page:

 

http://myplace.frontier.com/~mfinke/Young%20Teen%20Books.htm#wow

*Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009DW06MI
*Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=The+Revenge+of+Thelma+Hill
*VIDEO Reading from the revenge of Thelma Hill: http://youtu.be/sLA1vr8b09Y

MF  So much is happening fast this month, I can hardly keep up!!!

 

NS  Margo, you are a wonder, and I can hardly keep up with you!  Many thanks for giving us all this marvelous information regarding all you are doing.  You are an inspiration to so many people, and certainly to me!

MF  Thank you so much Nancy, for letting me chat with you and your readers. 

Children's Book Week: Celebrate with Guardian Angel Publishing Authors (May 7 - 13)

Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Each year, books for young people and the joy of reading are feted for a full week with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast! 

Visit Guardian Angel Publishing authors via their blogs as they celebrate Children's Book Week. Each stop includes special topics of discussion: teaching writing and grammar using children’s books, road to publication, professional critiques, educator guides, Skype and in-person author visits, what’s selling in children’s non-fiction, writing narrative non-fiction, interviews, book reviews, individual book information, and so much more.

Enter at a chance to win two prizes:

·         One FREE Picture Book Manuscript Critique by Margot Finke

·         One FREE tote bag of children's books from the participating authors

Visit May 7-13, 2012 and automatically enter at a chance to win by commenting, GFC Follower, and/or become a Facebook Fan or Friend at each of the author blogs.

Guardian Angel Publishing Author Blogs:

Mayra Calvani - www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com

Margo Dill - www.margodill.com/blog

Margot Finke – www.hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com

Donna McDine - www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Nancy Stewart - www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Kai Strand - www.kaistrand.blogspot.com

Nicole Weaver - www.mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

About the authors:

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. Her children’s picture books include Crash, The Magic Violin, Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster, Frederico, the Mouse Violinist, The Doll Violinist, The Water Cycle: Water Play Series Book I and the upcoming The Fox in the Night. She’s had over 300 reviews, articles, stories and interviews published online and in print. She’s represented by Mansion Street Literary Management.

Margo L. Dill is a freelance writer, editor, and teacher, living in St. Louis, Missouri. Her work has appeared in publications such as Grit, Pockets, Missouri Life, ByLine Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, True Love, On the Line, Fun for Kidz, and The News-Gazette. She is a columnist, instructor, and contributing editor for WOW! Women On Writing. She writes weekly book reviews for The News-Gazette (Champaign, IL). Her first book, Finding My Place, a middle-grade historical novel, will be published by White Mane Kids in 2012. She also has a picture book accepted by Guardian Angel Publishing and another by High Hill Press.

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes midgrade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. She has 11 books published so far. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, though not interested in children's books . Their three children are now grown and doing very well. Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, The Golden Pathway, an historical fiction story book about the Underground Railroad. Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Donna has three more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, and A Sandy Grave. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids, Publicist for the Working Writer’s Club, and owner of Author PR Services.

Nancy Stewart is the bestselling and award winning author of the four Bella and Britt Series books for children. Her newest book, Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage, is the biography of Katrina Simpkins with Winter, the dolphin. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is a frequent speaker and presenter at writing conferences throughout the United States. A blogger with a worldwide audience, she writes of all things pertaining to writing for children.

Kai Strand writes fiction for children and young adults. Her debut title, The Weaver, was a finalist in the EPIC eBook Awards. Her upcoming titles, Save The Lemmings! and The Wishing Well, Another Weaver Tale, will be released in 2012. Links to current and upcoming short stories can be found on her website. You can find book related downloads and more information about Kai and her writing at www.kaistrand.com.

Nicole Weaver was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish, and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish. Her second children’s trilingual book, My Sister is My Best Friend was published by Guardian Angel Publishing, November 2011. She is also the author of a children’s trilingual picture book, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle. The story is about a Haitian girl who resides by the beach in Haiti.

We look forward to your visit. Thank you and good luck!