Meet Dani P. Spinelli #kidlit #mystery #iartg

Wow, here I am again on another blog hop! I love participating in blog tours because it allows me the opportunity to show you who I am as a writer. This particular article excites me because I get to introduce you, in depth, to my sweet and sassy, little protagonist. 

Before I move on, let me take a moment to introduce you to the children's author that invited me on to this particular blog hop. Her name is Kimberly Sentek, and she is the author of Oh Brother!: A Nico and Tugger Tale, which is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. Aside from the two of us sharing a passion for children's literature, we have another commonality: We both love the group Bon Jovi! 

Kimberly has spent her entire life telling stories--so much so that her parents swear she was born talking. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Kimberly is owned by two cockapoos, Nico and Tugger. Her first book was inspired by them, and she is currently working on a second book featuring her two furry children.

To learn more about Kim and her pups, please hop on over to her blog at: Kimberly Sentek.

Your can also connect with her at:www.kimberlysentek.com
@kimberlysentek on TwitterOn Facebook

Buy the book at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes Interactive App of the Book

Meet Dani P. Spinelli: The Best Almost-Eight-Year-Old Detective in the World

What is the name of your character?

My main character's full name is Danielle Pippi Spinelli, however everyone calls her Dani. When she's in trouble, which is a lot of the time, her parents and friends will call her Dani P. 

When and where is the story set?

My story takes place in the sleepy, tourist town of Shady Hollow. It is a small, quaint town that hosts antique stores and sidewalk cafes in the heart of the community, while still maintaining a mall and amusement park on the outskirt of its borders. It is a mix of modern day times and a throwback to days gone by. 

What should we know about her?

Dani loves to solve mysteries. She's earned the reputation of being "the best almost-eight-year-old detective in the world" according to her uncle, Sheriff Spinelli, and she has become the youngest deputy in the history of Shady Hollow, and probably everywhere else, too!

Dani doesn't fit into any particular mold, and she doesn't want to! She's quirky, sassy, and sweet all rolled up into one. She's not afraid to stand up for herself or for her friends. You'll never find someone as loyal as her in a time of need. She can run the gamut emotionally. There's definitely no hiding when she's mad or happy; her face says it all. She is fearless and determined, which leads her into more mischief than she bargains for most of the time. Does that sometimes place her into dangerous situations? Absolutely! But with a smart head on her shoulder, she always manages to find a way out of trouble. Well, until she get home and then she finds herself in a different kind of trouble! 

What messes up her life?

The two biggest obstacle Dani faces are her own rash decisions at times and being grounded by her parents. Although she tries her best to come up with intelligent, well thought out plans, they always seem to go a little awry---leading her, and her best friend, into a heap of misfortune. But, what can you expect? She's only seven. Of course, that puts her in the predicament of having to explain to her parents why she was caught in a burning, haunted house or being captured by jewels thieves. 

What is the personal goal of your character?

This is one of the easiest questions yet: To fight injustice! Dani wants to solve crime and make sure all is right with the world. She wants to prove to everyone that age shouldn't matter when it comes to doing the right thing. She may be small, but she's mighty! If she can make difference, she'll stop at nothing to prove her cause. 

Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it? 

Dani P. Mystery is the name of the series. To date, two books have been published and they have both earned Readers' Favorite 5-star ratings. The first book released in December 2013 on Amazon and has become a best seller in Children's Detectives. The second book, Dani and the Mall Caper was released in May 2013. There are several places you can find out more about the series. You can visit the Dani P. Mystery website, her official Facebook page, Twitter, my Amazon author page, or peruse the articles on my blog!

Do you want to know a little more more about the Editorial Review done by Readers' Favorite? Here's what they had to say:

• "The friendship between the two girls and their different personalities add more vigor to the plot and their realistic portrayal lends credibility to the events."
• "The story is well crafted from the beginning to the end."
• "The interactive questions at the end of the story will interest kids."
• "It is a good book for children and perfect to be kept in school libraries."
• "The plot is intelligent and creative and makes for a fun read."

Inkspoke.com recently published a stellar Editorial Review on their online site stating:

• Dani and the Mall Caper is a book that should be shared with young kids. It’s one of those books for early grades that one comes across only once in a long while, something that is not only a well-crafted and well-written story but a story that instills important values about grit, determination and friendship. The warm and likeable characters, dialogue and plot-line will inspire young readers to read (and perhaps write). The book is also a fun one for a parent, teacher or caretaker to share with a younger child. It’s a gem within the rich tradition of kids’ detective books.

When can we expect new books to be published?

I am concurrently working on the next two books in the series. Dani and the Rocking Horse Ranch, Book 3, is currently being illustrated while I do the final rewrites before submitting to my Editor for final review. I am also working on Dani and the Hidden Treasure, Book 4. I am excited to bring these new books to Dani's readers. However, I do not yet have a firm release date. Please be sure to follow my website or Facebook for more up-to-date information. I will let you in on a little secret:  Dani's Facebook page always hears the news first! She'd love it if you'd like her page and follow along! 

Thanks for "hopping" on over and learning more about Dani P. Spinelli. She may be a handful, but her charming smile and goofy antics will melt your heart every time.

Before you leave, I'd love to introduce you to some additional authors who are passionate about writing and their characters. I'm sure you'll enjoy meeting them as much as I have.

Wishing you all a little mystery & adventure,

K. Lamb

CAT MICHAELS:

Is a writer, small-space gardener, devoted auntie, and digital dabbler who started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since. 

She spins tales of everyday life, with a twist of magic or mayhem, that open young minds to new ways of looking at the world.  She spent more than two decades helping students from kindergarten to college overcome the challenges of learning disabilities and Asperger’s syndrome.  Her books encourage students to use their imagination and problem-solving skills while enjoying and interacting with a story.

Watercolor artist Irene A. Jahns illustrates Cat's Sweet T tales, a series of chapter books for early readers about the adventures of three sisters.  Book 1, Sweet T and the North Wind, is available in print and will debut as an e-book in winter 2014. Book 2, Finding Fuzzy, a You-Decide Tale of a Lost Friend,  where children write or draw the story’s ending, earned second place honors in the Purple Dragonfly Book Award.  Both books received the Readers’ Favorite five-star review and are available on Amazon @http://goo.gl/vF2kcn 

website: www.catmichaelswriter.com
twitter: @CatMichaelsBook      

Marko Kitti:

Is a Finnish-born author who currently lives in East Sussex, England. He has been writing fiction since 2001 and his Finnish publications include two collections of short stories, two novels for adult readers, and one novel for young adult readers. 

In May 2014 Marko released his first children's book written in the English language. Jesper Jinx is the first of the series of books to feature an eleven-year-old Jesper; a determined, action-seeker and probably the unluckiest person in all of Puffington Hill. 

Find out more about Marko Kitti and his literary works on his website, Amazon author page, or Twitter account. His blog will be available to read on September 29th.

...and my dear friend, Laura Lee Scott:

Born and raised in Edina, Minnesota, Laura Lee Scott checks in with over 20 years of experience as a professional writer. Although The Santa Switch isn't the first children's book she's written, it's her first "solo" project as a children's author. Says Laura, who now lives in West Linn, Oregon with her family: "My hope is that this unique book -- and the subsequent series that's currently in the works -- will bring a modern Jessica Claus to life, and, in so doing, create a strong, positive female role model for children. I think the time is long overdue that Santa's wife be thought of as an icon to admire, know, and love, alongside her world-famous husband. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to find Cheryl to help me bring her to life. I can't imagine doing this book series without her!"

Learn more about Laura on her website, Amazon author page, or on Twitter. Her blog will be available on September 29th.