NEWS
Gloria and the Unicorn has been vetted and approved by Red Clover Reader.
Here’s the link to my interview
My first article published in bUneke (said Be Unique) Magazine (both paper and ezine) with the mission to bring awareness to ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make the world a better place. My article highlights a local Brevard County, FL organization called Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. It can be found in the second issue of the magazine, here on page 26.
My Guest Blog Post was accepted and published on a Top 10 Children’s Literature Blog site http://www.kids-bookreview.com!!! Here’s the link http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2018/01/guest-post-wanda-luthman-on-picky-eaters.html
April 23, 2016 I officially joined the Cape Canaveral National League of Pen Women Association. It’s a prestigious organization of women who are Writers, Artists, and Musicians. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this group and hope to learn a lot from the members. Summer 2018 I decided to no longer be part of this group but I still love all the women involved and think the organization is awesome!
I am a Board Member of The Free Spirit Publishing House and have been for several years now. They publish educational materials for school-aged children.
I’m a freelance writer for Merritt Island Now Magazine since August 2015 and I write articles about the happenings at Merritt Island High School. I feel blessed to interview such wonderful students and faculty to bring their stories to light for the people of Merritt Island. It brings me great pleasure for someone to come back to me after their story ran and hear them talk about how the people of Merritt Island have responded to them after reading the article!
I’ve published my first article for a new online business magazine called Florida Now News December 2016.
I’ve been picked up by an online and print magazine called Swell Life Mag and will begin writing for them in 2017.
The local online paper, Space Coast Daily, wrote up a nice article about Wanda Luthman’s first visit to a local elementary school.
INTERVIEWS
I’ve become a Red Clover Reader author this summer (2018). They connect quality literature with parents and children. Here’s my interview with them.
And here’s where you can Learn More
WKQK Radio Interview Podcast on July 8th, 2018 on the Brevard At Large Show with Host Francis DeMuro and Co-Host and Producer Christopher DeMuro on AM1300 or live streamed on radio1300.com. Podcast Link: http://www.radio1300.com/BAL/BAL_7-8-18_Luthman.mp3
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1934490763547757&id=100009605561324
Hangin’ With Interviews by Garrett Pomichter
Ashley Uzzell’s YouTube Author Show
Lainie Walkin’s Zeta Global Radio Show
http://www.zetaglobalradio.com/blog/forgiveness-the-keys-to-it-all
REVIEWS
Gloria and the Unicorn (chapter book for ages 7-11)
Gloria and the Unicorn is a chapter book about a little girl who has a droopy face on one side and lives in an orphanage. They keep her out of school to protect her from bullies but she longs to learn to read. A kind unicorn comes along to help but magic and wizards get involved and disaster looms on the horizon. A story of overcoming the odds and learning to love oneself.
Audiobook Reviewer, Emmy Martin says this about Gloria and the Unicorn
“A Discreet Lesson in this Magical Fantastical Children’s Book!”
Lindsey Dorcus was the perfect narrator for this child’s tale. Her voice brought the story to life.
The story stood on its own, too. It was subtly written to teach children to love oneself, despite of their imperfections. Sadness is everywhere, but happiness and love will overcome most obstacles.
I strongly recommend this to anyone to listen with a young child. Let their imagination run wild with the unicorns and teach them to win with a dynamic attitude and self confidence.
I’m looking forward to sharing this audio with my granddaughters and will look into Wanda’s other books as well.
“I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.”
Here’s the link to her review
Little Birdie Grows Up (a picture book for ages 0-5)
My third book, Little Birdie Grows Up, is a rhyming picture book for ages 0-6. It’s about a little birdie who pecks out of his shell and wants to learn how to fly. He’s a little afraid of falling, but he is reassured by his Mama. He does eventually learn how to fly, of course. But, then it’s time to say good-bye. This book will touch your heart as you experience this charming birdie’s journey from birth to flying off on his own.
EXCITING NEWS!!!!
Little Birdie Grows Up WON the 2017 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal in the Coming of Age Category. Below is the Press Release.
For immediate release:
Reader’s Favorite recognizes “Little Birdie Grows Up” in its annual international book award contest.
The Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).
“When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers’ Favorite.” –Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House
Readers’ Favorite is proud to announce that “Little Birdie Grows Up” by Wanda Luthman won the Silver Medal in the Children – Coming of Age category.
You can learn more about Wanda Luthman and “Little Birdie Grows Up” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/little-birdie-grows-up where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
Readers’ Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202
800-RF-REVIEW
support@readersfavorite.com
https://readersfavorite.com
In December 2017, Little Birdie earned a Gold Badge from Readers Review Room (the highest ranking honor offered by them)!!!
Rita Hewett, a retired Elementary School teacher who developed The Book Giveaway Program for Brevard County Public Schools says, “I read your Little Birdie Grows Up book. Now, this book is for my age group of kids for our book Give Away. The words are big and the pictures are so brightly colored and real cute. Love the size of your books. It is easy to handle for little hands. The short chapters are easy, even the limited reader will have success in finishing the book. I will donate one book to our program and find a blue bird to go with it.”
Anita Kovacevic from Readers Review Room says, “This book is perfect to be read to and with children aged 3 – 6, whereas the slightly older ones (6 – 9) might even enjoy reading and reciting it out loud.”
Traci Sanders from Readers Review Room says, “I admire the fact that it’s not just another children’s book with a bunch of rhyming words thrown together. It has a beautiful message that will resonate with parents everywhere.”
An Amazon readers (Red48) says, “Great little book for young children.”
An Amazon reader (Enigma) says, “This was the first picture rhyming book I have read and the first time a book has made me cry – but a good cry.”
An Amazon reader (Ashley Uzzell) says, “An adorable book for children. I read this to my two year old and she loved the pictures and the rhyming”
A Turtle’s Magical Adventure (Published in May 2016, a chapter book for ages 7-11)
My second book is now available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/author/wandaluthman, it’s called A Turtle’s Magical Adventure. It’s about a turtle who doesn’t like his shell because it makes him too slow.
From Readers Favorite for A Turtle’s Magical Adventure Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan giving it a 5 star
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite
A Turtle’s Magical Adventure by Wanda Luthman is an adorable storybook for children with an excellent message; that of accepting their flaws and loving themselves, and turning their negatives into positives. Tad the turtle loves swimming, but he was curious to know why turtles are slow on land. He meets a few people who give him different responses, but he still wants to become fast. Steve the snake advises him to meet a wizard who lives deep in Timberwood Forest and Tad decides to listen to him. Will the wizard be able to guide Tad and make him faster on land? Or will Tad the turtle accept himself and be happy?
The story is whimsical and has good life lessons for children. The message of accepting oneself is encouraging for a lot of children, especially those who are unhappy with themselves. It’s a good story for interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries and also makes a good bedtime storybook. The illustrations are vivid and lively, and they give a good pace and movement to the story. They succeed in making the scenes and characters tangible to young readers.
Children understand a concept, moral, and message with clarity when these are conveyed with the help of a story and illustrations. Tad the turtle and the rest of the characters in Timberwood Forest are magical and will enthrall young readers till the very end.
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/a-turtles-magical-adventure
Gary Roen from Midwest Book Reviews says
A Turtle’s Magical Adventure
Wanda Luthaman
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
www.createspace.com
9781530832569, $6.99, www.amazon.com
Readers of all ages should enjoy “A Turtle’s Magical Adventure.” Tad the turtle thinks his shell is holding him back in life, so he goes on a quest to learn more about himself. “A Turtle’s Magical Adventure” is an enchanting tale of someone on a pursuit to realize who and what he is.
http://midwestbookreview.com/mbw/jan_17.htm#gary
Angela Peyla-Wolf, who won A Turtle’s Magical Adventure from an Author Facebook Takeover Event, says, “I’m going to read it to him regularly. Such a cute book, with a deep meaning. It’s a beautifully written story.”
Rita Hewett, a retired Elementary Teacher, says, “The book A Turtle’s Magical Adventure by Wanda Luthman is an inspirational story that many can relate to at one point in our lives. I love the author’s book because of the easy short chapters and the message behind the story. The story is about a young turtle that is unhappy with his body. His shell is too heavy and it makes him move too slowly. He wants to go fast like the other animals. He meets a sly slithering snake who tells him about going to see the wizard. The wizard grants wishes. On his way to see the wizard, Tad the turtle passes through a dark scary jungle. He meets several strange creatures he has never seen before. He also meets a girl gnome he befriends. The outcome of his adventure is a great message for us all.”
The Lilac Princess (first published in October 2014, a chapter book for ages 7-11)
The Lilac Princess is about a princess who wants to go outside the castle walls to visit the beautiful lilacs but she’s not allowed because it isn’t safe. She manages to escape and meet a dragon who seems friendly at first and wins her trust, but he has an evil plan. The story is about friendship, courage, standing up for what you believe in and forgiveness.
Gary Roen from Midwest Book Reviews wrote this review
The Lilac Princess
Wanda Luthman
https://wandaluthman.wordpress.com
Xulon Press (originally printed by Xulon in 2014)
2301 Lucien Way, Suite 415, Maitland, FL 32751
http://www.xulonpress.com
978149412254, $10.99, http://www.amazon.com
What do you do when you have everything at your fingertips? In some case you could get bored. Such is the case with Princess Dreama who wants something more in her life but not sure what. She goes on a quest to find something better than being a princess. She begins to learn about herself and those around her that teaches her to appreciate what she has. “The Lilac Princess” is a wonderful tale of learning what’s important in life and how to value it. Adults and kids will both love this charming fairy tale.
Karen Whiting, an Award Winning Author, has written a lovely blog post about The Lilac Princess on her Blog Christian Children’s Authors. Check it out!
A reader, Gwen, read The Lilac Princess book and wrote me this response, “I loved your book!! While I know there are adult level messages and analogies in it, I loved reading it for the sheer fantasy story–you paint such a good picture with your words!! I couldn’t wait to turn the page to see what happened next! I also did enjoy the power adult messages conveyed–do not surrender to evil, forgiveness is key to peace and healing. A must read for young and old–thank you for blessing me with your book!! I am honored to have you as my friend–you are so gifted in your writing. Can’t wait for another book–reading it was a great escape from a hectic schedule.”
Rita Hewett, a retired Elementary School teacher says, “The Lilac Princess is a wonderful easy reading storybook for children ages 7 to 12 years old. But younger children would love to have the book read to them. It would keep their interest even without pictures. The cover of the book is so enticing with the lilac color flowers and the castle. I love the short chapters. The plot can be carried over into our own present day lives. The book is about the curiosity of the young venturing out of the safety and security of their home to explore new boundaries. The princess explores the city and the people of her kingdom. She meets and enjoys a loyal friendship with a local boy. The princess sees the fears of the people with the dragon living nearby. The story has an unexpected ending and the princess shows her knowledge, wisdom, courage, and forgiveness. This is a wonderful book for children of all ages.“
The Lilac Princess book was written and produced into a play by Merritt Island High School’s 5th period Drama Class under Mrs. Duprey!!! It was well done and I was very pleased with their work. 
The Cast of The Lilac Princess Play (Director is in the middle wearing the blue and black dress)
Dreama and the Chef who was telling her about an old myth about the name of her kingdom
Dreama in her window longing to visit the forbidden lilac patch outside the castle
Dreama visiting the lilac patch and meeting a horrible dragon
Dreama in the dragon’s jail cell with Dirk trying to save her
The dragon requiring a pledge of allegiance to him and his wicked ways for Dreama’s release
The Happy Reunion after Dreama and Dirk refuse the dragon’s demands (read the book for how the curse on the land was broken and what the Chef remembered was the name of her kingdom after all)
Franky the Finicky Flamingo is a picture book for ages 0-5 if a parent reads to the child or 6-8 for a child to read to themselves. It’s about a stylish flamingo who appears to be a picky eater because he doesn’t like the same food as all the other birds. He becomes upset when he starts to lose his pink color. Come along on his journey as he discovers the food that is right for him.
Awards: Summer 2018 recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award; Summer 2018 Top Shelf Indie Book Award Nominee
“Oh, this is beyond cute!! I love the amazing illustrations.!! What a treat this will be to read to children or grandchildren. The wording is in rhyme which is very rhythmic. This is what kids need to begin to read. It’s not so much about the words, (although those are important too!!), but more about the rhythm incorporated into the book. Kids learn easier if a simple rhyme is read rather than just words and “Franky The Finicky Flamingo” has just the right style and rhythm of wording.
That, and the beautiful, bright and simple illustrations make this a children’s book that little ones will want to have read to them over and over, ‘til they too can “read” it for themselves.
Ms. Luthman has shown an outstanding understanding of what makes young children tick. I believe this has all the makings of a classic children’s book on a par with “The Pokey Little Puppy.”
I highly recommend this book to anyone with little ones!!!”
Review submitted by Jean Martin on Amazon
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My husband cut this cartoon out of the paper and I thought it was perfect! The last word is cut off–it says “How many crayons do I need to color a knight, a princess, and a castle?”
A reader, Rhonda, responded after reading The Lilac Princess, “I just finished your book…….I feel happy!!!!! It’s great!!!!!”
Wanda Luthman’s first published book, The Lilac Princess was first made available through Amazon, but recently has been picked up by some other online distributors such as Wheelers, Cornerstone book, Family Christian, Christian book, Vineyard, Barnes and Noble, Fishpond, Mighty Ape, Lehmanns, Superbooks, and Imusic!!
about my newest holiday book called Sophia the Christmas Eve Snow Bunny & The Real Gift
Wanda Luthman's Book Blog 
Excellent reviews! 😊
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Thank you!
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Good Morning and thank you so very much for featuring my amazing book-babies in your BLOG. I am so honored to be featured with such awesome authors. Readers may find out more about my books by visiting my website http://www.florenza.org. If any of your wonderful readers are in Hampton Roads, please stop by any of the events in which we participate to say hi! Thank you again, and congratulations on all of your success! Florenza
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I’m honored to share you and your books with the world, Florenza! Thank you for being a guest on my blog.
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