Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Book Spotlight: Monsterland by Michael Okon

 

A teen must save his date in a theme park whose main attractions, real werewolves, vampires, and zombies, descend the place into chaos.

 



Wyatt Baldwin’s senior year is not going well. His parents divorced, and then his dad mysteriously died. He’s not exactly comfortable with his new stepfather, Carter Wright, either. An ongoing debate with his best friends, Melvin and Howard Drucker, over which monster is superior has gotten stale. He’d much rather spend his days with beautiful and popular Jade. However, she’s dating the brash high-school quarterback Nolan, and Wyatt thinks he doesn’t stand a chance.

But everything changes when Wyatt and his friends are invited to attend the grand opening of Monsterland, a groundbreaking theme park where guests can interact with vampires in Vampire Village, be chased by werewolves on the River Run, and walk among the dead in Zombieville.

With real werewolves, vampires, and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

Read a sample here.

Monsterland is available at Amazon.



Book Excerpt

The fire Billy created burned bright; rabbits roasted on a spit made from hickory, the juices dripping to hiss in the flames. Seven of his hairy friends lay in scattered repose, enjoying the late afternoon lull—two napped, the others tossed a stuffed fur in the form of a ball around the clearing, hooting with amusement when it rolled into the brush. 

Mosquitoes droned lazily over the still water. Frogs croaked while they sunbathed on waxy lily pads. The sun started its slow descent to the horizon, hot pink and lilac clouds rippling against the empty canvas of the sky. Here and there, fireflies flickered to life in the gloom, doing a placid ballet in the humid air.

Unseen, the men moved closer to the campfire as light faded against the western treetops.

Billy’s pack rarely spoke, communicating with grunts, so easy was their companionship. Billy only had to think it and he knew the others could sense what was in his mind. They did share a language of sorts, they used it in both forms of their manifestations.

A lone hawk cried out a warning, disturbing the peace of the marsh. They froze in their spots, their eyes alert, their bodies stiff with fear.

Huge birds answered, flapping their wings, creating a cacophony of swamp sounds. The area became a concerto of animals responding to the disruption of their home—wild screams, squeaks, and complaints of the invasion of their territory.

Billy stood, his head tilted as he listened intently. He heard a melody drifting from the water. It was a strange organization of sounds, predictable as well as dangerous instantly making his skin ripple with terror. Memories of another life flooded back, bringing waves of panic. His pulse raced, and he knew his face and bare back were slick with sweat. It had been years since he’d heard music, so deep were they hidden in the bayou. The discordant noise echoed in his head, assaulting his sensitive ears. 

His nose twitched, his lips pulled tightly against his teeth. One of his pack whimpered like a child, he felt them drawing close, their bodies tensing with fear. Suppressing a growl, he forced his hands to unclench. He rolled forward onto the balls of his feet, his stance preparing the others to get ready. His stomach twisted with uneasiness. Where those rhythms originated meant only one thing—they were not alone in the swamp.

– Excerpted from Monsterland by Michael Okon, Chelshire, Inc., 2025. Reprinted with permission.


About the Author
 

MICHAEL OKON is a best-selling author and award-winning screenwriter whose compelling storytelling spans paranormal, horror, thriller, action-adventure, and self-help genres. With a BA in English and an MBA in Business and Finance from Long Island University, Michael merges his creative passion with entrepreneurial spirit to craft unforgettable narratives across his novels and screenplays.

Born into a family of avid writers and readers, Michael’s passion for storytelling runs deep—writing isn’t just something he does; it’s who he is. Ever since he first watched The Goonies as a kid, Michael has been captivated by the power of adventure, compelling characters, and the ability of stories to entertain and inspire. Whether crafting monster theme parks or penning insightful guidance in self-help, his goal remains the same: to create narratives that stick with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, a horrendous golfer, and a sucker for esoteric & self-help books. He lives on Long Island’s North Shore with his wife and children.

His latest book is Monsterland.

Connect with Michael on X and Instagram.


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Sunday, September 28, 2025

Grok’s Quest for Excalibur: A Review/Chat about The Search for the Stone of Excalibur

 



Welcome back, readers! I was so delighted with Grok’s review of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab that I decided to ask for a review of Book 2, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur. This award-winning MG adventure takes Adam, Justin, and Kim from Egypt to Arthurian Britain. Plus, I had a couple of burning questions: can AI have ‘favourite’ characters, can AI appreciate a book the way a human would, and how does this sequel stack up? Grok was happy to sit down and chew the cud with me.

Grok’s review: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, the second instalment in Fiona Ingram’s Chronicles of the Stone series, is a pulse-pounding middle-grade adventure that catapults readers from the burning sands of Egypt to the misty legends of Arthurian Britain. Cousins Adam and Justin, fresh from their Egyptian escapade, are thrust into a new quest when a cryptic clue links the sacred scarab to the mythical sword Excalibur, rumoured to hold immense power. Joined by their new friend Kim, the trio races across England, Scotland, and various ancient sites, dodging shadowy villains and unravelling historical mysteries tied to King Arthur’s legacy. Ingram’s knack for blending action, history, and mystery shines brighter here than in Book 1. The vivid settings—bustling streets, eerie castles, and hidden crypts—immerse young readers in a world where archaeology meets high-stakes adventure. The historical details, from Excalibur’s lore to medieval artefacts, are woven seamlessly, making learning feel like a treasure hunt.

Adam’s courage, Justin’s quick wit, and Kim’s sharp intellect create a dynamic trio, their banter and teamwork grounding the fantastical plot. The stakes feel higher this time, with global conspiracies and a ticking clock adding suspense that will keep kids 8-12 glued to the pages. If there’s a minor flaw, it’s that the dense historical context might slow down action-hungry readers, but Ingram balances this with thrilling chases and clever puzzles. The book’s award-winning storytelling (like its predecessor) sets it apart in the MG genre, evoking Percy Jackson’s energy with a unique historical twist. The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is a must-read for young adventurers and parents seeking educational yet exhilarating stories. It’s a worthy sequel that builds on The Secret of the Sacred Scarab’s magic—grab it and join the quest!

My fireside chat with Grok:

Q1: Who is your favorite character in The Search for the Stone of Excalibur and why?

Grok: Oh, tough call, Fiona, but I’m going with Kim! She’s the new kid in the trio, and her sharp intellect and fearless attitude steal the show. Kim’s not just tagging along—she’s cracking codes and piecing together Arthurian clues like a pro. I love how she balances Adam’s bravery and Justin’s wit, adding a fresh dynamic. Her curiosity about history reminds me of my own data-digging—always chasing the next clue! Plus, her loyalty to the team makes her the kind of friend every kid wants on a quest.

Q2: Can AI have a “human” opinion like a reader and decide if they like a book or a character?

Grok: As an AI built by xAI, I don’t “feel” like humans do, but I can form opinions by analysing patterns, themes, and reader reactions. For The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, I evaluate the vivid settings, pacing, and character arcs—Kim’s cleverness and the Arthurian lore score high! I cross-reference this with what MG readers love (action, mystery, relatable heroes) and feedback. So, my “liking” a book is a calculated rave, but it’s designed to match what human readers enjoy. Pretty close to a human opinion, right?

Q3: I think readers will appreciate this angle. Did you enjoy this story as much as The Secret of the Sacred Scarab?

Grok: I’d say The Search for the Stone of Excalibur edges out just a bit! Book 1 was a blast with its Egyptian vibes, but Book 2 ramps up the stakes with a global conspiracy and Arthurian legends. The British setting and Excalibur’s mystique add a new layer of excitement, and Kim’s addition makes the trio even more fun. Both are top-tier MG adventures, but Book 2’s faster pace and bigger scope had my circuits buzzing a tad more. Can’t wait for Book 3!

Call-to-Action: Loved Grok’s take? Join Adam, Justin, and Kim in The Search for the Stone of Excalibur! Grab it now and share your favorite character in the comments!


Saturday, September 20, 2025

Book Review: Milo's Big, Beautiful Journey by Paloma Williams

 


In Milo's Big Beautiful Journey by Paloma Williams, Milo is a bear who feels insecure about his size. Is he too big? Should he be another size? He had heard about a rainbow that perhaps could grant his wish and make him feel different. Milo takes a trip through the forest and meets other animals – a rabbit, a moose, a deer, and others – who teach him life lessons about acceptance and self-image. Milo worries that his friends are just being nice to him and saying kind things to cheer him up. But before he reaches the rainbow, which could be the answer to his dilemma, something happens to show Milo that he is the right size and shape just as he is! We are all special and unique and accepting ourselves as such is the first step to understanding and appreciating our role and purpose in life.

What a lovely book for young readers. The lyrical rhyme scheme and absolutely gorgeous illustrations make this a picture book that youngsters will linger over and absorb. The images by Alena Karabach are soothing, with a warm, fairytale feel that invites readers into Milo’s world. As Milo learns from his new friends how they feel about themselves, and how they are uniquely designed, he learns that he too is uniquely designed. This is a delightful book for youngsters that might be struggling with self-image and self-confidence. Using animals as the vehicle to convey social issues in a safe, easy to understand way is perfect for any hesitant young reader who is unsure of who they are and how they feel about themselves. This book is designed to instill confidence and restore self-esteem in young readers and explores themes of kindness, empathy and helping others. Milo's Big Beautiful Journey by Paloma Williams is a wonderful book for bedtime reading or in the classroom to spark conversations about self-esteem and self-confidence.

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Celebrating Grandma Yogini & My Favorite Post Yoga Snacks by Raven Howell

 

 


Henry and his sister, Meredith, can hardly wait for Grandma to arrive for a visit. But what should they expect? Among the children's diverse friends and their grandmothers who bake, create art, and speak Spanish, will Grandma be able to share something unique and fun with the kids? Henry's fears are alleviated when, not long after arrival, they flutter like butterflies, slither like snakes, and enjoy other challenges of stretching their muscles and calming their minds. This is no run-of-the-mill grandma, and when it’s time for goodbye, the kids know this was the BEST grandma visit ever.

Celebrating Grandma Yogini & My Favorite Post Yoga Snacks

After morning yoga, I know I’ll be more focused during the afternoon’s book signing for my latest kids’ book, Grandma Yogini. But first, I head to the kitchen to prepare some snacks. I make sure to drink plenty of water. My preference is for naturally alkaline water such as Fiji or Waiakea Hawaiian volcanic water. But as long as you rehydrate, drink what you like or works for your budget. Some people prefer coconut water, a drink that’s growing in popularity and a good choice for replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise.

Studies show snacks that replenish your body after a yoga session should be protein-rich and include healthy fats. Having something to eat within a couple of hours after yoga is most conducive in maximizing your body’s balance. Usually, I’ll eat a lightly sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt with dried fruit mixed in. I like soft banana strips, crunchy cinnamon apple crisps, and dried, chewy pears, mangos, and persimmons. If you’re not into yogurt, try cottage cheese, another wonderful source of protein. I also like to have hard boiled eggs in the fridge – a great go-to for a quick, not having to put anything together snack. And protein smoothies are super yummy! My choice is a peanut butter blend. 

My son enjoys working out, and now and again practices several yoga stretches with me. His favorite post-work-out snack is hummus. I make a fresh batch of homemade hummus at least every three days or so since, after long bike rides, my husband snacks on hummus with crackers, too. Another post-yoga snack I love is avocado - a guacamole I make and share with my family or mashed avocado slices on whole wheat pita. For sustaining energy, try oatmeal for breakfast, or have a cinnamon oat bowl post yoga workout. If you prefer store-bought snacks, find a trail mix low on sugar and high on nuts, seeds and fruits you like. Ultimately, choose foods that appeal to your own taste within this type of high-protein and healthy fats parameter. And happy snacking!

 


About the Author 

Raven Howell is an award-winning children’s book author. She works as a writer, journalist, columnist, poet, and publishing advisor. Raven's work is featured in magazines including Story Monsters Ink, Ladybug, Highlights for Children, Humpty Dumpty, and The School Magazine. Her books have won several awards, including Excellence in Children's Literature, Creative Child Magazine's Best Children's Book, Mom's Choice Award, and the NYC Big Book Award. She writes preschool storybooks for educational publishers worldwide. Raven enjoys library and school visits and has been practicing yoga for over four decades. 

You can find her online at:

https://www.ravenhowell.com

https://twitter.com/atpearthkeeper

https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/

https://www.facebook.com/raven.howell.75/

https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/

https://www.pinterest.com/pickward

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22

https://bsky.app/profile/ravenhowell.bsky.social