Book Details Book Title: Dessi and Ky Go Poof Publisher: Concepcion Press Back Cover Copy: On a blustery and wet May day in Chicago, Dessi and Ky get transported to a tropical island where wicked pirates have turned the islanders into birds. Now it’s up to them to work together, defeat the pirates, locate a treasure, and find their way home again—with a little help from a magical crayon. Endorsements: "Fans of the Magic Treehouse have found their next grand adventure, this one in even bigger proportions...Parents will appreciate the beautiful values on display such as apologizing, uplifting different creative ideas, and controlling one's outlook in less-than-ideal situations. What a fun ride!" - Hope Bolinger, author of 25+ books, including The Cassandra Curse "Dessi and Ky Go Poof reminded me of a Magic Tree House adventure intertwined with the magic of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Yamnitz brought in elements kids this age love-pirates, dinosaurs, and sports-and a family dynamic kids understand. References to Mexican foods and traditions makes the story appealing for a diverse audience of readers. I enjoyed this fun story. - Lori Z. Scott, bestselling author of the Meghan Rose series "Dessi and Ky Go Poof sweeps readers into a fun, fantastical, and light-hearted swashbuckler. Candice Yamnitz obviously knows and loves her readers well and offers them a safe passage into adventure! - Amanda Cleary Eastep, author of the Tree Street Kids series Harold and the Purple Crayon meets Dora the Explorer in Candice Pedraza Yamnitz’s Dessi and Ky Go Poof, the first book in a new fantasy series for young children. Dessi and Ky accidentally travel to a magical island where a parrot needs their help to regain his human form. The book shows common conflicts between siblings and how to work through them. Children learn to apply parental advice in this imaginative story whose simple prose keeps young readers engaged. --Lorehaven Audience: Grade school kids 2nd through 4th grade Release Date: Dessi and Ky Go Poof – May 2023 InterviewBrock: What was your inspiration for writing this book or series? Candice: It was Covid, I was pregnant, and I was daydreaming a story for my kids. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique? Candice: Dessi is a spunky little girl who likes to have control of her environment but can’t control circumstances. Ky is a creative little brother who takes joy in playing pranks on his sister yet loves her fiercely. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Candice: Dessi loves dinosaurs but hates spiders. Ky follows in Dessi’s lead and originally was written with a speech delay. The problem was that it’s really difficult to convey a conversation or scene with so many speech impediments. My first readers were confused. Brock: What is this book about? Candice: A sister-brother duo get whisked from their Chicago home by a crayon-wielding parrot to an island where pirates turn people into birds. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Candice: I didn’t outline this one but since then I’ve become an outliner. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Candice: Brothers and sisters fight. I wanted my children to see themselves in the story but also to see themselves overcoming their problems in a fun way. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Candice: I love portal fantasy because it feels real and we’re experiencing the brave new world with the characters. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Candice: I planned out at least three books. Honestly, I’ve gotten great feedback and worked on the second book for a year, trying to make it work. I didn’t love the book so I scrapped it. I have another one started and if my self-doubt or my YA work doesn’t get in the way, I’ll finish soon. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Candice: I watched a lot of parrot videos to describe my parrot properly. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Candice: I have the next book outlined and some of it written. I have a book launch so after that is done, I plan to get back to this one. Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? (If it’s a series) Candice: The little brother plays a big role in what transpires. Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids? Candice: I’d love for this to be a fun read aloud for a class or something fun to read to all the grade school to late preschool kids. Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series? Candice: I hope they learn to love stories and learn to appreciate their siblings. Brock: Where do you like to write? Candice: I wrote Dessi and Ky Go Poof at the dining room table after everyone went to bed. It was my favorite spot. Now, I write at my desk. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Candice: I’m a full-time homeschooling mom and a part-time writer. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Candice: It depends on the book. I can finish a chapter book in a week, a novella in a month, and a novel in two months. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Candice: I hope readers take away that they are more valuable than the things of this world. In Beatriz’s world, gifts give people value. But Beatriz had value before and after she received her gift. Brock: Thanks for the wonderful interview! Author Details Author Name: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
Author Bio: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz taught in a bilingual elementary classroom for years until she decided to stay-at-home and teach a crew of imaginative children. So in between reading lessons and converting cardboard boxes into pirate ships, she writes YA novels and chapter books with a Latin twist. She lives in her native Chicagoland. Author Website: http://candiceyamnitz.com Author Facebook: http://facebook.com/candiceyamnitz Author Instagram: http://instagram.com/candiceyamnitz Author TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candiceyamnitz
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