Locked Out In The Snow For Holiday Reading

 

Locked Out in the Snow
By Kim E. Kimmy
Illustrated by Hannah June
Recommended especially for Young Readers ages 4 - 9

It's the merriest time of the year and Kim is walking on snow. She's headed for the school bus that will take her to her second grade class, on the last day before winter break. Her family has so many exciting plans for this time of year for celebrating the joy of the holidays. The day at school is fun with her friends and Kim gets to bring home the many wintry art projects she's created. Kim is looking forward to decorating her family's home. Back on board the bus and headed for home, Kim has no idea the mystery that is ahead of her.

Kim is going to have an adventure. Kim is about to discover she's been locked out of her house. Kim's home is a farmhouse and she's not sure why her mom isn't home to greet her. Kim is cold in the snow. She needs to find someplace to wait for her family to return home. Kim decides to go into the barn and wait. Inside she finds some warmth, and the friendly animals to visit, and she realizes that in this manger she's reminded of a story.

This author, Kim E. Kimmy grew up on a dairy farm and with that background, she tells an enchanting children's story about a wintry and special time of year. The fun and excitement of the holidays jumps out from the pages, but she goes deeper than that to surface the warm emotions and love of family and friends. Finally, her character Kim shows the peace and love of the story of the first Christmas.

The illustrations by Hannah June are delightful and show the sentiments on every page. The colorful pictures are so eye catching and keep young readers turning pages.

What a nice gift idea too for parents, grandparents, and other adults in children's lives as this wintry, holiday season comes upon us.

Under The Spell of The Witches Of Vegas

 The Witches of Vegas

By Mark Rosendorf

Recommended especially for Teens, Young Adults

The best place to hide is in plain sight. So if you're in danger for your magical powers, where better to hide than in a place where magic illusion is rampant. The Witches of Vegas saved young Isis Rivera from an incensed crowd who feared her. Back then Isis faced great danger as a little girl who did not understand her witching powers, or how to control and use them. When she was adopted by this family of witches they loved her and taught her how to grow into her extraordinary powers. Now fifteen, Isis is about to face an opposing power of terrifying consequence. No one could have prepared her for this battle. The odds are against her but at least this time she will not fight alone. Yet, will she and her family be enough?

The stage show put on by the witches is carefully calculated to keep the source of their magic secret, and the display spectacular. They're packing the crowds into the their theater. Tonight the spectators include Zack Galloway, a teen who works at a less popular magic show further down on the Vegas Strip. He's there to investigate why his show is losing business, and is there something that can be done about it. He enters the audience as a rival, but later reconsiders.

Isis enjoys performing in her family's show. As she gets to know Zack they spend magical time off stage as well, exploring fun Vegas sights together despite their families' differences. Their fun is cut short though when a four hundred year old witch who's nurtured an intense hatred of humanity frees herself from exile. She's on a mission for revenge and identifies Isis as the tool she can use. Now Isis and Zack need to unite with their families in a fight for their own survival, and to save the human race from devastation. But this top notch witch has honed her powers for centuries, what chance have they got against her? They have no choice but to gamble and hope that they win.

This author tells a tantalizing story of use and misuse of power in front of a most exciting Las Vegas backdrop. These teenagers take us with them every step of the way as they get to know each other, and themselves during good times and when all turns dark in this city of neon lights. The author's characters are so interesting, including the members of both unique families. After all, how many families these days include a vampire along with other assorted beings?

Author Mark Rosendorf 's writing is based on the personalities and experiences he has come across throughout his life, coupled with his own wild "if only I could do that" imagination. Raised in Queens New York, Mark holds a Master's Degree from Long Island University's Human Development and Leadership program. He's a licensed Guidance Counselor for the New York City Department of Education's special education district.

This author really knows his subject, Mark has moonlighted as a professional magician. Today, he teaches magic and Illusion to his students.

One night, at two a.m., a new and unique story shot into Mark's brain like a lightning bolt, screaming for him to write it. Mark found himself spending several nights taking notes on the characters and their stories. That's how The Witches of Vegas was born.