As a result of my terrible sight, I was a late reader, so I’m always keen on Linda’s Book Bag to feature authors who write for children because I don’t want children to miss out on the joy of reading and come to it late like I did! Consequently, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Janice Milusich to the blog today to tell me about one of her children’s books.

Staying in with Janice Milusich

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag, Janice. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me. Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it? 

This evening I’ve brought along Cleo’s Big Ideas: One Thing Leads to Another to share with your readers. Cleo’s Big Ideas, is an early chapter book that encourages creative thinking, has quirky characters you’ll want to root for and incorporates amazing activities after a number of the chapters. I’ve chosen to share it because I’ve just finished writing a sequel to Cleo and I want to get the word out on what I hope will become a fun “green themed” series for kids.

(What a brilliant idea Janice.)

What can we expect from an evening in with Cleo’s Big Ideas?

An evening with Cleo wouldn’t be complete without her SETI enthusiast and deely-bopper loving friend Albert coming along too.  When Cleo moved into her new old house on Limbo Lane in the quiet town of Humble Albert was the only one who appreciated her big ideas. Even after her Turbo-twisting boomerang and kite launcher conked him in the head.

(Albert must be a very good friend after forgiving that encounter!)

Cleo’ s knack for inventions made from recycled whoosey-whatsis-doodads, and thing-a-ma-jigs, and Albert’s love of space and all its frontiers help to keep the two a good balance, as true friends are.

What else have you brought along and why?

I’ve brought along one of Cleo’s and Albert’s favorite recipes, Solar S’mores to share. I hope you’ll try it, and I know if you do, you’ll like it!

(Looks like my kind of treat actually Janice!)

And afterward if your readers want to learn something new Cleo can show them the steps it takes to chuck a boomerang.  Just remind them to duck!

(Er… Maybe we’ll try that later!) 

Thanks so much for staying in with me and telling me all about Cleo’s Big Ideas Janice. Cleo sounds like my kind of girl!

Cleo’s Big Ideas: One Thing Leads to Another

Look out Humble, here comes Cleo. Cleopatra W. Darby’s ideas are big, and her inventions are out of this world. So when Cleo moves into her new old house in the country, the small town of Humble isn’t quite ready for her, especially Ms. Mason and her daughter Emmie. Cleo is worried that Humble just isn’t the place for her. All of her inventions have flopped since she’s arrived. But Mom, Dad, Albert, and Mrs. Swell believe in her, and Cleo is not one to give up. If she can’t find a friend, she’ll invent one. And after her invented friend, Hope, falls apart, Cleo is still able to save the day. After all, one good idea always leads to another.

Every chapter includes one of Cleo’s Do-it-yourself activities that you can try out, too!

Cleo’s Big Ideas: One Thing Leads to Another is available for purchase here.

About Janice Milusich

Janice Milusich is a published children’s book author. Her picture book Off Go Their Engines, Off Go Their Lights was published by Dutton. Her early chapter book, Cleo’s Big Ideas: One Thing Leads to Another, was published by Eifrig Publishing. She is a graduate of Stony Brook University’s Children’s Literature Fellowship. She is also a teacher for the blind and visually impaired presently working with visually impaired/blind students.

You can find out more by visiting Janice’s website.