In the first book in the Crowns and Kingdoms series, Norris Bloom takes you back in time to the medieval days of Tarshish. The King of Tarshish summons a secret meeting of all the noble kings from kingdoms near and far, putting forth the idea of a secret pact. In order to preserve their kingdoms, each king reluctantly agrees to fake the death of their next born child. Secretly placed in a cottage, the children are taught the virtues needed to be honorable and effective rulers. As the children grow older, Judoc and his Night Invaders continue their assault on the kingdoms. When Judoc claims the throne of Magog and turns his sights on Tarshish, young Zora is forced into battle. With the help of her best friend, Sundiata, Zora uses her head and her heart to defeat Judoc and save the kingdom of Tarshish.
Norris Bloom is a retired school teacher and basketball coach. She taught 5th and 6th grade in the United States before relocating to Upper Basildon, England for 6 years where she developed a love of the English countryside and its people. Additionally, she traveled extensively throughout Europe, feeling a kindred spirit to the long ago kings and queens that once roamed the castles dotted throughout Europe. Crowns and Kingdoms is her first series showcasing her love of middle school aged children and medieval folklore. Norris currently lives in San Francisco, Ca with her husband Ken and her dog Mojo. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, cooking, music, sports and spending time at her cottage on Lake Tulloch, Ca.
As a reader, I love the aspect of creating images in my head as I delve into the story. As a writer, there is no bigger joy for me than to spark a child's imagination with the joy of reading. At the end of each Crowns and Kingdoms book, there is a set of book club questions for the reader to ponder and discuss, expanding on the imagery process.
Here is a sample question from Crowns and Kingdoms Tarshish.
In your imagination,where is the kingdom of Tarshish located? What kinds of details have you created to add to the written description of Tarshish?
Book Excerpt
Crowns and Kingdoms - Tarshish
I climbed the final step of the steep tower stairs and walked to the highest vantage point of the castle. From this turret I could look out and see my entire kingdom. My castle was perched high on a cliff, with nothing behind it but the never-ending sea. I gazed at the mesmerizing waves as they crashed onto the rocky shore, causing the lone ship in the sea below to bob up and down and back and forth. Encircling the turret, I looked around the castle courtyard and the bustling settlements just outside the heavy drawbridge. If I squinted my eyes, I could even make out the distant farms dotting the outlying countryside that eventually made its way into the dark forest.
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