I’m happy to be able to share about my two new books with all of you. Turning seventy last July was momentous for me as I had never ever expected to live this long. To celebrate/mark this important milestone in my life, I undertook two projects. The first is a book for Seniors called “Late Blooms: Inspiration for Seniors.” The second is a children’s book called “Making New Friends.”
It could be said that I’m taking care of those at both ends of the generational spectrum – the young and the old. With each birthday, I definitely become more aware of the passage of time in my own life and instead of giving in to apathy and boredom, I decided to do something special for my 70th Birthday – a birthday present to myself that I could share with others. “Old age is far more than white hair, wrinkles, the feeling that it is too late and the game finished, that the stage belongs to the rising generations. The true evil is not the weakening of the body, but the indifference of the soul.” ~ Andre Maurois
Many of you are regular readers of my blog and there are others from all over the world who pop in to read something that they find of interest. “Late Blooms: Inspiration for Seniors,” was put together with blog posts from this very blog, photographs, Art Projects, poetry, and a vast collection of quotes. Although my posts cover every conceivable topic, people seem to like those in which I share about Aging and Life and contain quotes and poetry that deal with this time. I thought that having such information in one volume might help Seniors. So far, the response from fellow Seniors has been good.
With over 260 published posts, it was hard to choose which ones to use. However, I hope that the ones I chose and the photos, quotes, and poetry, are an inspiration to anyone who comes across this book. Since I live in Canada, both books are listed on Amazon.ca and show that they’re in stock. I’m hoping to send some inventory to Amazon.com soon. Late Blooms is $22.95 and Making New Friends is $12.00. If any of you buys the book, please don’t forget to write a review on Amazon.
“Making New Friends,” came about as a result of taking a course on Coursera called “Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest.” All the authors/teachers I listened to in that course made it seem as though it was easy to write for children. I decided to give it a try. I’m glad that I did. I won’t fool you about it being easy. It was challenging but fun too. In fact, I was still taking the course when I decided to write a story and publish it. The image below shows the back cover and the four mouse friends eating ice-cream cones.
I will give you the Amazon description of both books below so that you can read these for yourself. I have donated copies of “Late Blooms” to a few Senior Centres in the area. Many people have said it would make a good gift. I believe this can be said for “Making New Friends” as well. Children like to read and look at pictures and I feel that my illustrators (husband and wife) did a great job. Someone from Readers’ Favorite also wrote a review of Making New Friends which I will share below.
I would be happy if you could tell your friends, family, and neighbours about these two books. My next book will have to be for those in the middle of life! As my birthday comes around again in a few weeks, I’m glad that this project is ready at last.
As Catherine Pulsifer wrote: “Life isn’t about your age. Life is about living. So when your birthday comes be thankful for the year that has just past and anticipate with a happy heart what the coming year will bring.” I’m doing both things.
ABOUT LATE BLOOMS
“Late Blooms: Inspiration for Seniors,” is a book that will speak to the hearts of all those who find themselves at this stage of life. This stage of life is as important as any other stage of life, if not more so. It’s written by a Senior for Seniors. The author shares blog posts, excerpts from posts, quotes, poetry, photography, and Art Projects here.
Her blog “Late Blooms,” has been widely read by many people from all over the world. People have returned to certain posts on Aging and Life because something resonated with them. Aging and life are important topics as people find themselves growing older.
This book was put together for the author’s milestone 70th Birthday. It’s sure to stimulate thought about life in one’s Senior Years. Readers may be inspired by “Late Blooms” to share some of their own stories, feelings, and projects with others.
After you’ve read this book, you will want to share with all your friends. Aging is serious business but this book makes for light, enjoyable reading.
ABOUT MAKING NEW FRIENDS
This story about two little mice named Jake and Buddy is sure to delight little ones. One day the mice are feeling particularly lonely and the old routine is just not enough. Jake comes up with a brilliant idea about how they could escape to the cottage with their human family. The story unfolds with how they go about this and have adventure, fun, and find new friends along the way.
The themes of loneliness, friendship, and acceptance of those who are different are captured in the story in a fun way. By the end of the story, children are sure to fall In love with Jake and Buddy and their new mouse friends, Chalkie and Ginger. Children will come to understand what it means to be a friend.
The illustrations are heart-warming and will appeal to children. The language is simple and after a few readings children are sure to recognize many words. Parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians, are sure to delight in reading this book to and with the little ones in their lives. Don’t miss out on the fun!
BOOK REVIEW FOR MAKING NEW FRIENDS
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite
Jake and Buddy are two little mice who are tired of the same old routine. When they discover their human family preparing to go to the cottage for the weekend, they decide to tag along, hiding in the picnic basket on the journey. They eat all the food and sleep all the way to the cottage. When they arrive, the two mice sneak out of the basket and start exploring. They meet new mice friends, Chalkie and Ginger, and they have a grand time. Even though Chalkie and Ginger are a bit different, Jake and Buddy like them and enjoy the shared time together.
Jean Janki Samaroo’s picture book story, Making New Friends, is all about the exhilarating power of friendships. The story is told through the dialogue, primarily between Jake and Buddy, with graphic-like dialogue scattered across the page. However, with the colorful and creative illustrations, the plot develops nicely as the two mice go on their adventure to the cottage and make new friends. They learn that friendships are important and it doesn’t matter if you’re different. Differences make everything so much more interesting. The author uses simple language to make the story readable by a young beginner reader. This is a fun story as well as being encouraging and educational on the true meaning of friendships. Loneliness is also presented as well as clever ideas on how to overcome it. Overall, a charming story.
