One of the ways I got in to blogging was by reading and reviewing middle grade books for one of the big publishing houses with a view to see whether they might be good as classroom readers, so when a new middle grade book comes along I’m always interested, especially if it takes me off on some travels too. Today I’m delighted to be featuring an author of middle grade books, Sherry Ellis, as she stays in with me to chat about one of her books.

Staying in with Sherry Ellis

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag, Sherry. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thanks for having me as a guest. I’m so excited to be here!

Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I brought Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China because I’m in the mood for an exotic ghost story.

(I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to ghost stories Sherry, but I think I can manage a middle grade book!)

What can we expect from an evening in with Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China? 

This is a book for young middle grade readers. It’s about two kids having the adventure of their lives: traveling through the Earth to China, encountering a ghost, and embarking on a treasure hunt.   And if that isn’t enough, they’re going to learn something about the language, history, and culture of China. Did I say, “learn?” Oh my!

(This sounds brilliant. I haven’t been to China on my travels yet so I could go vicariously with the children!)

What else have you brought along and why?

I have a whole bag of goodies which will enhance the reading experience. We’ll need to string up these red Chinese lanterns and hang them around the room. Then we’ll dim the lights. Adding to the ambience will be this music of the mournful erhu. (You’ll find out what that is when you read the book.) Once the stage is set, it’s time to read.

Afterward, we can have a snack of Jiaozi–Chinese dumplings. I brought all the ingredients. We can follow the recipe that’s in the book. Then we’ll wash it down with some yummy boba tea.

(Oh, you’re definitely my kind of guest Sherry. Reading, food and tea. What could be better?)

Thanks so much for staying in with me to tell me all about Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China. I’ve really enjoyed our evening.

Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China

You can’t dig a hole to China!

Squirt doesn’t believe Bubba can dig a hole to China. But when the hole swallows them, the kids find themselves in Xi’an, China, surrounded by Terracotta Warriors.

It gets worse when the ghost of the first emperor of China appears. He tells them they can’t go home until they find his missing pi. The kids don’t know where to begin until they meet a girl and her grandmother who promise to help find the pendant.

Soon they realize they are being followed. And they are no closer to finding the missing pi. Will Bubba and Squirt ever make it back home?

Published by Dancing Lemur Press on 4th September 2018 Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China is available for purchase on ITunes, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and BAM.

About Sherry Ellis

Sherry Ellis is an award-winner author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis, her husband, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia.

You can find out more about Sherry on her blog and website, by following her on Twitter @513sherrye and by finding her on Facebook.