Book Tour

Review, Giveaway, and Author Interview

Book Description:

Larry the Lizard has always dreamed of snow. The only problem is, he lives in Australia. Find out what happens when a lizard gets a very silly idea… and it finally comes true. Join Larry and his friends as they skid, skate, slide and have an adventure in this wonderful ride.

Larry Lizard lives in Australia, a place where snow doesn’t happen during December. After all, Australia is experiencing summer weather during that time. But is that reason enough for a lizard to give up dreaming? Is it possible that being determined and wishing for something will cause it to happen? 

This story is told in rhyme as Larry’s friends let him know that wishing for snow might be a little over the top. But Larry insists that nothing is too big to dream for and expect.

The illustrations are bright and accent the story nicely.

My Concerns

I have a couple of concerns that may or may not be problems for you.

1. The rhyme didn’t work for me since it sounded forced and unnatural. At times it even seemed that the rhyme portion didn’t fit or promote the story. 
2. Though the story is no doubt meant to teach dreaming regarding unlikely things, since to my knowledge it has never snowed in December in Australia, it fell a little flat for me.

Final Thoughts

If my concerns aren’t things that are apt to bother you, then reach for the sky. Dream big. This story is sure to influence your little ones to dream and remain determined to experience large and unusual things.

My thanks to iRead Book Tours and the author for a copy to review. I appreciate the ability to freely post my thoughts.

Rating 3 Stars

For me these books just don’t have the wow factor I was looking for though many will enjoy them.

Meet the Author and Interview

Michael John Sullivan is the co-creator of The Lizard Who Loves a Blizzard, Nick Knitley and The SockKids. He is also co-developing three other animation series, including the Dr. Neverme and Dinomike projects. Sullivan has written several children’s books, including a Digimon series book with HarperCollins Publishing. In addition, Michael has written five novels, receiving awards and best-selling status. His first book, Necessary Heartbreak, was published by Simon & Schuster and was named by the prestigious Library Journal as one of the best books in 2010. Sullivan previously advocated for the homeless, drawing off of his own experience of riding the New York City trains at night for one winter. He has written articles about the plight for CNN.com, The
Washington Post website, The Huffington Post, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Patch.com. Before he took up living among his animated characters, Michael worked for ESPN, Rival.com, Scout.com, and the Sporting News, covering high school and college basketball. He is a former board member of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.

How long have you been writing?

Since I could hold a pen. It was an escape for me at an early age. I grew up in a home where there was no emotional support or positive reinforcement. So, I spent many years alone, in a third-floor attic bedroom, sweating during the summer, freezing during the winter, and always writing. Writing saved me.

Do you ever get writer’s block?

Sometimes. When this happens, I take a long walk. Go to the beach. Or see a movie or listen to live music.

Do you snack while writing?

It depends on whether I have any momentum. If I’m struggling, I’ll go for some chips, even indulge with some salsa.

Your Book is set in Australia, have you ever been there?

I have not but I would love to visit there and see the blue tongue lizard that was the inspiration for Larry.

There are many books out there about Australia and lizards, what makes yours different?

The story idea about a hopeful lizard wanting to sled and snowboard on Christmas Day in Australia. This story has never been written. The idea and inspiration behind The Lizard Who Loves A Blizzard happened when I always stepped out of the condo here in Florida, the little lizards would race in front of me. They made me smile and I then wondered what would a lizard do during a blizzard?

Enter the Giveaway:

 The Lizard Who Loves A Blizzard Book Tour Giveaway

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