The LAST Day of Kindergarten - Nancy Loewen

The LAST Day of Kindergarten

by Nancy Loewen

The LAST Day of Kindergarten is dedicated to my daughter, who loved kindergarten and didn’t want to let it go. After the graduation ceremony, most kids seemed happy enough saying goodbye, but she was sobbing. She understood that growing up meant leaving things behind.

That got me thinking. There are lots of books to help children prepare for the first day of kindergarten. But what about the last day? For children like my daughter, this day is even more confusing. It brings excitement and pride, but also a sense of loss. And that’s why I wrote this book. I hope this story will allow children to stop for just a few moments and reflect on the routines and people they’ll miss—before tossing their funny flat hats into the air in celebration.

The author comfortably captures the hesitations of making the jump from kindergarten to first grade without making a fuss about it, and she makes the prospect something worth the effort.-- Kirkus Reviews

Yoshikawa’s irresistibly sweet illustrations are perfect for children ready to emerge from the kindergarten cocoon and rejoice in their achievements.—School Library Journal, Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

BIOGRAPHY

Nancy Loewen has published more than 100 books for children. Her books have received awards from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, Parents’ Choice, and the Association of Educational Publishers. Four to the Pole! (Linnet Books), co-written with polar explorer Ann Bancroft, was a Minnesota Book Award finalist. Other work has appeared in Mid-American Review, Child, and Minnesota Parent.

Nancy has an M.F.A. in creative writing from Hamline University. She lives in Prior Lake with her husband and two children.

WEBSITE
http://www.nancyloewen.com

PURCHASE
amazon.com

PUBLISHER
Marshall Cavendish
http://www.marshallcavendish.us/marshallcavendish-us/children/catalog/listing.xml

OTHER BOOKS
WAYS TO SAY IT
Even if you're sharp as a tack, the English language can be confusing! From ants in your pants to talking turkey, this silly and entertaining set will engage readers, while teaching them about various figures of speech.
Grades 2-4
Picture Window Books, 2011

You’re Toast and other Metaphors We Adore
Illustrated by Donald Wu
ISBN 978-1404862708

Talking Turkey and Other Clichés We Say
Illustrated by Adam Watkins
ISBN 978-1404862722

Stubborn as a Mule and Other Silly Similes
Illustrated by Adam Watkins
ISBN 978-1404862715

She Sells Seashells and Other Tricky Tongue Twisters
Illustrated by Donald Wu
ISBN 978-1404862739]

WRITER’S TOOLBOX
Grades 2-4
Picture Window Books, 2010
Turn readers into writers! Each title carefully examines one or more genre-specific writing examples. Readers will discover the tools and techniques that writers use to create plays, poems, fairy tales, journals, picture books, and more. Each title includes a review list of key concepts, at least four exercises for getting started, and numerous writing tips.

Action! Writing Your Own Play
Illustrated by Dawn Beacon
ISBN 9781404860179

It’s All About You: Writing Your Own Journal
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles and Todd Ouren
ISBN 9781404855205

Just the Facts: Writing Your Own Research Report
Illustrated by Dawn Beacon
ISBN 9781404855199

Make Me Giggle: Writing Your Own Silly Story
Illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
ISBN 9781404855182

Once Upon a Time: Writing Your Own Fairy Tale
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles
ISBN 9781404853355

Share a Scare: Writing Your Own Scary Story
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles
ISBN 9781404855175

Show Me a Story: Writing Your Own Picture Book
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles
ISBN 9781404853416

Sincerely Yours: Writing Your Own Letter
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles
ISBN 9781404853386

Words, Wit, and Wonder: Writing Your Own Poem
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles
ISBN 9781404853447


Four to the Pole! the American’ Women’s Expedition to Antarctica, 1992-93
Ann Bancroft, co-author
Grades 4-8
Linnet Books, 2001
ISBN 0208025189

On January 14, 1993, four women made history by becoming the first women to reach the South Pole on foot. For sixty-seven days and 660 miles they skied, dragging heavy sleds, challenged by the bitter temperatures and strong winds on the white plains of Antarctica. But the greatest hardships they faced were internal, as each one struggled to keep mental focus, emotional perspective, and physical wellbeing in the face of nearly unyielding stress.

This is the true story of the American Women’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition, known as AWE. Told in a patchwork of diary excerpts, dispatches, letters, and narrative, it is an in-depth, intimate account of four very different people aiming for a single goal.

Finalist for the 2002 Minnesota Book Award in Youth Literature
2001 Honor Book by the Society of School Librarians International

Walt Whitman
“Voices in Poetry” series
Ages 12 and up

Parents’ Choice illustration award
Distinguished Achievement Award, Association of Educational Publishers, 2010
Share a Scare included in The Best Children’s Books of the Year, Bank Street College of Education, 2011

Creative Editions, 1994
ISBN 088682608X
Selections from Leaves of Grass are juxtaposed with biographical vignettes and illustrated with sepia-toned photographs.

New York Public Library’s “Best Books for the Teen Age”

Erin Hart - False Mermaid

FALSE MERMAID

By Erin Hart

Scribner

Pathologist Nora Gavin remains haunted by a cold case that nearly cost her sanity five years ago: her sister Tríona’s brutal murder. After failing to bring the killer to justice three years ago, Nora fled to Ireland, throwing herself into her work and taking the first steps in a new relationship with Irish archaeologist Cormac Maguire. She’s driven home by unwelcome news: Tríona’s husband—and the prime suspect in her murder—is about to remarry. Nora is determined to succeed this time, even if it means confronting unsettling secrets. As she digs ever closer to the truth, the killer zeroes in on Tríona’s young daughter. Back in Ireland, Cormac Maguire heads north to visit his ailing father, and seizes upon the local tale of a woman who vanished a hundred years ago. Was she a seal-maiden who returned to the sea, or was some more sinister force at work in her disappearance? As painful truths come to light, Nora is drawn deeper into a past that still threatens to engulf her and must determine how much she is prepared to sacrifice to put one tragedy to rest . . .and to make sure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

BIOGRAPHY
Erin Hart writes a series of archaeological crime novels set in the mysterious boglands of Ireland. Her debut novel, Haunted Ground, introduced readers to pathologist Nora Gavin and archaeologist Cormac Maguire. In addition to winning the Friends of American Writers award and Romantic Times Best First Mystery, the book was shortlisted for Anthony and Agatha awards, and was named by Book-Of-The-Month Club and ALA Booklist as one of the best crime novels of 2003. The second in the series, Lake of Sorrows, was a Minnesota Book Award finalist in 2004. False Mermaid, the long-awaited third novel in the series, will be published in March 2010, and has already won critical accolades from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal. Erin’s works have been translated into 11 foreign languages around the globe. She lives in Saint Paul with her husband, Irish button accordion player Paddy O’Brien, with whom she frequently visits Ireland, carrying out essential research in bogs and cow pastures and castles and pubs.

APPEARANCES
March 2, 7:00 pm
BOOK LAUNCH PARTY
Once Upon A Crime
604 West 26th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612-870-3785

March 3, 4:30-6:00 pm
TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL HOUR
The Valley Bookseller (held at the Dock Café)
425 Nelson Street
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-3385

March 4, 7:30 pm
Common Good Books
165 Western Ave N #14
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-225-8989

A complete list of Erin Hart’s schedule can be viewed at
http://erinhart.com/events.php


WEBSITE
http://www.erinhart.com

BLOG
http://erinhartbooks.blogspot.com


OTHER PUBLISHED BOOKS/ILLUSTRATIONS

HAUNTED GROUND
Irish archaeologist and American pathologist dig into parallel mysteries: preserved bog remains, and a landowner’s missing wife and son.
Awards
Friends of American Writers Award, 2004
Romantic Times Best First Mystery 2003
Award Nominations
Agatha, Best First Mystery 2003
Anthony, Best First Mystery 2003

LAKE OF SORROWS
Two bodies are discovered in an Irish bog – one ancient, one modern – amid rumors of ancient gold and ritual sacrifice.
Award Nominations
Minnesota Book Award 2004

UNIQUE FEATURE
I’m also a singer, mostly unaccompanied songs from the Irish and Scottish tradition.

PURCHASE LINK
Once Upon A Crime
Independent Mystery Booksellers
IndieBound
Barnes & Noble
Borders
Amazon

WRITERS' FESTIVAL AND BOOK FAIR

Bloomington Theatre and Art Center Presents
7th Annual Writers’ Festival and Book Fair

Saturday, February 27, 2010 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Free and open to the public!

The Author Book Fair (signing and selling) is from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The regional event is packed with outstanding workshops on essential aspects of writing and publishing your book. This year the focus is non-fiction, starting with “This Writer’s Life” keynote by Cathy Wurzer, author of Tales of the Road-Highway 61, and host of TV’s “Almanac” and MPR’s “Morning Edition,”

Everyone is welcome! With 11 workshops and panels, there is something for everyone who loves to write, wants to learn more about writing a book or just loves to read.

Look at a sampling of presenters: Peg Meier, author of Bring Warm Clothes; Roshini Rajkumar, TV host and media training consultant; Debra Orenstein, intellectual property attorney; and Don Leeper, digital/electronic book expert.

Workshops include:
- Writing non-fiction (for children/youth, memoirs/history, general)
- Publishing options
- Most common mistakes authors make
- Legal issues every author should know
- How to prepare for an interview
- The future of electronic publishing (for Kindles and Sony Readers)
- How to use social media to promote your book online.

Workshops start at 11 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. The Book Fair, featuring authors in numerous genres, is free and open to the public from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Vendors and authors are available to talk with attendees. Authors also may read from their books for later cablecast on the City of Bloomington’s channel 14.

Pre-registration is required for the keynote, workshops and panels. Box lunches are $10. For details, to register or order lunches: www.BloomingtonArtCenter.com

The event is co-sponsored by Midwest Independent Publishing Association and Beaver’s Pond Press. The Literary Council hosts this event at Bloomington Art Center located in Civic Plaza, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington.

Derek Anderson - Hot Rod Hamster

Hot Rod Hamster

By Derek Anderson

Scholastic Press



Old car, new car, shiny painted blue car
Rust car, clean car, itty-bitty green car.
WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Newbery Honor-author Cynthia Lord and New York Times bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson put the pedal to the metal in this endearing, rhythmic, rip-roaring race to the finish line where a hamster creates a sizzling hot rod with a little help from his new furry friends and YOU!

BIOGRAPHY
Derek Anderson drew the very first picture he can ever remember drawing when he was in kindergarten. It was a picture of the Easter Bunny. When he finished it, he gave it to the principal of his school who hung it on the wall of his office for the rest of the school year. Derek's fate was sealed. From then on, he knew he would be an artist.

When he reached second grade, Derek wrote his very first story and he's never stopped writing or drawing since.

Derek illustrated Ready?Set.Raymond! by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Little Quack by Lauren Thompson, for which he received recognition as a Publishers Weekly Flying Start. Little Quack quickly became a New York Times bestseller and has gone on to great acclaim, winning such awards as the ALA/CBC Children's Choice Award and the National Parenting Publication Gold Award.

Derek has authored a number of books as well including Gladys Goes Out to Lunch, Blue Burt and Wiggles, How the Easter Bunny Saved Christmas and Romeo and Lou Blast Off, which was named one of the best books of 2007 by Parent & Child Magazine.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Hot Rod Hamster Launch Party
Saturday, February 20th, 10:30am
Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105


BOOKS PUBLISHED
Ready?Set.Raymond!
Little Quack
Little Quack's Hide and Seek
Little Quack's Bedtime
Little Quack's New Friend
Gladys Goes Out to Lunch
Over the River: A Turkey's Tale
Blue Burt and Wiggles
How the Easter Bunny Saved Christmas
Romeo and Lou Blast Off
The Potty Train
Ballyhoo Bay
The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry (contributed 10 illustrations
to this anthology)

WEBSITE
http://www.derekanderson.net/

Jodi Hills - Author and Illustrator

heart on my sleeve…Times change, people change and lives change, just as sure as styles change. Jodi Hills encourages readers to let go of the “what was” and the “what could be” and to embrace the beauty of what is today. Written for anyone who has looked into their closet and exclaimed “I have nothing to wear!”





I’m not too busy is a story about taking the time to notice people, to care, to have relationships and to see the present. Life tends to get busy and this uplifting book provides a way to tell a friend or loved one that we offer our gift of time.

In today’s fast-paced world, sometimes when you are not looking, hours, days, weeks and years go by. And we haven’t made the time to spend with the people we care about. I’m Not Too Busy encourages us to take the time to recognize the important people in our life.

Slap on a Little Lipstick…You’ll be Fine celebrates the beauty of all women…their triumphs, their tears, their strengths and struggles, their journeys and joys – and through it all the smiles that mark survival.


This sassy gift book empowers women with thoughts on daily survival with fun and inspiring verse and art. Hills shares with us some of the empowering messages she learned from her mother and delivers it in a fun and empowering way. This book is the perfect book to share with a girlfriend, mother, sister, day care provider, teacher and more.

BIOGRAPHY
Jodi Hills operates her own design studio – Studio J – in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The studio features her collection of “visual verse” -- all created with the intent to keep people guessing, praying, hoping and laughing. Through her books, Hills explores the days we thrive…and the ones we survive…finding the beauty of both the tears and laughter along the way.

Hills makes her living as an author and artist. She grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota and currently resides in Hopkins, Minnesota. She is devoted to her family and you will often see Hills at appearances with best friend and mother, Ivy.

Hills has a degree in English with a minor in Art from the University of Minnesota at Morris. Prior to owning her own studio, she worked in advertising and graphic design.

Jodi Hills’ other well known titles include an imperfect life, which is a compilation of her most beloved works available in one collection, I am Amazed, Believe and Hope-so Too.

For more information on Jodi, her books, and her appearance schedule, visit

www.tristanpublishing.com

Warren Hanson - Author - Illustrator

TRISTAN Publishing features:

Warren Hanson

Author & Illustrator Biography

Warren Hanson grew up in Yankton, South Dakota, and currently resides in Houston, Texas. He earned his theater degree at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and pursued his art education at the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul.

Hanson is an artist, writer, speaker and musician. He is the illustrator of A Cup of Christmas Tea, a bestseller which has sold more than 1.7 million copies. He illustrated Tom Hegg’s holiday classic, PEEF The Christmas Bear, as well as the PEEF series, which has reached more than 500,000 copies sold.

Hanson’s newest book, Everything Happens For A Reason encourages readers to celebrate both the hoped for and unexpected events of life whatever they may be. The book is written for anyone who has ever asked the question, Why?

Hanson’s brightly illustrated book, Kiki’s Hats, tells the charming story of a generous woman who knits hats and gives them away. The book’s pay-it-forward message inspires readers of all ages to share their special gifts with others. The book has its own website, www.kikishats.com, where readers are invited to share their personal stories of giving.

Hanson illustrated Reading With Dad, written by Richard Jorgensen, a beautiful story of the love that grows between father and daughter as they read together through the years. Hanson is the author and illustrator of the children’s book, Raising You Alone, a title that thoughtfully addresses the joys and challenges faced by single-parent families.

Since its release in 1997, Hanson’s book, The Next Place, has brought peace and hope to more than 550,000 people across the country. It is one of the most embraced books on bereavement in the country and speaks to all ages and faiths. Paw Prints in the Stars helps pet lovers who have loved and lost a beloved pet celebrate the life they shared together. Older Love is a gentle celebration of lasting love that grows joyfully through the years and Beginning is a message of encouragement at the start of something new.

For more information on Warren Hanson, his books and his appearance schedule, visit www.tristanpublishing.com.

VIDEO CLIP


Author Warren Hanson and TRISTAN Publishing
Address the question “Why?”

There are times we change our lives and there are times life changes us.

Warren Hanson encourages readers to celebrate both the hoped for and the unexpected events of life, whatever they may be with his newest title Everything Happens For A Reason. Through the pages Hanson helps the reader embrace living a life where
sometimes one must simply trust.

This book is written for anyone who has asked the question “Why?” and who boldly looks with hope and confidence to the future knowing everything really does happen for a
reason.

Publisher Brett Waldman knows this book will speak to many, “Our times are right for
this title. Warren is the perfect author to say so eloquently what we all need to be
reminded. We are so proud of this collaboration and excited to introduce Everything
Happens For A Reason as another of our TRISTAN treasures.”

Warren Hanson’s books published by Minneapolis based TRISTAN Publishing:
The Next Place (author/illustrator)
Paw Prints in the Stars (author/illustrator)
Kiki’s Hats (author/illustrator)
Raising You Alone (author/illustrator)
Beginning (author/illustrator)
Older Love (author/illustrator)
Everything Happens For A Reason (author/illustrator)
A Cup of Christmas Tea (illustrator)
PEEF The Christmas Bear (illustrator)
A Silent Night for PEEF (illustrator)
PEEF and His Best Friend (illustrator)
PEEF and the Baby Sister (illustrator)
Tell Me What You Did Today (illustrator)
Mark of the Maker (illustrator)
Reading With Dad (illustrator)
Up to the Lake (illustrator)

The Next Place Touches Lives!

Written & Illustrated by Warren Hanson
- Best–selling bereavement book for all ages and all faiths.
- Brings a comforting message of hope and compassion.
- Uses gentle verse to reveal a safe and welcome destination free
from earthly hurts.

Quotes from those who know…

“We are honored to place The Next Place on the bed of each patient who passes. The book is an everlasting gift.” -- Hospice RN

“The concept of timelessness, perfection, love…eternity are all brilliantly and literally portrayed.” --Hospice Chaplain

“I love the book and I am very choosy about what I pick out for our resource center. This book is a treasure!” --Director, Fernside, A Center for Grieving Children

“The Next Place is beyond words. Everyone I have shared this book with has said that a great sense of peace is experienced. My hope is that this book will be available to all across the country.” --Director, St. Vincent’s Services, Inc.

“Mr. Hanson gives patients gentle permission and encouragement to welcome the full range of conflicting feelings that arise when facing death. He reinforces the reality that we don’t really know what exists on the ‘other side’ but can rely on carrying our memories of love and joy.” --Director, Cancer Care, Inc.

TESTIMONIAL
“The Next Place is, dare I say, the most beautifully illustrated book I have ever come across. At first glance one might assume this is a children’s book, and though it absolutely serves that purpose, I would strongly urge adults to pick this up for themselves as well.

I use this book to close a graduate level class I teach on death and dying, and I could not have asked for a more loving, accepting, calming, peaceful narrative for students to leave with after a weekend intensive dealing with an oftentimes painful and difficult subject. The “story” if you will is told from the perspective of someone who is imagining what life will be like after they die. The message within is poignant, impactful, reassuring, and simple, and I have no doubt that once you read it you will want to give a copy of it to everyone you know. Thank you to Warren Hanson for writing such a remarkably profound book, and to Tristan Publishing for making it available to the masses.” -- Stacey K. Wood, MACP Adjunct Faculty, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology

TRISTAN Publishing is based near Minneapolis, in Golden Valley, Minn. A specialty book
publisher, TRISTAN Publishing focuses on producing books with inspirational themes and
messages at their core. “My goal is to publish books of extraordinary quality,” says publisher
Brett Waldman. “We provide books that touch our readers’ hearts and make a positive difference in their lives.

Holiday Gift Giving

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

As you scurry through the store trying to find those ideal gifts for your loved ones, don’t forget the gift of words. Whether it’s a mystery, a cook book, poetry, a financial guide, history, children’s book, inspirational, travel, or folk lure, a book never goes out of style. Every turn of a page brings adventure.

I want to thank all the creative folks who participated in my Reading Minnesota Blog during 2009. Authors, illustrators, reviewers, bookstore owners, publishers, and editors—what a tremendous pool of talent!

I also want to thank those who dropped by to read the features and leave comments. I hope you enjoyed them. Maybe you found a new bookstore to visit, added an author or illustrator’s work to your list of books read, enjoyed the explanation of what editors and reviewers face on a weekly basis, or were as amazed as I was at the publishing enterprise in Minnesota.

What will 2010 bring to Reading Minnesota? I bet you’ll find new talent, new locations, and I know you’ll revisit old friends as they produce new works.

Have a joyous holiday season.

Beth Solheim
Reading Minnesota

Carrie Hartman - Author and Illustrator

The Clock Struck One - A Time Telling Tale

Illustrated by Carrie Hartman

Written by Trudy Harris

Millbrook Pr Trade

ISBN # 10: 0822590670

Author Trudy Harris retells the nursery rhyme, Hickory Dickory Dock, but with a few new twists. The book is about telling time and features a different clock on each spread. An hour goes by after each image and the chase between the mouse and cat gets longer and longer as more animals and characters join in. I was really excited to be asked to illustrate this particular book. I connected with the manuscript, the first time I read it. I knew this book needed energy, and zany characters. I enjoy working on books that allow me to throw a lot of exciting compositions and energy onto the pages. As a child, I was unable to sit still, so when I get a book project that allows me to be ‘hyper’ on the pages, I am in my element.

BIOGRAPHY
Carrie Hartman graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design with her degree in Illustration. Her illustration work includes: editorial, children’s books and book illustration, character development, advertising, posters, greeting cards, comic books, stationary, animation projects and murals.

Carrie has received several illustration awards from the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, Portfolios.com, the Association of Educational Publishers award for the best illustrated children’s book for the educational industry and recognition from the Educational Press Association.

Carrie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Children’s Literature Network.

Carrie lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. She has 1 amazing husband, 3 incredible children and 2 pretentious pets.

CHILD OF MINE

by Carrie Hartman

The first picture book that I both illustrated and wrote is called Child of Mine, published by Maren Green Publishing. I didn’t actually intend for this book to be published.

Child of Mine is about the sometimes extreme highs and lows that come with being the parent and/or caregiver of a child that struggles emotionally. Whether it is ADHD/ADD, autism, anxiety, depression, ODD, or other reasons, it is difficult emotionally to ride this roller coaster. It is about how the parent and the child struggle and how to find hope through it all. When my book was on display at MCAD, I received countless emails from people who had seen the book and urged me to find a publisher. I was really touched to hear stories from people who said they related to the book either when they were growing up, perhaps due to a sibling, or they relate to it right now as a parent. Many people commented that my book made them cry. I admit, I wasn’t expecting that others were feeling the same way. All I can say, is I was as honest as I can be in the book. You are reading my very personal thoughts and seeing our struggles play out on the pages. It is truly a project that I will always be most proud of.

OTHER BOOKS ILLUSTRATED AND PUBLISHED

The Mischievous Mom At The Art Gallery
It’s Hard To Be A Verb
Child of Mine
Feelings to Share, from A to Z
Manners are Important for You and Me
Personal Space Camp
My Mouth is a Volcano
Words
Numbers

WEBSITE
www.carriehartman.com

www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org

BLOG

http://carriehartman.blogspot.com/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I am currently writing a few picture books. Also in the mix, I will be contributing several illustrations for a book project for a foundation called, Santa’s Traveling Workshop http://www.santastravelingworkshop.com/. The foundation provides gifts to children during the holidays in times of hardship due to hurricanes, disasters, losing a parent that has been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, etc.

Rita Kuehn writes a beautiful story of courage and triumph

PERIPHERAL VIEW
by: Rita Kuehn

ISNB: 978-1-934938-34-8

BOOK SIGNING: Saturday, August 15, HarMar Barnes and Noble

Pearl and Sonny are in love and are determined to get married, which shouldn’t be an impossible endeavor for two single, employed adults. But Pearl and Sonny have obstacles. Despite her intelligence and obvious capacity for self-sufficiency, Pearl has lived in a healthcare facility her entire adult life because of the epilepsy she’s had since childhood. And Sonny lives life in a slower and simpler realm. People wonder if he can take care of himself, let alone Pearl.

However, with the help of a nurse who isn’t afraid to take some chances, a perceptive social worker, and Pearl’s loving, long-lost niece, Sonny and Pearl seem to be on the road to a wedding and a life of their own. Unfortunately, some people with selfish interests are hiding in the shadows and are determined to keep Sonny and Pearl separate—and Pearl in the healthcare facility. As friendships form and strengthen, Pearl uses her wit and knowledge to help others see beyond a peripheral view.

BIOGRAPHY

Even as a young girl, it was apparent that writing was a gift. Rita’s second grade teacher told her Mom, that Rita was destined to be a writer. As a girl, she spent much of her time journaling, or writing poetry and song lyrics.

She attended the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, earning degrees in communications and business administration. In 2000, Rita traveled to Kazakhstan to adopt her daughter, Lexa. Along with her gift of writing, Rita is known for her ability to see the big picture as well as the details and nuances of a situation. Mixing those skills with what her editor says is Rita’s knack for penning beautifully descriptive passages, developing multi-dimensional characters, and commanding smooth transitions between scenes and chapters, makes a powerful combination of writing talent.

Rita currently lives along the Mighty Mississippi River in Champlin, MN with her husband and daughter. She is at work on her next novel.

Rita's Blog: http://www.ritakuehnsblog.com/

To Order: http://www.itascabooks.com/

Carl Brookins - Minnesota Author

BLOODY HALLS

By Carl Brookins

isbn: 978-1-59080-570-1
Released by Echelon Press in 2008

When Jack Marston took his position at an unusual urban college as director of student services, he didn’t expect to find himself involved in murder and suicide. But working with adult students turns out to be a new an interesting challenge.

Jack is starting a new relationship in his former home town along with his new job. A calm and satisfying life is what it appears to be. Settling in, he puts other talents as an amateur actor into action and is selected for the lead in Ibsen's "Enemy of the People" at the college. Without warning, life takes a strange twist and Jack find himself playing altogether different roles.

A student is brutally murdered and the college president assigns Jack to liaise with the police. Though homicide investigator is not in his job description, he is soon forced to scrutinize faculty and staff, a role not unlike that of his character in the play. The irony of his dual roles escapes no one’s attention, including that of the killer.

In the end he is forced to solve a murder to save himself, a colleague, and his obligation to the students of the institution.

Learn more about Carl and his books at:
http://www.carlbrookins.com/
http://agora2.blogspot.com/
Carl's books are available at bookstores in Minnesota, around the country and on
line.

BIOGRAPHY
Brookins has been a television producer, a faculty member at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul and a mystery fiction reviewer for magazines, newspapers and online. He’s a board member of MWMWA, and a member of Sisters in Crime, EPIC, PWA and MWA. He tours bookstores and libraries with The Minnesota Crime Wave, and co-hosts a cable TV series about crime fiction, and currently writes three crime fiction series: The Tanner/Whitney sailing series, The Sean Sean P.I. series and a traditional academic series with Jack Marston. His current books are “Case of the Deceiving Don,” and “Bloody Halls.”

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SHORT STORIES
“A Winter’s Tale” “Silence of The Loons” anthology, fall, 2005
“A Fish Story,” “Resort To Murder” anthology, fall, 2007
“Night Sail,” quarterly Mystery magazine http://www.mouthfullofbullets.com, 2007
“Fire Storm” “The Heat of the Moment” California fund raising anthology, fall, 2007
“A Shaggy Dog Story,” in the qarterly “Out of the Gutter,” June 2009

NOVELS
INNER PASSAGES
Mystery: July, 2000, Top Publications

A SUPERIOR MYSTERY
Mystery: September, 2002, Top Publications

OLD SILVER
Mystery: March, 2005, Top Publications

THE CASE OF THE GREEDY LAWYERS
P.I. Mystery: September, 2005, Five Star Mysteries
P.I. Mystery: June, 2008 Nodin Press

THE CASE OF THE DECEIVING DON
P.I. Mystery: 2008, Five Star Mysteries

BLOODY HALLS:
Amateur detective, Echelon Press, Winter, 2008

ARTICLES
“Smallest In the Land”
Non-fiction. The story of Fargo-Moorhead’s educational/public television station. For the International Journal of Radio and Television, June 1966.
“Author! Author!” Advice for authors appearing on radio and television.
“Women Writing The West” magazine, April, 2000.
“Dining on The Road” CrimeSpree magazine, September, 2006
“Giving Good Interview” Crime Spree magazine, 2007
Mystery reviews, “Saint Paul Pioneer Press,” August, 1999—May, 2002.
Mystery reviews, “Mystery Scene Magazine,” Fall, 2002—2004
Mystery reviews, ReviewingTheEvidence web site 2002 to 2006
Mystery reviews, Books n’ Bytes website, 1998 to the present.
Mystery Reviews, Mystery Morgue website, 2006 to the present.

From Inner Passages: Desert to Ocean
“Mystery Reader’s Journal,” Spring, 2002
Writing Lies for Fun and Glory but Very Little Money
“How I Got Published” Writer’s Digest Books, Fall, 2007