Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the tween chapter book “Miss Priss: On and Off the Court” by Judy Phillips and Brenda Nichols from September 15 to 21, 2015.
Hi there, everyone. Paul here today to bring you my review and stop on the Miss Priss Blog Tour hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews. I am a big fan of tween books, and this book looked awesome. I’d like to give a big thanks to Renee for all the hard work she (and her crew) put in promoting great children’s/middle grade/tween books. There aren’t many folks out there that do, and Renee does a wonderful job. Thank you! Now let’s get on with the blog tour.
MISS PRISS: ON AND OFF THE COURT is book one in the new tween chapter series by Mom’s Choice Award winning writer-illustrator Team, ‘Brenjudy’. On and Off the Court introduces Priscilla Penelope Paxton (Miss Priss), a ten year old whose interests and curiosity land her in, sometimes, sticky situations. A unique coming-of-age story bound to bring giggles and enjoyment to all its readers as Miss Priss encounters and overcomes a slew of challenges, even the one that will continue to grow—self-awareness. The book features full color illustrations.
About the Book
Title: Miss Priss: On and Off the Court | Author: Judy Phillips | Illustrator: Brenda Nichols | Publication Date: August 20, 2015 | Publisher: Tadpole Press …4 Kids (a division of Smooth Sailing Press) | Pages: 230 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12
Summary: Priscilla Penelope Paxton is a witty ten year old whose inter-ests and curiosity land her in, sometimes, sticky situations. Dance classes, Girl Scouts, school assignments, friends and hanging out at her family’s drug store, and the local Piggly Wiggly would leave any other person with no time for any-thing else. Yet, the thrill of basketball and joining the Little Dribblers finds its way into Miss Priss’ heart. Though this interest will prove to be a dream that requires overcoming the greatest of challenges; Mom’s opposition. A task that will require ingenuity, perseverance and a little help from some loved ones.
Amazon * Smooth Sailing Press * Goodreads
Book Preview
Now let’s get to my review:
What I liked best: I loved the writing, particularly how the author captured the tone, perspective, and viewpoints of a ten year old girl. I know, how would I know that? When Priss is plotting her ungrounding scheme, she comments that, “only once in the history of the Paxton family…” This perspective feels spot-on for a ten year old. The way the Paxton kids purposely dents cans at their grandparents Piggly Wiggly is clever and something children of this age would do. The spellcheck comment (I won’t give you a spoiler) is classic! Ms. Phillips really did an outstanding job of capturing the spirit and attitudes of ten year old girls and children in and around this age. Well done!
What missed a bit: I felt as though there was just a little too much telling rather than showing. I would have like to have learned more through dialogue, action, setting, etc. I must add that this did not really detract from the story; I just feel as though it could have been enhanced with less telling
Overall: Great, great book! I might be biased as I love basketball, and I loved my time in the 5th grade, which is when the book is set. There are so many great things about this book from great references (i.e.: Karate Kid, Charlie Brown adult talking, spy movies/gadgets, breaking wind, etc.), to excellent examples of the trials and tribulations of friendship, and especially the conflict and tension within the story. I really couldn’t wait to see what happened during the basketball championship game. Ms. Phillips used great words and pace to create tension and excitement. I loved the countless examples of what it means to be a best friend as well as still being human. I feel as though this book will be a huge hit with young girls, but I believe boys, parents, and teachers alike will truly enjoy this story. I, for one, can’t wait to see what Ms. Priss is up to next! Kudos to Ms. Nichols illustrations. I thought they really captured Priss and added to the book. when it comes to chapter books, I really do love some illustrations.
Paul
About the Author: Judy Phillips
Judy Phillips is an educator with over twenty years of experience and is currently a counselor at Samuel Houston Elemen-tary School in Huntsville, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and a Master of Education degree in Coun-seling from Sam Houston State University.
Phillips volunteers locally with university students through local ministries and mentor programs.
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
About the Illustrator: Brenda Nichols
Brenda Nichols was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and is an educator at university level, with over twenty years of experience. She is currently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Professor of Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Nichols holds an Associate of Arts degree from Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas, a Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, and a Master’s degree from The University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida.
Nichols volunteers locally by mentoring students and through motivational speaking engagements at schools and various civic organizations.
Facebook | Goodreads
Miss Priss Blog Tour Schedule (2015)
September 15
Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Author Interview)
Blooming Brilliant (Book Review)
September 16
Girl of a 1000 Wonders (Book Review)
Sher A Hart: Written Art (Book Review)
September 17
Don’t Judge, Read (Book Review)
Not Your Ordinary Psychic Mom (Book Review)
September 18
Rockin’ Book Reviews (Book Review)
K&A’s Children’s Book Reviews (Interview)
Icefairy’s Treasure Chest (Book Review)
September 19
Brit Bear’s Book Reviews (Book Review)
September 20
The Blended Blog (Book Review)
Bookroom Reviews (Book Review)
September 21
Crystal’s Chaotic Confessions (Excerpt)
Tea Time and Books (Guest Post & Book Review)
Heart of Philanthropist (Book Review)
* Blog Tour Giveaway *
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner’s choice
Giveaway ends: September 28, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, SmoothSailing Press and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
First, thank you so much for the kind shoutout, Paul! It put a smile on my face! 🙂 All of you here at Sher A Hart have been so good to me!
Thank you so much for your glowing review of “Miss Priss” – sounds like the author/illustrator really nailed it! I have to admit that I’m a big fan of illustrations in middle grade books. Even my 12 year old daughter still loves them. Thanks for taking part in the Miss Priss Blog Tour! 🙂
You’re welcome, Renee! Your hard work is much appreciated. Miss Priss was wonderful!
Paul