The Reading Promise

The Reading Promise is a beautiful story about a mother who doesn't have a lot, but is determined to share her love of reading, books, and knowledge with her son. 

She makes sure that her son never misses an opportunity to learn.

The illustrations by Elisa Moriconi add a really nice soft touch to this book, which makes a great bedtime story.

Although there are a sad moments in this book, it is still a great book. 

SPOILER ALERT

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His mom gets sick and dies when he is a young adult. I feel it is important to mention this as someone who is not ready to talk about this with their young children might want to skip this page for now. They can return to it when they are ready.

Overall, despite the sad moments, I would still give this book

5 Shovels

Teddy with the Book

Jean-Luc, snuggled up and ready to read!

The Moore Zombies: The Search for Gargoy

What better way to revive this blog than with a review of a book about zombies?

The Moore family is a zombie family consisting of a Mombie, a dad, two girls, and two boys. In this episode, all of Baby Zom's older siblings must have help her find Gargoy. 

Who or what is Gargoy? We don't find out until the end.

This a really nice story with lots of facts about zombies and some really fun illustrations. Readers will enjoy meeting and learning about each of the zombie family members.

There isn't a dull moment in the story either. Definitely a winner for any young zombie fans.

5 Shovels!

The Future of Destiny's Book Dig Up!

Hello! Welcome to my blog. If you were an avid reader of this blog, then you may be aware that this site temporarily went on a hiatus after I was in a bad car accident in 2014. I had planned to come back and start where I left off. However, a few things happened in that time.

1. I lost access to the email that I used to receive books for review. (That's part of the reason that removed it from the front page.)

2. I started attending college and needed to focus on that.

3. I spent a little more of my free time working on my own stories.

Those are the main reasons I went on hiatus.

I am going to start reviewing books again soon. If you sent me a book in the past and I did not review it, you can send it again in the future once I have a proper place for you to send it.

Thanks for your time,

Teddy

Interview With Author Ryann Adams Hall

Meet The Author That Gave Us A Sweet Tooth

Ryann Adams Hall

What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book is a poem book I wrote in high school and decided to get it published. My daughter is the person that inspired me to start writing children's books. I write short children's books for children preschool age that have a short attention span. All the books people kept giving her were too long and she would never let me finish reading them too her. She would get bored and start trying to flip the pages or try to take the book from me. I really enjoy having shorter books to read to her. I can actually finish the story!

When did you start considering yourself a writer?

I still haven't to be honest with you. It still doesn't feel like I am actually an Author. I guess I always thought fame came with being an Author. But I realize only few make it there. People like Stephanie Meyer! Maybe I'll have my time in the spotlight one day.

Out of the books you've written, which is your favorite?

My favorite book right now isn't published yet. It's called Butterfly's Big Adventure. It is with an illustrator now and will be published soon! Kayleigh Butterfly goes on a Big Adventure exploring all the neat places (in the United States) her momma always told her about in her bedtime stories. Next to that one, I really love the Shelby Loves Candy Book. The illustrations are so bright and pretty!

How do you feel about being interviewed by a children's book character?

She is awesome! Taking the time out of her day to interview someone like me! I thank her very much!

What are you working on next?

Butterfly's Big Adventure is with an illustrator. Bella Wants to be a Writer will be with an illustrator soon. Also, Valentine's Crushed, a short, first chapter book for young children, is waiting on an answer from a publisher.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Caden Loves his Momma was the first book I wrote and illustrated myself. It came from my nephew and how much he loves his momma. She cannot go a foot away from him without him crying! Next, I wrote and Illustrated Rylie's New Bike. Caden's sister, my niece. I wrote this based on the bike she got for her birthday. Then there is Abbie Goes to the Zoo and Shelby Loves Candy. My other sisters two girls. I wrote and Illustrated Three Little Sisters based on some childhood memories of my sisters and I. Seasons Come, Seasons Go, is a picture book I wrote for my daughter.

Out of your own characters, do you have a favorite?

My daughter of course! I love my nieces and nephew too of course!

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don't let anyone tell you, you can't! Don't worry about bad reviews. Try to learn from them or correct the mistake, if there is one.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Promoting, Advertising! Working on books. Or playing with my daughter and taking care of my house.

If you had to live in one of your books which book would it be?

Butterfly's Big Adventure!

What was your favourite book when you were a kid?

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish was the first book I ever read by myself. It felt so great to read a book all by myself!

What is your favorite kind of candy?

Reeses Cups! Butterfinger or Jr. Mints will do fine too.

Hide, Alex, Hide by Natalie Finnigan - Destiny's review

Hide, Alex, Hide captures all the fun of Hide And Seek with the sweet, rhyming style of Natalie Finnigan. Her style is very much complimented by Gina Rahman's illustrations. 

It is easy enough to read that a young child could probably read it with little or no help, but it is not boring! And grown-ups will enjoy it too. Natalie expertly combines the fun concepts of story time and playing! Who doesn't want to talk about or read about their favourite game.

In this adventures, Alex hides from his friends Dragon and Spider. Things take a wrong a turn when Alex decides to surprise his friends, but will the friends all make nice in the end? I will not spoil it for you, but the answer is "Most likely!"

The illustrations are sweet and cute. They add to the story and are tons of fun to look at. Natalie and Gina definitely make a winning team!

A team that makes this book Top Shelf!

Don't forget to visit Alex, Dragon, and Spider on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/alexdragonspider

Please join us tomorrow for our interview with Natalie!

New Format

Today I'm going to start posting my reviews in a new format. Book report format!

I think this new format will make it easier for you to get information about the books I review. This way we won't be wasting any time. So let's get reviewing.

"Uh, Destiny?" Faith nudged me.

"Yes, Faith?"

"Isn't that cheating?"

"Isn't what cheating?"

"You're going to be posting your book reports."

"I am not. Don't tell them that!"

"Oh, Tiny." Faith said and shook her head.

Introduction To Destiny's Book Dig Up

I ran into my room and closed the door. I tried to lock it, but the lock is broken so I did the best I could to try to keep it closed. I just hoped that my sisters Faith and Olive didn't come wandering into the room. Even though it is Faith's room too, I know she would bother me if she found out I was doing a book review. That's right, I decided to do book reviews! 

I picked up the new book and examined the shiny cover. I couldn't wait to start my first review. I jumped onto my cozy bed and cuddled up under the blankets and set the book in my lap, my stuffed rabbit Usagi by my side. 
  
 "Are you ready to review with me, Usagi?" I asked him.
   Usagi nodded. 
Suddenly, I heard the broken door handle turning. As Faith entered the room I quickly hid the book under the pillow. 
 
"What are you doing?" Faith asked.

"Well, I'm not reviewing any books if that's what you were thinking!" I said quickly. 

"Um, I wasn't." Faith said, squinting her eyes at me. Good, I confused her. 

"Anyway, I just came in here to see if Olive left her doll in here. She lost it."

"The one that speaks Spanish?"

"Yeah, that one." Faith said, but then she noticed the corner of the new book sticking out from under my pillow.     

 "What's this?" She picked it up.


"Moon Girl." I said. "By Beatrix Tambunan."

"What's it about?" Faith asked.

"It's about Moon Girl who lights Earth's Moon each night so that night creatures can come out and play."

"Why are you reading it?"

"So I can review it," I told her. "I decided I'm going to start doing book reviews! I have a new site and it's called Destiny's Book Dig Up and I am going to be reviewing lots and lots of books." I finally answered.

"Why?" Faith asked.

"Because I love reading." I informed her. Sometimes I wonder about Faith.

"Okay, have fun," Faith said and she left the room.

   Now I'm alone. I can read and review books as I please. The first book I'm going to read is Moon Girl by Beatrix Tambunan.

- Destiny