I Made It Home is a heartwarming story that captures the essence of
courage, kindness, and friends who flutter into our lives when we need them
most. When a change of plans leaves young Aubrey finding her own way home, she
embarks on an unexpected adventure with her cheerful companions, a butterfly,
a bluebird, and a ladybug. Sometimes the smallest friends lead us the
furthest. Along the way, she and a frightened little boy learn valuable
lessons about courage, friendship, and the magic of kindness. This enchanting
tale will delight readers of all ages and remind them that every kind gesture
brings us closer to where we belong.
About the Author
Debra I. Thomas shares her excitement about her children's picture books,
hoping they will inspire joy and adventure in young readers. She is also
working on more imaginative stories that reflect her love for children and
pets, inviting readers to explore the magic of storytelling together.
A.J. is so excited about his new cowboy boots. He wears them on the
first day of the school year. Mom said it was for only one day and then back
to his regular boots or sneakers. During recess, A.J. plays in an exciting
game of kickball. His boots get very messy during the game.
When he gets home, Jon, the farm hand, see the boots and tells him to clean
them up then get into his work boots. Jon tells him to give Lady Star a ride
because she’s waited all day for him.
On the ride, A.J. heads to the shallow pond out in one field. While A.J.
daydreams, Lady Star sees the pond and decides to get there fast. A.J. loses
control of Lady Star and finds himself thrown into the pond. Daydreaming on
the ride means A.J. has additional chores when he returns to the barn.
In this second book, Sherry Roberts continues to tell stories inspired
by her father’s childhood during the 1930s and 1940s in Northeast
Oklahoma. For those who enjoy stores of the American West, as well as history,
Just Look At Those Boots, is a must-read.
About the Author
Sherry Roberts is an award-winning children’s book author. She holds a
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Louisville. She has
written multiple award-winning fiction picture books such as ‘Twas the
Night Before Christmas…A First for Gus, Hello, Can I Bug You?, Gabriel
and the Special Memorial Day, What’s Wrong with Barnaby, and The Best
Reading Buddy. She also has written two non-fiction award-winning picture
books, Sonnet, Sonnet, What’s in Your Bonnet? and A Visit Through the
Wetlands. These two were illustrated with her photography. Sherry’s
newest picture book, Amica Helps Zoe, was featured in Kirkus e-newsletter June
2025 as Indie Pick and received a Get It: Recommend review.
As a former middle school teacher, Dr. Roberts decided to write her first
middle-grade novel (ages 8-13). Her debut novel, The Galaxy According to CeCe,
is the first book in a three-book series. It was officially released on
February 24, 2024. Book two, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Mysterious Dr.
Pruitt, was released August 2024. Book three, The Galaxy According to Cece:
The Stars Align, released February 2025.
Sherry’s next venture is a chapter book series (ages 6-8). The first
book, Just Call Me Pardner, was released August 1, 2025. The series is about a
young boy in the 1930s on a small farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and is
inspired by stories of her father’s childhood in the 1930s. Book 2, Just
Look at Those Boots, launches in early 2026, with Book 3, Just Don’t
Give a Girl a Frog, launching in November 2026.
Dr. Roberts has also written many articles that appear in various academic
journals, along with three textbooks. Personal Financial Literacy is in its
fourth edition (Pearson). She is an associate professor of Marketing in Jones
College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University.
Ivy’s life is a swirl of turbulence and change. It’s been
almost a year since her sweet momma has died. Bottled up feelings tear her
apart inside. Grandma wants to take her little dog away. Her BFFs pressure her
to change. The cutest boy in school has a crush on her.
“It’s the universe, Ivy Leigh, welcoming in a little
change.” Mr. Winters, her neighbor, a wannabe cowboy, tells her one day.
But change is so confusing. When a pair of bullies taunt her on the bus and
tease her at school, Ivy makes a giant mistake.
With a mix of humor and poignant moments and a quirky cast of neighbors and
friends, Ivy finds a way to understand herself and make up for that mistake
she’s made. Best of all, Ivy remembers Momma: Feelings are like
fireflies caught in a jar, Ivy Leigh. They belong in the open, where a warm
breeze can carry them away!
About the Author
Gael Lynch is a writer and storyteller, a teacher whose love of kids and furry
creatures has followed her throughout her life. She now lives in coastal
Carolina, a place of sunny beaches and warm breezes with her husband Tom and
her rambunctious golden retriever, Wrigley. However, Newtown, Connecticut,
with its pastoral beauty and kind-hearted people will always be a place she
calls home.
A Funny St. Patrick's Day Picture Book Based on the Viral Internet
Legend!
Can you see the leprechaun? Join the search in this whimsical reimagining of
the internet’s favorite St. Paddy's Day mystery!
Deep in the heart of the Crichton neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, a legend
was born. Inspired by the viral news sensation that captured the world's
imagination in 2006, The Crichton Leprechaun transforms the famous local rumor
into a delightful, laugh-out-loud adventure for the whole family.
It all starts on a sunny March morning when whispers spread through the
community: There is a leprechaun in the tree! Is it a magical sighting? A
trick of the light? Or just a bit of mischievous holiday fun?
Follow the neighborhood excitement as crowds gather, amateur sketches are
drawn, and everyone—from curious kids to skeptical grown-ups—joins
the hunt for the elusive pot of gold.
Why Readers Love This Book:
A Nostalgic Tribute: The perfect gag gift or collector's item for millennial
parents and adults who remember the original viral video and news clip.
Holiday Fun: A fresh, humorous alternative to traditional Saint Patrick's Day
books for kids.
Community & Joy: At its heart, this is a warm story about how a
neighborhood came together to share a laugh and a legend.
Vibrant Illustrations: Brings the "Amateur Sketch" and the magic of Mobile to
colorful life.
Whether you are looking for a funny children's book, a unique St. Patrick's
Day gift, or a piece of internet history reimagined, this story proves that
sometimes the real gold is the fun we have together.
About the Author
By day, Salvatore Mautone is an attorney and compliance professional; by
night, he is a children’s book author. A New Jersey native,
Salvatore’s writing career started close to home with No Karate in The
Potty, a story crafted specifically to make his niece and nephew laugh. He
continues to find joy in creating stories that entertain young readers.
Mother Nature struggles to maintain equilibrium in a changing world
while fire, disease, logging, human displacement, and war repeatedly destroy
forests of centuries-old trees. Split Toe, a deer chosen at birth for a unique
education, travels through time to understand the interconnected workings of a
Michigan forest. He meets humans along the way: Ice Age hunters who trap and
kill a mastodon; Mukwoh, a young Ojibwe hunter who stalks Split Toe through
swamp and forest; loggers clearcutting Michigan’s white pines; Edra, a
woman advocating for the trees; Angus and Grace, pioneers who become a first
generation of family farmers; scientists from the future studying the impact
of nuclear radiation.
Split Toe witnesses two hundred years of conflict building between modern
humans -- who fight to control the natural world -- and Mother Nature, who
repeatedly reaches for balance. He wonders whether human ways will ultimately
overpower Mother Nature, until he meets a boy who changes everything.
Excerpt
Chapter 5 – The Sacred Circle – AD1409
Page 54
Copyright @ 2026 by Daniel S. Ellens
And here, within the ancient circle, the barrier between the physical world
and the spirit pool was thin. He could hear them now, whispering to each other
in the wind.
Waawaashkeshi breathed deeply, looked up into the tree foliage, and asked the
spirits the question that was weighing on him.
“Was that really necessary? The hungry cougar? The human stalking me?
This flea? The problem at the river? I nearly broke my neck. It is still
sore.”
Waawaashkeshi stretched his neck upward and to the side in a circular motion,
lifting his chin. He was speaking to himself. Listening for an answer that
would come from within.
“Am I not a chosen deer? Why do you not protect me from such
things?”
The spirit’s answer seemed to whisper through his mind like wind through
the leaves.
“Waawaashkeshi, you know that physically, you are an ordinary deer. You
learn from experience as any other living thing learns from experience. You
are as big and strong as your kind can be. Your chances of survival are better
than other deer because of your strength and the wisdom you’ve gained
from your experiences. Your adversaries are mighty, which will only make you
stronger … if you survive. Your judgment grows, like a river fed by
many streams. You would never be able to understand what you must learn if you
were not an ordinary deer who faces real suffering. You are not protected from
the natural trials of life because trials are a part of life. Do you think you
could understand the strength of the river without such a crossing? Do you
think you would have found out about the living soil if you had not crossed
the river? Knowing such things is important. Your experiences will guide you
in the future. They will help you understand the natural world, the forest,
and its inhabitants. They will help you survive. These are your
lessons.”
About the Author
Dan Ellens is an outdoor enthusiast who is passionate about connecting people
with nature. He spends nearly half of each year in an isolated,
electricity-free treehouse on Winterfield Pines Nature Sanctuary with
woodstove heat, handpump water, and oil lamp lighting.
Dan has written four nonfiction books intended to inspire adventure, promote
self-sufficient lifestyles, and connect people with nature.
While not in the wilds, Dan and his wife live in the small community of Salem,
Michigan.
Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival includes comedy and yet realistic
life issues. Readers will laugh, giggle, worry, and cheer Amanda's attempts at
growth. Amanda is a pre-adolescent girl who deals with body issues,
middle-school drama, angst with new girls, coming of age issues such as seeing
beyond the surface, handling responsibilities of leadership, and questions
about faith. Set in a mid-size central Minnesota town, the story is told
exclusively from Amanda's point of view. Amazing Amanda is a clean, family
friendly story.
This is Abear's debut novel.
Coming soon: Book 2 Amazing Amanda and the Mystery of the Black Cat and
Book 3 Amazing Amanda and Her Bright New Day. The series takes readers
through Amanda's entire sixth-grade experience.
Excerpt
Amanda lurched down the hall, flapping her arms like a pelican
trying to dry her armpits, and flew past the locker area and into her homeroom
class. As sunshine streamed through open windows, she hoped a breeze reached
her soon. She shrank down when she got into her seat, the last desk in
the middle row of five. Head and shoulders taller than most students and twice
as wide, she preferred the back. That was better than hearing, “Amanda
scrunch down so I can see,” or “Amanda, could you move a bit to
the left?” and other—not so nice—comments. When the
bell rang, she punched out her left arm. “Yay! I made it on
time.” “Watch it,” Charlie Piggott said in the row to
her left. His blue eyes widened. “Almost got me that time.” “Sorry.”
Amanda grimaced. “Really.” “It’s okay. Better
luck next time.” “Huh?” “To hit your
target.” She frowned. “I don’t want to hit
you.” He broke out in a grin. “Amanda, I’m just
kiddin’ ya.” Amanda grinned back. “You’re a
pal.” After she dragged her science stuff from the book bag, she kicked
the bag under the desk. Tucking her thatch of brown hair behind her ears, she
wiped sweat from her forehead and closed her eyes to slow her breathing. She
sensed the noise and chatter fading away… “Before you get
too settled, Amanda.” Miss Holter’s voice pierced through
Amanda’s mist of serenity. “Please close the door.” Amanda
scrambled to her feet, smacking her thighs against the desk. “Ow!”
She gritted her teeth and lumbered to the door. As she started to close
it, Miss Holter said, “Then come to the front of the class.” Amanda
jerked, slamming the door. “Uh Oh’s” escaped from
several students as heads swiveled toward her. Confused, Amanda stumbled
over a bookbag on her way to the front, mumbling, “One more thing and
I’m going to scream.” Standing beside Miss Holter made Amanda
feel almost petite. When the teacher turned, she whispered to Amanda,
“Go ahead and sit in the chair there beside my desk.” Amanda
glimpsed the corners of her teacher’s mouth turn up ever so slightly and
wondered what she wanted. If I’m not in trouble, why am I here? Miss
Holter, her favorite teacher, had never done anything to embarrass her
before. The teacher motioned for their full attention. “In faculty
meeting this morning, Principal Primson announced we’re having a
carnival fundraiser. The sixth grade will be putting on the event. A student
representative will help organize the students as we work on the carnival. The
four homeroom teachers each nominated one student who must accomplish three
challenges.” “Sounds like too much work,” Mark Nelson
said, scrunching his face. The teacher nodded. “It will be. But a
student with real leadership potential should not find the challenges too
difficult. The tasks may even be invigorating for him or her.” A
zing of excitement crept up Amanda’s spine. The teacher crossed her
arms with a smug look. “My nominee—no, pardon me—our section
6B nominee is the very best.”
About the Author
As a teacher for almost thirty years, Beverly Abear enjoys writing for
middle-grade and young adult readers. She has several stories in progress that
she hopes to finish and get published. The Amanda stories are mostly set in a
k-6th elementary school like the one the author attended in northern
Minnesota. Because her faith has greatly affected her life, Beverly's passion
for her readers is that they grow to trust in the Lord and enjoy an abundant
life in Him.
Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival is Beverly's debut novel.
1 Lucky Winner Will Win The Bad Guys 2 on Blu-Ray DVD!
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION’S NEWEST CHAPTER OF THE ACTION-PACKED FRANCHISE, WITH OVER AN HOUR OF ALL-NEW BONUS CONTENT
THE BAD GUYS 2
FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE ANIMATED SHORT
PLUS HILARIOUS BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE WITH AN ALL-STAR COMEDY CAST,
DELETED SCENES, AND MORE!
CERTIFIED FRESH AND VERIFIED HOT ON ROTTEN TOMATOES®WITH A 95% AUDIENCE SCORE
The struggle to be good continues with everyone’s favorite Bad Guys, as they encounter a new challenge from a gang of Bad Girls, in DreamWorks Animation’s newest action-comedy, THE BAD GUYS 2, coming home exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent August 19, 2025 and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray™ on October 7, 2025 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on the New York Times bestselling children’s graphic novel by Aaron Blabey, the latest animated adventure takes the Bad Guys to new exciting locations around the world and even further, to outer space! Unveil THE BAD GUYS 2 master plan with over one hour of captivating bonus content showcasing the exclusive animated short “Little Lies and Alibis” as well as never-before-seen features including deleted scenes, hilarious recording booth moments, how to draw character sketch tutorials with filmmakers, and more when you purchase from participating digital retailers nationwide.
The Bad Guys are back, and this time, they’ve got company. In the new action-packed chapter from DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed comedy smash about a crackerjack crew of animal outlaws, our now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.
The Bad Guys creative team reunites to bring this worldwide caper to life with director Pierre Perifel (Kung Fu Panda films), co-director JP Sans (Trolls World Tour) and producer Damon Ross (The Croods). The film’s charming characters are brought to life by a sleek animation style and star-studded voice cast featuring Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) as Mr. Wolf, Marc Maron (“GLOW”) as Mr. Snake, Craig Robinson (Hot Tub Time Machine franchise, “The Office”) as Mr. Shark, Emmy® nominee Anthony Ramos (In The Heights, Hamilton) as Mr. Piranha, and Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) as Ms. Tarantula comprising the Bad Guys, alongside co-stars Zazie Beetz (Joker), Lily Singh (Bad Moms), Emmy® winner Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), and Richard Ayoade (Paddington 2). THE BAD GUYS 2 welcomes fresh powerhouse voice actors to represent the Bad Girls, including Danielle Brooks (A Minecraft Movie) as Kitty Kat, Natasha Lyonne (“Poker Face”) as Doom/aka, Susan, and Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) as Pigtail Petrova.
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN PURCHASING AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:
*LITTLE LIES AND ALIBIS: In this animated short, the Bad Guys recount their chaotic day to their parole officer after arriving 10 minutes late to their hearing.
*Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans:
*Lowrider Chase
*Crime Sisters
*BAD GUYS: Out of Line: Step into the studio with the cast as they record some of their silliest lines in this hilarious montage of recording booth moments!
*Double Jeopardy: The Making of THE BAD GUYS 2: Cast and filmmakers unveil their master plan to bring the Bad Guys back together for another epic heist!
*Meet the Gang: The gang is back together! Catch up with the all-star cast behind your favorite Bad Guys and meet the Bad Girls!
*Double Trouble: The Animals Behind THE BAD GUYS 2: The cast of THE BAD GUYS 2 meet the real-life animal versions of their characters!
*Causing a Scene: Learn how the film's adrenaline pumping action sequences came to life!
*Planning the Heist: Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans break down how they devised the elaborate Lucha Heist in this hilarious show and tell!
*Sketching the Bad Girls: A crime has been committed and the suspects are…the Bad Girls! Co-Director JP Sans (witness to the incident) gives a description of each of the suspects to the detective, Producer Damon Ross, and the sketch artist, Director Pierre Perifel, who shows how to draw them yourself!
*Kitty
*Doom
*Pigtail
*Feature Commentary with Director Pierre Perifel, Co-Director JP Sans, Head of Character Animation Benjamin Willis, Head of Story Katherine de Vries, and Head of Cinematography, Layout Théophile Bondoux
For more information onTHE BAD GUYS 2, please visit:
This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 10/16/2025. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put these email addresses as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void were prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.
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