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C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

I’m Back with March’s Featured Follower, Bish Denham

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Did you miss me? I missed you, but I loved my break and how it re-energized me. I hiked, even in the rain! I ate extra cake because it was my birthday–I decided to have a birthday month instead of only one day. More cake that way! I learned how to be an administrator for IWSG. Very interesting and fun to do. And I remembered some more stories I want to share with you. 

And now I’m here with my Featured Follower for March, Bish Denham. Yay, Bish! Great to feature you and your books this month. 

Bish Denham, whose mother’s side of the family has been in the Caribbean for over one hundred years, was raised in the U. S. Virgin Islands. She still has lots of family living there and visits them regularly.

She says, “Growing up in the islands was like living inside a history book. Columbus named them, Sir Francis Drake sailed through the area, and Alexander Hamilton was raised on St. Croix. Pirates plied the waters and hundred of years of slavery left its indelible mark. It was within this atmosphere of magic and wonder that I grew up. My hope is pass some of that magic and wonder on to my readers.”

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She has published three magical tales.

A Lizard’s Tale: From the moment he hatches, Marvin P. Tinkleberry knows he is destined for greatness. For one, he has a marvelous, well-groomed tail. For another he can puff out his throat pouch in the most spectacular way. Pirates. Explorers. And spooky ghost hunters. REVIEW

The Bowl and the Stone: It’s 1962. Sam and her best friend, Nick, have the whole island of St. John, in the U. S. Virgin Islands, as their playground. They’ve got 240 year-old sugar plantation ruins to explore, beaches to swim, and trails to hike. REVIEW

Anansi and Company: How do you escape a hungry tiger? Why do ram-goats smell? What happens if you get too greedy? In this collection of ten retold Jamaican stories, Anansi the spider tricks, sings, and dances his way into and out of trouble. REVIEW

GIVEAWAY: Bish is generously giving one of her books away (digital format). To request your copy of a book of your choice, just leave a request in the comment and a way we can contact you. 

Quote of the Week: “The wonder of imagination is this: It has the power to light its own fire.” John L. Mason, author

Next Week: Let Me Tell You a Story returns with Oh Shoot! It’s the Tunnel Chute.

Comments

  4. Yes, I missed you. Welcome back.
    Hope you had a blast for your birthday, Lee!

    Congrats to Bish! Her stories are definitely magical
    I enjoyed Anansi and Company… and would LOVE to read A Lizard's Tale!

  5. I always knew you were smart, and anyone who has a "Birthday Month" is an absolute genius in my book! Hope you had a wonderful birthday, Lee! Congrats to Bish!

    Julie

  9. So glad you enjoyed your birthday month! Extra cake is good! Bish's stories are good. I haven't read Lizard's Tale. I'd like to read that one. So nice to see Bish featured here!

  10. I always find Bish's stories about growing up to be so interesting. Love her books too! I have all of these, so I won't enter. But, I am happy to see Bish being featured here and wish her all the best!
    ~Jess

  11. I missed you! Glad you're back and how great that you had such a wonderful birthday month. That should be a new tradition. Why limit to one day?
    Congrats to Bish!! She has so many interesting stories!

  17. So glad you enjoyed your break. Mine have always been totally rejuvenating. Happy to see Bish here. I've read her books, so not signing up 🙂

  18. Hi Lee – for some reason Feedly had dropped you – you are now re-instated! So glad you had a happy time off … but can understand your husband saying enough is enough! Good to know you hiked and enjoyed the uplifting and life giving rain …

    Bish's books sound like so much fun … and yes those covers are just brilliantly illustrated aren't they … cheers Hilary

  22. I've always wanted a birthday month instead of a day. And definitely more cake. Bish's covers are all so cute and vibrant. I think they suit the stories and location very well. Have a great week!

  23. I love it that you celebrate the whole month and that's how it should be. Congrats to Bish and her books being showcased here. I grew up in the wonders called Wainfleet…yup not much to do and no real history. The Virgin Islands is actually quite cool to be related to.

  25. Happy birthday, Lee! I definitely missed you, but your cake fest sounds wonderful.

    Bish has certainly had an interesting upbringing. I would have loved to grow up on a tropical island!

  36. Welcome back. Thank you for featuring Bish. Each time I come across reviews of her work I am intrigued. I would love one of her books. Any one of her books.

  40. Having a birthday month instead of a single day doesn't seem like such a bad thing. Taking time away is a great way to refresh and re-energize.

    That's awesome that one branch of Bish's family tree has been in the Caribbean for over 100 years. Deep family roots are really special.

  42. Hi, Cheryl!

    You are on the right track celebrating your birthday for an entire month, but why stop there? As Rare Earth reminded us, there is reason to celebrate all year 'round:

    I just want to celebrate another day of living.
    I just want to celebrate another day of life.

    I can relate to your guest author Bish because Mrs. Shady and I vacationed in St. Croix in 1990 and fell in love with the island. I remember visiting Alexander Hamilton's old stomping grounds throughout Christiansted including the National Historic Site, Estate Grange (Hamilton's boyhood home) and the majestic Fort Christiansvaern.

    Thanks, dear friend C-Lee!

  44. I’m so pleased you had a good birthday month (and lots of cake), but it's lovely to have you back! Bish featured on my blog some time ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Congratulations Bish.

  47. Happy belated birthday, Lee. I love the idea of a birthday month instead of one day.

    Congrats to Bish. It's easy to see why she enjoys the magical and wonder. Great book covers.