The Story Behind... A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine

This particular story idea for A Sandy Grave came from an unexpected article in the newspaper...


Thank you for visiting and learning more about A Sandy Grave!

Your support is appreciated!

#beach
#beachmystery
#picturebook
#earlyreaderpicturebook

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Children's Book Review - A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine

Reviewed by Brenda Casto, Amazon top reviewer 

A Sandy Grave by Donna M. McDine is introduces us to Leah, Nicole and Hayley, three friends who are spending a fun day at the beach when they notice a whale that has washed up on shore. Plenty of people show up but it is two strange acting men that capture the girls attention and when those guys bury something in the sand Leah can't help but wonder what it might be.

Interesting as well as educational, A Sandy Grave is a story about three friends who spends the day at the beach and wind up leading officials to poachers. A fast moving chapter story that captures the imagination with a bit of mystery and suspense while the three girls decide to get involved and do the right thing. I think the author does a great job of portraying the friendship between the trio, but also allows the reader to see the characters as individuals as well, making them so easy to relate to. The author certainly brings the setting to life and the illustrations further enhance those descriptions allowing me to not only envision the setting but the characters as well. Mystery, suspense, and friendships make this a great read, the information about poachers and what they do was like an educational bonus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Children's Book Review ~ Hockey Agony by Donna McDine

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite Five Star Review 

Hockey Agony by Donna M. McDine revolves around Larry and sports. Larry is unable to play any sport because of a broken leg so he is given the duty of running the clock during the big hockey contest. The story actually begins from there. The illustrations make the read very visual.

The book contains multiple emotions, beautifully entwined in the story so that a child can actually understand them perfectly. Larry and the sensation of walking on crutches, and his inability to participate in sports like other boys of his age permeates through the book. The teasing he receives because of his broken leg is realistically portrayed.

Hockey Agony takes a new twist when his teammate asks him to cheat by turning the clock in their favor. Larry is caught off guard by that request and he does not know what to do. Larry's emotional upheaval is well portrayed here. Children who are into any sport will find this book enjoyable because it deals with the details of a game, the winning spirit, and the good and the ugly side of competition.

Larry's emotional and physical pain, and the thoughts that race through his mind make the book emotional for the reader. Will Larry listen to his teammate and cheat or will he uphold his ideals and do the right thing?

#hockey
#picturebook
#bullying

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Thank You Goes a Long Way

How lovely to receive an actual letter in the mail (yep, I'm old school…still love getting mail in the good old mailbox, especially when it's not a bill) thanking me for our Skype Author Visit  scheduled for September 20th with Julie Hammond the illustrator of two of my books, Hockey Agony and A Sandy Grave. Looking forward to our event! 

Thank you Lynn Bosso, Director Programs & Youth Services at Kirkwood Public Library, your gratitude warms my heart…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Farvorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Linda F. Radke, Five Star Publications, Inc.

Phone: 480-940-8182

      E-mail: info@FiveStarPublications.com

  

A Sandy Grave Wins Coveted Purple Dragonfly Book Award

CHANDLER, AZ (June, 2014) – The judges of the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in children’s literature, have spoken, and A Sandy Grave by Donna M. McDine and illustrated by Julie Hammond, won first place in the Picture Books 6 and Older category.

“Winning any place in the Purple Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the Dragonfly Book Awards, a minimum score is required before a First or Second place or Honorable Mention will be awarded to the entrant – even if it is the sole entry in a category,” explains Linda Radke, president of Five Star Publications, the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. “Competition is steep, too, because there is no publication date limit as long as the book is still in print.”

                 

Violations of the Endangered Species Act and the Mammal Protection Act come into play during summer vacation in protection of a beached whale in A Sandy Grave. It can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Guardian Angel Publishing and other online retail stores, in addition to personalized autographed copies directly from the author at www.donnamcdine.com.

                  

For a complete list of winners including all first and second place and honorable mention recipients, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on “Winners.”

                 

The next Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked March 1, 2015 or earlier are eligible for the Early Bird reward: a free e-copy of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing or Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show written by Radke. Final deadline for submissions is May 1, 2015. The Early Bird deadline for the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Contest, which recognizes outstanding literature in all categories, is August 1, 2014. October 1, 2014 is the final deadline. For complete rules and submission forms for either contest, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

To learn more about Five Star Publications, celebrating 28 years of doing business in Chandler, Ariz., access www.FiveStarPublications.com, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.

###

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multiple Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading! 

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Reader's Farvorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Children's Book, A Sandy Grave Explores Cyberspace on Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tour

I'm over the moon to announce the Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tour for my latest children's book, A Sandy Grave, commencing March 3 through April 25. 

Exciting $50 Barnes and Noble gift card giveaway. Entry details below….

Thank you one and all for hosting me during the March and April. I'm looking forward to staying connected with you all! Here's the schedule….

A SANDY GRAVE TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 3 

Book trailer reveal at If Books Could Talk

Tuesday, March 4

Interview at As the Pages Turn

Wednesday, March 5

Guest post at My Sister Is My Best Friend

Friday, March 7

Book review at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

Monday, March 10

Guest post at Literarily Speaking

Tuesday, March 11

Book featured at The Writer’s Life

Wednesday, March 12

Interview at Rebecca’s Writing Services

Thursday, March 13

Book review at Rebecca’s Writing Services

Book review at Farm and Fru Fru

Monday, March 17

Book feature and giveaway at My Sister Is My Best Friend

Wednesday, March 19

Interview at Straight from the Author’s Mouth

Friday, March 21 

First chapter reveal at Read My First Chapter

Monday, March 24 

Book feature at Between the Covers

Tuesday, March 25

Book feature and giveaway at The Busy Mom’s Daily

Wednesday, March 26

Interview at Nancy Stewart’s Books

Guest post at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase

Thursday, March 27 

Book review at My Devotional Thoughts

Friday, March 28

Interview and giveaway at PUYB Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, April 1

Guest post at Strands of Thought

Wednesday, April 2

Guest post at Lori’s Reading Corner

Thursday, April 3

Character interview at Beyond the Books

Book trailer reveal at A Leisure Moment

Friday, April 4

Book review at A Leisure Moment

Monday, April 7

Book review at Blooming with Books

Tuesday, April 8

Interview at Blooming with Books

Wednesday, April 9

Book feature at 4 the Love of Books

Thursday, April 10

Guest post at The Story Behind the Book

Friday, April 11

Book review at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Monday, April 14

Book trailer reveal at 4 the Love of Books

Wednesday, April 16

Book feature and giveaway at Blooming with Books

Thursday, April 17

Book review at Mary’s Cup of Tea

Friday, April 18

Book review at By the Book

Monday, April 21

Book feature at Plug Your Book!

Wednesday, April 23

Book review at 4 the Love of Books

Book review at Mymcbooks’s Blog

Thursday, April 24

Book review at WV Stitcher

Friday, April 25

Book tour highlights at The Book Rack

Pump Up Your Book and Donna McDine are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card.

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
• This giveaway begins March 3 and ends on April 25, 2014.
• Winners will be contacted via email on April 28, 2014.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for your time and interest!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

It's Official…. A Sandy Grave is released!

It's official!!! I'm over the moon with excitement! 

My latest children's book is now available ~ A Sandy Grave

Title: A Sandy Grave

Category: Chapbooks for Tweens
Author: Donna M. McDine www.donnamcdine.com
Illustrator: Julie Hammond www.juliehammondart.com
Hardcover ISBN: 9781616334543; 1616334541
Softcover ISBN: 9781616334550; 161633455X
eBook ISBN: 9781616334567; 1616334568 

SYNOPSIS: 

The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of adventures to be had--especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they discover mysterious men poaching whale teeth at the beach?

Available at:

Amazon 
Guardian Angel Publishing 
My website for autographed copies 

Thank you for your time and interest! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist