K.A. Cummins's Blog

At-A-Glance Title: The Gruffalo Author: Julia DonaldsonIllustrator: Axel SchefflerAudience: Children (Ages 4-8) Genre: Picture Book, FantasyRelease Date: March 23, 1999 Review The Gruffalo is an older picture book about a mouse traveling through the woods. He encounters other animals who want to eat him, but the mouse uses his wit to trick them and safelyContinue reading "Book Review: The Gruffalo"

Please join me at the next meeting for the Shoal Writers Guild of Florence, Alabama! I’ll be talking with them about my publishing experiment, Launching 3 Books in 8 Months, and sharing some of the lessons learned so far. (If you aren’t familiar with experiment, you can view the first post here.) I’m honored andContinue reading "The Shoals Writers Guild November Event"

Reposted with permission from https://www.towersoflight.net. Over the summer, it seemed like falling reading and math scores in the country came up daily in my social media feed. The headlines go on and on. We all know that the pandemic seriously impacted students’ academic achievement in many ways, but are other factors causing the record slumpContinue reading "Guest Post: Help for Struggling Readers by Allen Brokken"

Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards announced the winners for 2023, and Bold & Brave was awarded a bronze medal in the children’s ebook category! Thank you, Lord. And thank you to all the judges and people who work tirelessly behind the scenes making dreams come true! 🎉Congratulations to all the medalist!🎉

Critiquing someone else’s project can be challenging, especially in the early stages when it needs work. We may not feel comfortable offering our insights to someone else, but giving honest feedback can be highly beneficial. As you read, consider the story elements and how they come together as a whole. Observe any weaknesses in structureContinue reading "5 Ways to Rock A Critique"

At-A-Glance Title: Mixed Me! Author: Taye DiggsIllustrator: Shane W. EvansSeries: None Genre: Picture BookAudience: Ages 3-8Release Date: January 5, 2021 This book reminds me of: The rhyming prose, upbeat tone, and the message of celebration reminds me of I Am Enough by Grace Byers. Review Mixed Me! is a rhyming picture book aimed at readersContinue reading "Book Review: Mixed Me!"

Please join me for Story Hour at the Winfield Public Library in Winfield, Alabama on September 14th at 3:30pm! We’ll read Bold & Brave, go on a sensory scavenger hunt, and then share some goodies to take home. You can learn more about the Winfield Public Library by visiting their website here.

At-A-Glance Title: Good Different Author: Meg Eden KuyattAudience: Middle Grade (Ages 8-12) Genre: Contemporary FictionRelease Date: April 4, 2023 Review Good Different is a refreshing novel-in-verse story about a neurodivergent girl’s rules for acting normal, and her struggle to navigate the increasing social complexities of her world. Her path is one of discovering her neurodivergenceContinue reading "Book Review: Good Different"

A blog tour celebrating Bold & Brave’s release starts today! Pop over to Celebrate Lit to learn more about the tour and to read the kickoff post. Be sure to scroll all the way to the end of the kickoff post so you don’t miss the chance to enter the giveaway for a $50 AmazonContinue reading "Bold & Brave Blog Tour Kickoff!"

At-A-Glance Title: Books Aren’t for Bears Author: Mark BarryIllustrator: Katy HalfordSeries: None Genre: Picture BookAudience: Ages 4-8Release Date: Aug 01, 2023 This book reminds me of: Larry gets Lost in the Library by Eric Ode Review Books Aren’t for Bears is a charming picture book about a bear who discovers a love of reading. HisContinue reading "Book Review: Books Aren’t for Bears"