REVIEW and GIVEAWAY
A Peek Under the Big Top
(Chompy & the Munchy Bunch Book 5)
(Chompy & the Munchy Bunch Book 5)
by Nancy Beaule
Author Nancy Beaule stops by today for an interview and to share an excerpt from A Peek Under the Big Top, the latest book in the Chompy & the Munchy Bunch series. You can also enter our exclusive giveaway for a chance to win a copy of your own. Also available: The Secret Formula, Search for the Hidden Treasure (read my blog post), Spud's First Day Surprise (read my blog post), and The Greasy Chip (read my blog post).
Description
Excitement abounds when the circus comes to town! The Munchy Bunch gang can't afford to go, so they volunteer in exchange for free tickets. But when the clowns put Chompy in their act, his fear of clowns nearly derails the show. Join Chompy, Salty, Spud, Cookie and the always mischievous Candybar in this exciting and wonderfully illustrated story.
Excerpt
Spud gave Salty a nudge while Chompy ducked behind the others. “Hello sir. I’m Salty and these are my friends Spud, Cookie and Chompy. We’d like to volunteer for your circus.”
“And get free tickets!” Spud piped up.
“Uh, what Spud means, Mr. P. Nutt, is that...”
“Spud’s right, Salty. I need volunteers and you need tickets. Now let’s see…Salty, you can dress up the animals backstage; Cookie, you can sell popcorn; and Spud, you can stamp hands as guests come in. Now if I only had a tall, skinny...”
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
When the circus comes to town, Chompy and his friends volunteer to help out and receive tickets to the show in return. Chompy overcomes his fear of clowns and, with the aid of his Chompy Juice, helps out a friend.
Along with Chompy, children reading this book should overcome their fear of clowns by learning that, underneath the makeup and costumes, clowns are just like anybody else.
A nice story of friendship and bravery, supplemented with the colorful illustrations by Lauren Goldstein.
Interview with the Author
Author Nancy Beaule stops by today to talk about her new book, A Peek Under the Big Top.
For what age group do you recommend your book?
I recommend the whole series for children ages 3 to 9.
What sparked the idea for this book?
My interest in nutrition and how I wanted to get a subtle message to children. So, I came up with the idea to use food characters, with the main character being a carrot. I felt he needed to be a superhero so came up with the idea of superpower eyesight when he consumed a drink called Chompy Juice that contained carrots. It led to situations whereby he's used his powers to rescue others, most notably Candybar, the antagonist.
So, which comes first? The characters or the story?
The idea came first, with stories developing along the way.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
The scene where Candybar is trapped under a tree because we didn't want him to be (or appear) injured. It was tricky for the illustrator, who needed to show him trapped but unhurt, so we decided he could be flexible. It is the first time in the series where he is shown bending.
I think you succeeded there! How do you hope this book affects its readers?
I want children who have a fear of clowns (my grandson being one of them) to learn that they are just people in costumes and not to be afraid.
How long did it take you to write this book?
About a month. My first picture book took over a year!
What is your writing routine?
I just wrote my first YA novel, and usually I would write the most in the mornings.
How did you get your book published?
The picture books are all self-published, but I am seeking traditional publishing for the YA novel.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
I took some online courses through Write Storybooks for Children, and they were invaluable. You also have to stick with it and not give up.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love adventure - ski-diving, white water rafting, hiking, etc. I also enjoy cooking and doing anything with our grandchildren.
What does your family think of your writing?
I just read my books to my grandchildren's classes and they were proud, which is an awesome feeling. My family is very supportive.
Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s and had a pretty normal “Leave it to Beaver” childhood, where my father went to work every day and my mother stayed home. It was a much slower paced lifestyle than you see nowadays. We ate dinner together at the table every night, which is rare today.
Did you like to read when you were a child?
Yes, but not any more or less than other kids. When I became a mother, I read to my kids all the time, then I started reading more for myself also.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was in my early 50s. I went to a writer's group meeting and was unprepared for the group writing prompts. It didn't go well, and I felt that I didn't have the talent to write and shelved my project for many years. But it always nagged at me, and I never stopped thinking about it. I published my first picture book at age 60.
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
My whole life influences my writing. Having been an entrepreneur most of my adult life, I rode the highs and lows of working for myself and have incorporated some of that into my novel.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
I love James Patterson's books, Sandra Brown, Nicholas Sparks. I like mysteries and suspense novels.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
They tell me that their kids love the Chompy stories and ask for them before bed.
What can we look forward to from you in the future?
I will be publishing Volume 6 in the Chompy series sometime in the future, and I am beginning a sequel to my YA Novel, The Joker's Revenge.
Anything else you would like to add?
I recently entered two of the Chompy books in the 2019 RPLA Awards, and Spud's First Day Surprise was a semi-finalist and The Greasy Chip was a finalist.
Fantastic news! Congratulations and thank you for stopping by today, Nancy. Best of luck with your future projects.
About the Author
About four years ago, Nancy Beaule traded in her inventor's hat for an author's hat. She is best known for her invention called the Pie Saver, foil rings that prevent pies from burning. Despite her love of pies, she has a passion for healthy eating, especially in children. This led her to develop the series called Chompy & the Munchy Bunch, geared toward 4- to 9-year-olds. Chompy is a carrot who discovers a secret formula (made from carrots) for superpower eyesight, called “Chompy Juice.” Chompy and his pals go on some crazy adventures but always learn a lesson along the way!
She lives in Maine and Florida with her husband of 44 years. They have two children and three grandchildren. Nancy loves the outdoors, fishing, swimming, anything adventurous, along with cooking, baking, and reading – but most of all spending time with their grandchildren!
Giveaway
Enter our exclusive giveaway for a chance to win a paperback (US only) or ebook copy (international) of A Peek Under the Big Top by Nancy Beaule.
Links
Books2Go (ebooks ON SALE for $0.99 each)
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