"Fowl" #kidlit picture books for #BlackFriday @BravestSquirrel

This is the time of year when my muse rebels and decides the do something so far off the beaten path that I wander into never-explored lands. No one even imagined a goose and duck plastic decoy picture book genre, complete with "live action" photographs, but I'm building a vacation home in the middle of this land!

I'll be back home in romanceland next month. In the meantime, these "fowl" picture books make a perfect holiday gift--for adults, children, coworkers and your impossible-to-buy-for Uncle Ned! Bonus: buy it online and avoid those nasty Black Friday lines!!

A New Home for Goose

Goose sits on a shelf all year. Now, it's Christmas, which means it's time for Goose to go to a new home. But Goose is scared! 

Join the fun as Goose sets off on an epic adventure. What happens when a plastic goose rebels? Will Goose be able to overcome her fears?

Illustrated with actual photographs of Goose, this short picture book is fun for all ages.

Amazon
Createspace

A Fashion Makeover for Duck

Duck wears her cheese hat all the time. But she is ready for a change. She wants a fashion makeover.

Join the fun as Duck tries out the latest fashion styles. But what happens when Baby Blue wants to wear Duck’s old hat? Can Duck really give up her beloved cheese hat?

Illustrated with actual photographs of Duck (and Baby Blue), this short picture book is fun for all ages.

 

Amazon

Createspace

The @BravestSquirrel Drives a Race Car #kidlit #FREE Dec 24-28 #MerryChristmas

The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car

Free on Amazon (ebook)

December 24 - 28, 2014!

When his baby cousin Zander runs away, Chaz finally has a chance to live his dream of rescuing someone and proving his bravery. But Zander doesn’t want to be rescued, and he certainly doesn’t listen.

When the little squirrel crawls into a race car, Chaz follows him, expecting they will hide from the humans until the race is over. But Zander doesn’t stay hidden, wanting to try everything the humans do.

When the race car spins out of control, Chaz is the only one who can save them. If he’s not brave enough, not only will they crash, he’ll lose Zander forever.

Amazon ebook and print book
Createspace print book
Barnes & Noble (print)

The Bravest Squirrel now has a Facebook page and a Twitter account. Please follow and like us!

The @BravestSquirrel Drives a Race Car #kidlit print book + $25 gc #giveaway

Title: The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car | Author: Sara Shafer | Publication Date: November 7, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 96 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 12

Book Summary:

When his baby cousin Zander runs away, Chaz finally has a chance to live his dream of rescuing someone and proving his bravery. But Zander doesn't want to be rescued, and he certainly doesn't listen.

When the little squirrel crawls into a race car, Chaz follows him, expecting they will hide from the humans until the race is over. But Zander doesn't stay hidden, wanting to try everything the humans do.

When the race car spins out of control, Chaz is the only one who can save them. If he's not brave enough, not only will they crash, he'll lose Zander forever.

The Bravest Squirrel Series:

1. The Bravest Squirrel Ever

2. The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest

3. The Bravest Squirrel in School

4. The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car

Amazon * CreateSpace

Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

The Buzz About the Series

"Totally awesome book!! You are brave to be an author!" ~ reader Valerie D., age 9

"A wonderful children's book. I am passing mine on to my youngest grandson. He will enjoy this story." ~ Susie, Amazon

"I liked how the squirrels act. They were funny. It was a really good book. I think other kids that are reading chapter books should read this." ~ Gaea, 12 year old reader

About the Author: Sara Shafer

When two squirrels moved into Sara Shafer’s attic, she went on a quest to figure out what they were doing. She knocked on the ceiling, and they scratched back. Imagining what they thought and felt, she wrote The Bravest Squirrel Ever and then continued their adventures with The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest, The Bravest Squirrel in School, and The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car.

Although her attic is currently vacant, the squirrels outnumber the humans in her neighborhood and could decide to take over at any moment. She watches for signs of invasion as she plots more stories of squirrel bravery.

Website | Newsletter | Twitter

Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: December 22, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Sara Shafer and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking for the perfect gift for the squirrelly kid in your life? @BravestSquirrel #kidlit books #CyberMonday

The Bravest Squirrel is a children's chapter book series told from the squirrels' point of view and written at approximately a third grade reading level for both boys and girls. These entertaining animal adventures revolve around themes of self-reliance and, of course, bravery.

The Bravest Squirrel Ever: Scared of thunder, lightning and being "flopped" by the humans, Pippi the squirrel wants to return to her mama's warm, cozy nest. Instead, she and her siblings stumble on a better nest...in forbidden human territory. When she becomes trapped inside, Pippi must depend on her wits to survive, proving to herself and the world just how brave a little squirrel can be.

The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest: Max is determined to prove he is the bravest squirrel ever. He devises a plan to rescue his Uncle Louie. Instead, he is locked in cage, sprayed by a skunk, dumped out of a truck, and abandoned with a hungry coyote hot on his trail. Max has to give up being brave and beg others to help him. When he has the chance to save Uncle Louie or risk his life to save a friend, Max discovers just how brave he really is.

The Bravest Squirrel in School: Lana has no interest in being brave, but she would like to be cuddled by a human. She ends up in a school bus full of children with no other squirrel to take care of her. With no one coming to rescue her, Lana needs to stand up for herself against the playground bullies and figure out a way to get back home. If she’s not brave enough to rescue herself, she’ll be stuck in school forever.

The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car is now here!

When his baby cousin Zander runs away, Chaz finally has a chance to live his dream of rescuing someone and proving his bravery. But Zander doesn’t want to be rescued, and he certainly doesn’t listen.

When the little squirrel crawls into a race car, Chaz follows him, expecting they will hide from the humans until the race is over. But Zander doesn’t stay hidden, wanting to try everything the humans do.

When the race car spins out of control, Chaz is the only one who can save them. If he’s not brave enough, not only will they crash, he’ll lose Zander forever.

Amazon ebook and print book
Createspace print book
Barnes & Noble (print)

As a special addition to The Bravest Squirrel family, The Bravest Squirrel Ever, The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest, and The Bravest Squirrel in School are now compiled in a special 3 in 1 print and Kindle book edition.

The Bravest Squirrel now has a Facebook page and a Twitter account. Please follow and like us!

Amazon ebook and print book
Createspace print book
Barnes & Noble (print)

#FreeRead #kindle #kidlit @BravestSquirrel Chapter Book Set November 21-25

My not-so-secret alter-ego Sara Shafer is excited to bring you a special free download, perfect for occupying the kids during those long holiday travels!

The Bravest Squirrel: 3 Books in 1

As a special addition to The Bravest Squirrel family, The Bravest Squirrel Ever, The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest, and The Bravest Squirrel in School are now compiled in a special 3 in 1 print and Kindle book edition at a significant saving to buying all three books separately. In addition, if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can download and read the digital version free any time.

From Friday, November 21st through Tuesday, November 25th, EVERYONE can download and read the digital version FREE!

The Bravest Squirrel: 3 Books 1

The Bravest Squirrel Ever: Scared of thunder, lightning and being "flopped" by the humans, Pippi the squirrel wants to return to her mama's warm, cozy nest. Instead, she and her siblings stumble on a better nest...in forbidden human territory. When she becomes trapped inside, Pippi must depend on her wits to survive, proving to herself and the world just how brave a little squirrel can be.

The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest: Max is determined to prove he is the bravest squirrel ever. He devises a plan to rescue his Uncle Louie. Instead, he is locked in cage, sprayed by a skunk, dumped out of a truck, and abandoned with a hungry coyote hot on his trail. Max has to give up being brave and beg others to help him. When he has the chance to save Uncle Louie or risk his life to save a friend, Max discovers just how brave he really is.

The Bravest Squirrel in School: Lana has no interest in being brave, but she would like to be cuddled by a human. She ends up in a school bus full of children with no other squirrel to take care of her. With no one coming to rescue her, Lana needs to stand up for herself against the playground bullies and figure out a way to get back home. If she’s not brave enough to rescue herself, she’ll be stuck in school forever.

Amazon - print and e-book

Createspace

Now Available!

The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car

When his baby cousin Zander runs away, Chaz finally has a chance to live his dream of rescuing someone and proving his bravery. But Zander doesn’t want to be rescued, and he certainly doesn’t listen.

When the little squirrel crawls into a race car, Chaz follows him, expecting they will hide from the humans until the race is over. But Zander doesn’t stay hidden, wanting to try everything the humans do.

When the race car spins out of control, Chaz is the only one who can save them. If he’s not brave enough, not only will they crash, he’ll lose Zander forever.

Amazon ebook and print book
Createspace print book

Mother's Day Book Blast Blog Hop

I'm a full-time mom of three and a full-time author writing under two different names.  Unfortunately, adding these roles together doesn't double the amount of time I have in a day, so mostly I settle for running around like that proverbial nightmarish chicken with its head cut off.  If you have kids, I imagine you probably do something similar, although with a lot more class and grace, naturally!

I've always loved to read and write romance.  As my children got older and learned to read, I found myself wanting to write something we could all enjoy together.  Because I understand the need for both adult reading pleasure and reading that you can enjoy with your children, I put together a little Mother's Day package to give away.

On Monday, May 7th I'll pick one random winner from the comments to win a copy of my contemporary romance Mr. Forever for yourself and a copy of my chapter book The Bravest Squirrel Ever for the kids.  Make sure to include your email address and your preferred file type (Kindle, Nook or pdf) in your comments.  Contest is open internationally.  Like my Facebook page for updates on both my Sara Daniel romances and Sara Shafer children's chapter books.

The only woman who can help Caleb bond with his son is on a mission to destroy the career he's dedicated his life to.

Pippi the squirrel isn't brave and has no interest in earning the title of "The Bravest Squirrel Ever."  Scared of thunder, lightning and being "flopped" by the humans, Pippi only wants to return to Mama's warm, cozy nest.  Instead, she stumbles on a better nest.  There's only one problem.  It's in dangerous, forbidden human territory.  The attic nest is too perfect for Pippi to resist, and she moves in.  The humans soon discover her. Instead of driving her out, they seal off her only exit, trapping her inside.  To escape and to survive, Pippi must face her fears and depend on herself for the first time in her life.  In doing so, she learns just how brave a little squirrel can be.

If your kids have a special interest in squirrels or The Bravest Squirrel Ever piques their curiosity, I have fun facts about squirrels and more information about The Bravest Squirrel series on my family-friendly Sara Shafer website.

Return to the blog hop here

Hosted by eReading on the Cheap & Slap Dash Mom

A Tale of 2 Spring Flings

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog for the Spring Fling Hop.  I had an awesome time meeting new people and hope to see you back here again.  I will be announcing the winner in the Spring Fling comments very soon to wrap up the hop.  Good luck to everyone who entered to win the Nook.

Now for the second Spring Fling:  I will be at the Chicago-North Spring Fling Conference at the Chicago Northwest Marriott in Hoffman Estates, Illinois THIS AFTERNOON, signing Mr. Forever and A Man Worth Fighting For.  Even if you've already bought or won a copy, make sure to stop by so I can give you an autographed cover.  The signing is from 2:30 - 4:00 PM and is open to the public.  Click here to see all the awesome authors that are participating.

Immediately following the book signing will be a Silent Auction to benefit literacy.  Here is a my basket featuring a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir,  Mr. Forever, A Man Worth Fighting For, Scrabble Slam,  The Bravest Squirrel Ever, The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest, travel mugs, apple cider, Kudos bars and more!

Also TODAY ONLY, books by my alter-ego Sara Shafer are free on Amazon.  Download and enjoy  The Bravest Squirrel Ever and The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest.  For those attending the Spring Fling conference, I am giving away fun squirrel tattoos to anyone who tells me, "I'm the Bravest Squirrel Ever!"

My Secret Alter Ego

This blog is mostly focused on my Sara Daniel romance happenings, but today I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

I write children’s chapter books under the pen name Sara Shafer.   I consider this my “side job” with romance writing as my “real job.”  The first book in The Bravest Squirrel series came out in September.  I’ll tell you all about it in a minute.

First, I have to tell you that I read the draft of the second book to my daughter this week.  We should have had two more evenings of reading, but she loved it so much that we finished the whole thing last night.  Naturally, her excitement (she was jumping on the bed cheering for Max!) made ME excited.

I can’t wait to polish The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest, so you can download it onto your hot little e-reader.  (That’s the 2012 equivalent of getting your hot little hands on the book, right?!)

Until then, you can download The Bravest Squirrel Ever right now!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OZ6X66

Pippi the squirrel isn't brave and has no interest in earning the title of "The Bravest Squirrel Ever."  Scared of thunder, lightning and being "flopped" by the humans, Pippi only wants to return to Mama's warm, cozy nest.  Instead, she stumbles on a better nest.  There's only one problem.  It's in dangerous, forbidden human territory.  The attic nest is too perfect for Pippi to resist, and she moves in.  The humans soon discover her. Instead of driving her out, they seal off her only exit, trapping her inside.  To escape and to survive, Pippi must face her fears and depend on herself for the first time in her life.  In doing so, she learns just how brave a little squirrel can be.

I have lots of fun facts about squirrels and more information about The Bravest Squirrel series on my website.  http://www.SaraShafer.com

Do you have secret you're bursting to tell or a fun squirrel story? My ears are twitching.