Something new (and slightly crazy) happened this past week … in the safety of CJ’s closet.

Something new (and slightly crazy) happened this past week … in the safety of CJ’s closet.

Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. Guess what came in the mail last week! I couldn’t make it to the awards ceremony in Traverse City, Michigan, so the Jenkins Group mailed my award packet. Byways received an award in the “Best Book Series – Chapter Books” category!

“The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. The Awards recognize and reward the best of these books and bring them to the attention of parents, booksellers, librarians – and to children themselves.” Continue reading Award Winning Series
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2016 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award
“Best Book Series – Chapter Books”
Byways by C.J. Milbrandt
illustrated by Hannah Christenson
Bronze Medalist

Those who met Ganix found him impossible to dislike. Those who knew Ganix found him impossible to trust. His pranks were legendary, and his curiosity was always leading him into some kind of trouble. Thankfully, he was also very lucky. His mother said it was because on the day Ganix was born, a lady bug landed on his nose and blessed it.
—ON YOUR MARKS: The Adventure Begins (Byways #1)

Let’s take another peek behind the scenes! Book #8 in the Byways series brings us back around to Ewan, who takes a wrong turn and winds up on the wrong mountain. A late spring storm strands him and the girls in a town that has a fine inn, a steamy bathhouse, and a secret. When Tamaqua and Juniata disappear Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header

In the seventh book of the Byways series, Ganix lands in a mess of trouble when he decides an enslaved magician needs a friend. Our scampish hero takes his usual talent for mischief to a whole new level—jailbreaks, manhunts, and a secret organization. Across the Line introduces readers to Hurlock, who’s featured in the cover illustration. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
Zane didn’t fit in with his brothers. He had broad shoulders like the Wilmingtons, and he took after Christiana in looks. His thick hair was so fair it almost looked white, and his eyes were pale blue. His last name and the magic flowing through his blood were the only proof that Zane was a Johns.
—ON YOUR MARKS: The Adventure Begins (Byways #1)

We’re taking a look behind the header on Byways cover illustrations. The series title often hides pretty scenes or special secrets. This week, it’s Zane’s turn. On Book #6, we get a dramatic first look at one of the many creatures who call the Wilds their home. Since Zane’s half-wild himself, he gets along well with everything from firebirds to fairy kestrels. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header

Another week, another behind the scenes peek at a Byways cover illustration! This one’s a milestone of sorts since it’s the first time one of the brothers appears in his animal form. Ewan (the eldest) can Change into an elk. Fun Fact: All the Johns family members who can Change will shift into the form of an animal that’s Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header

I’m back with another peek behind the scenes on the Byways book covers. One of the unchanging features on the header is the circle of stars that surrounds the volume number. If you take a quick tally, you’ll find there are thirteen stars. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header