Prior to embracing the role of author, Jane considered herself a ‘professional tourist’ as her husband’s career kept her moving around the globe. According to Jane, settling in and exploring each new locale was an exciting, full time job with no pay but a host of benefits. She’s lived in Taiwan, South Korea, England, the Netherlands, Italy and Saudi Arabia, but has also had the opportunity to visit many other countries as well. Since settling back in the states, Jane is now a full time writer and occasional tourist. She is a member of the Florida Writers Association and the Gulf Coast Writers Association. The Ride, is Jane’s first novel and was released by ArcheBooks Publishing in August 2008.
SOME CHILDREN'S BOOK SUGGESTIONS BY JANE SUTTON
Though I’d like to try my hand at children’s books someday, I write adult fiction. However, I wanted my guest post to fit into the theme of Kathy’s excellent blog. My almost three-year-old grandson, Sebastian, is an avid booklover (often opting for a new book over a new toy), so I thought I’d enlist his help by doing a mini-review of three of his favorite books. However, after realizing what his favorite books would be, I decided to pick my favorite books to read to him. When you read his list, you’ll understand why.
Sebastian’s list:
1) Any book about Thomas and Friends
2) Any book about a train
3) Any book with a picture of a train in it
Selecting three books was not easy. His shelves contain some old favorites I read to my daughter that I still enjoy such as Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, and a variety of Dr. Seuss. However, I thought I’d select books I wasn’t familiar with before they became part of his collection. I settled on the following:
Miller the Green Caterpillar by Darrell House, illustrated by Patti Argoff, is a delightful story about a caterpillar who wants to fly. The underlying story is if you believe in your dreams and try hard enough, those dreams can come true. Sebastian likes this books not only for the story and artwork, but because he has also been able to observe the actual cycle of caterpillar to butterfly for himself. This book is one of my favorites because I met Mr. House through the Florida Writer’s Association and this book was Sebastian’s first personalized, signed copy to grace his shelves.
Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields, illustrated by Sophie Blackall, is a charming counting story that follows six wooly wombats on a walkabout. The book begins with a definition page to introduce some Australian terms children may not be familiar with, including wombat and walkabout along with billabong and kookaburra. The illustrations are darling, the rhyming story is fun and, well…wombat, billabong and kookaburra are fun words to say.
Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt never fails to bring about a smile with the amusing illustrations and story. Along with letting kids know it’s okay to try new things, the book cleverly introduces time and days of the week. Scaredy Squirrel is afraid to leave his nut tree for a variety of reasons including bees and green Martians. When he accidentally falls out of his tree one day, he discovers that not only is there nothing to be afraid of but that he also is able to fly.
Regardless of the book being read, it’s the quality of time spent together in this essential activity that’s most important and makes the stories magical for everyone involved.
Thanks, Jane for this fun article, and the great book suggestions. Adults need fun books too! Jane's book, The Ride, is just that. Check out what others are saying about her book.
Midwest Book Review (5-stars on Amazon.com)
“The wild and unexpected can be ever the savior when one is in despair of the mundane. “The Ride” is the story of a housewife who has sunk into a deep depression from her everyday life and her marriage to an egomaniacal husband who seems to forget she exists. But luckily for her, money is on her side, as is her Knight in a shining red convertible. A thrill ride of a romance, “The Ride” is exciting reading, sure to please.”
Jeff, 10/08, Goodreads
Through adversity comes strength. This book is aptly named and ultimately life can be one fantastic and fun ride.
Heather Lewis, Florida, 9/08, Amazon
A thrilling ride. The Ride is a well-written, thoroughly engaging, and downright fun read. You can't help but laugh out loud and cry at Barbie's sometimes heart wrenching, and always entertaining adventures. I highly recommend this book!
Buy The Ride on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Ride-Jane-Kennedy-Sutton/dp/1595071938/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233850866&sr=1-1
ArcheBooks Publishing
http://archebooks.com/BookIDX/Indexes/CONT/TR/TRDesc.htm
Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
http://kathystemke.weebly.com
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