I'm so excited to have a guest post from Paul Hewlett, author of Lionel's Christmas Adventure: Lionel learns the true meaning of Christmas!! WELCOME!
Lionel's Christmas Adventure is now available on Amazon in paperback or as an ebook. Have you ever wanted something you couldn’t have? Lionel desperately wants a new sled and will do almost anything to get it. This fun Christmas story follows Lionel from Larrystown to the North Pole. Filled with Christmas imagery, this book is perfect for young readers alone, in school, or at family story time. This holiday season, be careful what you wish for; you never know what might happen!
Check out this interview with the main character, Lionel Snodgrass!
Tell us a little about yourself. Are you really only 12 years old?
My name is Lionel Snodgrass and yes I'm really only 12 years old (Lionel smiles and blushes a bit after answering). Why do you think I look older, he, he? I live in Larrystown and like it a whole lot. My family moved here a couple of years ago and it's great. It's not too big so I know everyone and get to play in all the sports I want. (Sorry, but I'm going to butt in for a second since Lionel probably won't mention it, but Lionel lives in Larrystown in the late 1960's so he had travel pretty far for the interview. Okay, now back to Lionel's answer) I like it even more now though. My best buddy Skip and his family moved here this past year. I've never had a best friend. It's great! We do everything together. We ice skate, we sled, we play baseball, you name it. Oh, and Carrie lives here too. (blushes some more). I like her a lot, but promise you won't say anything, okay?
My name is Lionel Snodgrass and yes I'm really only 12 years old (Lionel smiles and blushes a bit after answering). Why do you think I look older, he, he? I live in Larrystown and like it a whole lot. My family moved here a couple of years ago and it's great. It's not too big so I know everyone and get to play in all the sports I want. (Sorry, but I'm going to butt in for a second since Lionel probably won't mention it, but Lionel lives in Larrystown in the late 1960's so he had travel pretty far for the interview. Okay, now back to Lionel's answer) I like it even more now though. My best buddy Skip and his family moved here this past year. I've never had a best friend. It's great! We do everything together. We ice skate, we sled, we play baseball, you name it. Oh, and Carrie lives here too. (blushes some more). I like her a lot, but promise you won't say anything, okay?
What exactly is a three-toed-potbellied walbaum and where can we get one?
Ha, that's a good question. It's a trouble maker that's for sure. I'm just kidding, it means well, it's just... well, let me start at the beginning. Mr. Jardean from Jardean's Mercantile & Confectionery told me the whole story one day (Lionel leans in a little closer and whispers so he can't be heard). Mr. Jardean doesn't know I have one though, no sir, I keep that a secret. It seems like the safe thing to do. The Three-Toed-Potbellied Walbauns were magical creatures that lived a long time ago. They were pretty lazy and didn't work real hard at things, that's why my Walbaun foot messes things up. They were picked on and treated real bad and just kind of vanished. No one really remembers them at all 'cept people like Mr. Jardean. He knows everything. The only thing left of the Walbaun is their feet. They look kinda look like a lucky rabbit's foot, you know the kind used as good luck charms. Well they're real magical and are invisible to everyone except it's owner. They kind of show themselves to people that are mistreated and need their help. That's one bit of magic they got right. I found mine in my room the day I moved to Larrystown. I guess it figured I needed it because my mom and big brother Feeney, and lots of other kids too, now that I think about it, mistreat me and pick on me. My Walbaun foot's a hoot! If you wish for something it'll make it happen, but you better be careful what you wish for, 'cause you never know what might happen. Oh, and I don't think you can get one. If you're supposed to have one, it'll find you.
Ha, that's a good question. It's a trouble maker that's for sure. I'm just kidding, it means well, it's just... well, let me start at the beginning. Mr. Jardean from Jardean's Mercantile & Confectionery told me the whole story one day (Lionel leans in a little closer and whispers so he can't be heard). Mr. Jardean doesn't know I have one though, no sir, I keep that a secret. It seems like the safe thing to do. The Three-Toed-Potbellied Walbauns were magical creatures that lived a long time ago. They were pretty lazy and didn't work real hard at things, that's why my Walbaun foot messes things up. They were picked on and treated real bad and just kind of vanished. No one really remembers them at all 'cept people like Mr. Jardean. He knows everything. The only thing left of the Walbaun is their feet. They look kinda look like a lucky rabbit's foot, you know the kind used as good luck charms. Well they're real magical and are invisible to everyone except it's owner. They kind of show themselves to people that are mistreated and need their help. That's one bit of magic they got right. I found mine in my room the day I moved to Larrystown. I guess it figured I needed it because my mom and big brother Feeney, and lots of other kids too, now that I think about it, mistreat me and pick on me. My Walbaun foot's a hoot! If you wish for something it'll make it happen, but you better be careful what you wish for, 'cause you never know what might happen. Oh, and I don't think you can get one. If you're supposed to have one, it'll find you.
In
your latest adventure, you discovered some magical things about the
holiday season. What advice do you have for those still searching for
the true meaning of Christmas?
I say before you get too worked up about things (like I did) take a look around. Chances are that things are pretty good. We just don't stop and notice it. We get all worried about what we don't have and forget to be thankful for what we do have. That's what happened to me. Oh, and don't forget to share what you do have with folks that aren't as lucky. That's what I'd tell people. (Lionel looks at the clock). Oops, looks like I better get going. I'm supposed to go over to Skip's for dinner. Thanks for talking to me. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
For more information about author Paul R. Hewlett click here. He co-authors a children's/YA blog at SherAHart:Writing As Art. You can also keep up with what's new on Lionel's Grand Adventure FB page.
I'd like to give a great big Thank You to Allison for having me on her blog! Now on to the giveaway...
I say before you get too worked up about things (like I did) take a look around. Chances are that things are pretty good. We just don't stop and notice it. We get all worried about what we don't have and forget to be thankful for what we do have. That's what happened to me. Oh, and don't forget to share what you do have with folks that aren't as lucky. That's what I'd tell people. (Lionel looks at the clock). Oops, looks like I better get going. I'm supposed to go over to Skip's for dinner. Thanks for talking to me. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
For more information about author Paul R. Hewlett click here. He co-authors a children's/YA blog at SherAHart:Writing As Art. You can also keep up with what's new on Lionel's Grand Adventure FB page.
I'd like to give a great big Thank You to Allison for having me on her blog! Now on to the giveaway...
As a
thank you to the readers, I'm giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and
3-pack of my ebooks.
Make sure you enter the Rafflecopter giveaway right here! The giveaway ends on December 9th, so hurry!
Thanks to Paul Hewlett and Lionel for joining us here today! Get into the holiday spirit with Lionel and his search for the true meaning of Christmas! Sometimes the best things in life are right under our noses! WE BELIEVE!!!!
Disclaimer: I received an e-book copy of this book. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thanks so much for having me Allison! I am so happy to be on Better With Books, it is such a wonderful blog for parents and children. Keep up the good work and may you and your family have a very happy holiday season.
ReplyDeletePaul R. Hewlett
Thank YOU! This was fun! We loved the book. Much luck to you!! Have a wonderful holiday yourself!
DeleteWhat an enjoyable book for this time of year. This is the first Christmas my son hasn't wanted everything he sees on TV! There is so much more to Christmas than toys and presents. Thanks for sharing a book that shows the true meaning to Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! I remember looking through the big Christmas catalogs wanting everything in it too. Sometimes it's nice to get away from that and just enjoy family & friends and to help those less fortunate :) I hope you and your family have a happy holiday season.
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite gift was a Woodsy Owl stuffed animal that talked. I was 6 and I just was thrilled!
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift! Do you still have it? Sometimes favorite gifts have a way of surviving. A lot of my favorite toys are still in my Mom's basement. Thanks so much for stopping by & sharing. Have a happy holiday season.
Paul R. Hewlett
This sounds like a very good book that my daughter would really enjoy reading. Thanks for the entertaining post!
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
Thanks for stopping by!:)
DeleteHi Ann,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and reading the post. I appreciate your kind words. Have a great holiday season.
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite Christmas gift is books!!! I wish I could make a living just reading all day long!!!
ReplyDeletesherri419 at gmail dot com
Me too! My favorite tradition in our house is the Christmas Eve Book presents!
DeleteWe are all in agreement. Book gifts are the best. Thanks for stopping by & sharing. Have a great holiday!
DeletePaul R. Hewlett
I got a cool pinball table once.
ReplyDeleteHi Tamar,
DeleteWow! I always wanted an air hockey table, but was never so lucky. A pinball table would have been really fun. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
I thought it was great and my kid's smiles are my favorite Christmas gifts! Thanks for the great giveaway and happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteHi Renee,
DeleteKids smiles might just be the best part of Christmas! Thanks for stopping by & sharing and happy holidays to you and your family as well!
Paul R. Hewlett
This sounds like a great book for my niece - she's the newest reader in the family. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeletethebutterbeaneryatyahoodotcom
Hi Tracey,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and for the comment. That is wonderful that your niece is the newest reader in the family and that you are looking for books for her. Reading is so wonderful, I'm happy that reading is being encouraged. Thanks again & have a great holiday season.
Paul R. Hewlett
My greatest Christmas gift was my daughter being born on Christmas day.
ReplyDeletefreebiegoddess03@aol.com
Hi Miranda!
DeleteThere isn't a better gift than a child being born, that's for sure. Thanks so much for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
This looks like a adorable book that my daughter would love.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
DeleteThanks for stopping by. I appreciate the kind words. Have a happy holiday season!
Paul R. Hewlett
Fantastic post -- I love the choice to feature the "interview" with Lionel, and the message about taking time to stop and look around to appreciate the good things in your life is a great one, especially around the holidays and the year's end. Happy Holidays to you!
ReplyDeleteGeoff K
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
Hi Geoff,
DeleteThanks for the kind words and for stopping by. Isn't Allison's blog wonderful?! I hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
Paul R. Hewlett
My dad made me a baby bed for my dolls
ReplyDeletevmkids3 at msn dot com
Hi Valerie,
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful gift. It doesn't get much better than something made by dad for your dolls! Thanks for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
I think it's great! The books sound perfect for my oldest daughter. Thank you!
ReplyDeletecrystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com
Hi Crystal,
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by & the kind words! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
Paul R. Hewlett
I enjoyed reading your post. I have to boys about the same age and it seems like something that would interest them.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela,
DeleteI'm so glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for stopping by & sharing. Isn't Allison's blog great!?
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite gift was my first dog!
ReplyDeleteericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Erica,
DeleteI never got a dog for Christmas (isn't that a Charlie Brown Christmas movie?), but I do love dogs and am so happy that you (and the dog) were brought together on Christmas! Thanks for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
my favorite christmas gift was a weeble wobble tree house
ReplyDeleteshawnnclymer@hotmail.com
I loved weebles. I forgot about those. Thanks so much for stopping and sharing and reminding me of those fun toys.
DeletePaul R. Hewlett
my favorite gift was the turquoise easy bake oven
ReplyDeleteHi Robin,
DeleteThe easy bake oven is a favorite! Thanks for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
My fave were barbie dolls
ReplyDeleteDiane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com
Hi Diane,
DeleteIt doesn't get much better than Barbie. Thanks for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite Christmas gift was my daughter - she was born right before Christmas
ReplyDeleteannabella @ centurytel dot net
Hi Anabella,
DeleteThere is no better gift than a child, that is for sure. What a blessing! I hope that your Christmas is wonderful for you and your family. Thanks for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
This looks really cute & from your post I think kids would love it!
ReplyDeleteMiz Vickik
Hi Miz Vickik,
DeleteThanks for stopping by & for the kind words. I really appreciate it. I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas!
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite gift is my dog I got him six years ago from my husband as a Christmas gift
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
DeleteThat is a wonderful gift! I am a huge dog lover. What kind of dog and what did you name him? Thanks so much for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite Christmas gift was a horse.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
DeleteA horse! Really? What a great gift. What did you name it? I worked on a horse farm one summer when I was in high school and must admit that I was not very good at it. No matter how much the owner tried to convince me I was scared to get too close to the horses, so I spent a lot of time bailing hay and painting fences. Thanks for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
the kids will love it
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! I hope that they do and that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
DeletePaul R. Hewlett
this sounds like a fun book to read
ReplyDeletealterna7 at hotmail dot com
Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeletePaul R. Hewlett
This looks like a great book for my son or daughter. I love reading reviews for books in this age group since I am constantly looking for new books for them. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
DeleteThanks for stopping by & for the comments. I am very happy to hear that you look for book for your children. Reading is wonderful and can be such a great family experience.
Paul R. Hewlett
Great interview, I think my grandson would enjoy reading about Lionel's adventures.
ReplyDeleteI Sherry,
DeleteThank your stopping by & reading the interview. I appreciate the kind words. I hope that your grandson does indeed enjoy reading about Lionel's adventure. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Paul R. Hewlett
my favorite gift was a quilt that my daughter made herself it is just beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy,
DeleteI was out of town this weekend and saw many, many beautiful quilts. I imagine the time and care that was given to that gift touched your heart. Thanks so much for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite Christmas gift was a necklace I got from my kids
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteThanks for stopping by & sharing. Jewelry is always a wonderful gift. I bet your kids were very proud to have gotten Mom such a wonderful gift.
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite gifts are books because that's what I love to read or amazon to buy books! Thank you for the great post and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteI love books as well. I always have a long list of books I want and I also love gifts that are books that others pick out. I love all genres and enjoy reading a book someone else thought I might like. Thanks for stopping & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
I love receiving gift cards. I CAN BUY BOOKS AND MOVIES WITH IT.
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie,
DeleteCan't go wrong with gift cards! Books, movies, these are 2 of my favorite things. Happy holiday and thanks for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite gift was a boom box when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
DeleteI loved my boom box, and then it turned into a component stereo and now an ipod. I miss that boom box. It had detachable speakers. I thought it was so cool. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
My favorite Christmas gift ever was a Cabbage Patch doll that "Santa" brought me. I was well over the age that I believed in Santa, but on that special morning, he was real.
ReplyDeleteThe Cabbage Patch kids were hugely popular. Do you remember its name? Thanks so much for stopping by & sharing. Have a great Christmas!
DeletePaul R. Hewlett
My favorite gift is having my children home with me every Christmas.
ReplyDeletetridingermckee at gmail dot com
Hi Trisha,
DeleteThere is nothing better than having the family together for Christmas. I, for one, know how hard that can be as they get older so whether they are young or old it is something to treasure. Thanks for stopping by & sharing.
Paul R. Hewlett
my fav gift was a lhasa apso puppy
ReplyDeleteYou've got to love puppies! Thanks for stopping by & sharing.
DeletePaul R. Hewlett