Thought for the Day:
“Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed.”
~ G.K. Chesterton ~
Gifts for My Writer Friends:
We all have bad habits, including crutch words we sprinkle freely throughout our manuscripts. HERE is a good post on Crutch Words by Jessica P. Morrell writing for the Insecure Writers Support Group.
I don’t see many posts on pacing, so I was excited to find the great post HERE on NF Fest 2025 by Beth Anderson that will help you with pacing.
A little humor can be just what a serious scene needs. HERE is an excellent article from Writer’s Digest by Melissa Ferguson with Five Things Writers Can Do to Add Comedy to Their Novels.
Update on my little dog, Mango. The vet has done all the tests they can think of, and when they did the ultrasound of Mango’s GI system, they saw some irritation in her small intestine, but nothing that would cause her problems. The vet thought it would be a good idea to put her on prescription dog food — food that has the protein broken down into the tiniest of pieces. I guess that means Mango won’t have to break down the protein. It seems to be working. She is eating twice a day and, although she isn’t as peppy as she used to be, she seems much healthier. I’m watching the Oscars this afternoon. I haven’t seen many of the films, but it’s always good television. I love to see all the beautiful clothes and wonder how some of these ladies can sit down! Anyway, it is a good distraction from the horror show that is our national news. I would just like to give a shout-out to Razom for Ukraine, which has an extremely high rating from Charity Navigator. If you would like to help the Ukrainian people, this is a good way to do it. Click on the name for the link.
Last week, I offered a gently-read hardback of MYSTERY AT THE BILTMORE: THE VANDERHOFF HEIST by Colleen Nelson to one of you. This week’s winner is Laura Roettiger, who shared my link for an extra chance. That worked! Congratulations, Laura. I will get your book out soon. Thanks for sharing my link. If you don’t know Laura, she is a kid lit writer from Chicago, and one of her books is one of my favorite picture books ever — AN ACCIDENTAL HERO, A MOSTLY TRUE WOMBAT STORY. It is adorable. Anyway, you can learn more about Laura at her site HERE.
A while back, I ran across a book called SAFE HARBOR by Padma Venkatraman on the review list for the San Francisco Book Review. I looked it up and found I had read an earlier book by her, THE BRIDGE HOME, which I really loved, so I thought I’d better claim it. I’m glad I did. Isn’t that an inviting cover? Here is the review I wrote for SFBR.
Geetha moved with her mother (Amma) from India and the warm home of her grandparents and cousin. Geetha’s parents had a nasty divorce, and Geetha never hears from her father. Her mother wants a fresh start, so they have come to Rhode Island, where Amma is attending school. While Amma loves her school, Geetha faces a group of girls who bully her. Geetha meets a neighbor boy, Miguel, who goes to a different school, and he introduces Geetha to the library. While walking on the beach one day, they become friends and find an injured harp seal. They can get the seal to the Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center, but are they too late?
Padma Venkatraman has written a compelling story that will engage readers all the way through. The characters are all believable, the situations are ones middle-graders will relate to, and the messages are hopeful and uplifting. The writing is lovely. It is written in charming, lyrical verse from Geetha’s point of view. This book deserves readership beyond the intended middle-grade audience.
Please don’t forget to check for other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge’s blog HERE.
Rosi Hollinbeck 
Sounds like a great MG book. I’ll pass since up to my eyeballs in “to Dos”.
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Hope all is going well with the launch. Thanks for the comment.
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What timingl! I’m reading The Bridge Home right now. It’s terrific. I was just checking out what else Padma had written.
Good news about your dog. We’re in Sonoma this week as our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson are visiting. I was just thinking about our dog at home.
Cartoons don’t usually make me laugh, but that is a good one.
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So glad you like the cartoon. I hope your dog endured your absence. Glad you are enjoying The Bridge Home. I sure did. You will like Seal Harbor too. Thanks for the comment.
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Thank you for the shoutout and I’m so pleased you like An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story
💜 I’ve enjoyed your blog because the combination of a grammar cartoon, something for writers, something for readers, and a quote hits all the different things I’m looking for. I was happy to share your blog so that others could enjoy it too! 💙
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Awww. Thanks for the kind words!
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I’m glad your dog is feeling better. This sounds like a great book kids will enjoy. Thanks for sharing it this week.
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You’re welcome. Thanks for reading and commenting. Always nice to see you here, Natalie.
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Loved the quote by G.K. Chesterton. Sorry that your dog has been ill. The book has lots of hooks with seals, a library and divorce. Happy MMGM.
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There is a lot going on in the book, but it is deftly handled. You will like it. Thanks for the comment.
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I’m so glad you found something that helps your dog! It’s so hard when they’re hurting. This book is on my reading list! I wasn’t able to get a review copy, but I still really want to read it. Thanks for sharing your review– it sounds like a great book. 🙂
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I hope you can find a copy, Kasey. It’s really good. Thanks for the comment.
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The characters and story line you described have me adding this to my future read list. I never read the author’s other book but am adding that one, too. Thanks for the links. Another busy week so they have been saved for some quiet time later this week. Hope Mango keeps moving in a positive direction. Never fun worrying about your pet’s health. Have a Happy MMGM!
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I do think you will enjoy both books when you get to them, Greg. Thanks for the comment.
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I agree, Beth’s post about pacing was perfect. Good to hear Mango is doing better. Safe Harbor sounds like a sweet story, and the cover makes me want to head to the nearest ocean.
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That little sea otter is so cute. It is a sweet story, one I think you would enjoy. It’s always nice to see kids trying to save the world. Thanks for the comment.
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Ooops, I guess that is a seal. It’s still cute.
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Poor little Mango! Thanks for the update! My dog had terrible problems last year, and while the vet recommended those specialist foods, he didn’t like them at all! We finally found a hypo-allergenic food that he really likes. So glad Mango is eating now, please keep us updated! I love that quote from Chesterton, it’s one of the reasons I write for children. I also loved the stickup joke. Safe Harbour sounds great and I love the cover! Thanks for the recommendation!
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Thanks, Valinora, for the nice comment. Mango didn’t like the prescription food and stopped eating again, but I bought some of the fresh food that you have to keep refrigerated. So far, that seems to be working.
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My dog hated the prescription food too and the only food he eats (and loves) is called Nature’s Variety No Grain Mini Adult Free-Range Chicken (I know Mango is a different breed and has different problems but I’ve had him for four years and this is the only food he eats with enthusiasm and it really suits his digestive system too, so in case you want to try another dry dogfood) . I hope the poor little thing does well on your new food (for both your sakes!).
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