Fribbet and the Frog and the Tadpoles , A Flag for the Flying Dragon, Being a Captain is Hard Work

Fribbet and the Frog and the Tadpoles
ISBN: 9781499145977
2014
$ 9.99
A Flag for the Flying Dragon
ISBN: 9781507826928
2015
$ 10.99
Being a Captain is Hard Work
ISBN: 9781522781783
2015
$ 12.99
Illustrator: Bonnie Lemarre
Author: Carole P. Roman
Create Space Independent Publishing Platform
North Charleston, South Carolina
Paperback
32 pages each

 "Problems can weigh you down like a heavy anchor.  When you share your load with others, it's never too heavy to carry."
Do you still remember your childhood when you pretended to reenact some great adventure whether being Robin Hood or the Lone Ranger?
Through your imaginative play, you learned many life skills that built your friendships then and later in life.
Imagine the carpeting in a bedroom as the sea and a bed into a pirate ship, The Flying Dragon, as you enter the adventures of Captain No Beard.
Captain No Beard, the oldest in the group, is again taking his crew on another adventure.  Each cousin and sibling have a job in their transformed pirate ship.    Cayla is the Cabin Girl and Hallie is swabbing the deck assisted by their ever helpful stuffed animals.
These stories have vivid and colorful illustrations with a story that perfectly matches the action on each page.  
In Fribbet the Frog and the Tadpoles, Fribbet, the stuffed frog, is missing.  He is found and is sobbing.  Apparently  Fribbet doesn't like change.   In this imaginative journey featuring Fribbet, things are changing at his home, and he is uncertain of his future.
With A Flag for the Flying Dragon, the crew is challenged with the addition of a new member, Zach.  With showing the value and importance of every job, each person compromises in developing closer friendships.
In Being a Captain is Hard Work,  demonstrates the importance of listening to others.    With Captain No Beard showing his stubborn determination, this journey will be extremely dangerous unless he changes his ways.   What will make him hear others and acknowledge their intelligence?
Carole P. Romans been publishing this award-winning series since 2012  and earned the Kirkus Reviews Best ,  received a Star of Remarkable Merit,  NABE Pinnacle Award,  ERIK Award for the Best Book, a Readers View Classics Winner, Independent Author Network Book of the Year finalist, and a National Indie Excellence Finalist.
Carole Roman is the author now of many series of books.   Along with this Captain No Beard series, she has published many books in the series introducing visiting various countries and time periods throughout the world If You Were Me and Lived In..., as well as Cave Kiddos, Rocket-Bye, and Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?.  
These books are written for children between the ages of four and eight.  Using friendship and problem solving skills, these books are delightful and even educational for all ages.

Out of Control

Out of Control
The Kincaid Brides
Mary Connealy
Bethany House Publishers
Baker Publishing Group
Minneapolis, Minnesota
ISBN: 978-1-4412-6991-1
Trade paperback
2011
$ 14.99
329 pages

"He'd frozen away everything that was beautiful. He'd cared for his brothers, but he hadn't risked loving them for the fear of how terrible it would be to lose them.  He'd never been as kind to his mother as he should have been because his love was locked away. He'd work beside his father and shown him respect but never love."

For Julia Gilliland, her life is out of control.  Her father told her he owns and runs a general store.  In actuality, he is a gambler and runs a low-class saloon.    She dreams of being an archaeologist, studying fossils.  She does not enjoy her life.   Fortunately, she has a close friend in her step-mother, Audra,  who is close to delivering another child.   Julia does enjoy her company and helping her with the endless chores.
Audra also has a life out of control.  Her father sold her to Wendell as payment for a gambling debt.  Now she lives in a shack with a young child, another on the way, her step-daughter, and an abusive much-older husband.
Rafe considers himself successful.   He manages his inherited land which includes old mines and caves.   He likes things organized, neatly in their places, and living a predictable life.  
Years ago, Rafe enjoyed his life as the oldest of three boys and being a leader.   With his brothers Ethan and Seth, the three had explored the family land.  Unfortunately, the three were part of an accident in a cave that caused Seth to suffer from severe burns.   The physical injuries resulted in scars, both physically and emotionally for Seth.   Rafe also was scarred emotionally, crippling from taking any risks.
Out of Control is written for women and has a Christianity thread running throughout.   It is a romance novel while expertly weaving the history of Colorado into a well-planned and developed series with characters who are multi-dimensional and having authentic daily issues complete with remorse.   
Out of Control is the first installment in Connolly's series entitled The Kincaid Brides.  
What amazed me about this novel was that it was a romance novel, but that was secondary to the actual historical story.
Mary Connealy has won numerous award for her writing.  She lives on a ranch in Nebraska.

End Matter

End Matter
Ezekial Cartwright
Flying Ophanim
Amazon Digital
April 2016
50 pages

"These stories must never make it to paperback.  I don't want them edited, and they must never change from their existing format.  They're written this way for a reason, and..."
The stereotypical author is introverted, creative, and extremely analytical.   These attributes lead greatly assist them in examining and writing about the world around them, whether real or only in their imagination.
Nathan Cartwright fits this description.  Living alone in Maine, he is very reclusive to the point of being almost a hermit.  His only contact with the real world is through his son, Danny and his granddaughter.
Nathan has an advantage though over most authors.  The major publishing houses want his writings, but he refuses to work with each of them, choosing to have his work strictly available through self-publishing only.  He tried to write romance and even drama novels with little success, but his magic touch was the thriller.   Why?
Nathan is facing the reality of his life ending.   His physician has informed him that his days are numbered.  Now is the time for him to do one final good deed.
His son needed money for his wife's  cancer treatment.   Between the medical costs and raising a daughter, Nathan feels obligated to help with the family needs with money.
He is returning to being a successful writer of thriller novels.  His books almost have a magical authenticity to them with so much explicit gore that he given the nickname, "Grisly Grandpa."
Nathan now wants to publish a book that will secure Danny's financial needs and those of his granddaughter.
With finally completing the latest novel on his tablet,  Nathan meets with his illustrator at a nearby coffee shop that will change all of his plans.
It all begins with a server who eventually recognizes him.   Who could predict how this would send his life into a downward spiral?
The author, Ezekiel Cartwright propels his interests into his writing while being influenced by his childhood in New England and writers such as Stephen King, HP Lovecraft, and Dean Koontz.
This novella is tightly wound into an introspective tale around the theme of striving for greatness while being aware of the impending cost of responsibility in that achievement.   With realistically flawed characters striving for hope and a better life, the reader views the world through Nathan with his daily frustrations and challenges.
End Matter is a different novella with a unique authenticity that is  a frightening page-turner.

Mary Poppins

"Anything can happen if you let it."
What do you do when your children can't keep a nanny?  The two innocent looking darlings are causing many nannies to leave a home.  Why are these children chasing away many well-qualified caregivers?
What do these kids want?
George Banks works long hours causing him to be self-absorbed in providing for his family.  As a banker, he understands the importance of an image and keeps his wife's former occupation as an actress a secret.  
As a nanny leaves, George and his wife discuss placing a new advertisement in the paper.   Surprisingly, Jane and Michael, the children have written their requirements for a new nanny which don't match their parents' list, at all.  
When George reads the list which includes things like "rosy cheeks" and "plays games- all sorts" he immediately tosses this well-planned document into the fire. 
Imagine his surprise when a new nanny is at the door with the advertisement written by the children.  Is this magic?   Yes, it is Mary Poppins.
Mary Poppins opened last weekend at our own Chanticleer Community Theater.  This family oriented musical is aimed at an audience who can enjoy a musical that lasts for three hours including an intermission.
In the roles of Jane and Michael Banks, Emma Johnson and Austin Lempke excel in truly becoming these characters.  Their scheming is charming.  As Bert, Brandon Fisher is marvelous narrating much of the story in song and dance.  The parents, George and Winifred Bank portrayed by Travis Walker and Sarah Ebke were delightful in their roles of frustration and refocusing their lives.
In the role of Mary Poppins, Samantha Shatley shows immense talent in the magically, aloof lead.
Denise Putman as Mrs. Corry and her daughters Fannie and Annie portrayed by Kori Archbold and Geana Schneider are hilarious with their introducing Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious to the audience.  Between the costumes, their stage antics, and their acting abilities, this is definitely a show-stopper number.
As for stage presence, Kate Simmons as the Bird Woman sings beautifully in the number Feed the Birds.
With a large cast, on any given show there are many outstanding performances.   The dancers are terrific with their enthusiasm and energy throughout the show.  I loved Terry Schmidt as the British Admiral Boom.  He perfectly matched my image of a Gilbert/Sullivan admiral.  Eric Cavanaugh as Neleus commanded the stage in this role with a warmth and a smile.  Dan Whitehouse as the police officer was caring while showing concern.   
What is also amazing in this show is that many people have multiple roles and masterfully become each different character from being a statue to a toy to a bank clerk.   Even though you know it is the same person; each role has its individual character personality.
Even the small parts contributed significantly to the constant energy and enthusiasm in this uplifting show.
On the night I saw the show, there was a slight problem of the orchestra overpowering the singers.  Balancing sound is difficult as there are so many variables that affect sound balance in a theater.  Each instrumental member is an accomplished musician individually and perfectly blended into an ensemble.
Dwayne Ibsen showed true artistic mastery with the costumes in Mary Poppins.    The scenery was colorful and purposeful as well as functional and creative accommodating to the needs of the cast.
This massive show demonstrates mastery in both direction and production at all levels.   Every detail is considered throughout the show.
Mary Poppins at the Chanticleer Theater located at 830 Franklin Ave. in Council Bluffs continues through May 22nd with show times at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the theater at (712) 323-9955 or email chanticleertheater@gmail.com costing $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and $10 for student and children.
Whether or not you attend this show, please be aware of an unusual upcoming event on May 25.  Chanticleer Community Theater will be part of Omaha Gives where every donation is increased to a charity with matching funds.   For more information, please check out OmahaGives24.org.
This stage production is not like the movie.   It is similar, but different even if some of the songs are the same.
"Anything can happen if you let it."   Let yourself enjoy this delightful show this weekend at our Chanticleer Theater.

Lost Boy in Whole Foods

 "When God made Sudan, he smiled...and cried."
People want to do the right thing.   Christine is impressed by a worker at Whole Foods and her life changes.   Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods he opened last weekend at the Omaha Community Playhouse.  Her experiences of discovering this little bit of positivity in her daily routine create an enthralling experience for everyone in this audience.
Who doesn't need a little smile and a positive perspective when dealing with a divorce and a difficult teenager?
Hope is what brings many people to this country.  Even your ancestors likely endured the treacherous journey due to dreams of a better life for themselves and their children.
Gabriel is no different.  He dreams of being the black Donald Trump. 
Gabriel's past never needs to be repeated.
He is one of the Sudanese refugees who left their country during their civil war.  He trekked over eight hundred miles in the wild African savannah while frequently carrying his younger brother hoping to live temporarily at a refugee camp in the neighboring country of Kenya.  The better life in these camps allowed only one bowl of grain each day.
Many charities, including Catholic Charities and Lutheran Family Services in our metro area, transported these children, under the age of eighteen to the .S.  While living here safely, these boys were educated and given jobs while their dreams were to return eventually to their countries as professionals.
Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods is a story about Gabriel.   He currently is working and living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2004.   Christine, portrayed by Julie Fitzgerald Ryan meets Gabriel while shopping.   She is a recently divorced mother raising a teenaged daughter.   While meeting Gabriel, she is impressed with his optimistic perspective on life and finds his positivity charismatic.
As Gabriel, Justice Jamal Jones is perfect.  I found it difficult to believe that he is a local high school student.   His accent, demeanor, and confidence created the perfect immigrant refugee and even slightly humorous while explaining his metaphors about life.    I noticed the entire audience often smiling during these times.
As Alex, the daughter, Victoria Luther excelled as the difficult and often angry teenager.   Anthony Holmes created the challenging role of Panther, who is one of the Sudanese boys in this country for assistance but lost in the system of rules.  He is lost from his country and now lost in the bureaucracy within the charitable organization.   
Michael Dolan played by Mark Kocsis and Segel Mohammed by Rusheaa Smith-Turner were superb in their roles of social workers in a rules-based system and the frustrating job of not being able to meet all the various needs of those they are helping.
Julie Fitzgerald Ryan perfectly became Christine in revealing to the audience the challenge of "doing the right thing."   Between being a part-time parent of a daughter who is the typical teenager, struggling with a divorce and the former spouse remarrying quickly, and helping those in need, she is often overwhelmed but always continues with her duties while maintaining her faith in the world.
The set itself was unquestionably unique intermixing Africa with America and adapting to the needs of each scene.   Personally, I questioned the sand on the stage, but it was inspirational with the intermixing of the two cultures.
The crew for this show excelled in every aspect.   The lighting was seamless.   The sound system was masterful with purposeful background music and sounds for each scene.  The artistry is the scenes, wardrobe, and props perfectly matched the intentions of the play.  Dialect coaches, directors, managers, and carpenters are beautifully and thoughtfully combined their talents in this thought-provoking play.
The show continues at the Omaha Community Playhouse located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha through June 5th every Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee every Sunday at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $36 for adults and $22 for students.  Special group rates are available.  To purchase, contact the box office at (402) 553-0800, or toll-free at (888) 782-4338, or ticketomaha.com.
The night I saw the performance, it began promptly at 7:30, a fifteen-minute intermission began at 8:25 and the show concluded at 9:40.
Lost Boy at Whole Foods is insightful and thought inducing show for all adults of all ages.   It left be wondering if I am making concentric circles in my life or simply lines.  See this show to find out more.