Wednesday, October 14, 2015

A Middle Grade Special: The Caretaker's Guide To FABELHAVEN by Brandon Mull

There are many different ways I could intro this MG special - mostly that it's a novel by Brandon Mull, who I'm a total fangirl of. But I honestly think the graphic supplied by the publisher is just perfect. I will say, or rather pose a question to you:


What could be more cool than an instruction guide on how to be a caretaker of all sorts of magical creatures???

Caretakers Guide to Fablehaven
The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven 

by Brandon Mull 

This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves. Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.
Excerpt from Introduction: If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create aCaretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. Welcome to Fablehaven.

Brandon
Author Brandon Mull Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal.
Caretakers Guide to Fablehaven (1)
TOUR SCHEDULE
$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/28/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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So, got an answer for me? What do you think about a manual like this?
(I wish each of my kids came with a manual.)
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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

IWSG~The world is a WE

Recently I read a status on a social media site that set me aflame. The information shared wasn't pleasant; frankly it disturbed me for days later. It wasn't the words the writer chose to use that hit me, but the subject matter of a real-life event that happened in her world - her local community.

This particular incident dealt with the suicide of a young tween at a local school. A middle grader. It's as heartbreaking to write here as it was to originally read. 

But what I mostly want to focus on is the message at the end of that status. The author wrote What are we doing?

Yes, what are WE doing? Not them or those people, but WE

The headlines are flooded with gut-wrenching stories of school shootings, accidents, threats, and more of the like. We all hear about tragedies like these, read about them on social media or wherever. And then what happens?

Someone tugs the blame game out and thrusts it back into the spotlight, and we hear that this one is at fault or it's because that one didn't do this. Whatever, already. Accountability is a lost art. In accountability there is honor - a duty to oneself and others to do what is right and just. 

My #IWSG insecurity for this week: our society (not a particular nation, race, religion, culture, etc...), where it's headed, and how we as writers can contribute in positive ways to spread acceptance, diversity, and belief in the greater good. 

Ideas?
Feel free to spread this conversation by tweeting: How can  contribute in positive ways 2 spread acceptance, , & belief in the greater good.    

The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. JOIN in anytime.


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