Betsy J. Bennett

Childrens Books Author

 

Personal:

My passion is writing for children. I love the idea of having parents or children reading my books, and having my stories touch them in a way that helps them think and understand the world is full of endless possibilities. Books should entertain first, last and always, but if they also teach children to question the world as it is, so much the better.

I like silly books that make you laugh. I like serious books that make you think. I love getting lost in the children’s section of a library and reading both the newly published and the older books that I can read to and share with my grandchildren.

Although I am unpublished in children’s literature, I am a huge fan, both of published works, and those from my critique group. I write children’s fiction, picture books and middle grade.

I’m married, two adult children, 8 grandchildren. I live in Michigan where I love apple cider and fudge and the great lakes. I have an extremely stupid English bulldog. He is cute, loving and stupid. Bulldogs are considered stubborn, not intelligent.

Hobbies, most involve reading, and more reading. For years as a child, I considered the three-toed sloth a worthy goal to emulate, eat, sleep, move very slowly. As an adult I dedicated my life to discovering the perfect brownie recipe. I don’t think I’m there yet, but as the cliché goes, it’s the journey that matters. Chocolate cake is an acceptable substitute for brownies. As they say, if you love me, feed me.

Picture Books (a sample of the books I’ve written)

Dominic’s Alligator: Kindergartener Dominic is teased by his classmates when he brings a ratty stuffed toy to show and tell, until Dominic tells them the toy has diabetes, and he does as well.

Feeling Better? What happens when it’s the Mommy’s turn to be sick?

First Day: Joylynn is nervous her first day in a new school and tries to find comfort in the only things available: her winter coat.

Fridays at Miss Stephie’s Preschool:   Fridays are special days at Miss Stephie’s Preschool especially when a triceratops, a T. Rex and a diplodocus come to learn. Next week on Friday they’re expecting great explorers, Columbus, Magellan and Neil Armstrong.

Submarine: What if the only thing you want to be when you grow up is a submarine?

Head, Shoulders, Bees and Toads: Hilarity ensues in a gym class when the familiar rhyme Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes is changed to bees and toads.

I’m Going to Grandma’s House: A repetitive story built around the “I’m Going to Grandma’s House and I’m bringing…” game.

The Best Gift of All: When Dominique receives thank you notes she realizes that is the best gift of all.

The Giving Gardener:   In the theme of Shel Silverstein’s Giving Tree, a young boy finds a hidden apple orchard and does his best to bring it back to health.

The Missing Present: Santa’s chief elf is sad. He has four daughters and only three Christmas presents. There is no other present he can find. How can he tell one of them she will not get a present this year?

Little Red Hen (Revised Edition): In direct opposition to the familiar fable, a Little Red Hen goes looking for help to plant her seed and her neighbors gladly help.

Mom’s Birthday Present:   How can a young boy find a perfect birthday present for his mother when he has no money, and his sister won’t even let him use her crayons?

My Conestoga: A young space farer compares her spaceship to the Conestoga wagons pioneers used.

My Grandma Sits in a Rocking Chair: Grandmas sit in rocking chairs and knit. They can also be surgeons, scientists and teachers.

Neil and Buzz Walk on the Moon: A picture book highlighting the fact that while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did walk on the moon, the science building up to it was built on the shoulders of many brilliant people over centuries.

Once A Pond A Time: A science teachers’ assignment has students taking photos of their favorite pond objects.

One Good Dog: Rocky the dog helps Marshall crawl, walk, and throw balls. But one day Rocky gets sick, and Marshall realizes he has to do those things himself.

One Perfect Puppy: When a family adopts a puppy with a chewing problem from a shelter, they wonder if they’re going to have to return it, even though they love it very much.

One Ridiculous Butterfly: Two caterpillars meet an old butterfly who asks them if they ever considered a life beyond their milkweed leaves.

Robot Hokey-Pokey: When robots do the Hokey-Pokey they really put their right leg in, so it’s always good to play with a friend who can help put them together at the end.

Spring Sounds: From the drip, drip, drop of raindrops to the crack, crack, oops of a baseball sailing though a neighbor’s window, spring sounds are exciting…even the silent ones.

The Haunting of Sara Rae: Bracelets and pencils moving, a young girl with a new cat believes she must have a ghost.

The Worst Thing About Going to Mars: A young space pioneer loves everything about his trip to Mars… except he still has to clean his room.

You’re Out!: In this limited word picture book using only baseball terminology, two exhausted parents try to get their rambunctious child to bed, finally succeeding in getting their “out” at the bottom of the Ninth.

 

 Middle Grade Novels

Narknon’s Blog: Jamie Bemmel breaks his neck in a diving accident, catches an antibiotic-resistant virus in the hospital and prepares to die, until two brilliant scientists come to him with a life changing proposition.

Meet William Quarternote: Nine-year-old Philip loves practicing the piano until he starts making mistake after mistake. He soon realizes the music is alive, in the form of one quarter note who climbs up and down his measure, changing the music. They make a pledge that William will never change the notes when an adult is around, but he might be a bit too curious to stick to his pledge.

The Seventh Great Contest: After her father’s unexpected death, Gabriella LoMaren discovers she is heir to the throne in a magical kingdom. She has only to defeat two other contestants and win the seven contests to become empress.

Steed: In a fantasy world, Lucas has a ‘snake’ he uses as his amputated right leg. He finds a wizard mentor and realizes the snake was an immature dragon as it starts to grow legs and wings. The only problem, the dragon riders think he stole the dragon and consider him a traitor.