tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75828488707869422582024-03-04T21:13:15.152-08:00Valerie SherrardValerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-12757082592777573322023-10-30T07:25:00.001-07:002024-01-23T06:49:56.455-08:00More than Words: Navigating the Complex World of Communication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7lOe1zRdHCtnXZSMUxIhLQDrqOg1v2TDxpRS4ia75s_sbPzFPoSRhuHPgWIhyphenhyphen1vYxWURBdjD2IozPk1eoqqO1sdrt9I4RJJ7lyItOoVc48kAB3_bpzvuUIFP0AUqx0A-2Pikxa-82Cpvd2Y7GLmWtQl2Qag7KQpyIemTbJKD1P9ei6epnOSu6VtSPUsX/s2477/MoreThanWordsFullFront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2477" data-original-width="1870" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7lOe1zRdHCtnXZSMUxIhLQDrqOg1v2TDxpRS4ia75s_sbPzFPoSRhuHPgWIhyphenhyphen1vYxWURBdjD2IozPk1eoqqO1sdrt9I4RJJ7lyItOoVc48kAB3_bpzvuUIFP0AUqx0A-2Pikxa-82Cpvd2Y7GLmWtQl2Qag7KQpyIemTbJKD1P9ei6epnOSu6VtSPUsX/w485-h640/MoreThanWordsFullFront.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><br /><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For more than 20 years, I've been writing fiction for
young people. From picture books up to young adult novels, crafting these stories has been my niche as a writer. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But one day ... I had an idea for a non-fiction book, all about aspects of communication. I worked on various approaches for the concept for a long time. Years in fact. I even put together several samples and outlines and made some very feeble
pitches. (I didn’t know they were feeble at the time, obviously.) </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Eventually, I recognized what the problem was. Writing it wasn't the issue -- I needed guidance with content and structure. Fortunately, I knew people who were experts on non-fiction. It was
time to find a partner.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I contacted Natalie Hyde, who<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a class="msocomanchor" href="#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" name="_msoanchor_1"></a></span></span> has more than 100 books to her credit, the bulk of them being
non-fiction for young people. (Her fiction is fantastic too, by the way.) I ran
the idea by her, she liked it, and our partnership began. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We worked on an outline and sample. And we reached out to
artist David Jardine
He liked the project, and found room for it in his busy schedule. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Together with some sketch samples from David, we sent our
pitch to DCB Young Readers Publisher Barry Jowett and in what may have only <i>seemed</i> like an agonizingly long time we
had his answer. It was YES. (This would be a sadder story if he’d turned
it down.) </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And now, it’s here, and my co-creators and I think YOU should read <i>More than Words --</i>
especially if you’re a young person, or even just a person! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here's why:<br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">Maybe you’ve never thought about it, but you are constantly
communicating, and with more than just words. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Body language, hand gestures, facial expressions — they all have a
lot to say. <span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Are you aware of the silent signals </span><span>you may be sending? </span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How do you read verbal and nonverbal cues from other people?</span><span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">Through this illustrated book</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">, you will learn how to communicate effectively —virtually and in
person —with more confidence and fewer misunderstandings. You’ll learn about
active listening, speaking skills, empathy, conflict resolution, critical
thinking, and more!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then you’ll put your newfound
knowledge into practice through individual exercises and group activities that
will help you master your communication superpowers!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>More than Words </i>has been reviewed by<i>:</i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <a href="https://quillandquire.com/review/more-than-words-navigating-the-complex-world-of-communication/">Quill & Quire</a>: "</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">MTW </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">gives tweens practical advice on
polishing their communication and critical-thinking skills to improve
personal relationships and help them to be their best selves. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">This book could also guide neurodivergent
tweens as they learn to read verbal and non-verbal social cues, or coach
those seeking to overcome social anxiety."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://49thshelf.com/Blog/2023/09/12/Notes-from-a-Children-s-Librarian-Back-to-School">49th Shelf</a>: </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">"...</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">a fantastic resource for teachers who want to scaffold speaking and
listening lessons for the year. This book is broken down into: body
language, talking tips, active listening and online communicating. My
favourite part are the individual and group activities at the end of
each chapter with challenges a teacher can use to specifically target
skills."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></span></p>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-85799818403964443852023-03-24T09:44:00.006-07:002024-02-01T11:06:06.814-08:00Standing on Neptune<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fwOtaZlBYvMDHY9IQ0l0VNgcPkcjc-ElbJCiZg0I28Hte7K8FPgSZCDDkmwJlkZfRMx0MZhy4gKA9K-8pESxqE-vvpw3S8V86ag8d2UWj0aKmkdK9zj3-mbdrO7Q5S672NwUjr2SaoSdHxgY8cToxcWt28LPFWhOgvxNGAzvOtbI_fZMe1bQzdIqJA/s3300/Neptune.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fwOtaZlBYvMDHY9IQ0l0VNgcPkcjc-ElbJCiZg0I28Hte7K8FPgSZCDDkmwJlkZfRMx0MZhy4gKA9K-8pESxqE-vvpw3S8V86ag8d2UWj0aKmkdK9zj3-mbdrO7Q5S672NwUjr2SaoSdHxgY8cToxcWt28LPFWhOgvxNGAzvOtbI_fZMe1bQzdIqJA/w438-h640/Neptune.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="m-1919019533442704877font8" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span face=""Calibri", "sans-serif"" style="border: 1pt windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Am I pregnant?</span></b></span></i><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p>
<p class="m-1919019533442704877font8"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This question shatters the peace
of seventeen-year-old Brooke Palinder’s life one Monday morning when she
realizes her period is late. Although shaken, she’s determined to hide her
feelings and go about her daily routine as though nothing is wrong.</span></p>
<p class="m-1919019533442704877font8"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brooke’s boyfriend Ryan handles
the news poorly, and she can’t bring herself to confide in anyone else, not
even her best friend.</span></p>
<p class="m-1919019533442704877font8"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In an effort to distract herself,
Brooke throws herself into a school project about Neptune, which leads her to
some startling discoveries and a surprising sense of connection to the distant
planet.</span></p>
<p class="m-1919019533442704877font8"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But by Saturday, she knows she
must face the answer to the question that began her week.</span></p>
<p></p><p>____________________________________________________________________________________<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Standing on Neptune</i> has been reviewed by:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/valerie-sherrard/standing-on-neptune/">Kirkus Reviews</a>: "By situating the story in this week long
moment of suspense, Sherrard focuses affectingly on the intricacy of a
teenager’s scattered yet profound internal emotional experience ...
A tender, intense story capturing the vast scope of a young adult’s interior universe." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2023/04/standing-on-neptune.html">Canlit for Little Canadians:</a> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Novels in free verse are one of my favourite genres and <b>Valerie Sherrard</b>, knows how to use the genre to tell gripping stories.
She takes us into the thoughts of teens as they contend with issues of
teen pregnancy, shaky friendships, blended families, insecurities, and
self-awareness. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.cmreviews.ca/node/3550">5 STARS from CM Magazine</a>: </span><span style="font-size: medium;">The book’s title is an unusual one and comes from a science class
astronomy assignment in which Brooke drew the slip labeled “Neptune”.
Though Brooke’s working on the assignment provides her with moments of
respite from thinking about the consequences of her late period, she
also finds the planet Neptune to be metaphor for the enormous isolation
she feels...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://atlanticbooks.ca/stories/standing-on-neptune-while-waiting-for-your-world-to-change/">Atlantic Books Today</a>: </span><span style="font-size: medium;">This is an insightful, thought-provoking and perceptive novel, a brief
but impactful exploration of the complexities of the human heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Standing on Neptune </i>is a <u>Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books Selection, 2023</u>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Standing on Neptune</i> was the 2023 <a href="https://moonbeamawards.com/103/2023-winners">Moonbeam Children's Book Award</a> bronze level winner in the category for Young Adult Fiction - Mature Issues.</span><br /></p>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-16347502930568616632022-10-04T11:51:00.004-07:002023-06-21T07:17:25.316-07:00A Bend in the Breeze<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzrlHd4OLT-PcL98lX7esc8qdJtfIZi6e2cEglz9nALfalhWiI6GRXx43TsniBHmkdMlLLVb-YtJlVA72vhfLXdwonDIwEO7r9fLgMoy3efk6tHeoRoE4jZaAizm14qt8Cof2zM7ljKvdRHiKnEjUMhSUAxiZKJLlmDPVZ96zmnfhT5HP41mfJxomTRg=s2409" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2409" data-original-width="1629" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzrlHd4OLT-PcL98lX7esc8qdJtfIZi6e2cEglz9nALfalhWiI6GRXx43TsniBHmkdMlLLVb-YtJlVA72vhfLXdwonDIwEO7r9fLgMoy3efk6tHeoRoE4jZaAizm14qt8Cof2zM7ljKvdRHiKnEjUMhSUAxiZKJLlmDPVZ96zmnfhT5HP41mfJxomTRg=w432-h640" width="432" /></a></div><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-CA">The
people of </span><span lang="EN-CA">TeJÉ have never had a visitor. Not once. Not
ever.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-CA">But they have been expecting one. For a
long time, they’ve believed the story of the Long Awaited, a person who will
arrive on their island and tell them what their fate will be.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-CA">So when eleven-year-old Pascale’s lifeboat
comes ashore, they wonder if she is the one they have been waiting for all
these years.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-CA">But Pascale cannot answer their questions.
She doesn’t even know how she got there.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until strange things begin to happen and
Pascale is forced to wonder: <i>Could</i>
she be the Long-Awaited?</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Read the opening chapter by going <a href="https://www.dcbyoungreaders.com/a-bend-in-the-breeze">here</a> and clicking on the EXCERPT link! </b></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp4vQWzz1G7dV6ZnODE9TZVQ_vCyOijxYVUc-WKXBIp4IfPJHUTZ7BG7rSvM-q0clyaiH2_1ylFC5iLmfQqC4qdpAF5bgifaQTgw9vK6ENVWfi9SHn8u9nVbZwPOua0aeA9GeKS4wsfkWdrES0eSW8Z5CqKK9kVSEpV9vtoVDMBJ11COfFTvdnhrswQ/s598/Fitch%20Endorsement.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="598" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp4vQWzz1G7dV6ZnODE9TZVQ_vCyOijxYVUc-WKXBIp4IfPJHUTZ7BG7rSvM-q0clyaiH2_1ylFC5iLmfQqC4qdpAF5bgifaQTgw9vK6ENVWfi9SHn8u9nVbZwPOua0aeA9GeKS4wsfkWdrES0eSW8Z5CqKK9kVSEpV9vtoVDMBJ11COfFTvdnhrswQ/w402-h402/Fitch%20Endorsement.png" width="402" /></a></b></span></span></span></div><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Imagine how thrilling it was to learn that <b>Sheree Fitch</b> selected <i>A Bend in the Breeze</i> as her favourite NB book! (Yes, there were tears!)<br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Awards and Accolades for A Bend in the Breeze</i>:</span></span></span></b></p><p lang="EN-US" style="font-kerning: none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span lang="EN-CA"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Shortlisted for the Mrs. Dunster's Fiction Award </span></span></span></b><span lang="EN-CA"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Remarks from Judge Leslie Greentree: </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Valerie
Sherrard hits all the right notes in this beautiful story for young
readers, set in an island utopia filled with gentle magic. Like
</span><span>all
of</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> the best children’s stories,
</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">A
Bend in the Breeze</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> is
a joy for adult readers, as well. Themes of human frailty,
and the importance of community are laced with compassion and
</span><span>humour,
and</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> brought to life through an
irresistible cast of characters. Sherrard’s writing is confident,
polished, and infused with warmth; the deeply satisfying
twist ending deftly melds wit with redemption. This charming chapter
book written for early readers is a delight for any age.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p lang="EN-US" style="font-kerning: none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p lang="EN-US" style="font-kerning: none; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px;"><b>Shortlisted for the 2023/24 Hackmatack Award</b> in the English Fiction category. This marvellous program is operated throughout the Maritime provinces. Awards are given by readers' choice in four categories: Fiction: English and French, and Non-Fiction: English and French. Visit the Hackmatack website <a href="https://hackmatack.ca/">here</a>!<br /></span></span></p><div style="clear: both; margin: 0px;">
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><span style="color: #4c1130;"><a href="https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2022/04/a-bend-in-breeze.html">CanLit for Little Canadians</a>:</span> "</span></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">You never know where a bend in the breeze can take you: here or there,
away or to. And the bend in the breeze that transports 11-year-old
Pascale Chardon to the island of TeJÉ might have done all those things. Think of <i><b>A Bend in the Breeze</b></i> as <i>The Little Prince</i> meets <i>Island of the Blue Dolphin."</i></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><a href="https://miramichireader.ca/2022/04/a-bend-in-the-breeze-by-valerie-sherrard/?fbclid=IwAR2k_QTgzEu2qG4uXI3CbtottKagfYJ9FNc8w7I7iIAZ7VVQoHv3eiCUoNo">The Miramichi Reader</a>: </span></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"While I was reading this book, it was as if I was on a roller coaster. I
felt happy, I felt sad, and for some moments, I felt as if I had
drifted away from my home and was actually on the island of TeJÉ. Then,
towards the end I was hit with a message so powerful, I went back and
read it again. It was then I realized that the message had been there
the whole book. It was everything I think a book should be and more.
Every aspect of this book was incredible, from the cover to the very
last page. - Ella Breau" </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><a href="https://www.cmreviews.ca/node/2966">CM Magazine</a>: Highly Recommended.<span> </span></span><span><span>There are a number of interesting topics to discuss: survival,
education, community, mythology, empathy, marriage, death, friendship,
envy, mindfulness, love, peace, conflict, honesty, and prophecy. Pascale
leaves readers of <i>A Bend in the Breeze</i> with several strong messages about our society:</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><span><a href="https://chrisbenjaminwriting.com/chris-benjamin-author/">Chris Benjamin</a>: </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Formatted">My daughter and I really enjoyed reading this.
The characters were quirky, fun, and interesting. The world Sherrard
creates is believable, curious and joyful, yet full of human
imperfection and emotion. There was magic throughout without it ever
overshadowing the humanity and the ability to put ourselves in young
Pascale's place. </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Formatted"> </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Formatted">MY FIRST BOOK TRAILER!</span></span></span></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Formatted">Please have a look!</span></span></span></span><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Formatted"> <br /></span></span></span></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Formatted"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7vmAMq8F7Q">A Bend in the Breeze</a><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Formatted"> </span></span> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /> </p>
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<![endif]--></p>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-91945578749849425982021-10-15T06:08:00.000-07:002023-02-20T11:44:10.921-08:00Birdspell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikd6RrVfd8ILvnZVu8C8dLIimOvEEWoXcqsqlSN8H5W4MUGKDz0u6MZ_ToIQRFfCp7tw545SkKNsBgFISUuWCFHEnT3cAGLhxJBrURaU9OnaRa9GeUp518zidJentXmG0gW5chTUmlZh9r/s2048/Birdspell.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1396" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikd6RrVfd8ILvnZVu8C8dLIimOvEEWoXcqsqlSN8H5W4MUGKDz0u6MZ_ToIQRFfCp7tw545SkKNsBgFISUuWCFHEnT3cAGLhxJBrURaU9OnaRa9GeUp518zidJentXmG0gW5chTUmlZh9r/w437-h640/Birdspell.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Corbin Hayes has felt alone for as long as he can remember. His mom’s
illness means lost jobs, constant moves, new schools and friendships that never
get to grow. There’s a gap in his life that’s been waiting to be filled. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, when a classmate offers Corbin the talking bird she's unable to keep,
he’s stoked. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;">But when things begin to spiral out of control, Corbin can no longer get his
mom – or himself – through the dark period. At his lowest moment, he’s forced
to do the one thing he fears the most. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Honours and Awards for Birdspell</span></b></u><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shortlisted for the 2022-23 Hackmatack Award <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shortlisted for the 2023 Sundogs Award (MYRCA) <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shortlisted for the 2022 Red Maple Award <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shortlisted for the 2022 Diamond Willow Award <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Listed as one of CBC's Best Canadian middle-grade and YA books of 2021<b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></b></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An Ontario Library Association 2021 Best Bets Selection in the Junior Fiction category</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shortlisted for the 2021 Mrs. Dunster's Award for Fiction</span></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Reviews and Accolades:</span></b></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From Quill and Quire: "</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Birdspell</i> offers remarkable insight to young
readers unfamiliar with mental-health issues. At the same time, it
provides rare validation for those children who struggle with it in
their daily lives. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite the gravity of the subject matter, <span class="s3"><i>Birdspell</i></span> is a very readable book laced with humour and grace</span></span><span class="s3"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">." Full review here:</span></span> </i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://quillandquire.com/review/birdspell/">Quill and Quire </a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From CM Magazine: </span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">"Birdspell
is a deep and beautifully written title that once begun is hard to put
down. Despite the tragedy of the circumstances, the novel is a
compelling story of strength, hope and compassion." Full review here:</span></span> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.cmreviews.ca/node/2190"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>CM Magazine</b></span></a></span></span></p><p class="font_8" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">“...
Sherrard does an excellent job of lacing humour into the story without
making light of what Corbin's going through. She also keeps the story
hopeful and optimistic and reminds readers that there's nothing wrong
with asking for help. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers.”</span> —<span style="font-size: 18px;"> Rachel Seigel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Canadian Children's Book News</span></span></p><p class="font_8" style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"</span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Young-adult
fiction has to do everything a novel for adult readers does and more:
it must be accessible by and relevant to an audience that has no
patience for homily. Birdspell
by Valerie Sherrard succeeds beautifully in that regard, steering clear
of didacticism. Corbin, the book’s teenage hero, navigates an
unpredictable home-life that would sink most grownups. His pluck and
optimism are inspiring</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">.”</span></span></span> <span style="font-size: 18px;">— Mrs. Dunster</span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;">s Award for Fiction jurors</span></p><p class="font_8" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p>
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<![endif]--></p>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-69783678209967496572021-09-30T13:51:00.008-07:002023-08-24T06:46:49.853-07:00Every. Child.<div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffa400;"></span> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzERAGBl8m8S7WT9JgttA45LTWouCJA-7Y2oNGGohWttxIIT0D2RRph15GElohsFSd7FePdOzWMrnfpFM58ARAPZ5Epz3cm-4lkmtPsKlHXsoBucIE6mR1-BvbqcIPst4vh2ZV7gVA7_e2EMFMg62z-OvM95v1UYQC_3QdweL2stHcD6JwBKDM2fDGXw/s871/Every%20Child.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="871" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzERAGBl8m8S7WT9JgttA45LTWouCJA-7Y2oNGGohWttxIIT0D2RRph15GElohsFSd7FePdOzWMrnfpFM58ARAPZ5Epz3cm-4lkmtPsKlHXsoBucIE6mR1-BvbqcIPst4vh2ZV7gVA7_e2EMFMg62z-OvM95v1UYQC_3QdweL2stHcD6JwBKDM2fDGXw/w640-h192/Every%20Child.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have buried a child. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="gvxzyvdx aeinzg81 t7p7dqev gh25dzvf exr7barw b6ax4al1 gem102v4 ncib64c9 mrvwc6qr sx8pxkcf f597kf1v cpcgwwas m2nijcs8 hxfwr5lz k1z55t6l oog5qr5w tes86rjd pbevjfx6 ztn2w49o" dir="auto"><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">My heart has been a home to sorrow. <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Echoes of silence abide there still. But </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">there are things I did not, </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">could not </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">and will not<br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">ever know. </div></div></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have buried a child. <br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">My child was not stolen from me.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">My child was not forced into the unfamiliar.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">My child was not made to feel: </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unsafe. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unloved. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unacceptable.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have buried a child.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">And it is true that I know grief </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">That I am acquainted with loss </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I know nothing of the pain of:</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Injustice</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Indifference</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inhumanity.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have buried a child.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">My child's grave is marked</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can kneel with memories and tears, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">knowing every effort was made on her behalf.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">She was not:</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dishonoured</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Disregarded</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discarded</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have buried a child</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">And if there is one thing I know</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing I believe </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is this:</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every child matters.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every. Child.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span> </span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">- Valerie Sherrard</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div></div><p></p>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-57366779246427017992021-03-18T10:12:00.006-07:002023-05-31T12:51:45.683-07:00This many...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh3BOyVVSC2vTp0q1LT-uHKGda6zymD7rSar9QcFaTDoOs6NHLMAqqHB39scJ-StCkaBmboEbX-HZp0YUZ2Khk3pfQEPHbNQF8CITFpwvs0okvdPzIVBEK206cOc_EycYybzUQrLun1Z5I4Mn-tDKce7kZfnaiaZN6MxaTv78FxOuwoHZ7NOP1s1sQQ/s3030/my%20titles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3030" data-original-width="3023" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh3BOyVVSC2vTp0q1LT-uHKGda6zymD7rSar9QcFaTDoOs6NHLMAqqHB39scJ-StCkaBmboEbX-HZp0YUZ2Khk3pfQEPHbNQF8CITFpwvs0okvdPzIVBEK206cOc_EycYybzUQrLun1Z5I4Mn-tDKce7kZfnaiaZN6MxaTv78FxOuwoHZ7NOP1s1sQQ/w638-h640/my%20titles.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">A friend once remarked that it's difficult to keep track of my books. I can hardly argue with that when I regularly have to double-check details myself. This explains the confused look you'll see on my face if you ever happen to ask me how many books I've written. Which, of course, is not the same as how many have been published (also an incomplete figure as it doesn't take into account those that are under contract but not yet released). And the tally never includes the wretched efforts that have been abandoned (not deleted, mind you) at some stage of writing, or, if completed, stories which good sense has kept me from sending out. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I am aware, of course, that a general figure is more than enough to satisfy the innocent curiosity of anyone who happens to venture that dreadful question. Sadly for them, that rarely prevents me from offering (much) more information than their polite interest warrants. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All the same, it seems the responsible thing to do -- to have a list of publications readily available. So here it is! </span><br />
</p><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Picture Books</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Down Here (2015)<br />
Isabelle Malenfant, Illustrator</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Miss Wondergem's Dreadfully Dreadful Pie (2011)<br />
Wendy J. Whittingham, Illustrator</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
There's a GOLDFISH In My Shoe! (2009)<br />
David Jardine, Illustrator</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
There's a COW Under My Bed! (2008)<br />
David Jardine, Illustrator</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Early Chapter Book</span> <br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Cooper Clark and the Dragon Lady (2019)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cover art and drawings by</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">David Jardine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mi<span style="font-size: large;">ddle <span style="font-size: large;">Gra<span style="font-size: large;">de</span></span></span></span> Novels</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A Bend in the Breeze (2022)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Birdspell (2021)<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Rise and Fall of Derek Cowell (2020) <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Random Acts (2015)<br />
Rain Shadow (2014)<br />
Driftwood (2013) <br />
The Glory Wind (2010)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Tumbleweed Skies (2009)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Speechless (2007) </span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Young Adult Novels</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Standing on Neptune (2023) <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finding Avalon (2020) collaboration with Pamela MacDonald<br />
Counting Back from Nine (2012) <br />
Testify (August 2011)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(Testify has been translated into French and Korean) <br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Accomplice (2011) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Watcher (2009)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Three Million Acres of Flame (2007)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Sarah's Legacy (2006)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Sam's Light (2004)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
KATE (2003)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Shelby Belgarden Mystery Series</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Searching for Yesterday (2008)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Eyes of a Stalker (2006)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Hiding in Plain Sight (2005)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Chasing Shadows (2004)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
In Too Deep (2003)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Out of the Ashes (2002)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Non-Fiction</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
More than Words: Navigating the Complex World of Communication (2023)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">with co-creators Natalie Hyde and David Jardine<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Vanessa Hudgens: Superstars Series (2010)</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br /><br />Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-22808932825964527012020-04-08T09:45:00.006-07:002021-07-02T10:49:25.273-07:00The Rise and Fall of Derek Cowell<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Hi, my name is Derek Cowell.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">You might remember me from when I was popular.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before that, I was invisible. And after.. well, that's a long story.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">I never expected to become popular. It just sort of happened.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">An accidental photobomb, a chance encounter with a real live celebrity, and suddenly, I was somebody.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">These things never last, though, unless you help them along.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's where I ran into trouble.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfhbGQs3ArwMd9ZfQXP6ESdOfhByAsDpTbTqJMGgjvGDTqcYwYQeJd_Bu5gonVJmnJ7fv2sPTu4yT2uBjK_yRBkiuOITA51Kisvhwp1JXJbGqixRaSDqK3m8vBWlc1ZnElW9HtT-ky-yV/s1600/Derek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1091" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfhbGQs3ArwMd9ZfQXP6ESdOfhByAsDpTbTqJMGgjvGDTqcYwYQeJd_Bu5gonVJmnJ7fv2sPTu4yT2uBjK_yRBkiuOITA51Kisvhwp1JXJbGqixRaSDqK3m8vBWlc1ZnElW9HtT-ky-yV/s640/Derek.jpg" width="435" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b><a href="https://www.dcbyoungreaders.com/rise-and-fall-of-derek-cowell-excer">Read the first chapter here!</a></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b> </b> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Reviewed in <a href="https://atlanticbookstoday.ca/derekcowell/">Atlantic Books Today</a><b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Award News for this book:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shortlisted for the 2021 Red Maple Award! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shortlisted for the 2022 MYRCA Northern Lights</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b> </b></span> </span></div>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-69237545861524970522020-04-02T15:24:00.003-07:002021-08-18T14:42:57.039-07:00Finding Avalon<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is <b>my daughter Pamela's first novel</b>. I was so happy to be part of it, contributing a minor character voice. You can't even imagine how proud I am of my girl! Here is the stunning cover of this forthcoming story for teens!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsdShgpl7SlxdKMJcZ2JjeUUjMyelK1C9nMf86xeAYF5TLTQBMppvf-iRlMBF9lixnWaaDPoWM54nqBGOxMcdDJp2GPDT7-uUp9R526IZNJ8JR-ch4VvUZarTFcKj4Mni6xQpwfiuClSz/s2048/FindingAvalonFinal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1401" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsdShgpl7SlxdKMJcZ2JjeUUjMyelK1C9nMf86xeAYF5TLTQBMppvf-iRlMBF9lixnWaaDPoWM54nqBGOxMcdDJp2GPDT7-uUp9R526IZNJ8JR-ch4VvUZarTFcKj4Mni6xQpwfiuClSz/w438-h640/FindingAvalonFinal.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">A bit about the story:</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="left: 248.192px; top: 121.996px; transform: scaleX(0.985484);">Avalon Monday doesn’t mind telling schoolmates </span><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 140.35px; transform: scaleX(0.996077);">that her mother ran off to California to live with a </span><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 158.703px; transform: scaleX(0.982861);">guy she met on the internet. After all, that’s </span><span style="left: 500.857px; top: 158.504px; transform: scaleX(0.931489);">way</span><span style="left: 524.951px; top: 158.703px; transform: scaleX(0.930181);"> less </span><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 177.057px; transform: scaleX(1.02218);">embarrassing than the truth.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="left: 248.192px; top: 201.666px; transform: scaleX(0.991);">But one fresh start and three years later Avalon </span><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 220.02px; transform: scaleX(0.986217);">discovers there are things you can never truly leave </span><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 238.374px; transform: scaleX(0.995377);">behind. When her past collides with her present, will </span><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 256.727px; transform: scaleX(0.985431);">it expose her secret and leave her new life in ruins?</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 256.727px; transform: scaleX(0.985431);"> </span></span></span><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 256.727px; transform: scaleX(0.985431);">Finding Avalon has been reviewed in:<br /></span></span></span></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://www.cmreviews.ca/node/2119"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 256.727px; transform: scaleX(0.985431);">CM Magazine</span></span></span></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 256.727px; transform: scaleX(0.985431);"><a href="https://atlanticbooks.ca/lisa-doucet-reviews-pamela-macdonalds-finding-avalon/">Atlantic Books Today</a> <br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="left: 235.681px; top: 256.727px; transform: scaleX(0.985431);"> <br /></span></span></span></p>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-88862691081394959712020-03-30T05:41:00.000-07:002020-04-08T17:56:03.892-07:00I LOVE this guy!!<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content">By this post's heading, you're probably expecting a long, mushy message about my husband (whom I DO
love) but I'm afraid another fellow has also captured my heart. His name
is Cooper Clark, and I have to admit, I'm quite smitten with him.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content"> </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content">Cooper is full of opinions and ideas! In his first adventure (book # 2 is in the works) he comes up with one zany plan after another in order to avoid facing his fear of dragons. Some of his plans will be recognized by young readers as things they themselves have tried. Others are unique. Here's what happens:</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content"> </span></span></h3>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content"></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJpOsR70DaI66dIsZWgsTwtJFBRVQqDqvVd3drgqApBR_krrlEvoV33csfnc99CRBoqC05Ki92QIBRLHePo-Fzh9CzdHTJXmocSpO52JBtqhrAeceJdUSMTsnpD7ffP8XpJO_6G3JXiBt/s1600/CooperClarkDragonLady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="429" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJpOsR70DaI66dIsZWgsTwtJFBRVQqDqvVd3drgqApBR_krrlEvoV33csfnc99CRBoqC05Ki92QIBRLHePo-Fzh9CzdHTJXmocSpO52JBtqhrAeceJdUSMTsnpD7ffP8XpJO_6G3JXiBt/s400/CooperClarkDragonLady.jpg" width="279" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content">Cooper Clark's world takes
an alarming turn when his regular babysitter gets a new job. </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content"> Arrangements are then made for Cooper to spend his after-school hours
with old Mrs. Mulligan — a plan he does not care for one bit! Everyone
knows that Mrs. Mulligan has a real live dragon in her basement and
although he has kept his fears secret, Cooper is very afraid of dragons. </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content"> </span></span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content">Not willing to expose his secret, Cooper does his best to find a way to avoid Mrs. Mulligan's dreadful pet . </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content"> </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content">It isn't until he runs out of ideas that
Cooper makes a most important discovery. </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content"> </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="item-description__content"></span></span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<span class="item-description__content"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is my first chapter book. I hope you love it as much as these reviewers did -- or even more! </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="item-description__content"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://atlanticbookstoday.ca/review-cooper-clark-the-dragon-lady/"><span class="item-description__content">Review of this story from Atlantic Books Today</span></a></span></h3>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.cmreviews.ca/node/1516"><span style="color: #20124d;">Review of this story from CM Magazine</span></a></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2020/03/cooper-clark-and-dragon-lady.html">Review of this story from CanLit for Little Canadians</a> </span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="item-description__content"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="item-description__content"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></h3>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-34920609609175572912019-09-21T08:36:00.000-07:002023-05-21T04:17:16.689-07:00Open Letters to my Grandchildren # 2: Purpose in Your Heart<br />
One of my favourite stories from the Old Testament is about Daniel.<br />
<br />
Not the story everyone talks about though, which is Daniel in the Lion's Den. That's also a great reminder of how God rewards faith, but the story I like the best happened before then. At the beginning.<br />
<br />
Daniel was a fine young man. Everyone knew it. And that's one of the reasons he was captured and taken away from his home in Judah to a place called Bablyon. Daniel and the other captives were chosen for their good qualities, and were expected to adapt to the new world they found themselves in and to add value to it. <br />
<br />
So there they were, being treated well and provided with good things, including great food. Except, the foods were not allowed to them. Daniel, and the other captives, followed strict laws regarding the kinds of foods they could eat, as well as the ways it was prepared.<br />
<br />
But there they were, looking at tables loaded with food that smelled great. And they were all hungry. What were they supposed to do? Insult the king, who'd provided it? Starve? It was a sticky situation to say the least.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Fp5sD0jiFDk8GUiXAuVz3aIYzOeUpAfhnNavI2kgMZQdbZRAHcCJezhmeZd7l-tM-c7zuAD-LBlC1LBJzumFx1S8SCoByf7GFrS6xdweDa9eSlaEk9MONleW987NCAa_4x8GLQUNFdDh/s1600/decisions.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="384" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Fp5sD0jiFDk8GUiXAuVz3aIYzOeUpAfhnNavI2kgMZQdbZRAHcCJezhmeZd7l-tM-c7zuAD-LBlC1LBJzumFx1S8SCoByf7GFrS6xdweDa9eSlaEk9MONleW987NCAa_4x8GLQUNFdDh/s320/decisions.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So what happened? Daniel Chapter 1 verse 8 tells us:<br />
<br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746">"<b>But Daniel purposed in his
heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's
meat, nor with the wine which he drank</b>..."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746">As a result of Daniel taking a stand to do what he knew was right, he and the others from Judah were given a completely different diet, one that you wouldn't expect could promote health and strength. Even so, they thrived on it and were stronger and more fit than those who were eating the other stuff.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746">What I like the most about this story is WHY it happened. It would have been so easy for Daniel to give in, to make excuses, to shrug his shoulders and decide he had no choice but to go along. But Daniel didn't do any of those things because he had <u>purposed in his heart</u>! </span><br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><br /></span>
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746">Daniel already knew what he was going to do before he was faced with the temptation. He didn't make up his mind when he sat at the table, hungry and facing platters of delicious smelling food. His heart had chosen the right thing ahead of time.</span><br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><br /></span>
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746">But why? Why did Daniel purpose this in his heart? So that he <u>would not defile himself</u>! That's a pretty strong statement. He might easily have told himself that eating some forbidden food wasn't a big deal. It wasn't like stealing or killing or any of the <u>really</u> wrong things, right? </span><br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><br /></span>
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746">Except, Daniel understood that it mattered. That he needed to do what was right in small matters as well as large. And if you read through the Book of Daniel in the Bible, you will see how God blessed him.</span><br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><br /></span>
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746">Every day, as we go through life, we are faced with choices. Often, we are tempted to do the wrong thing, and when those things seem small, we may tell ourselves they don't matter. But that is not true -- every right choice brings a reward.</span><br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><br /></span>
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746">And it is easier, so much easier, for us to make the right choice if we already know what that choice will be, if we have determined beforehand to do what we know we should do, no matter how tempted we may be. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><b>If we have purposed in our hearts</b>.</span><br />
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><br /></span>
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><br /></span>
<span class="text Dan-1-8" id="en-KJV-21746"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-7629802154441535142019-09-20T11:04:00.000-07:002023-05-21T04:16:50.978-07:00Open Letters to my Grandchildren # 1: A Different Kind of Substance Abuse <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA">It's everywhere -- talk of substance abuse.
Which makes sense since addiction is a serious problem.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
But that's not what I want to talk to you about right now. Today, I want to talk
about the prodigal son's particular kind of, "substance abuse."</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA">The prodigal son, as you probably know, pestered his dad to give him his
inheritance early. He didn't want to wait for his father to die to get what he
figured was coming to him.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA">Once you know the story, you might think it would have been a good idea for his
dad to tell him, "No way!" But that's not what happened.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
What did happen, as the Bible tells us, was that the son went off and had
himself one big long party. (If you don't know what happened next, check it out
in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 11-32.)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
What interests me, and what I want to talk to you about today, is the way the
son's actions are described. There's actually not a whole lot of description,
although it's easy to imagine what he was up to. What we do find, is this
phrase:</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
he "<b>wasted his substance with riotous living</b>."</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
(This is from the King James Version of the Bible -- other translations word
things a little differently, and may be easier for you to understand, but this
is the phrase I'd like you to remember - always.) </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
<b>He wasted:</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
Prodigal didn't use what he'd been given the way he should have. He more or
less threw it away. He got no real value out of it. That's often the case when
something comes too easily. A person often values what they work for more than
what they're given. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
<b>his substance</b>:</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
Now this is the phrase that interests me the most, and the one I am asking you
to really, really, think about. At first glance, it's easy to think this just
means he wasted the inheritance his father had given him. But it goes far
beyond that.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
Substance, if you look it up, is described as what a thing is made up of. So,
yes, the son wasted the substance of what he'd been given -- whatever money and
other valuables he had. But there's more to it. Because he also wasted his
personal substance.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
He threw away his personal qualities, the gifts God gave him. He trashed his
own character, his honour and integrity...like it was worthless. Except, it
wasn't. It was more valuable than anything else he had.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
<b>with riotous living</b>.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
This doesn't need a lot of explanation. He was having himself good time. At
least, he thought he was. (He also thought he was popular, until his
circumstances changed and everyone disappeared.) I wonder how many regrets he
had while he was eating pig slop and living in poverty. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
You're smart enough to draw your own conclusions on whether this so-called good
time was worth the cost. Because everything has a price. </span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
<b>And finally, why all of this matters to each of you</b>.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
As you make your way through life you will have to make a lot of decisions.
They won't all involve money and material values, but almost everything you do will
involve your personal value. Who you are. How you treat others. How you treat yourself
-- your mind and your body. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br />
Don't waste your substance. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
</span></span></span>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-22857198051297471102019-09-01T13:10:00.001-07:002023-07-01T05:55:48.865-07:00Open Letter to My Family: Never Alone<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;">From the earliest days of Covid, I expect most of us </span></span><span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">encountered talk of death, and when conversations took this turn, there was inevitably discussion of what the final days and hours may be like for those struck down by this virus. And one word that rose from every description was this: </span></span></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>"ALONE"</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">What a sad thing to imagine. A loved one, unwell, struggling to breathe, with no family member or even friend at their side. No hand to hold, no chance for a last "I love you." A solitary passing. It is a sad image to envision.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">But I want you to know this: Whenever, and however I may leave this world, that word will not<b> </b>apply to me.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">I know this because I am never alone. My Lord and Saviour is with me, just as He promised. Just as He has been from the first moment I placed my faith in Him.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>"lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the world." </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>- Matthew 28:20b </b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">And because of that, I will not die alone, regardless of whatever circumstances may surround my final moments on this earth. The Lord my God will be with me. His grace and comfort, peace and joy will be the companions of the last beat of my heart. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">I know and am certain of this, not because my faith is remarkably strong, or for any other reason connected to me. I know it because God is faithful. I have failed Him many times but He has never failed me. I have seen evidence of His faithfulness time and time again throughout my life. I trust that. I trust Him. I trust His Word. And His Word promises...</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b </b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFZaAPBmT10ONNtWNweo8TSfgTVMy1Em4GXpMTrMopbFIZBHHC4_llaBsRXERtVInv_GE8_SZm4zxipB8bEdJpaJJAC4ZDS3bFITy7s0bavIzTmBxGif6iqqaYM1eJOm-g_K7vUFlrKbNbbh1nbSOl7qEfDRgIO1WzFN9eXcu3NOiZEDaPvIDnRGYT2ZM/s1038/With%20you%20Always.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1038" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFZaAPBmT10ONNtWNweo8TSfgTVMy1Em4GXpMTrMopbFIZBHHC4_llaBsRXERtVInv_GE8_SZm4zxipB8bEdJpaJJAC4ZDS3bFITy7s0bavIzTmBxGif6iqqaYM1eJOm-g_K7vUFlrKbNbbh1nbSOl7qEfDRgIO1WzFN9eXcu3NOiZEDaPvIDnRGYT2ZM/w400-h174/With%20you%20Always.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;">Remember this. Hold it in your heart until we meet again.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Precious Lord, take my hand</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Lead me on, let me stand</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">
<div class="ujudUb">
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Through the storm, through the night</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Lead me on, to the light</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.</div><div class="ujudUb"> </div>
<div class="ujudUb">
</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
When my way grows drear</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Precious Lord, linger near</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
When my light is almost gone</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Hear my cry, hear my call</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Hold my hand, lest I fall</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
</div>
</span></span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="ujudUb">
</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
When the darkness appears</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
And the night draws near</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
And the day is past and gone</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
At the river I stand</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Guide my feet, hold my hand</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div class="ujudUb">
</div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div class="ujudUb">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Precious Lord, take my hand</span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">
<div class="ujudUb">
Lead me on, let me stand</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Through the storm, through the night</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Lead me on, to the light</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.</div>
<div class="ujudUb">
</div>
</span></span> </div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><div class="ujudUb WRZytc">
</div> </span></span></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;">This post was backdated for filing purposes.</span> </span></span>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-27557033796050343192016-12-29T06:58:00.000-08:002022-03-28T08:53:11.903-07:00Rain Shadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3sKxZzlXHt4XHXrMHAhAWd32X80-8bK5MlCgGOuChu0im-D09GZJhi8ETt9pPnNPOiMOly-Co9jHY0lvfVdhpEfrDcIKDNBuVWXdQDJBUFO1F5_jgw1lm2QjstqzmKJO1FqA1NzzRLr4/s1600/Rain+Shadow+-+Cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3sKxZzlXHt4XHXrMHAhAWd32X80-8bK5MlCgGOuChu0im-D09GZJhi8ETt9pPnNPOiMOly-Co9jHY0lvfVdhpEfrDcIKDNBuVWXdQDJBUFO1F5_jgw1lm2QjstqzmKJO1FqA1NzzRLr4/s400/Rain+Shadow+-+Cover.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bethany knows that she is special.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She doesn't learn things as easily as her classmates do and that sometimes makes them mean to her. They call her names -- including the really "bad" name. Even her mom and her sister Mira say unkind things at times. But Bethany has friends like her neighbour Mrs. Goldsborough as well as happy times with Daddy when he gets home from work. And now, Mira has promised to protect her from the bullies when the new school year begins.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then tragedy strikes, tearing Bethany's world apart in way she could never have imagined, and she starts to wonder if there will ever be a place that feels like home again.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">* * * * * </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have chosen to return to the fictitious setting of Junction, Manitoba (setting for <a href="http://valeriesherrard.blogspot.ca/2011/02/glory-wind.html"><i>The Glory Wind</i></a>) in this story. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">* * * * * </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please support independent bookstores, whenever possible. </span></span><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Select Awards and <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">R<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">eviews</span></span></span> for Rain Shadow: </span></span></u></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shortlisted for the Canadian Library Association 2015 Book of the Year for Children.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Silver Birch <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fict<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ion Honour title Award 2016.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shortlisted for the 2016 Ann Connor Brimer Award. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shortlisted for the 201<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6</span> Diamon<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d Willow Award.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shortlisted for the 2017 Rocky Mountain <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Book Award</span> </span></span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rain Shadow has been reviewed by:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol21/no20/rainshadow.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">CM Magazine</span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nationalreadingcampaign.ca/childrens-book-review-rain-shadow/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The National Reading Campaign</span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.ca/2014/12/rain-shadow.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">CanLit for Little Canadians</span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></div>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-74633001347200047502016-12-15T07:28:00.000-08:002022-01-14T10:12:02.066-08:00Down Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tIeBmuLpmI46viqij26WgfRtrrXU0FOpAqQaYgNMkjVb0cFNreH6_TxUsUUH0PyDgSrwOy8pKj467TuQdzXRrPIJzyvQhq9E7HvegvHsNn3bPeOKJjBuzGK_UkSb69XG9kuz3cLRq7ea/s1600/Down+Here.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tIeBmuLpmI46viqij26WgfRtrrXU0FOpAqQaYgNMkjVb0cFNreH6_TxUsUUH0PyDgSrwOy8pKj467TuQdzXRrPIJzyvQhq9E7HvegvHsNn3bPeOKJjBuzGK_UkSb69XG9kuz3cLRq7ea/s400/Down+Here.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>It's all about what you see. </b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Young Jamie loves to build things, and sees these creations as wonders.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Unfortunately, Mom's viewpoint is not the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">To Mom, it's all a huge MESS! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Until...</span><br />
</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Down Here Reviews:</b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nationalreadingcampaign.ca/childrens-book-reviews-down-here/"><b>National Reading Campaign</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol22/no12/downhere.html"><b>CM Magazine</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-15609950458278775982016-03-10T12:51:00.000-08:002016-03-14T09:02:38.859-07:00The Glory Wind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgysdecsI8xbw0V3D7PUTO2SxF91hjMtir8mTYHwMmZJtgF3dS5obmeyKba38NiF4OzmhXQ2-JKn8Gl6ZrsF8TYX46gRqiFWZ4CvEeyBCZzRuLUn8LkfaFiXqhy7JrWDGtBdMvNDYZJM9/s1600/TGW_Final+cover+%2528front%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgysdecsI8xbw0V3D7PUTO2SxF91hjMtir8mTYHwMmZJtgF3dS5obmeyKba38NiF4OzmhXQ2-JKn8Gl6ZrsF8TYX46gRqiFWZ4CvEeyBCZzRuLUn8LkfaFiXqhy7JrWDGtBdMvNDYZJM9/s400/TGW_Final+cover+%2528front%2529.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
How it happened.<br />
<br />
The news was just on in the background that evening - I was in the other room, and only caught a snatch of a story that probably lasted less than half a minute. It made no particular impression, but the next day it had created the beginning of an idea that would bloom into The Glory Wind. And this is often how it is.<br />
<br />
About the story.<br />
<br />
Luke Haliwell must come to terms with the prejudices of his 1940's prairie town when Gracie Moor and her mother move in next door. Gracie is unlike anyone Luke has ever known, but when the town discovers that Gracie's mother is hiding a shameful secret, Luke learns that friendship can come at a great cost.<br />
<br />
Published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside, this story is in bookstores now.<br />
<br />
I loved writing The Glory Wind. I hope you will love it too.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">News Updates for The Glory Wind</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Winner of the 2011 Geoffrey Bilson Historical Fiction for Young People Award<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Winner of the 2011 Ann Connor Brimer Award</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Winner of the Bronze Medal in the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2011 Independent Publisher Book Awards, Canadian Regional</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shortlisted for the Canadian Library Association</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2011 Children's Book of the Year<br />
<br />
Shortlisted for the 2011 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award<br />
<br />
Shortlisted for the 2012 OLA Silver Birch Fiction Award <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ontario Library Association Best Bets List for 2010</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
********* </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A few reviews of <i>The Glory Wind</i>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/childrens-books/valerie-sherrard/glory-wind/">Kirkus (starred review)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol17/no23/theglorywind.html">CM Magazine</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.atlanticpublishers.ca/books/entry/the-glory-wind/">Atlantic Books Today</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://curledupkids.com/glory_wind.html">Curled Up With a Good Kid's Book</a><br />
<br />
***** </div>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-79735620111741783362016-03-08T08:30:00.000-08:002016-03-14T09:00:27.096-07:00Random Acts <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">In the haze of a
food-induced stupor, Zoey Dalton and her best friends Bean and Jenna make a
pledge to begin performing random acts of kindness—anonymously. Their previous
track record for good deeds is pretty much a flat line, so anything they do to
help others is bound to be an improvement.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Or is it?</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">What if the random acts of
kindness are unwanted and misunderstood? What if, instead of spreading joy and
good will, the trio’s actions stir up trouble, wreak havoc and maybe even cause
bodily harm?</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">That, of course, would be a
different story.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">This story, in fact.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">News Updates for Random Acts!</span></span></span></u></h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Random Acts was one of ten titles selected for the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/books/2016/01/toronto-raptors-demar-derozan-launches-all-star-reading-challenge.html">2016 All-Star Reading Challenge</a>, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
kicked off by DeMar DeRozan!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Random Acts has been reviewed in: </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.quillandquire.com/review/random-acts/">Quill & Quire</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol21/no23/randomacts.html">CM Magazine</a> </span></span></span></div>
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Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-70011276783987831372016-03-07T07:36:00.002-08:002020-09-29T15:45:59.670-07:00Driftwood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu8-pqo244gYrrabjj8KHhtQMv-pYnkAKIkv-M7iVtHcNWBot1qOiIBQPWiClhw-abP__mMw9w03lywSUvl39TwwETaJuP6o4K2DtsBV3qN7EsN6BF2OXYOR2SpxZGwiN1CMqACwP-vuL/s1600/DriftwoodFinal.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu8-pqo244gYrrabjj8KHhtQMv-pYnkAKIkv-M7iVtHcNWBot1qOiIBQPWiClhw-abP__mMw9w03lywSUvl39TwwETaJuP6o4K2DtsBV3qN7EsN6BF2OXYOR2SpxZGwiN1CMqACwP-vuL/w416-h640/DriftwoodFinal.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><p><b>A personal favorite!! </b><br /></p><p>It never stops being thrilling - seeing a new book for the first time. I'm especially excited about this one - it's the first time I've written a novel that has stories within the main story. <i>Loved</i> my main character -- loved all the characters, actually, and the way everything came together.<br />
<br />
About the story:<br />
<br />
Adam's summer is off to a disappointing start. His so-called "best
friend" has bailed on him, choosing to stay behind to care for a sick
dog, instead of joining Adam and his family at the seaside campground as
planned. Adam is furious with Billy for abandoning him, impatient with
his mother for her artistic obsessions, and embarrassed by his dad's
lame attempts at being funny. At least an ever-changing cast of new
summer friends proves to be an entertaining distraction: Joey, the
shoe-thief with the cute sister; the mischievous Linden twins; enigmatic
Nevin; and Ethan, the adventurer. But it is Theo, the blind gentleman
up on the hill, with his magical stories of driftwood, who helps Adam to
see the true nature of friendship.<br />
<br />
A middle grade novel.<br />
<br />
</p><div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Updates for Driftwood</span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shortlisted for the Canadian Library Association 2014 Book of the Year for Children<br />
<br />
Shortlisted for the 2015 Rocky Mountain Book Award<br />
<br />
Shortlisted for the 2016 Hackmatack Award </div>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-86363446736915321772013-11-05T07:15:00.000-08:002016-07-13T09:59:52.262-07:00My Twice-Written Governor General's Nominee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“There are rules for what I’ve done. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Specific punishments for </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">crimes against
friendship.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Laren Olivier knows the rules, but her attraction to a
friend’s ex-boyfriend is strong. She
tells herself that if only they can keep their romance a secret, no one will
get hurt. But Laren is not the only one
with something to hide.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thus begins a year long
journey through secrets, lies, exposures and betrayals. Somehow, Laren must find a way to reconcile
who she is with what she’s done. At the
same time, she finds herself struggling with a discovery so shocking it rocks
the very foundation of her world</span>.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This, my 21st published book, was written twice. The first version was prose, but, I was not entirely satisfied with the voice. Eventually, and with the blessing of my longsuffering editor, Christie Harkin, I tackled it again, only this time in a free verse format. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would like to acknowledge, with sincere thanks, the support of Canada Council, which made it possible for me to complete this project. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reviews and Awards!</span></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shortlisted for the 2013 Governor General's Awards in the Children's Text category.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shortlisted for the 2013 - 2014 Red Maple Award</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shortlisted for the 2014-2015 Snow Willow Award </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Winner of the 2013 Word Guild Award in the Juvenile Category</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Horn Book Outstanding Selection </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OLA Best Bets 2013: Young Adult Fiction</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Review: <a href="http://umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol19/no21/countingbackfromnine.html">CM Magazine</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Review: <a href="http://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.ca/2013/11/counting-back-from-nine.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CanlitForLittlecanadians+%28CanLit+for+LittleCanadians%29">CanLit for Little Canadians</a></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> .</span></span></span></div>
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Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-13249879854482489022011-08-08T08:28:00.000-07:002014-02-11T10:02:54.477-08:00Testify<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkWIqhvGQ3L6ozDcncvep5DKS5-g1TqLAdznDskHt8b229nVMTKGWgpX0gwB-1E8cynKYsvX9WCtP55WNAEfSSQZ1CEDB63xvJWnxVWxAZttfaX8W5eaBgO0JOzY4gyusyuSXHZUu3mmR/s1600/9781554889273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkWIqhvGQ3L6ozDcncvep5DKS5-g1TqLAdznDskHt8b229nVMTKGWgpX0gwB-1E8cynKYsvX9WCtP55WNAEfSSQZ1CEDB63xvJWnxVWxAZttfaX8W5eaBgO0JOzY4gyusyuSXHZUu3mmR/s320/9781554889273.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>“Before you judge me, there are two things you should know about why I did it.”</i> <br />
<br />
Shana Tremain is a good kid. She knows right from wrong and she’s never been in any serious trouble. But when her best friend, Carrie, comes to her for help, Shana agrees to break the law to save Carrie from a molester. She even feels good about it — for a while. <br />
<br />
Then trouble starts. Someone in their group of friends is stealing from the others. As she searches for the truth, Shana uncovers evidence that raises a terrifying question: Has she made a horrible mistake? <br />
<br />
Faced with the reality of what she’s done, Shana finds herself trapped in a web of her own lies and deceit. Can she convince the right people that she’s telling the truth now? Either way it’s clear someone is going to pay a terrible price for her crime.<br />
___________________________________________ <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Reviews for Testify</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.quillandquire.com/books_young/review.cfm?review_id=7356"> Quill & Quire </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol17/no30/testify.html">CM Magazine </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Free Teacher Resource Guide Available Here:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dundurn.com/books/testify">Testify: Teacher Resource Guide</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-79335151045402827582011-02-16T21:24:00.000-08:002014-02-11T10:04:15.310-08:00Accomplice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHXP_XUZ7J7mmCdCVjmXsMjmhhQCRdqgfTwKB-XuCxb6-730nJy8wQImi47gnMpCo9zVqw2ezF3DgMa-k-8ACyi7-8zQaTwc9lfSMqUYJGjZIoFKxVL7XwTsOJ285bjJdHl1v3b-nujHJ/s1600/9781554887644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHXP_XUZ7J7mmCdCVjmXsMjmhhQCRdqgfTwKB-XuCxb6-730nJy8wQImi47gnMpCo9zVqw2ezF3DgMa-k-8ACyi7-8zQaTwc9lfSMqUYJGjZIoFKxVL7XwTsOJ285bjJdHl1v3b-nujHJ/s400/9781554887644.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
Lexie Malton has a secret. Her ex-boyfriend, Devlin, is now a heroin addict living on the street, and only Lexie knows that she's the one who put him there.<br />
<br />
Even worse, Lexie's guilt makes her give in to Devlin's demands for money time after time, even though she understands how dangerous his drug use is.<br />
<br />
Lexie finally finds the strength to stop enabling Devlin. But when Devlin seeks treatment for his addiction, Lexie finds herself drawn back to him, never guessing what a dark and deadly path she has just chosen. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
_________________________________ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This was an interesting story to write. Even though my work background has brought me in contact with today's drug culture, I discovered that I knew very little about heroin use. What I learned during the course of my research truly shocked me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Accomplice</i> is one of two short novels I wrote designed to be high interest stories for both avid and reluctant readers. I've written a second book in the same category. It's called <i>Testify</i>, and it will be published this August.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
_____________________________________</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Accomplice</i> has been reviewed in:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.quillandquire.com/books_young/review.cfm?review_id=7158">Quill & Quire</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol17/no14/accomplice.html">CM Magazine</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-42303313138990981052010-10-28T08:41:00.000-07:002014-06-13T06:38:16.052-07:00Miss Wondergem's Dreadfully Dreadful Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0W3LXM40aFFdApV_9IvjStp7McOzPCMhS-0A_qb5ZbioLK7o2wRl2yFKC_MpvE7jp0l1FtTS2Rg6f2Wb_yZuDK5R_vxi35i4ap3KPrScfTCTiXFStJc3Fa2HvGis_fKKKXkD9KwfM5mR/s1600/Wondergem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0W3LXM40aFFdApV_9IvjStp7McOzPCMhS-0A_qb5ZbioLK7o2wRl2yFKC_MpvE7jp0l1FtTS2Rg6f2Wb_yZuDK5R_vxi35i4ap3KPrScfTCTiXFStJc3Fa2HvGis_fKKKXkD9KwfM5mR/s400/Wondergem.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Miss Wondergem's Bakery, coming quite soon!</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In fact, it will open tomorrow at noon!</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There's a brand new bakery in town and no one could be happier about it than Myrna, Verna and Bradley McGrew. As much as they love their mother, the McGrew children can't help but dread what comes out of her kitchen - and with very good reason! For example:</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Her cookies and muffins and pies were so hard</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">That they used them for building a fort in the yard.</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Miss Wondergem's arrival promises to solve this problem, and the children waste no time in presenting themselves at the bakery the very first day it opens. Unfortunately, Miss Wondergem's pies are more than a little unusual, and the children are in for a most unpleasant surprise.</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The charming artwork for this picture book is by Wendy J. Whittingham, who truly brought the story to life with her illustrations. Readers will enjoy meeting, not only the children, their mom and Miss Wondergem, but also the McGrew's family pet, a delightful hedgehog named Spike.</span></div>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-67734793330260969922009-10-04T07:47:00.000-07:002011-05-13T12:22:24.068-07:00Tumbleweed Skies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuVmHdIenWfFFeNpe7lQzXW9-SS5UjjA2F7djhEFC_e31yvzKRBpwisXTakLl3_3Sjg2Ljr5DfM38AbfagkcJ5IRYZVztMOef4Jqinooy6C7rdWgLNYFLc1BwEi47XGm6JjR-FKR6lGKc/s1600-h/1Final+Tumbleweed+Skies+Designed+Cover+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuVmHdIenWfFFeNpe7lQzXW9-SS5UjjA2F7djhEFC_e31yvzKRBpwisXTakLl3_3Sjg2Ljr5DfM38AbfagkcJ5IRYZVztMOef4Jqinooy6C7rdWgLNYFLc1BwEi47XGm6JjR-FKR6lGKc/s400/1Final+Tumbleweed+Skies+Designed+Cover+%282%29.jpg" /></a></div>A motherless girl, a grandmother who cannot forgive, an injured magpie and a warm prairie summer ...<br />
<br />
Tumbleweed Skies takes place in Saskatchewan during the 1950s. Ellie Stewart, whose home is in Moose Jaw, finds herself having to spend the summer in the fictional town of Weybolt after her father is laid off from his regular job and is forced to take a temporary position as a travelling salesman.<br />
<br />
From her first glimpse of the farm that will be her home for the next months, Ellie senses that she may not be particularly welcome.<br />
<br />
"I could tell right away that this wasn't a house that wanted me."<br />
<br />
The beautiful cover of this book is the artwork of David Jardine. <br />
<br />
This is my first book for this age group, and it was thrilling to write from the perspective of a child this age. I hope that readers will enjoy meeting Ellie.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * *</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">News Updates for Tumbleweed Skies</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Shortlisted for the Ann Connor Brimer Award, 2010</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shortlisted for the 2011 - 2012 Saskatchewan Diamond Willow Award<br />
<br />
Shortlisted for the 2011 - 2012 Hackmatack Award<br />
<br />
Shortlisted for the 2011 - 2012 Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award <br />
<br />
* * * * * * </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-62625496477163981982009-10-03T13:25:00.000-07:002015-02-28T08:44:03.382-08:00Tumbleweed Skies: If you ever wondered...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Copy of a letter to a classroom of students, whose
letters made my day last spring!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Condensed from the original)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9zQkZChOo-NRFHFaDTieF3nZ5hYBVmAA0cUYcxPihI9VDo7GfG6EoAFLEk9iR1nEKxV4KKUCF869skIic2sEj82qNcDFGVYdhkm9Mqgo1o5a-a_EA9Zbk9WuyliK77uW1ePth1zTW-86/s1600/1Final+Tumbleweed+Skies+Designed+Cover+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9zQkZChOo-NRFHFaDTieF3nZ5hYBVmAA0cUYcxPihI9VDo7GfG6EoAFLEk9iR1nEKxV4KKUCF869skIic2sEj82qNcDFGVYdhkm9Mqgo1o5a-a_EA9Zbk9WuyliK77uW1ePth1zTW-86/s200/1Final+Tumbleweed+Skies+Designed+Cover+(2).jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What an awesome surprise it was to find your
letters waiting in my mailbox today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ever so much better than bills and sales flyers, which (sadly enough) make
up most of the mail I receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read
each of your letters carefully, and with great delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you all for the compliments and kind
words – they meant more to me than you can imagine!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I hope you won’t mind that I am writing one
letter in response to all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would love to write to each of you individually, but I'm afraid I'm not very
fast at letter-writing, and I don’t want you to have to wait that long for an
answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might all be finished high
school by the time you hear from me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
I’ve decided to answer all of your questions and discuss the things that
interested you here in one long letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
I am also sending signed postcards for each of you, which I hope you’ll like.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m thrilled that you enjoyed reading <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tumbleweed Skies</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my first book for your age group and I
loved writing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some of you wrote about your personal responses
and thoughts on the book, which I appreciated very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means a lot to know that you made
emotional connections with Ellie and her experiences the summer she spent at
Grandma’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you have had
your own struggles, like illness or family problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all face difficult things at some time,
and I would like you to remember that there are two valuable and important
things you can find <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inside yourselves</i>
when you are going through hard times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those things are hope and courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keep going because change could be just ahead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A lot of you wondered if there was going to be a
sequel and a few of you even offered suggestions of things you would like to
see happen in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Thanks!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I haven’t made any specific plans to
write a sequel, I'm open to the idea if the right story should present itself
to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that reason, I can’t say for
certain, one way or the other, if there may be a sequel someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">However, if you enjoyed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tumbleweed Skies</i>, you may also like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Glory Wind</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The narrator
of that story is a boy named Luke, and it also takes place on the prairies, in
a similar time in history.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now on to your questions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What inspired me to write this story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s hard to answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It began with an idea – and just grew on its
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess you could say that it came
to me out of thin air – it’s not based on anything real.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Marcy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many of you had strong feelings about Marcy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t blame you – she was bossy and
annoying a lot of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you
wonder at all what made her that way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think there are clues in the story to help you see why Marcy behaved as she
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, she wasn’t a very charming
young lady, was she?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way Marcy
wanted things her way every time made her a bully, I would say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But did you notice that she brought out some
good things in Grandma and Ellie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grandma took Ellie’s side over the truck incident, and Ellie discovered
how important Uncle Roger was to her when Marcy insulted him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A few of you were disappointed that the truck didn’t
run over Marcy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must have really
disliked her a lot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you wonder how
the story would be different if that had happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think our feelings toward Marcy may have
changed from dislike to pity – and also, the scene that happened later would
never have taken place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No – I think it
was best for Marcy to stick around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hopefully, as she grows up, she’ll discover that acting the way she does
makes her hard to like, and she’ll learn to be nicer to others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Why was Grandma so mean to Ellie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma was carrying around a lot of hurt,
which came out as anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anger is very
often caused by hurt, and Grandma is one of those people who finds it very hard
to let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, there are signs that
Grandma is beginning to soften up a little, and I think, by the end of the
story, we can see that there is some real hope for this family to heal from the
past and love each other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What happened to Sammy the magpie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sammy flew away – healed and free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you see anything similar in the
situations Sammy and Ellie were in?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And a few questions that weren’t related to the
story, but which I'm happy to answer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do I like math?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I like some kinds of math – it’s very useful when you’re shopping and
you want to figure out which purchases are best, or when you’re planning to
make something and you have to find out how<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>much material to buy and all kinds of other uses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I would say that I like practical math
just fine, but some of the more complicated kinds of math are difficult for me
and I had to study very hard to learn them when I was in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, if you don’t give up, you can
usually understand it at some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you once again for your wonderful
letters!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to encourage all of you
to keep reading – it’s more important than you might realize at this time in
your lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those of you who are
interested in writing – good luck to you – I will hope to read one of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your</i> books someday!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lastly, I want to thank your teacher for her
commitment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see that you all
really matter to her, and I hope you know how blessed you are to have a teacher
like that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I send my very best wishes to each and every one
of you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-73172976728204954442009-09-13T11:52:00.000-07:002010-02-15T12:38:52.068-08:00There's a GOLDFISH In My Shoe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7aWV4jL7RdIFzQrx-Lqr-V1BdgjJgQoNIGSYB2xLrj-2mJLD4SjSTkZrSSg0Et8k2-HTu_NGihfxQubyTXVdtIYqhwCRCTCgcRDdZitOGyeBTIsMfiPJgdREwzwyK2M61sPrP95OgXAS/s1600-h/finalcover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7aWV4jL7RdIFzQrx-Lqr-V1BdgjJgQoNIGSYB2xLrj-2mJLD4SjSTkZrSSg0Et8k2-HTu_NGihfxQubyTXVdtIYqhwCRCTCgcRDdZitOGyeBTIsMfiPJgdREwzwyK2M61sPrP95OgXAS/s400/finalcover1.jpg" /></a></div>What? Is it really a whole year since the first picture book came out?<br />
<br />
Apparently, yes. And now the second one is in bookstores.<br />
<br />
I like to believe that the story is fun, but it's the off-the-wall zaniness of the illustrations that I think will really appeal to children. They are wild and crazy and quirky enough to delight kids and adults alike.<br />
<br />
In his second adventure, Oscar Ollie Brown tries to figure out why it's not always a good idea to do exactly what his mother tells him to!<br />
<br />
For example, when Oscar's mom tires of his endless chatter and tells him to hold his tongue ...<br />
<br />
A tongue is rather hard to hold<br />
But boys like me do what we're told<br />
I used both hands and got it tight<br />
And held my tongue with all my might.<br />
<br />
Then, as I waited to be praised<br />
My mother said, as though amazed,<br />
"Now what on earth is this about?<br />
Don't put your fingers in your mouth!"<br />
<br />
You might think she'd make up her mind!<br />
Not my mom, she's the changing kind!<br />
<br />
An interview with Oscar and I can be viewed here, as he talks about his earlier adventures in There's a COW Under My Bed!:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_hGC2R5EZ4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_hGC2R5EZ4</a><br />
<br />
Oscar and I hope you'll enjoy it.Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582848870786942258.post-13691644420994329762009-08-28T08:40:00.001-07:002021-03-08T08:08:51.363-08:00Watcher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f152/mskrypuch/Watcher_cover_final.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFx2gIck0AfXYUm9q6VkMUlHXXTjUNeePsd6hpF7RGuDw_RA7vZE2iP3TnDyJ_e-FcH2MOP1K_XfqmXL9iHqc8edrXIuzAlhS_vSYOhFCfay3Xe57Ptwx-X7ErcoMnCz083ta9PfDIMpy/s555/Watcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLcSb8N_TGyxpnzH93SYkuXvRpOimTxLxNVBqKj6vMhPTGyw9sKawsZowllGRmBIaf5Wpsxh4JEcBMlnSYN-ZR2X2AxfIDW5IEaDLnrrHdoxnsWLOQhjf0mbjjUxKH4CqkbSvkHGleQrj/s555/Watcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLcSb8N_TGyxpnzH93SYkuXvRpOimTxLxNVBqKj6vMhPTGyw9sKawsZowllGRmBIaf5Wpsxh4JEcBMlnSYN-ZR2X2AxfIDW5IEaDLnrrHdoxnsWLOQhjf0mbjjUxKH4CqkbSvkHGleQrj/s320/Watcher.jpg" /></a></div><br />From the back cover:<br /></div></div>
<br />
Sixteen-year-old Porter Delancy believes he has his future figured out, but his nice, neat plans are shaken when a man he believes may be his father suddenly appears in his Toronto neighbourhood. Porter knows he wants nothing to do with the deadbeat dad who abandoned him and his sister 12 years earlier, but curiosity causes him to re-examine the past.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, actual memories are scarce and confusing, and much of what he knows is based on things his mother has told him. As Porter looks for answers, it begins to seem that all he's ever going to find are more questions.<br />
__________________________________________<br />
<br />
Watcher wasn't an easy book for me to write. It deals with an issue that horrifies me, for many reasons - that being, Parental Alienation.<br />
<br />
Parental Alienation is a form of abuse involving the destruction of a child's relationship with one parent, by the other. It is, for the most part, an unpunished crime.<br />
<br />
Those who pay the highest price are the victims: the children, who are often programmed to become innocent participants in the attack against a parent with whom they formerly enjoyed a loving relationship. Their real memories are replaced with stories of abuse and abandonment.<br />
<br />
Parental Alienation is a hate crime - a crime of lies and manipulation.<br />
<br />
Our courts have been slow to recognize and act to protect the children of divorce who are affected by PA.<br />
<br />
We pray for justice to prevail through truth and love.Valerie Sherrardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681299804075714696noreply@blogger.com0