Once Upon a Twilight!: Blog Tour: Heartwood Hotel by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin + Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on the Heartwood Hotel tour for Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. This tour is hosted by Rockstar Book Tour.

Heartwood Hotel
Book #1
Author: Kallie George
Illustrated by: Stephanie Graegin
Reading Level: Childrens
Genre: Fantasy
Released: July 3rd 2017
Review Source: Disney-Hyperion

When Mona the Mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes they'll let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest, where animals come from far and wide for safety, luxury, and comfort. But the Heartwood Hotel is not all acorn souffl and soft moss-lined beds. Danger lurks, and as it approaches, Mona finds that this hotel is more than a warm place to spend the night. It might also be a home.

This delightfully enticing start of a new chapter book series tells a tale of friendship, courage, and community, with exquisite black-and-white illustrations throughout..

A mouse named Mona was lost in the woods after a scary storm torn her home. With no place to go, she began walking until she discovered wolves eyes staring at her. The poor mouse then fell in a river that lead her to an unknown place. Luckily she was able to open the "HH" door, met a kind badger, and found a place to stay, with conditions. Hard work, but with the wonders of the Heartwood Hotel.

As Mona learn the rules of Heartwood, she began taking care of things on her own. Yet, little by little she began breaking the rules. She talked to the guests at the hotel. Which Tilly, the squirrel, warned her not to. It was an accident at first, as she was stuck in a tub and the guests were scared off. Thankfully, Mona is very clever, and was able to assist them. And these smelly guests, were happy for her help. Then, the second time she spoke with a guest at the hotel was to let a lonely soul feel wanted and special. Then she left the premises to assist a bear find his way home! Another time, she let a six legged guest stay, even if they are not allowed. When Tilly found out, she was so furious and scared Mona out of the hotel. Gratefully, Mona return to save them all, after discovering wolves were planning to attack the hotel.

Heartwood Hotel is a sweet story that teaches that breaking rules for good and kind gestures isn't bad. Sometimes we will need to break the rules and do what's right. Mona wasn't scared to break these rules because she knew these fellow animals needed her help. She was kind and compassionate. We also learn that facing our fears and being brave is hard but at times we must face reality and our fears. Also, that working as a team many things can get accomplished.

Mona with fierce determination saves all the animals. She was home and she didn't want anyone or anything to be ruined. With her kindness, even the bear was willing to help! It shows that kindness can go a long way. And home is where the heart is.

For its lessons, I would recommend mothers to buy this book to their kids between ages 4-7. It's short and sweet. I know my niece enjoyed it as much as I did. Never be afraid, my little ones.

KALLIE GEORGE is the author of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency series. She works as an author and speaker in Vancouver, Canada, and has a master’s in children’s literature from the University of British Columbia. She also leads workshops for aspiring writers. Kallie happened across the Heartwood Hotel on a hike with her husband. Visit her online at kalliegeorge.com.

STEPHANIE GRAEGIN received her BFA in Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She later attended Pratt Institute, obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking. Stephanie now lives in Brooklyn. Visit her online at graegin.com or on Twitter @Steph_Graegin.