Life has been upside down for weeks now as all of us learn to live with the restrictions brought about by Covid-19. Schedules have been upended; cancellations abound. The news is grim, the future is uncertain and it’s easy to get caught up in worry, sadness and fear.

However, just as the spring flowers are popping up to promise us better days ahead, there have been promises of the future in other ways too.

A few weeks ago, I received an email from the daughter of a friend of a friend of a friend. She’d written a book of children’s stories and wanted to know how to get them published. She was excited and enthusiastic, full of questions and optimism. It was a reminder that life continues, and there will be things in our future to look forward to, including new books to read.

In fact, there are new books to read right now! Two children’s authors have new releases worth checking out.

The Rise and Fall of Derek Cowell by Valerie Sherrard is already getting great reviews. This humorous novel (published by DCB and suitable for ages 9-12) tells the story of a middle-grade boy who becomes popular after unintentionally photobombing a group selfie of his sister and her friends. As a kid who is used to living under the radar, Derek struggles with his sudden fame and the inevitable crash that follows. Check out Valerie Sherrard’s website here:  https://valeriesherrard.blogspot.com/  And the DCB website here: https://www.dcbyoungreaders.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-derek-cowell

Sophie Trophy Too by Eileen Holland is another humorous read but for younger readers, ages 7 – 9. Published by Crwth Press, this story follows Grade Three student Sophie as she befriends Hailey, the new girl in her class. Unfortunately, her efforts go hilariously wrong, but even as Sophie ends up feeling left out she is determined to find a way to make Hailey feel welcome. You can listen to Eileen read the first chapter here: https://youtu.be/hPqKLGLhPOM   For purchase information, check out the Crwth website: https://www.crwth.ca/sophie-trophy-too/    And to visit Eileen’s website, go here: http://eileenhollandchildrensauthor.com/

Finally, you may remember me blogging about a mosaic class I took last year from Debra Hagan. (Here’s a link for those who missed it:   https://lauralangston.com/filling-the-well-mosaic-style/). Debra regularly holds classes and workshops at her Nanoose Bay studio, and I booked one for March, only to see it cancelled because of the pandemic. Cancelling was the right thing to do and I know there will be other chances down the road. For now, though, we can get our mosaic fix through her new website: www.goldbugmosaics.com.  The next time you want to take an uplifting break, check it out. And some of her mosaics are for sale!