CASE FILE 13: ZOMBIE KID by J. Scott Savage

You hold in your hands a very dangerous record.

I have collected every side of the story and every piece of evidence on case number 13. Now, in this file, you will find all you need to follow the dark adventures of Nick, Carter, and Angelo, three boys who possess an unhealthy obsession with monsters, in a town so grisly, so horrific—

Whoa, whoa, whoa. You're telling it all wrong, dude. You make it sound like it's a scary story.

Ahem. Well, Nick, it is a scary story. In this volume alone, there are voodoo queens, graveyards—even the dreaded Zombie King himself.

Yeah, but there's also the part where Angie gets mashed potatoes all in her face, and the part where I use my cool zombie powers to—

All right, point taken. Now, if you don't mind . . .

You hold in your hands a very dangerous, very funny record, detailing the hilarious adventures of three boys who have an awesome obsession with monsters. This is the first volume. Read on if you dare. . . 

First line:
"Please relax and make yourself comfortable."

BOY BOOK ALERT! 
Boys of all ages will love this book. It has puns and grossness and zombies. Seriously, what boy can pass that up? My 10 year-old loved, loved, loved it. And told me I HAD to read it.  So I did. But I decided to give said child a chance to review this book for me. Take it away, Zachariah!

"I thought Zombie Kid was awesome because there were zombies in it. I liked it because it was funny and creative. My favorite character was Angelo because he's the oldest one and he likes reading. Pretty much without him, Nick would still be a zombie forever. I liked the magic and ideas and scenes people probably wouldn't think of."

And there you have it. Honest, hard review from a fourth grader.




 

LDStorymakers Conference ~ ANNE PERRY You can do it. Do it beautifully.

I could not write fast enough while I listened to Anne Perry's keynote speech.
Here are a few of the quotes I did catch on paper:

Her favorite story is Dante's Divine Comedy. This is what she said about it: "It's one heck of a good yarn!"

On Writing:

• We create stories to understand.
• What is the difference between sentiment and sentimentality? One is trite, one is honest.
• Write then go back and take out everything that isn't sincere or what you want to say.
• You can write something that will enrich someone, either now or in the future.
• Repetition weakens what your want to say.
• Light on water touches me. What touches you? Bird song? Church bells? Share it. Write it the very best you can, then share it.

On belief:

• I believe what we are here to do is emphasize with others.
• We aren't punished for our sins but BY our sins.
• Share your love, your faith, your doubt.
• If nothing bad has happened to you, hang on, it will!
• We have a Bible and a Book of Mormon an people have died to bring them to us.
• Don't be ashamed to say something hurt or that you sat down in the middle of the night and wept. Then got up again.
• The church bells call the faithful and frightened and all sorts of people to pray. 

You can do it. Do it beautifully.

Writers on Wednesday ~ Jenn Johansson

This week we welcome J.R. Johansson or Jenn as most of us call her. Jenn is awesome and funny cute. And a soon to be a published author! Her book, INSOMNIA, looks scary cool.

Enjoy Jenn's interview!

Give us your elevator pitch.
Parker is a 17-year-old boy who spends every night trapped in the dreams of the last person he made eye contact with, and it's killing him. Until he meets Mia. In her dreams he can finally get true sleep, but when someone begins stalking her, everyone believes it is Parker. He must learn who is truly to blame and clear his name before the stalker makes good on his threats to end her dreams forever.

What’s your favorite snack?

I love licorice...Red Vines, Twizzlers, even the Good & Plenty with the black licorice centers. I think I could live off of licorice and Diet Coke. :)

What is your most memorable high school experience?

In high school, I did a lot of performing in choirs and musicals, but my most memorable experience was probably when I learned to play the drums for the sole purpose of being in the band for the all-male performance choir. But hey...it worked. I had a date to every dance that year. ;-)


What was the first book that turned you into a reader?

That would have to be A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. It's still one of my absolute favorites.

Are you a night owl or early bird?

Oh, I'm such a night owl. I'm not even able to communicate in full sentences until noon most days. Me in the morning = not a pretty thing


What do you never leave home without?

My phone. I'm fully addicted. It's a little sad.


Do you have any pets?

I have two cats. A girl - Cleo - and a boy - Phoenix. They're cute, cuddly, and extremely social. Phoenix is now fully grown and seems to believe he's a parrot. He loves to try to perch on my shoulder while I'm writing. Maybe I should have named him Muse.

What is one piece of advice you would give aspiring writers?

Keep writing, no matter what. No matter where you are in the process, this is crucial!

Young Chefs Cookbook by Christina Dymock Blog Tour!

Welcome today Christina Dymock and her fun, new book: Young Chefs: Cooking Skills and Recipes for Kids by Christina Dymock.

This colorful cookbook with simple but yummy recipes will appeal to any child, even our inner child. With recipes ranging from Cinnamon Toast to Banana Tacos to Best Nachos Ever, you'll find something for every person and taste bud in the family.
There are many instructions and definitions throughout the book that are helpful. And most recipes have ingredients that are already in your kitchen.
We have made the Cheese Ball, Pink Smoothie and Cinnamon Toast with success.
I recommend this cookbook for every home with young children. The recipes are usually quick to make and the kids will love helping.