Photo courtesy of: Jennifer Walker

Bubba Goes National, the debut novel of Jennifer Walker, is a compelling story about a girl, her horse, and the journey they embark on together. Although the book is written primarily for preteen and teen readers, the storyline will appeal to horse lovers both young and old. Anyone who has ever dreamed of owning a horse or ever loved a pet, will feel an instant connection with Leslie, the main character of Bubba.

The insightful and talented Jennifer Walker manages to get inside of the mind of a 13-year-old with the skill of a seasoned professional. The result is a novel  packed full of adventure, drama, interesting horse facts, important lessons, and believable characters. Through Leslie’s example, young readers are reminded that anything is possible if you want it enough and are willing to work hard for it. Jennifer cleverly weaves in accurate details about horse care and competitions, teaching young readers while telling an entertaining and realistic story. The conclusion leaves her readers wondering what will happen next and longing for more adventures with the kids at Green Stables. Read my full review of Bubba Goes National…

Note from Jo: I love the clever way Jennifer created an entertaining story for kids, while managing to teach them information in a fun and non-condescending way. My 9-year-old daughter couldn’t put down the book, and neither could I. (I’m a 9-year-old plus thirty! ) Although the book is written with tween and teen readers in mind (most suitable for ages 12 and up), horse lovers of all ages will love this story and its characters!

I happen to have it on good authority that the second book in the Riders of Green Meadow series is written and now in the editing phase. Jennifer and I just completed our novels together in the LAFFN challenge (Let’s All Finally Finish a Novel), which is Jenn’s brainchild.

About the author, Jennifer Walker:

Photo courtesy of: Jennifer Walker

Jennifer is the author of Bubba Goes National and Budget Horse-Keeping for the New Horse Owner. Her work has been published in several horse magazines, including Arabian Horse World, Modern Arabian Horse and Sierra Style. Ms. Walker also has short stories that appear in the anthologies, Elements of the Soul and The Ultimate Horse Lover. She is a freelance writer and editor, who also works in a dressage barn in California and is the proud owner of two Arabian horses.

Fans will be happy to know that Jennifer is already working on two sequels to Bubba Goes National, part of the Riders of Green Meadow series. To read more about Jennifer Walker and her current projects, please visit her at Jennifer Walker Writing Services. You can also read more of what Jennifer has to say on her blog, Jennifer Gets Bloggy.

Bubba Goes National is available for purchase on Jennifer’s website. Click here to order your autographed copy from the author. Bubba can also be bought through Twin Trinity Media (Windswept Destiny is an imprint) and is available on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and booksamillion.com.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The book reviewer is a friend and colleague of Jennifer Walker, the author of Bubba Goes National. An author-provided copy of the book was provided to Creative Kids Ideas for the review.

It’s one of those days again.

Your creative preschooler decides the bathroom looks much nicer decorated with toilet paper… the last roll of toilet paper found in the house… and then insists the guilty culprit is her imaginary friend, not her. Your tween age child looks you dead in the eyes and proceeds to inform you of all the things you should be doing (never mind that his chores remain undone yet again). Factor in the cookie crumb trail leading mysteriously to the cookie jar, the sibling bickering, and the uneaten meal (you know, the one you made specifically for the picky eater who never wants to eat what’s served) that still lies waiting for your toddler to eat, and you just know it’s going to be a long day. One glance at the clock tells you it’s only 8:00 a.m. and you wonder why you ever got out of bed. Your reminder comes quickly as your toddler’s now-jellied scrambled eggs fly across the room, smack you in the face and drop onto the front of your freshly pressed blouse.

Oh yeah, that’s why… you’re a parent.

So, how do deal with attitudes and behaviors (and stressful days) like this? Ha! I wish I had all the answers to parenting, especially when it comes to effectively displining children. I’m still a work-in-progress parent myself. What I have learned is that the punishment needs to fit the crime and discipline needs to be tailored toward the individual child.

Here’s an example:

Recently, I’ve been struggling with my girls to pick up their toys before bedtime. Nine times out of ten, it turns into an argument over who’s doing more and a tattling war of “Mommy, she’s not picking up. I’m doing everything. They’re not even my toys!” Mommy gets tired of listening to it and ends up doing the majority of the work…and I know they’re not my toys.

Well, one night I reached my max. A time limit of 20 minutes was set and they were warned that anything not put away at the end of the limit was mine for the next few days. The first few minutes were spent with them debating whether Mommy would really take the toys away, with the 4-year-old saying I wouldn’t really do it and the more experienced 8-year-old insisting that I would. When I returned from the basement with a large cardboard box, the message and intent was clear. You should have seen those kids move! When the time was up, there were still a few toys left behind. I, of course, had to follow through with discipline.

I tell this story to emphasize my point. Yelling, using corporal punishment, sending them to their rooms, banning them from the television, etc. wouldn’t have taught the lesson I was trying to instill in my children. Discipline, at least effective positive discipline, should do more than simply make the child aware of the wrong-doing. It should also teach them a valuable lesson.

What was the valuable lesson I wanted my children to learn from this discipline? In life, we’re often given things for which we are responsible. If we don’t cherish them and take care of them properly, we may lose them. If something’s important to you, take good care of it. If you don’t, it may not be around long.

Want to read more tips on positive parenting? Check out this great book I recently came across: Positive Parenting Tips for Every Week of the Year. The author, Lyn Lomasi, is an experienced mother, talented writer and the creator of Parenting Successfully.