The Underwater Ballroom Society

By: Stephanie Burgis, Ysabeau S. Wilce, Y. S. Lee, Iona Datt Sharma, Jenny Moss, Cassandra Khaw, Laura Anne Gilman, Shveta Thakrar, Patrick Samphire

A collection of stories by many fabulous and talented authors, The Underwater Ballroom Society focuses on one unifying theme: an underwater ballroom. From the dancing princesses, a martian female detective/spy, the fairy realm (in combination with some rock and roll, of course), to a creepy circus, you will find many fun and satisfying short reads. They will make you laugh, they will make you contemplative, and they will make you want to visit an underwater ballroom of your own. 

What sparked my interest in the book was a few things. First, I loved reading the series of books by two of the authors listed, namely Stephanie Burgis (Kat Incorrigible, The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart,  Snowspelled) and Y.S. Lee (The Agency Series). Second, how romantic and mysterious would plots be if they were to each feature an underwater ballroom? The stories are a must for those who love fantasy, mystery, romance, and adventure. I highly enjoyed reading The Underwater Ballroom Society and have now found new authors to enjoy! 

The Underwater Ballroom Society takes its name from the real life story of the Witley Park "underwater ballroom" (you can read more on this via Atlas Obscura here). Through a conversation between authors Tiffany Trent and Stephanie Burgis, they sparked an idea to create a collection of stories featuring an underwater ballroom. More authors joined in the conversation, each wanting to take part in such an endeavor, thus creating the masterpiece that is now available for your reading pleasure. 

If you would like to find out more about the authors, please visit them at their individual author sites below:
 
Ysabeau S. Wilce
Y.S. Lee
Iona Datt Sharma
Tiffany Trent
Jenny Moss
Cassandra Khaw
Stephanie Burgis
Laura Anne Gilman
Shveta Thakrar
Patrick Samphire
 

Santa's Dog by JoAnn Sky, Illustrated by Ed Koehler

(c) Dogs and Books, JoAnn Sky, Ed Koehler

Santa's Dog is a rhyming holiday story for children. The story begins with showing all the different dogs Santa has. But, Lance is Santa's favorite dog.

One year, Lance travels with Santa to deliver presents during Christmas one year and accidentally is left behind! What is a dog to do? Without a way back to Santa, Lance is sent to a shelter to be adopted. He is soon adopted by a family whose father is in the military and is on active duty. While the family is sad without their dad, they show love and kindness to Lance and is loved in return. But, by next Christmas, will Lance stay or go back by Santa? Lance may just be the best gift Santa could provide!

Santa's Dog is a short story that will warm your heart and children will love. It may be a bit long for children younger than 4, who may not want to sit all the way through, but it has colorful and cute drawings that will be sure to entertain children of all ages. The story itself advocates for the adoption of pets, and a portion of each purchase will support animal rescue causes. This is the first in a series of "Santa Dog" book, so be sure to check it out when it is published this upcoming July!

In case you are wondering if there is a real Santa's Dog, be sure to check out Ms. Sky's website below for a real life story!

(c) JoAnn Sky

About the author, JoAnn Sky (visit the Dogs and Books website here):

JoAnn Sky is an award-winning author and two-time Golden Heart® finalist who writes children’s stories as well as young adult and adult contemporary romance. She’s combined her love of books and dogs and her respect for the military in SANTA’S DOG. She hopes you enjoy reading it as much as she has enjoyed creating it. Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her family and three crazy rescue dogs. You can visit her young adult and contemporary romance novel site at: www.joannsky.com.

(c) Ed Koehler

About the Illustrator, Ed Koehler (visit his website here):
Ed Koehler is an illustrator specializing in fun, lively art for children's books and other products. His work has been published around the world and has received numerous awards. He is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators and the St. Louis Artists Guild.