Jo-Kin Battles The It - A Review By Robyn Opie Parnell

Jo-Kin Battles the It by Karen Tyrrell, illustrated by Trevor Salter

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 9780994302106

Josh Atkins is an eleven year old kid who dreams of being an intergalactic game fighter. A superhero. Protector of the universe. But there’s not much chance of that. In reality, Josh sees himself as a goof ball. A geek.

One day, Josh reads an advert: Wanted Super Space Kids to save the galaxy. He can’t believe his eyes. This is his dream come through, his big chance to zoom off into space. That is, if he can win the contest.

Soon, Josh (aka Jo-Kin) is off to Space School for special training. He’s teamed up with Sam Jones (aka Sam-Wich). Jo and Sam have to learn to work as a team.

Their training is a disaster. Jo and Sam fail again and again. Sam wants to give up and go home. Jo tries to convince Sam to stay at Space School.

Then they hear the terrible news. A deadly alien called the It has kidnapped Captain Astra.

Sam definitely wants to go home!

But someone has to blast off into space, rescue Captain Astra and save the galaxy from the terrifying It.

That someone turns out to be Jo and Sam. This time the training is for real and failing is not an option – if they want to survive.

Time is running out.

Jo-Kin Battles the It is out of this world – perfect for middle grade readers aged 7 to 10 years. The story is action-packed and fast-paced. The characters are likable (except for the It, of course, who is very scary). Kids will love the adventure which is sometimes fun and sometimes full of danger, suspense and ugly aliens.

Jo-Kin Battles the It is the latest release from award-winning author-teacher Karen Tyrrell. Not only is this book a great read, the story also deals with important topics such as team work, resilience, self-esteem and friendship.

The book is kid-friendly with its bright, colorful cover, black and white illustrations and appealing internal design. Whether the kids are superheroes or geeks, the story will keep them turning the pages until, at the end, they will be left wanting more.   

To purchase a copy, see Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Jo-Kin-Battles-Super-Space-Kids-ebook/dp/B01623R5X8

Jo-Kin Battles the It is also available on LSI, library services and selected stores including some Dymocks and Angus & Robertson.  

Book Giveaway

Win a signed copy of Jo-Kin Battles the It OR one of four eBooks of Jo-Kin Battles the It OR signed artwork from the illustrator, Trevor Salter.

To WIN please LIKE Karen’s Super Space Kids book series page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SuperSpaceKids and Leave a comment on any of the below Blog stops 19-31 Oct to win. Good luck.

Christmas Gift Ideas From Robyn Opie Parnell

 
Move over Indiana Jones...
 

Maya's life has changed. Her mother is dead, killed in a car accident; she's befriended by Ethan, a boy who claims he's from the spirit world; and now her father is missing.

What does the legend of the crystal skulls have to do with her father's disappearance? Will Maya travel to Mexico to save him? How can Maya's destiny have anything to do with the future of humankind?

The Mexican jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, dangerous bounty hunters and evil kidnappers...

Yes, Maya's life has changed. The fate of the world now depends on her.

For children aged 10 and older.

BUY NOW from Amazon Kindle - $2.99

BUY NOW from the publisher - $19.95

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Available On Amazon Kindle Only

Sam hates to read. She hates books. 

Unfortunately for Sam, her family are bookworms, her mom writes children's books and her teacher thinks reading is important.

Every day is a battle for Sam to avoid reading and to keep her secret. Life gets so bad, Sam is ready to move to Antarctica.

Instead, Sam is about to have the most embarrassing experience of her life. Will she survive?

Stop! Do not read this book - and help Sam keep her secret.

For children aged 8 to 12.

BUY NOW - $2.99


Gary is sick of being a loser. He wants to be popular.

So, he comes up with the best joke ever.

But the joke gets out of control. Soon the whole town is involved. The school is in danger. Gary is too. Can he fix everything before it's too late?

For children aged 8 to 12, or reluctant older readers.

BUY NOW - $2.99

It's Christmas Eve, 1974, when Cyclone Tracy hits Darwin in Northern Australia.

Lucy is at home with her parents and her dog, Foxy. As the ferocious cyclone intensifies, Foxy goes missing. Will Lucy be able to save her dog from the storm? Or will Christmas be a disaster in more ways than one?

This is a moving tale of one family's ordeal during a true-life event.

BUY NOW - $2.99

More Children's Books by Robyn Opie Parnell:

You're Amazing - The Law of Attraction for Young People (R&R Books, 2012) e-book $19.95	How to Write a Great Children's Book (Magellan Books, 2012) paperback $23.95 e-book $27.00	Black Baron (Walker Books Australia, 2008) (Walker Books UK, 2009) paperback $9.99
The Pony Game (Lothian Books, 2007) paperback $7.95	Eye of the Future (Blake Education, 2003) paperback $10.95	Our Secret Place (Blake Education, 2002) (Steck-Vaughn, 2007) paperback $10.95
Backstage Betrayal (Blake Education, 2002) (Steck-Vaughn, 2007) paperback $10.95	Living in Space (Barry Publishing, 2001)	Jen Stays Inside (Macmillan Education, 1999) paperback $7.50
My Bike (Macmillan Education, 1999) paperback $7.50	People Need Trucks (Macmillan Education, 1999) paperback $7.50	Working like a Dog (Macmillan Education, 1999) paperback $5.00
Mrs Twitch and the Small Black Box (Macmillan Education, 1999) paperback $7.95	Martian Milk (Macmillan Education, 2000)	The Mad Mower (Macmillan Education, 1999) paperback $0.85
Jack’s Great Search (Macmillan Education, 2000) free PDF

An Interview With Children's Author Aleesah Darlison

Aleesah Darlison is a multi-published Australian children’s author. She writes picture books and novels, both in the contemporary fiction and fantasy genres. She also works as a book reviewer for The Sun Herald. Aleesah’s picture books include Bearly There, Puggle’s Problem (NSW PRC) and Warambi (2012 CBCA Notable Book Eve Pownall Award, 2012 Wilderness Society Award for Children’s Literature - Shortlist). Her chapter books include Fangs and Little Good Wolf. Her novels and popular series are I Dare You, Unicorn Riders and Totally Twins.

Here Aleesah answers ten quick questions about herself and her writing.

1. What’s your favorite children’s book of all time?
That’s incredibly hard to choose! Classic: I love The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (who doesn’t?). Modern: Diary of a Wimpy Kid – those books really make my kids and me laugh.

2. What’s your favorite genre to write?
Again, hard to choose. I love writing picture books because my stories are then illustrated by amazing artists, but I probably do feel most comfortable writing junior fiction for say 8 – 12 year olds. It’s so much fun – I can be a kid again when I write.

3. What do you do when you’re not writing?
I spend a lot of time conducting school visits and running author talks and writing workshops, for both children and adults. And when I’m not doing that I’m usually buzzing around trying to maintain my three kids’ busy social lives.

4. What were you good at as a child?
I’ve always been an avid reader, so I was pretty good at that. I was also pretty good at swimming and athletics and did well at the local carnivals.

5. What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently editing and reviewing draft illustrations for books 7 and 8 in my Unicorn Riders series. The books are called Krystal’s Charge and Ellabeth’s Light. I’m really pleased with how they’re turning out. They’re fun and interesting stories to write (and read!), kids love them and my publisher, Walker Books, has an amazing team that I work with.

6. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?
We’re actually planning a family holiday to America for next year. We bought a map to see all the places we could go. I think we’re going to have to be over there for five years to see everything! America is HUGE. But we only have one month. If anyone has any ideas about the best, must-see places in America, I’d love to know what they are. It would certainly help with our planning and our budget.

7. If you could be any type of animal, what would it be?
Either a meerkat or a red panda. They’re both so cute, but I watched a documentary about red pandas the other night and they’re endangered so maybe that wouldn’t be such a great choice ...

8. What really gets your goat?
Bad drivers. I live in Sydney so there are far too many of them. Especially at this time of year! I’m pretty sure others must feel the same way.

9. What’s the best piece of advice you could give aspiring writers?
Don’t ever give up. You never know what’s around the corner, ie a publication acceptance. I received over 400 rejections before I received a book contract.

10. What will be the next book you release?
Bearly There. It’s a picture book featuring a boy and a teddy. The inspiration behind the story is my own son, Blake, and his much-loved but rather raggedy teddy bear. The book will be released in March by Windy Hollow Books and is illustrated by Jill Carter-Hansen.

Thanks for that. Anything else you’d like to add, Aleesah?
For more info about me and my books, people can visit my website at www.aleesahdarlison.com or drop into my Facebook Fan Page and ‘LIKE’ it: www.facebook.com/AleesahDarlisonFanPage. Thanks for hosting me on your blog, Robyn. Readers/followers: please post comments or drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks, Aleesah, for visiting my blog and sharing your fabulous answers to the 10 quick questions. All the best in 2013. All the best to everyone!


 

A Five Star Review of Best Joke Ever

 

Warren Thurston's review of my latest novel Best Joke Ever from Goodreads

Read in November, 2012

Gary has three problems at school, Buzz Wilson, Lee Wang and Mr Pittman. Buzz and Lee make Gary’s school life hell. They never cease to seek out ways to embarrass and harass him. Bullies, it seems to Gary, never fight fair or lack imagination when it comes to finding ways to torture him.Mr Pittman makes life in the classroom dull. History is a subject that Gary finds uninspiring, that is until he comes up with a plan to raise his profile amongst his fellow students. Mr Pittman loves history and stories about Bushranger Willy. Gary knows that to fake anything about Bushranger Willy would lead to trouble. So he decides to make a fake treasure map to play a joke on Mr Pittman, and win favor with the class.

Gary makes up a plot that he hopes will whet Mr Pittman’s history appetite. Working on the map in secret, Gary is proud of his creation. He can hardly contain his eagerness when the class discovers the map. But not all goes to plan and he has to use his wits like never before to escape the chaos that follows.

Robyn Opie has penned a tale that all children will relate to. Bullies in the playground and seeking peer approval are part of growing up. Adults that read this story will find themselves transported back to their early years. The story is action packed with many twists and turns that always entertain.

"Best Joke Ever” shows that Robyn has strengthened her ability to write a story that entertains. I recommend this book to those children who seek an adventure when they read. They will not be disappointed.

BUY NOW

Best Joke Ever! 
A new book for children aged 8 to 12 
By Robyn Opie Parnell
Published by R & R Books Film Music
Available now from Amazon Kindle 
R.R.P. $2.99

BUY NOW

 

A New Release from Robyn Opie Parnell - Best Joke Ever

Best Joke Ever! 
A new book for children aged 8 to 12 
By Robyn Opie Parnell
Published by R & R Books Film Music
Available now from Amazon Kindle 
R.R.P. $2.99

BUY NOW

Best Joke Ever!  

Gary is sick of being a loser. He wants to be popular. So he comes up with the best joke ever. But the joke gets out of control. Soon the whole town is involved. The school is in danger. Gary is, too. Can he fix everything before it's too late?

BUY NOW

• File Size: 544 KB
• Publisher: R & R Books Film Music
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00A601328

Other books by Robyn Opie Parnell available from Amazon Kindle:

Maya and the Crystal Skull

Stop! Do Not Read This Book

Caught in a Cyclone 

I'm Guest Author on Clancy Tucker's Blog

Recently, I was guest author on Clancy Tucker's blog. Here is the beginning of the interview I did with Clancy...

Robyn Opie Parnell

- Guest Author

G’day guys. Today I welcome a very successful writer, author and screenwriter – Robyn Opie Parnell. Robyn is the author of 88 children’s books. She has been writing for children for 15 years; most of her children’s books are sold around the world and many have been translated into foreign languages. Welcome, Robyn. Tell us more …

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.

I wrote my first novel when I was fifteen.

In my early twenties, I submitted a 2,500 word picture book to publishers. I thought the book was brilliant. I loved it. Publishers, unfortunately, didn’t agree. But I didn’t know back then that picture books are usually less than 700 words and never ever more than 1,000. Oops! It’s a good thing we live and learn.

Around the mid-nineties, I read books and completed courses on writing for children. My first three books were accepted in 1998 and published in 1999. The three books are still available today. They are My Bike, Jen Stays Inside, and People Need Trucks.

Thirteen years later, I’m the author of 86 published books. Naturally, I’ve written many, many more that haven’t been published. I’m still hopeful with some of them. Others I now chalk up to experience.

 WERE YOU A GOOD READER AS A KID?

Yes, definitely. I loved to read. I still do. Books are the best escape from reality. And we all need to escape from reality.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?

I wrote my first children’s book when I was fifteen. My English teacher gave me an “A” for every essay I wrote. One day, as he handed back an essay, he said to me, “You should be a writer.” Talk about a light bulb moment! I went home and wrote my first novel. It was a mystery, like an Australian Nancy Drew – too much like an Australian Nancy Drew!

The rest of my journey was described in question 1.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

Not working in an office from 9 to 5.

I love the freedom. I love being able to do anything and go anywhere. I’m talking about my imagination. I can have great adventures, from the comfort and safety of my recliner chair. I love being able to explore ideas, themes, subjects, times and places. Being a writer opens me up to anything, all sorts of possibilities, anything can happen.  In my novel Backstage Betrayal, I explored a fear of mine. In Maya and the Crystal Skull, I traveled to Mayan ruins in Central America. I also defeated the villains and saved the world. In Working Like a Dog, I focused on one of my favorite things. In Black Baron, I tried to save an animal from the ultimate cruelty – extermination. I did all of these things from the comfort and safety of my recliner chair. Basically, I get to dream every day about the things I’d love to do and occasionally about some of the things I’d hate to do. Oh, and I love still being a kid!

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

CLICK HERE for the remainder of my interview on Clancy Tucker's blog.

Thank you, Clancy!

 

Deborah Abela's Blog Tour For Her New Series Ghost Club

A Few Ghostly Queries

by the author of Ghost Club, a new series for kids, Deborah Abela

www.deborahabela.com

Would you have liked to have been part of a ghost club?

Absolutely! Alongside my nanna, most likely. My nanna wasn’t your regular cake-baking, round, hugging kind of grandmother, she was feisty, no-nonsense and used to tell me stories about ghosts. True stories, that were passed down through the family and this sparked a life-long love of all things ghostly.

So how did your ghost club come about?

Partly because of Nanna but also because this year was the 200^th birthday of Charles Dickens, who not only claimed to have seen ghosts but also was the founding member of the Ghost Club 150 years ago. (The club still meets today to investigate ghostly sightings.) I decided to create my own club where two of the most successful catchers are 11-year-old twins, Angeline and Edgar Usher. Like the real clubsters, they investigate haunted sites and try to convince the ghosts to stop their pesky ways. 

How does your ghost club work?

It is run from a ramshackle mansion in Gravesend and is headed by Grandmaster Fleischmann. Regular meetings are held to discuss upcoming conferences, welcome new members and discuss the latest ghostly sightings. Professor Grandma Rose is the chief inventor and in charge of the Spectorium, where all the  equipment is kept and Endora Spright is the Head of Spectral research and looks after the archives, museum and investigating the history of haunted sites.

Do you have a favorite character?

I never start out with one but the more I get to know my characters, one always stands out and this time it’s Mr Roderick Gloom, former ghost catcher and groundsman of the club. He keeps unusual pets like piranhas and tarantulas and fancies himself a bit of a poet, where, to the dislike of newest member Dylan, the characters always seem to meet a dismal end.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes, but I have only seen one. It was late at night when I was climbing into bed. I reached to close the curtains when, outside the window, I saw the face of my nanna. After a few moments she faded away. I drew the curtains, had a strong feeling that Nanna was looking out for me and had a very calm, restful sleep. 

What kind of kid do you think will enjoy Ghost Club?

Kids who are about 8-12, enjoy adventure, mystery and a bit of fun, ghostly peskiness. 

Thank you, Deborah, for including my blog in your blog tour. All the best with Ghost Club. 

Thank you so much for being involved, Robyn. It's been great fun.

Visit the next stop on Deborah’s blog tour:

http://booksforlittlehands.blogpot.com.au

Did you miss the previous stop? See:

http://orangedale.livejournal.com/

To see all the stops on the tour, go to:

www.deborahabela.com

About Deborah Abela

Deb knew she wanted to be a writer when she was 7 years old.  Her first story was about a man made out of cheese.  It wasn’t very good.  She’s had much more practice writing since then and strangely enough her first writing job was for a kids’ show on channel Ten called Cheez TV.  After 7 years of writing scripts about everything from llamas to bungy jumping and how to go to the toilet in outer space, Deb wrote her first novel - Max Remy Superspy Part 1: In Search of the Time and Space Machine.  

 

Stop! Do Not Read This Book by Robyn Opie Parnell

A Five Star Review on Goodreads

A Review by Warren Thurston

http://www.aussieauthors.com

Stop! Do Not Read This Book

by Robyn Opie Parnell

Sam has two pet hates, books and having her mum call her Samantha. In fact everyone in Sam’s house loves books. They are devoted to the written word so much that even when the electricity is off they use candles to see to read. But worst of all her mum writes books.

Sam likes to watch DVD’s and play computer games. Reading is not for her, even at school. She always finds a way to escape to the sick bay. The school nurse is almost her best friend.

The family pet, Huckleberry the Dachshund, has a farting problem that young readers will enjoy. Sam thinks his gaseous explosions are chemical weapons of mass destruction. Finally the family takes Huckleberry to an Earth Therapist for treatment. To their relief his farting becomes less frequent and smelly.

Fate strikes a double blow at Sam. Her mum is about to launch her new book. Sam is distressed when her mum comes into the classroom to talk about the book. The class thinks that the girl in the story, who has a bed-wetting problem, is really Sam. Sam denies this but her denial reinforces her friends’ belief that the girl is her.

This misunderstanding leads to series of incidents, including a fight with her best friend Emma, which causes a lot of grief and embarrassment for Sam. She sinks into a world filled with frustration. Her mother’s effort to help Sam makes matters worse. Sam hates her lot in life and is desperate to find a solution to her own secret problem. The story has a twist that will delight readers and make them happy for Sam.

Robyn Opie Parnell has written a delightful tale of about the trials of growing up with a problem that is hard to share. Her choice of words make the story sparkle and builds a strong empathy between the reader and Sam.

This is a book I highly recommend for all middle grade readers.

 

To read the review of Goodreads CLICK HERE.

To purchase the PDF e-book of Stop! Do Not Read This Book CLICK HERE .

To purchase the Amazon Kindle e-book of Stop! Do Not Read This Book CLICK HERE.

To download Chapter One of Stop! Do Not Read This Book by Robyn Opie Parnell absolutely free CLICK HERE. 

To request a review copy of Stop! Do Not Read This Book or to request an interview with Robyn Opie Parnell or for any reason please email: robyn.opie.parnell@gmail.com