A New Book by Renée Filippucci-Kotz

Renée Filippucci-Kotz is a writer friend of mine, here in Raleigh, North Carolina. She stopped by to share her latest children's book, Mark of the Dragon. The colorful cover and pages filled with fun are available now!

Book Blurb: 

As Willow approached her thirteenth birthday, a mysterious mark appeared on the palm of her right hand. Not long after its appearance, Willow received life-altering news. This news sends her off on a journey full of adventure, danger, and portals to another world. Along the way, she encounters fantastic creatures with untold secrets and ancient wisdom who will forever change her life.

Excerpt:

Jagged bolts of lightning flashed across the sky. The wind screamed like a demon, the rain came so hard it stripped leaves from the trees, and the earth rumbled. Then, at the exact moment Willow was born, the storm ceased. It wasn’t so much the storm gradually faded away; it simply stopped. The clouds disappeared, and the full moon shone brightly.

Thirteen years have passed since the night of the storm, yet it was forever etched in the townspeople’s memory. Even now, the townspeople spoke of it with a mix of awe and fear, their voices hushed as if the storm itself might hear them. They whispered about Willow's birth during such an intense gale, some even calling her cursed or blessed, depending on their beliefs. Her mama explained it was because some people were superstitious about her being born the night of such a fierce storm. And even though she didn't fully understand why, Willow always felt set apart from those around her.

Renée has been telling stories to children since she started babysitting at the age of 11. She is the author of three chapter books: AJ’s Wish, Pepper’s Misadventure, which received honorable mention in Shoal, the Literary Journal of the Carteret Writers, and Mystery at Camp Piney Woods. 

In addition, she has published four picture books: Booker and the Stinky Smell, Smokey and Clover the Runaway Goat, Cody to the Rescue, and Katie’s New Home. She lives with her husband in central North Carolina.

Learn more about the author, 

Renée Filippucci-Kotz here:

Books By Renee     Facebook

Check it out! Great summer reading! 

Here are the Buy Links:

Amazon       Amazon AU

Amazon UK    Barnes and Noble  

Amazon Print

Katie's New Home by Author Renée Filippucci-Kotz

I invited author Renée Filippucci-Kotz, a fellow writer friend in Raleigh, North Carolina, to share her recently released book. 

At some point in time almost everyone moves to a new home. Sometimes the move is across the country and sometimes it is across town. Leaving your home and saying goodbye to your friends can be scary. Will you like your new home? Will you make new friends? Everyone has these thoughts. Katie loved her home. It's where she grew up. It had a big back yard and lots of trees. Her best friends Skipper and Lucy lived next door. Life couldn't be better. Then one day her world changed. Katie's family is moving to a new town. 

 

In Katie's New Home we are introduced to Katie, a sweet Labrador who has these same worries. Will Katie like her new home and make new friends? Follow Katie to her new home to discover the answers.

      AMAZON    AMAZON Paperback  

AMASON Hardcover     BAM

More About the Author

Renée Filippucci-Kotz became interested in  writing for  children while working with foster
children. In addition to her picture books,  Booker and the Stinky Smell,  Smokey and Clover the Runaway Goat, and Cody to the Rescue she has written three chapter books, AJ’s Wish, Pepper’s Misadventure, and Mystery at Camp Piney Woods.  

When  not  writing, she  enjoys  reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband and pets. They live in North Carolina. Connect with her here:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Children's Author Renée Filippucci-Kotz

A fellow North Carolina writer has stopped by to share her latest book. Please give a nice welcome and take a moment to leave a comment. Better yet…buy the book! Take it away, Renée.

Thanks for having me Nancy. Cody to the Rescue is my third picture book. While the story is fiction, Cody and Missy were two of our wonderful pets.

I have just updated my website, and you can hear audio excerpts for each book. So check it out!

Book Blurb

Cody had an important job at the railroad: keeping an eye out for anything unusual on the tracks.  It was something he just naturally started doing from the first day Engineer Bob brought him to the railroad after adopting him from the local animal shelter.  One morning Cody noticed something on the tracks just before Engineer Bob was ready to start the train to move it to the shop for repairs. What was it?  Can he alert Engineer Bob in time?  

Join Cody and Engineer Bob as they make a new discovery and follow along as they decide what to do with their find.

Excerpt from Cody to the Rescue

     Cody scouted the railroad tracks as he did every morning. He made it his job to make sure the tracks were clear. On this bright summer day the wind blew gently through the trees, and Cody had never been happier. 

   “Hi ho, Cody,” called Engineer Bob, as he climbed aboard the locomotive. “Let’s roll. We need to move this locomotive to the shop for repairs so it will be ready for the train rides this weekend.”

   “Woof,” said Cody, his tail wagging.

   Cody, a lemon spotted pointer, loved Engineer Bob ever since he adopted Cody from the animal shelter. Cody began to walk toward the locomotive when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something farther down the tracks. He decided to investigate. 

Buy Links

 

Amazon     Amazon UK

 

Amazon CAN    Amazon AUS

 

Barnes and Noble    Book Depository

 

 

About the Author

Renée has been telling stories to children since she began babying sitting at age 11. Renée became interested in writing for children while working with children in foster care. She has published three chapter books, AJ’s Wish, Pepper’s Misadventure which received honorable mention in the Carteret Writers Contest and Mystery at Camp Piney Woods.

In addition she has published three picture books, Booker and the Stinky Smell, Smokey and Clover the Runaway Goat and Cody to the Rescue. When not writing, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband and pets. They live in North Carolina. Connect with her here: 

WEBSITE     FACEBOOK

 

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Renée Filippucci-Kotz

I am happy to again host fellow Raleigh, North Carolina author Renée Filippucci-Kotz. Although I write romance and she writes children's fiction, we are both members of the Triangle Association of Freelancers. I am eager to share her new children's book that was recently released in print. Take it away, Renée!

Mystery at Camp Piney Woods is the third book in the Amelia Jae series. AJ is going to camp for the first time. While she is packing, her cousin calls to tell AJ there are strange noises and lights in the woods around the camp. Her cousin doesn’t say what is scaring the campers, but suggests there may be a ghost in the woods.

Excerpt from Mystery at Camp Piney Woods

   “Amelia Jae,” her mother called up the stairs. “Telephone for you.”

   “I’ll get it in your room,” she called back as she walked to her parent’s bedroom.

   “Hello?”

   “AJ, this is Courtney. Are you ready for camp?”

   “Yes, I’m all packed.”

   “I called to say have a good time and don’t let the weird stuff up there bother you,” Courtney laughed.

   “What weird stuff? What do you mean?”

   “Didn’t you hear?”

   “No, I didn’t.” asked AJ.

   “Well, there are some strange goings-on in the woods. Some people think there’s a ghost in the woods. Maybe there’s a ghost or maybe there’s something worse in there,” said Courtney.

   “Well, I don’t believe in ghosts. You can’t scare me. I’m not afraid. It may be an animal or something else in there. There’s no such thing as ghosts.”

   “Okay, but a friend of mine was there last year and he said a lot of the campers were scared. He said some of the campers said there were strange noises and lights in the woods. Just thought you should know. Well, I have to go. Have fun. Bye!”

   AJ stomped back to her bedroom gritting her teeth. Her hands were balled into fists. “Ohhh, Courtney makes me so mad,” AJ muttered to herself.  “She’s always trying to scare me. She thinks I’m a baby because she’s two years older. I’m no baby. One of these days I’m going to get her back really good.”

   AJ stomped her foot again in frustration, but before she could think of a way to get back at Courtney, her mom walked into her bedroom.

   “What’s all the noise up here?  I could hear you all the way in the kitchen. What’s wrong?”

   “Courtney said there’s supposed to be something scary in the wood. She said there may be a ghost in the woods around the camp. I don’t know why she tries to scare me. I know there’s no such thing as ghosts. I’m not a fraidy-cat.”

   “I know you’re not afraid. Do you want me to call Aunt Dorothy about her?”

   “No,” AJ sighed.

   “Honey, we heard about the rumors. You know Dad and I wouldn’t let you go to camp if there was any danger,” she said as she brushed a lock of AJ’s red hair behind her ear. Sometimes your cousin, Courtney, doesn’t know when to stop her teasing.”

    AJ just shook her head.

   “I know,” AJ said. “I know there’s no ghost. Maybe I’ll find out what’s really out there.”

   “Now Amelia Jae, I know you.  Once you get an idea into your head you don’t let it go. You listen to me. I don’t want you to wander off by yourself and get into trouble.”

   “Okay,” said AJ. However, her thoughts were already on the camp and what she would find out. 

BUY LINKS 

Amazon     Books-a-Million     

Barnes & Noble    Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

   

Renée Filippucci-Kotz was born in New York and grew up in Kentucky. Renée developed a passion for books and animals as a child. Going to the library with her parents and brother was a favorite pastime. She has always loved to read. Growing up Renée had a vivid imagination.  She loved to make up stories. She would tell stories to the children for whom she babysat and the children at day camp where she was a counselor.

She became interested in writing for children while working with foster children. Her first children’s chapter book, AJ’s Wish, was published in 2016. Her second chapter book in the AJ series, Pepper's Misadventure, published in 2017, received honorable mention in the Carteret Writers Contest. In addition, she has published her first picture book, Booker and the Stinky Smell in 2017, and her second picture book Smokey and Clover the Runaway Goat in 2018.

Renée recently completed the manuscript for her third picture book, Cody to the Rescue. To be published later this year.  She is currently working on a middle grade novel, tentatively titled Mark of the Dragon. When not writing, Renée enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, volunteering at her local animal shelter and spending time with her husband and pets. Ms. Filippucci-Kotz lives in North Carolina. connect with her here:

WEBSITE      FACEBOOK      TWITTER 

GOODREADS     BOOK DEPOSITORY

p.s. If any of my readers have kids under 9, please 'LIKE' Renée's Facebook page!

Nancy Lee Badger

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Renée Filippucci-Kotz

Renée Filippucci-Kotz, a fellow author from Raleigh, stopped by to share her latest children’s book. Take it away Renée!

Thanks for having me back, Nancy. My latest picture book is Smokey and Clover the Runaway Goat. While the story is fiction, Smokey was our wonderful Chow Chow. 

Book Blurb

You probably like to have adventures, don’t you?  Most of us do. But sometimes they are a bit more adventurous than we expect. One day Smokey’s person, Olivia, walks into the backyard with an animal Smokey has never seen before. On this sunny day, Smokey met Clover, a two-month old little goat. Little did Smokey know Clover would set off on her own adventure and he would have to rescue her.

Excerpt

Smokey, a friendly Chow Chow, was exploring his backyard when his person, Olivia, called him.

“Smokey,” said Olivia as she walked towards him. “I have a surprise for you.”

As Smokey trotted over to see the surprise, he saw a strange animal. It didn’t look like any cat or dog he’d met before.  It had floppy ears, a tiny tail, tan and white fur and very odd-looking feet. 

Sniff, sniff. “You don’t smell like anyone I’ve met before. What are you?” asked Smokey. 

“Maa, maa. I’m a baby goat,” said the animal. 

“Smokey,” said Olivia. “This is Clover.  She’s two months old and is going to stay with us while the shelter finds a nice farm for her home. I know how gentle you are with other animals so I want you to keep an eye on her.”Smokey gave Clover another sniff.  

“Well, Smokey,” said Olivia. “What do you think?”

Smokey walked around Clover.  Clover watched Smokey carefully.  She had seen a dog before, but didn’t know what to expect.  Finally, Smokey wagged his tail and gave Clover a great big kiss on her head.  

“Hey,” said Clover. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I like you. I think we’ll be friends,” said Smokey.

“Not if you keep licking me on the head,” said Clover as she shook her head.

Buy Links

Amazon US     Amazon UK

Amazon CAN    Amazon AUS

Amazon PRINT

Here is a link to my page on Amazon

Amazon

Audio excerpts for each book

 can be heard at her website.

More About the Author 

Renee has been telling stories to children since she began babying sitting at age 11. Renee became interested in writing for children while working with children in foster care. Her first children’s chapter book was AJ’s Wish (2016). Her second, Pepper’s Misadventure (2017) received honorable mention in the Carteret Writers Contest. Also, in 2017 she published her first picture book, Booker and the Stinky Smell.

In addition to publishing Smokey and Clover the Runaway goat last year, Renee just finished the third chapter book in the Amelia Jae series, Mystery at Camp Piney Woods.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband and pets. They live in North Carolina. Connect with her here:

Website     Facebook     Twitter

Nancy Lee Badger Presents Children's Author Renée Filippucci-Kotz

Renée Filippucci-Kotz is a local author like me, here in Raleigh, North Carolina. She stopped by to share another new book. Take it away!

Pepper’s Misadventure is the second children’s, chapter book in the Amelia Jae Series.  (AJ’s Wish is the first).  AJ and her mother are driving their new kitty, Pepper, to the veterinarian when they are in a fender bender.  AJ doesn’t listen to her mom and takes Pepper out of her carrier.  Pepper is frightened, jumps out of AJ’s arms and runs away.

Excerpt from Pepper's Misadventure

On the way to Dr. Simon’s office, Mom stopped at a stop sign. As she drove the car through the intersection, a car coming from a side street didn’t stop. Suddenly, there was a screech of tires and then a hard jolt. The car hit them in the side, putting a large dent in the left back door. AJ and Mom were stunned for a moment.

 “Are you hurt? Are you all right?” asked Mom.

“I’m okay, but my heart is pounding, and I’m a little shaky,” said AJ. Her face was pale beneath her freckles.

“Let’s get out while I call the police. Leave Pepper in the car,” said Mom. AJ and Mom got out of the car. Mom went to talk to the driver who hit them and to call the police.

“I’ll just check you out,” said AJ as she slid Pepper’s carrier across the seat. She opened the carrier door and lifted Pepper out. As Mom was talking to the police on the phone, she saw AJ take Pepper out of the carrier.

“Amelia Jae, I told you to leave Pepper in the car. Put her back in there right now,” said Mom. “It’s not safe for her to be out of it.”

“But Mom, I just wanted to make sure she was okay,” said AJ.

“Put her back now, Amelia Jae,” said Mom.

AJ reached for the carrier to put Pepper back in the car. A dog in the back seat of the other car barked loudly. Startled, Pepper jumped out of AJ’s arms. The dog saw Pepper and barked even louder as it scratched at the window. Terrified, Pepper ran.

“Come back, Pepper! cried AJ.

Pepper kept running, even though she stepped on some broken glass in the street and cut her front right paw.

BUY LINKS

Amazon      Books-A-Million

Archway Publishing Bookstore

More About the Author

Renée Filippucci-Kotz was born in New York and grew up in Kentucky. Renée developed a passion for books and animals as a child. Going to the library with her parents and brother was a favorite pastime. She has always loved to read.

Growing up Renée had a vivid imagination.  She loved to make up stories. She would tell stories to the children for whom she babysat and the children at day camp where she was a counselor.

She became interested in writing for children while working with foster children. Her first children’s chapter book, AJ’s Wish, was published in 2016. Her second chapter book in the AJ series, Pepper's Misadventure, published in 2017, received honorable mention in the Carteret Writers Contest. In addition, she has published her first picture book, Booker and the Stinky Smell in 2017.

Renée recently completed her second picture book, Smokey and Clover the Runaway Goat.  To be published later this year.  She is currently working on the third book in the Amelia Jae series, Mystery at Camp Piney Woods.

When not writing, Renée enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, volunteering at her local animal shelter and spending time with her husband and pets. Ms. Filippucci-Kotz lives in North Carolina. Connect with her here:

WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  TWITTER  GOODREADS

...and please check out her other books

AJ’sWish 

Booker and the Stinky Smell