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Tuesday, January 14, 2020

About the Book

Book: Bartholomew: Squire of the Subway
Author: Carol L. Lester
Genre: Children’s
Release Date: December 2019
Bartholomew, an intelligent iguana with brown-and-green mottled, scaly skin, loves riding the New York City subway. The underground railroad, which clatters and whooshes before it takes off, teems with people, but Bartholomew doesn’t mind. He enjoys his escape from his life in a museum exhibit and spends the morning observing other passengers.
On his ride, Bartholomew watches several Regulars and learns about their similarities, their differences, and how they interact or don’t interact with others. Bubbly Becky radiates joy, and she even sits next to Bartholomew. Fred always wears a bright scarf and sometimes hums, but he keeps to himself. Mrs. Hatmer keeps her four children organized, but some passengers are annoyed by the kids. By the end of Bartholomew’s ride, he learns about the value and uniqueness of each person.
Bartholomew, Squire of the Subway includes questions in the back to encourage young readers to explore the lessons Bartholomew learns. Carol Lester’s children’s books spark discussions with adult and school-aged readers alike. With each book, Lester seeks to influence and shape lives, young and old.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Carol L. Lester is a published author and has taught secondary English / language arts for over thirty years. She holds teaching certificates in three states with degrees in education and sport psychology. Carol lives in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoys her role writing children’s stories that educate and delight. She previously published Roo, the Kangaroo Cat.


More from Carol 

I am so very thankful for all opportunities I have experienced thus far in my life, and they have been varied! As an Air Force brat, I traveled the globe and experienced languages and cultures about which other people only dream. I have embraced those times of travel in my adult life as well. For instance, I chaperoned 54 high school students to Europe one summer, and I have served as a missionary in both Ukraine and Kenya. In years past I have taught aerobic dance classes and sign language classes, but I owned my own jewelry business for ten years, too. That involved training other jewelers and marketing and selling my line of accessories. With all those experiences, I have served people from all walks of life.
I am definitely a sports enthusiast, but college basketball is my passion, especially when it comes to the University of North Carolina Tarheels! (I am a Carolina alumnus and was actually named after the university.) I was blessed to serve as sole caregiver for my aging parents and now look forward to serving others in a new capacity as author and “coach.”
I enjoy serving as a member of the Oak Hills Church Singers, but I have been a pianist and percussionist for over 50 years. (I served as the drummer and back-up vocalist for Keith Henderson Presents Elvis in the late 1970s!) My “claim to fame,” as it were, is that I was the first female drumline captain in the Atlantic Coast Conference (1976-78).


Review.jpg

The book is a delightful read  that can be shared with children. The illustrations are nice and vivid colors that will catch children’s attention.  I loved the iguana and thought he was a perfect example of being yourself. Bartholomew loves to ride the subway everyday and observe people. I have not been on a subway before but I have ridden on a bus. People get on hardly glancing at others and find a seat. People in the story are each different and I loved how the author shares how some stare at others and whisper mean things about them. It is a good example of how people judge each other by their appearance.

The story is a good lesson on not judging others and being kind to each other. I loved the point in the story where  Bartholomew wonders what the people he observes does for a living, why they ride the subway and what kind of life they may have. We don't know what others may be facing so a kind word or a smile goes a long way. There are a couple of things I wanted to point out. The book is clean and suitable for children but the author may need to use easier words for children to understand. I don't think many children will know the meaning of countenance  and I would have liked to have seen some scriptures used throughout the story.  The author has provided questions at the end to go over with children that is a great opportunity  to teach them not to judge others.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book of Ruth Ann, January 7
Mamma Loves Books, January 7
A Reader’s Brain, January 13
Texas Book-aholic, January 14
Mary Hake, January 16
janicesbookreviews, January 17
Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 18 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of both of her books, ROO and Bartholomew, plus a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

8 comments:

  1. Great review! These covers are adorable.

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  2. This would be a sweet book to put in a Little Library!

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  3. This sounds like a good book to share with children!

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  4. Thank you so much for taking time to bring to our attention another great read. I enjoy these tours and finding out about many terrific books.

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  5. What a cute book with and important message!

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  6. Thank you for sharing your lovely review and the book and author details. I can't wait to share this story with my grandchildren

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