I LOVE TO SEE CHILDREN READING MY BOOK

Both Miss Bettina's House by Hazel D. Campbell and Jenny and the General by Jean D'Costa, chapter books for the 8 to 10 age range, were published by Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Ltd as part of the Sand Pebbles Pleasure Series in 2004 and 2006

   Both books have been well received by the children. I was happy about the feedback on Miss Bettina's House. One boy said, "You know what made me laugh? Animals adopting the boy."

A mother said, "I started reading it with my 7 year-old and when I had to stop to do chores, she wouldn't put it down until she was finished."

   Miss Bettina's House is a fantasy in which the abandoned animals on Miss Bettina's farm have to find a way to get someone to take care of them and to protect the farm from being taken over by the village vagabond, Curry Dan. There are both humorous and slightly scary scenes.

   Jenny and the General is also about animals. This time it is Jenny's pet Alsatian dog who is the only one to realize that Jenny has been kidnapped and goes to find her. This story illustrates the bonds of love and loyalty that can develop between a dog and its owner. It also has humorous characters. 

   The books can be sourced at Sangsters Book Stores or online at

https://www.bookfusion.com/books/116818-miss-bettina-s-house
AND  
https://www.bookfusion.com/books/116253-jenny-and-the-general

Writer's Reward

Ages 8-12

I haven't been posting for some time. I must confess that writing for adults has seduced me away from writing for children for a bit. All writers know that you have to follow  the muse where she leads. She has a mean kick if you resist.

Anyway, on Saturday, March 17, it was book fair day in Kingston at Emancipation Park. Many children and parents turned out to look and buy books As I sat in the  Carlong booth, I was pleased to see that some of the children had already read at least one of my books published by Carlong in the Sand Pebbles Pleasure series for ages 8 -14.


One boy, when he heard that I was the author of Miss Bettina's House, came over to speak to me. We chatted a bit about the story and in leaving he turned back to add: 'You know what I find funny? Animals adopting a boy. I really laughed at that.' That was my reward for the day.

Also Miss Bettina's House was featured on a children's program, Kids Say, on local station TVJ. The host, Suzanne, read a portion on the book to some very alert youngsters and I was interviewed by a nine year old. Rewarding Saturday.

Catch the repeat showing of Kids Say on Wednesday 21st on TVJ at 4:30 pm

I'll see if it is possible to get the video for posting.