Martha Seif Simpson

October 1, 2021

 

Happy October!

 

Welcome to the twelfth issue of The Simpsonian Muse. I am your scribe, Martha Seif Simpson, Author and Children's Librarian. As the header says, this monthly newsletter will feature:

• News – Mine as well as other interesting tidbits
• Views – A few photos from my world travels
• Stuff You Can Use – A mish-mash of activities, crafts, recipes, or whatever I am excited about sharing

If you missed the previous newsletters, you can click the button on the left sidebar on my website to catch up or click here: https://www.martha-seif-simpson.com/newsletter.htm

 

Thanks for joining me on this adventure. I hope you will find something to inform and entertain you.

 

~ NEWS ~

 

From October 18 to November 30, my book – Esther's Gragger: A Toyshop Tale of Purim – will be featured on the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) BookStop promotion. The direct link to my book is: SCBWI BookStop - Esther's Gragger

You can go to the SCBWI website to view all the wonderful books for kids of all ages. There will be a big promotion on Facebook and other social media, as well.

 

And since Hanukkah is coming up next month (Yes, it's early this year!) here's another reminder that books are perfect holiday gifts! Check my website for reviews, printable activities, and ordering information: https://www.martha-seif-simpson.com/works.htm

 

 

      

 

 

BOOK SHARE

How about a few scary good books for October?

 

The Beast (Darkdeep) by Ally Condie

Four kids known as the Torchbearers must uncover the origins of the Darkdeep and restrain the legendary Beast while fending off paranormal investigators. A great read for lovers of horror fiction.

 

Changeling (The Oddmire) by William Ritter

Twelve-year-olds Tinn and Cole, raised as human twins in sleepy Endsborough, risk their lives in the Wild Wood, Oddmire Swamp, and the Deep Dark to learn which twin is a goblin changeling with an important mission.

 

Fiends on the Other Side by Vera Strange

Twelve-year-old Jamal has always lived in the shadow of his more popular and talented twin brother, Malik. But when he accepts an offer from the mysterious Dr. Facilier to be like his brother, Jamal learns it comes at a terrible cost.

 

Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega

Lucely and her best friend cast a spell that accidentally awakens malicious spirits, wreaking havoc throughout St. Augustine and with help from her witch grandmother and cat, must reverse the curse to save the town.

 

The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard

While her famous scientist-parents are away, sixth-grader Kick Winter lives with her grandmother, a psychic, in small town Bohring, home to 453 people, 2,053 alligators, and one curse.

 

Night of the Living Ted by Barry Hutchison

All kinds of teddy bears are suddenly alive and creating mayhem. Soon there is an army of evil teddy bears on the loose! Can Lisa-Marie and her brother Vernon save themselves--and the world?

 

Twilight Hauntings (Enchanter's Child) by Angie Sage

Alex and her younger brother flee Luma, where Enchantment is illegal. They are hunted by a giant bird of prey, a murderous Night Wraith called the Grey Walker, and other Hauntings.

 

 

CALENDAR TRIVIA

 

Did you know that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?

 

According to the Every Day's a Holiday Calendar, other noteworthy October dates include:

• October 6 – Garlic Lovers Day
• October 8 – American Touch Tag Day
• October 10 – Hug A Drummer Day
• October 14 – Be Bald and Free Day
• October 17 – Wear Something Gaudy Day
• October 19 – Evaluate Your Life Day
• October 22 – CAPS LOCK DAY
• October 26 – Worldwide Howl at the Moon Day
• October 27 – Black Cat Day
• October 30 – Haunted Refrigerator Night

Celebrate Appropriately!

 

~ VIEWS ~

 

In October 2013, John and I took our first Mediterranean cruise. One stop was in Montenegro, a place I would have never thought to visit before. The ship docked in Kotor.

 

Here is a view from our balcony. It's a mountainous country, as you can see.

         

 

Rather than go on one of the cruise line's tours, we hired a taxi, and the driver took us on a private tour. Here is a view from a mountain road, with the ship in the background.

         

 

We continued along the road, and stopped to view Budvah, a popular resort area with some very exclusive hotels and beaches.

          

          

 

We then went to Old Town, which had lots of quaint shops and narrow streets.

         

 

         

 

We stopped at a bakery to buy some pastries to take back to the ship.

         

 

There was a path to climb to the top of the mountain and walk along the edge, but that was a bit too strenuous for us.

       

 

That path led to this mountain fortress.

         

 

Instead, we stopped for lunch.

        

 

The appetizer was wonderful.

         

 

So was the grilled fish platter, which included barracuda!

       

 

We enjoyed our leisurely day in Montenegro. The weather was perfect and the mountain views were beautiful. We're glad we got to visit!

        

 

~ STUFF YOU CAN USE ~

 

Making Monster Rocks is a fun craft for kids and adults that is just right for Halloween.

Here are a couple of ideas I found on the internet.  

 

Thanks to Kim at The Best Ideas for Kids® for her instructions on making Glow-in-the-Dark Monster Rocks:

https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/monster-rocks/

 

         

 

         

 

Here's another idea for Yarn-Wrapped Rock Monsters from Easy Peasy and Fun:

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/rock-monsters/

 

         

 

You can use these to decorate for Halloween or give them to friends. Use your imagination!

       

That'll do it for this month.

Until next time, amuse your muse!

 

~ Martha