Childress Ink & Ink-a-Dink – A leading children's publishing and product development agency specializing in editorial services, PR, and book consulting. We collaborate with authors, publishers, and brands to craft compelling children's books, YA novels, and educational content. Discover Ink-a-Dink Children's Bookstore, a carefully curated selection of books, stationery, and boutique gifts for young readers, educators, and families. Our Expertise: Children's book publishing & development Professional editorial services (manuscript critique, ghostwriting, editing, and coaching) PR & marketing for authors and publishers Bookstore curation & boutique retail Let’s bring your story to life. Contact us today! https://www.childressink.com/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:20:36 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/back-to-school-scholastic-spotlight-books https://www.childressink.com/blog/back-to-school-scholastic-spotlight-books <h3><p style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%;"><strong><b>📚✏️ BACK-TO-SCHOOL WITH SCHOLASTIC! ✏️📚</b></strong></p></h3><p style="font-size: 80%;">Even as a young child selecting books to read at my local library I knew that if I saw Scholastic on the spine, the book would be good. For over 100 years, Scholastic has created books of excellence for all ages, newborn through young adult, fiction and nonfiction, novelty, activities, puzzle books, and more.</p><p style="font-size: 80%;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%;"><strong><em>Continuing with the celebration, sharing here a roundup of noteworthy new and upcoming releases from Scholastic.</em></strong></p><h2 style="text-align: center; font-size: 130%;"><strong><b>PICTURE BOOKS & YOUNGER READERS</b></strong></h2><h3 style="font-size: 100%;"><em><strong><b>That Beautiful Mind</b></strong></em></h3><p style="font-size: 80%;"><strong><b>By Tami Charles and Chris Charles; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith</b></strong></p><p style="font-size: 80%;"><em>“Some days it feels like my mind doesn’t work right.”</em></p><p style="font-size: 80%;"><em>Mom says otherwise: that beautiful mind is what makes you unique.</em></p><p style="font-size: 80%;">This poetry-in-motion, sing-out-loud story follows one young boy through both the challenges and triumphs of his constantly running, brilliantly creative, ever-so-busy brain. Whether he’s playing basketball, baking with Grandpa, working through math class, or conquering a video game, readers see that the very mind that sometimes makes life harder is also one of his greatest gifts. I especially appreciate that the story doesn’t ask its young character to become less curious, less energetic, or less himself. Instead, the book celebrates what makes him unique while acknowledging that navigating the world with a neurodivergent mind isn’t always easy. This is a needed celebration of the power of every child’s beautiful mind, beautifully illustrated with Nikkolas...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/back-to-school-scholastic-spotlight-books>Read More</a> Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:13:43 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/spotlight-review-the-horse-dreamer https://www.childressink.com/blog/spotlight-review-the-horse-dreamer <h3><p><strong><em>The Horse Dreamer </em></strong></p><p style="font-size: 60%;">Written & Illustrated by Holly Surplice</p><p style="font-size: 60%;">Reviewed by Morgan Loren</p></h3><p style="font-size: 80%; text-align: center;">Releasing Nov. 3, 2026, preorder 40% off.</p><p>I collected all kinds of animal toys as a kid. I felt a strange sort of connection with them, more than human dolls. But I never was a “horse girl”. The 2000s seemed to have some weird connection with girlhood and horses. I remember the TV playing different cartoons about being an equestrian, or books in glittery pinks about unicorns and pegasi. I never got on that band wagon, and my chance to be a horse girl eventually passed me by.</p><p>Now as an elementary art teacher, I understand horses are a childhood staple. So when I saw <strong><em>The Horse Dreamer,</em></strong> by Holly Surplice, just looking at the cover took me back to my childhood musings, and I felt behooved to read it.</p><p><em><strong>The Horse Dreamer</strong></em> is a healing book, and author Holly Surplice amazes me with her charmingly sweet writing with the book's challenging but much-needed story for children. Surplice is intentional on the journey she takes us.</p><p style="font-size: 80%;">.</p><p>The story centers on Merryn, a young girl whose family is coping with the unexpected death of her father, all in different ways. Merryn’s mum spends long days sitting and staring, unable to care for her children. Her older sister assumes the parental role in their home, feeding and taking care of Merryn and her younger sister, Lowen. Merryn is lonely, worn-down, and emotional.</p><p>In this grief, she finds solitude in the coastal forest surrounding her home. She dreams of riding the back of a horse, feeling the crisp wind in her hair. <em>Escape</em>. Merryn retreats into the woods whenever there’s a bad flare-up with her home life.</p><p>One day, Sorrel arrives in a storm, smelling of “crisp air and the ocean,”...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/spotlight-review-the-horse-dreamer>Read More</a> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:08:29 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/ink-a-dink-give-like-dolly-day https://www.childressink.com/blog/ink-a-dink-give-like-dolly-day <h3><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Give Like Dolly Day | Childress Ink Gives Back Through Books</strong></p></h3><p style="text-align: center; font-size: 130%;"><em><b>Help Us Put More Books Into Little Hands</b></em></p><p>Sometimes the best partnerships begin unexpectedly.</p><p>I first learned of <strong>Early Bird Books</strong> <strong>and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library </strong>at Reading Rocks in Rockford, when our pop-up booths were next to each other, and the proprietor Kate Purvis and I bonded over our love of chilren's books (and selfies with the Dolly Parton photo prop).</p><p>I was immediately drawn to (and utterly impressed) by the work the Imagination Library was doing to get books directly into the hands of children, throughout the nation and with local branches nationwide, including West Michigan children.</p><p><strong>Early Bird Books, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of West Michigan</strong>, provides enrolled children from birth through age five with <strong>free</strong>, age-appropriate, quality books mailed directly to their homes every month (addressed to the child), helping families build home libraries and create a lifelong love of reading.</p><p>For those who may not know, one of the reasons I started Ink-a-Dink Bookstore, was to be able to provide free books to children and free resources to parents and educators.</p><p>Well, I donated books on that long ago Saturday in June--and I've been donating and supporting ever since.</p><p style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><strong>And now there's something new! </strong></p><p style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><strong>Give Like Dolly Day</strong></p><p>Now through midnight on <strong>Friday</strong>, <strong>September 25</strong>, Childress Ink and Ink-a-Dink Bookstore are joining businesses and community partners across West Michigan for <strong>Give Like Dolly Day</strong>, a special day of giving inspired by Dolly Parton’s extraordinary legacy of...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/ink-a-dink-give-like-dolly-day>Read More</a> Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:20:59 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/ink-a-dink-back-to-school-with-scholastic-giveaway https://www.childressink.com/blog/ink-a-dink-back-to-school-with-scholastic-giveaway <h3><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ink-a-Dink + Scholastic </strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Back-to-School Giveaway</strong></p></h3><p>When times are tough, books become a luxury item--one of many reasons to love and support libraries. In fact, one reason I started Ink-a-Dink Children's Bookstore is to provide free books and resources to parents and educators. Another reason is to be able to provide bulk, wholesale prices for schools, libraries, museums, and nonprofits which have received funding cuts.</p><p>And in turn, many thanks to our readers, who have helped grow mite site and bookstore, so publishers continue to sponsor even more giveaways. Partnering with publishers has been an honor and a blessing, that I may provide excellent books for free.</p><p>And this month's Scholastic giveaway is over-the-top exciting! I mean, THANK YOU to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scholastic.com">Scholastic</a>!</p><p>I have been a fan of Scholastic books since I was a young child searching the shelves of my library, and oh the book fairs! From a young age I recognized their logo on the book spines, and I knew any books by Scholastic were going to be good.</p><p>This month, please help share the book love and follow Scholastic on your favorite social media platform (along with sharing this roundup and event ;) Explore all Scholastic has to offer on their official website, including resources for parents and teachers and free digital downloads, like their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ink-a-dink.com/product/lunch-box-notes/HFP47Y6YY4DBWUJMJBQIPCNM">Lunch Box Notes</a>, 30 uplifting messages to tuck into a lunch box or backpack.</p><p style="text-align: center;">🎉📚 <strong>20 BOOKS. 10 WINNERS. ONE HUGE SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY!</strong> 📚🎉</p><p>Ink-a-Dink is celebrating <strong>Back-to-School September</strong> with our biggest book giveaway of the season!</p><p>Thanks to Scholastic, <strong>TEN lucky readers will win books</strong> from...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/ink-a-dink-back-to-school-with-scholastic-giveaway>Read More</a> Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:28:11 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/ya-romantasy-worlds-worth-falling-into https://www.childressink.com/blog/ya-romantasy-worlds-worth-falling-into <h1 style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><strong>5 New YA Fantasy & Romance Releases: Worlds Worth Falling Into</strong></h1><p style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center;"><em>Looking for a little more magic—and maybe a little romance—for your late-summer reading?</em></p><p style="font-size: 100%;">From rival gamers and midnight dreamers to dangerous kingdoms, secret magic, and battles that could change the fate of entire worlds, these new and recent YA releases have plenty to love. Here are 5 highlights from out <strong>Young Adult Fantasy & Romance: Worlds Worth Falling Into</strong> collection, featuring new releases that mix fantasy, romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're looking for a sweeping fantasy or something lighter with a touch of magic, here are five books to add to your TBR.</p><h2 style="font-size: 130%;">🎲 <strong><em>Rolls and Rivalry</em> by Kristy Boyce</strong></h2><p style="font-size: 80%;"><strong>Publisher:</strong> Delacorte Romance / Random House Children's Books | <strong>Paperback | $14</strong></p><p style="font-size: 80%;">Roll the dice for a summer romance that combines Dungeons & Dragons, marching band, friendship, and rivals-to-lovers sparks.</p><p style="font-size: 80%;">Hazel Buchanan has big plans for senior year: earn respect as color guard captain, launch her first D&D campaign as Dungeon Master, and avoid unnecessary distractions. Then her former best friend—and longtime crush—Max comes back to town. Their constant bickering gets even more complicated when Max joins Hazel's D&D game, where rolling the dice might just bring these two former friends closer together again. From the bestselling author of <em>Dating and Dragons</em>, this is a fun choice for readers who enjoy gaming, friendship, banter, and a swoony contemporary romance.</p><h2 style="font-size: 130%;">👑 <strong><em>To Steal a Throne</em> by Gabi Burton</strong></h2><p style="font-size: 80%;"><strong>Publisher:</strong>...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/ya-romantasy-worlds-worth-falling-into>Read More</a> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 09:03:09 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/immortal-rose-spotlight-review https://www.childressink.com/blog/immortal-rose-spotlight-review <h3><p><b>Love and Intrigue in a Bottle | <em>Immortal Rose</em> </b></p><p style="font-size: 80%;"><em><strong>Spotlight review by Childress Ink Intern Julie Potter</strong></em></p></h3><p>As an intern at Childress Ink for the summer, reading Immortal Rose represented a series of firsts for me. It was my first time reading a book by Alexandra Bracken, my first time reading an ARC, and my first time reading an adult fantasy romance novel. I had struggled with a reading slump last semester, but I finished this book in three days because I couldn’t put it down. As I read I fell in love with Viola, Hugh, and their intertwined story, thinking to myself several times: Wow! This is why I love reading.</p><p>Immortal Rose follows Viola Lockwood, who is a perfumist by trade in the kingdom of Albion. She is the last living heir of the Lockwoods, a family line with fairy blood that lets them infuse healing and emotion into their creations. Due to her status as an illegitimate child, she lives and works in the Brickbats, the underbelly of Albion. When Viola is arrested by spymaster Hugh Thornton, she discovers that he seeks her help to reverse the effects of murder on Albion’s king. She agrees to create the rare perfume Immortal Rose to save his life and gain her freedom—and unrestricted rights to her family legacy. Hugh and Viola search for the perfume’s ingredients, risking rumors and reputations to do so. The two of them are forced to work together, starting the beginning of a snarky, sweet enemies-to-lovers relationship.</p><p>The first thing I noticed about Immortal Rose is the particular detail given to crafting the the perfume industry of Albion and the Rosebourne legacy. The emphasis on perfumes and their magical properties illuminate the plot and meaning of the story, creating a world with unique challenges and shifting loyalties. The tarnished history of the Rosebourne family highlights both the injustice present in Albion’s monarchy and the best and worst of...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/immortal-rose-spotlight-review>Read More</a> Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:06:57 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/last-call https://www.childressink.com/blog/last-call <h3><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>World Cup Reading Celebration Continues!</strong></p></h3><h3><p style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%;"><strong><em>And Why Sports & Sports Books Benefit Kids</em></strong></p></h3><p>The final whistle may have sounded on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but our <strong>Soccer Reading Celebration</strong> is still going strong—and readers have just a few more days to enter our three featured book giveaways!</p><p>This year’s World Cup brought together teams, players, and fans from around the globe, concluding on July 19 with Spain defeating Argentina 1–0 in the championship match. Throughout the tournament, we celebrated the world’s game through books, sharing stories that introduce young readers to soccer history, international champions, teamwork, perseverance, character, and faith.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Three Books—Nine Chances to Win!</h2><p>Thanks to the generosity of our participating publishers, we are giving away <strong>three copies of each featured title</strong>. That means <strong>nine books and nine winners</strong>!</p><p>Readers may visit each giveaway page and enter for any—or all—of the three books. Be sure to complete the separate entry form for every title you would like a chance to win. And please support our featured authors and publishers by exploring and following on your preferred social media platforms.</p><h3><strong><em>Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triumph</em></strong></h3><p><strong>Written by Chris Barish and illustrated by Nate Sweitzer<br>Published by Abrams Fanfare</strong></p><p>Part of the new <em>History’s Greatest Games</em> series, this action-packed graphic nonfiction book takes readers back to the unforgettable 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France. Young soccer fans can relive the drama as Lionel Messi pursued the championship that had eluded him while Kylian Mbappé delivered a historic performance for France.</p><p><span class="#(className)"...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/last-call>Read More</a> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:18:22 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/welcome-to-stumble-glad-to-have-you https://www.childressink.com/blog/welcome-to-stumble-glad-to-have-you <h3><h1><strong>Childress Ink Client Joe Martin Launches Stumble</strong></h1><div style="font-size: 60%;"><em>Community-Centered App and Safe Space for Healing</em></div></h3><p>Childress Ink celebrates the launch of entrepreneur Joe Martin's new app, Stumble, an innovative platform designed to help people through community, to help with navigating, healing, rebuilding, and reconnecting after heartbreak and amidst life's difficult transitions.</p><p style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%;"><em>Find encouragement, belonging, and hope during seasons of grief, loss, and major life transitions.</em></p> <p>Grand Rapids, MI, July 17, 2026 --(<a href="https://www.pr.com/">PR.com</a>)-- Childress Ink is celebrating the launch of Stumble, an innovative new social wellness platform created to help people navigate one of life's most difficult transitions: heartbreak, loneliness, and the journey toward healing.</p> Created by entrepreneur Joe Martin, co-founder and CEO of Stumble, the platform was built to fill the space between traditional therapy and dating apps—offering a supportive environment where users can rebuild through community, accountability, shared experiences, and meaningful connection. The app combines guided resources, community features, optional anonymity, journaling tools, and opportunities for both online and real-world connection, all designed to help users move forward at their own pace.<p>Martin describes Stumble as "the space in between," a place where people can find encouragement, belonging, and hope during seasons of grief, loss, and major life transitions.</p><p style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%;"><em>The hardest moments don't happen on a schedule. Stumble is always there — free and anonymous.</em></p><p>"One of the things that immediately stood out to me about Stumble is that it isn't simply another app—it was intentionally designed around people," said Kim Childress, founder of Childress Ink. "Over the past several years, I've...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/welcome-to-stumble-glad-to-have-you>Read More</a> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:55:05 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/stories-remind-us-why-history-matter https://www.childressink.com/blog/stories-remind-us-why-history-matter <h3><p><strong>Stories Remind Us Why History Matters</strong></p><p style="font-size: 60%;"><strong>America 250 Reading Celebration | Win a Signed Copy of <em>To Outwit Them All</em>!</strong></p></h3><p style="font-size: 80%; text-align: center;"><em>Five-Star Review From Readers' Favorite</em></p><p>History isn't just something we read.</p><p>It's something we experience.</p><p>This July, we're celebrating America's 250th anniversary with a truly excellent historical fiction based on the woman known only as Agent 355, who served on General Washington's Culper Spy Ring—<strong>To Outwit Them All</strong> by Peggy Wirgau.</p><h2 style="font-size: 130%;">📖 A Story of Courage Behind the Revolution</h2><p style="font-size: 100%;">Before there were headlines, there were spies.</p><p style="font-size: 100%;">Before freedom was won, ordinary people risked everything.</p><p>Inspired by the true story of <strong>Agent 355</strong>, the only known female member of George Washington's legendary Culper Spy Ring, <em>To Outwit Them All</em> places readers in the middle of the American Revolution through unforgettable storytelling and meticulous historical research.</p><p>Peggy Wirgau seamlessly blends historical fact with gripping fiction, creating a novel that entertains, inspires and suspense worthy of the best spy thrillers. A story of real people making extraordinary choices. As someone who has spent decades reviewing and editing children's and adult books, I always appreciate novels that combine outstanding research with exceptional storytelling.</p><p><em>To Outwit Them All</em> accomplishes both beautifully.</p><p>Readers who enjoy historical fiction, espionage, courageous heroines, or Revolutionary War history will find themselves turning pages late into the night. It's also a wonderful reminder, during America's 250th celebration, of the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we enjoy today.</p><h2 style="font-size: 80%;">&nbsp;</h2><h2 style="font-size:...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/stories-remind-us-why-history-matter>Read More</a> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:31:44 -0700 https://www.childressink.com/blog/world-cup-devotional-for-kids https://www.childressink.com/blog/world-cup-devotional-for-kids <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Bee-Attitudes: A Devotional for Families with Young Children, written and illustrated by Becky Lane</strong></em></p><h3><h1><strong>World Cup Devotional for Kids</strong></h1><div style="font-size: 60%;">Written and illustrated by Becky Lane</div></h3><p style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%;">Illustration by Becky Lane</p><p style="font-size: 80%;">The stadium echoes with voices. Excitement fills spectators at the match and around the globe. The players are visualizing the perfect game, remembering their training, their team, their nation. Announcers are reminding the world of what they came to see. As I hear the bold voice explaining who the players are and what is at stake with the backdrop of thousands of voices in the stadium, I am reminded of Hebrews.</p><p style="font-size: 80%; text-align: center;">Illustration by Becky Lane</p><p style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Mexico City Stadium</strong></p><p style="font-size: 80%;">On Thursday, June 11^th, Mexican forward <strong>Julián Quiñones</strong> scored the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca) as Mexico played against South Africa. The stadium can hold 87,000 spectators officially.(c) This stadium previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and in 1986. Protests for various causes took place outside this June 11^th match as people knew the world was watching.(d)</p><p style="font-size: 80%;">As believers, do we realize the world is watching us? People see how we live and hear what we say. These are clues about our character, our heart, who we are. Who do people see when we are on or off the soccer field? This year there are 16 stadiums hosting matches for the World Cup as 48 teams compete in 104 matches. There are so many competitors fighting for the cup. There are so many more watching the games.</p><p style="font-size: 80%;">Athletes have devoted their lives to training for these competitions. It is...<a href=https://www.childressink.com/blog/world-cup-devotional-for-kids>Read More</a>