Sophie Washington: The Snitch by Tonya Ellis

So, I just read Sophie Washington: The Snitch, and I have to say. It was a fantastic read. Sophie is just too freaking adorable! OMG. Not just the way she dresses. From the illustrations you can see she typically wears tunic style dress with a pair of capris. But her personality is also so adorable and loveable.

Except when she is around her brother, who she cannot stand. She thinks she is trying to help him stop sucking his thumb, but she just ends up making him feel bad. Oops! Turns out, his friends are more understanding than she thought they would be.

Unfortunately, Sophie has to deal with a bully at school. The bully, Lanie, is SUPER mean. She takes other kids money. But what will happen when she physically injures another kid?

This book had a lot of fun imagery and has great messages for kids. Sophie is part of a happy, normal family who cares about her, which is nice to read about. She even starts to get on with her brother during the book. She learns that sometimes keeping secrets can be harmful. She learns that her friends are supportive and will stand by her when she needs them too. I really liked that Sophie had a friend who was an exchange student from Africa. (One of my awesome classmates last year was an exchange student from Africa. I adore her!)

Tonya Ellis is on my "authors to watch" list. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by her!

Click HERE to buy it!

Star Syrup by Penny LeClair

Star Syrup is a cozy middle grade read about a girl named Lena who can't quite sing. Lena has a tendency to fly under the radar. There isn't really anything about her that stands out. Until one day, when her nemesis ruins a meet and greet with a star, and Lena ends up with a potion and a little more attention than she bargained for. But will her newfound fame help or hurt her?

Lena was an appealing character. She is one that you will find yourself cheering for throughout the whole book. All of the characters in this book are, in fact, appealing characters. Even Lena's nemesis, Xara, and the pop star with issues, Janet, have redeeming qualities.

The thing I liked most about this book is that you can really see Lena's growth in character. And she learns that talent is something that you aren't always blessed with, but certainly can earn with time.

I'm happy to have this book in my collection.

5 Shovels!

Interview With Author Elias Zapple

Introducing The Author With The Amazing Mustache

Elias Zapple

What inspired you to write your first book?

My favourite pet slug, Steve. My faithful companion, attentive listener to my woes, avid reader of my prose and unfortunate victim of a fatal lawnmower accident. He inspires me everyday and in every way. His last words to me were, "Elias, write that children's book, 'Duke & Michel', it'll be a huge success and children everywhere will love it. Also, please eat the lettuce in the fridge before it goes bad."

When did you start considering yourself a writer?

April 2^nd, 1870, the day after I emerged out of a tulip in an old granny’s garden here in Camberwell.

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

The latest is always my favourite. The latest would be Duke & Michel: The King Tingaling Painting. Being my favourite, I often take it out to fancy restaurants and buy it tulips.

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

How do you feel about being interviewed by a slug with an IQ of 190? It’s terrifying, believe me. 

What are you working on next?

A new style for my moustache, Mr Snazzy. He refuses to change but I’ll do it when he’s asleep.

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

An extract from my first book, Duke & Michel: The Mysterious Corridor:

‘Duke wandered over to a used chocolate wrapper that was by the side of the

road and sniffed at it.

“Empty. Just my luck.”

“What’s empty?”

“Besides your head?”

Michel went over to Duke and picked up the chocolate wrapper Duke was sniffing at.

“Chocomallo!”

“I didn’t know you could read,” Duke said, as he had a lie down.

“This is Romain’s favourite chocolate bar. He always has one on him.”

“Only one? Selfish boy. He should always carry two. Never know when you might meet a very hungry Basset Hound.”’

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

I’m fairly impartial however most people seem to love Duke, a sarcastic, pompous, food-obsessed Basset Hound. He’s quick-witted, scathing, rude and narcissistic - my kind of dog.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Throwing cabbages is a great way to relieve stress.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I throw cabbages at my neighbour, Dieter and plan military attacks with my army of slugs. I also drink an obscene amount of herbal tea.

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

My books aren’t big enough to fit me and I wouldn’t be able to breathe. Mr Snazzy would just wilt away! It would have to be a book the size of a house but then why live in a book and not in a house? An absurd idea!

What was your favourite book when you were a kid?

‘How to Brainwash Slugs’.

What's the deal with slugs and cabbages?

The deal is for a lifetime and includes a 5-minute break each year. They’re also allowed to hold conventions in my hallway as part of the deal. One slug tried to revolt and demand better conditions he’s now resting comfortably at the bottom of a deep-fat fryer. The same for the cabbages except they don’t require breaks or have the need to hold conventions.