The Fairview Review: February 2025

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Virtual Book Tour The Three Stones of Ebon

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Three Stones of Ebon

Written by David and Keiko Mello

Illustrated by Keiko Mello

Ages 8-12 | 264 Pages

Publisher: Strive Publishing (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781948529228

Publisher’s Book Summary: Eleven-year-old Jack knew the old lady down the street was kinda weird. But things get even stranger when she sends him a gift that transports Jack and his cat, Lucky, into the wondrous world of Sturgus, a land of prophecies, pirates, magical creatures, and talking cats. Aided by Abigail, a student of magic, Jack and Lucky must evade a cursed assassin and find the three stones that will wake Ebon, king of the flying horses and rightful protector of Sturgus, before the evil wizard Pale corrupts the land forever.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Jack is a typical tween who enjoys hanging out with his friends,

spending time with his cat Lucky, and making jokes about the odd old lady who lives down the street. But when his dad does some work at her house, she sends home a gift for Jack - a decorated urn with characters on it that look just like Jack and Lucky. And when there are odd noises and strange lights from the urn in the middle of the night, suddenly they are in another world.

The new world is full of wonders - flying horses, cyclops, pirates, talking wolves, centaurs, Aquaticans (merpeople), sea serpents, and magic users good and bad. Can Jack and his new allies find the missing magic stones of Ebon in time to defeat the evil sorcerer Pale and save the world of Sturgus? They must travel to the ends of the world, across mountains and seas, pursued by an assassin and always in danger from the hordes commanded by Pale. Is the ancient prophecy really correct and will Jack ever make it back to his own home again? The sights he sees, the dangers he faces, and the friends he makes will keep readers turning the pages to find out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Mello grew up on army bases throughout the USA and Germany. His love of comic books, stand-up comedy, and rooting for the underdogs shaped his writings, from short stories to mini ‘zines and various adventures in revolution. When he isn’t writing, David usually has a camera in hand.

Keiko Mello, born Keiko Welch, hails from an interracial family in Minneapolis’s Northside. As Keiko grew up, she used drawing, dancing, and playing drums in rock bands to ground herself. She and David met in 1997 in Seattle and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Today, David and Keiko are slow-travel digital nomads. Their latest project as STAY MELLO CREATIVE is crafting the second book in a planned trilogy; the working title is The Adversary of Ebon.

For more information, visit https://www.staymellocreative.com/.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Friday, January 31, 2025

The Starlit Path

Interview with David and Keiko Mello

Monday, February 3, 2025

Get Outside and Read

Instagram Post about The Three Stones of Ebon

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Country Mamas With Kids

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Friday, February 7, 2025

Froggy Read Teach

Instagram Post about The Three Stones of Ebon

Monday, February 10, 2025

The Fairview Review

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Interview with David and Keiko Mello

This post is sponsored by David and Keiko Mello. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Virtual Book Tour Sharing Is Caring, Dragon!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sharing is Caring, Dragon!

Written by Bianca Schulze

Illustrated by Samara Hardy

Ages: 3-7 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Clever Publishing (2024) | ISBN: 978-1956560497

Publisher’s Book Summary: Dragon is on her way to the library to return her borrowed books and check out her favorite book. But when she gets to the bookshelf, she realizes the book she wants isn’t there! Sir Fiero has checked it out and is starting to read it when Dragon grabs it from his hands. Will Dragon learn to be patient and wait her turn to read the book?

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop.org

Barnes and Noble

MY REVIEW

Our friend Dragon is back with a new adventure. In. The. Library. (I could probably stop right there, but I will give you a few more details.) We all know the excitement of heading into the library to pick up a favorite book and the major disappointment when the longed-for book isn’t there. This time readers will experience that emotional roller coaster along with Dragon. Like all the Dragon books, this one is perfect for lap reading. The interactive component keeps youngsters engaged as they whisper “Wheeeeee!” to the books sliding down the return chute or pat Dragon on the back to console her. Their favorite part might be making “a sneaky sideways look without turning” their heads, just as Dragon glares at Sir Fiero. Adults will get a chuckle from the titles on the library shelves like “A Tale of Two Kitties” and “The Starry Knight.” Above all, Dragon appeals to everyone because she feels the same things we all do. Anyone reading the story will be able to recall a time when they were in a similar situation and how difficult it wato wait for a turn or share an especially beloved item. And the successful resolution of the problem will leave everyone feeling satisfied.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bianca Schulze is the founder and editor of The Children’s Book Review—a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy—and hosts The Growing Readers Podcast.

Bianca is also the author of Don’t Wake the Dragon (translated into 20 languages), now a six-book series, and 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (an Amazon Editors’ pick for Best Nonfiction for Kids). A passionate advocate for children’s literature, Bianca serves as the Webinar Coordinator for the SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter and is an active member of The Authors Guild.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Bianca now lives near Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and three children, where she continues to be a reader, reviewer, and devoted children’s book lover.

For more information, visit biancaschulze.com.

https://www.instagram.com/biancaschulzewriter/

https://www.facebook.com/biancaschulzewriter/

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Samara Hardy is the illustrator of Don’t Wake the Dragon and Who Loves the Dragon? An experienced illustrator and designer, she has created artwork for clients worldwide for greeting cards, stationery, homewares, children’s books, and more. She lives in Surrey, England.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 13, 2025

The Children’s Book Review

Virtual Book Tour Kick-Off

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

@pagesforpaige

Book Review of Sharing is Caring, Dragon

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight on Sharing is Caring, Dragon

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Froggy Read Teach