Friends,
I wanted to share some recently released books from Monarch Educational Services. Monarch is my publisher and my picture book, Get Real, Lucille, will be released in July of 2025. Over the past year, I’ve gotten to know the publisher, Jen Lowry, as well as some of my fellow Monarch authors. They are a fun, joyful bunch of writers committed to their craft. Without further ado, here are some great books.
I wanted to share some recently released books from Monarch Educational Services. Monarch is my publisher and my picture book, Get Real, Lucille, will be released in July of 2025. Over the past year, I’ve gotten to know the publisher, Jen Lowry, as well as some of my fellow Monarch authors. They are a fun, joyful bunch of writers committed to their craft. Without further ado, here are some great books.
Arty, by Penny Schneider
Arty, a beta fish, just wants a friend. On his journey to find one, he meets Slug and a warm, hilarious friendship is formed. This book is full of humor and fun! The illustrations are wonderful! Kids will love swimming along with Arty on his quest throughout this graphic novel. I predict it will be read again and again.
Groundworld Heroes, by Adrian So
The GroundWorld Heroes has it all - adventure, heart, wit and humor. The animal citizens of Groundworld are threatened when their world is invaded by animal trappers. An under-rated mole by the name of Benjamin, works with the other animals to save their home. Adrian So presents his characters with imagination and enough quirkiness to make me giggle. He’s also adept at showing what happens when different worlds collide. This is a fun, creative and satisfying chapter book for young readers!
Free Sings the Sea, by Stacey Bartlett
I found Free Sings the Sea, by Stacie Bartlett, to be a well written and moving YA story. She brings her in characters to life and made me fall in love with the main character, Shanna with her big personality. I also enjoyed her gentle sister, Lia, who adores animals. In this book, Bartlett addresses domestic violence in a convincing way while offering hope.
One important take-away is that the victims of abuse tend to think the abuse is normal. They don’t believe there’s a way out. Free Sings the Sea affirms that there is a way out and that there are tools to help those who have been damaged.
The budding romance between Shanna and a young man named Free helps Shannon escape the abusive step-dad along with her mother and sister. As they are on the run, the ongoing tension had me wondering if and when the step-dad would show up. I love this story. This is a book that matters.
One important take-away is that the victims of abuse tend to think the abuse is normal. They don’t believe there’s a way out. Free Sings the Sea affirms that there is a way out and that there are tools to help those who have been damaged.
The budding romance between Shanna and a young man named Free helps Shannon escape the abusive step-dad along with her mother and sister. As they are on the run, the ongoing tension had me wondering if and when the step-dad would show up. I love this story. This is a book that matters.
