Hi there, readers!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today, we're bringing you a stop along the latest AWARENESS TOUR for a title currently making its way through the blogosphere with The Children's Book Review. It stars a work of Children's Fantasy and sounds quite fantastical, but with lessons that kiddos can use in their day to day lives. So, take a peek at the title below, and then KEEP READING because we've got a special GUEST POST from the author sharing "the heart behind" the work!
by
T.J. Scripps
Illustrated by
Dane Doubel
9798991217477
Skybok Press
About the book...
Ruby, a regular 10-year-old girl with fiery red hair and wild green eyes, has her life turned upside down when her grandmother gives her a magical dreamcatcher. One night, it transports her to the dazzling planet of Starland, where she discovers The Aura Embassy, a magnificent glass castle floating in space. There, she meets alien kids and Royal Light Beings, who welcome her as one of their own. Excited to unravel Starland’s mysteries and connect them to her own world, Ruby faces danger as sinister Dark Beings threaten to extinguish all light, both on Starland and Earth. With thrilling challenges ahead, Ruby must maintain her disguise, uncover secrets, and stop the dark forces before it’s lights out forever. Join Ruby on her daring quest to save the world’s light!
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~~~ GUEST POST ~~~
Finding Light in a Fast-Paced World: The Heart Behind "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light" with Author T.J. Scripps
Isn't it scary that one in five children experience a mental health disorder each year? At a time when their worlds should be carefree and exciting, many children are living with anxiety and a fear that they aren't good enough. This alarming reality is what drove me to create "Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light."
More than just a story of magic and adventure, this book was born out of a desire to give children a way to try and cope with some of life's challenges—a positive and hopeful approach that would help them to navigate the difficult moments in life and avoid turning to darker coping mechanisms, like addiction, as they grow older. It is my wish that all children feel uplifted after reading the book.
In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, children need encouragement and positivity more than ever. They need the help of stories that can light up their life and enable them to see the magic around and within them.
The story introduces children to the empowering concept that the universe is always working in their favor, sending them signs to help them grow, heal, and find joy. Through the experiences of Ruby Diamond, the young heroine of the story, I aimed to show that even in dark times, there is light to guide us.
One of the most exciting aspects of "Glow in the Dark" is the novel way it merges adventure with a new awareness of the world around us. Natural themes are woven throughout Ruby's journey as she acknowledges the beauty of the bejeweled Aura Embassy and the incredible beauty of natural phenomena. The notion of glowing auras as a sign of well-being encourages young readers to realise that they have the power to strengthen themselves through their own attitude to life.
Ruby’s journey introduces a magical way to explore these ideas. She uses her prism to connect with the Light Beings of Starland and discover hidden clues which are, in actual fact, all around us.
The character Leak, who has a condition where rainbow light leaks from his boots, was one of my favorite characters to write. Leak represents the beauty within us. Although Leak has issues, he is a valuable member of Starland and has so much to offer. I hope that by seeing this, children are encouraged to embrace their own flaws and understand that these unique parts of themselves are what make them truly special.
By incorporating this perspective into a relatable narrative, I wanted to give young readers the tools to understand and navigate their emotions—using light, refraction, and the excitement of discovering signs from the universe as a way to cope and deal with their own personal challenges (no matter how small). This will enable them to find their own strength.
Issues such as bullying and feelings of inadequacy will be dealt with in further books. I hope to offer tools which will strengthen positive character attributes of compassion for friends. Signs are also around us to promote a healthy competitive spirit and to celebrate the joys that life brings as well as dealing with obstacles that come along.
My hope is that "Glow in the Dark" not only provides an exciting adventure but also becomes a powerful resource for nurturing resilience, encouraging a love for nature, and helping children connect to the magic within them. It’s about showing them that there is always a way forward and that they are never truly alone. The universe is on their side—ready to light their path, one glowing sign at a time.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T.J. Scripps is an author and storyteller passionate about inspiring the next generation through magic, adventure, and meaningful life lessons. With a background in Journalism and Film Production from the University of Cape Town and further training at the New York Film Academy, T.J. has spent the past decade developing content through her production company, Skybok, bringing stories of people, events, and businesses to life.
Her life experience has seen her working with children worldwide, first through Rotary International and later through her own non-profit, “Imbeko” (meaning “Respect”), based in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. She is committed to making a difference for children in need throughout the world. This hands-on work with children has given her an understanding of how they think, process emotions, and cope with trauma, which she channels into her writing to create stories that resonate deeply with young readers. She strives to create hope in the lives of young readers - many of whom are living with real challenges.
Her first book, Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light, blends fantasy with inspiration, introducing young readers to the idea that the universe sends uplifting signs to guide and encourage. These signs are all found in nature and can be spotted on a daily basis. T.J. aims to encourage children to embrace their uniqueness, nurture their inner glow, and find strength by identifying these positive clues in their everyday lives.
As a proud UCT graduate and South African at heart, T.J. promotes the spirit of promise and strength to those younger people who are facing worry and struggles. She undertakes to give light so they can believe in their own ability. Every young reader will enjoy interpreting natural symbols as they go about their life. The overall message of this book is to be excited about life and its beauty.
For more information, visit https://glow-in-the-dark.com
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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Dane Doubell was born in the 1980s—back when computers were the size of microwaves and dial-up was the soundtrack of the future. As a child, he dreamed of drawing robots and building them to take over the world—so far, he’s nailed the drawing part.
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~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed paperback of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light! Imagine the thrill of being the one lucky winner who will receive a signed hard copy, a Montessori Toy Interactive Constellation card pack, a Scratch & Play Scripps National Spelling Bee activity book, and the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2025 “Words of the Champions”!
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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for sharing a bit of themselves with the guest post. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by T.J. Scripps. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!
TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, October 7, 2024
Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light Tour Kick-Off
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Author Interview with T.J. Scripps
Friday, October 11, 2024
Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Monday, October 14, 2024
Author Interview with T.J. Scripps
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Friday, October 18, 2024
Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Monday, October 21, 2024
Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Instagram and TikTok Post about Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Friday, October 25, 2024
Book Spotlight on Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Monday, October 28, 2024
Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Author Interview with T.J. Scripps
Friday, November 1, 2024
Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Monday, November 4, 2024
Book Review of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Guest Post about Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light
Until next time, remember..if it looks good, READ IT!
