Seeing Cinderella Book Review and Launch

Book Launch
February was a big month for Jenny Lundquist whose debut Middle Grade novel, Seeing Cinderella was released. I attended her book launch this past weekend at Barnes & Noble and happily waited in line with quite a few other fans anxious to get a book signed. Jenny is a fellow member of Inspire Christian Writers and there were some of us at the event to cheer her on.

While chatting with Keli Gwyn (whose debut romance novel comes out July 1st), a curious patron asked what the crowd of people was all about. "I'm here to get a gift for an eleven-year-old," she said. "Seeing Cinderella sounds like the perfect present." We steered her to the book signing line.

Being in the same critique group as Jenny, I had the privilege of reading most of Seeing Cinderella. Once I returned home, I settled into my comfy leather chair and read. I couldn't wait to find out how the story turned out.

Book Review
Seeing Cinderella is an entertaining book every middle school student would enjoy reading. It tackles the serious issues that mark the middle school years—namely self-doubt, low self esteem and flawed thinking about what others think. Through a delightful kind of magic in the form of special glasses, Callie (real name Calliope Meadow Anderson) learns to see that things aren't always as they appear and you can't believe everything you hear.

Callie's nickname by some is Polka Dot aptly describing her freckled face, offset by her frizzy hair. So when she adds a hideous pair of thick, dark-rimmed glasses to her look, she continues to assume kids are making fun of her.

Ellen, Callie's best friend going into middle school, signs her up to take drama instead of art—the first of many manipulating scenarios by Ellen. Callie learns as she maneuvers through the fall semester that her magic (aka super freaky) glasses unlock a whole new way of thinking and communicating.

The story culminates with the drama class's production of Cinderella. The frenzied scene has twists and turns that bring meaningful and satisfying changes to each character. At one point in the story, Callie's eye doctor (Dr. Ingram who supplied the super freaky glasses) remarks, "I suppose there are those who see, and those who do not want to see." A fitting lesson for a middle school student to add to their toolbox for life.

Aiden Goes to School and Travels the World

Great Way to Launch a Book
Reading the newly released Prisoner of Carrot Castle to five classrooms of 1st and 2nd graders at the Arlene Hein Elementary School in Elk Grove, California was a great way to launch a book app. Local authors were invited to read during the school's annual Read-a-thon. The Prisoner of Carrot Castle wowed the kids being the only digital interactive book at the event.

The students and teachers loved it! Most had never seen an iPad storybook app before. Having a passion for storytelling and a heart for children, I enjoyed reading with enthusiasm—getting into each character of the story.

A red cape and an over-sized wooden fork served as a costume for one child to "become" Aiden as I read the story. What a perfect way to enjoy the story of a boy who loved to costume play. Everyone wanted to be Aiden.

At the end of each reading, I allowed the children to play the games included in the app. They really enjoyed the hands-on experience. I explained the “Read to Me” feature and showed the students how to use it.

After school, the authors convened in the multi-purpose room and signed and sold books. I signed and sent home colorful postcards of The Prisoner of Carrot Castle with details on the app and how to order it.

The children had many questions. (These are bright kids with a great future!) They wanted to know: How long does it take to build an app? How did you come up with the story? Is it a regular book, too? Are you making other story apps? Can I dress the knight next?


Aiden Travels to More Countries

Aiden's been busy showing up in more countries around the world. Add Ireland, France, Norway and Indonesia to the countries enjoying The Prisoner of Carrot Castle.

Would you like The Prisoner of Carrot Castle read at your school?

The World Enjoys The Prisoner of Carrot Castle

Great Zooks! The Prisoner of Carrot Castle is being purchased throughout the world. The world is so big, it boggles my mind. See all those little Aiden's dotting the world map?

In case you can't see all those countries where Aiden's adventure is being read to boys and girls, here's a list:

United States
Canada
Brazil
United Kingdom
Spain
Netherlands
Switzerland
Italy
Romania
Greece
Russia
Israel
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Australia
New Zealand

Who do you know in another country that might want The Prisoner of Carrot Castle for their iPad?

The Prisoner of Carrot Castle on the App Store

The Prisoner of Carrot Castle is now available for the iPad on the App Store for only $2.99.

Grab your cape and join the fun! Aiden is just an ordinary kid—loves costume play, watching clouds pass by, seeing castles in the sky… and he doesn’t like vegetables.

In The Prisoner of Carrot Castle Aiden’s imagination transports him to a far away place where he finds himself a prisoner in a cell made of carrots. What will he do? Must he face the angry King? Will his hate for vegetables get him in trouble? Come along and help Aiden as he tries to escape from Carrot Castle.

When Aiden gets stuck, kids play a role in helping him move ahead in his adventure. The story comes alive as the text is read. Find silly animations and sound effects as the action unfolds.

Through creative storytelling, kids learn that eating vegetables is good—it can actually help them.

The Prisoner of Carrot Castle is an original story written and illustrated for the iPad. Targeted for kids 3 to 8-years-old, the story’s interaction and games help them develop fine motor skills.

Download your copy of The Prisoner of Carrot Castle, please tell your friends, rate it and write a review.