Welcome To The It's NOT Just A Dog Blog Tour and Giveaway

This is so exciting. My very first blog tour and I'm so glad you stopped by. So happy in fact that I have some awesome gifts for all of you. More on that later. 

First I'd like to introduce, the star of the show—It's NOT Just A Dog!

Available on Amazon

ISBN: 978-0615858326
Publisher: Legacy Media Press
No. Pages: 268
Middle Grade

About The Book: In the second book of the Project Madison series, things get complicated as Madison and Cooper try to navigate their new relationship. School has ended and they're spending more time together, blogging, working at the kennel, training dogs—including Lilly. 

When Jonah, the new neighbor who has moved into Paige's old house, begins to spend more time with Madison, Cooper isn't at all happy. Jonah's uncle, a Native American, shares his knowledge about Madison's power to see and feel canine memories and emotions. The mysterious white wolf returns and fills her mind with dreams and more questions. Madison starts a dog-walking business and discovers Ben, a crotchety old man whose dog is skin and bones. 

When the kennel receives a dog that has been brutally injured, Madison is determined to find out what happened. She and Cooper realize they're going to need Jonah and Donald to bust this investigation wide open and save the dogs. But getting to the bottom of the mystery will threaten not only Madison, but everyone she loves.

Early Review:  "Torres's style is lighthearted, with a lovely sense of humor, and the references to internet and social media (her hashtags explaining her feelings were whimsical) will resonate with young readers, as well. There are also some interesting insights on the "noise" that all of these distractions create, resulting in a barrier between humans and animals, which is expressed in a believable fashion by one of the Native American characters. Torres's descriptions are vivid and help put the reader right into the scenes." —Award winning author, Margo Sorenson


To say thanks for stopping by we are giving away some fabulous prizes!

Prize Packages
Grand Prize- Set of illustrations signed by the illustrators, set of bookmarks, official Netta recipe card with biscuit mold, full set of magnets, set of stickers, signed hard copies of both books in the series, and a dream catcher.

First Prize- 3 illustrations signed by the illustrators, bookmarks, official Netta recipe card with biscuit mold, full set of magnets, set of stickers, hard copies of both books in the series.

Second Prize- 2 illustrations signed by the illustrators, bookmarks, official Netta recipe card with biscuit mold, full set of magnets, set of stickers, signed hard copies of both books in the series.

Third Prize- 2 illustrations signed by the illustrators, official Netta recipe card with biscuit mold, bookmarks, magnets, stickers, signed hard copies of both books in the series.

Swag Packages- One 5x7 signed illustration, bookmarks, magnets, stickers, an ebook in the format of your choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More chances to win…

Facebook Page Contests- During the month of June the Project Madison Facebook Fan Page will be conducting contests and giveaways, so be sure to check there frequently for a chance to win some great prizes.

Attention Teachers and Parents:

Anyone who emails (torres dot pam3 at gmail dot com) a JPG of a tween holding my book, a student or relative will receive a personalized letter from Madison and signed by Lilly dog.

In addition, they will also be entered into a special drawing for an entire classroom to receive copies of the book and a visit from the author. (Sorry, this is for Washington State Teachers only.) One entry per child, per picture. Be sure to include your school name, teachers name and contact information.
Below you will find the other blogs participating in the tour so get hopping for more chances to win the entire month of June!

June Blog Tour Schedule and Links

Week One
2- Randomly Reading
3- R-Cubed’s Reads and Reviews
4- Book Dreaming
5- Ordinary Girlz Book Reviews
6- The Write Game
7- Indigo Quill

Week Two
9- Always In The Middle
10-I Am A Reader
11-Beach Bound Books
12- Mommies Point Of View
13- Susan Kaye Quinn

Week Three
16- Rockin’ Book Reviews
     The Write Path
17- The Owl’s Skull
18- Literary Rambles
19- Social Cafe Magazine
20- This Kid Reviews Books

Week Four
23- That’s Another Story
24- Pretty Opinionated
25- The Reader’s Perch
26- That’s Another Story
27- Reads 4 Tweens

Week Five
30- Tales Between The Pages
July 1st- Buried In Books

Project Madison Website Launch and MMGM Review

That's right. Yesterday, the Project Madison Website went live. Besides some great content, you'll find contests, activities and podcasts. The sneak preview of chapter one is ready to be downloaded or listened to. This is so exciting. I look forward to hearing what you think.

Project Madison Website 


And now for your MMGM Review

About The Book: The exciting adventure of a resourceful boy who discovers his hidden gift as a fortune-hunting pirate
Fish--nicknamed for his incredible swimming abilities--is a twelve-year-old boy from a poor farming family. After taking a job as a courier for his uncle, Fish is waylaid by pirates, who steal the package he's carrying. He soon learns that it's the key to locating the Chain of Chuacar, a legendary treasure. As he works to earn the trust of Cobb, the fortune-hunting captain of the Scurvy Mistress, Fish learns of a mutiny headed by a nasty pirate called Scab. With time running out to find the Chain, Fish and some fellow shipmates still loyal to Cobb must thwart Scab's dastardly plan.

Cover Art: Jake Parker 
Website
Blog
Great Interview

First Line: The rain had been falling heavily for weeks.

One Great Line: "The line dragged him through a multicolored underwater world full of purple, fernlike, waving plants, giant yellow rocks covered with small grooves and channels, fish of all shapes and colors and sizes." (154)

What Others Are Saying: "Mone seamlessly integrates factual information into his tale of friendship, loyalty, and exploration. As Fish travels from farm to city to ship, he discovers his place in the world, and his moral compass helps to ground and direct the story." -School Library Journal

"Chock full of real historic curiosities about pirates, sly humor for grownups, excellent action scenes and general quantities of swash and buckle, Fish is a great, self-contained addition to the canon of fun pirate fiction. Perfect for young readers, even better for reading aloud at bed-time, thanks to the plentiful cliff-hangers." -Cory Doctorow


Kid Review: "I liked Fish and how he felt so good swimming in the water and that it made him different than his family but ended up being what saved his family. I also really liked the big quiet Pirate, Moravius. I never knew pirates were kind of like a family." -Dylan, age 7

What I Thought: This adventure gets off to a fast start and doesn't slow, ever. Each chapter ends in a cliffhanger that leaves readers and listeners begging for more. A great read-aloud, characters jump off the page as Mone describes unique quirks and physical characteristics. The mucky wet and smelly pirates permeate each page so vividly your nose crinkles as if you're standing on the slippery deck. 

About The Author: Gregory Mone
Website
Blog

Who: Gregory Mone comes from an Irish-American family of swimmers and storytellers. There were no pirates in the family, but some details in Fish were borrowed from family history. Maurice "Fish" Reidy was named for Gregory's grandfather, and though the real Maurice wasn't much of a swimmer, he did cross the ocean on a boat when he immigrated to the United States from Ireland. Gregory's grandmother Brigid was forced to leave her family farm when their horse, Shamrock, died. She, too, came to America and, like Fish, had to send money back home to support her family.

Cover Release!! And MMGM Review

With less than a month to my book's release in conjunction with the official launch of Project Madison things are starting to snowball, just a bit. Can you believe it? For more important dates go here.

The story behind the story is one I'm very proud of. Besides, hopefully bringing awareness to the plight of homeless dogs and cats this is a family project that will leave a legacy for my children, grandchildren and their children. How awesome is that? The cover artwork was lovingly created by my mother, Carol Allen Anfinsen.

Thanks, Momma!

And now for your Marvelous Middle Grade Monday review!

About the Book: Age, This is the story of Diana and Stephanie, new stepsisters on a vacation at a ranch with Diana's mom and Stephanie's dad, who are newlyweds. Diana has a 'mood disorder' for which she takes medication. In her estimation, Stephanie is just too perfect. But Stephanie has some secrets of her own. The girls band together to free two captive wolves, an action that has unexpected and unintended consequences. Told in the alternating voices of Diana and Stephanie, the book explores themes of family, friendship, mental health, and nature. -Goodreads

First Line: My pills always made me sleep in the car.

One Great Line: "Moonlight hit the roofs of the barn and cabins. It spilled like milk across the sloped grazing pastures, highlighting the white salt blocks the cows and horses licked." (92)


What Others Are Saying:  "Blended families that resist blending are a middle-grade–fiction staple, but this funny, gentle and compassionate story feels fresh, thanks to appealing, closely observed characters, both major and minor, and a compelling setting." -Kirkus Reviews

"Overall, I enjoyed the concept of the book. It wasn't fluffy and it wasn't over dramatic either. It was a really fast read as well, and I cannot wait to read the sequel "Wild Horse Spring". If you enjoy contemporary, or realistic fiction books, you should give this book a try. Even though it isn't fully young adult, it didn't seem childish to me at all." -Maji Bookshelf

What I Thought: The best thing about this book are the characters. I've read books before that have alternating POV between characters and often you would have to check back to see who was talking. You won't have this problem because Diane and Stephanie are well defined with unique voices. I also really liked the Native American culture slipped in throughout. The friendship that forms between the sisters is authentic and multifaceted just like the settings. This would be a great summer read.

About The Author: Lisa Williams Kline

Website

Publisher: Zondervan Publishers

Who: "I grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I spent my childhood hanging around the Wake Forest University campus where my father taught Physics. My mom was a social studies teacher and guidance counselor in the Forsyth County Schools. I have one younger brother who is now a lawyer.

     "In first grade, I wrote and illustrated my first story. It was called "Little Horse and Little Lamb." In fifth grade I tried writing a novel about a girl and a boy who go on a grueling barefoot quest across North Carolina to find penicillin for their younger brother who has tonsillitis. Both stories are still in a box in my bedroom closet at my parents' house. That's probably a very good place for them to stay!" See more of her bio here.

Things Are Heating Up With Project Madison

Things are getting just a bit crazy over here in Project Madison Land. So don't miss out on any of the action. Here are the latest highlights and dates to watch for.


What Is Project Madison? Head over to the Project Madison Page here to find out!


1. Cover Reveal On Monday: Yes, in conjunction with MMGM I will be revealing my cover for Madison Morgan: When Dogs Blog this Monday, June 25th.


2. Project Madison Website Launch: On  Sunday, July 1st the official Project Madison website will launch. This is so exciting you won't want to miss it. Here you will find out ways you can get involved, get to know characters in the book, enter contests, join the mailing list and all kinds of resources and information on animals and protecting them. Join the Project Madison Team and "Sniff Out Animal Cruelty".


3. Free Podcast Download: That's right, as part of the website launch you will have the opportunity to download an MP3 podcast of the first chapter of Madison Morgan: When Dogs Blog. How cool is that? 


4. Blog Tour: During the weeks prior to the release of the book, you will have the opportunity to see what others have to say about Madison Morgan: When Dogs Blog. If you're interested in participating please contact me so I can schedule you and link you to the tour. 
E-mail: torres dot pam3 at gmail dot com. We'd love to have you!


5. Official Release Date: July 24th, 2012


Madison's Tips began this week with posts on Facebook, Pinterest and
Twitter. These are Madison's tips on pet care, getting involved and saving animals.


If you missed the first one, here it is!

Exciting News You Don't Want To Miss! No April Fools Here

Thats right! This is the real thing.  
 Announcing:Project Madison

My granddaughter Kayla and her dog Belle!

Did you know...

• There are 78.2 million owned dogs in the U.S.
• 39% of U.S. households own at least one dog.                                              

but did you know this sad statistic?

• Ten million animals are euthanized in shelters each year. 

There are many no-kill shelters that are struggling to stay open. The costs to keep and care for unwanted animals is huge. Food, shelter, healthcare and training all put a substantial drain on rescue facilities that depend on donations. 
There are many things that people can do to help. Project Madison is an effort to make a difference.
How?
Meet Madison Morgan, a spunky eleven-year-old, who learns she has a special gift that leads her to make a daring animal rescue. 


This summer her adventures will be published in my MG novel which, in turn I hope will create awareness and financial support for participating shelters and rescue operations. 


Stay tuned for more details. Be sure to check the Project Madison tab for updates and important information about how you can get involved.