Positive Middle Grade Adventures and Mysteries Especially for #Halloween

Halloween can be a "tricky" time for kids as we do our best to counter some of the darker sides of the holiday. These books, which carry positive messages, can help. "Treat" your young reader to something different this year.

Synopsis_________________________________

Ghosts in the Old Attic

Sam Cooper is about to get the surprise of his life. His parents plan to leave Harper’s Inlet and move to Louisiana, where they will open a bed and breakfast.

When the family arrives, Sam’s cousins have some pretty wild-eyed stories to tell about a “haunted” mansion nearby. He and his cousins begin exploring the creepy place. Where were those noises coming from and the strange lights at night? There is also a rumor that the reason this place is “haunted” is because there is buried treasure hidden someplace. 

As the cousins are investigating, Sam’s parents have been looking for an available property they can afford.

Sam was in for another surprise when he found out about the rundown mansion his parents finally chose to buy. Who is trying to discourage them from moving in and why?

Will the family be able to open the bed and breakfast before it’s too late, or will they lose all their money?

Synopsis_________________________________

This Property is Condemned

A sign outside the old Remmington Mansion read, “This Property is Condemned.” Sam Cooper couldn’t figure out exactly what that meant. Even after his father explained it, he became more puzzled than ever. So, along with his friends, Tony and Tyler, he set out to solve the mystery. 

Sam thought the old place was abandoned. But, when the boys went to investigate, a curtain moved, and they discovered old Mrs. Remmington still lived in the crumbling house.

Sam was the kind of person who would try to right any wrong, or help anyone who was in trouble. And Mrs. Remmington was in a lot of it.

So, he organized the whole town to go out and fix the place up like new. But that’s when his problems really began.

Why did those men try to scare the old woman into moving? And, why were they threatening Sam and his friends?

No matter what it took, Sam was determined to find out.

Synopsis_________________________________

Twelve-year-old Scott Holcomb and his friends Al and Benji have finally been accepted to go on a wilderness adventure hike. Before they go, they have to take a course which teaches the dangers, and what should be done, in case anything goes wrong.

At the start of their hike the boys listened to the guides and followed the rules. It wasn't until Benji thought he saw a deer that he and Al took off after it, trying to get a picture. That’s where they broke the first rule; never leave the path. Scott called for them to come back, but they didn't listen to him and when they finally do return to the trail, the other hikers are nowhere to be seen. They hurried off in the direction they thought was right, but find out later that they were hopelessly lost. Just when they thought things couldn't get any worse, they did.  

Even though the boys broke the rules by leaving the trail, they quickly remember all the rest of their survival training and show unique ingenuity as they face the challenges ahead of them as they try to find their way back to safety.

The boys stumble upon a terrorist group hiding out in an abandoned cabin in the Rocky Mountains. The terrorists are tricked by the boys, arrested, and many others are captured around the world, stopping a planned disaster for the city of Denver. 

This story includes dense fog, an angry, menacing bear, a dangerous decrepit suspension bridge, the fear of being lost, terrorists, the army, and oh, yes, are their parents going to be upset!

Bio - Max Elliot Anderson

Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader.  After surveying the market as an adult, he sensed the need for action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, that would have interested him as a child. 

Using his extensive experience in the production of dramatic motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings that same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to the stories he writes. His books include different characters, setting, and plot as well as two traditional series. 

Young readers have reported that reading one of his books is like actually being in an exciting movie. 

Find these and other exciting books on Max Elliot Anderson’s Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE 

Disney Stories for 2 Year-Olds / for 3 Year-Olds

On a recent weekend we had all five of our granddaughters in our home to celebrate several birthdays in the family. These granddaughters range in age from one year to nearly eight.  I was looking forward to this time because I had just received the two books below.

I didn't say much about the books, and simply placed them in front of the stacks of other books we always have on hand for these girls.

The younger girls took a liking to the 2 year-old book while the older girls gravitated to the 3 year-old book. There are many stories in the 3 year-old volume that come from Disney books they have seen before, or movies they have watched by the same titles.

Then, today, our four year-old was here again for the day. She immediately went over and picked out both of these books. We read a couple of the familiar stories from the 3 year-old book and then she wanted to read from the 2 year-old book.

In all, the artwork is beautiful and seems to pull the young reader-listener in right away. I believe these two books will be enjoyed often in our house in the years ahead.

Disney Stories for 2 Year-Olds

Join Mickey, Minnie, and all their friends in this collection of stories just right for 2-year-olds! Disney Stories for 2-Year-Olds includes fourteen stories with short, simplified text and bright illustrations, perfect for youngsters to follow along as parents introduce the adventures of Mickey and his friends. Whether it’s a camping adventure, the story of when Mickey first met Pluto, or a case of missing flowers from Minnie’s garden, this collectible makes a perfect gift for anyone turning two!

Disney Stories for 3 Year-Olds

From Peter Pan to 101 Dalmatians, three-year-olds will be introduced to wonderful Disney adventures in Disney Stories for 3-Year-Olds! This treasury includes fourteen classic Disney stories retold and simplified for a younger audience. With the same spirit as the extended versions and paired with colorful illustrations, this book is perfect for parents introducing their children to classic Disney adventures. With fourteen stories to choose from, youngsters can treat themselves to a favorite Disney classic story anytime!

Max Elliot Anderson

Author of middle grade adventures & mysteries

 https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com

REVIEW - 5 - Minute Stories by Margaret Wise Brown

This collection features eight beautifully illustrated tales from Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown that are crafted for reading aloud to your little one in five-minute chunks so that you can read them at bedtime...or anytime.

This beautifully illustrated, magical story collection from best-selling author Margaret Wise Brown—creator of the children's classics Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny—will enchant children and parents alike. With eight stories that can each be read in about five minutes, it's a perfect collection to read to your little one before bed or any time!

Our little ones took to this book as soon as they saw it. They were surprised to find Sleep Tight Sleepy Bears because they already owned that book. But it was funny to hear them try to figure out how that book got into this one.

What's nice about this book is the stories are short so you can read several of them in one setting and children won't get bored.

Pick up a copy of 5 - Minute Stories by Margaret Wise Brown. You, and the little ones in your life, will be glad you did.

Max Elliot Anderson

http://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com

REVIEW - Milo Does Not Like Mornings

For every parent who has ever struggled to get a kid out of bed in the morning, and for every kid who has ever struggled to stay there!

Milo is a boy who loves to run, and jump, and climb, and laugh, and swing.

But NOT in the morning.

In the morning, Milo doesn't like to move a muscle.

When Milo's mom tells him that she has an important meeting in the morning, Milo PROMISES her that she can count on him. But when the sun comes up, will Milo listen to his Tiny Ninja or will he stay fast asleep?

Find out in "Milo does NOT like Mornings"

We had fun with this one. Our granddaughters are 4 and 7. They especially enjoyed the two-page spreads where they had to look for hidden Tiny Ninjas. This was a challenge and gave the feeling of a sort of Where's Waldo while, at the same time, telling an enjoyable story.

About the Author

Sasha is a former executive at the Walt Disney Studios and has been a writer for as long as she can remember. Sasha grew up on a farm in Oregon with her three siblings, a horse named Jim and a barn cat named Peanut Butter. She attended the University of San Francisco and following graduation, she worked in San Francisco as a television writer/producer and a publicist. She later moved to Los Angeles to work for the Walt Disney Studios and it was in LA that she met her husband Alan, a pediatrician. Sasha & Alan now live in Arizona where they encourage each other, and their children, Finn, Indy & Odessa, to always listen to their Tiny Ninjas. Visit www.ListenToYourTinyNinja.com to learn more about the world of Tiny Ninjas or to request an author visit.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Milo-Does-Not-Like-Mornings/dp/1642374679/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17710BPM5DESV&keywords=milo+does+not+like+mornings&qid=1565906091&s=gateway&sprefix=milo+does%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1 

Max Elliot Anderson

https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com

Are Shorter Books Better for Kids?

Notice, my article, “Are Shorter Books Better for Kids?” in the upper right of Story Monsters Magazine's August edition, is listed just above James Patterson.

Max Elliot Anderson

The Green Giant

The children in my circle enjoy stories about giants, so the green giant in this story caught their interest. Half of our granddaughters live in Chicago, and the others do not. So both sets of kids have a clear understanding of the difference between city life and conditions, and places outside the city. They also enjoy fantasies, so this story fits right in with stories they like.

At first the giant appears to be a frightening character, but this is far from the case. 

From the publisher: A young girl, Bea, and her dog, Iris, are staying with her grandpa in the country. Bea is bored, but Iris's adventures lead them to the small and rusty old greenhouse next door. Inside the greenhouse, Bea finds... a giant. A giant made entirely of plants and greenery. Bea is scared, but the giant reassures her and explains that he has escaped from the grey city. Bea and the giant become friends, but can they do anything to make the grey city, and the world, a greener place?

It's Your World Now

This book is visually exciting and interesting from the very first page. I identify well with its contents  because of our five small granddaughters. This book allows for lots of discussion as we move through the pages. These pages cover all sorts of things that happen in everyday life. I also enjoyed the use of rhyme. here's an example.

"As for you my bouncing ball, well you can truly have it all. Yes, you can set the world alight, my child-so-small, your future's bright."

As the publisher says, "A beautiful, lyrical and funny celebration of the world and the potential of every individual within it. This is the perfect book to read to children to help them appreciate the wonderful things that exist in the world, and the wonderful things that they can do, as well as allowing them to understand some of the setbacks that may happen. And in the end, whatever happens, the child is reassured that their parents will always love them."

Readers will find that this is a book you won't want to rush through with small children. Take your time, enjoy every page, and use the time together to help teach the children in your family about life's possibilities.