Title: Miss Priss: On and Off the CourtAuthor: Judy Phillips
Illustrator: Brenda Nichols
Publication Date: August 20, 2015
Publisher: Tadpole Press ...4 Kids (a division of Smooth Sailing Press)
Pages: 230
Recommended Ages: 8 to 12
Summary: Priscilla Penelope Paxton is a witty ten year old whose inter-ests and curiosity land her in, sometimes, sticky situations. Dance classes, Girl Scouts, school assignments, friends and hanging out at her family's drug store, and the local Piggly Wiggly would leave any other person with no time for any-thing else. Yet, the thrill of basketball and joining the Little Dribblers finds its way into Miss Priss' heart. Though this interest will prove to be a dream that requires overcoming the greatest of challenges; Mom’s opposition. A task that will require ingenuity, perseverance and a little help from some loved ones.
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MISS PRISS: ON AND OFF THE COURT is book one in the new tween chapter series by Mom’s Choice Award winning writer-illustrator Team, ‘Brenjudy’. On and Off the Court introduces Priscilla Penelope Paxton (Miss Priss), a ten year old whose interests and curiosity land her in, sometimes, sticky situations. A unique coming-of-age story bound to bring giggles and enjoyment to all its readers as Miss Priss encounters and overcomes a slew of challenges, even the one that will continue to grow—self-awareness. The book features full color illustrations.
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1. Where did you draw your inspiration from for your characters? Brenda (illustrator) grew up fighting for the chance to be on the basketball court. She is the primary model for Miss Priss. Many other characters have strong similarities to persons we know currently, or from past experiences we have refurbished traits to help make up the folks Miss Priss encounters in Kyleville.
2.
When did you first start writing your book and when did you
finish?
We
began in December 2011 drafting the book. SEVERAL drafts/revisions
and a change in ownership of Smooth Sailing Press occurred prior to
our final draft being accomplished in the summer of 2015. Whew!
Lots of blood, sweat and a few tears have been shed in the making of
this book.
3. What is the
main message you want to convey to your readers in your books?
Never
give up on dreams and aspirations even when others express
discouragement.
About
Being an Author:
1. What has been
the best compliment you received as an author?
During
the reading of an excerpt of Miss Priss, a 6th
grader shouted out, “Hey. Are they gonna make a movie of this
book?”
2. What has
been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
“Pretty
much, you need to start completely over.” Yep! That happened.
3. What is
the best advice you received as an author?
Write what you
know. It’s the only way to be truly authentic.
4. How did
you celebrate the sale of your first book?
When Beauregard
Le’Moose is Loose in New Orleans was released, we held a party for
family and friends.
5. If you were a superhero what would your name be, what would be your super-power, and what would be your kryptonite?
Judy: The Humanizer. My super-power is the art of persuasion to be more kind to others. My kryptonite would be Pine Tree Pollen.
Brenda: Captain Encourager: My super-power is energy to make others the best they can be. My kryptonite would be needles (I hate needles of any kind!).
More
About Reading and Writing:
1. Which
authors have influenced you the most and how?
Judy: I adore
Ken Follett, Fanny Flagg, Frank McCourt, John Steinbeck and Robert
Frost. I believe Follett and Frost have taught me to make sure to be
descriptive in creating realistic settings. They are so masterful
with that element. Flagg, and McCourt excel in developing characters
who are believable, making use of dialogue perfectly, while Steinbeck
is a hero in his boldness to write edgy themes which still are quite
shocking today.
2.
If you could invite any 5 authors to dinner who would you choose?
We
would invite Ken Follett, Ernest Hemingway, Fanny Flagg, John
Maxwell, and Frank McCourt.
3.
What is your favorite book of all-time (adult)?
Judy:
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett- It took me a solid year to
complete it, and I felt I had lost my best friend as I turned the
last page.
Brenda:
The Art of War by Sun Tzu- All coaches should read this book.
About the Author: Judy Phillips
Judy Phillips is an educator with over twenty years of experience and is currently a counselor at Samuel Houston Elemen-tary School in Huntsville, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and a Master of Education degree in Coun-seling from Sam Houston State University.
Phillips volunteers locally with university students through local ministries and mentor programs.
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About the Illustrator: Brenda Nichols
Brenda Nichols was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and is an educator at university level, with over twenty years of experience. She is currently the Head Women's Basketball Coach and Professor of Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Nichols holds an Associate of Arts degree from Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas, a Bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, and a Master's degree from The University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida.
Nichols volunteers locally by mentoring students and through motivational speaking engagements at schools and various civic organizations.
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Miss Priss Blog Tour Schedule (2015)
September 15September 16
September 17
September 18
September 19
September 20
September 21
* Blog Tour Giveaway *
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choiceGiveaway ends: September 28, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, SmoothSailing Press and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
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