Category Archives: Books

Books are so much fun, they can transport you to faraway places and take you on exciting adventures. What about a book that takes it a step farther? One that is wildly funny and inventive, but also interactive? Yes, that sounds great doesn’t it? Mightier than the Sword will pull you, the reader, in the action, for an experience like no other. 

You wake up in the fictional land of Astorya, where stories from our world come to life. You’re a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil you have the power to create: what you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story!

Only you can rescue Prince S. from the evil Queen Rulette. Aided by the Couriers–a French stoat with dangerous dance moves, a giant dung beetle, a fire ninja, a Pegasus-centaur-cowgirl and a super-intelligent femalien chameleon–you must write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure that is unique to every reader! And most importantly, you must prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword.

What a great book to add to your child’s summer reading list. A book they will be happy about diving into because they get to be part of the action and adventure. See the excerpt from the book below:

A Note to the Reader

This book is unlike any other book you’ve ever read before. What’s written on these pages is happening right now. To you.

That’s right, you.

This book is about you and what you’re doing right now—but not what you think you’re doing and not where you think you’re doing it. It’s about another you in another world.

Confused? That’s natural. We don’t fully understand it, either. Scientists are still trying to get to the bottom of how one thing can be in two places at once. If you’re curious about how such things work, we encourage you to read up on quantum physics and then explain it to us.

But not now! You’re already too deep into this book. One hundred twenty words deep, to be exact! And now even more! But don’t waste your time counting words to find out if we can count or not—your life hangs in the balance!

Sorry, did we forget to mention that? Well, it’s true. The other world you are in right now is a bizarre and dangerous place. Nothing is as it seems. Survival is not guaranteed. It will take every ounce of your courage, wit, and luck to get back home in one piece.

Scared? Tempted to put this book down and never touch it again? We don’t blame you. It’s scary to be fighting for your life in a strange world filled with terrifying creatures and unbearable puns. But to that we say: Too bad. Deal with it. Someone has to do it, and that someone is you.

And this isn’t just a ploy to make you keep reading. Although that is a good idea. We wish we had thought of that. We can’t think of everything. What did you expect? Omniscient narrators? Hardly! We don’t know everything about everyone, but we do know what’s happening to you. And right now you need your help.

So go grab your pencil and keep it handy. You will need it. It just so happens that in this other world, a pencil is all you have to draw the line between life and death. 

Draw A Picture is what you are asked to do on page 118 of Mightier than the Sword. More than a picture it is actually a map you are asked to create on page 19. Make it as elaborate or as simple as you want, just get Spielburg back on the map!

AUTHOR BIO

Alana Harrison and Drew Callander have spent their lives telling stories and cracking jokes. Alana graduated from The College of William and Mary with a degree in Comedic Writing and Performance. Drew graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Fiction Writing.

Together they have created cartoons and short films with Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, John Oliver, and Kristen Schaal. Their work as writers and improv comedians has aired on Sirius XM Radio, NBC, and Comedy Central. Mightier Than the Sword is their first full-length middle-grade novel. They live with their baby daughter and exquisitely talented cat (neither of whom help with the dishes).

ILLUSTRATOR BIO:

Ryan Andrews lives in the Japanese countryside, with his wife, two kids, and their dog, Lucky. A friendly Kodama or two have been known to take up residence in the giant acorn tree that shades the house. Ryan often works at his drawing desk in the early-morning hours, to the sound of rummaging wild boar and badgers, who come from the surrounding forest seeking out shiitake mushrooms and fallen chestnuts.

So what do you think, does Mightier than the Sword sound like a book that would be one your child would like? Let me know.