Dead Frog launches in Calgary and Vancouver this weekend

It's a big launch weekend for Dead Frog on the Porch.

In Calgary Saturday November 7th at 2:00 pm I will have a launch at Owl's Nest Books (Owlets Children's Store) at 815A-49th Ave. SW.

On Sunday November 8th I will fly to Vancouver for the Gumboot Books Launch Party at Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush (4387 Main Street). The event runs from 12:30-4:30 pm (I'll be reading at 2:00 pm) and will feature eight new releases which range from picture books to middle grade and young adult novels.

So Dead Frog on the Porch has been out in the world now for a few weeks and some reviews are trickling in. Most of these are on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca and then a few people have been randomly emailing me their thoughts on the book. I only added commentary on one!

I thought I'd share what other people think of Dead Frog on the Porch!

From Keely: About 1/3 of the way through Dead Frog – LOVE IT!!!

From Pete: the book was so funny. I was laughing from page 2 onwards. (hmmmm makes me wonder why he wasn't laughing from page 1 onwards ;-j)

From Colleen: wanted to tell you that I really, really, really love your book!!! It is funny, and very "hip". Cyd and Jane are really endearing, Cyd's inner voice saying things like, "that is so mystery-book-evil-villain"...I laughed outloud!! I loved all the Nancy Drew references and the frogs were a fun subject. Can't wait to read it with my daughter. Great book! Recommend highly! This book harkened back feelings of adventure long forgotten since my own Nancy Drew days. I am sure any child who reads Dead Frog on the Porch will have a great journey with twins Jane and Cyd as they collect the frog clues to solve the frog mystery while learning fun frog (among other) facts along the way. The references to classic and modern Nancy Drew were treats too!

From Naomi: Jan Markley's debut novel will definitely make its way to the children in my life this gift-giving season. The writing is witty and smart, and avoids condescending to its readers with dumbed-down vocabulary or over explaining. Nancy Drew-loving twin sleuths Cyd and Jane are savvy, quirky and fun, and their mystery suspenseful and well plotted, with plenty of silly puns and squeal-worthy slime. There's even food for thought about ethical issues such as the use of animals in science and in our kitchens, references to the ubiquitous technologies that are so much a part of children's lives today, and a series of clues in haiku form. Well done.

From Peter: Picked up this book the other day in trying to get an early start on my Christmas shopping and I must say, I was very impressed! Markley crafts a wonderfully inventive story which blends humor, mystery, and of course, a good dose of life lessons along the way. The main characters- sisters Jane and Cyd- are well developed throughout the fast-moving narrative. Youngsters will definitely relate to the characters- particular due to Markley's cleaver references about being a kid (grownups don't always understand!) and technology (blogging!) which all young kids seem to be so attuned to these days. The narrative- Jane and Cyd are propelled through a fast-moving adventure to solve the frog mystery- is hugely imaginative and full of both fun and educational sub-narratives (e.g. the environment). Children and adults will find the story tremendously entertaining and fun. Markley's writing is crisp and full of wit that should bring a smile to the faces of all readers. The particularly creative and inventive plot makes DFOTP stand out above many other adventure stories for youngsters. I strongly recommend "Dead Frog on the Porch" - you won't regret treating yourself/your children to this treat of a novel.

From Nance: My nine-year old daughter and I read this while we waited to get her arm x-rayed (playground fall). The time flew by as this book was both hilarious and interesting. Real characters, hilarinteresting words (nincompoop had us in stitches), and a fast-paced plot-- we loved it!

From Jocosa: I grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy boys, but I never remember them having as much fun as Cyd and Jane in Dead Frog on the Porch. Markley has created a page turning mystery that entertains from the first to the last word. Twins Cyd and Jane are fully developed characters with quirks and angst and tons of determination. Their wit and adventurous nature are magnetic enough to make adults wish they were kids again. It's more than a stocking stuffer for the holidays, it's a must have book for any kid who daydreams of being a hero.

From Jeff: A wonderfully crafted story. The two character Cyd and Jane take you on a wonderful adventure on their way to solving the mystery that lies within the pages of the book. I found myself remembering memories from my past and the story brought a smile to my face on many occasion. I would recommend this book for a parent or child. Better yet why not pick up a copy and read it together. My daughter and I did just that and it was a wonderful way to spend a few evenings together. A Great book and a great read!

From Jennifer: My daughter was home sick one morning this week and read 3/4 of "Dead Frog" in one sitting. She says she's enjoying it so far, but can't decide if she's more like Cyd or Jane.

(Do you like how I changed up the fonts and colours just to make it more interesting?)