The Humane Award - Paying it Forward

Imagine my surprise when my fellow author, client and cherished friend, Beverly Stowe McClure sent me an email awarding me The Humane Award. I wish to thank Bev for this honor and encourage you to check out her blog, The Story of A Writer. Bev writes for young adults and one of her books, Rebel in Blue Jeans, was featured by The Book Connection.

According to this award's description, it is to honor certain bloggers who I feel are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn't for them, my site would just be an ordinary blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a regular basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendships through the blog world. And I would like to do so now. There are many, many I could list. These are just a few that I'd like to give this award to:

* Malcolm Campbell, also known as, Sun Singer and his Sun Singer's Travels blog

* Barry Eva, also known as, Storyheart and his Across the Pond blog

* The blog of author J.W. Nicklaus

* Kim Chatel and her Chatel Village site, which includes several blogs on a variety of topics

* Mayra's Secret Bookcase by Mayra Calvani

* I'm Booking It by Laura De Leon

Once again, thanks to these and all my blogging friends. I certainly hope you'll visit their blogs and consider becoming followers.

A Talent for Quiet by Kim Chatel--Book Review

A book of photography, learning new talents, and accepting change comes to life through the talent of artist, photographer and author Kim Chatel.

Reanie has a new stepfather. He has a loud voice, likes sports, and makes their house seem too small when he's there. Bill also has many cameras, terribly breakable cameras that Reanie is not allowed to touch.

When Bill decides to go on a photo safari, he asks Reanie to come along. They pack up a picnic breakfast and head out in Bill's truck. After some lessons from Bill, Reanie begins snapping photos of the wildlife and soon discovers a new talent. She also comes to the conclusion that Bill isn't quite as scary as he first seemed.

What a wonderful book! Chatel's stunning photography and masterful storytelling create a beautiful story of a shy, young girl intimidated by her new step-father, who is able to discover a talent she never knew she had, while slowly getting closer to the new man in the house.

Chatel has a way with words that truly engages young readers and makes them want to keep turning the pages; and in this book, the photographs of the wildlife encourage young readers to learn more about the world around them.

Also included is a glossary of terms about cameras and photography tips for children and adults. The last page of the book contains facts about photography, making A Talent for Quiet an all around great read and learning experience.

Both my daughters enjoyed this book, and my budding photographer couldn't stop commenting on the beautiful photographs.

A Talent for Quiet is destined to win awards!


Title: A Talent for Quiet
Author: Kim Chatel
Publisher: Gaurdian Angel Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-935137-56-6
SRP: $11.95 (U.S.)

Rainbow Sheep by Kim Chatel--Book Review

Rainbow Sheep by Kim Chatel is a great book for young readers!

Genevieve is caring for her sheep on a rainy, yucky day. When a pale, sad rainbow comes to hang over her hill, Genevieve's imagination, and a few monkeys, mermaids, and seahorses make the rainbow smile and cry tears of laughter, turning her sheep into a herd of colors.

My daughters and I loved this book! Chatel adds the right amount of description and imagination to create a perfect children's book. The reader is immediately drawn to the story of Genevieve and her sheep as they slip and slide in the mud up to her hill where she tickles a cloud. Because Chatel chose to use words like "tattered", "sighed", and "shimmered" the entire story and its emotions are brought to life and felt by the reader.

A fiber artist, Chatel used 11 fiber art illustrations in Rainbow Sheep, which make for a unique and beautiful way to bring this story to life. And this book becomes interactive when the reader and her parents journey to the last few pages of the book, where they find information about felting and fun felt crafts to do together.

Every young reader will find something to love in Rainbow Sheep.


Title: Rainbow Sheep
Author: Kim Chatel
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-933090-84-9
U.S. Price $10.95