Over the fall I made a book review sheet for each of my three grandsons who live on the other coast. These boys, ages 6-10, rarely stop moving enough to read. But of course I send them books every other month with hope in my heart.
I sweetened the book review deal with the promise of giving them a $5 Amazon gift card for each review they return. I sent them each three blank reviews.
My son called with regret in his voice: “I don’t think they’ll do this.” I understood. Can’t “make” a child read a book and enjoy.
Wellll, last month in the mail I received one review from the oldest (who does love to read). I was so ecstatic and excited that I immediately bought and e-mailed him a $10 gift card, thinking his brothers wouldn’t be following through so I should reward the reader and give him a big “YAY.”
But in the mail the next day I received two reviews from the youngest brother. Oh, no. Another $10??
Then the following day two more reviews from both fellows. And then, the dyslexic one who hates to read sent me a story he wrote, instead of a review, with his own illustration. Triple whammy!
I am now officially Amazon poor, but still. I Love Book Reviews!!
Oh, and ahem, many of my friends and followers have bought my latest book, MOLLY FINDS HER PURR, for themselves or as gifts. I’m happy to say Molly has received excellent reviews on Goodreads and Amazon – all five stars.
But we authors always like to remind readers. WRITE A REVIEW. Reviews help a book find its way into other people’s hearts, and reading laps.
How wonderful! Children never cease to amaze me. I love that you gave them an incentive. So pleased your new book is getting great reviews. That last picture is adorable. Happy Holidays to you and yours. xo
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I sent out those blank review sheets with little hope in receiving them back. I failed to mention in my post, by the way, that I included a stamped envelope with each blank review. I left nothing to chance, and chance pushed those boys a bit and made their Grammy Pammy (ack, yes, that’s what they call me) proud. 🙂
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I love that they call you Grammy Pammy! So cute. I´m sometimes called Grammar Gramma. hehe!
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Grammar Gramma is unique and wonderful. And brings a smile to us English majors. 🙂
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Congratulations all round. You might like this post – and gain encouragement from it: https://derrickjknight.com/2012/05/25/miss-downs/
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I’m pleased and honored that this post reminded you of one you wrote in 2012 about Miss Downs. Oh, yes, may my urgings and (gentle) pressures to read end up as a good memory for my grands. Here Here to Miss Downs!
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🙂
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you are going to be broke in no time, but I love that they are reviewing, a great means to an end. glad your book is doing so well, I’m going to buy one to share with my class and my grandies.
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I LOVE the idea of you reading MOLLY FINDS HER PURR to your class, Beth. I’ve read it at elementary schools to kindergarteners and 1st and 2nd graders here in my area to great success.. As you know, children this age believe that authors are celebrities. They ask me for my “autograph.” 🙂
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Brilliant solution on so many levels. What a great way to engage with the family!
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Thank you, Maggie. These boys seem to have made it a competition now to see who can read the most books to read and review for me, their grandmother. Hey, reading CAN be a sport! 🙂
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While reading, I was thinking that this post was a “re-run,” Pam. Then I remember you’d told me about this in an email. I loved it then and I love reading it here on your blog. Such a brilliant idea! Gift cards are a great incentive. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. ❤
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When I e-mailed you what was happening with the grandkids’ reviews, Jill, I thought “hmmm, this would be a good post.” And I saved the e-mail. THANK YOU for the inspiration and encouragement (on so many levels). ❤
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❤
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You’re a wonderful grandmother, and you found a terrific way to engage with your grandchildren while encouraging them to read. I often read or re-read books my daughters were reading so we could discuss them. (Sometimes we still do this!)
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Isn’t that neat, Merril, to read a book “together” with your children? My daughter and I do this still. We loved Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches and read it at the same time, and then waited when the sequel came out to read “together” again. So. Much. Fun!
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That is fun!
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What a wonderful thing to do! I buy the grands books for holidays and when we go out shopping. But I love your idea of doing it on a regular basis. And the review idea is brilliant!!!!
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Why, thank you! Yes, I buy books for the grands on the holidays (finding excuses each month for a “holiday”) and am always worried that they’re thinking “ugh, another book?” But adding the incentive with a review and then a gift card goes one step further into fun territory. 🙂
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Nothing wrong with fun. I love books but someone adding something fun to them makes it even better. THere are no ughs in book world!!!! 🙂
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What a terrific idea Pam! It’s so important to instill a love of reading in young people! Looks like they are on their way!
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So many distractions for children now, with tablets and phones much more enticing than a book. Until. A little extra oomph is put into it. 🙂
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Excellent 🙂
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Thank you!!
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Whatever we can do to encourage kids to read is such a great thing! I recently read that the traditional rule of gift-giving at Christmas holds to four things; something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read! 🙂
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I agree with those four things. I generally give my best friends and family members a book for Christmas as well as a gift they want (but usually don’t need). 😉
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What a great idea! I have a grandson, seventeen, who states quite boldly, “I don’t like to read!” as if that is a good thing. I take that as a challenge, to find just the right book for him, that will help to instill a love for books and reading.
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Oh boy, Cindy (literally and metaphorically), that IS a challenge. I wonder if your teenage grandson has tried graphic books, or audio books. I watch the younger busy men in my family who work too many hours and “don’t have time to read,” and cringe. Reading not only brings us joy, it brings us knowledge.
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The book review fairy.
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Perfect. I shall add that title to my resume. 🙂
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Such a great idea Madre!
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I come up with a “great idea” every once in a while. What a surprising joy! 🙂 🙂
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Brilliant idea, Pam. And bless their hearts for participating! ❤
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A small little miracle – getting boys to read AND write a review. I think the fact that I send freshly baked cookies (2-day mail) from one coast to the other, helps. 🙂
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What a fun and clever way to engage your grandkids with reading. Kudos on your book, reviews, and family fun. You better save your book sales to pay your grandkids! 🙂
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At this point, Brad, not sure my children’s books sales will pay for all the grandkids’ book reviews. I better get myself in gear and promote more. 🙂
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Great idea! What a creative way to get kids to start thinking about the books they read. I’ll have to remember that when (and if) I ever am blessed with grandchildren.
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I’ll remind you when that time comes, Amy. And I have no doubt that the time will come. 🙂 xo
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I love it, Pam. And what a great idea to get the grandchildren reading, thinking about books, and writing about them. Wonderful in so many ways. I’m going to copy cat with the Gnome King, though he might need another year. And congrats on the reviews for Molly. What a treat. Happy Holidays.
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Ah, the new nickname is Gnome King now. Love it. Well, you’ve already given your grandson a love of reading, so I bet the review sheet will be a big hit when the time is right. xo
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He’s always been the Gnome King while also being The Overlord and Tornado Boy. (Psst… I’m not supposed to tell anyone he’s the Gnome King unless they are believers in magic. I know I’m safe with you.) ❤
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You are totally safe with me. I had “Tornado Boy” in my mind (since I have a few of those too) but I love TB’s magic name!!!
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What a wonderful way to encourage the kids to read. I really love this. I’d like to try it on my nephews (who are gamers), but don’t know what kinds of books would interest them. Two in 7th grade, one in 9th grade, any suggestions?
Thank you for sharing this. You are a good grandma. Have a great weekend.
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Hi Lori. I’m not well-versed in books for that age yet, so I recommend you check out Patricia Tilton’s blog ( https://childrensbooksheal.com/ ). She writes wonderful reviews of children’s books and most likely can lead you toward some great middle grade and young adult books. Good luck! xo
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Thank you, Pam. ❤
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You’ll be broke before you know it, but you’ll have done a good thing! Well worth it. Great idea, Madre.
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Haha. Yes, Anneli, my budget for 2019 is shot! 🙂
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Budget? Budget? What’s that? 😉
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My guy keeps repeating the strange word to me. If you figure it out, fill me in…. 🙂
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LOL!
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What a brilliant idea! If I were still teaching elementary school, I would use this idea in a heartbeat. (Not the gift certificate—I’d go broke with so many students leaving reviews.) 😎 My favorite part is, “One sentence on why I liked or didn’t like the book.” That is amazing in its simplicity and yet opens the door to having a student write a persuasive piece of writing.
I think this a great way to connect with your grandchildren too. I’m sure they love the gift certificates, but it also is a special connection that they have with their grandma. You can’t put a price on that!
I ‘m laughing in my head, remembering the letters I’d get back from my grandmother. She used to edit my messages and send them back to me. I’ll admit that I was a bit offended, even as a young boy. On the other hand, as I think about it as an adult, I know her heart was in the right place. After all, she was a teacher, and we teachers can’t help ourselves—we give our opinions even when others don’t want them. 🤣🤣
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Well, you have made me blush with pride. If you, an amazing elementary school teacher and now author, love this idea, I’ve done a good job! And yes, knowing that asking my grandboys to write too much in their review would turn them off, I chose to use some multiple choice, the star system, as well as ask for just one sentence on why they did or didn’t like the book. Their answers on the sheets were, well, short and to the point. But at least it made them think!
Funny about your grandmother. She was a tough teacher, I bet. I’m a bit more “encouraging” when I write to my grandkids – I want to hear back from them! 🙂
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Pam, this is the best idea ever! A gentle nudge towards reading for your grandsons, as well as encouraging them to leave reviews! Wow! You might be a bit poorer but what richness you’ve helped sow in their hearts and minds … fantastic! This is so heartwarming and touching!
Congratulations on your amazing reviews for Molly Finds Her Purr! That is wonderful! I’ll toast you to :
‘Reviews help a book find its way into other people’s hearts, and reading laps.’
Wishing you a magical weekend filled with joy and lots of books! hugs xx
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I’m toasting you back, Annika. And thanks for quoting back my review sentence. I think I should tweet it or something. It’s so true! “REVIEWS HELP A BOOK FIND ITS WAY INTO OTHER PEOPLE’S HEARTS, AND READING LAPS.” Thanks for the nudge to do that! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great time preparing for the holiday as you make your special cookies. Yummmmmmmmm.
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Well that is money well spent I would say! The most precious reviews of all. Wonderful that your new book is getting such excellent feedback. I’m off to check it out.
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Any money spent on books and encouraging reading is money well spent, Sue, I agree. And, um, I think your grandchild would love Molly. :–)
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I am ecstatic at your results for the book review sheet you created. Even if money is the lure, these kids are establishing a habit that will sustain them over time. Brava to you for initiating this!
Reviews are the best gift you can give an author. I cherish the review you wrote for Mennonite Daughter + other encouragement I’ve filed in a special folder. I purchased both your “birdy” and kitty book and have RIght/Wrong man on my Kindle. I did post a photo of myself holding your Molly book on Facebook, but I could do better with reviews. You are the gold standard for gifting authors with reviews, my 2020 aspiration!
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In truth, if I love a book, as soon as I finish it I type it in my year’s “loved this book” file so I then remember to review it on Amazon and Goodreads. But I admit, I’m much more prone to review books written by independent authors (as opposed to well-known “mainstream” authors), since we need all the publicity help we can get. Your book was on top of my best memoir for 2019.
And your Facebook photo of you holding my newest book, MOLLY FINDS HER PURR? Absolutely and totally priceless. (But reviews are fantastic and needed too – haha – never satisfied, right?) 🙂 xo
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Grandmoms are a blessing! I wish I had one like you Pam but I am trying to be the one I yearn for 🙂 I am impressed at the way you could elicit reviews out of your boys…yay! great achievement! Love your inspiration.
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We ‘new generation’ grandparents are different from other generations I think, Balroop. Younger in many cases (because 60 is the new 40, right?) 🙂 and much more involved with our kids and their kids. I know it’s an amazing blessing to be part of my grandchildren’s lives in such an active way, even those who don’t live nearby. ❤
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Distance does rob us of some joys Pam, two of my grandkids who live in NC don’t know me so well as the ones who stay near by. I hope to connect with them when they start understanding life. 😊
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I love this idea! I’m going to give it a try with my grandkids. I might get lucky with one of them!
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You might be surprised! Of course, the added incentive of an Amazon gift card helps (I recommend not going over $5, or you’ll be sorry – and broke). 🙂
Have I thanked you for your FANTASTIC review of Molly Finds Her Purr? Beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you! ❤
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What a great idea, I miss not being a grandmother.
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You’re an amazing aunt, Gerlinde, and that’s such an important role. So glad to see you mending and smiling in the CA sun. xo
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What a great way to go broke! I’m not a grandmother but I’m pretty sure that if this type of incentive turns them into real readers, you will have given them something much more valuable than Amazon gift cards.
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Haha. Well, I’d rather go broke from sending the grandkids Amazon gift cards for book reviews, rather then spending it on toys that break within months! (Okay, I admit, I spend money on that too.) 🙂 🙂
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Way to give them an incentive! I guess we’ll have to make sure that your book flies off the shelves, so to speak, so you can afford it 😉
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Exactly, Dale. I need to promote more to sell more books to BUY more books and Amazon gift cards for grandkids’ book reviews. 🙂 In fact, maybe that’s how I should promote Molly Finds Her Purr (“Buy this book so I can get my grandkids to read and review”). :–0 🙂
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Excellent idea to share your love of words . . . and reviews!
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I try to be creative in sharing my love of the written word with the younger set, Nancy. 🙂 Hope you’re enjoying this holiday season. (Actually I’m sure you are!)
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This is really imaginative. I wish Amazon had been around when my nephews were both young for this very reason; if nothing else it would have helped me to have engaged with them better about reading. Good on you for being so clever. – Marty
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However, when your nephews were young and Amazon wasn’t around, you didn’t have all of those “devices” to contend with. They (phones, I-pods, laptops, etc.) give a lot of competition to the idea of reading a “real” book! Thanks for the kudos, Marty.
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That is very clever. I’m so glad your grandkids did this!
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I’m ready to send a new set of review sheets in the new year, Jacqui, ‘Cause guess what Pammy-Santa is sending along with a toy or two? 🙂
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Wonderful! What a lovely surprise and a grand idea… Must share! 🙂 xo
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Thanks, Bette. I have a feeling a number of young readers may suddenly have review sheets to fill out and Amazon gift cards to ‘win’ by doing so. Wouldn’t that be great?
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What a great idea and I’m glad they embraced it! I’m also glad that Molly is being embraced too 🙂
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The more embracing, the better Andrea. 🙂 Hope you’re embracing this wintry weather. In fact, I’m pretty sure you are, as I follow your lovely prose on the seasons. xo
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What a great and fun initiative to create these book review sheets, Pam. And, successfully so. You are just the best grandma!! Yes, you will be broke soon, but imagine all your grandchildren picking up the new or rekindled hobby of reading. And, congrats on all your five-star reviews for Molly. That is such fantastic news! I’d pick up a couple of your books as well, if I were to be around (young) family this Christmas… Maybe next year?
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Thank you for your enthusiastic “good goings,” Liesbet. Molly will be around next year when you’re around family, for sure. Many people have told me that Molly Finds Her Purr is just as much for adults as for children. Now, if they’d only write that in a review…. 🙂 xo
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I extra like the thought of children writing book reviews on children’s books. I also appreciate the whatever works philosophy to possibly help motivate children to read, creating momentum. Especially in today’s overstimulated and electronics culture. You are an amazing Grandma!
Pam, since I began blogging this past year I have met blogging friends who write books. You are one of these friends. I was not aware how book reviews can actually make a difference. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
I checked Amazon.ca again this morning, and it says “Molly finds her purr” will take one to three months delivery. I will keep checking. The reviews have been wonderful:)
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Erica – thank you thank you for bringing up this point again here. There are SO MANY children’s books that even a wonderful one can get lost in the shuffle (in libraries, bookstores and most definitely on Amazon). So yes, the more reviews an author receives on a book, the more her/his book will be moved up a list that Amazon compiles to more easily highlight a title so customers see it.
My publisher has sent many books to my Canadian fans (she has books in her office and mails them herself so it’s not a wait). Because we have a “deal’ for my blogger friends, the book is discounted to $15.99 ($17.99 on Amazon) plus cost of shipping to Canada. Just FYI if interested, publisher’s e-mail is Easty Lambert-Brown, borgogirl@bellsouth.net .
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Can never go wrong with a monetary bribe! Your grandkids were onto you. 🙂 But sounds like it was well worth it!
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Haha. Perhaps they think they manipulated me a bit, but truth is, they’re READING and thinking about the books. Win/Win! 🙂
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What a terrific idea!!! This Grandma has just learned something from you…..
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I’m always up for new ways to engage the grandkids, Ann. Another great bribery is cookies. My grandson (10) polished my silver this weekend for a few Christmas cookies. I never discount the magic of sugar. 🙂
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What a heartwarming story! So glad for everyone in your family & most of all for you 🙂
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Thank you, ,da-AL. It’s fun finding ways to engage the grandkids. They always have a sparkle in their eyes when I have a new idea. 🙂 I hope you haven’t given up on me writing a post about publishing for you. This fall has been so crazy with the launch of my new book, but I’m hoping I can work on it in the New Year. ;-0
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Anytime is a great time, dear – holidays are fun, but busy — & wish you only the best with your new book! What a great way to start 2020!
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xo
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-giggles- Be careful what you wish for!!!! Seriously, that is a brilliant outcome for the boys. You can’t make a child read, but a little encouragement can go a long way. Money well spent. 😀
And huge congratulations on Molly! You may have started another generation on reading. That’s a huge achievement.
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For every child who reads my book about Molly Finds Her Purr, I hear a bell ring somewhere (hmm, I think there’s a movie about that somewhere – something about an angel getting his wings and a bell rings). 🙂 Seriously, parents/grandparents/aunts and uncles have sent me photos of their child holding onto the Molly book and re-reading it many times. Now THAT’S an amazing gift.
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You know, we write because we want to be /read/, but inspiring a child to want to read in the first place, that’s special. -huge hugs-
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Well that’s certainly a new spin on ‘paid reviews’ LOL. Congrats Pam and Happy Holidays. ❤
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Oh Debby, what a fun comment. There you go – paid reviews and I won’t get in trouble. Um, will I? 🙂
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Lol, not as long as their last name doesn’t match yours and they aren’t using your internet and IP address when reviewing. 🙂 xx
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🙂
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Isn’t this absolutely great, Pam. Well done on encouraging your grandchildren like this. I will be ordering your new book after the Christmas backlog passes as sometimes they go missing at this time of your. Our courier and postal services can be inefficient. I don’t like reading children’s books as kindle books.
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I totally agree, Robbie. I don’t read or order children’s books for the Kindle (and I only sell my adult fiction as e-books as well as paper). Kids need to feel a book and study the amazing illustrations in a beautiful book for children. I hope you’ll be able to order Molly. My publisher sells them from her office for blogger’s discount and mails them herself (just charging for $15.99 plus shipping cost). If you’re interested you can also contact her: Easty Lambert-Brown: borgogirl@bellsouth.net xo
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Bribery is such a good way to get children to read and I’m so glad it worked for you! 😀 I have no grandchildren but I remember my elder daughter needed no encouragement to read and still reads every spare moment she has. My younger daughter (now 22) likes reading but has great difficulty finding books/authors she enjoys. She has found she likes fantasy/science fiction best but there must be minimal romance and no violence or bad language. She is very exacting.
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It’s fascinating how each of our children/grandchildren have different tastes in their reading and reading styles. I have a great fantasy book author recommendation for you to pass on to your daughter. Have you followed D.W. Peach’s blog? https://mythsofthemirror.com/ She’s a great blogger and an wonderful fantasy author. Builds amazing worlds, with minimal romance or bad language. Stories are fantastical. I’ve read The Sorcerer’s Garden, Soul Swallowers, and Catling’s Bane and recommend them all. (And in truth, I was never a reader of fantasy!)
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Thank you for the recommendation, Pam! I don’t follow D.W.Peach but I know a number of people who do. I will let my daughter know and have a look myself, too!
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So heartwarming to know children can still be bribed and not know they are being coerced into doing what’s really good for them. Kind of like having them grow a garden so they eat their vegetables. You are a very smart grandmother.
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What a perfect metaphor! Create a garden = learning to love vegetable. Write a review (for a small reward) = learn to love reading. Win/Win for Everyone! 🙂 xo
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What a great post!
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Thank you! So glad you enjoyed.
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What a great idea, Pam! Incentives are alway good – who knew they’d work so well? I’m sure there are others you’ll come up with along the way.
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Hmmm. Well, lately the grandboys have been suggesting that I (bold I) write them a review of my week and include a picture of it that I draw. Then send it all in the mail. I’m intimidated by the idea, but I guess I better play along. ;-0 Thanks for reading my latest posts. Love reading your comments.
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My pleasure always.
Well, turnabout is fair play – what are THEY going to do if you do that? You give them a reward – what will theirs be for you? Maybe an extra chore to help their Mom? A helpful act when they come visit you, or maybe a can of food for the local food pantry? I believe you have a bargaining chip here!
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I believe you are right. Our 10-year-old grandson spent the weekend here with us this past Sat-Sun. He has difficulty reading, but when he saw what his CA cousins had sent me (um, ahem, I happened to have their book reviews hanging around) the boy picked up his book and read for an hour. And wrote a review. OH! and then he polished my silver. ;-0 How’s that for payback?
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What a great idea! You’re encouraging a new generation of readers! Well done! I thought Sutton’s note and drawing were adorable!
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That was me in the last comment, by the way. 🙂
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Haha. Thanks for letting me know, Mark. And THANK you for your comment. Yes, Sutton’s note was adorable. Just this past weekend I wrote him a story in return about a grandmother who gets lost while skiing (and I even illustrated it – poorly – but it was fun). Hoping this encourages him to write another story back. I figure the more he writes, the more he’ll figure out that reading is fun too.
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