Glenn Somodi’s book “Olly & the Spores of Sapphire Creek” arrives on April 16
April 16 is an American holiday known as The Day of the Mushroom, or simply Mushroom Day. April was chosen as the month for the holiday because it is when conditions are right for mushrooms to grow. Brunswick author and illustrator Glenn Somodi thought it would also be the perfect time to propagate his newest book, Olly & the Spores of Sapphire Creek. It’s the second book in his three-part series and a new adventure with his loveable and mythical mushroom creatures known as Spores.
“Readers have come to love the Spore characters Truffle, Magpie, Cremini, and Bella. They each have a personality and quirks that bring my stories to life. Olly and Ember, the human protagonists in the story, often enter into witty banter and pun wars with these mushroom friends as they experience adventures together,” Somodi said. “They remind me of my kids in many ways.”
The series begins with a family from Medina, Ohio, and the adventures take place in towns that share the name Littleton. The first book was set on Oak Hill, enchanted woods in Littleton, Massachusetts. This newest book is set in an abandoned gold mine named Sapphire Creek near Littleton, Colorado. The third book will take place in Littleton, North Carolina, known as the “Little People” town and also home to the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum.
Somodi wrote the Olly & the Spores fiction fantasy series for all ages. His first book, Olly & the Spores of Oak Hill, received several awards, including a Readers’ Favorite Book Awards Silver Medal, a Page Turner Award for Best Middle Grade Fiction, and a Bookfest Winner for his audiobook. It was also recognized as a finalist in the International Book Awards.
Books are available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other fine retailers.
For further information or review copies, contact Glenn Somodi at gsomodi@ollyandthespores.com or (216) 533-2520. Additional high-resolution book cover images, author images, and graphics are available at www.OllyAndTheSpores.com/media.html
Book Synopsis
Olly Appleton thought he had learned all of his grandfather’s secrets, the ones his grandfather died protecting. Those secrets involved hand-drawn maps, special keys, hidden tunnels, and the Spores—friendly and fantastical mushroom creatures living under his home on Oak Hill.
With his friend Ember by his side, Olly learns of another secret. Other Spore communities are being built around the country in towns that share the name Littleton. The latest community is Sapphire Creek, an abandoned gold mine his grandfather purchased outside Littleton, Colorado. When Olly’s parents plan a surprise trip to visit the property, he and Em decide to share all of the secrets with their families at a special feast in the Spores’ Grand Cavern on Christmas Eve.
And when Sapphire Creek comes under attack, Olly and Ember once again team up with their Spore friends—and some unlikely friends—to defend the community without exposing their secrets to the outside world.