Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Ben & Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002, a new mystery for young readers ages 8 - 12 from author Ellen Melissa Cohen and Red Chair Press.
★★★★★ "Educational and told from the heart." ~Readers Favorite
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Ben & Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002
NEW RELEASE: October 1, 2024Genre: Juvenile fiction (Ages 8-12, Grades 3-6)
Available in hardcover, softcover, audiobook, and e-book from $8.99
Ben knows only three things about his dad: 1) he has green eyes, 2) he has a number, and 3) at one point in his life, he made a deposit at a bank.
Ben’s mom is usually good about answering Ben's questions. But not this one. So, when Ben is assigned a family tree project at school, he confronts his mom (for the zillionth time), and instead of telling Ben the truth, she buys him a dog (Blue).
With the dreaded day of oral reports looming, Ben enlists the help of his best friend, Cooper, and Blue to uncover his dad’s whereabouts and complete his family tree. But what Ben discovers is stranger than anything he could have ever imagined. And to make matters worse, Blue’s former owner enters the story and unusual things start to happen.
Praise for Ben & Blue
"This sweet story tackles the complicated topic of nontraditional families with sensitivity and humor. An excellent read for middle grade readers and their parents looking for suspense, action, and uplifting entertainment." ~Lisa Parker Hayreh, Independent Book Review full review
"Combining the very adult topic of donor-conceived birth with a fun mystery for youngsters...was a stroke of genius on the part of this author." ~Feathered Quill Book Reviews full review
"An outstanding addition to middle-grade fiction. A heartwarming, insightful, and thoroughly enjoyable read that both children and adults will appreciate." ~Literary Titan full review
"Heartfelt and full of surprises." ~Courtney Sheinmel, author of My So-Called Family
(Spoiler Alert!) "A solid introduction...for elementary readers into what it means to be born by sperm donation." ~Booklist
"An informative and engaging story about reproduction and a different, more scientific, approach to how babies are made. Told in simple language so young readers can follow along. Educational and told from the heart." ~Readers Favorite
2024 International Book Awards: Finalist for Best in Children's Fiction
About the Author
Ellen Melissa Cohen, M.D. is a psychiatrist on faculty at Harvard Medical School and a board member of the New England Society of Clinical Hypnosis. She graduated Barnard College as a creative writing major before going to medical school. Her short story “The Mystery of the Northern Lights” was published in the Nancy Drew Anthology (Silver Birch Press; 2016). Ellen lives with her husband near Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more at EllenMelissaCohen.com.About the Illustrator
Donald Wu was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Oakland, California. His passion for drawing and comic books led him to attend California College of the Arts where he studied illustration. Donald currently lives in the San Francisco Bay area with his wife, Leanne, son, daughter, and dog. Learn more at DonaldWu.com.About the Publisher
Red Chair Press is committed to learning and literacy (and laughter!). Founded in 2009, Red Chair Press has been dedicated to publishing series to engage children in stories that provide models for strong character and good behavior. By working with only the highest-quality artists from around the world, Red Chair Press ensures that their books will appeal to a wide range of readers. Learn more at RedChairPress.com, and be sure to follow them online:
