Author: Susan Uhlig

Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Over the Moon

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Over the Moon (Scholastic Press, 2019) by Natalie Lloyd is a delightful fantasy. That doesn’t mean there isn’t trouble.

Twelve-year-old Mallie Ramble’s family depends on her wages, since her father can no longer go Down Under and work in the mine. But she’s sick of leaving Coal Top and going down to the valley to work as a servant for the rich. When an opportunity comes up for adventure and riches–even if it is for boys only, especially orphans–Mallie applies. However, her new job is more risky than she could imagine.

Meet Starbirds (flying horses), villains, monsters, and more in this world of dust where once people wove starlight.

I’ve recommended Natalie Lloyd’s first book here. See her other books here. And read about her here.

Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

Groundhug Day

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Groundhug Day (Disney Hyperion, 2017) by Anne Marie Pace and illustrated by Christopher Denise is so funny. I love the twists on winter holidays (Valentine’s Day and Groundhog Day).

It’s February 1st and Moose wants to have a grand party for Valentine’s Day. But Bunny points out a problem–if Groundhog sees his shadow tomorrow, he won’t be awake for the party. They and two other friends, Squirrel and Porcupine, argue about ideas to stop Groundhog from seeing his shadow. When it’s too late, they decide to show Groundhog why shadows aren’t scary. The five friends have a great day. However…

You’ll have to read the book to see the surprise ending. Read about Anne Marie’s other books here.

Illustrator Christopher Denise illustrated two of the Redwall picture books. See more here.

Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

Badger’s Perfect Garden

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Badger’s Perfect Garden (Sleeping Bear Press, 2019) by Marsha Diane Arnold and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki makes me smile.

Badger wants to plant the perfect garden. His friends Red Squirrel, Dormouse, and Weasel help plant perfect rows. But when a storm washes his beautiful seeds away, Badger despairs.

Readers will enjoy the language of the text and the surprise ending. Learn more about the author and her other books here.

I adore the illustrations. See more of Ramona’s work here.

Posted in The Nitty Gritty of Children's Writing, Writing Life

It Takes Time

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

“How did it get so late so soon?” – Dr. Seuss

I thought for sure we’d have my updated website switched from a Movable Type platform to WordPress sometime in May. However, due to complications in life, and difficulties with updating the website, it didn’t happen until a third of the way through June. I still have some broken links to fix, but am pleased with the new look. I know the ease of new posts is going to be worth all the time and effort.

Writing often takes more time than I expect, too. This past weekend I was on a four day writing retreat. I had a huge stack of manuscript pages I hoped to get through. I worked hours each day and only reduced the stack by half. I think part of the slog was that it had been so long since I’d looked at the novel that it took me a while to get back into the character’s voice. I’m grateful though to be that much farther ahead.

My TBR (to be read) stack got higher and higher this last month and a half. Now I have “catch up” to do on book recommendations. Looking forward to sharing those soon.

What’s been taking longer in your writing life?