Meet and Greet: Diana Symons

Hi! My name is Diana Symons. I write fiction for both kids and adults. Today, I’d like to talk about my children’s book called Where the Jewels Are. It’s a story set in the Land of Wonderful and the castle of the Great King. The Princess is a very beautiful, very spoiled young lady. I’m afraid she’s doesn’t quite appreciate everything that she has. In fact, she actually wants more. She’d love to have a jewel as beautiful as a star in the sky, so her father sends her on a journey to find just what she’s looking for. She just doesn’t know yet that what she really finds is an old friend, a real jewel.


It was actually an accident that I came to write this story. Some time ago, I realized that I had forgotten my best friend’s birthday. Unfortunately, I was laid off from work with no money so I brainstormed what I could do for her. I decided to write her a fairytale and I gave her a hand bound copy of Where the Jewels Are. After that, I realized that there were more stories from the Land of Wonderful so I kept writing. In all, there are ten stories, but this is the first one in print.

Currently, I am writing an adult novel about a society living in fear of its Great Temple. They’ve been told that any who go to the temple would die. But one young man doesn’t believe the wives’ tales and discovers that the temple is a portal to God Himself. Unfortunately, that discovery unravels the very fabric of the society and only those who truly believe will survive. The working title is called The Temple.

For more info on what I’m up to or to follow my blog, FaceBook, or Twitter, go to www.dianasymons.com.

Where the Jewels Are is appropriate for kids 8-10 years old.

©2010 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

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**Janalyn Voigt is an Amazon Associate and benefits when products are purchased at Amazon through links from Book Readers Central.

Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review: The Imaginary Journeys of BJ and Dobbin by Betty J Riordan

I had the help of a young volunteer in reading this book for review. She met me each night in her "jammies," eyes aglow in anticipation of a treat. We'd snuggle, and then open the book. It was not enough for my reviewer-in-training to have BJ and Dobbin read to her. She must, instead, become BJ by reading her lines. I had the job of portraying the many other characters, which included Benjamin Franklin, Sacagawea, Christopher Columbus, Betsy Ross and the like. Every chapter led to discoveries as young BJ, astride her trusty steed, Dobbin, embarked on a new and exciting adventure. When, at the end of each chapter, Mother tapped BJ on the shoulder and reminded her it was time for bed, my young volunteer followed suit without complaint.

I recommend this book highly for young readers who will embrace BJ and Dobbin while learning in an entertaining way about figures from American history. I must thank Betty J Riordan for writing such a work of quality. I know one young reader who looks forward to reading more in the series.

Amazon Purchase Link 

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided to Book Readers Central for puposes of review.