Richard Due's Blog: Delusions of Grandeur? - Posts Tagged "steampunk"
Bringing Willa Snap’s Clockwerk Dress to Life
But how?*
Click HERE to read the full article.
Willa Snap Just Won an IPPY!!!
"With its strong female protagonist, steampunk influence, myriad gadgets, descriptions of real life inventors and inventions, and quality writing, I can't recommend this book enough. Did I mention clockpunk cats?" ~B. Evans
Here's Willa (she's eleven):
Ever wonder why some crazy scientist hasn't blown up the world? I used to wonder about it all the time. Actually, I was pretty sure my mom would be the one to do it.
But now I know better. It turns out there's a force working hard to keep the world from going KABLOOEY.
Who are these people? Wait for it:
Idiots. Yep, you heard me right.
How do I know? Well, apparently, I'm an Idiot. At least, according to the Geniuses I am. Confused? I'm not surprised. You're probably an Idiot too.
It all began on a Thursday at precisely 8 a.m. I was standing in the family room of our lovely two-story house, directly across the street from Squirrel Brand Park in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The same family room that, in a few minutes, I would never ever, ever see again--ever.
Willa Snap's Clockwerk Dress
Jessi won Best in Class for Presentation, and Dith took a ribbon for Workmanship!
WillaSnap.com
Oh, Snap! Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy was just shortlisted for the International Rubery Book Award.
Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy was just shortlisted for the International Rubery Book Award for Young Adult!!!!!
"There is plenty to like about this novel. It is full of fun, and clearly the product of a quirky, inventive mind, ideal for children's writing. Willa is a smart, likeable child with no prejudices. She, her genius mother and practical father (no problem with gender stereotypes here) are kidnapped and taken to a world where they experience bizarre encounters with a variety of unlikely entities. The narrative is often very witty and the absurdity of the story is what carries it along. The pace is fast and the plot farcical in places which is what children will like about it. This would appeal to the 10-12 age range, although a certain amount of intelligence is assumed, otherwise too many of the jokes would be missed."
-International Rubery Book Award
Idiot Genius: Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy
WillaSnap.com
18th consecutive 5-star review!
"Thoroughly engrossing story recommended for young sci-fi and fantasy fans who hold a prior attraction to books such as John Bellairs' House with a Clock in its Walls." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Willa always knew one of her mother's crazy inventions would cause trouble. She just didn't think it would get the whole family banished to Grandeur, a hidden city of Geniuses deemed too dangerous to remain Outside.
Now, with the help of her cat, the Magnificent Lady Grayson of the Silky White Underbelly, or Just Grayson for Short, Willa and her new friends must scour Grandeur's strange avenues in search of the Clockwerk Boy. Among her encounters: a curiosity shop run by curiously intelligent cats. Gear Hall, where Clockwerks outnumber humans. And the Jolly Rajah, a man-o'-war o' pancakes, where your meal of flapjacks and hot chocolate is served with a brace of pistols and side of grappling hooks. Prepare to be boarded!
International Rubery Book Award Shortlist ~ Young Adult
Independent Publisher Book Award Medalist ~ Juvenile Fiction
National Indie Excellence Award ~ Juvenile Fiction
Eric Hoffer Award Category Finalist ~ Young Adult
"It's unusual to see such sci-fi depth and detail in a title directed to young adults, but this is precisely what makes Idiot Genius: Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy such an appealing production: the characterization is solid while its fantastic setting will intrigue ages well beyond its intended 9-12-year-old audience. Highly recommended for young adults seeking something compellingly different." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
WillaSnap.com
Um, another day . . . another 5-star review for Willa Snap?! (4.9-star avg) Really? Totally bean!
WillaSnap.com
Click on review to read on Amazon.
