Jeff Kinney

Holiday Gift Guide
The Gift of Sunderland
by Jeanne Rogers
A rift has been created in the Ayers’ lineage. Roland Ayers, Guardian of the Forest, knows
that he must obey the voices of past Guardians and declare the next in line. When the
announcement is made, two estranged brothers will be torn further apart, causing the
forest to rise from its long sleep. Follow Fergal, Waylond, and the rest of our heroes as
they trek across Sunderland to the depths of Mt. Olga where evil dwells. It’s there they
will discover the importance of family and friendship. A glossary at the back of the book
provides information about the endangered animal heroes within the story. Awarded
gold medal, 2015 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.
Bart’s Heart
by Dr. Cargill H. Alleyne Jr., M.D.
Bart’s Heart, the second in our series of educational children’s books, presents facts about the
human heart in an entertaining, colorful manner. The book consists of 16 verses in limerick
form written by a neurosurgeon and masterfully illustrated by a seasoned professional. A
glossary at the end of the book provides meanings and pronunciations of medical terms.
There is also a small heart hidden in each illustration for the reader to discern. We also hope
that it will spark children’s interest in the human body.
Lonnie the Loon Learns to Call
by Barbara Renner
Have you ever heard the haunting calls of the loon on a northern Minnesota lake? Lonnie
is a curious young loon who wants to learn how to make these calls, so his dad offers to
teach him. Not only will the reader learn the significance of each call, the sounds can be
heard through QR codes using a free QR Code Reader App. Fascinating facts about loons
are found on almost every page. Readers’ Favorites states, “This is a delightful story for
young readers that educates as well as entertains.” Lonnie the Loon Learns to Call is the third
book in a series about Lonnie the Loon. All three books can be ordered by contacting the
author through www.rennerwrites.com. Mention that you read this in Story Monsters
Ink’s special holiday issue.
Luna: Puppy Detective #2: No-Slack Jack
by Kesmine Hickman
Once upon a time, there was a little Shih Tzu detective named Luna who never thought
she would ever end up in an animal shelter. But when an escapade to slice and dice Pip the
Siamese cat goes awry, Luna finds herself trapped in the Sierra Sunrise Animal Center with
her two sidekicks, Leia and Creeper. Worse, a slippery and dangerous apparition known
as “The Ghost of No-Slack Jack,” terrorizes the animals each night. Desperate to solve the
case and return home, Luna must sort through the clues before the eerie ghoul can get the
best of the clever detective and her pals. Can Luna rise to the challenge or will the shelter
continue to be haunted by the supernatural phantom? www.kesminehickman.com
28 StoryMonstersInk.com | NOVEMBER 2015 | Story Monsters Ink