Dear Friends,
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Author, Bette A. Stevens. From lovely poetry to delightful children’s literature to a poignant coming-of-age tale, she has a method of writing that draws the reader in as though present in that very moment. The imagery Bette paints through her words is vivid and because of her breathtaking haiku, I will visit Maine someday! Recently, I read her children’s book: Amazing Matilda – A Monarch’s Tale, and let me tell you, we are never too old to read a story written for youth. There is more to this enchanting children’s book that will entice and benefit any adult. I will share my 5-star review in a few minutes. But first, let me introduce you to Bette:
Inspired by nature and human nature, award-winning author Bette A. Stevens is a retired elementary and middle school teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of eight. Stevens lives in central Maine with her husband on their 37-acre farmstead where she enjoys reading, writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. She advocates for children and families, for childhood literacy and for the conservation of monarch butterflies (milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat). Stevens has written articles for ECHOES, The Northern Maine Journal of Rural Culture. Stevens’s books include The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too!; Amazing Matilda, Children’s Picture Book (Ages 4-11) 2013 Purple Dragonfly Book Award and Gittle List; Pure Trash (MG/YA/Adult) Short Story; Dog Bone Soup (MG/YA/Adult) Coming of age Novel (2017 KCT International Literary Award Top Finalist 2017); and My Maine, Haiku through the Seasons (Poetry & Photography Collection) 2019.
Bette’s books:
Children’s Books
- THE TANGRAM ZOO and WORD PUZZLES TOO! was first published in 1997 by Windswept House Publishing, Mt. Desert, ME; a second edition was self-published by the author in 2012.
- AMAZING MATILDA, Stevens’s second children’s book, self-published in 2012 won a 2013 Purple Dragonfly Book Award (Honorable Mention for Excellence in Children’s Literature – Ages 6 and older category) and also placed #9 on The 2013 Gittle List for Self-published Children’s Picture Books.
Fiction General (Middle-grade–Adult)
- PURE TRASH, a short story of a boy growing up in rural New England in a family whose poverty and alcoholism mark him as a target for bullying by young and old alike. This short story is a prequel to Stevens’s début novel DOG BONE SOUP(KCT International Literary Award Top Finalist 2017).
- DOG BONE SOUP is not only the title of Bette A. Stevens’s debut novel; it ranks high among the paltry meals that the book’s protagonist, Shawn Daniels, wants to forget. Plodding through mounting snow and battling howling winds, Shawn is ready to leave it all behind—living in poverty, Dad’s drinking, life in foster care, the divorce, the bullies…. Travel with Shawn Daniels through the guts and the glories of life. DOG BONE SOUP, a compelling coming-of-age saga.
Poetry
- MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons Stevens released her first poetry collection June 2019. MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons (A Poetry & Photography Collection) takes readers on a journey through Maine and the four seasons she knows and loves. To round off the collection, the author includes symbols and interesting facts about The Pine Tree State.
- Stevens is currently (2021) working on a second poetry collection.
My 5-star review:
This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about a sweet little caterpillar named Matilda. She embarks on her transformation to a lovely Monarch butterfly but focuses on one big wish hoping it will come true. During her journey, she finds encouragement from three new adorable animal friends. And they gladly share their wisdom which conveys a deeper message: to persevere, be patient, and never give up – fundamental lessons for all ages. Stevens also illustrated this delightful book, which adds an impressive layer to her talent and skill as an author. But reading about Matilda’s metamorphosis isn’t only for the youth; this wonderful and educational story will also be enjoyed by those who have been reading for decades and decades. I highly recommend Amazing Matilda, A Monarch’s Tale for all ages!
Bette A. Stevens, Maine author/illustrator —“A writer inspired by nature and human nature”
- Visit Bette’s Website/Bloghttp://www.4writersandreaders.com
- Follow Bette on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorbetteastevens.officialfanpage?ref=hl’s
- Find out more about Bette & her Books on Amazon http://viewauthor.at/BetteAStevens
Thank you for stopping by and I encourage you to visit Bette’s blog and allow yourself to sink into her evocative writing. Perhaps you have young children or grandchildren who would enjoy reading Matilda’s tale. If not, as I mentioned above, Matilda’s charming little story offers big lessons even for adults.
~ Have a wonderful day, Lauren 💗
Thank you very much for the introduction, my dear Lauren. I will check out her site! xoxoxo
My pleasure, Marina, and thanks for supporting Bette. I know you’ll enjoy her writing! Hugs xo
❤️😘❤️
Thank you, Marina.
It was a pleasure visiting your ‘world’ and I’ll be happy to do so in the future.
Hi Lauren, This is a wonderful review of Bette’s beautiful book, “Amazing Matilda.” I wholeheartedly agree about the poignant, multi-layered story. I am also in awe of Bette’s creativity and talent illustrating this book. I gave this book to my 6-year-old granddaughter for her birthday and we both love reading it. I have also read “Dog Bone Soup.” Another enjoyable book. Thank you for sharing, Lauren.
Thanks very much, Erika, and it’s great that you have supported Bette, too. Her illustrations are beautiful and tender as the story. I can just visualize you reading Matilda with your granddaughter. 🙂 And I am also in the process of reading Dog Bone Soup! Thanks for popping in! 💓
Thanks so much for your lovely and thoughtful note, Erica. ❤
An excellent review, Lauren. Bette is a treasure.
Thanks so much, John, and yes she is! 🥰
Hugs and thanks so much, John….
🤗
It’s lovely to see our dearest friend, poet and author here. I love her poetry and yes, Amazing Matilda is a beautiful book for children. Thank you Lauren, for sharing a fabulous review of Bette’s book.
It’s my pleasure, Balroop. Bette offers variety with her many wonderful books. 💓
Thanks so much, dear Balroop! ❤
Lauren, a wonderful post about Bette and her work! I’m a huge fan and I’ve read all her books. I love your review of ‘Amazing Matilda’ and how true that it is a very special book for all ages!😀 May we all remember that important lesson ‘to persevere, be patient, and never give up’!
Thanks, Annika, for your lovely comment. Bette is supported by many! And I agree with you about the lessons, too. 🌷
Thanks so much for your sweet note, dear Annika! ❤ xo
Bette’s books are each different and inspiring in their own way. What a beautiful review you have written here of Amazing Matilda! You show how Bette‘s talent encompasses so many different literary forms.
I agree with you about Bette’s books and how inspiring they are in different ways, Pam, and thank you about the review, too. She keeps her readers engaged with the many literary forms she covers. Thanks for stopping by! 🌻
Thanks so much, Pam. Lauren’s beautiful review is a treasure. It’s an honor to be featured on her lovely blog.
I love all of Bette’s books. She’s terrific!
She sure is. Thanks for stopping by, Jill. 🌸
Hugs and ditto! ❤ xo
Dear Lauren,
It is an honor to be featured on your beautiful blog. Ever thanks for your lovely review of Amazing Matilda. The gift of being mentioned and featured on your blog is a priceless gift to me.
Ever thanks,
Bette
The pleasure is mine, Bette. I enjoy sharing beautiful writing and books such as yours. 💕
Thanks and hugs, dear Lauren… 💞
Congratulations, Bette! I agree with Lauren. I would love to visit Maine someday, but with your beautiful poetry, I feel as though I’ve already been there. 🙂 Your book, Pure Trash, was a great example of ‘how to’ develop characters that readers could connect strongly with. Thank you for sharing this well written review, Lauren!
Hi, Mark. Thanks so much for your visit and thoughtful note! It is an honor to be featured at Lauren’s and also to chat with wonderful author friends like you who make my days brighter. 🙂 May yours be bright and blessed! xo
Hi Mark, I feel the same about Bette’s beautiful Maine poetry, feeling as though I’ve already experienced that enchanting environment she lives in. Thanks so much for your kind words about my review. I am happy to support Bette and her incredible writing talent. Have a good weekend!
Hugs!
Thank you for sharing this interesting interview , Lauren.
Have a wonderful day, love and hugs from across the pond. xoxo
Thanks for stopping by, Francina, and sending love across the blue to you, too. 🥰💖
Beautiful review for Bette’s book, Lauren. I too read it before giving it to my young niece. It’s beautiful.<3
Thanks so much, Debby. Coming from you who writes many reviews, it’s nice of you to “say” and Bette’s book is deserving. xo
Well I’ve read plenty of your reviews to know you are an ace reviewer. ❤
Well, thank you! 🙂 I haven’t written many, but I think they’re a good writing exercise to continue. Thanks again, Debby, and have a great day! Friday is peeking through. 🥰
Thanks Lauren ❤