Everyone's favorite unicorn is back and ready for fun!  In A New Friend for Sparkle by Amy Young, Sparkle is preparing to meet Lucy's friend, Cole.  When Cole arrives, Sparkle becomes very angry that he is not the center of attention.  He decides to go to extremes in order to regain the spotlight.

Lucy is less than pleased with Sparkle's behavior.  Leaving her no choice, she sentences him to a timeout.  Sparkle mopes in the corner while Lucy and Cole continue to play.

Suddenly, Cole takes out his drum and begins to tap out a tune.  Sparkle cannot believe his ears!  He loves the sound of Cole's drum.  In no time, Cole and Sparkle are playing the drum and dancing to the beat.  Lucy soon discovers that Sparkle's previous outburst may not have been as unreasonable as she once thought.

I love this book!  Sparkle and his friends do not disappoint in the second installment of the Sparkle series.  This magical unicorn captured my heart in the first book.  The second story digs even deeper into the complex character of Sparkle.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.  Sparkle gets more adorable with every turn of the page.  I also love the subtle touches hidden within the pictures and text.  Hint:  Think rainbow!

This story is a wonderful read for children ages 3-11.  Readers will fall in love with Sparkle and definitely be able to relate to his silly antics.    

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Frankie by Mary Sullivan tells the true tale of a rescued pup waiting for her forever home.  Frankie is so excited to be leaving the shelter!  She cannot believe that she is actually going to stay in a real house.

She begins to explore her new surroundings and encounters exciting things such as a ball, rope toy and blanket.  There is just one problem.  All of these wonderful items belong to Nico, her foster mom's dog.

Nico cannot believe that his mom has brought another dog into the house!  Not only that, but Frankie wants to claim all of his belongings as her own.  Nico is not about to let that happen.

Will Frankie ever have her own toys?  Will Nico learn how to share?  Will Frankie and Nico be able to get along?

I absolutely loved this book!  Visually intensive, the book relies solely on the illustrations to tell the story.  It almost reads like a comic book.  I found this to be a very unique, yet effective technique.

The illustrations are fantastic!  Each page reveals another layer to the character of Frankie.  Young and old alike with fall in love with Frankie and her adorable facial expressions.

Being a pet parent to five rescue dogs and three cats, I can totally relate to the theme of the story.  There is always an adjustment period that takes place when introducing a new animal into the home.  The balance is momentarily skewed but in time, new bonds are formed and those who were once enemies become friends.

I also love that this book is based on a true story.  It truly warms my heart to read about animals finding loving forever homes that they definitely deserve.  I am reminded of my own dogs' adoption journeys, which always brings a smile to my face.  Additionally, I love that a portion of the book's proceeds are donated to Austin Pets Alive.  This is an amazing rescue organization based out of Texas that actually helped rescue and adopt out the real Frankie.

This is a fantastic book for readers of all ages (especially animal lovers!).  There are so many wonderful lessons tucked within the pages.  I believe that this book could also be used by local rescue groups and animal shelters as part of a humane education curriculum.

Helen cannot wait to go trick-or-treating with her dog, Martha.  She has decided to be a witch and a very unwilling Martha is to be her cat companion. As they head out on Halloween night, Helen sees an odd-looking woman walking in front of them.  She then notices a coupon that has fallen out of the woman's pocket.

Helen and Martha follow the woman in hopes of returning the coupon.  What they discover is a hidden supermarket.  Things are not what they seem as this store carries a very strange array of items such as skum milk and Shake n' Bake Snakes.  

Helen soon realizes that she and Martha have stumbled into a witches' supermarket!  Will the daring duo be able to escape?  You will have to read The Witches' Supermarket by Susan Meddaugh to find out!

I absolutely love the Martha Speaks book series and television show!  I was very excited to read the book that started it all.  I also love Halloween and could not resist this frightfully fun read.   

The illustrations are simply gorgeous!  Young and old alike will fall in love with Martha and her larger than life personality.  

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The date was circled on my calendar in bright red.  I eagerly began counting down the days in the middle of September.  My very first Picture Book Summit was only days away!

What is a picture book summit, you may ask?  It is a day-long writing conference for picture book authors and illustrators that is conducted webinar style.  I get to enjoy the summit from the comfort of my own home.  No long car rides or pricey hotel fees.  Just me, a cup of tea and my laptop.  Paradise!

October 7th arrived and I jumped out of bed.  I didn’t want to miss a single moment.  The summit began with a dance party.  I loved watching the summit founders bust a move! 

My excitement level was at an all-time high when acclaimed author/illustrator Tomi DePaola took to the web cam.  He looked like a jolly elf that I just wanted to hug!  His presentation was truly inspiring.  I could not believe that he used to tap dance, like me!  He also spoke of his artistic process and shared a glimpse at some new projects he is working on.  I literally could have listened to him speak all day.

The second speaker was none other than summit founder Julie Hedlund.  Her presentation was about the layers of children’s picture books.  I loved her detailed description of each layer.  I never knew that there was so much substance within the pages of picture books.

Renowned picture book author Carole Boston Weatherford shared insight on the importance of point of view in picture book writing.  She also gave summiteers a glimpse into her writing process that she likened to a spiritual experience.  Fellow founder, Laura Backes, followed up with a fabulous presentation about writing with a purpose without sounding “preachy.”  The takeaways she provided were not only helpful but inspiring.

Ending the day with Adam Rex was truly like the proverbial cherry on top of a sundae.  He was absolutely hilarious!  I learned how valuable humor can be in a picture book and that the days of “why did the chicken cross the road” jokes are long gone.

I greatly appreciate the literary agents who also took part in the summit.  They gave clear descriptions of the types of picture books they are currently in the market for.  I loved getting to learn tips and tricks for how to make my writing stand out and avoid the slush pile!  I will definitely be doing some serious re-writing this weekend.

I had an absolute blast at the Picture Book Summit!  I will definitely be attending next year (and every year after!).  The presentations were so inspiring that I also signed up for the Summit Founders’ Sessions.  The sessions will be held once a month from November 2017 to February 2018.  I know that I am going to learn even more about the fabulous world of picture book writing.  I cannot wait!

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Edie's Ensembles by Ashley Spires dives headfirst into the fashion-filled world of Edie.  This stylish deer takes great care to plan the most fabulous outfits for school.  She always gets compliments from her fellow classmates.

Her best friend, Andrew, loves to play dress up to help Edie create amazing new looks.  She was so excited to show off one of her new creations except...no one noticed.  Edie could not believe that she had been ignored!

Determined to get her fashionista mojo back, Edie began to devote all of her spare time to planning her outfits.  She even started sewing her old clothes together in very interesting combinations.  Will Edie be able to reclaim the hallway runway and once again own the spotlight?

I truly adore this book!  The story is filled with heart as well as timeless lessons that will appeal to both young and old.  Spires' illustrations are beyond adorable.  Children will fall in love with Edie and her colorful cast of friends.

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Over-Scheduled Andrew by Ashley Spires tells the tale of one very busy penguin.  He always loved performing, so he decided to join the drama club at school.  Andrew would rehearse his lines on the way home from school with his best friend, Edie.

One of his teachers suggested that he join the debate club to help strengthen his public speaking skills.  Andrew wanted his play performances to be top-notch so he signed up immediately.  He did so well that Calvin recruited him for the chess club.

During play rehearsals, Andrew discovered that his dance moves were lacking.  Naturally, he signed up for ballet lessons and karate.  Then he joined the tennis team, became the school newspaper editor and began learning how to play the bagpipes.  Did I mention that he also joined the French film club, started taking singing lessons and began taking Spanish classes?

To say that Andrew is busy would be a huge understatement.  Will he be able to handle the pressure of being involved in so many clubs and projects?  Will he ever have any time to spend with Edie?

I loved every page of this book!  I can totally relate to Andrew and his super-packed schedule.  This definitely takes me back to when I was in elementary school and had dance class four nights a week, piano lessons twice a week and Girl Scout meetings throughout each month.  Not to mention that I was an avid member of the Science Club and was also on the Student Council.

I think that readers of every age will delight in this story.  The characters are absolutely adorable and subtle adult humor is laced throughout.  I feel that the theme of the story will definitely resonate with parents who are juggling a career and a family while still trying to find time for themselves.
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Lou is an adventurous young girl.  She has faced sea monsters, hurricanes, even a super-bad brain freeze.  But is she up for her biggest challenge yet?

In The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires, Lou is having a great time playing with her friends.  That is until they suggest using a tree as a pirate ship.  Lou has a confession:  She doesn't know how to climb up trees.

Her friends seem to be having so much fun.  Lou really wants to join in.  Can she dig deep and find the courage to try?

I really enjoyed this book.  The illustrations are simply gorgeous.  I have a special place in my heart for Lou's cuddly cat.  I also love how the illustrations take on a comic book feel later on in the story.  I think this really adds a layer of creativity to the book.
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I believe that this book is a great read for children ages 4-11.  Children will definitely be able to relate to Lou's struggle and search for courage.  This book would also make a great gift for young readers who are facing new challenges in life.

​​The Most Magnificent Thing written and illustrated by Ashley Spires, introduces the reader to a regular girl and her best friend: her dog.  They enjoy doing everything together.  One day, she gets an idea.  She is going to make the most magnificent thing!

Feeling inspired, she quickly gets to work.  Her faithful assistant is there to lend a helping paw.  She completes the project in record time but realizes that her creation is all wrong.  The girl decides to try again.  The piece is still not what she had envisioned.

She continues to try, working faster each time.  When her umpteenth attempt ends in failure, the girl gets mad.  So mad that she decides to completely give up on her idea.  Will her assistant be able to change her mind?

I absolutely adore this book!  I love the subtle details in Spires's illustrations.  Many of the backgrounds remain in black and white with only certain objects or characters in color.  This can be seen on pages five and six.  I spotted a cat in a window and a bird that are both in color while their pearches remain colorless.  I love the contrast that this adds to the illustrations.  

I also love how there is a story within the story that is contained in the illustrations.  The girl's dog had me laughing with his crazy antics.  The ending of the story is also quite surprising.  I was totally touched and even shed a few tears.  

This book is a fantastic read for book lovers of all ages.  Young and old alike will definitely be able to relate to the emotions of frustration and defeat as well as the theme of friendship.  I would highly recommend that this book be used in schools as well.

October is one of my favorite months.  I love the vibrant colors of the leaves as they change.  The smell of burning leaves and kettle corn always makes me smile.  Seeing pumpkins lying in the field brings a spark of excitement to my soul.

Now, I have another reason to love October.  It is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!  Adoption of shelter animals is a cause that is very close to my heart.  All of my furry children have been adopted from local animal rescue groups and shelters.  Adopting saves the lives of wonderful animals that may otherwise be euthanized for issues as foolish as lack of spacing or medical care.

Theuerkauf's Tails is proud to be partnering with the ASPCA for their Find Your Fido campaign.  Fido is a cardboard cutout ambassador for shelter dogs.  He will be traveling on adventures throughout the country spreading the message that shelter dogs rock!

You can show your support for this awesome campaign in numerous ways.  The first is by sharing a photo of your favorite rescue pooch on your social media channels using the hashtag #FindYourFido and tagging @ASPCA.

Another way to show your Fido pride is by adding the special Find Your Fido filter to your Facebook and Twitter profile photo.  To download the filter, click the link:  https://twibbon.com/Support/aspca-findyourfido.

We want to see your precious pooches!  If you adopted your dog (or dogs) from an animal shelter or rescue group, then you must enter our giveaway.  All you need to do is post a photo of your furry rescue pup in the comments section.  One winner will receive an ASPCA tote bag filled with amazing goodies.  The winner will be announced on October 31st.

Join the Find Your Fido movement today!  Together, we can find a home for every shelter dog.