While researching for this book, Building the Golden Gate Bridge, I learned a valuable lesson: If something is falling from above, don’t look up! If I hadn’t, I probably would have suffered a broken nose when a friend dropped a hammer while we were installing some cabinets. Instead, I kept my head down and was… Continue reading Building the Golden Gate Bridge
Author: Blake Hoena
Daring
Here’s my third book in the Tony Hawk Live2Skate series. And I must admit that these books have inspired me to get back on my board. While I can’t do half of the tricks I describe in this story, the one thing I share with Lei, the main character, is that I like to use… Continue reading Daring
Review — Everything Dinosaurs
The introduction presents some dinosaur “what if”s: What if dinosaurs had not become extinct? What was the world really like with dinosaurs roaming around? Dr. Paul Sereno, a paleontologist, helps to answer these questions through his research. In “Explorer’s Corner” sidebars throughout the book, Dr. Sereno provides extra information from his worldwide expeditions. The four… Continue reading Review — Everything Dinosaurs
Stubby the Dog Soldier: World War I Hero
As a bit of a history buff and a dog lover (just ask my spoiled pooch Ty), I jumped at the chance to write a picture book about Stubby, a dog who truly shows how heroic and loyal are canine friends can be. This book was released earlier this summer and features some fantastic art… Continue reading Stubby the Dog Soldier: World War I Hero
Reveiw — Everything Mythology
In Everything Mythology, Blake Hoena and Adrienne Mayor introduce readers to a colorful and fearful world that is not entirely foreign. This book is filled with stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, Monsters, revenge, love, hate, trickery and so much more. As readers and listeners journey into the world of Mythology they will quickly find characters… Continue reading Reveiw — Everything Mythology
Little Free Library
As an author, I tend to have boxes of books filling the nooks and crannies of my house. Some are copies I receive from publishers of that books that I have written, and many are books that I have read. While walking my dog one day with my dad, we came across a Little Free… Continue reading Little Free Library
Review — Everything Mythology & Dinosaurs
With more than 100 full-color illustrations these titles are visual treats, while providing a good deal of content. Each features four main sections with two-page chapters within those sections concentrating on specific topics. Within “Dinosaur Life,” for instance, readers will find spreads on the “Dino Nursery,” “Growing Up Dinosaur,” “Chomp or Be Chomped,” and “The… Continue reading Review — Everything Mythology & Dinosaurs
Everything Soccer
With the World Cup starting up in a little over a week, it’s great timing on my newest release, National Geographic Kids EVERYTHING Soccer. While working on this book, I even interviewed Omar Gonzalez, a star defender for Team USA. Summary: Score! Finally, a book that explains everything about soccer—a favorite team sport played by… Continue reading Everything Soccer
Review — Everything Dinosaurs
The latest in the Everything series will certainly appeal to young dinosaur enthusiasts. Illustrations rule here, even though, as the text mentions, scientists aren’t sure about the color, shape, and texture of most dinosaurs. Tempesta’s illustrations present dinos of all sizes and dimensions, like the Mamenchisaurus, whose neck was 35 feet long. These pictures provide… Continue reading Review — Everything Dinosaurs
National Geographic Kids
This month I have two new books being released: Everything Dinosaurs and Everything Mythology, both published by National Geographic. The exciting part, for me, is that I grew up reading National Geographic Magazine. It’s how I learned about dinosaur fossils, exotic animals, and all the strange places around the world. National Geographic was part of… Continue reading National Geographic Kids