Merlin Raj and the Drones of Sleepy Hollow by D. G. Priya - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hello, lovelies!  It gives me great pleasure today to host D. G. Priya and her new book, “Merlin Raj and the Drones of Sleepy Hollow”!  For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with D. G. and to increase your chances of winning!

Thanks for stopping by!  Wishing you lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!

Merlin Raj and the Drones of Sleepy Hollow

by D. G. Priya

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GENRE: Illustrated Chapter Book

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BLURB:

Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner

"...the more conceptual discussion of algorithms is well done, and the story is satisfying and emotionally resonant."

~ Kirkus Reviews

My name is Merlin Raj and I live in Sleepy Hollow. Legend has it that a Headless Horseman haunts the town. Usually, I only have to worry about helping my boy, Matthew, to walk at school. But during the spookiest time of year, we’ll tackle the scariest creature of all—big brother. 

Boo!

Will learning conditional logic save this family’s Halloween from certain doom?

Appealing to readers of all ages, Merlin Raj and the Drones of Sleepy Hollow is an ILLUSTRATED chapter-book. From artists to astronauts, the jobs of the future will deal with computers. But do kids want to read a coding book? Not as much as dog stories.

With a Computer Science degree and a passion for preparing kids for the future, author D. G. Priya blends technology with animal stories to stimulate a desire to read. Each book in the series introduces a new programming skill. If you or your child like delightful dog tales that explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, dedication, and the importance of being true to one's self, then you'll love D. G. Priya's tail-wagging adventure.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Uh. Oh. How could I help? I’d learned that thinking like a computer could help you decide what to do when you weren’t sure.

Algorithm one: What if Peter exploded? He would come after Matthew. Matthew would wrestle him. They would both get in trouble. Algorithm one == fail.

Algorithm two: What if Peter calmed down? What if Matthew calmed down? We could all rescue the plane. I would be a big help barking at the tree to give up the plane.

Snort. Laugh. Get serious, Merlin. Algorithm two would never happen.

Algorithm three: It had been Peter’s ball that started all this. It had been Matthew’s plane which went kablew. What if they both fell in the mud? All socks would be ruined.

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AUTHOR BIOS:

D. G. Priya is the bestselling author Priya Ardis. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, #6 in the world (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2014) and #8 (US News, 2020) in Computer Science. Her advocacy of early education in computing and the challenges of childhood disabilities come from her experience as a parent and volunteer. Her love of dog stories comes from the antics of her own golden retriever.

Shelley Hampe is an author-illustrator. She is known for her work with Harvard University, illustrating a ground-breaking social-emotional learning program for children. She has a master's in studio art and has taken part in world-recognized artist residencies in the United States. When she isn't busy solving problems, Shelley can be found teaching STEAM principles to elementary aged kids. Shelley's dog Beau, helped solve her problem of cold-feet while illustrating this book.

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CONNECT WITH D. G.:

Website:

http://www.dgpriya.com

Email:

contact@priyaardis.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/dgpriya.author

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/priyaardis 

Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/priyaardis

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/priya_ardis

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/priyaardis

BookBub Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-g-priya

BookBub Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/priya-ardis

BookBub Book Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/books/merlin-raj-and-the-drones-of-sleepy-hollow-a-halloween-dog-s-tale-by-d-g-priya

Goodreads Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20125405.D_G_Priya

Goodreads Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5347052.Priya_Ardis

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55610725-merlin-raj-and-the-drones-of-sleepy-hollow

Amazon Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://amzn.to/2U8HSXV

Amazon Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://amzn.to/35VcP4S 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/2HDXpMg

Amazon Paperback:

https://amzn.to/31Y6037

Amazon Hardcover:

https://amzn.to/3ebw3c3

Apple Books eBook:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/merlin-raj-and-the-drones-of-sleepy-hollow/id1534252294

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merlin-raj-and-the-drones-of-sleepy-hollow-d-g-priya/1137743967?ean=9781951767266

Barnes and Noble Hardcover:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merlin-raj-and-the-drones-of-sleepy-hollow-d-g-priya/1137743967?ean=9781951767273

The Book Depository Paperback:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Merlin-Raj-and-the-Drones-of-Sleepy-Hollow-D-G-Priya-Shelley-Hampe/9781951767266

The Book Depository Hardcover:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Merlin-Raj-Drones-Sleepy-Hollow-D-G-Priya/9781951767273

BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:

https://www.booksamillion.com/product/A16346037030

BAM! Books-A-Million Hardcover:

https://www.booksamillion.com/product/A16350599050

Google Play eBook:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/D_G_Priya_Merlin_Raj_and_the_Drones_of_Sleepy_Holl?id=WED-DwAAQBAJ

Kobo eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/merlin-raj-and-the-drones-of-sleepy-hollow

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO: 

D. G. will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those awesome giveaways on here.**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

Merlin Raj and the Love Me Not Race by D. G. Priya - Book Tour - Book Trailer - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hey, lovelies!  It gives me great pleasure today to host D. G. Priya and her new book, “Merlin Raj and the Love Me Not Race”!  For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with D. G. and to increase your chances of winning!

Thanks for stopping by!  Wishing you lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!

Merlin Raj and the Love Me Not Race

by D. G. Priya

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Illustrated Early Reader Chapter Book

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Do kids want to read a coding book? Not as much as dog stories.

Read the series called "...emotionally resonant...enjoyable STEM-centered novelfor young readers..." ~ Kirkus Reviews

My name is Merlin Raj. I have a teeny tiny weakness for socks which makes life as a service dog difficult. Usually, I only have to worry about helping my boy, Matthew, walk at school. But when my family signs up for their first 5k race, this super-smart golden retriever who wears glasses will also have to become a racing trainer.

Yikes!

Will Boolean math help me uncover the heart of a champion?

Appealing to readers of all ages, Merlin Raj and the Love Me Not Race is the continuing installment in this ILLUSTRATED chapter-book series. From artists to astronauts, the jobs of the future will deal with computers.

With a Computer Science degree and a passion for preparing kids for the future, author D. G. Priya blends technology with animal stories to stimulate a desire to read. Each book in the series introduces a new programming skill. If you or your child like delightful dog tales that explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, dedication, and the importance of being true to one's self, then you'll love D. G. Priya's tail-wagging adventure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT ONE:

Yes meant go. Yes meant on.

I turned on, bounding through the park to the tree. Not too fast because Matthew still wore the loop of the leash around his wrist. I galloped as Matthew grabbed the length of the leash and ran behind me.

The Zombie-bunny ducked into the hedges in a desperate attempt to escape, but I wasn’t having it. I thrust my face, nose first, into a hedge.

“No, Merlin,” Matthew yelled.

No meant stop. No meant off.

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BOOK TRAILER:

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

I absolutely loved this book, it is dear to my heart, and I connected with it on so many levels!!!

As a huge animal lover there was no doubt that I wasn’t going to love this book since the story is told through the ever so adorable Merlin, a service dog.  Also, as a former Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy trainer I knew I was going totally going to hit it off with Merlin and his boy, Matthew.  In addition, when I was 11-years-old I was diagnosed with an “invisible” medical condition called Fibromyalgia.  It causes significant muscle pain and weakness, but no perceivable symptoms like needing a cast or crutches that my fellow classmates could understand.  Like Matthew, the other kids thought I was making it up for attention or trying to get out of P.E. or trying to get special treatment, etc.  It can be very hard being a child and having such a complicated and painful illness.  Sometimes you can barely understand it yourself, how can other kids your age grasp it?  Especially like with Matthew when your symptoms are internal.

I really loved the positivity, encouragement, and heartwarming vibes this book gave off!!

I loved the whole Raj family!!  They all had their flaws and quirks, but they were all likable, genuine, and relatable.  I think many kids these days seem to look up to and idolize celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas, LeBron James, Kylie Jenner, and Kim Kardashian.  I think kids should have more realistic role-models like industry professionals and that they should start learning speciality skills as soon as they can.  It is never too early to learn!

I loved that this book implemented coding techniques!!  Computers are utilized more than ever now and in even just ten years down the road I’m sure it’ll be at least triple what it is now.  Computers are not going away.  They are probably one of the few industries that are becoming recession proof.  And even if you decide you don’t want to work in any I.T. field these skills will still help you personally and even professional in many other fields.

In addition, I enjoyed the Boolean Algebra passages – especially how they relate to code, that it’s the basis of computer science, and that even more than 200 years later it is still applied in life daily.  Math was always my favorite and best subject in school until I took calculus lol!!

I also loved all the glossary terms, the binary code references featured throughout the book, and the break down of the math and science information which made learning the materials effortless.  I can honestly admit that this book taught me a few things and I am very thankful to have read it!!

This book is full of valuable lessons that readers of ALL ages can enjoy, appreciate, and learn from!

I also really enjoyed the charming illustrations that truly helped put this book over the top!!  I remember as a kid when I first started reading chapter books and how grown-up I felt but was thankful there were still a decent number of pictures.  Images don’t dumb down books – they provide guidance into what the author was thinking.  For me, I can’t stand when a book is made into movie and the characters casted look nothing like how I pictured them to be – even when the book cover with them on it looks nothing like them in the movie lol.  So, I have to admit, it was nice following along with these sweet illustrations as they helped the picture accurately play out like a movie in my head.

This book has a creative story line, structured outline, evenly paced plot points, detailed scenes, relatable characters, important and useful life lessons, instilled valuable morals, and keeps you engaged through the last page – regardless of your age!

I really enjoyed reading this book and wish these books were around when I was a kid.  I look forward to being able to share this book series with my kids that I hope to have one day in the future!!

This book is Book Two of the Merlin Raj Book Series.  It can absolutely be read as a standalone.  The author announced that Book Three is to be released in the coming months!!  I can’t wait to check it out and continue to follow along on Merlin Raj’s adventures!!

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!!  I think all middle grade readers and in all honesty readers of all ages will like this book too – and this book series!!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**

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AUTHOR BIO:

Priya Ardis also writes as D. G. Priya for her new early reader chapter book series, Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm, a computer science fundamentals book for kids. She has a Bacherlor’s degree in Computer Science from University of Texas at Austin, #8 ranked in computer science. Her passion for early education in computer science comes from her experience as a senior engineer, parent, and volunteer. Her love for service dog stories is inspired her own golden retriever.

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CONNECT WITH D. G.:

Priya’s Super Cute and Talented Furbaby

PC – IG @priya_ardis

Website:

http://www.priyaardis.com

Blog:

http://blog.priyaardis.com

Email:

contact@priyaardis.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/dgpriya.author

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/priyaardis

Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/priyaardis

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/priya_ardis

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/priyaardis

BookBub Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-g-priya

BookBub Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/priya-ardis

BookBub Book Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/books/merlin-raj-and-the-love-me-not-race-by-d-g-priya-and-shelley-hampe

Goodreads Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20125405.D_G_Priya

Goodreads Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5347052.Priya_Ardis

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52381422-merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm-a-computer-science-dog-s-tale

Amazon Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://amzn.to/2U8HSXV

Amazon Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://amzn.to/35VcP4S

Priya’s Adorable Furbaby Enjoying a Fun Outing

PC – IG @priya_ardis

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/2Z62HEW

Amazon Paperback:

https://amzn.to/2A6WD6E

Amazon Hardcover:

https://amzn.to/2A0AG95

Apple iBook eBook:

https://books.apple.com/us/author/d-g-priya/id1501769549

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merlin-raj-and-the-love-me-not-race-d-g-priya/1137043850?ean=9781951767181

Barnes and Noble Hardcover:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merlin-raj-and-the-love-me-not-race-d-g-priya/1137043850?ean=9781951767228

The Book Depository Paperback:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Merlin-Raj-Love-Me-Not-Race-D-G-Priya/9781951767181

The Book Depository Hardcover:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Merlin-Raj-Love-Me-Not-Race-D-G-Priya/9781951767228

BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Merlin-Raj-Love-Not-Race/D-G-Priya/9781951767181

BAM! Books-A-Million Hardcover:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Merlin-Raj-Love-Not-Race/D-G-Priya/9781951767228

Kobo eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/merlin-raj-and-the-love-me-not-race

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO:

D. G. will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those awesome giveaways on here.**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm by D. G. Priya - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hi, lovelies!  It gives me great pleasure today to host D. G. Priya and her new book, “Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm”!  For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with D. G. and to increase your chances of winning!

Thanks for stopping by!  Wishing you lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!

Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm

by D. G. Priya

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Early Reader

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

My name is Merlin Raj. Usually, I only have to worry about being the best service dog. I help my boy, Matthew, walk at school. But when my human Mom has to go away for winter break, getting ready for the holiday becomes a mess. I might be a super-smart golden retriever who wears glasses, but could I help my best friend with more than a disability?

Gulp.

Will a class on algorithms get me barking up the right Christmas tree?

Merlin Raj, The Santa Algorithm is the first installment in the Merlin Raj, Computer Science Service Dog chapter-book series. With a Computer Science degree and a passion for preparing kids for the future, author D. G. Priya blends technology with animal stories to stimulate a desire to read. Each book in the series introduces a new programming skill, complete with study guides for educators. If you or your child like delightful dog tales, practical examples, and accessible learning tools, then you’ll love D. G. Priya’s tail-wagging adventure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT ONE:

First snow brushed the ground with white. I loved winter. My fur kept me nice and warm on most days. For freezing cold days, my human mother, Mom Raj, had bought me a bright, thermal rain slicker. It was sky blue with a service-animal label.

Blue best matched my golden fur, which I liked to keep well brushed at all times.

Even my glasses were on a stylish athletic band, and they matched Matthew’s glasses. My nose twitched from the cold.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR BIO:

D.G. Priya is the pen name of Bestselling Author Priya Ardis. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, #6 in the world (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2014) and #8 (US News, 2020) in Computer Science. Her advocacy of early education in computing and the challenges of childhood disabilities come from her experience as a parent and volunteer. Her love of dog stories comes from the antics of her own golden retriever.

Talk to me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONNECT WITH D. G.:

Website:

http://www.dgpriya.com

Blog:

http://blog.priyaardis.com

Email:

contact@priyaardis.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/dgpriya

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/priyaardis

Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/priyaardis

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/priya_ardis

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/priyaardis

BookBub Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-g-priya

BookBub Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/priya-ardis

BookBub Book Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/books/merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm-a-computer-science-dog-s-tale-by-d-g-priya

Goodreads Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20125405.D_G_Priya

Goodreads Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5347052.Priya_Ardis

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52381422-merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm-a-computer-science-dog-s-tale

Amazon Author Page – D. G. Priya:

https://amzn.to/2U8HSXV

Amazon Author Page – Priya Ardis:

https://amzn.to/35VcP4S

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/2J5OYX1

Amazon Paperback #1:

https://amzn.to/399GAQT

Amazon Paperback #2:

https://amzn.to/2J2IZST

Amazon Hardcover:

https://amzn.to/2WFBQA1

Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm-d-g-priya/1136501535?ean=2940162801641

Barnes and Noble Paperback #1:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm-d-g-priya/1136501535?ean=9781951767099

Barnes and Noble Paperback #2:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm-d-g-priya/1136661044

Barnes and Noble Hardcover:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm-d-g-priya/1136664186

Kobo eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm

Apple iBook eBook:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/merlin-raj-and-the-santa-algorithm/id1501769528

Google Play eBook:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/D_G_Priya_Merlin_Raj_and_the_Santa_Algorithm?id=BmrTDwAAQBAJ&hl

The Book Depository Paperback:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Merlin-Raj-Santa-Algorithm-D-G-Priya/9781951767105

The Book Depository Hardcover:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Merlin-Raj-Santa-Algorithm-D-G-Priya/9781951767112

BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Merlin-Raj-Santa-Algorithm/D-G-Priya/9781951767105

BAM! Books-A-Million Hardcover:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Merlin-Raj-Santa-Algorithm/D-G-Priya/9781951767112

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFO:

D. G. will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those awesome giveaways on here.**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.