Every so often, I offer readers a look behind the Byways headers. On a related note, do you recognize the four creatures it features? From top left, circling clockwise, they are a unicorn, a griffin, a dragon, and a phoenix. The topmost animal changes out from book to book. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
Caught a blog post this morning over on The Booklist Reader about a trend in kids’ book covers—Ride a Golden Beast. Gathering up these titles would make for a fun library or bookshop display. And Zane’s on trend with the cover for Byways #12, In the Middle: A Zane Johns Adventure.
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Byways. Three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. A coming-of-age story times three … with an educational twist.
Jovan Johns. He’s not one of the three brothers in the race. He’s their second cousin (their dad’s uncle’s grandson) and Zane’s best (and only) friend. Musical and bookish, Jovan bears a strong resemblance to the rest of the Johns family.
May soft winds touch you. May gentle seas carry you. May the sun and stars find you smiling.”
—ACROSS THE LINE: A GANIX JOHNS ADVENTURE
For your Bookshelf. Nothing encourages kids to read and reread a series like having copies on your home bookshelves. The award-winning Byways Books are available as both paperbacks and hardcover library editions. (Contact CJ via email if you’re interested in ordering author-signed copies.)
Every one of the Byways Books includes beautiful full-color art by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Here’s a sampling from Book #4, Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure.
I wonder why there are so many sevens in this part of the country.”
—ABOARD THE TRAIN: A EWAN JOHNS ADVENTURE
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. Continue reading BYWAYS: Behind the Header
Personal Touch. In the land of Liberty, citizens add their seal to official documents. A design’s seal is unique … and usually of personal significance to the person who carries it. Do you recognize this seal?
Ganix was very lucky. His mother said it was because on the day he was born, a lady bug landed on his nose and blessed it.
—ON YOUR MARKS: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
C. J. Milbrandt 