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Smudge's Mark
Claudia Osmond's fantasy novel for kids ages 9+

 

Smudge's Mark was named as a January Magazine 2009 Best Children's Book!

Click "Read Chapter One" on the menu to the left for online buying options.

 

Watch the BOOK TRAILER

 

  What's fourteen-year-old Simon Mugford to do if he can't

  remember anything before seven months ago? Draw, that's what!

  Well, at least that's what his grampa tells him to do. But he also

  tells Simon to chew on stinky roots, so Grampa's sanity can't be

  completely trusted. However, Simon draws anyway, because, well, it

  can't hurt can it? And besides, he's discovered he's a pretty good artist,

  if he may say so himself. 

 

One night, Simon has a bizarre dream that not only jogs a few memories and messes

with his sketches, but also sets his life on a new course. He wakes up with half of a key

in his pajama pocket and a feeling that he's not just the average fourteen-year-old boy

he thought he was. As he attempts to fit the scattered jigsaw-puzzle pieces of his life

together, Simon quickly discovers he's right in the middle of a dangerous plot. And it's

up to him to free his best friend, and the Two Realms, from a deadly curse.

 

 

 

                                 Welcome to Smudge’s Mark!

 

 

Claudia Osmond is a Canadian author. Smudge's Mark is her debut fantasy novel for kids ages 9+.

 

 

Stick around for a while. Get to know the author  and the book's characters. Check

out the first chapter. Visit some links. Read Claudia's blog. Contact Me to submit a

comment or question. And be sure to look for Smudge's Mark on bookstore shelves in

September, 2009.

 

                     Click on the link at the bottom of the page to read about

                                       the Writing of Smudge's Mark.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 
 
Book Release Info

 

SMUDGE'S MARK is available in bookstores and online - released by Be read, an imprint of Simply Read Books, Vancouver, B.C.

 

 

 

 
 
What People are Saying...

 

"If you're looking for adventure, battles, and excitement, give this book a try!"

- The Magazine's Book of the Month for November, 2009. Recommended to readers who enjoyed the Harry Potter series.

 

"Claudia is a gifted, original—and funny—writer. Her characters are winning, the worlds that she creates are sensually compelling and distinct, and her plot is a fantastic puzzle.”  

- Colin Thomas; editor, playwright, critic

 

"...layer upon layer, we learn of all the dark places: all the things that are at stake and by then we realize that while we weren’t paying attention, Osmond has somehow -- magically? -- made us care... The book does not try to be either Harry Potter or Coraline, but young readers who enjoyed those books are likely to respond to elements of Osmond’s debut novel."

- January Magazine

 

"In Smudge's Mark, debut novelist Claudia Osmond, skillfully weaves together several popular and well-loved elements of the fantasy genre with unique facets of her own, resulting in an altogether fascinating read... Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a story from a new and remarkable Canadian talent. I am eagerly awaiting Claudia's next work because it's stories like hers that remind me just why I can't get my head out of the children's section of a bookstore. Fantastic story, I highly recommend it!"

-The Novel Emporium


 

"That was an awesome book. Loved it. The way it ended left me wanting more. I hope there is another one on the way."

- Deanna; teacher, avid reader

 

"I finished your book, it was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and now can't wait for the next one to come out ... I spent many a late night reading your book and am now catching up on my sleep."

- M.M.

 

"Smudge's Mark= awesome. I loved the book!! You are a great story-teller. I am recommending it to everyone I know."

- Lori

 

"I liked this book because it had so many surprises and twists and turns. The book was great. I thought that the end hinted a sequel. Can you somehow ... tell if there’s going to be a sequel or not? Of course, you could also keep it a secret but seriously the suspense of not knowing will cause a couple of sleepless nights. Anyway………… A really great book."

-Chris, who is keeping his fingers crossed for a sequel (age 10)

 

"You are now one of my new favorite authors!"

-Alex (12-year-old girl)                                                       

 
 
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