Free book for boys and reluctant readers
Flynn’s Log is free on the following devices
Choose your device
KindleiPad/iPod/iPhoneGoogle Play (Android Tablets)nookkoboRead Online
US$8.99 Paperback
Get Reluctant Reader Book News from Stone Marshall
Reading is important
Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him. –Maya Angelou
Most adults would agree that reading is important, but many kids detest reading. Video games, devices, and TV are preferred entertainment and escape. They provide instant gratification. Reading takes time. For some kids, reading isn’t engaging.
I had this same problem with my son, so I solved the problem.
The classic stories I remember enjoying as a kid don’t interest my son and his immediate attention span. If he doesn’t enjoy the story from page one, he will not read further.
So how did I get my son to read?
I showed him how much fun it is to get sucked into a story.
Your book is amazing I can’t stop reading it – Joseph Young via twitter
Contemporary and Classic titles alike don’t interest many kids. Don’t worry, the love of reading is learned. We need a starting point. We need that one book that is just as engaging on the first read as the fifth, just like a really great movie that kids want to see again and again. A positive association with reading will make kids want to read more.
A love of reading is cited as the number one indicator of future success. My son didn’t have the desire to read. He didn’t care about the books I chose to read to him, and was overwhelmed with the selection at the library. I want my son to succeed, so I had to do something. Since we struggled to find books he cared to read, I wrote one. An epic saga about the things he loves. I put it in a world he loves and addressed the issues he faces in his life.
I just love your books I’ve been reading them over and over again. -Carson via twitter
But it’s a video game book
Don’t worry; it’s not a book about video games, nor is it a game strategy book. Flynn’s Log is a hero’s journey that takes place inside the Minecraft world that today’s kids know and love. The protagonist, Flynn, naturally flows through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (builds shelter and tools, learns what to eat and discovers a digital friend) and faces questions about his destiny. He learns important life lessons about friendship, integrity, and trust. Flynn’s Log is good for kids without being boring.
Thank you so so much for the free ebook. My son loves Minecraft now with this book I can get him to read to me. – Jennifer Wilkins
Start your son or daughter on journey today, reading Flynn’s Log 1: Rescue Island. Free on available these devices and apps.
Flynn’s Log is free on the following devices
Choose your device
KindleiPad/iPod/iPhoneGoogle Play (Android Tablets)nookkoboRead Online
US$8.99 Paperback
Why is Flynn’s Log 1 Free?
My son loves reading — finally. If you have experience with a reluctant reader then I know your pain and I want to help. I’ve seen thousands of kids transform with this book. My readers, who don’t usually read books during the summer, couldn’t put Flynn’s Log 1 down.
Good book I thought I would never read a book on my summer but I feel I’m gonna finish it soon – Multigamer 47 via twitter
Let this book change your kid’s life too. You have nothing to lose and an avid reader to gain.
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.
–Frederick Douglas
I am giving away Flynn’s Log 1 free because I want to give you a risk-free way to hook your reluctant reader.
Please and I mean PLEASE, WRITE MORE! I absolutely love it! They’re outstanding books.
-Devon123321 via twitter
What are Books for Boys?
I spend lots of time with teachers and parents. I hear parents ask, “How do I get my son to read? Do you have books for boys?”
I wrote the Flynn’s Log series for my son, and this book is interesting for boys. However, the series is a non-stop read for both boys and girls, especially those who are interested in Minecraft.
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
—Dr. Seuss
What are you waiting for?
You have nothing to lose!
Flynn’s Log is free on the following devices
Choose your device
KindleiPad/iPod/iPhoneGoogle Play (Android Tablets)nookkoboRead Online
US$8.99 Paperback
News for Parents of Reluctant Readers
Get Reluctant Reader Book News from Stone Marshall
Minecraft will patch parrots to protect real-life pets
Parrots are a relatively new addition to Minecraft, and currently are fed using the game’s existing chocolate cookie item.
Feed two nearby parrots, like any other Minecraft animal, and they will pop out a baby.
In real life however, far from being an aphrodisiac, chocolate can be lethal to parrots. Because of this, many Minecraft fans have raised concerns the game might encourage young players to feed pet parrots a sweet cookie treat and inadvertently kill them.
A reddit post calling for Minecraft’s parrots to be patched has now received 37k upvotes on the official Minecraft subreddit – enough to become the board’s most-upvoted post of all time, and for Mojang to take note.
“If Minecraft has any effect on children’s behavior, we want it to be a positive one,” Minecraft lead creative designer Jens Bergensten told Motherboard, “so we’ll change the item used to breed parrots.
“Our reasoning for originally using cookies was twofold; it gave cookies a reason to exist within Minecraft, and it was a subtle reference to the Nirvana song ‘Polly.’ However, we didn’t consider what the chocolate ingredient would mean to real life parrots!”
Parrots are currently only available in the game’s PC version. There’s no word yet on when they’ll land on console – or what they will soon be eating instead.
This is the Massive MINECRAFT LEGO Set We’ve Been Dreaming of
If you think about it, LEGO bricks and Minecraft are actually very similar. While Minecraft is the ultimate digital sandbox for building whatever your imagination allows, LEGO serves a similar function in the real, fleshy part of existence. LEGOs are basically Minecraft IRL, and now, the two entities have partnered to bring us just that: A LEGO set based on the creeper-filled world of Minecraft. Take a look at this:
This isn’t the first LEGO/Minecraft crossover that’s been released, but it sure is the biggest. The 2,863-piece Mountain Cave set is 12 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 11 inches deep, so it’s a substantial setup. It also comes with two minifigs (Steve and Alex), as well as a cave spider, a wolf and baby wolf, a slime and two small slimes, two bats, a zombie, an enderman, a skeleton, a sheep, and a charged Creeper.
There’s a ton going on in the environment itself as well: there’s a functional minecart track with two minecarts and a redstone-powered minecart elevator, a revolving cave-spider spawner, and easy access to this thing’s interior so you can look at all the details up close.
The only bad thing about this is that you’re going to have to do a bit of waiting before you can get your hands on it… and perhaps a bit of saving: It will be available in LEGO stores and the LEGO online store starting July 1 for $250.
Are you going to be adding this one to your collection, or are you tentative to spend the cost of a brand new Playstation 4 on a LEGO set? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Image: LEGO
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This is the Massive MINECRAFT LEGO Set We’ve Been Dreaming of
Xbox Live is free between May 18-21, with a limited time unlock of Minecraft: Xbox One Edition
There’s going to be some ‘free’ all over Xbox One and 360 Live this weekend, specifically between May 18 to 21. During that period you can play online without Gold membership, and there’s also a limited time unlock of Minecraft: Xbox One Edition to play.
To get involved with the Multiplayer All-Access event you just need to log in, and obviously download Minecraft if you haven’t already. Then enjoy a weekend of free multiplayer and block building. After it’s over you’ll have to cough up the cash or go do something else.
Still, if you’ve not paid to try Live before it should give you a taster, and if you’ve not played Minecraft yet then… wait, how have you not played Minecraft yet? How is that possible?
If you’re looking for some more Xbox fun then check out the best Xbox One games, or take a deep dive into everything we know about the Xbox Scorpio.
Xbox Live is free between May 18-21, with a limited time unlock of Minecraft: Xbox One Edition
Xbox Live Goes Free For The Weekend Alongside Xbox One’s Minecraft
Considering Minecraft has sold an outrageous 121 million copies as of February 2017, chances are good that you’ve already tried it once or twice. But if you want to take a spin in Minecraft on Xbox One, that version is free to play this weekend. In addition, the Xbox Live online service is currently free for everyone on every game until May 21.
If you own an Xbox One, you can now download Minecraft for no cost from the Xbox store. In addition, players who don’t subscribe to Xbox Live have the opportunity to play any multiplayer game on Xbox One or Xbox 360.
There’s only a short window to check out Minecraft or play with your friends; once it hits 11:59 PT on Sunday, May 21, you’ll have to shell out $20 for the game and $60 per year for Xbox Live.
This isn’t the first time that Microsoft has offered free weekends; the company has offered Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, NBA 2K17, and Rocket League, among others,Xbox Live Goes Free For The Weekend Alongside Xbox One’s Minecraft in the past. Meanwhile, on PC, Guild of Dungeoneering currently has a free weekend going on.
Xbox Live Goes Free For The Weekend Alongside Xbox One’s Minecraft
Minecraft will patch parrots to protect real-life pets That’ll save a large bill.
Parrots are a relatively new addition to Minecraft, and currently are fed using the game’s existing chocolate cookie item.
Feed two nearby parrots, like any other Minecraft animal, and they will pop out a baby.
In real life however, far from being an aphrodisiac, chocolate can be lethal to parrots. Because of this, many Minecraft fans have raised concerns the game might encourage young players to feed pet parrots a sweet cookie treat and inadvertently kill them.
A reddit post calling for Minecraft’s parrots to be patched has now received 37k upvotes on the official Minecraft subreddit – enough to become the board’s most-upvoted post of all time, and for Mojang to take note.
“If Minecraft has any effect on children’s behavior, we want it to be a positive one,” Minecraft lead creative designer Jens Bergensten told Motherboard, “so we’ll change the item used to breed parrots.
“Our reasoning for originally using cookies was twofold; it gave cookies a reason to exist within Minecraft, and it was a subtle reference to the Nirvana song ‘Polly.’ However, we didn’t consider what the chocolate ingredient would mean to real life parrots!”
Parrots are currently only available in the game’s PC version. There’s no word yet on when they’ll land on console – or what they will soon be eating instead.
Minecraft will patch parrots to protect real-life pets That’ll save a large bill.
Minecraft fun at libraries!
Minecraft activities will be taking place at libraries in Tenby, Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock during May half-term, giving children the opportunity to get together and chat about all things Minecraft!
Meet new friends, share ideas, and learn new tips and tricks from our selection of Minecraft books.
Children can bring along their own tablets if they are already using Minecraft at home, with a limited number of iPads available for anyone who is new to the world of Minecraft.
All of the events are suitable for children aged eight and over, with parents and guardians very welcome to join in the fun!
Booking is essential due to the limited availability of equipment. Refreshments will be provided.
For further information or to book a place, please contact Kath Woolcock on 01437 776 098 or e-mail kath.woolcock@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
The sessions are as follows:
Tuesday, May 30 (3.30-4.30 pm) – Minecraft at Tenby Library; Wednesday, May 31 (3.30-4.30 pm) – Minecraft at Haverfordwest Library; Friday, June 2 (3.30-4.30 pm) – Minecraft at Pembroke Dock Library.
Nintendo Switch NEWS: Console hit by BIZARRE bug following blockbuster game release
NINTENDO Switch users have discovered a strange new bug that has cropped up since the Minecraft release date.
Nintendo Switch owners have been hit with a strange new bug since the release of Minecraft Switch Edition.
“I figured it was maybe a Minecraft bug, but then it was taking the random screenshots within the Switch’s operating system menus while the Minecraft app was closed and not running.
“So now it is very slowly filling up my storage with screen captures that I never took.”
Bizarrely, the issue first cropped up during a Minecraft developer livestream, although it doesn’t seem to be limited to the app.
Nintendo is yet to officially acknowledge the issue, but fans can expect a fix soon.
Nintendo Switch NEWS: Console hit by BIZARRE bug following blockbuster game release
Minecraft takes away cookies from parrots following an outcry on Reddit
Parrots are set to arrive for Minecraft’s PC version in the upcoming 1.12 ‘World of Color’ Update. However, the colorful birds have already been available in the game’s development versions since snapshot 17w13a.
Earlier this week, a user on Reddit going by the name 1jl pointed out a problem with how players breed parrots, which involves feeding the birds cookies. The issue is that in real life, chocolates can be lethal to birds, and since Minecraft cookies appear as chocolate chip cookies, the user had concerns of kids feeding their pet parrots chocolates and causing harm.
The post quickly blew up, with it currently boasting over than 37,000 upvotes and becoming the highest upvoted post ever on the Minecraft subreddit.
Yesterday, in a statement to Motherboard, Minecraft Lead Creative Designer Jens Bergensten said another food item would replace the cookie based parrot breeding mechanic in an upcoming update.
“If Minecraft has any effect on children’s behavior, we want it to be a positive one, so we’ll change the item used to breed parrots before the 1.12 update is released,” said Bergensten.
In effect, the new update is now live, dubbed 1.12 pre-release 3, where players can now breed parrots using seeds instead, and feeding a cookie to one will instantly kill the bird, with some added poison particles for good measure. Let’s just hope kids punching trees will not become a concern at a later date.
The pre-release’s full changelog is found here; in addition to parrot dietary changes, the update includes quite a number of bug fixes.
Minecraft takes away cookies from parrots following an outcry on Reddit
Minecraft Nintendo Switch Edition screenshots
The Super Mario Mash-up Pack contains additional content inspired by Super Mario World, Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine.
This includes 40 new Super Mario-themed skins such as Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, as well as Bowser, Wario and all seven Koopalings.
There’s also a selection of Super Mario textures, a Super Mario World to explore and music from Super Mario 64.
But what really sets Minecraft Switch apart from its predecessors is the ability to play in lots of different ways.
Ahead of Express Online’s Minecraft Switch review, check out the screenshots above.
Largest ever LEGO Minecraft set announced: 21137 The Mountain Cave [News]
The LEGO Minecraft world just got a whole lot bigger. Today LEGO has announced the largest set yet for the minifigure-scale theme, 21137 The Mountain Cave. Coming in at a staggering 2,863 pieces and a retail price of $249.99 when it arrives July 1, young Minecraft fans had better hope Grandma has deep pockets if they put this on the wishlist (though the set does also hit the highest age target in the Minecraft theme at 12+). This is the second large exclusive for the Minecraft theme, following last year’s 21128 The Village.
As the name implies, the set features a sizable stone mountain (12in, or 31cm, high at the peak) that’s riddled with caves. The mountain’s footprint is 20x11in (53x29cm), and has minecart tracks, a small home, and a light brick that can be positioned to light a jack o’ lantern, lava, or several other features. The set features lots of new printed elements, along with two minifigures and 13 mobs, including some new ones such as a baby wolf, bats, a charged creeper, and a giant slime. As with other large exclusives, we expect it to be available about two weeks early for LEGO VIP members.
Official press release:
21137 The Mountain Cave
Ages 12+. 2,863 pieces.
US $249.99 – CA $299.99 – DE 249.99€ – UK £259.99 – DK 2099.00 DKKExperience the Mountain Cave!
Build and experience the Mountain Cave, featuring an amazing minecart track with an integrated redstone‑powered minecart elevator, and an array of other features and functions, including TNT blasting, rotating spider‑spawner, charged Creeper™ explosion and a lava burst. Position the light brick to illuminate the rotating spider-spawner, wall of redstone, jack o’lantern, first-night shelter, furnace, lava or the torch above the cave entrance. Enjoy hands‑on Minecraft™ adventures featuring your favorite characters and objects with this easy-to-reconfigure, modular LEGO® Minecraft set designed for young fans of the highly successful sandbox video game. Includes Steve and Alex minifigures, plus 13 mobs including a charged Creeper™.
● Includes 2 minifigures: Steve and Alex, plus a cave spider, wolf, baby wolf, slime, 2 small slimes, 2 bats, zombie, enderman, skeleton, sheep and a charged Creeper™.
● Features a minecart track with an integrated redstone-powered minecart elevator; 2 minecarts; first-night shelter with bed, crafting table and torch; a mountaintop shelter with bed, torch and furnace; plus a light brick, trees, waterfall, lava and extra torches.
● Open up the model to access the detailed interior and remodel with easy-to-connect modular sections.
● Remove the diamond ore elements and activate the lava burst function.
● Activate the revolving cave-spider spawner.
● Trigger the charged Creeper™ explosion function.
● Jump aboard the minecart and race around the track, and travel to the mountaintop aboard the redstone powered minecart elevator.
● Blast through the mountain with the TNT to extend the rail track.
● Position the light brick to illuminate the rotating spider-spawner, wall of redstone, jack o’lantern, first-night-shelter, furnace, lava or the torch above the cave entrance.
● Enjoy easy access to the detailed interior.
● Put on your golden armor, grab your diamond sword and shield, and prepare for battle!
● Weapons include a sword and a bow.
● Accessory elements include a Minecraft™ clock, spider eyes, signs, map, golden armor, shield, TNT and 8 ore style elements, including diamond, lapis lazuli, emerald, redstone, golden, iron and 2 coal ores.
● Easy-to-reconfigure, modular design—choose from 3 different model configurations.
● Set your imagination free—rebuild the set for more LEGO® Minecraft™ creations!
● Measures over 12” (31cm) high, 20” (53cm) wide and 11” (29cm) deep.
As shown on the back of the box, the various modules can be rearranged to alter the landscape.
The small stone home has a creeper face made of ice blocks.
The home is equipped with a map, creeper head, bed, and oven, among other things.
A single light brick is included. It slots into a variety of play features. Fortunately, these lights are cheap, with plenty available for a little over a $1 a piece, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get enough to light up everything at once.
The moveable light brick can be positioned to light up the torches, such as this one in a small overnight shelter.
Or this one above the mine entrance.
Alternatively, it can be used to make the redstone glow.
Or to give a deadly red glow to the lavafall beside the tracks.
Another use for the light brick is to illuminate a good old jack o’ lantern.
Finally, it can lend the cave spider spawner an eery glimmer.
The spider inside the spawner can also spin, thanks to this dial on the mountain’s exterior.
As with many Minecraft sets, a TNT block can blow a hole in a section of terrain.
Alex gets a full set of diamond armor and a shield. The shield seems to make use of the new 2×3 tile. Meanwhile, Steve gets iron armor and an enchanted pickaxe for extra lucrative mining (or perhaps just faster mining).
The skeleton and zombi share a set of gold armor.
The new charged creeper is just waiting to ruin your day in an extra big way. The large 4×4-stud slime is made almost entirely of trans bright green elements, with what appear to be two printed eyes.
They may look cute, but both wolf and baby wolf feature the red, angry eyes that indicate they’re hostile mobs.
Bah bah black sheep. We’ve had white sheep for awhile, and recently the Waterfall Base featured an azure blue sheep. But now we finally get the classic black sheep. And last (and certainly least, if we judge by size) is the harmless bat. Featuring a new printed 1×1 plate, you’ll get two of these guys in the set.
Other mobs are included for a total of 13, though the others have all appeared in previous sets.
Largest ever LEGO Minecraft set announced: 21137 The Mountain Cave [News]