Driew’s Sing-Song

Posted on by Mark Wayne Adams

A certain sequence of events must happen in every person’s life to make the inevitable and avoidable impossible.

Driew sing-song, rubbing his hands across to the swaying tree’s bark. His pencil floated above. New leaves whispered along with his song.

The bark gently rolled open, revealing the living wood beneath. The words in his heart and song carved themselves into the tree. Cursive memories of his Outback experience.

This is your story. His sing-song had purpose.

OUTBACK: Bothers & Sinisters by M. W. Adams

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Who is Ida Mae?

Posted on by Mark Wayne Adams

Moment Five: Celebrate

“They be the heathens! Never had me no children, and they be the reason!” Ida Mae tossed a bottled water through a torn grocery sack, and it landed on her boot.

Driew twisted the glass doorknob, opening the back door carefully to avoid hitting Ida Mae. She glanced up at him, forcing a smile. “Ah, Driew, son! Wicked bags these days.”

“Your teapot was boiling, Miss Mae. Do you need my help?” asked Driew, returning her smile to disguise what he had seen.

“I must have turned the stove on in my rush for the store. Lucky you were here. I could have burned the house down!” Ida Mae tossed a water through the opened kitchen door. The bottle stopped against the pantry door. Her aim proved she had unloaded in this manner before. “I likes a sweet brew before leaving for the day.” Ida Mae continued into the kitchen past Driew, her smock filled with bottled waters.

OUTBACK: Bothers & Sinisters by M. W. Adams

Anna brings new meaning to the traditional phrase, “as a fly on the wall.”—Gracie Bradford, Readers’ Favorite

Posted on by Mark Wayne Adams

Mayflower-Fly on the Wall Series-3D-book
Reviewed by Gracie Bradford for Readers’ Favorite

Mayflower: Fly on the Wall Series is written by Linda Smigaj. This 50-page fiction book written for 7-10-year-olds by a retired elementary school teacher of 34 years conveys a powerful lesson. The main characters are Professor Beatrice Fuddy-Duddy and Anna, a cheese fly. The story dates back 400 years, starting in the year 1620 to chronicle the arrival of a ship called the Mayflower. Anna is a cute little character dressed in a stunning, colorful outfit; she wears a bow tie and displays colorful wings. The book contains journal entries about what transpires on the ship as seen through the eyes of a fly. Anna brings new meaning to the traditional phrase, “as a fly on the wall.” I think this book would be an excellent addition to classrooms of a younger age group, given the exceptional illustrations throughout the book and a well-developed story line.

Linda introduces a lesson on early American history with a twist to make learning fun. This book has pictures throughout, making it easy to comprehend concepts. Equally important are ten non-fictional facts elementary school kids probably did not know about the journey of the Mayflower. A glossary provides additional insight into the story. The highlight of the book is illustrations of six flies dressed in an array of colors with unique shapes and forms. Kids will love these characters, and the questions associated with the pictures are sure to generate interesting discussions. The illustrations are outstanding. The main character is well developed and lends itself to a book series.