< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word June 22, 2026 Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine * June 2026 - Share URL with a friend ======================================== IN THIS ISSUE Childrens book about Fatherhood Local Author Opens Bookstore GAB TALKS Short Blows Up PWR Hosting Authors in Chicago Featured FALCON review by Printed Word Reviews Short GAB TALKS with author Mark Berridge ALA interview with the publisher Coming Soon ========================== “I love being their dad every day." said King https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/harvard-law-alums-publish-childrens-book-about-fatherhood ========================== BookTok Creator Opens Indie Author Only Bookstore To give independent authors a place to sell their work, Katelyn Matusky opened a Warren bookstore on the heels of her successful reading-themed TikTok account. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/booktok-creator-opens-indie-author-only-bookstore ========================== Award-winning authors ALA signing schedule for Saturday, June 27th, at Booth 4722 10:00 AM – Janet Skrzypek 10:30 AM – Jessica Nicole McAnelly 11:00 AM – Kathleen Welton 11:30 AM – Nancy W 12:00 PM (Noon) – Victoria Basil 12:30 PM – Jim Reiman 1:00 PM – Debra Sawdy ========================== Featured Printed Word Review FALCON book review: Alice Anyway A quiet Appalachian woman who has spent her life being shaped by family, church, and a controlling husband must choose between obedience and selfhood after devastating loss awakens her to the possibility of a life of her own. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798298698986 ========================== The Soul Octopus Analogy: The Soul's Endless Dance across the Web of Creation A spiritual guide reimagines reincarnation as an octopus-like cosmic web of consciousness, where each soul navigates multiple lives, shadow and light, and elemental wisdom to awaken to its infinite multidimensional nature. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798268438703 ========================== [Short] GAB TALKS short with Mark Berridge, author of “A Fraction Stronger” Mark shares the powerful personal journey to recovery following a devastating cycling accident. Finding resilience within difficulty, Mark has a passion for helping people who are facing change and trauma to become a fraction stronger. https://youtu.be/bPWCdFuK3A8 Podcasts will be available at https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks or subscribe to SPOTIFY (or your favorite service) to listen to our author interviews, https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ek1K0qZPqj4XBKbfMlQJW ========================== Just One More Batter On a perfect June night in 1966, a 12-year-old pitcher and his struggling Little League team battle through heartbreak, heroics, and a tied championship before darkness ends the game, leaving one boy forever haunted by what might have happened if it had lasted one more batter. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798271988158 ========================== Everlasting by Sara Fanfarillo A sheltered boy raised in isolation by a secretive father must follow a mysterious key and map through deadly, time-bending worlds to uncover his true bloodline and stop a hidden force threatening both his family and reality. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/978-1035872183 ========================== GAB TALKS Short Blows Up In anticipation of Sara Fanfarillo’s PWR’s July front cover, Fanfarillo’s conversation with the GAB TALKS at BookCAMP 2026 blows up, surpassing 5,000 views this week: https://youtu.be/n2KrJaBtOIE ========================== Printed Word Reviews Interviews Ted Olczak, Publisher of Printed Word Reviews, at ALA25 with Andrew Wooldridge, publisher of Orca Books https://youtu.be/vlAT1E3ALKM ========================== See our magazine on Overdrive via Libby (any local library), 32 global newsstand apps, https://www.zinio.com/publisher/publications/printed-word-reviews/41160 , at a special event, or https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine ========================== (c) 2026 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter in its entirety. Connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ Previous Next

Read about traditional, independent and self-published authors and books. Contact the publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com for questions, comments or solicitations. Printed Word Reviews - Bilingual edition CLICK LOWER RIGHT HAND ICON (4 arrows symbol) to see the magazine full screen; click again to return BUY PRINT COPIES of a SINGLE ISSUE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/UPBAJWGCT6KFU Title: Printed Word Reviews, ISSN: 3067-011X (previously 2836-9157) * Frequency: Monthly in 2026 By the professional, for the professional: Title: Book CAMP by Printed Word Reviews, Library of Congress ISSN: 2994-4406 Frequency: Five times annually, Quarterly plus extra issue Issue Dates: Every February; May; August; November Annual print subscription: $79.99 for 12 print issues Annual subscription: $39.95 12 digital issues BookCAMP by Printed Word Reviews Library of Congress ISSN: 2994-4406 Book CAMP by Printed Word Reviews Past Issues Printed Word Reviews 2026 Editorial Calendars, Publisher Ted Olczak, Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com Printed Word Reviews 2026 Editorial Calendar with space deadlines January: Martin Luther King / Preview of Black History Month: POITIER, space due 12/20 February: PWR's Special Issue: SELIMI, space due 1/20 March: Independent Press Award 2026, space due 2/20 April: Discover Indie Books, space due 3/20 April: Awards Ceremony BookCAMP Program, space due 4/1 May: Summer Reads, space due 5/1 June: ALA Preview: DAHER, space due 6/1 July: ALA Special / Awards Photos: FANFARILLO, space due 6/15 August: Down Under Publishing / ALA Wrap-up: FORD, space due 7/25 September: Featured Author Kathleen Zamboni McCormick September 15th: Bilingual Edition in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month October: NYC Big Book Award Announcement 2026, space due 10/1 November: Holiday Gift Guide 2026, space due 10/30 December: Last Minute Gifts / Author Interviews, space due 11/20 BookCAMP magazine 2026 Editorial Calendar with space deadlines February: BookCAMP Feb-April 2026, space due 1/12 April: Awards Ceremony BookCAMP Program, space due 4/1 May: BookCAMP May-July 2026, space due 5/1 August: BookCAMP Wrap-up Book Fairs Aug-Oct 2026, space due 7/25 September: BookCAMP, MFA programs / Fall Book Fairs 2026, space due 9/1 November: BookCAMP Nov 2026-Jan 2027, space due 10/5 Contact us. Find out more about: Book Awards Sales & Marketing

Learn more about Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing < Back Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing Engagement is key. With an ever increasing number of digital tools available, writers must actively self-promote. The “Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing” panel at Tech Theatre on March 11th offered invaluable insights into the evolving digital landscape. Five industry experts’ discussion explored how writers could leverage emerging platforms and refine their strategies on established ones to build a sustainable and authentic audience. Matt Trinetti and Parul Bavishi, co-founders of the London Writers' Salon, emphasized the power of community building through platforms like Discord and Substack. Their success with the daily Writers' Hour, gathering over 20,000 writers, showcases the effectiveness of creating dedicated spaces for engagement and collaboration. Emma Gannon, a Sunday Times bestselling author, highlighted the significance of Substack newsletters, exemplified by her own popular “The Hyphen.” She stressed the importance of fostering direct connections with readers through curated content and exclusive insights. Her experience also showed how hosting retreats can create a physical community. Georgia Henry, a digital marketing expert and founder of The Pitch Agency, shed light on the transformative impact of BookTok. Her work with major publishers underscored the platform's potential for reaching new audiences and driving book sales. She advocated for an “audience-first” approach, tailoring content to resonate with specific demographics. Rosie Kellett, author of "In For Dinner," demonstrated how personal storytelling and culinary expertise can converge to build a thriving online community. Her journey, from sharing recipes and communal living experiences on social media to launching a bestselling Substack newsletter, illustrates the power of authenticity and relatability. Her upcoming North American publication signifies the reach digital connection can achieve. The panel collectively emphasized the need for writers to embrace adaptability and experimentation. They highlighted the importance of choosing platforms that align with their personal brand and content, fostering genuine connections, and staying abreast of emerging trends. As writers navigate the complexities of modern marketing, these insights offer a roadmap for building a loyal readership. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word September 28, 2026 Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine * September 28, 2026 - Share URL with a friend ========================== NYC Big Book Award Announced: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2026-winners Past winners include Martin Luther King III and Pulitzer Prize winner Hernán Diaz. Hispanic Heritage Bilingual SPECIAL: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/enespanol ========================== The Fight to Read: Banned Books Week Marks 20 Years This year, the American Library Association celebrates Banned Books Week's 20th anniversary during its 150th anniversary. The week will be October… https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/banned-books-week-marks-20-years ========================== Amazon's Rare Book Operation Raises Questions Artificial intelligence users may soon gain access to a new feature: digital scans of rare and antique books. The technology could open up. . . https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/amazons-rare-book-operation-raises-questions ========================== PODCAST: GAB TALKS with Young Adult Fantasy Author Sara Fanfarillo https://open.spotify.com/episode/07RaApuoLtk3mBZPHF3ZGK ========================== OBX Men, et al Ever go on a vacation and invite a relative…who invites other relatives you don’t want to see or talk to? What happens when unspoken secrets are revealed? https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781312326620 ========================== Missing Pieces: A Terrorist Attack Survivor's Memoir of Trauma, Resilience and Healing A powerful memoir that examines the four-decade aftermath of surviving a 1977 FALN terrorist attack, illustrating how invisible trauma, institutional failures, and ultimate path-to-recovery shape a survivor's life. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781953315557 ========================== The Silkworm, the Magician and the Sister Tree: A Tale of Love and Loss A moving memoir that uses the lens of folklore to explore one woman's journey through grief and transformation following two devastating losses: her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the sudden death of her sister. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798901021712 ========================== FUN DAY WITH MISA / UN DÍA DIVERTIDO CON MISA This bilingual English-Spanish tale follows Misa, a worried Aussie pup who expects a boring day while her parents are at work, but instead finds unexpected adventures with her grandma. ENGLISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781966001010 SPANISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/978-1966001010 ========================== Killer Friends In 1892 London, detectives Ruddy and Archie unravel a web of deceit and betrayal as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of businessman Phillip Newell, leading them to confront a ruthless killer with a personal vendetta. ENGLISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/killer-friends SPANISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/979-8272683571 ========================== Night of San Juan A young adult contemporary coming-of-age novel about two teenage boys in Puerto Rico whose relationship develops while they face family and environmental adversity. ENGLISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798992951325 SPANISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798992951349 ========================== See our magazine on Overdrive via Libby (any local library), 32 global newsstand apps, https://www.zinio.com/publisher/publications/printed-word-reviews/41160 , at a special event, or https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine The magazine Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 has been issued ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. My book recommendations find their way to Reader's Digest, trade publications, even a NYC Times Square Billboard. Printed Word Reviews is dedicated to showcasing and promoting exceptional literary talent. Through comprehensive reviews, author interviews, and industry resources, PWR serves as a vital bridge between creators and the reading public. ========================== (c) 2026 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter in its entirety. Connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ Previous Next

Get a Free 12 Month Digital Subscription Simply enter your name and email, and we'll add you to our complimentary subscription list for 12 months. 1 Win a FREE BookCAMP All-sessions Day Pass Chance to WIN a FREE DAY pass to Day One of BookCAMP, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/ or discounted three day pass (passes are nontransferable). Complete the form below, or click on this linkk to bring the form up, https://forms.gle/tpRuDezw1YgLk9Cn8

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word August 26, 2026 BookCAMP by Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookcampmagazine August 2026 - SPECIAL ISSUE - Share URL with a friend ======================================== IN THIS ISSUE ChangeMaker: Brooke Warner UAE Publishing Conference First Major AI Copyright Settlement Call for BookCAMP presentation proposals Featured book review by Printed Word Reviews * Coming Soon ========================== Brooke Warner Believes in the Individual Story: Reader Turned Editor Says Good Stories Are for Everyone https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/brooke-warner-believes-in-the-individual-story-reader-turned-editor-says-good-stories-are-for-everyone ========================== Sharjah Book Authority to Host UAE Publishing Conference https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/sharjah-book-authority-to-host-uae-publishing-conference ========================== Join us at ALA 2027 in New Orleans, LA - Printed Word Reviews during June 25th-28th. ========================== Publishers and Authors Get First Major AI Copyright Settlement https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/publishers-and-authors-get-first-major-ai-copyright-settlement ========================== Cutting Through the Publishing Noise: How Book Awards and Reviews Drive Discovery In a recent episode of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast , host John Goodwin sat down with Ted Olczak, publisher of Printed Word Reviews and marketing manager for the Independent Press Award and the New York City Big Book Award, to dismantle common misconceptions around book reviews and award programs. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/cutting-through-the-publishing-noise-how-book-awards-and-reviews-drive-discovery ========================== Featured Printed Word Review FALCON book review: Vineyards to Victory: A French Soldier, Yorktown, and the Making of an American Family A French vineyard boy who joins the artillery, fights at Yorktown, and survives the French Revolution, laying the foundation for his descendants to emigrate and establish an American family line. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798999760746 ========================== We express our gratitude to the BookCAMP 2026 SPONSORS: BookBaby; Book Launchers; Gatekeeper Press; Creatorwood; BookMkting Buzz; Small Business Digest; Moving Forward Small Business (MFSB); Book Industry Study Group (BISG); Book Manufacturing Institute; Atmosphere Press; Shimmer AI; Indie Author Book Services; Pro Audio Voices; and Catalyst Press. ========================== Are you a publishing expert? Want to be a speaker?, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/list-of-speakers Send your presentation proposals for BookCAMP 2027 to Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com . Join other publishers, distributors and publicity professionals networking and teaching independent authors and publishers on April 9-10, 2027 ========================== COMING SOON Independent Press Award is now accepting the next round of book entries: https://www.independentpressaward.com/ ========================== Check our Publishing Services Directory: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/publishingservices ========================== (c) 2026 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter's url in its entirety. Connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ Previous Next

Learn more about Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899 < Back Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899 "Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899" Wins Independent Press Award, Celebrating a Legendary Sports Feat Norman Jetmundsen, Jr. and Karin Dupree Fecteau's "Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899" has been honored with the 2025 Independent Press Award in the Coffee-table Book category, celebrating an extraordinary chapter in American sports history. The book, a visually stunning tribute, stemmed from the pair's award-winning documentary of the same name. Jetmundsen, alongside David Crews, produced and directed the film, which chronicled the incredible 1899 Sewanee Tigers football season. This small college team achieved the impossible, winning five games in six days while traversing 2,500 miles by train, a feat that stands as one of the greatest in sports history. The documentary, aired nationwide and nominated for a Regional Emmy, captured the imagination of audiences across the country. Realizing the wealth of original paintings, historical data, and research amassed during the film's production, Jetmundsen sought to immortalize the story in book form. Collaborating with graphic artist Karin Fecteau, they created "Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899," a beautifully crafted coffee-table book published under their own Shakerag Hollow Press imprint. Jetmundsen credits numerous individuals for their influence, including his parents Ruth and Norman , a professor Douglas Paschall , Episcopal priests, his wife Kelli, and literary giants like Shakespeare and C.S. Lewis. He expresses particular gratitude to Fecteau, his wife, and the many who contributed to both the film and the book. "Don't write so that someone might possibly understand what you mean. Write so that no one can possibly misunderstand what you mean," a lesson from his professor Douglas Paschall, guided his writing. Jetmundsen acknowledges the challenges of self-publishing and expresses immense gratitude for the book's recognition, a testament to the team's dedication and passion. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word July 16, 2026 Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine * July 2026 - Share URL with a friend ======================================== IN THIS ISSUE A New Political Thriller Printed Word Reviews at ALA 2026 ABC 47 News: Courageous Clooney by C. Strassel Simon & Schuster Relaunches 'Pocket Books' GAB TALKS with R. Luce Featured FALCON review by Printed Word Reviews More Reviews J. Chester Johnson, "For Racial Healing" ========================== Would you risk everything to save a country that never loved you back? A New Political Thriller "Are You a Patriot?" Reimagines the American Hero https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/new-political-thriller-are-you-a-patriot%3F-reimagines-the-american-hero ========================== Printed Word Reviews Draws Crowds at 2026 ALA Conference with Award-winning Author Signings https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/printed-word-reviews-draws-crowds-at-2026-ala-conference-with-award-winning-author-signings Ted Olczak, Publisher of Printed Word Reviews , at ALA 2026 https://www.instagram.com/p/DaJDSFEgc_z/ ========================== Delaware Author Recognized for Story on Her Dog "It’s tremendous. The more people [who buy the book, the better it is] because we’re taking half the profits from book sales and donating them back into our community... ========================== Sponsored Courageous Clooney by C. Strassel is a heartwarming children's story that follows a shy dog who bravely overcomes heartworms with the help of his loving owner and a compassionate veterinarian. The story is about the real Clooney, a 2021 Hurricane Ida rescue dog adopted by the author. The books was written to raise awareness about heartworm disease in dogs and a way to pay it forward. Purchase a copy to find out how you can pay it forward, too! https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9781955767866 ========================== Simon & Schuster Relaunches 'Pocket Books' Romance Imprint https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/simon-%26-schuster-relaunches-pocket-books-romance-imprint ========================== Featured Printed Word Reviews FALCON book review: Signs of The Fall Sean Price Salacious secrets and unholy connections link ten stories that intersect with an abandoned chapel edging a dark forest, a city-center kugel fountain, and the deceptively serene Crucible Church. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798897473007 ========================== Hunger Nihaarika Negi Filmmaker Negi and artist Bocardo craft a grotesque colonial horror story set in 1896 Bombay, following a mutant test subject named Izna as she navigates a hallucinatory landscape of sadistic British experiments and embraces her own supernatural hunger. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/978-1964226088 ========================== Red Horizons James Bultema When a North Korean defector’s dying warning exposes a secret nuclear deception and a new Supreme Leader’s plan to force a strategic reset, a U.S. Navy pilot and his aviator wife are drawn into a spiraling Pacific crisis that erupts into a carrier-killing nuclear strike and a desperate fight to stop all-out war. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/979-8988075103 ========================== Leadership in Verse: Poems & Stories John Baldoni A leadership thinker uses poetry, reflection, and inspiring real-life stories to explore the heart, courage, humility, and grace needed to lead well in difficult times. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/978-1969508226 ========================== GAB TALKS with R. Luce What happens when the past refuses to stay buried? I am thrilled to share the latest episode of The Gab Talks podcast, featuring a deeply compelling conversation with contemporary American author and poet, R. Luce. https://youtu.be/VUpKYoYsYMc ================================= For Racial Healing #1: To Begin with. . . Sixty years ago, Lerone Bennett, Jr., wrote: “There is no Negro problem in America; there has never been a Negro problem in America – the problem of race in America is https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/for-racial-healing-1-to-begin-with ========================== For Racial Healing #2: 'Authentic Passion' What exactly is it? We can’t go much further into racial healing without understanding its core meaning or meanings, as consequential in the discussion. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/for-racial-healing-2-authentic-passion ================================= See our magazine on Overdrive via Libby (any local library), 32 global newsstand apps, https://www.zinio.com/publisher/publications/printed-word-reviews/41160 , at a special event, or https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine ========================== (c) 2026 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter in its entirety. Connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ Previous Next

Learn more about Kimberly Adams < Back Kimberly Adams Kimberly Adams author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 10am In the imaginary land where fanciful personified animals live, frolic, and thrive, readers are brought to the Five Mile Farm, to meet Carly, a young girl, who rules the roost as being a friend and caretaker for many animals. The animals include a few friendly dogs: a wiener named Okie; a Yorkie named Mollie; Grumps, who disliked everyone and was missing a few teeth, a visiting dog named Blue; a cat; some bunnies and birds; and interestingly a queen bee named Queen Nora. Yet Carly wished for and always wanted a pony. Author Kimberly Adams, along with amazing illustrations by artist David Gnass, orchestrates these beautiful characters into a story of friendship – while instilling a morale of dreams coming true, in her book, Five Mile Charlie: A Special Pony for Carly. In a whirlwind of activity, one day Queen Nora sees a pony which would be ideal for Carly. Upon arriving back at her hive, she does a special “waggle” dance which shows the worker bees how to find the pony and herd it back to Five Mile Farm for Carly. When Carly sees this beautiful pony with big eyes, a fluffy coat and a huge smile, she names it Charlie. But Charlie is no ordinary pony, it is a very special pony – in fact it is a Llama – but that does not seem to matter to Carly who instantly loves Charlie. This book brings together creative text and images which create a storyboard in the minds of its readers, that is exactly the goal of this very popular genre of illustrated children’s stories. Ending with, “Be kind, be brave, be strong, be bold. The story of Five Mile Charlie will continue…” suggests Carly and Charlie will go on to have more engaging adventures and become a series in the future. So, it would be good advice to get in on the ground floor, and enjoy Five Mile Charlie: A Special Pony for Carly with the little ones in your family. -Hollywood Book Reviews, Barbara Miller Kimberly Adams is a practicing attorney in McAlester, Oklahoma, and the Municipal Judge in her hometown of Kiowa, Oklahoma. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 1997 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in December 2000. Kimberly resides in rural southeast Oklahoma on her farm at Five Mile. The loss of her pet llama, Charlie, inspired a children’s book series, starting with this first installment. Other publications include works printed at West Publishing Company, through her appellate practice as an attorney. Online Book Review: Carly is a little girl who takes care of a farm in Oklahoma called the ‘Five Mile Farm’. She lives on the farm together with her pets and other animals. She also has made friends with bees who stay in a hive not far from the farm. Occasionally, she goes to tell her wishes to the bees who would in turn tell the queen bee. Carly had always wished to have a pony, so she went and told the bees her wishes. Upon hearing Carly’s wish, the queen bee sends a bee called Journey. Journey then travels over long distances across the land to look for a pony that they would give Carly. He, however, doesn’t find a pony. He only finds a lonely llama called Charly. Will Charly be a perfect fit for Carly? “Follow your dreams and wishes. They come true for those who work hard for them. Believe in what you can do and don’t forget to be kind along the way.” The above excerpt from the first page of Five Mile Charlie by Kimberly Adams, I think, is the most valuable lesson that children will learn from this children’s book. Carly and Charly never lost hope that one day they would achieve their dreams. They continued holding to their wishes no matter how unrealistic they were. Another lesson I loved from the book is that we should be kind, and we should love and care for everyone no matter how cruel they may seem. There is a coyote called Grumps that every animal fears. However, he loves being alone because he thinks that everyone hates him. Carly seeks to show Grumps that she can be his friend. What fascinates me the most was the touch of children’s fantasy present in the book. We encounter bunnies, birds, bees, and other animals who have been personified in the story. Children will love this because it is something that relates to their imaginations and fantasies. There is not any negative thing to point out except that there is a cliffhanger in the book. We aren’t told whether Grumps made friends with Carly or whether he changed his attitude and perspective about everyone. This is not a big deal since it aids in creating suspense, and it may be a precedence for a future book—I do wish there is another book because I want to know what happened. The book is written well and perfectly edited; I didn’t spot any errors. Even though there is an unresolved cliffhanger, the book has wonderful lessons, and I loved its fantasy. Because of this, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I would recommend this book to children of around five to nine years who may be interested in tales filled with fantasy. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Anita Selzer < Back Anita Selzer Seeing Through Her Eyes: A Conversation on The Female Gaze In Art & Photography with Australian author, Anita Selzer The Female Gaze in Art and Photography is about how twenty women artists from around the world create their artwork from a female experience and perspective, a female way of seeing and feeling. (Volume I is on contemporary women; Volume 2, deceased women artists; Volume 3 & 4 out this fall and 2026). The Female Gaze in Art and Photography is nuanced. It highlights how the female gaze differs to and challenges the dominant, historical male gaze that has underscored western art, idealising or sexually objectifying women, particularly the nude. It shows how the female gaze reclaims the female body and form as a site of multiple meanings. It delivers examples of diverse visual images created by the women artists and photographers from their female way of seeing and feeling, including their psychological and subjective experiences then channeled into their art. The book (Volumes 1 and 2) also reveals how social issues are inscribed in the artworks. It provides a socio-historical context, referencing art history and offers biographical sketches of each creative. With a scholarly background and a passion for amplifying women’s voices, Australian Author Anita Selzer is redefining how we look at art—specifically through the lens of the female gaze. As an author, academic, and advocate for women in the arts, her The Female Gaze book series offers fresh and necessary perspectives on how women create and are seen in visual culture. We sat down with her to explore the inspiration, impact, and future of this important work. A Career Rooted in Education and Advocacy Before stepping into the world of publishing, Seltzer cultivated a rich academic and professional life. Holding a BA, Diploma of Education, Graduate Diploma in Women’s Studies, a Master’s in Education, and a PhD in Education, she has long been engaged with the intersections of gender, history, and learning. “I taught English and Politics to young and older adults at a college level,” she explains, “and served as Executive Officer in Women’s Affairs in the Premier’s Department in Victoria.” Her expertise also extended into publishing, reviewing books for Cambridge University Press and the academic journal Gender and Education. Currently Selzer channels this rich foundation into her writing, (an award winning author of fifteen adult and children’s nonfiction books) focusing on women, gender, history, education, biography—and most recently, art. Inspiration Behind The Female Gaze In Art & Photography The seed for The Female Gaze In Art & Photography was planted by Charlotte Jansen’s Girl on Girl , a book that examined how 40 women artists used the female gaze in photography. “[Jansen’s] book inspired me to extend the conversation and explore it further,” she says. “I wanted to create a coffee table book—something more expansive.” The Female Gaze was also personal. “[I] had to feel a connection to the work and the artists I selected,” she adds. Encouragement from close friend and fellow artist Jon Cattapan was pivotal. “He told me to give it a go and is now mentoring me.” Volume One: Creating Space for Women’s Perspectives Published as the first in a series, The Female Gaze In Art & Photography Volume One is more than a showcase—it’s a reclamation of space and narrative. “It provides visibility to women artists who have often been overlooked,” she explains. “The book explores how these creatives use their female perspective in the production of their work—something rarely discussed in other texts.” Unlike traditional art criticism that often filters women’s work through a male-dominated lens, this book centers the artist’s intention and lived experience. “These women see their female subjects as people, as agents—not as eroticized objects,” she says. “It shows that the female body can carry multiple meanings, interpreted through the multifarious female gaze.” The Female Gaze In Art & Photography Volume One earned the distinction of “ Winner” of the 2024 Independent Press Award in the Fine Arts Category as well as shortlisted for the nonfiction UK Page Turner Award . In addition, Seltzer’s "I am Sasha’"(2019) about her father surviving war disguised as a teenage girl, was shortlisted for the prestigious New South Wales History award for the young adult book. The book examines the issue of gender identity and is based on a true story, her grandmother’s memoir.’ Looking Forward: Volume Two Arrives in 2025 Set to release in September 2025, The Female Gaze In Art & Photography Volume 2 builds on its predecessor while introducing a historical dimension. “It made sense to complement Volume One, which focused on contemporary artists, with a volume that looks at significant deceased female artists,” she says. “Both volumes can stand alone or be read together—they inform and enrich one another.” The Female Gaze In Art & Photography Volume 2 offers a reflective contrast, reminding us how long women have been shaping and challenging the visual narrative—even if their contributions have been sidelined. Professor Emma Redding, Director Victoria College of the Arts comments, “ The Female Gaze in Art and Photography Volume 2 is a remarkable exploration of creativity, perspective, and resilience. With stunning and thought-provoking images that resonate deeply, this book is both a visual and intellectual feast. The book not only showcases exceptional works by female artists and photographers but also sheds light on the social and institutional barriers they have faced across history. Selzer provides a compelling narrative that reveals how these challenges shaped their artistic journeys and contributions. Her insights illuminate the power and persistence of women in art.” Bridging Past and Present The duality between the two volumes is key. “Volume One captures the present, the here and now. Volume Two looks to the past, showing us how innovative and expressive women artists have always been when it comes to using the female gaze. The series reveals how social issues are inscribed in the artworks. It provides a socio-historical context, referencing art history and offers biographical sketches of each creative.” The Female Gaze volumes form a continuum—a reminder that women’s creative voices are both historical and ongoing. What Sets The Female Gaze Apart? While there are other books that celebrate women artists, few focus on how the female gaze actively informs their work. “[My books] explore this in detail,” she explains. “They also provide biographical insights and socio-historical context, giving readers a more holistic understanding.” This makes the series an essential resource for both the art world and general readers curious about the evolution of women’s voices in visual culture. “ There’s a depth and nuance to how I discuss the female gaze that is not commonly found in many art books today ,” she says. A Glimpse Into Volume Three Looking ahead, The Female Gaze: Volume 3 is already in development. This installment will spotlight three significant Australian artists: Jane Sutherland, Emma Minnie Boyd, and Josephine Muntz-Adams. “It provides their biographies, explores how they used a female gaze in their art, and situates their work in its socio-historical context,” she shares. The aim is to continue deepening our understanding of how women have shaped art across time. Volume 3 provides rich visual images (as in volume 1 and 2) of artworks created by these women artists, accompanied by Selzer’s analysis. With her Female Gaze series, Selzer is not only telling untold stories—she’s helping reshape the lens through which we view art. As each volume builds upon the last, it becomes clear that the female gaze is not a fleeting trend, but a vital, powerful perspective whose time has come. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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