BOOK LAUNCH! Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra by Karen Tyrrell!

Today, I'm delighted to welcome Karen Tyrrell, award winning children’s resilience author, to my blog. Karen launches her second book in the Super Space Kids series, Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra, an action-packed FUN space adventure for kids 7-12 … into the cosmos.

Jo-Kin Battles the It and Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra, (Super Space Kids) are out NOW on Amazon and in book shops across the galaxy.

Here's the blurb!

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra

“Reluctant hero, Jo-Kin never wanted to be a Super Space Kid. Not until Lord Terra kidnaps his Commander’s little sister and starts destroying the galaxy. Jo-Kin reunites the mighty Super Space Kids for an inter-planetary hunt for Lord Terra, finally meeting in a legendary winner takes all battle on Planet Deelish-us.

Can Jo-Kin defeat the all-powerful Lord Terra?

Blast off with gadgets, robots and funky food in a hilarious outer space adventure that empowers you via teamwork, problem solving, and resilience.

I also had a little chat with Karen about how she comes up with her awesome themes in kid's fiction.

1. Why did you Create themes in Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra?

THEME is the heart and soul of a powerful story. Passionate themes and issues drive Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra, thrilling space adventure, giving meaning and empathy to the reader.

My themes are connected to the protagonist’s, Jo-Kin’s internal journey. Geeky Jo-Kin aka Joshua Atkins plays the reluctant hero called upon to save little Pandora and the galaxy from Lord Terra. Jo-Kin must utilize every power within to win his struggle of Good versus Evil.

The reader cheers Jo-Kin on to succeed but Jo-Kin fails again and again. Jo-Kin must learn how to overcome his flaws to WIN. He must learn new skills: problem solving (brain power), friendship (team power), and a whole lot of resilience.

Real life themes make my story more relatable and believable. Teachers search for books that tick more than one box, delivering multiple curriculum themes such as STEM science and Kids Matter – life-skills.

2. How do you Write by Theme?

Firstly, write a powerful, intriguing story that kids want to read. A story posing unanswered questions the reader must solve. Ensure the main character’s goal is to solve a gripping problem. Wrap that story together with sizzling themes.

In Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra, Jo-kin’s goal is to save Pandora and the galaxy from Lord Terra. Jo-Kin dreams of being a Super Space Kid. Firstly he must empower himself with self-belief, self-confidence and self-esteem so that he can call upon his brain power and team power. With every draft I wrote, I added deeper levels of my themes… and more humour.

I added seven main themes to Jo-Kin vs Lord Tera: perseverance/ resilience, humour, team power, brain power, STEM science, family and friendship. Other sub-themes that I explore in my junior novel are trust, consequences, fears, embarrassing parents and the onset of puberty.

I added a light touch of humour throughout to make reading FUN.

3. What themes are HOT in junior fiction & middle grade books?

Teachers and parents are calling out for gritty Kids Matter and STEM themes to empower kids with coping skills to deal with/ solve the problems of the world: bullies, life stress, divorce, diversity, disability, climate change and refugees.

The Australian Curriculum is calling out for stories with STEM:-

Science

Technology

Engineering

Maths

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra, delivers both Kids Matter and STEM science, astronomy and space themes in the story. Download FREE teacher resources with STEM, creative writing, humour, and family and teamwork activities.

4. How do you announce your themes to schools, teachers, parents and teachers?

List your themes directly on the back cover blurb of your book.

“Blast off with gadgets, robots and funky food in a hilarious outer space adventure showing kids the power of teamwork, problem solving, and resilience. Jo-Kin is aligned with Kids Matter and STEM science in the Australian curriculum.”

Create an AIS (Advanced Information Sheet) with your blurb and themes listed. Seven themes are the recommended number of themes.

Send out your AIS to schools, bookshops and distributors.

Relatable themes connect with a wide range of readers including the child reader, teachers, parents, reviewers, librarians, book shops, distributors and even book buyers.

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra, is available at Dymocks, Riverbend, The Book Garden, Book Face, Angus & Robertson, Mary Ryans, Amazon and selected stores.

Please connect with Karen Tyrrell here:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra Blog Tour 23 May–I June

To celebrate Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra launch Karen is hosting Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra Blog Tour and Book Giveaway. Co-hosts will share out-of- this-world book reviews, interviews and blog posts.

Karen will zoom away signed copies of her book Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra and galactic prizes via the websites below. Please leave a comment on the websites to WIN.

23 May Amazon; Blog Tour Launch www.karentyrrell.com
24 May Writing Kids Comedy, Melissa Wray http://melissawray.blogspot.com.au
25 May Create a Powerful Hero Character, Alison Stegert https://ali-stegert.com
26 May Creating Teacher Resources, Romi Sharp http://www.justkidslit.com
27 May Book Review, Robyn Opie Parnell http://robynopie.blogspot.com.au
30 May Book Review, Jill Smith https://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com
31 May Creating Themes in Kids Books, Kate Foster http://www.katejfoster.com/blog
1 June Illustrate a Children’s Novel, June Perkins https://gumbootspearlz.org
Book Giveaway

WIN two signed copies of Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra, OR 3 eBooks OR signed artwork from illustrator Trevor Salter.

For a chance to WIN prizes … Just leave a comment on any of the above websites.

REMEMBER: Leaving comments on more than one site, increases your chances to WIN a prize.

Winners announces on 6 June. Good luck 

Please comment below to win prizes.
WHO wants to win a free copy?!