Mia and Nattie by Marlene M. Bell Blog Tour!

 

Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn. But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.

In a read-aloud picture book for children who love animals, award-winning writer and sheep breeder Marlene M. Bell presents Nattie the lamb’s true story. MIA AND NATTIE is a heartwarming book that teaches readers about problem-solving, teamwork, and love.

On a visit to her grandma’s farm, eight-year-old Mia discovers a newborn, orphaned lamb outside in the cold and takes her to the laundry room, naming her Nattie. As she tries to nurse the lamb back to health, Mia discovers that Nattie is different from the other lambs and struggles to fit in with them like Mia does with other kids her age.

When her grandmother says she will sell Nattie to a neighbor, Mia must come up with a plan to keep her friend around—one that will show the family just how special Nattie truly is. 

Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning writer, artist, and crazy sheep lady who resides in beautiful East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines where she also writes newsy articles about raising sheep from her hands-on experience.

Of Marlene's first novel, Stolen Obession, Kirkus Reviews said, "Debut author Bell delivers a great, slow-building romance, gently examining her characters' painful pasts." Stolen Obession also won the 2018 IndieReader Discovery Award (IRDA) for Best Fiction Cover. Stolen Obsession— and Spent Identity, books one and two, have received numerous awards including the Independent Press Award for Best Mystery in 2020. The third book in the Annalisse Series releases in 2021. Calico Raven is an international mystery with touches of romance--at a killing pace.

In October 2020, Marlene offers the first of her children's picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! Based on true events from the Bell’s ranch, it's a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Marlene shares her life with her husband and dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The cats believe they rule the household—and do.

Excerpt

Tiny Nattie studied the ways of older sheep.She ate grass and tasty weeds.She ate grain and hay and drank water instead of milk.But Nattie would never be big enough to live with the rest of the flock.

She was too small to raise babies of her own.“Your lamb needs a home,” Grandma said to Mia.“She has one! Please let me keep her.” 

Mia hugged Nattie’s neck.Mia squinted back tears before they fell on Nattie’s wool.“A neighbor wants to buy her,” Grandmasaid, then spun around and walked to the barnin silence.Mia had to find a way for Nattie to stay

Giveaway!

Marlene will be sending a signed copy to a winner in the US, along with swag, such as:\Nattie Plushie

Nattie Mousepad

Children's reading pillow shaped like a lamb

Sheep writing pen 

Please leave a comment, about anything and email address so I can get in touch with you should you win!