#BookReview ~ My Way Home by Holly Heaton ~ #ChildrensBook #Adventure #LightFantasy @holly.h.heaton #ireadbooktours
A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.
Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me with the information for this tour. 
Quick Summary
My Way Home by Holly Heaton is a captivating tale that will delight young readers who love imaginative adventures, the great outdoors, and the thrill of exploration, making it a perfect fit for children who crave exciting stories that spark their sense of wonder and curiosity. (SG Preview)
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Book Details
My Way Home by Holly Heaton
Published by Independent Author on August 11, 2024
Genres: Fiction, Children's
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 32
Source: iRead Book ToursEnter the hidden realm of the Little Folk and follow Kit on a thrilling adventure. Can he reclaim an object precious to his people and return home to the Hollow Chestnut?
Using his wits and environment, Kit embarks on this miniature odyssey through a lushly illustrated world.
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Purchase Links for My Way Home
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Heaton, Holly (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/11/2024 (Publication Date)
- Heaton, Holly (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 08/14/2024 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
If the above link does not route you to your country’s Amazon page, please let me know, and I’ll gladly get a link for you.
Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share. Every penny helps to support this blog.
Purchase My Way Home online from your local bookstore.
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Thoughts on My Way Home
“My Way Home” by Holly Heaton is a charming story with all the ingredients for a truly memorable children’s book. From the start, it draws readers into a world of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery themes. Heaton blends relatable experiences with just the right touch of adventure. Every page presents an opportunity to learn and discuss.
The book is full of wisdom that speaks to children and adults alike. As young readers follow Kit of the Little People’s journey, they’re invited to consider what “home” really means and how finding it can sometimes lead us to unexpected places. But it’s comforting to return home to friends and loved ones at the end of an adventure.
The story also feels like a comforting companion that encourages resilience and curiosity, two qualities that young minds are always ready to explore.
The pen and colored pencil illustrations perfectly complement the text. They are vibrant and beautifully detailed, bringing each moment and emotion to life. Heaton’s writing is lively and has a cadence that makes reading aloud a joy.
If you’re looking for a story that leaves young hearts inspired and smiling, “My Way Home” is a treasure you’ll want to revisit time and again. I can see this book being handed down for future generations to enjoy.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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About Holly Heaton
Whether through pictures, words, or her dad’s cast-off camcorder, Holly Heaton has spent her life telling stories. She can usually be found chasing exciting bits of history and spending time with her husband, sons, and dog, Wesser, in metro Atlanta.
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Guest Post by Holly Heaton, Author of My Way Home
The Joy of Research
Boy, do I love research. That sounds sarcastic, but I am quite serious; it’s one of my favorite aspects of writing.
I determined to sprinkle My Way Home with full color—or carpet—pages, featuring flora and fauna found in the biomes encountered by Kit.
Inspired by one of my favorite illustrators, Ivan Bilibin, I couldn’t wait to tuck little insects, soaring raptors, and curling fronds around the edges. This would require some research. Excellent.
Now, I’ve spent much of my life reveling in nature, so this was supposed to be light work. Not like ponderously probing an entire culture or conflict.
In truth, I was in store for some learnin’.
For instance, honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), that staple treat of childhood summers, found winding itself through forests and along the edges of fields? It’s Japanese. An import.
Speaking of wistful summers, all my life I suffered under the misconception that lightning bugs were limited to the Americas. False: Every continent but Antarctica. Though hummingbirds do call the Americas their only home.
Salamanders, while found worldwide, show their greatest biodiversity in Appalachia, where they’ve taken refuge in the ancient mountains for eons.
All fascinating little tidbits. But my greatest shock was not realized until I’d completed the illustrations for the book.
Nervously, I shared my earliest mock-up with one of my brothers. For all the time I’ve strolled the woods, he’s spent tenfold. His knowledge of plants and animals far exceed mine. If he took issue with my subjects, he would tell me—without reservation.
When he finally called, I snatched up the phone, swallowed my fear and excitement, and answered casually.
He liked it. I heard the genuine warmth in his voice as he highlighted his favorite aspects. I was thrilled! Relieved!
“But you know”, he said, “red foxes are not from here”.
My stomach dropped. “What?” I asked.
“No”, I could hear him easing back, pleased with his superior knowledge and ready to give me a little spiel, “they’re European imports. The native southeastern American foxes are gray”.
I was silent, my thoughts frantic. Could he be wrong? He didn’t know everything. Was this some absurd woodsman lore? Or maybe he was joking.
“Are you joking?”
“Nope.”
Back to researching.
As it turns out, there’s a storm of controversy around the unassuming red fox. Some naturalists agree with my brother, while others say there was a species native to the United States that interbred with the European red fox, brought to America by hunters and enthusiasts.
In any case, this knocked me on my heels a bit. I was unsettled, beyond the normal irritation one feels when a sibling is right about something. It was that, for all my tedious research, the fox issue had eluded me.
This necessitated a day or so of brooding, but I rallied, realizing I didn’t go into this endeavor an expert, and I certainly wasn’t going to be one at the end. Besides, the story and illustrations are not meant to be instructive, but celebratory!
Writing My Way Home fired my curiosity about and interest in nature. I truly hope that it will entertain and inspire young readers (and their parents) too!
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Giveaway!
Author-signed copy of MY WAY HOME (one winner / US and Canada) (ends Nov 22)
Please visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for My Way Home
Full Tour Schedule:
Oct 7 – @michellegodardricherauthor – book shout out
Oct 21 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 21 – @adriftinfictionalworld – book review
Oct 21 – @onceuponafrida * – book review
Oct 21 – @adeela_books * – book review
Oct 21 – @speedreadstagram * – book review
Oct 22– @acourtofspinesnpages *- book review
Oct 22 – @bearyintobooks * – book review
Oct 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 23 – @book_withquotes * – book review
Oct 24 – Faith And Books – book review / giveaway
Oct 24 – My Reading Getaway – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Oct 24 – @this.human.reads * – book review
Oct 24 – @mariareadsfiction * – book review
Oct 25 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Oct 25 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review / giveaway
Oct 25 – @bookameme * – book review
Oct 25 – @enjoyingbooksagain – book review
Oct 28 – Books for Books- book spotlight
Oct 29 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 30 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Oct 31 – @thisreadergirl * – book review
Nov 1 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Nov 4 – @Leannebookstagram – book review
Nov 5 – @onceuponamaltesereader * – book review
Nov 6 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Nov 6 – @michellegodardricherauthor * – book review
Nov 7 – @nissa_the.bookworm * – book review
Nov 7 – Older & Smarter?- book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 7 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Nov 8 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 9 – @jilljemmett * – book review
Nov 9 – Chit Chat with Charity – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 10 – @readsandmusic * – book review
Nov 11 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review
Nov 12 – China Sorrows – book review / giveaway
Nov 12 – @kiv_coffeeandpages * – book review
Nov 13 – Kim’s Book Reviews and writing Aha’s – book review / giveaway
Nov 14 – @alwaysreadingxo * – book review
Nov 15 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Nov 15 – @whatsenalireads * – book review
Nov 15 – @savor.your.reads * – book review
Nov 15 – @bookscape__ * – book review
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Book Title: MY WAY HOME by Holly Heaton
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Publisher: Holly Heaton
Release date: August 11, 2024
Tour dates: Oct 21 to Nov 15, 2024
Content Rating: G: The book follows Kit on a whirlwind of an adventure trying to reclaim a precious item and return it home all while facing external dangers.
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Gina, thank you so much for your kind words and considerate review. I’m so pleased you enjoyed My Way Home, and your sentiments echo mine, that this will be a book much loved and much read throughout the years ❤️
It was a joy to read, Holly. Thanks for sharing it with me.