A Book About a Bear!

About the Book

Title: Beenie's Search | Author: J.J. Schousboe | Publication Date: March 20, 2014 | Publisher: Friesen Press | Pages: 48 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 Book Description: Join Beenie, the friendly bear, as he searches for his family after hibernating for the long winter. Spring arrives and Beenie discovers that he is all alone. In search of food, friends and his family, Beenie gets side tracked and lost. When he remembers what he was taught by his parents, he overcomes his fears and sets off in the right direction. Beenie's Search teaches young readers the importance of listening and following directions as they join Beenie in his adventure.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Friesen Press

J J Schousboe Designs | Google Play | Goodreads

 

About the Author: J.J. Schousboe

JJ Schousboe migrated from the lovely island of Trinidad, in the Caribbean. She has been writing poems as a teenager and began writing stories for her children. A preschool teacher since 2007, JJ currently lives in Largo, Florida.

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* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: January 2, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, J.J. Schousboe and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Magic of Friendship

About the Book

Title: The Magic of Friendship | Authors: Subhash Kommuru & Sujata Kommuru | Publication Date: August 25, 2014 | Publisher: Kommuru Books | Pages: 42 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 Book Description: A flock of migrating geese stumble upon Tadoba, the land of the fierce tiger Babbar who does not tolerate anyone in his area. Will Babbar show any mercy? Can he change? Will the geese make it to safety? This is a story about change -- a transformation that comes with the magic of friendship. Personality may not change, but nature can surely change. This story will shows the value of friendship and how that can change a person, particularly one who is lonely and never really had the gift of laughter.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

 

The Buzz About the Book

"Committed to introducing Indian culture into children’s literature, Kommuru has set The Magic of Friendship in the heart India amid an imagined Tadoba Forest, which is not that farfetched from the real Tadoba National Park and Tiger Reserve near Maharashtra, India. Including other aspects of the country, such as the banyan tree — its national tree, and Kojagiri, an Indian term loosely related to a celebration, Kommuru’s story opens opportunities for children to learn and ask questions about another part of the world. Closing with a great moral that children will easily be able to figure out, The Magic of Friendship, is not just a fascinating read. Wonderfully written with aptly complementing illustrations, it is also a welcomed addition to children’s literature." ~ Pacific Book Review

"I really enjoyed this story. I thought it expressed how friendship changes people and makes their lives better very well. The art is cute and explanatory without the story as well."~ Phaedra S., Amazon

"When it comes to stories about friendship, children's picture book literature is replete with tales of boys and girls who form mutually beneficial relationships; but The Magic of Friendship aims for something more and stands above most others in pairing vivid, colorful animal drawings with a narrative that at first seems predictable, but offers some satisfying differences...the real value of friendship and its world-changing potentials in this winning, feel-good story perfect for read-aloud or young picture book readers." ~ D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"This is a really cute book that teaches that things are not always what they seem. The book is well illustrated and one that kids can easily relate to. This book is appropriate all the way up to 3rd grade reading level. My first grader was able to read it easily!" ~ Bonnie R., Amazon

"A story that will certainly put a smile on your face while teaching the importance of friendship." ~ Brenda C., Amazon

 

About the Authors: Subhash & Sujata Kommuru

Subhash and Sujata Kommuru hail from India. They migrated to the United States along with their memories of childhood and youth. Now that they are parents, just like every immigrant they crave to introduce their child to the culture and values of their upbringing. Yet it is challenging to teach something while you are in the midst of adjusting to a different culture yourself. Subhash and Sujata both work in different disciplines and have different styles and backgrounds, but it is the upbringing of their son that brings them on the same page. That exact place where they meet is captured and reflected in their stories, where Subhash can express in words, and Sujata can illustrate them beautifully. Where he puts it in black and white, she adds color to it. You get the idea! These stories are their attempt to share a glimpse of their childhood days with their son. He is their inspiration to write short stories that have meaning to them and provide teaching in some shape or form.

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* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: January 8, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Subhash Kommuru and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

How Clever Are These Squirrels?

Title: The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car | Author: Sara Shafer | Publication Date: November 7, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 96 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 12 Book Summary: When his baby cousin Zander runs away, Chaz finally has a chance to live his dream of rescuing someone and proving his bravery. But Zander doesn't want to be rescued, and he certainly doesn't listen.

When the little squirrel crawls into a race car, Chaz follows him, expecting they will hide from the humans until the race is over. But Zander doesn't stay hidden, wanting to try everything the humans do.

When the race car spins out of control, Chaz is the only one who can save them. If he's not brave enough, not only will they crash, he'll lose Zander forever.

The Bravest Squirrel Series:

1. The Bravest Squirrel Ever

2. The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest

3. The Bravest Squirrel in School

4. The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car

Amazon * CreateSpace

Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

 

The Buzz About the Series

"Totally awesome book!! You are brave to be an author!" ~ reader Valerie D., age 9

"A wonderful children's book. I am passing mine on to my youngest grandson. He will enjoy this story." ~ Susie, Amazon

"I liked how the squirrels act. They were funny. It was a really good book. I think other kids that are reading chapter books should read this." ~ Gaea, 12 year old reader

 

About the Author: Sara Shafer

When two squirrels moved into Sara Shafer’s attic, she went on a quest to figure out what they were doing. She knocked on the ceiling, and they scratched back. Imagining what they thought and felt, she wrote The Bravest Squirrel Ever and then continued their adventures with The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest, The Bravest Squirrel in School, and The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car. Although her attic is currently vacant, the squirrels outnumber the humans in her neighborhood and could decide to take over at any moment. She watches for signs of invasion as she plots more stories of squirrel bravery.

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* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: December 22, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Sara Shafer and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Stories for Young Readers!

Me curled up on the rug!

Yay! I’m so excited. Here’s the book you’ve all been waiting for! I am proud to announce that my story How Superdog Champ Saved the Day is included. The BookElves Anthology Volume 1 is chock full of Christmas cheer, with stories that will please young and young at heart readers. There’s something for everyone in this collection of whimsical tales. Seven stories, seven situations threatening the festivities. Will the holidays be a disaster? Will families be left out in the cold? Will there be tears before bedtime, or will there be happy endings all round? The #MG BookElves group brings you its first anthology of tales to enjoy during the holiday season:

* Reliable Clooney Dockins delivered his town's mail on time for thirty-two years, until that strange and impossible Christmas Eve when he woke up late. M.G.King (Fizz & Peppers at the Bottom of the World, Librarian on the Roof)
* Max the Tonkinese cat finds Santa Claus on the roof and is whisked away to retrieve a very special message from another time and place. Wendy Leighton-Porter (The Shadows from the Past series)
* Shirley Link is an amateur sleuth who lives in a town that could use all the sleuths it can get! What is it about Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts that makes it such a hotspot for dastardly deeds? Even on Christmas Day? Ben Zackheim (Shirley Link Detective Series, The Camelot Kids)
*Champ may be a rescue dog, but he’s the best person around to stop the dognappers and save heartbreak at Christmas. Fiona Ingram (The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, Champ: My Story of Survival)
* When the railroad gets snowed under, the two bit town of Skunk Corners has to play host to a load of mighty difficult strangers. Can Big Al and the Ninja Librarian keep the season of goodwill from breaking into a riot? Rebecca M. Douglass (The Ninja Librarian, Halitor the Hero)
*Far away on the west coast of a western Scottish island, Dylan and Dougall face yuletide in Castle Haunn with no heat, light or food. Can Dylan get the message through to the mainland for help, or is there something nasty waiting for him in the hills? Jemima Pett (The Princelings of the East series)
*It’s Christmas holiday and Lily is stuck in a remote mountain village. With school out for a month and no internet connection, at first she wonders how she will fill the time. In this sweet romance, Lily discovers there’s more to gift-giving than just the giving. S. Smith (The Seed Savers series)

Each tale weaves its own seasonal magic. Each magician has already warmed the hearts of thousands of young readers with their stories. Enjoy these frantic races to meet the Christmas deadline while you curl up in your favourite reading spot this winter. And if you’re a dog (or a cat!) you can curl up by the fire on a comfy rug and get your human to read it aloud to you. Woof! Woof!

Have You Read My Book Yet?

Have you read my book yet? In case you haven't, it's available on Amazon. Please share this with all your friends who love animals and tell them they'll be doing a very good deed and helping animals by buying it? Why? Because proceeds go to the wonderful people at S.A.F.E. Rescue, who saved me and brought me back to life. Don't forget to leave a review so more people can read about how cute and special it is!


Here's me with a promo folder doing my marketing!

Here's me having a snooze after a busy day of telling everyone how to save animals. Being cute is such hard work!

Zzzzzzzzzzzz....

Lovable Lobo Goes to the Galapagos!

About the Book

Title: Lobo Goes to the Galapagos (The Adventures of Lovable Lobo) | Author: C.L. Murphy | Publication Date: August 27, 2014 | Publisher: Peanut Butter Prose | Pages:32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 7

Summary: Lobo returns in this adventure, sweeter and a bit salty this time. This lil' wolf pup finds that there's nothing like a little sea air to bring out the best in him and his unlikely tag-alongs. Take a trip to the Galapagos with Lobo and his right-hand raven, Roxy, as they help an injured, new feathered friend return home. Lobo faces some fears and witnesses the joy that comes from helping others in this "birds of a different feather DO flock together" tale.  

Book Preview

 

Purchase

Amazon | iTunes

 

The Buzz

"Who knew geography and learning about animals could be this much fun? Lobo Goes to the Galapagos is my new favorite children's book and is highly recommended. " ~ Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite

"While Ms, Murphy's uniquely whimsical and vibrant illustrative style is perfectly suited for the wild, tropical feel of this colorful book, and easily captures young readers' attention, there is also a subtle, quiet beauty to the storyline's overarching themes of friendship, trust, perseverance, and goodwill. Lobo's tenacious and giving spirit are delightfully captured in this fifth installment of puppy-fueled fun. In fact, it's sincerely so easy to fall in love with "Lovable" Lobo that I'd happily follow this well-meaning, big-hearted, wolf pup to the very ends of the earth!" ~ 5 Star Review, Indie Author Girl, Amazon

"What an adorable story! I read this to my nephew and he couldn't stop giggling at the silliness of Roxy as well as Lobo's cute friends Bobby, Sunny, Coconut and Sandra. The author was very clever in portraying a tale of friendship, adventure and excitement that is sure to enthuse young minds around the world." ~ 5 Star Review, Gina D., Amazon

 

About the Author: C.L. Murphy

While new to the children’s book writing and illustrating scene, C.L. Murphy (Cathy) has been doodling her way through life since she won a school wide poster contest in the third grade. She’s had the pleasure of working as an artist in residence, creating cartoons and painting murals with the children at local elementary schools. She adores the wonder and curiosity of young children. She feels that creating picture books is something that she was destined to do, after years of filing away so many ideas, while raising her two sons. She is a member of SCBWI. She lives amongst the wildlife in an enchanted forest in the beautiful Oregon wilderness with her husband and menagerie. She has always appreciated nature and animals have always played a major role in her life. The inspiration for the Lovable Lobo character came from a wolf that she raised for over 14 years. Check out her book series and discover that you, too, will find Lobo lovable.

Book Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize (winner's choice) Contest Ends: October 23, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by C.L. Murphy and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Champ Reviews: Saving Wombats

I have been ever so busy catching up on my book reviews. The book I’ve been reading is called Saving Wombats by a clever Pawthor, Emma Homes.  She writes about animals so it’s very clear Emma loves animals and I like her already.

Here’s what Saving Wombats is all about. Ruthie, dad Tom and mum Kate, along with Ruthie’s younger siblings, Liam and Bel, and their pet wombat Womble (what a cute name!) are going to her cousins’ farm to spend a lovely holiday in the countryside (sounds like fun!). Up ahead they see a sad sight (yelp!): a wombat has been run over by a speeding truck. Ruthie’s parents stop to check the animal and discover it has a tiny baby in its pouch. The baby is still alive (yay!). Luckily, the Jirringbah Wildlife Shelter is on the same route and soon they get the baby, called a pinky, to Jo Matthews who shows the kids how to take care of the pinky. While they are there, the kids learn a lot about Australia’s wildlife and some of the skin diseases that can affect these animals; one is a horrible disease called mange (dogs can get mange too!). Ruthie doesn’t want to admit that soon Womble will be old enough to be released into the wild – imagine if he gets a nasty, itchy skin condition from the mange. Once they get to their cousins, the kids find out more about wombats and mange because there is a wombat on the farm that looks as if it has a bad case of mange. Medication can cure the condition, but it’s catching the animal and applying the medication regularly that’s the problem. Wombats are also pretty quick when it comes to getting away! With the help of some wildlife experts and her Uncle Dave, they devise a clever way of getting the medication onto the skin of the elusive wombat. Will the medicine cure this sick wombat? Will Ruthie be able to release Womble back into the wild?

I never knew there was such an animal as a wombat. But I live in California and they live in Australia so I guess that’s why. Australia looks very far away on the map. Wombats look so cute and cuddly, but they can be fierce if someone tries to get into their burrow.  I loved reading about Ruthie and her family, and especially that they all care about animals. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone in the world felt the same way? This book tells you so much about wildlife in Australia and how important it is to protect the environment. It’s a great book for kids, but people who are interested in animals and saving the planet will also enjoy it. This book is a winner for all ages and I think school libraries should have it on their shelves because kids can learn a lot and have fun at the same time! I give it five stars. I wonder if I will ever meet a wombat. I would say, “Hello Wombat. My name is Champ. What’s yours?”

The Shambelurklers Return!

Yay! Can you believe it? My super-hero short story in Champ: My Story of Survival is featured in a great new kids’ book. I am so proud and honored to be a contributing Pawthor because the proceeds from this book go to help kids with autism. Let me tell you all about it.

 

Oooh! They look scary!!!

Five years ago, a friend alerted Marit Meredith to the work done by NAS (the National Autistic Society) The Early Bird Plus program, which had provided invaluable help for her friend’s grandson - and the idea of publishing an anthology to raise money for this cause was born. With a network of writer friends throughout the world, submissions soon came in, from as far afield as India and Australia, and Shambelurkling and Other Stories was published through Lulu (print on demand) in 2009.

Last year, after receiving an update on the work NAS undertakes through the helpline, Marit again sent out a call for submissions, hoping to produce another children’s book in the series. Again writers from near and far came up trumps, and on September 1^st, The Shambelurklers Return was published. In the first week, close on £100 was made in royalties, which will all go to the NAS Helpline.

If you’re wondering what or who the Shambelurklers are, the Shambelurklers was the name given to the monsters lurking in wardrobes, under beds and behind doors, by a writer friend, Rosa Johnson, when her children were small, and in the poem she wrote the myth of the monsters melt away, only to make room for another, more fun one. The poem is in the first book, with the original version opening the second, current book.

 

Here's me in the dark, checking to see if any Shambelurklers are lurking...

 

The Shambelurklers Return is a children’s book of stories and poems, for the age range 6-12, published by Marit Meredith who lives in Clydach, under the name Midnight Scribblers Publishing. It is available from Lulu for £5.99 – and will soon be available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Nook etc. as well.

Please help autistic kids by purchasing this fabulous book. You can also leave a review on the purchase site to encourage more people to buy and enjoy this marvellous collection. PS: Don’t be scared of the Shambelurklers … you just give a loud woof and they will run away!

Champ says: "I Wasn't Quite Myself..."

I wasn't feeling quite myself recently. You can see by this picture that I'm looking off-colour.

 



But then Foster Mommy Suzy took me straightaway to the most famous Dogtor on the planet, my special Dogtor Slaton. He's the Dogtor that helped to save me when I nearly died. I won't show you all the embarrassing pictures when he had to examine me (ugg!). Here's the picture of me afterwards giving him a hug.

 

Then I started feeling so much better, I even wanted to play with my blue ball! Maybe it's the colour that perked me up? Or having a squeaky ball? Anyway, here's me looking adorable and cute.

 

 

 

 

In case you've been wondering why I have been so conspicuous by my absence, I have been finishing a writing project (phew, a toughie) and reading two wonderful books about animals which I will be reviewing. I hope you enjoy them.

Champ's Top 5 Book Marketing Tips

As every Pawthor knows, marketing is an on-going slog once a book has been written. I have a few suggestions as to how Pawthors can spread the word about their work.

1. Get a great Pawtrait shot. You might need a professional photographer but Foster Mommy Suzy is so good with the camera that I just use her photos. (You saw this already but I look so cute I  had to include it again)

Soulful, intelligent, the look of a dedicated Pawthor.
 

2. You should have some interesting bookmarks made, using the cover of your book. It doesn't matter that people like reading e-books. They love getting something cute (and free) and everyone has books around the house. What better way for them to remember your book! You'll see something in the middle of this photo - temporary tattoos! Kids love them when we go to Petco Days. Depending on what your book is about, you could have great fun with these as freebies.

 

3. Coffee mugs are a really fantastic promo product. Can you imagine someone sitting at work, and every day they have their coffee break and look at the cover of your book? It's a winner. This photo is a bit dark but you get the 'picture.'

 

 

4. Folders and notebooks are also fab gifts for people to remember your book. See how wonderful the cover of my book looks!

 

 

5. Lastly but not leastly, you can get posters printed for a special event. There's no way people will walk past and miss seeing your book cover! The photo below shows the poster Foster Mommy Suzy had printed for a special Petco Adoption Day. Isn't it just the best thing you've ever seen? (Yes, that's me Muttbombing!)

I hope these tips all help you with your marketing campaign. Remember, never give up. Rome (wherever that is) wasn't built in a day.

 

I do something every day to tell people about my book Champ: My Story of Survival. Here's me busy at the computer, keeping in touch with my fans. You can follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook page for updates.

 

Please tell everyone you know about my book about how I got saved and have a new life, especially people who love animals (especially dogs!) and who also like 'happy ending' stories like mine.

 

 

 

Champ Interviews Pawthor Ted Terrier

Ted's first book!

Today I am so happy to welcome Pawthor Ted Terrier to my blog. As readers will know, I recently reviewed Ted’s Journal; it was an eye-opener to me – and I’m a dog. So, without further ado, let’s get the real meat off the bone by finding out how Ted gets his inspiration.

Champ, thank you woofly much for your wonderful review of my book and for asking me to do this interview. It’s a meatylicious pleasure and if we get the meat off that bone we can share it and then play tug with the bone, and that’ll be a lot of fun. Unless I steal the bone and bury it, so you better keep your ‘opened’ eyes open for me doing that :) XOX

1. Ted, your Journal was a total revelation. How do you notice all these amazing and fascinating things about your family and humans? Is it a gift? Or do you spend hours observing them?

Thank you, Champ and very happy to have opened your eyes more to the behaviour of humans. Humans are my passion so I think that’s the main reason I notice all these things about them. I love them ever so much and more than any other species that I have met, even more than dogs. It’s easy and so much fun to work on your passions, isn’t it? I do spend hours just being with humans and also I am highly empathic – which most dogs are with their humans, too, actually – so that means I pick up on how they are thinking and feeling. Some humans call that psychic. I like to think about their thoughts and feelings and their behaviour. Humans are very clever and they also have very complicated feelings. Dogs are also clever but with just the right amount of cleverness so they don’t get muddled like humans, and also dogs are clear on their feelings. I hope in writing my observations I can help humans think not so muddled and simply love and not get too upset.

2. A quick question before we press on with even more philosophical Q&A: how did you come to live with Emma and her family?

Ted thinking!

Emma’s mummy Jane decided she wanted a dog and so she came to see me and my puppy siblings when I was still living with my mummy and daddy dog, and I was the first one to go and greet her. I was laughing and wagging my tail and so she said she would take me home when I was ready to go. And then when I was, I did, and then I met Emma and we bonded straight away. I know I am a very fortunate dog cos I was never abandoned or mistreated. I went straight to some lovely humans. All dogs deserve wonderful humans to make their Fur-Ever Homes with.

3. Back to the writing. In your Journal you said you started writing to help Emma get over her writer’s block with creativity. But is that strictly true? Were you actually dying to get started writing anyway?

Ha ha, clever Champ! Yes I was dying to get started but it took a little while for Emma to ‘hear’ me telling her all I had to say. She gets distracted very easily and goes off away in her head and in fantasy lands sometimes and I had to get her back to the bones of things. She had to get stuck and blocked so she’d be ready to be unblocked, if that makes sense. But then once she did hear me there was no stopping her. Most humans have trouble understanding Dog, but she usually gets me really well. Sometimes we argue, but that’s normal with siblings and those creating things together.

4. You said some really philosophical things about life in your Journal. Do you read about that in books, or does it just come to you?

A good idea coming back to Ted...

It just comes to me. Or it comes to Emma. In all honesty, sometimes we’re not totally sure which. Well, I am sure it all comes to me. But Emma says she has more input than just a scribe and as she is scribing for me right now, I think we’d better say it just comes to both of us.

5. You mentioned some pretty personal things in your Journal about the family. Did they mind when you mentioned how their feet smell? Although I must say, Emma sounds as if she smells yummy. Candy-floss. I’ve never tasted it but it sounds delicious.

They know I am a dog and I like smells so they were fine about it and found it funny. They think I’m very funny, in fact. I think that’s why I can get away with saying all these things about them. Some of the things in the Journal are personal truths about them and some are fiction. We did that just to make sure nobody reading it would know for sure which is which and my humans wouldn’t be upset about it. But it could all be true and probably is for some humans somewhere. Candy-floss is delicious, yes – very sweet and also airy like Emma.

6. Now that their secrets are out, do you find members of the family kind of being careful what they do in case you write it down?

No, the opposite! They make sure I am watching before they do anything J

7. You write a blog as well, so writing is an everyday thing for you. Do you have to have a special place to write? Or nice music? Or total silence?

Ted dictating to Emma.

I can only write when Emma is ready to help me so it’s not always every day cos she has other things to do. Then I have to try to remember what I was going to write and my memories don’t last very long. I also Facebook and Tweet (@TedTerrier) J My special place to write is sitting next to Emma on the sofa at our mummy’s home. Usually I have my head and front paws on her lap and we look into each other’s eyes and then she takes my thoughts and puts them on paper or computer. For background ambiance, we might have the TV or music or even other people talking. It doesn’t matter. All sorts can be going on and still my ideas flow out. Emma says I make her concentrate and be more in tune with herself than any other time she tries to write or be creative.

8. What’s your favourite food in the whole world? Any special treats?

Darn! Who forgot the cheese?

Cheese, cheese, more cheese, and ‘Can I have some cheese, please?’! My absolute favourite is Babybel cheese, which my human mummy calls ‘bombels’ so that’s what we’ve called them in our writings cos we’re not sure if we’re allowed to say product names; or maybe we could and then say ‘there are other cheeses available.’

9. What’s next on the writing horizon for you? You know that a Pawthor can never have just one book. Any little hints for my eager readers?

Sneak preview of Ted's next book!

Yes a Pawthor never can and I won’t cos towards the end of this month, March 2014 (we hope), – which also happens to be my 14^th birthday – The Second Journal of Ted Terrier will be ready and out J Woofyay! And we are already working on the third one J

10. What advice would you give to Pawthors out there contemplating publishing their mewahs or their Observations on Life?

Easy – get yourself a lovely human cos they are good at looking after the practicalities of it so you can just focus on your observations and creativity and philosophising and what really matters. Just bark it out there!

11. Is there anything that you’d like to share with readers, or anything special you’d like to tell the world? (Like who is really your favourite person in the family…)

Okay, well, cos she was the star of the show and my primary inspiration, my journal says my favourite person is my mummy Jane, but actually, she’s not. I’m not saying this cos her fingers are typing it, but honestly my favourite person is Emma and I really couldn’t do this without her cos we have a wooftastic connection and my favourite place to be is by her side J

Thanks for sharing all this wonderful insight with me and my readers, Ted. I’ll be first in line to review your next book.

PS: Are you a Pawthor? Have you written a memwah or just your Observations on Life? Let me know for a book review and interview. Cats also welcome!

Champ Interviews Pawthor Byron Tinker

Today I am honoured to have acclaimed Pawthor Byron Tinker visit my blog and answer a few questions about his life and career.

Byron's amazing adventure!

Hi Byron and welcome to my blog. I just loved your book Tortoise Soup (my review here). It was such an incredible adventure that I’m sure readers are as curious as I am about you and your amazing life. So here are a few questions so the world can learn more about you and your amazing feats of bravery and skill.

How did you come to live with Pawthor Nick Holland and has he been very helpful in getting your book written and out there for readers?

Hi Champ! It's a big honour for me to speak to such a famous dog! My human, the Pawthor Nick Holland, read your story to me and it was very moving! He bought me from a tortoise breeder called Brian. Us torties and turtles make great pets, but it's better to get us from specialist tortoise & turtle breeders, because some people try to sell torties that have been snatched from the wild! My mum and dad were from Russia! They were being illegally smuggled into England. The airport people spotted them and passed them onto Brian, who takes really good care of them.

What a lucky escape for your parents. So, what made you decide to write Tortoise Soup?

I love books, but there weren't enough about us tortoises.  People think we are slow, but we can do lots and lots! I decided to write a book myself, though I had to get my pet human to type it all up for me.

I am sure Nick was keen to help. I mean, what an experience for him as well. This is a secret question – is everything that happened in the book true?

It all happened! Or was it a dream? After all, having adventures in our mind is almost as much fun as having them in real life. Don't tell anyone though, Champ, but it was all true!

That's amazing, although I suspected it was all true. Did you feel sick when you were flying with the wild crane, trying to get back to Ruby? I ask this question because in my book, when I had to fly with the pigeons, my stomach kept going round and round.

I did feel sick at first, and it was very cold up there. But I was so excited that I soon forgot how sick I felt.

Byron enjoying his annual strawberry!

I noticed in your book you had a hard time getting exactly the kind of food you like and are accustomed to eating. So, what’s your very favourite food in the whole world?

Definitely strawberries! But too many would make me feel sick, so I only get two a year. One at Christmas and one on my birthday (July 20^th!). It's a very special treat. I also love big yellow dandelion flowers!

Hmm, strawberries? They sound interesting. You were very brave during your adventure, even when that Miss Scratbakk nearly got you with the big machine. Truthfully, were you ever so scared you thought you couldn’t go on?

I was! I was so scared  could have put my head in my shell and never come out again. But sometimes you have to hide how scared you are. It doesn't matter how little you are, if you have a big heart then you can achieve big things!

I totally agree with you. Do you believe in the Anjil for Aminals (that’s who helped save me from abuse)?

I definitely believe in the Anjil for Aminals! I think somebody up there in the sky is looking out for us all. That's why we should all say a prayer for our anipals who need her help.

Has being a world-famous Pawthor changed you in any way? Has it changed your life? Do you feel you still have all four paws on the ground?

I get fan emails from across the world, which I love! But I try not to get too big headed, or I wouldn't fit in my shell any more. I got my picture in the local paper as well, but it wasn't on the front page where I should have been. Oops, my head is getting bigger again!

Byron charging around the garden!

Ha ha! Byron, you are so funny! What’s a typical day for you?

I wake up and exercise, up down, up down, twenty times. And then my other eyelid. It's hard work keeping in top shell condition. Then I have a bath in a plastic tub with warm water in it. When I come out my human has put my food out. I gobble it up and then snooze under my sun lamp. While I snooze, I'm thinking up ideas for new books. At midday, my human lets me out of my home (my tortoise table) and I stomp around the house and watch television. Then it's back to snoozing until supper time, lots of nice weeds for me to eat, with a bit of lettuce. If it's summer time, I go outside and charge around the garden – I like that! But I can't stand the cold, so I spend my winters indoors. I love climbing over things, knocking things over and digging in the soil. Maybe I should be a tortoise marine? Then when it gets dark, I go to sleep. Another fun filled day will be waiting in the morning.

Two exciting stories in one book!

Life sounds great and your human certainly takes good care of you. Clearly, you have trained him very well. Now that you’re a Pawthor with two books (A Christmas Shellebration and Tortoise Soup), what’s next on the writing agenda?

I think I should be the first tortoise in space. I'm planning on stowing away on a rocket and blasting into space with my special human friend Ruby! I want to find out if the moon is made of cheese or lettuce? When I get back, I will write all about it.

Phew! You are one ambitious tortie, and why not! You show 'em up amongst the stars! If you had One Big Wish that was guaranteed to come true, what would you wish for?

I would wish that all anipals would be happy and healthy, and there would be no more cruelty out there. Because we all have a lot of love to give, and we only want a little love in return.

What a lovely wish! I also wish for all anipals to have love and happiness, and a nice warm place to sleep, with lots of good food, too. What’s your message for other aspiring Pawthors out there?

Don't let anyone stop you writing your story! People might try to put you off, but they're just jealous because you can write a book and they can't. Once you've done it, then you'll be a Pawthor for life, and nobody can ever take that away from you. And maybe your book will make people happy, and that's the bestest gift of all!

I agree, making people happy is a very good aim. Thanks so much for sharing details of your life and career with us today. I am sure this will inspire many Pawthors to put paw to paper and get their stories out to eager readers.

Thank you Champ! I loved talking to you, I hope I wasn't too slow!

Not at all! I appreciate your taking time out of your busy Pawthor schedule to be with us. I’m reading Shellebration right now and hope to post a review very soon.

For new readers, Byron lives in the United Kingdom which is a long way from where I live in California. His guardian is Nick Holland, who is also a Pawthor. I think he helps Byron with some big words and spelling in his books. You can follow Byron on Twitter @ByronTinker. You can also buy his books on Amazon, and don’t forget to leave a review.

Champ Reviews Tortoise Soup

Hello everyone,
This is my very first book review as a Pawthor. Phew! I am nervous. Since I became a Pawthor, I realise just how important it is for people to tell other people about books. I mean, how else are they going to know how wonderful a book is unless someone tells

Byron eating a strawberry on New Year's Day

them? That’s why I’m going to tell the world about my friend Byron Tinker’s book, Tortoise Soup. I met Byron on Twitter and, although he is a tortoise, he is still a Pawthor (even though he hasn’t got paws). We swopped books and I just hope he loved my book as much as I did his.

This is what the story is about: Ruby Tinker is an orphan and she lives in St. Therese’s Children’s Home in England, with her pet tortoise Byron. Let me tell you, Byron is one special reptile. He can sing, dance, run fast (for a tortoise) and he makes up poetry as well (he was named after a famous poet). Anyway, Ruby has something wrong with her legs after a car accident when she lost her parents. She tries to be as happy as she can with Byron. They read books together, and tell each other everything, like the bestest friends in the whole world. But the horrible Miss Scratbakk, who runs the children’s home, has a wicked plan. She wants to become very rich. I won’t spoil the plot for you, but her evil plans mean the end of Byron. Ruby’s Uncle Peter comes to fetch her to live with him in Scotland in a Fur-Ever Home. He doesn’t like pets and poor Byron has to stay behind. Ruby is terribly upset. What will happen to Byron? Will he and Ruby ever be reunited?

What I think of the book: Well, I nearly chewed my nails off worrying about Byron. He is a really brave tortoise, and he has incredible adventures. I didn’t think he would survive, especially when he met the snakes in the pet shop. Amazingly enough, so many people helped Byron, as well as other animals. But at the same time, Ruby's new home in Scotland was a long way from the Children's Home in England and when Byron decided to walk there, I thought to myself, “He’ll never make it.” The story is just full of love and friendship, and also bravery and not giving up. I imagined myself right next to Byron as he plodded along, and when he described things, it was as if I could see them as well. I just loved how Ruby did not give up on Byron: she knew he was still alive.

There is lots of wonderful magical stuff that people who love animals will enjoy. I cried a lot reading this book because Byron talked about things that were happy and sad at the same time. If you want adventure and magicality, this is the book for you. You also learn a lot about tortoises, how to care for them, and what they eat. They don’t like corned-beef-and-mustard sandwiches. I must say, I wouldn’t mind a sandwich like that, but hold the mustard please.

Byron lives in the United Kingdom which is a long way from where I live in California. His guardian is Nick Holland, who is also a Pawthor. I think he helped Byron with some big words and spelling. You can follow Byron on Twitter @ByronTinker. You can also buy his book on Amazon, and don’t forget to leave a review. I give it Five Stars!