Reviews and Book Talk Testimonials
Knightscares #1: Cauldron Cooker's Night
Josh and Jozlyn live in your typical Medieval-ish fantasy village, with fairy armies and witches’ holidays. Our story begins on Cauldron Cooker’s Night, a celebration for witches that leaves regular folk cowering under their beds. When the whole town is turned to frogs by a vengeful witch, it is up to Josh and Jozlyn to save them. Along the way they encounter ogres and wizards, magic mushrooms and bog beasts. Master Gramble, the turtle with the brain of a stone, was probably my favorite character, and I hope he shows up in future volumes of the series. The illustrations were fine and detailed. This was more or less a standard sword’n'sorcery tale but I happen to like me some good old fashioned S&S so I’m not complaining. That said, it is undeniably written for children, complete with cautionary asides about not eating wild mushrooms without a parent around and other such things that took me out of the story. Which isn’t a bad thing, of course – it just means that I, as an adult, did not get as much enjoyment out of the story as I probably would have a couple decades ago. However, this would be a fun one to read aloud to your kids, if only to say “griznt” over and over again.
Heroes A2Z #1: Alien Ice Cream
Three superhero siblings save a small Michigan town from certain peril, this time in the form of aliens peddling hypnosis-inducing ice cream. Their powers are silly (speed and sports; the ability to drive anything with wheels, including airplanes; and anything Superman can do, respectively) but fun. Most memorable for me was the youngest, Zoe, who is still in diapers. I was a little concerned by the idea of a superhero lacking bladder control, but all the same, it was quite clear the authors wrote with their audience firmly in mind. For example, Zoe speaks only one word at a time, all potential vocabulary words; in this book they all started with the letter A but I assume future books in the series go through the alphabet. Adorable illustrations adorn every page. I was amused by the strange little asides and the commentary on sibling rivalry. In short, this is the sort of thing I would probably have enjoyed as a child. I also probably would have colored the illustrations.
Reviews by Kate on her book blog utter randomonium
Hi, David and Charlie-
Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed your visit at our Young Author’s Festival last month! Pine Ridge students and staff are abuzz about “Heroes A2Z”...the books flew out of our library the same day and we’ve even ordered another set. Your enthusiasm for writing and reading is infectious. Thank you for inspiring our students!
Please feel free to use this endorsement on your web site and marketing materials. I’m also more than happy to be a personal reference. Really impressed with you both!
Susan Alexander
Pine Ridge Publishing Center
Dear David and Charles,
In October of 2010 I ordered your [Knightscares] series of books to be sent to my grandchildren in Colorado. My grandchildren were very pleased to receive them and were impressed that they were autographed. My grandson has a reading problem but yesterday his special education teacher contacted my son and daughter-in-law to say how amazed she was at the strides he has made since he has been reading the Knightscares books. Naturally they were thrilled as they were always told that if they could really engage him in book that he likes his reading problems would be helped. Once he is through with the series my granddaughter will begin reading them as she is younger and reads above his level, don’t need any sibling rivalry. Thank you so much, you have made a difference and I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Charlotte AndrenDavid Anthony and Charles David Clasman might just be the two of the hardest working children’s book authors in Michigan. As the co-authors of the Knightscares and the Heroes A2Z book series, they’ve written 19 books with a 20th being published soon. They also travel all over Michigan visiting schools, libraries and book stores and sharing their love of reading and writing. I’m hoping to catch David and Charles some time in the near future and will be sure to share my experience with you.
[Cauldron Cooker's Night] is the first book in the Knightscares series of which there are eight books. If the entire series is like Cauldron Cooker’s Night, then young middle readers are guaranteed an action-packed and fun-filled read featuring more dangerous adventures for the story’s two young heroes, a brother and sister duo named Josh and Jozlyn.
This is a true winner in my opinion for several reasons. The fast pace and action will be sure to please even the most reluctant of readers. Secondly, it’s a terrific way to introduce young readers to the fantasy genre. Readers will also find the characters very recognizable and relatable as they share similar anxieties, strengths, weaknesses, hopes and feelings as the characters in the story.
According to the authors, the Knightscares series is aimed for strong 3rd grade grade. I definitely would agree with them, but I wouldn’t shy away from trying this out as an evening read aloud for younger school age children. If it catches on with your child, there will be seven more books (and counting possibly) which will make for many adventure-filled nights of reading time. That seals the deal for me in calling this series a true winner.
~Chris Singer at BookDads.comRead the entire review here
Hi David,
I'm a community librarian with the Monroe County Library System in Michigan. I have many grandchilden. One of which was not a reader. At 14 we thought he would never get into books. This last summer he bought a book at the Renissance Festival, went home, read the whole thing that night. He loved your book. I went out the next day and bought all the rest of them for him to read. You made a reader out of him. Thanks for writing high interest books for boys who don't like books!
Dawn Shock
Community Librarian
Erie/Rasey Branch Libraries
Dear Charlie and David,
I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic presentation you put on at Neff Elementary this morning! You two did an amazing job and I know that you now have 150 new fans. Your presentation kept the kids enthralled and they loved every minute of it. It really means a lot to have two authors come in and share their love of reading and writing with our students. If you put this much enthusiasm in your school appearances, I can only imagine the energy in your books.
Sincerely,
Chris Fizzell
5th Grade Teacher
Neff Elementary
Dear Dave and Charlie,
Thank you so very much for coming to Ida Middle School to celebrate our annual Young Authors kick off. Your presentation was enthusiastic and motivating. It was obvious, in the way you and the students interacted, that you have a wonderful gift. It was great to see the students engrossed in your presentation and absorbing all the great information you were conveying to them. Hopefully, you have inspired many new young writers.
I originally saw you at the 2006 Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly. I must admit that I was very impressed with Knightscares; my 11-year-old grandson read the first book all the way home from the festival. He is a reluctant reader and was very excited to get an autographed copy of this book.
Seeing my grandson’s enthusiasm toward reading, I purchased a set of Knightscares for the middle school library. The books have been a huge hit with the fifth and sixth grade students. The students are enjoying the books so much that there is a waiting list for every title of the series. Your visit has only further piqued the interest of he students – today (day after your presentation) there were at least 50 requests for the Knightscares books.
On behalf of all the teachers, staff, and the fifth and sixth grade students at Ida Middle School, I thank you.
Sincerely,
Cheryl L. Throne
Ida Middle School Library
Dear Charles and David,
On behalf of the MAME 33 Conference Committee, I would like to thank you so much for your wonderful presentation, "Real Heroes Read," at our recent fall conference. We sincerely appreciated you giving your time and expertise so generously. Evaluations are coming in and thanks to your help; this was one of our most well received conferences.
I loved your presentation. It was lively, engaging, and entertaining, especially [Charlie's] witch cackle. I think you have a great message to encourage kids to read. Keep up the good work and good writing.
Sincerely,
Judy Sima
Author chair MAME 33
Dear Dave and Charlie,
What a great time everyone had during your visit! Your books are never on the shelves. Thank you for all of the extras include. The kids are still talking about it.
Thank you, too, for talking with my grandson. He's very shy (as you might have guessed) but loving your books. He tells me what he has read everytime I see him.
Thank you again,
Karen Jameson
Green Meadow Elementary
Kalamazoo, MI
Dear Dave [Pearson],
We recently had the Knightscares authors to our building and they gave an excellent presentation. The students really enjoyed the show and were encouraged by the authors to find their love of reading in something.
The authors were very personable and did a great job interacting with our students during lunch and during book signings.
Thank you,
Vince Porreca
Principal - Hedke Elementary School
Trenton, MI
Dear Mr. David and Mr. Anthony--
Thank you for visiting our school, Walsh Elementary. Other than the autographed copy [our daughter] purchased, we spent the weekend purchasing your series.
She is showing an interest in reading (finally), and your books go everywhere with her. I am appreciative of your creativity and grateful you took the time to put it on paper for our children!
Mrs. C. Taylor, Mom
Hi Dave!
What a fantastic experience!!! We had a better turnout than I anticipated! Over 100 people came! Everyone loved the performance and lots had books signed. Everyone went away happy, even if we were all a little tired. :)
Thanks so much for the opportunity to have David and Charlie. They were really incredible and so personable. They are so easy-going and fun! We will definitely be getting in touch very soon to try to schedule for next year, and will pass the word around to everyone we know, so they can do the same!
Thanks again! We'll talk soon,
Lisa Hendricks
Academic Specialist
Brick Elementary, Lincoln Consolidated Schools
Hi Dave-
Thanks so much making our Summer Reading workshops so much fun. I know David and Charlie had a very busy summer because of it. Their program is so appealing and the kids and their librarians LOVED it. I know you helped us draw in some new readers, and I'm sure you sold lots of books. Keep those guys writing fun stuff!
Julia Meredith
Youth Services Specialist
Library of Michigan
702 West Kalamazoo
P.O. Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909-7057
Dear Mr. David and Mr. Anthony,
Thank you so much for coming to our library this summer. The kids had great fun during your performance and learned how fun reading can be. We have not been able to keep your books on the shelves. Many children have already read the whole series.
Thanks again for the great show.
Sincerely,
Cindy Hintz
Bridgeport Public Library
Dear Gentlemen of Knightscares,
Thank you so much for your visit to the Chippewa River District Library System and for your generous donation of bookmarks for our patrons and autographed books for our collection. We really appreciate your enthusiastic performance and gererosity. It was a pleasure to have you visit our Library.
Sincerely,
Anne Heidemann, MLIS
Youth Services Coordinator Librarian
Chippewa River District Library System
Hello,
Children (and adults) who attended Charlie and David's Knightscares program at the Shelby Area District Library last month are still talking about it! I have seen children accessing the website (which is great by the way) and many of the children are checking out the books. Even reluctant readers are grabbing these books off the shelves! We will definitely have Charlie and David back in the future!
Tiffany Haight
Assistant Library Director/Children's Librarian
Hello,
I bought your books to encourage my son Dane to enjoy reading, as I once heard him say that "books are boring". Thanks to you he now disagrees with that previous statement. He is enraptured with the notion that kids can be heroes. You see, he is my hero. He had cancer at the age of two, and despite the odds, is now five years post treatment (and bone marrow transplants). It is great that with books like yours, I can teach him that kids can think on their feet and do heroic actions as well... A valuable lesson for all of us!
Warm regards,
Maureen Haid
Manchester, NH
Hi Dave.
I just have to tell you that Charlie and David were fantastic! The kids all loved them. The teachers all thought they were great. The way they could entertain the kids and yet teach them something really valuable is incredible. One of the substitutes we had that day was a retired teacher and she told them that it was one of the best assemblies she had ever seen.
Rhonda Finn
Edgewood Librarian
Fruitport, MI
Dear David and Charles.
I'm a big fan of your books. My personal favorite is Early Winter's Orb. I like your books because they have a lot of action. Right now I am at the part where Daniel is on a shield that is sledding down the hill. He just jumped off. I was really excited when I heard that you were coming to our school. I can't wait to meet you.
Sincerely,
[Student's name omitted to protect his privacy]
Hardy Elementary
South Lyon, MI
Hi Im ... a ten year old girl who goes to riverside middle school. You and charlie came into my school today. Usually authors are boring. i mean they come into your school and talk about books. You guys were no exception, or at least thats what i thought. After you guys were five minutes into you prestentation, i was wondering why couldnt i have figured it out on my own. Why couldnt i have known reading can be so much fun! Now i plan to read alot more books. i cant wait until i get my Knightscares books. I plan to read them and enjoy the as much as you say i will.
Sincerely,
[Student's name omitted to protect her privacy]
Riverside Middle School
Dearborn Heights, MI
Dear Dave [Pearson]-
Thank you for helping to arrange David Anthony and Charles David’s visit to Pare Elementary School on February 28, 2005. The students loved the presentation. Almost every student used the same word to describe the afternoon: Awesome!
Students seem very motivated to read since the visit. There is a lengthy waiting list for the Knightscares books that you so generously gave the Pare library. The lucky students at the top of the list are really enjoying the books.
David and Charlie have become lifelong friends of the Pare family. We are so appreciative of their sharing their talents and time with our children.
Sincerely,
Charity Dorgan, Media Specialist
Pare Elementary School
St. Clair Shores, MI
Hi Dave [Pearson]-
I just got home from school with my girls and had to e-mail right away. We loved the visit with David and Charlie. They did a wonderful job!!!! I was very impressed with their ability to relate to the older grades as well as the younger ones. I have a first grader and fifth grader and both girls can't stop talking about Charlie and David.
I also wanted to thank you for being so helpful and easy to work with. I will recommend this presentation to everyone I know!!!
Warmly,
Amy Millis
March is Reading Month Coordinator
Sayre Elementary
South Lyon, MI
[My student] is a student from Costello Elementary. She speaks English as a second language and struggles academically. Your presentation at our school completely hooked her.....she was fixated on your stories and your writer's message. The next day she quietly placed a picture on my desk with a note: plz cend thiz to the 2 guyz from yezterday.
Since the mailing, [my student] has check your web site daily.
Thanks.
Lori Ulewicz
Teacher, Costello Elementary
Troy, MI
Dear Dave & Charlie:
It was a blustery, bone-chilling night when the wind belw through our doors a pair of storytellers. And for a brief while, the audience forgot about the weather while they were regaled with a tale of adventure, filled with drama (the dramatic reading of the chapter from Cauldron Cooker's Night), scary moments (the pictures of Charlie and Dave from their long-hair rock-star period), magic (the transformation of Dave and Charlie from regular guys to authors!) and even music!
You were both great. Thank you for coming to the Library on January 21st and sharing your story with us. The audience enjoyed your presentation, made more fun by your costumes and role playing. I know the reference staff will long remember the witch's cackle. You have made us fans of Knightscares. We are all looking forward to your next adventure.
Sincerely,
Deb Bodner
Head of Youth Services
Clinton-Macomb Public Library
We were thrilled to have Dave and Charlie in our building. The teachers loved it because they talked about how important it is to read and write. They made the stories in their books interesting by making the characters real to the students, by using their own children as models. The students were intrigued by the balloon swords, they absolutely were enthralled with the reading of the first chapter, and the singing was just frosting on an already great presentation. Thank you to all involved for brightening our Friday!
Ann McDonald
Schlam Elementary School
Clawson, Mi.
I was wanted to drop a note to say how much we enjoyed having Charlie and David at our library. The children loved the program and found it to be very informative and entertaining. The kids tell me that their favorite part of the program was the reading of a chapter and the voice/sound effects. I had one father remark that he too wanted to do a "fun" job but has been stuck in an office job and just may strike out for his first love.
Thank you so much for your wonderful program!
Michelle Yochim
Head of Children's Services
Romeo District Library
Dear Knight Guys,
Thank you SOOO much for your thoughtfulness in sending my son the books. He was so excited and has renewed his interest in reading. He has had great difficulty in school the last 2 years especially with writing, so this had encouraged him. He didn't complain when he sat to write the note back to you.
Thanks again,
Christine McCoy
The fifth book of the "Knightscares" action fantasy series, Trek Through Tangleroot is a rousing fantasy adventure novel written for readers age eight to adult. In search of the third piece of the legendary Dragonsbane Horn, four friends must brave the depths of an ancient forest called Tangleroot. The questor, the Knight, the Princess, and Wyvern must brave bloodthirsty beasts and terrible ghosts, but the most dire threat to their mission comes when one of them betrays the other four! A riveting, fantastic saga, brought to life with vivid sound effects, crystal clear descriptions and heartfelt characterization.
Midwest Book Review
October 2004
Knightscares is an outstanding fantasy adventure series which is especially recommended for young readers ages 8 and older, and co-authored by David Anthony and Charles David. The debut entry to this nicely crafted contribution to the fantasy genre is Caldron Cooker's Night (097284-6107, $5.99) with Josh and his sister Jozlyn getting involved with a witch and having to save their townsfolk from a spell that has turned them all into frogs. Skull In The Birdcage (0972846115, $5.99) finds that Connor and his magically talented friend Simon entangled with goblins and skeletons in an ancient castle buried deep underground. Early Winter's Orb (0972846123, $5.99) is the story of how Emily, with the help of her dog Leland and friend Daniel, must strive with nymphs, wingstingers, snow beasts, and a dragon in her efforts to defeat the cursed Winter Orb to save her people from an endless winter. A second trilogy in the Knightscares series has now been launched with "The Dragonsbane Horn Trilogy" with Voyage To Silvermight (09-72846131, $5.99) ghostly shaddim prowling the night in search of the broken and scattered pieces of the Dragonsbane horn and its magical powers. It's up to a band of young heroes to find the Horn -- beginning with Silvermight, a legend buried in the desert wastes of the Sandy Sea. Authors David Anthony and Charles David have fully mastered a challenging genre and provide characters and storylines that will totally engage the minds and imaginations of their readers who will look eagerly forward to future Knightscares titles!
Midwest Book Review
June 2004
Dear Dave [Pearson],
I just wanted to write and tell you what a great job Charlie and David did last Friday. They were very well recieved by the students in all grade levels, 4th-8th. Their message is very solid. I really appreciate how they share their love for writing. They point out that writing is fun, but it is also a lot of work, if you want quality. Edit! Edit! Edit!. Their program is very appealing and very informative. I'm thrilled we selected them to be part of our day!
Thank you for your assistance in organizing their visit.
Sincerely,
Michael Distelrath, Principal
Marlette Middle School
Dear Sigil Publishing,
Knightscares #1: Cauldron Cooker’s Night’s chilling yet whimsical tale is one of those stories that causes even the youngest readers to beg for more. My seven year old would not let me stop reading for two and a half straight hours until finished. Now, even the stories about “today’s most famous wizard” have not had a similar reaction!
As a former middle school English teacher for ten years and a mother of two young boys, I am always on the look out for stories that will promote a love for reading. Cauldron Cooker’s Night has what it takes to engage readers and keep them asking for more. My sixth graders, who have read it, sons, and their friends are already asking for book two in the series!
David Anthony and Charles David’s masterful use of literature’s key elements have created an entertaining novel for young readers. The development of Cauldron Cooker’s Night’s hero and heroine is fabulous. At the start of their crusade, the reader finds two frightened children clutching onto one another, “pale and quivering”, as they are bated, chased, and used as “target practice” by an evil witch. However, the dénouement finds them courageous and fearless deep in brute battle with a once seemingly undefeatable antagonist.
The authors introduce young readers to complicated vocabulary with situational denotations and vivid imagery, allowing for new learning without taking away from the story’s flow. The plot, even though set in a magical fantasy world with talking turtles and cats, wands, wizards, and crafty witches, has depth and spine tingling climactic scenes that pull readers into a world so realistic, that they find themselves transported into every situation alongside the characters.
The authors’ true voices are cleverly woven throughout by their use of whimsical songs and riddles that engage each reader in their own fantasy, while helping Jozlyn and Josh overpower evil through teamwork, determination, and their desire to protect those they love.
Terrific work!
Wendy M. Turner
Middle School English Teacher, Counselor, and mother
Dear Charles and David,
I am a preschool teacher at Munchkin Manor in Waterford, MI where children between the ages of 7-12 spend the summer months. In preparation for your July 14, 2003 visit, I’ve shared copies of your book Cauldron Cooker’s Night with my students.
Let me say, the results have been astounding. The kids now want to become authors themselves. I’ve actually had to purchase extra notebooks for them so they could write their own stories. They spent a whole day writing and then reading to one another.
We’re all very eager for your visit!
In my own home, the good news gets even better personally. My 11-year old son generally avoids reading. But after I read a few chapters of your book to him and to my 5-year old, they both demanded more. My oldest son started reading aloud to my younger boy. This has never happened before.
Thank you so much for inspiring my children and students.
Sincerely,
Michelle Berlin
Munchkin Manor
Dear Knightscares,
Knightscares #1 reminded me a lot of 2 books. Rowan of Rhine and Ella Enchanted. It reminds me of those books because in Rowan of Rhine, a boy sets out to save his village, and in Ella Enchanted, Ella sets out to break a spell.
If I had to choose my top 5 characters out of Knightscares #1, I would choose Josh, Jozlyn, Rosie, the silver-eared cat, and Mougi. Overall, I really loved Knightscares #1. It is an excellent book.
Beatrice B. 9-year old student from West Bloomfield, MI
Dear David and Charlie,
I’m more than delighted to take this opportunity to applaud your recent accomplishment, the publication of the first book in a series of exciting fantasy stories for children. Knightscares #1: Cauldron Cooker’s Night seems to be a doorway for younger children to enter the world of fantasy literature through a safe, exciting, and moral adventure.
A career in advertising and public relations has taught me how important the well-written word is. To be a successful author certainly takes the ability to generate well-written words, but it takes much more. Writing children’s stories carries the requisites even further, and it seems to me that you have taken all the requirements into consideration.
First, it seems that the series will be aimed at a slightly younger group than the current popular series about child-heroes in a world of fantasy. The younger the child who becomes and stays interested in reading good books, the better educated will be the coming adult population. Even in this computer age, reading should remain a priority.
Second, your story (and surely the ones to follow) project a sense of social interaction and morality that needs greater and greater emphasis in the world we’re becoming. You’re offering a heaping spoonful of sugar with lessons that are often overlooked or ignored.
Third includes your creativity and storytelling ability. The characters, the settings, the storyline, the sense of adventure and anticipation…all these things and more combine in a fantasy tale that’s sure to please almost every child who picks up the book.
Most sincerely,
Margot Williston
Former: Recruitment Adv. Mgr., The Adams Group; Account Exec. and Copywriter, Young
Creative Associates; Executive Director, Downtown Hendersonville, Inc.
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