Caroline Adderson's "Bruno for Real" a Hilarious Book for Young Readers

Title: Bruno for Real (sequel to I, Bruno)
Author: Caroline Adderson
Age range: 7 to 9
Rating: 5 out of 5 hiccups

Seven-year-old Bruno faces everyday challenges, from hiccups to a teacher who is always sneaking in math problems, in his own unique way. 

What kids will love:

• Bruno's imaginative take on life
• Following along with Bruno's relatable adventures (who hasn't had the hiccups?) 
• The funny drawings (e.g. Bruno being held upside down to try to cure his hiccups). 

What parents will love:

• Seeing their own child in Bruno

The Nonesuch Orphans: Quiz #2: Orphans in Modern Children's Literature

The Nonesuch Orphans: Quiz #2: Orphans in Modern Children's Literature: If you've already taken the   "Literary Orphans Quiz"  and are ready for the next challenge, see if you can identify these orp...

Tips for Writing for Kids: Top 5 Myths about Writing Fairy Tales

Are you looking to write a fairy tale for children?  Watch out for these common misconceptions.

1.  Rewriting an Existing Fairy Tale is Easy

It may be easier to write a story when you already have the plot, but the plot is only part of what makes a good story.

Go to your local library or bookstore and read retold fairy tales that actually got published and consider what about them makes them stand out from the thousands of other versions.  For picture books it is usually the illustrations, so if you are not an artist, you would be wiser to write a chapter book or novel inspired by an existing fairy tale.

2.  Fairy Tales + Zombies = Fame and Fortune

If you want to add a twist to the original fairy tale stories, don't just copy the latest trends - the trend will be over by the time your story could even be published.  Start your own trend by coming up with your own spin to the story.

3.  All of the Good Fairy Tales Are Already Taken

Don't limit yourself to the Grimms' fairy tales.  There are thousands of stories from cultures around the world just waiting for you to discover them.  Even better, try writing an original story.

4.  All I Have to Do is Make it Modern  

Your first instinct may be to retell a fairy tale in the present day, but be warned that this has been overdone. Having Cinderella going to the prom in an orange limo instead of going to the ball in a pumpkin transformed into a carriage is just a gimmick and doesn't substitute for good writing.

And think carefully before giving your Little Red Riding Hood an ipod to listen to on her way through the suburb.  Adding modern technologies can quickly date your story.

5.  You Don't Have to Worry About Copyright

While the original version of Snow White is not copyrighted, the plot to the movie "Snow White and the Huntsman" is.  Similarly, you cannot use characters that others have added to the story, such as Sebastian and Flounder in Disney's "The Little Mermaid".

Therefore ensure you read the original stories you want to retell so you can tell what elements of the story are fair game. Also make sure that the story is indeed old enough to be copyrighted.

Dave Whamond's Oddrey Joins the Team is a Win-Win for Parents and Kids

Title: Oddrey Joins the Team
Author/Illustrator: Dave Whamond
Age range: 4 - 8
Rating: 4 out of 5 soccer balls

Oddrey is an imaginative girl who thinks outside the box.  When she joins the school soccer team, the Piccadilla Bees, she doesn't play the same way as the other kids.  With the big game against the Quagmire Crushers approaching, can she convince the team to work together and still be true to themselves?

What kids will love:

• the high-interest subject matter
• the funny, action-packed illustrations
• Oddrey's quirkiness (you never know what she will think of next)
• the unexpected ending

What parents will love:

• the book touches on being unique and the importance of teamwork (without being preachy)
• winning isn't the reward, unlike most underdog stories 

Click on the images for more info: