Erica Graham's Blog
April 20, 2022
Book 7 is now available!
EXCITING BOOK NEWS!!!
Talking Tales book 7, "Talking Tales: A Llama Stole My Flashlight," is now available for purchase on Amazon!! https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Tales-Llama.../dp/0997855576/
I would really appreciate help spreading the news! Also, if you read the book and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. THANK YOU! ????
Talking Tales book 7, "Talking Tales: A Llama Stole My Flashlight," is now available for purchase on Amazon!! https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Tales-Llama.../dp/0997855576/
I would really appreciate help spreading the news! Also, if you read the book and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. THANK YOU! ????
April 13, 2020
Meet the Small Group of Authors Giving Kids a Big Break from COVID-19
COVID-19 has impacted families around the globe. Children who are familiar to public and private school settings are now learning from home, away from their teachers and friends. This dramatic and sudden change has left many children with confusing emotions and increased stress.
A small group of authors has come together to bring a sense of normality and helping to reduce stress. These authors are providing children an escape by reading to kids in the comfort of their own homes. Some of these authors are also including educational and fun activities that relate to their books. Here is a list of the incredible authors hosting Storytime Adventures with Authors!
Michelle Korenfeld
Listen to the story Cute and Cuter and learn to cherish having brother/s and/or sister/s, discover interesting facts about butterflies, and be inspired with coloring tips by author and artist Michelle Korenfeld.
"Creative Children Like the Animals of the World" is an enriching STEAM resource for elementary students that sums up Michelle Korenfeld¡¯s teaching at The Dr. Erica Landau Institute for the Advancement of Youth to Creativity and Excellence in Israel.
Michelle's useful resources are also based on conversations with Dr. Moshe Rishpon, who established the Clore Garden of Science and The Science Oriented Youth Department in The Weizmann Institute. This is a pioneer program in science education and a leader of that field worldwide.
Michelle believes much of children's anxiety derives from stifled creativity, and hopes her resources help direct students toward fulfillment of individual creative potentials. She believes all children today are bright with unexpressed thinking, and that creative teaching strategies practiced for years in gifted education should be implemented for the education of all children.
Michelle's useful tools are based on her life research and on raising her daughters. Already teenagers, they still teach her creative thinking lessons every day. Michelle's resources are also based on conversations with Dr. Moshe Rishpon, who established the Clore Garden of Science and The Science Oriented Youth Department in The Weizmann Institute. This is a pioneer program in science education and a leader of that field worldwide.
Michelle believes much of children's anxiety derives from stifled creativity, and hopes her resources help direct students toward fulfillment of individual creative potentials. She believes all children today are bright with unexpressed thinking, and that creative teaching strategies practiced for years in gifted education should be implemented for the education of all children.
Michelle's original materials are based on her life research and on raising her daughters. Already teenagers, they still teach her creative thinking lessons every day.
Get your own copy of
Creative Children Like the Animals of the World
Video Link:
Carole P. Roman
Join Carole P. Roman as she reads her book "If You Were Me and Lived in...Australia," from her award winning "If You Were Me and Lived in..." series! This amazing series gives children a fun introduction to various countries and their cultures.
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts a blog radio program called Indie Authors Roundtable and is one of the founders of the magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman. She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren and a new joke book called The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes!
She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren.
Get your own copy of
If You Were Me and Lived In... Australia: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World
Video Link:
Jessica Adams
Join Jessica D. Adams and her friends for a reading of her book, The Underground Toy Society Saves Peggy!
Jessica D. Adams writes children's books about The Underground Toy Society that aim to teach children to love and appreciate what they have, think of others, and hopefully clean their rooms. Jessica's two daughters are the inspiration for the books, as well as co-illustrators for many of the books. Jessica also wrote a short time travel chapter book, Meeting Grandmom, which is a great story for kids as well as adults to remember or talk about lost loved ones and family history.
Jessica has visions of The Underground Toy Society traveling around the world, with many books being created to help teach children to clean their rooms, appreciate what they have, and think of those who may not have as much. While the goals of the books are to help kids want to clean their rooms, appreciate what they have, and think of others, there are no guarantees that kids will learn these lessons. These books are for entertainment purposes and individual results may vary.
Visit YouTube to find exciting kid friendly videos about The Underground Toy Society!
Get your own copy of
The Underground Toy Society Saves Peggy
Video Link:
Eugenia Chu
Come make Ji¨£o Zi (Chinese dumplings) with Eugenia Chu!
Eugenia Chu is an attorney, turned stay-at-home mom, turned writer. She lives on a magical beach in Miami with her husband and son, Brandon, who is the inspiration for her stories. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, yoga and drinking too much coffee. She has been a presenter at numerous schools, libraries and book festivals.
When Brandon was very little, the author couldn¡¯t find children¡¯s storybooks to read to him which touched upon Chinese culture and which included some Chinese (Mandarin) words to teach and/or reinforce his Chinese vocabulary, so she started writing her own. She is the author of Brandon Makes Ji¨£o Zi (ïœ×Ó) - a picture book, and Brandon Goes to Beijing (±±¾©) ¨C a chapter book.
Get your own copy of
Brandon Makes Ji¨£o Zi
Video Link:
Jedlie
Jedlie has been inspiring students throughout the United States & Puerto Rico since 1983. His award winning Children¡¯s Book ¡°The Great Maritini¡± has been named ¡°one of the top seven books that teach kids kindness¡± by ChildrensPublishing.com and has received ¡°Story Monster Approval¡± from Story Monster Ink Magazine. His ¡°Reading With Your Kids¡± Podcast has inspired families around the World to spend more time reading together and was nominated for the iHeartRadio Best Kids and Family Podcast Award. And his brand new school assembly program ¡°We Will ROAR ¨C Respect Others And Read¡± will help your students and teachers make this the best school year ever!
Get your own copy of
REAL Magic
Video Link:
Yujia Zhao
Yujia Zhao is the Chinese mom of a bilingual and bicultural family in Southern California. She has lived in China and America and is fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English. She is passionate about providing her son the opportunity to be bilingual, connect with his Chinese heritage, and embrace the diverse and beautiful cultures of the world. She is a user experience designer by day, book author and aspiring illustrator by night.
Little Sen¡¯s Chinese Holidays is the first of many books she plans to create as part of the Shiny Lantern mission: To publish high quality bilingual children¡¯s books for curious little minds who wish to explore other cultures of the world and learn another language.
For more resources for the book and bilingual education in general, please visit her website at shinylantern.com
Get your own copy of
Little Sen's Chinese Holidays
Video Link:
Cindi Handley Goodeaux
Cindi Handley Goodeaux lives in Florida with her husband and muse. She is a proud mom, graphic designer wannabe, and sometime poet.
She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a professional member of the Cat Writers Association (CWA).
Get your own copy of
When Cats Fly
Video Link:
Barbara Ann Mojica
Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Barbara writes monthly historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner "Passages." Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, Barbara hopes to educate, entertain and inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History's antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. She firmly believes, "If you don't know your history, you don't know what you're talking about".
The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. Medallions, International Book Excellence Awards, International Readers' Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and Independent Author Network Awards.
Get your own copy of
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to Ellis Island Volume 6
Video Link:
Andrea Olatunji
Validating children and instilling an appreciation for diversity define Andrea Olatunji¡¯s mission as a new author and seasoned educator. She developed a passion for languages and cultures early on in her twenty-year-plus career. She has taught English as a Second Language and Spanish in her native Uruguay and here in the United States, gaining valuable expertise with diversity and multicultural environments.
Her recently published book ¡°Omar, el jaguar¡± is first in a series that highlights native animals of the Americas. The story celebrates diversity while raising awareness about climate change. ¡°Omar¡± has already generated a great deal of attention having been featured in local media outlets and selling worldwide.
Andrea lives with her husband and son in New Orleans, the perfect place to nurture her passion for books, art, and education. You can learn more about her at:
Get your own copy of
Omar, el jaguar
Video Link:
Diann Floyd Boehm
Diann Floyd Boehm has always enjoyed the art of storytelling, and has now taken her imagination to print so she can share her stories with more children and families around the world.
A former classroom teacher, Diann was one of the first educators chosen for Steve Job¡¯s Apple Education program in the early 1980s. This was so innovative, there was no degree program and Diann became one of the first self-taught, education technology pioneers who saw the magic of technology as a tool and, working with Apple, began training other teachers and wrote some of the first technology cross-curriculum for teachers and students. This led to her teaching technology to grades 1-8 and to establishing the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse, to increase awareness among legislators of the benefits of funding technology in the classroom. Diann is also the founder of one of the very first educational sites on the interent, .
Diann is not only an educator but also a wife and mother of three. Her creative flair encompasses the performing arts as well, having performed in musical theatre productions in Dubai produced by Popular Productions out of the UK. Throughout her life, Diann has been involved in various humanitarian projects. She is a member of Bpeace.org and a supporter of and Aerobridge, a non-profit organization that assists in disaster relief.
Her community involvement has given her an insight to the importance of people working together to help others develop skills needed to create a sustainable life for themselves and their families.
Diann was born in Tulsa, OK. but grew up in Texas with five brothers. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world, including living in Dubai for 14 years. She now lives in Houston, Texas with her husband. She has a Bachelor of Education from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and has taught elementary school both overseas and stateside.
Get your own copy of
The Little Girl in the Moon
Video Link:
Edna Ma
Edna Ma is a physician anesthesiologist and mom, who was motivated to write a bilingual Chinese children's book, inspired by her son's friendship after he enrolled in a Mandarin immersion school. Although she is not a native speaker of Mandarin, she wanted to read to her children in Mandarin. She found a limited selection of books for this age group. So she created these stories to include English and Mandarin with pin yin, to facilitate different reading levels. Her stories celebrate friendship and cultural diversity. When she's not in the operating room, she enjoys traveling with her family. You may have seen her on either SURVIVOR or Shark Tank.
Get your own copy of
Travel, Learn and See your Friends: Adventures in Mandarin Immersion
Video Link:
Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, STEM advocate, professional speaker, and author of the children's book What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z. As an engineer with more than fifteen years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor.
Get your own copy of
What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z
Video Link:
Eileen Hobbs
Eileen Hobbs lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. She teaches English composition to international students at a nearby university. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family. She grew up in Thailand where her parents were Christian missionaries. Her desire is to write books that have diverse characters and that take her readers to fictional places that they might not otherwise get to explore in real life. The Heath cousins are based on the growing up years of her children and their cousins.
Get your own copy of
The Heath Cousins and the Crystal Canyon: Book 3 in the Heath Cousins Series
Video Link:
Lori Brown
Lori Brown grew up in a small town on the banks of the Tombigbee River. It is here where she first found inspiration to begin writing. She would always sit on the deck of her family¡¯s camp house overlooking the river and use the calming sounds of the river and the gentle breeze blowing as her muses to create her poems and stories.
Lori¡¯s love for writing became embedded in her and she continued her passion for writing into adulthood. Lori became a teacher and immediately knew how her writing must change. She decided to write books that would help students remember what they read through rhyming words and fun-loving characters. Friends Count is the first book in a series of educational supplemental books. She hopes everyone who reads them will learn to love her characters just as she does.
Get your own copy of
Friends Count
Video Link:
Jeanne Buesser
Ms Jeanne Buesser, runs a non profit support group for parents of children with speech impairments, giving support and resources for parents and professionals for 19 years including surrounding areas. She provides articles and support by email and voice mail to those who cannot attend the meetings by mail. She is President, of The Apraxia Network (in Northern NJ).
She has been interviewed by radio stations, blogs, local tv stations. Her websites are Apraxianetwork.org, and JeanneBuesser.com. Ms Buesser is also an author of a special needs book called He Talks Funny. Which explains to others about the neurological speech disorder called Apraxia, along with teasing and bullying of a child who is unable to be understood with resources and other information.
Her other books are Water Line, Willow Tree. Breezi¡¯s Island is her first love story. Poetry and grief related books, Moonlight Till Dawn, Journey From Darkness to Light. All of her books have resources.
Get your own copy of
Willow Tree
Video Link:
Shawn P.B. Robinson
Shawn P. B. Robinson, or as his friends call him, "Shawn P. B. Robinson," has been writing and telling stories for many years, but only for family and small groups. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, a potentially deadly illness changed all that. As he lay in a hospital, wondering if he would live or die (spoiler alert, he lived), he started to write Arestana: The Key Quest. It wasn't long before many other books were written, and he was moving toward exposing the world to his strange and odd sense of humor.
Shawn is the author of fourteen books (eleven of which are published, the others on their way) and just can¡¯t seem to stop! He loves the challenge of writing something new and unusual. Most of what he writes is children¡¯s fiction, filled with humor and adventure, but he is currently working on a new YA Fantasy series.
Shawn¡¯s newest series of six books is called, ¡°Annalynn the Canadian Spy.¡± The series is about a 10-year-old girl who is hired by CSIS (Canada¡¯s Spy Agency) to be a spy, but is never given any ¡°normal¡± missions. The series is packed full of humor (or ¡°humour¡± as we Canadians spell it) and gives a light-hearted glimpse into Canadian culture and life!
Get your own copy of
Annalynn the Canadian Spy: Terrible Tissues
Video Link:
K.A. Mullins
K.A. Mullins is a writer, instructor, and pet adoption advocate. A professionally trained instructor, Mullins has spent over a decade teaching children how to build character, improve self-esteem, and fostering a positive attitude through acts of kindness.
Video Link:
Erin Murphy Welch
Erin Murphy Welch is a first time Author. The Mother of three lives in a small town in Upstate NY. After her second child was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, she decided to write a short story to encourage children to be kind and accepting of others despite their differences.
Murphy Welch hopes to provide a small look inside the life of someone who has to work a little harder to accomplish their goals. She is hopeful that by collectively spreading this message to children, they will then grow to teach in their own lives that it¡¯s always so important to be respectful of others, whether it be in the way we look, learn or how we get around in life.
Get your own copy of
Little Bluebird
Video Link:
J.K. Coy
J.K. Coy became a mother to two daughters in less than two years. This means her life is full of laughs, diapers, late nights, and next to no sitting still!
Born and raised in Michigan, she now considers California her second home. During the brief moments between her roles as a corporate climber, mom and wife, she enjoys sharpening her creative pencil.
Her intent is to entertain parents and children at the same time. Sometimes it's the little joys, and inside jokes, that get everyone through another bedtime routine.
Read her humorous and delightful children's books: Love You to Pieces Beautiful Monster, My Mom is the Worst and Best Trip Ever! The newest book will release in April 2020: Princess Winnabelle and the Missing Jewels.
She is also the creator of the Minimal Intervention (M.I.) Birth Method designed to provide evidence-based strategies, and inspiring stories, to help women achieve more positive birth experiences using minimal medical intervention (Because YOU are Superwoman).
Get your own copy of
Best Trip Ever: The Best Vacation Travel Book for Toddlers, Kids, and Parents
Video Link:
Caroline Lee
Fed up with polygraphs, security clearances and a daily commute, Caroline Lee fled a career writing classified reports for the Dept. of Defense to become a full-time storyteller and daydreamer-in-chief. Often inspired by her surroundings, her Maxzyne adventure series features "America's Most Impulsive Heroine" Maxzyne Merriweather, whose madcap adventures take place in the historic and magical city of Chicago. Caroline currently resides in the city of Chicago and is a member of the Society of Children's Bookwriters & Illustrators (SCBWI). Learn more at
Get your own copy of
Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins
Video Link:
Habbi Habbi
Created by two moms, Habbi Habbi Reading Wand & Bilingual Books - is the easiest way to teach kids Chinese & Spanish - without a screen! Their book series and Reading Wand combines their love of books, their interest in bilingual exposure for their own children, and their desire to make it more accessible for all families. Every inch of their books is tappable, making the series accessible for families who are not native (or just want to encourage independent play). All their book content is both practical and intentional, highlighting themes like sharing emotions, strong female role models, and more.
Video Link:
Erica Graham
Erica Graham is an award winning children's author. Graham graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with her Master of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology. She also holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. As a mother, Graham understands the difficulty parents have finding time to work on speech with their children. In her pursuit to create a fun easy way for therapists, children, and their parents to enhance speech development while promoting literacy, she has written a series of exciting children's books. Each book focuses on a core sound used in the English language. Outside of writing and working as a Speech Language Pathologist, Graham enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughters, volunteering with the youth group at church, and a good cup of tea.
Get your own copy of
Talking Tales: Catch that Chinchilla
Video Link:
A small group of authors has come together to bring a sense of normality and helping to reduce stress. These authors are providing children an escape by reading to kids in the comfort of their own homes. Some of these authors are also including educational and fun activities that relate to their books. Here is a list of the incredible authors hosting Storytime Adventures with Authors!
Michelle Korenfeld
Listen to the story Cute and Cuter and learn to cherish having brother/s and/or sister/s, discover interesting facts about butterflies, and be inspired with coloring tips by author and artist Michelle Korenfeld.
"Creative Children Like the Animals of the World" is an enriching STEAM resource for elementary students that sums up Michelle Korenfeld¡¯s teaching at The Dr. Erica Landau Institute for the Advancement of Youth to Creativity and Excellence in Israel.
Michelle's useful resources are also based on conversations with Dr. Moshe Rishpon, who established the Clore Garden of Science and The Science Oriented Youth Department in The Weizmann Institute. This is a pioneer program in science education and a leader of that field worldwide.
Michelle believes much of children's anxiety derives from stifled creativity, and hopes her resources help direct students toward fulfillment of individual creative potentials. She believes all children today are bright with unexpressed thinking, and that creative teaching strategies practiced for years in gifted education should be implemented for the education of all children.
Michelle's useful tools are based on her life research and on raising her daughters. Already teenagers, they still teach her creative thinking lessons every day. Michelle's resources are also based on conversations with Dr. Moshe Rishpon, who established the Clore Garden of Science and The Science Oriented Youth Department in The Weizmann Institute. This is a pioneer program in science education and a leader of that field worldwide.
Michelle believes much of children's anxiety derives from stifled creativity, and hopes her resources help direct students toward fulfillment of individual creative potentials. She believes all children today are bright with unexpressed thinking, and that creative teaching strategies practiced for years in gifted education should be implemented for the education of all children.
Michelle's original materials are based on her life research and on raising her daughters. Already teenagers, they still teach her creative thinking lessons every day.
Get your own copy of
Creative Children Like the Animals of the World
Video Link:
Carole P. Roman
Join Carole P. Roman as she reads her book "If You Were Me and Lived in...Australia," from her award winning "If You Were Me and Lived in..." series! This amazing series gives children a fun introduction to various countries and their cultures.
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts a blog radio program called Indie Authors Roundtable and is one of the founders of the magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman. She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren and a new joke book called The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes!
She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren.
Get your own copy of
If You Were Me and Lived In... Australia: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World
Video Link:
Jessica Adams
Join Jessica D. Adams and her friends for a reading of her book, The Underground Toy Society Saves Peggy!
Jessica D. Adams writes children's books about The Underground Toy Society that aim to teach children to love and appreciate what they have, think of others, and hopefully clean their rooms. Jessica's two daughters are the inspiration for the books, as well as co-illustrators for many of the books. Jessica also wrote a short time travel chapter book, Meeting Grandmom, which is a great story for kids as well as adults to remember or talk about lost loved ones and family history.
Jessica has visions of The Underground Toy Society traveling around the world, with many books being created to help teach children to clean their rooms, appreciate what they have, and think of those who may not have as much. While the goals of the books are to help kids want to clean their rooms, appreciate what they have, and think of others, there are no guarantees that kids will learn these lessons. These books are for entertainment purposes and individual results may vary.
Visit YouTube to find exciting kid friendly videos about The Underground Toy Society!
Get your own copy of
The Underground Toy Society Saves Peggy
Video Link:
Eugenia Chu
Come make Ji¨£o Zi (Chinese dumplings) with Eugenia Chu!
Eugenia Chu is an attorney, turned stay-at-home mom, turned writer. She lives on a magical beach in Miami with her husband and son, Brandon, who is the inspiration for her stories. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, yoga and drinking too much coffee. She has been a presenter at numerous schools, libraries and book festivals.
When Brandon was very little, the author couldn¡¯t find children¡¯s storybooks to read to him which touched upon Chinese culture and which included some Chinese (Mandarin) words to teach and/or reinforce his Chinese vocabulary, so she started writing her own. She is the author of Brandon Makes Ji¨£o Zi (ïœ×Ó) - a picture book, and Brandon Goes to Beijing (±±¾©) ¨C a chapter book.
Get your own copy of
Brandon Makes Ji¨£o Zi
Video Link:
Jedlie
Jedlie has been inspiring students throughout the United States & Puerto Rico since 1983. His award winning Children¡¯s Book ¡°The Great Maritini¡± has been named ¡°one of the top seven books that teach kids kindness¡± by ChildrensPublishing.com and has received ¡°Story Monster Approval¡± from Story Monster Ink Magazine. His ¡°Reading With Your Kids¡± Podcast has inspired families around the World to spend more time reading together and was nominated for the iHeartRadio Best Kids and Family Podcast Award. And his brand new school assembly program ¡°We Will ROAR ¨C Respect Others And Read¡± will help your students and teachers make this the best school year ever!
Get your own copy of
REAL Magic
Video Link:
Yujia Zhao
Yujia Zhao is the Chinese mom of a bilingual and bicultural family in Southern California. She has lived in China and America and is fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English. She is passionate about providing her son the opportunity to be bilingual, connect with his Chinese heritage, and embrace the diverse and beautiful cultures of the world. She is a user experience designer by day, book author and aspiring illustrator by night.
Little Sen¡¯s Chinese Holidays is the first of many books she plans to create as part of the Shiny Lantern mission: To publish high quality bilingual children¡¯s books for curious little minds who wish to explore other cultures of the world and learn another language.
For more resources for the book and bilingual education in general, please visit her website at shinylantern.com
Get your own copy of
Little Sen's Chinese Holidays
Video Link:
Cindi Handley Goodeaux
Cindi Handley Goodeaux lives in Florida with her husband and muse. She is a proud mom, graphic designer wannabe, and sometime poet.
She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a professional member of the Cat Writers Association (CWA).
Get your own copy of
When Cats Fly
Video Link:
Barbara Ann Mojica
Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Barbara writes monthly historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner "Passages." Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, Barbara hopes to educate, entertain and inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History's antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. She firmly believes, "If you don't know your history, you don't know what you're talking about".
The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. Medallions, International Book Excellence Awards, International Readers' Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and Independent Author Network Awards.
Get your own copy of
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to Ellis Island Volume 6
Video Link:
Andrea Olatunji
Validating children and instilling an appreciation for diversity define Andrea Olatunji¡¯s mission as a new author and seasoned educator. She developed a passion for languages and cultures early on in her twenty-year-plus career. She has taught English as a Second Language and Spanish in her native Uruguay and here in the United States, gaining valuable expertise with diversity and multicultural environments.
Her recently published book ¡°Omar, el jaguar¡± is first in a series that highlights native animals of the Americas. The story celebrates diversity while raising awareness about climate change. ¡°Omar¡± has already generated a great deal of attention having been featured in local media outlets and selling worldwide.
Andrea lives with her husband and son in New Orleans, the perfect place to nurture her passion for books, art, and education. You can learn more about her at:
Get your own copy of
Omar, el jaguar
Video Link:
Diann Floyd Boehm
Diann Floyd Boehm has always enjoyed the art of storytelling, and has now taken her imagination to print so she can share her stories with more children and families around the world.
A former classroom teacher, Diann was one of the first educators chosen for Steve Job¡¯s Apple Education program in the early 1980s. This was so innovative, there was no degree program and Diann became one of the first self-taught, education technology pioneers who saw the magic of technology as a tool and, working with Apple, began training other teachers and wrote some of the first technology cross-curriculum for teachers and students. This led to her teaching technology to grades 1-8 and to establishing the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse, to increase awareness among legislators of the benefits of funding technology in the classroom. Diann is also the founder of one of the very first educational sites on the interent, .
Diann is not only an educator but also a wife and mother of three. Her creative flair encompasses the performing arts as well, having performed in musical theatre productions in Dubai produced by Popular Productions out of the UK. Throughout her life, Diann has been involved in various humanitarian projects. She is a member of Bpeace.org and a supporter of and Aerobridge, a non-profit organization that assists in disaster relief.
Her community involvement has given her an insight to the importance of people working together to help others develop skills needed to create a sustainable life for themselves and their families.
Diann was born in Tulsa, OK. but grew up in Texas with five brothers. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world, including living in Dubai for 14 years. She now lives in Houston, Texas with her husband. She has a Bachelor of Education from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and has taught elementary school both overseas and stateside.
Get your own copy of
The Little Girl in the Moon
Video Link:
Edna Ma
Edna Ma is a physician anesthesiologist and mom, who was motivated to write a bilingual Chinese children's book, inspired by her son's friendship after he enrolled in a Mandarin immersion school. Although she is not a native speaker of Mandarin, she wanted to read to her children in Mandarin. She found a limited selection of books for this age group. So she created these stories to include English and Mandarin with pin yin, to facilitate different reading levels. Her stories celebrate friendship and cultural diversity. When she's not in the operating room, she enjoys traveling with her family. You may have seen her on either SURVIVOR or Shark Tank.
Get your own copy of
Travel, Learn and See your Friends: Adventures in Mandarin Immersion
Video Link:
Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, STEM advocate, professional speaker, and author of the children's book What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z. As an engineer with more than fifteen years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor.
Get your own copy of
What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z
Video Link:
Eileen Hobbs
Eileen Hobbs lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. She teaches English composition to international students at a nearby university. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family. She grew up in Thailand where her parents were Christian missionaries. Her desire is to write books that have diverse characters and that take her readers to fictional places that they might not otherwise get to explore in real life. The Heath cousins are based on the growing up years of her children and their cousins.
Get your own copy of
The Heath Cousins and the Crystal Canyon: Book 3 in the Heath Cousins Series
Video Link:
Lori Brown
Lori Brown grew up in a small town on the banks of the Tombigbee River. It is here where she first found inspiration to begin writing. She would always sit on the deck of her family¡¯s camp house overlooking the river and use the calming sounds of the river and the gentle breeze blowing as her muses to create her poems and stories.
Lori¡¯s love for writing became embedded in her and she continued her passion for writing into adulthood. Lori became a teacher and immediately knew how her writing must change. She decided to write books that would help students remember what they read through rhyming words and fun-loving characters. Friends Count is the first book in a series of educational supplemental books. She hopes everyone who reads them will learn to love her characters just as she does.
Get your own copy of
Friends Count
Video Link:
Jeanne Buesser
Ms Jeanne Buesser, runs a non profit support group for parents of children with speech impairments, giving support and resources for parents and professionals for 19 years including surrounding areas. She provides articles and support by email and voice mail to those who cannot attend the meetings by mail. She is President, of The Apraxia Network (in Northern NJ).
She has been interviewed by radio stations, blogs, local tv stations. Her websites are Apraxianetwork.org, and JeanneBuesser.com. Ms Buesser is also an author of a special needs book called He Talks Funny. Which explains to others about the neurological speech disorder called Apraxia, along with teasing and bullying of a child who is unable to be understood with resources and other information.
Her other books are Water Line, Willow Tree. Breezi¡¯s Island is her first love story. Poetry and grief related books, Moonlight Till Dawn, Journey From Darkness to Light. All of her books have resources.
Get your own copy of
Willow Tree
Video Link:
Shawn P.B. Robinson
Shawn P. B. Robinson, or as his friends call him, "Shawn P. B. Robinson," has been writing and telling stories for many years, but only for family and small groups. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, a potentially deadly illness changed all that. As he lay in a hospital, wondering if he would live or die (spoiler alert, he lived), he started to write Arestana: The Key Quest. It wasn't long before many other books were written, and he was moving toward exposing the world to his strange and odd sense of humor.
Shawn is the author of fourteen books (eleven of which are published, the others on their way) and just can¡¯t seem to stop! He loves the challenge of writing something new and unusual. Most of what he writes is children¡¯s fiction, filled with humor and adventure, but he is currently working on a new YA Fantasy series.
Shawn¡¯s newest series of six books is called, ¡°Annalynn the Canadian Spy.¡± The series is about a 10-year-old girl who is hired by CSIS (Canada¡¯s Spy Agency) to be a spy, but is never given any ¡°normal¡± missions. The series is packed full of humor (or ¡°humour¡± as we Canadians spell it) and gives a light-hearted glimpse into Canadian culture and life!
Get your own copy of
Annalynn the Canadian Spy: Terrible Tissues
Video Link:
K.A. Mullins
K.A. Mullins is a writer, instructor, and pet adoption advocate. A professionally trained instructor, Mullins has spent over a decade teaching children how to build character, improve self-esteem, and fostering a positive attitude through acts of kindness.
Video Link:
Erin Murphy Welch
Erin Murphy Welch is a first time Author. The Mother of three lives in a small town in Upstate NY. After her second child was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, she decided to write a short story to encourage children to be kind and accepting of others despite their differences.
Murphy Welch hopes to provide a small look inside the life of someone who has to work a little harder to accomplish their goals. She is hopeful that by collectively spreading this message to children, they will then grow to teach in their own lives that it¡¯s always so important to be respectful of others, whether it be in the way we look, learn or how we get around in life.
Get your own copy of
Little Bluebird
Video Link:
J.K. Coy
J.K. Coy became a mother to two daughters in less than two years. This means her life is full of laughs, diapers, late nights, and next to no sitting still!
Born and raised in Michigan, she now considers California her second home. During the brief moments between her roles as a corporate climber, mom and wife, she enjoys sharpening her creative pencil.
Her intent is to entertain parents and children at the same time. Sometimes it's the little joys, and inside jokes, that get everyone through another bedtime routine.
Read her humorous and delightful children's books: Love You to Pieces Beautiful Monster, My Mom is the Worst and Best Trip Ever! The newest book will release in April 2020: Princess Winnabelle and the Missing Jewels.
She is also the creator of the Minimal Intervention (M.I.) Birth Method designed to provide evidence-based strategies, and inspiring stories, to help women achieve more positive birth experiences using minimal medical intervention (Because YOU are Superwoman).
Get your own copy of
Best Trip Ever: The Best Vacation Travel Book for Toddlers, Kids, and Parents
Video Link:
Caroline Lee
Fed up with polygraphs, security clearances and a daily commute, Caroline Lee fled a career writing classified reports for the Dept. of Defense to become a full-time storyteller and daydreamer-in-chief. Often inspired by her surroundings, her Maxzyne adventure series features "America's Most Impulsive Heroine" Maxzyne Merriweather, whose madcap adventures take place in the historic and magical city of Chicago. Caroline currently resides in the city of Chicago and is a member of the Society of Children's Bookwriters & Illustrators (SCBWI). Learn more at
Get your own copy of
Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins
Video Link:
Habbi Habbi
Created by two moms, Habbi Habbi Reading Wand & Bilingual Books - is the easiest way to teach kids Chinese & Spanish - without a screen! Their book series and Reading Wand combines their love of books, their interest in bilingual exposure for their own children, and their desire to make it more accessible for all families. Every inch of their books is tappable, making the series accessible for families who are not native (or just want to encourage independent play). All their book content is both practical and intentional, highlighting themes like sharing emotions, strong female role models, and more.
Video Link:
Erica Graham
Erica Graham is an award winning children's author. Graham graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with her Master of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology. She also holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. As a mother, Graham understands the difficulty parents have finding time to work on speech with their children. In her pursuit to create a fun easy way for therapists, children, and their parents to enhance speech development while promoting literacy, she has written a series of exciting children's books. Each book focuses on a core sound used in the English language. Outside of writing and working as a Speech Language Pathologist, Graham enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughters, volunteering with the youth group at church, and a good cup of tea.
Get your own copy of
Talking Tales: Catch that Chinchilla
Video Link:
March 23, 2020
Storytime Adventures with Authors
With recent events and school closings, we have been working on a way to bring the joy of reading with authors to your home. Starting March 23, find a cozy spot and tune in each day to read with a fantastic children's book author. We look forward to joining you for some magical adventures all from the comfort of our own homes! ??
September 12, 2019
AUTHOR FEATURE: Barbara Ann Mojica
Congratulations to Barbara Ann Mojica on her fantastic new book, Little Miss HISTORY Travels to Hyde Park, Home of FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Presidential Library & Museum!
Step back into time and trace the steps of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as he grew up, entered politics,
served his government in multiple roles, and finally became the only President to be elected to four
terms of office.
You will learn:
* About the life and home of the Roosevelt family
*The economic depression that began in 1933
*The NEW DEAL programs of FDR
* World War 11
* Fireside Chats
* The FDR Presidential Library and Research Center
* Eleanor Roosevelt and her part in American and World History
Pick up your copy here:
About Barbara Ann Mojica
Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Barbara writes monthly historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner "Passages." Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, Barbara hopes to educate, entertain and inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History's antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. She firmly believes, "If you don't know your history, you don't know what you're talking about."
The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. MEDALLIONS, Book Excellence Awards, Readers¡¯ Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and IAN Book of the Year Awards. Barbara is committed to sharing her love of literature with children and their families with biweekly book reviews on her blog.
For more information about Barbara or her books:
Website:
Blog:
Amazon:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn
School Visits
Step back into time and trace the steps of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as he grew up, entered politics,
served his government in multiple roles, and finally became the only President to be elected to four
terms of office.
You will learn:
* About the life and home of the Roosevelt family
*The economic depression that began in 1933
*The NEW DEAL programs of FDR
* World War 11
* Fireside Chats
* The FDR Presidential Library and Research Center
* Eleanor Roosevelt and her part in American and World History
Pick up your copy here:
About Barbara Ann Mojica
Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Barbara writes monthly historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner "Passages." Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, Barbara hopes to educate, entertain and inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History's antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. She firmly believes, "If you don't know your history, you don't know what you're talking about."
The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. MEDALLIONS, Book Excellence Awards, Readers¡¯ Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and IAN Book of the Year Awards. Barbara is committed to sharing her love of literature with children and their families with biweekly book reviews on her blog.
For more information about Barbara or her books:
Website:
Blog:
Amazon:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Instagram:
School Visits
July 22, 2019
AUTHOR FEATURE: Carole P. Roman
*~*~*~*~AUTHOR FEATURE: Carole P. Roman~*~*~*~*
I am excited to feature Carole P. Roman and her upcoming new release, "The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids." I was honored to have a sneak peek of the book and loved the variations of jokes, fun facts, tongue twisters, and especially the instructional section at the end teaching kids how to create their own jokes.
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts three blog radio programs and is one of the founders of the magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman. She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren. She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren.
~*~*~*~*~
More about Roman's new joke book:
¡°Why do fish live in saltwater? Because pepper makes them sneeze!¡± The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids is brimming with over 800 knock-knock jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, and silly stats for endless hours of hilarious entertainment anywhere.
This illustrated collection of jokes for kids is inclusive and family-friendly, with knee-slappers that kids will be bursting to tell every chance they get (parents, you¡¯ve been warned). The jokes also get more challenging with each chapter, so this book will tickle funny bones of all ages.
The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids is hysterical fun for anytime and anywhere:
Are we there yet?¨DKeep kids engaged and giggling at home, on the road, and beyond.
Reading frenzy¨DThe best way to keep them reading? Make it so much fun they forget they¡¯re reading.
Budding comedian¨DKids will learn about setups, punchlines, and how to write some jokes of their own.
Keep them laughing and reading for hours with this massive book of jokes for kids.
~*~*~*~*~
Pre-order the book now on Amazon for a special discounted price!
Also available soon at Barnes and Noble, Indie Bound, Books a Million, and !ndigo!
I am excited to feature Carole P. Roman and her upcoming new release, "The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids." I was honored to have a sneak peek of the book and loved the variations of jokes, fun facts, tongue twisters, and especially the instructional section at the end teaching kids how to create their own jokes.
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts three blog radio programs and is one of the founders of the magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman. She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren. She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren.
~*~*~*~*~
More about Roman's new joke book:
¡°Why do fish live in saltwater? Because pepper makes them sneeze!¡± The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids is brimming with over 800 knock-knock jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, and silly stats for endless hours of hilarious entertainment anywhere.
This illustrated collection of jokes for kids is inclusive and family-friendly, with knee-slappers that kids will be bursting to tell every chance they get (parents, you¡¯ve been warned). The jokes also get more challenging with each chapter, so this book will tickle funny bones of all ages.
The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids is hysterical fun for anytime and anywhere:
Are we there yet?¨DKeep kids engaged and giggling at home, on the road, and beyond.
Reading frenzy¨DThe best way to keep them reading? Make it so much fun they forget they¡¯re reading.
Budding comedian¨DKids will learn about setups, punchlines, and how to write some jokes of their own.
Keep them laughing and reading for hours with this massive book of jokes for kids.
~*~*~*~*~
Pre-order the book now on Amazon for a special discounted price!
Also available soon at Barnes and Noble, Indie Bound, Books a Million, and !ndigo!
April 18, 2019
Kids and Storms
The soft patter of rain as it taps the shingles on a roof and the distant roll of thunder as the smell of fresh rain freshened the air with its relaxing scent; many people find thunderstorms to be a great source of comfort, and for a long time, I did as well. That is until an experience completely changed my life?¡ª?I had kids.
Five years ago, I would have welcomed news of spring storms with open eyes, ears, and nose. I enjoyed watching the clouds billow toward me, smelling the approaching rain, and feeling the shift in temperature and pressure as the weather front moved into the area. It was calming to admire and respect the beauty of nature. Often times, I would miss these storms at night if they rolled through after I had fallen asleep. Very little would wake me from my dreams once they had settled into my mind.
Fast-forward 5 years and two kids later. A cold front was rolling in shortly after midnight and with it a long period of storms. Every living being in the house had been fast asleep for hours, including me. A soft roll of thunder sounded in the distance, but not loud enough to wake anyone¡anyone but me. My eyes shot open and my body tensed. My ears scanned the stillness of the house for the slightest hint of movement?¡ª?nothing.
Another soft rumble filled the air and I heard it. The distant cry of ¡°mom¡± and the sound of thudding bare toes as they scampered across the floor. Maybe I can close my eyes and pretend to be asleep. Maybe she will just curl up in bed and go back to sleep. But if history had taught me one thing, it was that I am a wishful thinker. I was in for a long night.
The doorknob turned and little eyes peered through the crack. Another roll of thunder sent her bobbing head of sleep-tangled hair straight to my bedside. I tried to reason, but if anyone has ever tried to reason with a 3-year old in the middle of the night during a storm, they know I wasted my breath. The thunder was scary and so was my bedroom.
As the storm neared and intensified, so did her cries and shivering. She insisted we go to the living room and there she would be safe. I crawled out of bed, tossed on a hoodie, and walked with her to the living room. She settled on the couch and I set some blankets on the floor to lay next to her. Another roll of thunder, ¡°Mom! Lay on the couch with me!¡±
Really? I eased my way up to the small couch and curled in next to her with one if my arms and one leg dangling off the side. Another roll of thunder, cue kid number two. Once we were all settled, we waited out the storm and eventually drifted back to sleep.
The morning light poured across our faces, waking me from my sleep. I could feel the weight of one child resting heavily on my back. As I opened my eyes, I was greeted with the foot of my other child. The pain from laying in one position all night crept across my body as consciousness returned.
I would give anything to be able to enjoy storms again; to fully take in their relaxing sounds, sights, and smells and to sleep through the ones that sneak in late at night. I would love to wake up one morning after a storm and feel refreshed. And one day, I will feel that again, but I know it will never be the same. It will be bitter-sweet. I will be able to appreciate the comfort of the storm, and my body will be relaxed, but I have a feeling I will long for aching muscles after laying in one position with a child on my back and waking to the vision of a foot in my face. I used to be comforted by storms, but now I get the chance to be a comforter through the storms?¡ª?and that is a far greater feeling.
Five years ago, I would have welcomed news of spring storms with open eyes, ears, and nose. I enjoyed watching the clouds billow toward me, smelling the approaching rain, and feeling the shift in temperature and pressure as the weather front moved into the area. It was calming to admire and respect the beauty of nature. Often times, I would miss these storms at night if they rolled through after I had fallen asleep. Very little would wake me from my dreams once they had settled into my mind.
Fast-forward 5 years and two kids later. A cold front was rolling in shortly after midnight and with it a long period of storms. Every living being in the house had been fast asleep for hours, including me. A soft roll of thunder sounded in the distance, but not loud enough to wake anyone¡anyone but me. My eyes shot open and my body tensed. My ears scanned the stillness of the house for the slightest hint of movement?¡ª?nothing.
Another soft rumble filled the air and I heard it. The distant cry of ¡°mom¡± and the sound of thudding bare toes as they scampered across the floor. Maybe I can close my eyes and pretend to be asleep. Maybe she will just curl up in bed and go back to sleep. But if history had taught me one thing, it was that I am a wishful thinker. I was in for a long night.
The doorknob turned and little eyes peered through the crack. Another roll of thunder sent her bobbing head of sleep-tangled hair straight to my bedside. I tried to reason, but if anyone has ever tried to reason with a 3-year old in the middle of the night during a storm, they know I wasted my breath. The thunder was scary and so was my bedroom.
As the storm neared and intensified, so did her cries and shivering. She insisted we go to the living room and there she would be safe. I crawled out of bed, tossed on a hoodie, and walked with her to the living room. She settled on the couch and I set some blankets on the floor to lay next to her. Another roll of thunder, ¡°Mom! Lay on the couch with me!¡±
Really? I eased my way up to the small couch and curled in next to her with one if my arms and one leg dangling off the side. Another roll of thunder, cue kid number two. Once we were all settled, we waited out the storm and eventually drifted back to sleep.
The morning light poured across our faces, waking me from my sleep. I could feel the weight of one child resting heavily on my back. As I opened my eyes, I was greeted with the foot of my other child. The pain from laying in one position all night crept across my body as consciousness returned.
I would give anything to be able to enjoy storms again; to fully take in their relaxing sounds, sights, and smells and to sleep through the ones that sneak in late at night. I would love to wake up one morning after a storm and feel refreshed. And one day, I will feel that again, but I know it will never be the same. It will be bitter-sweet. I will be able to appreciate the comfort of the storm, and my body will be relaxed, but I have a feeling I will long for aching muscles after laying in one position with a child on my back and waking to the vision of a foot in my face. I used to be comforted by storms, but now I get the chance to be a comforter through the storms?¡ª?and that is a far greater feeling.
December 14, 2018
MIAMI BOOK FAIR AUTHOR FEATURE: Becky Benishek
I am honored to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. Over the next few weeks, I will be introducing authors who were also featured at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Featured Author: Becky Benishek
-----------------------------
Becky Benishek has a B.A. degree in English, and is the author of several children¡¯s books, including Hush, Mouse!, What¡¯s At the End of Your Nose?, and Dr. Guinea Pig George. She loves to create stories that help children believe in themselves, and find the magic in ordinary things. Becky is married with guinea pigs.
Find & follow Becky Benishek:
Website:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Amazon:
YouTube trailer:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Squeezor is Coming! is a children¡¯s book written by Becky Benishek and illustrated by Matt Fiss.
What¡¯s a Squeezor?
The Squeezor is a friendly monster who just wants to give hugs, but he looks so scary, other monsters run away from him! How can he get them to look past his appearance and be friends? Then he gets an idea: It isn't about what he wants, but what the other monsters need.
"With professional writing and exquisite illustrations, a universal truth and message come to life through the graces of a monster." - Starred review by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers¡¯ Favorite
Monsters overflow in Becky Benishek's new children's book about the power of empathy and why it¡¯s so important not to judge on appearances. Your whole family will enjoy the imagery and important lessons underneath it all.
Buy THE SQUEEZOR IS COMING! now:
Directly from the publisher:
Amazon:
Also comes in dyslexic font!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
Starred review from Readers' Favorite:
¡°Far too many kids feel as unlovable as the Squeezor, and this story is for them. Benishek¡¯s droll and humorous story will please everyone in the room and maybe especially those adults who are still kids at heart. Matt Fiss¡¯s brilliantly grotesque illustrations make this book one to linger over and read again and again and again. Literally. It¡¯s that good.¡± ¨C Jack Magnus for Readers¡¯ Favorite
Starred review from Readers' Favorite:
¡°This story is highly recommended for young readers, especially for those who find acceptance by others as a challenge.¡±¨CBruce Arrington for Readers¡¯ Favorite
Starred review from Readers¡¯ Favorite:
¡°With professional writing and exquisite illustrations, a universal truth and message come to life through the graces of a monster. And if monsters can make friends with monsters, what's not left for which to hope?"-Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
5 Stars & Top 50 of the Month on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ:
"Oh. My. Gosh. I'm SO in love with this one. . .from cover to cover. . .an absolutely perfect read!"-Miranda Reads, top Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ reviewer
¡°This wonderful story teaches two significant lessons: acceptance of others who are different and self-acceptance.¡±¨CErica Graham, author of the Talking Tales series
¡°This is not just another story book. It has a strong scholastic element to it . . . This story will turn the readers into givers and social enthusiasts.¡±¨C Ashish Kejriwal
¡°Kids will love the book¡¯s splashy color, monsters aplenty, and gross-out humor. Parents will love the story¡¯s durable lesson: be yourself.¡±¨C Terry Vittone
¡°A delightful book! Read it for the story, read it for the lessons, read it for pictures that have a subtle and humorous attention to detail. Just read it ¨C you¡¯ll smile and be better for it.¡± ¨CLesley Rynders
¡°The characters are so alive that I often find myself wondering what they're up to right now. Kids will love meeting Graywick (the Apothecaryterror)... Bitey (the scared [yes, scared!] vampire who wears BUNNY SLIPPERS)... Grumpypuss (who looks like a bundle)... and the full cast of marvelous monsters who inhabit Ghastly Gigapolis -- and ostracize the big-hearted Squeezor (who through his kindness eventually succeeds in making friends with everyone). This book is SO fun to read and every page is a delight for kids' imaginations.¡±-Lemon
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
The Squeezor is Coming!
By Becky Benishek. Illustrations by Matt Fiss.
? 2018 Becky Benishek
The Squeezor is a monster who loves to give hugs. Great, big, wrap-his-arms-around-you-twice, squeezy hugs.
The trouble is, the Squeezor doesn¡¯t look like he just wants to give you a hug. He looks like he wants to eat you up!
¡°The Squeezor is coming!¡± all the other monsters would shout when he came to the nearest town, Ghastly Gigapolis, for supplies.
From behind shop doors and curtains, from roof peaks and from alleyways, from third-floor house windows and through cellar-door slats, monsters furry or feathered, scaly or slimy, big or small, quivered as the Squeezor stumped along the sidewalk on his squat legs and big, squashy feet with three greasy toenails each.
They trembled at the sight of his giant, curved horns and frightfully fanged grin. Even the fur on his big blocky shape looked all wrong¡ªa sickly, saggy mix of lime green, purplish brown, and mustard yellow.
And they were practically petrified at the chillingly sharp claws that glinted at the end of the Squeezor¡¯s wrap-around-you-twice arms!
This made the Squeezor very sad.
¡°It¡¯s not my fault I look this way,¡± he said to himself one day as he sat in his lonely house up in Vile Vale. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt anybody. How can I get everyone to trust me?¡±
The Squeezor stayed home all that day to think. He didn¡¯t have to worry about being disturbed because nobody ever came to visit him.
He wandered into his library and leafed aimlessly through 7 Habits of Highly Disgruntled Monsters; then he read, How to Stop Worrying and Start Eating, and he finished up with, I¡¯m Okay, You¡¯re Decaying.
None of them helped, not even the one called, First Things First: 10 Tasks to Sink Your Teeth Through.
He went into his kitchen and half-heartedly stirred up a pot of his favorite, putrid green tomato soup and slowly munched a moldy grilled cheese sandwich.
He didn't really feel hungry, though, and wasn't even tempted by the box of Nose Nougats on the counter.
He switched on the television in the living room to look for an advice show. One of the channels was running a marathon of Game of Bones, and he'd watched two and a half episodes before he realized it.
The Squeezor didn't even like Game of Bones. He switched off the set.
"How can I change anything when I can't even figure out what to do with myself?" he grumbled as he wandered around his house.
Just then, he stopped short in the hallway, under a portrait of his Great-Grandmother Squeezums, who always seemed to be glaring lovingly at the Squeezor.
"Maybe that's it!" he said. "Maybe it's not myself that I have to figure out."
The Squeezor, excited now, heated up another bowl of putrid green tomato soup, ate half the box of Nose Nougats (the box itself was edible), and didn't go to bed until he had a plan.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Featured Author: Becky Benishek
-----------------------------
Becky Benishek has a B.A. degree in English, and is the author of several children¡¯s books, including Hush, Mouse!, What¡¯s At the End of Your Nose?, and Dr. Guinea Pig George. She loves to create stories that help children believe in themselves, and find the magic in ordinary things. Becky is married with guinea pigs.
Find & follow Becky Benishek:
Website:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Amazon:
YouTube trailer:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Squeezor is Coming! is a children¡¯s book written by Becky Benishek and illustrated by Matt Fiss.
What¡¯s a Squeezor?
The Squeezor is a friendly monster who just wants to give hugs, but he looks so scary, other monsters run away from him! How can he get them to look past his appearance and be friends? Then he gets an idea: It isn't about what he wants, but what the other monsters need.
"With professional writing and exquisite illustrations, a universal truth and message come to life through the graces of a monster." - Starred review by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers¡¯ Favorite
Monsters overflow in Becky Benishek's new children's book about the power of empathy and why it¡¯s so important not to judge on appearances. Your whole family will enjoy the imagery and important lessons underneath it all.
Buy THE SQUEEZOR IS COMING! now:
Directly from the publisher:
Amazon:
Also comes in dyslexic font!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
Starred review from Readers' Favorite:
¡°Far too many kids feel as unlovable as the Squeezor, and this story is for them. Benishek¡¯s droll and humorous story will please everyone in the room and maybe especially those adults who are still kids at heart. Matt Fiss¡¯s brilliantly grotesque illustrations make this book one to linger over and read again and again and again. Literally. It¡¯s that good.¡± ¨C Jack Magnus for Readers¡¯ Favorite
Starred review from Readers' Favorite:
¡°This story is highly recommended for young readers, especially for those who find acceptance by others as a challenge.¡±¨CBruce Arrington for Readers¡¯ Favorite
Starred review from Readers¡¯ Favorite:
¡°With professional writing and exquisite illustrations, a universal truth and message come to life through the graces of a monster. And if monsters can make friends with monsters, what's not left for which to hope?"-Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
5 Stars & Top 50 of the Month on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ:
"Oh. My. Gosh. I'm SO in love with this one. . .from cover to cover. . .an absolutely perfect read!"-Miranda Reads, top Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ reviewer
¡°This wonderful story teaches two significant lessons: acceptance of others who are different and self-acceptance.¡±¨CErica Graham, author of the Talking Tales series
¡°This is not just another story book. It has a strong scholastic element to it . . . This story will turn the readers into givers and social enthusiasts.¡±¨C Ashish Kejriwal
¡°Kids will love the book¡¯s splashy color, monsters aplenty, and gross-out humor. Parents will love the story¡¯s durable lesson: be yourself.¡±¨C Terry Vittone
¡°A delightful book! Read it for the story, read it for the lessons, read it for pictures that have a subtle and humorous attention to detail. Just read it ¨C you¡¯ll smile and be better for it.¡± ¨CLesley Rynders
¡°The characters are so alive that I often find myself wondering what they're up to right now. Kids will love meeting Graywick (the Apothecaryterror)... Bitey (the scared [yes, scared!] vampire who wears BUNNY SLIPPERS)... Grumpypuss (who looks like a bundle)... and the full cast of marvelous monsters who inhabit Ghastly Gigapolis -- and ostracize the big-hearted Squeezor (who through his kindness eventually succeeds in making friends with everyone). This book is SO fun to read and every page is a delight for kids' imaginations.¡±-Lemon
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Excerpt
The Squeezor is Coming!
By Becky Benishek. Illustrations by Matt Fiss.
? 2018 Becky Benishek
The Squeezor is a monster who loves to give hugs. Great, big, wrap-his-arms-around-you-twice, squeezy hugs.
The trouble is, the Squeezor doesn¡¯t look like he just wants to give you a hug. He looks like he wants to eat you up!
¡°The Squeezor is coming!¡± all the other monsters would shout when he came to the nearest town, Ghastly Gigapolis, for supplies.
From behind shop doors and curtains, from roof peaks and from alleyways, from third-floor house windows and through cellar-door slats, monsters furry or feathered, scaly or slimy, big or small, quivered as the Squeezor stumped along the sidewalk on his squat legs and big, squashy feet with three greasy toenails each.
They trembled at the sight of his giant, curved horns and frightfully fanged grin. Even the fur on his big blocky shape looked all wrong¡ªa sickly, saggy mix of lime green, purplish brown, and mustard yellow.
And they were practically petrified at the chillingly sharp claws that glinted at the end of the Squeezor¡¯s wrap-around-you-twice arms!
This made the Squeezor very sad.
¡°It¡¯s not my fault I look this way,¡± he said to himself one day as he sat in his lonely house up in Vile Vale. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt anybody. How can I get everyone to trust me?¡±
The Squeezor stayed home all that day to think. He didn¡¯t have to worry about being disturbed because nobody ever came to visit him.
He wandered into his library and leafed aimlessly through 7 Habits of Highly Disgruntled Monsters; then he read, How to Stop Worrying and Start Eating, and he finished up with, I¡¯m Okay, You¡¯re Decaying.
None of them helped, not even the one called, First Things First: 10 Tasks to Sink Your Teeth Through.
He went into his kitchen and half-heartedly stirred up a pot of his favorite, putrid green tomato soup and slowly munched a moldy grilled cheese sandwich.
He didn't really feel hungry, though, and wasn't even tempted by the box of Nose Nougats on the counter.
He switched on the television in the living room to look for an advice show. One of the channels was running a marathon of Game of Bones, and he'd watched two and a half episodes before he realized it.
The Squeezor didn't even like Game of Bones. He switched off the set.
"How can I change anything when I can't even figure out what to do with myself?" he grumbled as he wandered around his house.
Just then, he stopped short in the hallway, under a portrait of his Great-Grandmother Squeezums, who always seemed to be glaring lovingly at the Squeezor.
"Maybe that's it!" he said. "Maybe it's not myself that I have to figure out."
The Squeezor, excited now, heated up another bowl of putrid green tomato soup, ate half the box of Nose Nougats (the box itself was edible), and didn't go to bed until he had a plan.
December 13, 2018
MIAMI BOOK FAIR AUTHOR FEATURE: Judy Martialay
I am honored to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. Over the next few weeks, I will be introducing authors who were also featured at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Featured Author: Judy Martialay
-----------------------------
Hi, I'm Judy Martialay. I live in Sea Cliff, N.Y. with my husband. My daughters are grown up. I have a toddler granddaughter.
I have lots of interests; I am a guitar jammer, a painter, gardener, knitter, volunteer, and I love to cook (but have to watch my sugar). I studied Japanese but had to give that up when my Japanese friend with whom I exchanged lessons moved away.
I retired from teaching foreign /world languages, and now I devote time and energy to advocacy for foreign language study for the Public Advocacy Committee of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT).
Foreign language learning is an uphill battle in the English-speaking countries. I think, though, that more parents are becoming aware of the many benefits of being bilingual, and they want their kids to learn languages.
I wrote the books ?HOLA! Let's Learn Languages and Bonjour! Let's Learn French because I want every child to have the opportunity to learn a world language at an early age. This is the best time to start learning a language. Children's brains are wired for learning languages. They have a better chance for acquiring native pronunciation, and they have ample time to become truly proficient in the language.
I often hear the comment from teachers of young children:" Children absorb languages like sponges." My granddaughter hears Spanish every day; she has an au pair girl who speaks to her in Spanish. She understands everything.
I want children and their parents to enjoy the experience of learning languages. It is an adventure into the soul of another world. If your child continues study of a language, he or she will have a skill that will provide life-long benefits.
Website:
Twitter: Judy Martialay@judyruth10
Facebook link:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Buckle your seatbelts! Your child 6-10 is about to take off on a trip of adventure, discovery and learning with the Award-Winning Series: Bonjour! Let's Learn French and Hola! Let¡¯s Learn Spanish. Easy to use, whether or not you know Spanish or French. Your child's guide is Pete the Pilot. Kids take a pretend flight to Mexico and France.
Free downloadable audio version at polyglotkidz.com. Download before using book.
B&N:
BookBaby:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
¡°Whether you are a parent hoping to broaden your child's linguistic skills, or a teacher studying other cultures with your class - you will find Bonjour! Let's Learn French (and it's companion book, Hola! Let's Learn Spanish) a painless way to begin your journey.¡± Amazon Review
¡°This is one of the most informative, well-written children's tutorials I've ever had the pleasure to review. As a former teacher, I was impressed by how many additional teaching tools Judy Martialay included with the base story. Imagine being provided with a skit, a cute song, and a short art lesson on impressionistic painting - none of which you had to create for yourself to extend the story. Martialay has done teachers everywhere a big favor by including these value-added features.¡± Amazon Review
¡°Martialay has a passion for teaching children foreign languages and it comes across in the book. I loved it and plan on buying the French one next. An excellent resource for teachers, parents, educators and even grandparents. A must own!¡±
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpts
?Hola! Let's Learn Spanish
(picture of a bean field on a hot summer day in Mexico, audio provided)
Cri ¡Cri¡Cri say the crickets. They are chirping under the hot sun that is shining down on the bean field. The beans los frijoles are growing in their rows of plants. Nothing is moving.
Look! ¨C?Miren! Something is moving. It¡¯s jumping! In fact, it¡¯s jumping towards us!
¡°Hola, ni?os. Me llamo Panchito, the Mexican jumping bean. Look how high I can jump. ?Miren!
Panchito jumps around the field. He wants to talk to los frijoles.
¡°?Hola! ?Qu¨¦ tal?¡± says Panchito.
But los frijoles don¡¯t answer. They don¡¯t talk or play. They are not
jumping beans like Panchito. They just stay in one place and grow.
It¡¯s lonely here on the bean field with no friends to play with.
Bonjour! Let's Learn French
(Picture of a beach on a hot summer day in France. Audio provided)
¡°Arlette, bring more water!¡±
Arlette runs to the water¡¯s edge, where the waves roll onto the shore, foamy and bubbly. The sea is a bright blue bleu under the summer sun. It¡¯s a beautiful day at the beach ¨¤ la plage. There is a boat un bateau in the distance.
Arlette scoops up water with her pail to mix with the sand. Pierre, Arlette and the other children are making a castle un ch?teau out of sand le sable. The children pat the sand and water together to form the walls of the castle le ch?teau. Marie and Jacques make towers. Pierre has some toy soldiers who will stand guard on the towers, protecting le ch?teau de sable.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Featured Author: Judy Martialay
-----------------------------
Hi, I'm Judy Martialay. I live in Sea Cliff, N.Y. with my husband. My daughters are grown up. I have a toddler granddaughter.
I have lots of interests; I am a guitar jammer, a painter, gardener, knitter, volunteer, and I love to cook (but have to watch my sugar). I studied Japanese but had to give that up when my Japanese friend with whom I exchanged lessons moved away.
I retired from teaching foreign /world languages, and now I devote time and energy to advocacy for foreign language study for the Public Advocacy Committee of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT).
Foreign language learning is an uphill battle in the English-speaking countries. I think, though, that more parents are becoming aware of the many benefits of being bilingual, and they want their kids to learn languages.
I wrote the books ?HOLA! Let's Learn Languages and Bonjour! Let's Learn French because I want every child to have the opportunity to learn a world language at an early age. This is the best time to start learning a language. Children's brains are wired for learning languages. They have a better chance for acquiring native pronunciation, and they have ample time to become truly proficient in the language.
I often hear the comment from teachers of young children:" Children absorb languages like sponges." My granddaughter hears Spanish every day; she has an au pair girl who speaks to her in Spanish. She understands everything.
I want children and their parents to enjoy the experience of learning languages. It is an adventure into the soul of another world. If your child continues study of a language, he or she will have a skill that will provide life-long benefits.
Website:
Twitter: Judy Martialay@judyruth10
Facebook link:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Buckle your seatbelts! Your child 6-10 is about to take off on a trip of adventure, discovery and learning with the Award-Winning Series: Bonjour! Let's Learn French and Hola! Let¡¯s Learn Spanish. Easy to use, whether or not you know Spanish or French. Your child's guide is Pete the Pilot. Kids take a pretend flight to Mexico and France.
Free downloadable audio version at polyglotkidz.com. Download before using book.
B&N:
BookBaby:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
¡°Whether you are a parent hoping to broaden your child's linguistic skills, or a teacher studying other cultures with your class - you will find Bonjour! Let's Learn French (and it's companion book, Hola! Let's Learn Spanish) a painless way to begin your journey.¡± Amazon Review
¡°This is one of the most informative, well-written children's tutorials I've ever had the pleasure to review. As a former teacher, I was impressed by how many additional teaching tools Judy Martialay included with the base story. Imagine being provided with a skit, a cute song, and a short art lesson on impressionistic painting - none of which you had to create for yourself to extend the story. Martialay has done teachers everywhere a big favor by including these value-added features.¡± Amazon Review
¡°Martialay has a passion for teaching children foreign languages and it comes across in the book. I loved it and plan on buying the French one next. An excellent resource for teachers, parents, educators and even grandparents. A must own!¡±
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpts
?Hola! Let's Learn Spanish
(picture of a bean field on a hot summer day in Mexico, audio provided)
Cri ¡Cri¡Cri say the crickets. They are chirping under the hot sun that is shining down on the bean field. The beans los frijoles are growing in their rows of plants. Nothing is moving.
Look! ¨C?Miren! Something is moving. It¡¯s jumping! In fact, it¡¯s jumping towards us!
¡°Hola, ni?os. Me llamo Panchito, the Mexican jumping bean. Look how high I can jump. ?Miren!
Panchito jumps around the field. He wants to talk to los frijoles.
¡°?Hola! ?Qu¨¦ tal?¡± says Panchito.
But los frijoles don¡¯t answer. They don¡¯t talk or play. They are not
jumping beans like Panchito. They just stay in one place and grow.
It¡¯s lonely here on the bean field with no friends to play with.
Bonjour! Let's Learn French
(Picture of a beach on a hot summer day in France. Audio provided)
¡°Arlette, bring more water!¡±
Arlette runs to the water¡¯s edge, where the waves roll onto the shore, foamy and bubbly. The sea is a bright blue bleu under the summer sun. It¡¯s a beautiful day at the beach ¨¤ la plage. There is a boat un bateau in the distance.
Arlette scoops up water with her pail to mix with the sand. Pierre, Arlette and the other children are making a castle un ch?teau out of sand le sable. The children pat the sand and water together to form the walls of the castle le ch?teau. Marie and Jacques make towers. Pierre has some toy soldiers who will stand guard on the towers, protecting le ch?teau de sable.
December 11, 2018
MIAMI BOOK FAIR AUTHOR FEATURE: Eugenia Chu
I am honored to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. Over the next few weeks, I will be introducing authors who were also featured at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Feature 18: Eugenia Chu
-----------------------------
Eugenia Chu is an attorney, turned stay-at-home mom, turned writer. She is a first generation Chinese-American and lives in Miami with her husband and son, Brandon, who is the inspiration for her stories.
When Brandon was very little, the author couldn¡¯t find children¡¯s storybooks to read to him which touched upon Chinese culture and which included some Chinese (Mandarin) words to teach and/or reinforce his Chinese vocabulary, so she started writing her own. Brandon Makes Ji¨£o Zi (ïœ×Ó) is the first ¡°Brandon¡± story.
For more information, please see the following:
Website link/blog:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ:
/author/show...
Amazon:
Trailer:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mommy surprises Brandon with his grandma from China, P¨® Po (ÆÅÆÅ), when she picks him up from school one day. When they get home, the adventure begins! While Brandon and P¨® Po (ÆÅÆÅ) are making Chinese dumplings, called ji¨£o zi (ïœ×Ó), Brandon makes a mess and he and P¨® Po (ÆÅÆÅ) have a good laugh! They chat and bond over the experience. Then Brandon eats and eats and eats and makes a surprise at the end that delights the whole family!
This adorable story includes some conversational Mandarin Chinese (including pin yin ¨C pronunciation) and is a fun read for families with children who are learning, or are interested in, Mandarin or Chinese culture.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
¡°The true measure of the success of a children¡¯s book is when they drag it off the shelf over and over to be read with them. . . This book does that.¡±
¡°Brandon Makes Ji¨£o Zi (ïœ×Ó) is one of those rare exceptions [to flashcard like bilingual books] that incorporates both pinyin, characters (traditional), and a delightful story.¡±
¡°An illustrated children's story that mixes American and Chinese cultures, bringing not only traditions together, but also the two languages.¡±
¡°I love your book! I was a preschool teacher and I think this book will be a great asset for any school.¡±
¡°This is a great book to spark kid's interest into other languages and cultures.¡±
¡°This is such a cute book on so many levels.¡±
¡°Great book for someone who has child or grandchild who enjoys something different in a children¡¯s book.¡±
¡°A short, sweet (or should that be savoury?) children¡¯s book which links food, family and culture.¡±
¡°I love the educational component of this book.¡±
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Feature 18: Eugenia Chu
-----------------------------
Eugenia Chu is an attorney, turned stay-at-home mom, turned writer. She is a first generation Chinese-American and lives in Miami with her husband and son, Brandon, who is the inspiration for her stories.
When Brandon was very little, the author couldn¡¯t find children¡¯s storybooks to read to him which touched upon Chinese culture and which included some Chinese (Mandarin) words to teach and/or reinforce his Chinese vocabulary, so she started writing her own. Brandon Makes Ji¨£o Zi (ïœ×Ó) is the first ¡°Brandon¡± story.
For more information, please see the following:
Website link/blog:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ:
/author/show...
Amazon:
Trailer:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mommy surprises Brandon with his grandma from China, P¨® Po (ÆÅÆÅ), when she picks him up from school one day. When they get home, the adventure begins! While Brandon and P¨® Po (ÆÅÆÅ) are making Chinese dumplings, called ji¨£o zi (ïœ×Ó), Brandon makes a mess and he and P¨® Po (ÆÅÆÅ) have a good laugh! They chat and bond over the experience. Then Brandon eats and eats and eats and makes a surprise at the end that delights the whole family!
This adorable story includes some conversational Mandarin Chinese (including pin yin ¨C pronunciation) and is a fun read for families with children who are learning, or are interested in, Mandarin or Chinese culture.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
¡°The true measure of the success of a children¡¯s book is when they drag it off the shelf over and over to be read with them. . . This book does that.¡±
¡°Brandon Makes Ji¨£o Zi (ïœ×Ó) is one of those rare exceptions [to flashcard like bilingual books] that incorporates both pinyin, characters (traditional), and a delightful story.¡±
¡°An illustrated children's story that mixes American and Chinese cultures, bringing not only traditions together, but also the two languages.¡±
¡°I love your book! I was a preschool teacher and I think this book will be a great asset for any school.¡±
¡°This is a great book to spark kid's interest into other languages and cultures.¡±
¡°This is such a cute book on so many levels.¡±
¡°Great book for someone who has child or grandchild who enjoys something different in a children¡¯s book.¡±
¡°A short, sweet (or should that be savoury?) children¡¯s book which links food, family and culture.¡±
¡°I love the educational component of this book.¡±
December 10, 2018
Miami Book Fair Author Feature: Valerie Van Ballaer
I am honored to be one of the showcased authors at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth during the 2018 Miami Book Fair. Over the next few weeks, I will be introducing authors who were also featured at the Indie Authors Monthly magazine booth.
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Feature 18: Valerie Van Ballaer
-----------------------------
Valerie is an illustrator & writer who has created a unique kids travel book series called "The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo". On top of this Valerie is a freelance graphic & web designer @vvbdesign, marathon runner, and traveler, born in Belgium, raised in Thailand. Follow her on Instagram for insights and to stay up to date on her latest books and adventures.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
¡°Venice - George and Paolo¡¯s Travel Checklist: 1. Ride a Gondola 2. Explore Piazza San Marco 3. Buy Venetian Masks 4. See the Ponte dell¡¯ Accademia and Ponte di Rialto. Built on many small islands, canals replace streets and boats replace cars, explore the narrow winding streets of Venice.¡±
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
"When in doubt, travel with kids! And come to Italy... of course. The first thing to pack is this super cute travel guide! My kids loved it. Follow Valerie Van Ballaer and discover how amazing this young lady is!!" - tips4italiantrips.com blog
"The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo, Italy from Valerie Van Ballaer. This is the first book in the series of the adventures of George and Paolo. George the goose, Paolo the puppy are off on a Vespa to adventure through Italy, siteseeing all the tourists spots that everyone loves to see. Can't wait to see what other adventures they get up too." - kids.books.we.love blog
"Traveling on a budget? Read a book! Instant transportation to anywhere in the world, anywhere in the *universe* actually! Highlighting today's self-published feature: The first in a mini travel series "The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo: Italy" by Valerie Van Ballaer @vvbdesign. Ever dreamed of traveling to Italy? Join George and Paolo as they transport you to all the famous sites and best attractions of this vibrant country! Flip through this mini travel guide to spark the adventurer in you! Check out @vvbdesign for more travel adventures!" - Mai Story Book
"How do you keep the kids entertained on your travels? We love a good book and if it's got a travel theme, even better! I was so happy to receive The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo through Italy, by Valerie Van Ballaer, an ebook is so much easier when we're on the road and as we're heading to Italy on our European adventure, this one is perfect. Piper loved learning about places we're planning to visit and it gave her a few new ideas for where she wanted to go. The book contains checklists for the main two characters, a goose named George and a puppy named Paolo for each city with some informative ideas like "explore the Campo dei Miracoli" in Pisa and fun suggestions like "eat spaghetti Bolognese" in Bologna which really made her giggle. It's beautifully illustrated and they have other locations such as Thailand and Mexico if you're planning a trip further afield. There are also hard copies available to order if you prefer." - Are We There Yet Kids blog
**Note: Not all of these authors are children's authors. Some language and adult themes may be present in these features.**
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Feature 18: Valerie Van Ballaer
-----------------------------
Valerie is an illustrator & writer who has created a unique kids travel book series called "The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo". On top of this Valerie is a freelance graphic & web designer @vvbdesign, marathon runner, and traveler, born in Belgium, raised in Thailand. Follow her on Instagram for insights and to stay up to date on her latest books and adventures.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Excerpt
¡°Venice - George and Paolo¡¯s Travel Checklist: 1. Ride a Gondola 2. Explore Piazza San Marco 3. Buy Venetian Masks 4. See the Ponte dell¡¯ Accademia and Ponte di Rialto. Built on many small islands, canals replace streets and boats replace cars, explore the narrow winding streets of Venice.¡±
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reviews
"When in doubt, travel with kids! And come to Italy... of course. The first thing to pack is this super cute travel guide! My kids loved it. Follow Valerie Van Ballaer and discover how amazing this young lady is!!" - tips4italiantrips.com blog
"The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo, Italy from Valerie Van Ballaer. This is the first book in the series of the adventures of George and Paolo. George the goose, Paolo the puppy are off on a Vespa to adventure through Italy, siteseeing all the tourists spots that everyone loves to see. Can't wait to see what other adventures they get up too." - kids.books.we.love blog
"Traveling on a budget? Read a book! Instant transportation to anywhere in the world, anywhere in the *universe* actually! Highlighting today's self-published feature: The first in a mini travel series "The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo: Italy" by Valerie Van Ballaer @vvbdesign. Ever dreamed of traveling to Italy? Join George and Paolo as they transport you to all the famous sites and best attractions of this vibrant country! Flip through this mini travel guide to spark the adventurer in you! Check out @vvbdesign for more travel adventures!" - Mai Story Book
"How do you keep the kids entertained on your travels? We love a good book and if it's got a travel theme, even better! I was so happy to receive The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo through Italy, by Valerie Van Ballaer, an ebook is so much easier when we're on the road and as we're heading to Italy on our European adventure, this one is perfect. Piper loved learning about places we're planning to visit and it gave her a few new ideas for where she wanted to go. The book contains checklists for the main two characters, a goose named George and a puppy named Paolo for each city with some informative ideas like "explore the Campo dei Miracoli" in Pisa and fun suggestions like "eat spaghetti Bolognese" in Bologna which really made her giggle. It's beautifully illustrated and they have other locations such as Thailand and Mexico if you're planning a trip further afield. There are also hard copies available to order if you prefer." - Are We There Yet Kids blog
