CLOSED Excerpt & Giveaway: Juniper Berry

Yesterday, I shared my review of Juniper Berry, the deliciously macabre middle grade debut by M.P. Kozlowsky.
But that wasn't really enough.
I needed to share just a little more with you.
Sooo...
Allow me to present to you: Juniper Berry, her friend Giles, and the villain turning their

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“As Juniper and Giles entered the room, the man stood.  He was extremely tall, taller than any man Juniper had ever seen.  In fact, almost everything about him had length.  Each body part was extended:  long legs, long arms, long neck, long fingers.  He was enveloped in a ratty hooded cloak, his elongated face concealed in shadow.  His bony pale fingers wrapped around a wood staff and Juniper noticed his nails were long and dark as if painted midnight blue.  As the shroud pulled tight against his body with each movement and gesture it was clear how very feminine it was.  There seemed to be no fat whatsoever and little muscle – a fragile, lank, and stretched frame.  Barefoot – his feet were nearly skeletal – he leaned against the staff, hunched over and shifting all his weight to one hip.  He was a gangly creature, and would have seemed close to the point of breaking if not for the fact that he nearly slithered about, his limbs like anacondas in their movement.

            The man, if he could be called such a thing, stepped closer, slinking his way toward the children, his face still hidden but for a smile that glowed like moonlight.  It was all teeth, long yellowed teeth that stretched his purplish lips wide across his face – a twisted triangle of sneering terror.  “I’m so glad you came,” he nearly squealed.

            Juniper didn’t know what to say for she wasn’t glad to be in that room with him, far from it.  She considered running, fleeing for safety, but convinced herself to remain if she wanted to help her parents.  She had to be brave even as a fearful voice repeated over and over in her head, He has too many teeth.  He has too many teeth.  He has too many teeth.”

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***GIVEAWAY***

Thanks to the lovely people at Walden Pond Press, I have a hardcover copy of Juniper Berry to offer 1 lucky winner!
To enter, leave a comment telling me why you want to read it, and leave a way to contact you if you win.
+1 for spreading the word or commenting on my review.
US/CAN only

Ends May 5th May 8th!