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Archive for the ‘children’s book’ Category

I’m inviting you spend a week reading a wonderful book by Juliette de Bairacli Levy, the Grandmother of Herbal Medicine - Summer in Galilee.  You’ll find her and her two toddlers irresistible as they explore the Sea of Galilee (in the modern State of Israel) together. Timely, filled with historical tales and emotional adventures, Summer in Galilee is a classic that is passed from hand to hand, generation to generation.

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She chronicles her visit to a Bedouin village and the trouble this causes both in the kibbutz where she lives and among the Bedouins. But with keen wit, steely nerve, and kind heart, she manages to please everyone, including her readers, as she saves the day and mends frayed tempers. Join Juliette as she spends an eventful summer swimming in the waters, and the history, of the Sea of Galilee, in the modern state of Israel. She trains her observant eyes and lovely descriptive prose on the people, places, plants and animals around her.  You will hold your breath as Juliette dares to traverse the forbidden militarized zone around the Jordan River in pursuit of a personal communion with this holiest of lands.

You’ll thrill as she and her children discover ancient  treasure, be fascinated as she visits the tombs of  Jewish mystics, and, perhaps, scream in terror as she is visited in the dark of night by an enormous snake – only to breathe a sigh of relief when she is saved by her faithful Afghan hound.

And when you buy this wonderful and highly acclaimed book, you’ll be offered dozens of wonderful downloadable bonuses that you’ll love!

Don’t miss it!

I was so excited about being asked to work on the promotional campaign for Julianne Moore’s new book – Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully.

One of the obvious reasons is because I’ve heard great things about Julianne Moore.

Another reason is that I’ve had a great friend since we were about 7 or 8 who has red hair and I remember that he hated it while we were growing up. Now he has a daughter with beautiful red hair.

The other reason is because I’ve had people pick on me for years for an unusual name (real name, not pen name), I’ve always been tall and have been 6’1 since I was 13 and I had braces for years. So, I can understand the tough time Freckleface has.

I think its great that Julianne has used her childhood experiences in a way that will help children deal with the things that make them different. Hopefully this story can also help other children understand that they should not pick on people just because they are different. We’re all different from one another – we’re so much better off if we appreciate the differences, but it seems that is hard for some people.

One rainy morning – Freckleface goes to Early Bird at her school. She loves Early Bird – but Windy Pants Patrick is also there and he’s a bully. He picks on all the children – what will Freckleface Strawberry do?

Come along with Freckleface and see what she does in the face of a school bully.

I highly recommend this book for parents and their children. It give parents or other important adults a great opportunity to help children talk about how to deal with bullies and people who pick on them. Its also a great chance to teach children tolerance and caring about others.

LeUyen Pham is back to illustrate this second book in the Freckleface Strawberry series.

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Maria J. Andrade, M.F.T.

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

Maria :I was born in the middle of the earth, Ecuador, South America. I was

raised in New York and in California where I now live with my husband,Sy.

2. How did you get started writing?

Maria : I wrote poetry and plays as a child. My undergraduate degree is in English but I studied psychology in graduate school. After becoming a Marriage, Family, Child Therapist

I wrote a book to help people succeed in love and marriage, entitled, Heart Magic, Keeping Love Alive & Well. It was translated into Spanish. I also wrote a book of poetry,

Singing My Self Home, a spiritual journey on the crisis of our time and my recent eco-social book and CD for children, Youngen Finds Her Song, which contains allegories about their global inheritance.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

Maria: I work with people in the field of counseling every day. I also garden, read and work on my house, which has become synonymous with working on myself!

4. What would readers like to know about you?

Maria: I don’t know what they would like to know. I am a pretty open person so whatever they wish to know they can always ask by going to : www.magicunion.com

5. What inspired your first book?

Maria: The divorce rate. Its like a crap shoot. One out of two marriages ends in divorce.

I also didn’t like to see the suffering it caused children. So I wrote a small self-help guide

to inform people about the greatest of all arts – the art of relating. It is not entirely true

what the Beetles said, “All you need is love.” I think we need some preparation in this

area!

6. How many books have you written?

Maria: The three I mentioned and 3 other kids’ books which will be coming out in 2009,

a science fiction novelette and a novel on the life of 3 women’s friendship which takes place in the 30s and a comedy play which I hope will be published by 2012.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

Maria: “Why Dear Mrs. Sullivan Is Distressed” and “Buster” are children’s stories in poetry. “Jennifer Magicum” is also for kids. The science fiction story is called, “The Return” and I don’t yet have a title for the novel or the play.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Maria: I write what insists on being written and there are a lot of topics fighting for my attention so I usually give in to the one that most vehemently pursues me.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

Maria: Guilt- in part.I am sure I would have written much more if I had been more focused. My problem is I am interested in any number of things but I also have this commitment to my writing like a mother has to her children. It isn’t just about bringing them into the world but it is also helping them find a place there so they can have lives of their own!

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

The priority is writing which I have done when I made no money at all at it but I like to know people are reading my work so obviously I will get paid. I have also given books away. This last book, Youngen Finds Her Song, An Inspiring Adventure From The Heart Of Nature, which as I mentioned, has an audio-book version with the voices of birds and insects conversing about “humans” and special sound effects and music. We gave many of the books and CDs to children who had special needs.

It is a book about hope, self-confidence, caring, earth stewardship and peace and I wanted to give it to them as a gift.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the

most successful?

I think the reviews on Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com has helped and the American Book Sellers Association have done a great job getting the book out. Press Releases

are useful but not as helpful as forming relationships with people in the book trade

such as with this blog here with you! I appreciate the opportunity to be here.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

Maria: Although the book just came out barely a month ago it is already being used in schools. This is because of the work the publisher has done to inform teachers and libraries. We also have started a contest for students who write essay about the four basic concepts in the book, which includes some kind of drawing with it.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

lass="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;">Maria: Yes I do. I will be putting more information about the contest on my website: www.magicunion.com under “Children Books”

14. Where can people order your books?

Maria: They can order them through major book stores. However, for signed copies and for the audio book which seems to entertain and inform kids from 3 to 93 go to my website or write (Clara Publishing): clarapub@ca.rr.com

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

Maria: I mentioned print, audio and also e-book.

16. Will you write more books?

Maria: Do dogs have fleas? How many is the question based on what the gal upstairs decides.

17. What do you have in the works now?

Maria: Most immediately I am working on the illustrations for one of the children’s books and I want to finish what needs completion the play and novel.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

Maria: I intend for people all around the world to read my books while I am above the sod. So I have my work cut out for me don’t I? Right now my children’s book, “Youngen” and “Rufus” (the two main characters in my book -birds) have flown to Canada to be part of the “Blossom Project” an organization that works with girls who are the first to go to college. They are also flying to Africa – to be part of the Woza Moya Poject to help children who have Aids. These are two good organizations for your audience to check out.

Who knows where my books will go next?

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Maria: Make connections with organizations and people like you.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

Maria: Probably press releases. I wonder if anyone actually reads them?

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

Maria: This is a story about a small Thrush, who accompanied by her friend and guide an Owl, goes on a journey to find her unique song. She starts out without one, which is rare for a Thrush because they are beautiful singers. This is partly due to the fact that she has no confidence in herself. In one chapter she tries to put other bird’s feathers in her own!

At any rate in her journey she finds her song but she also discovers what “Humans”

are like and learns about the incredible beauty and wonder of the world around her.

22. What makes this book special to you?

Maria: This book contains everything I believe in.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

Maria: My favorite comments are from kids. I actually wrote this book with children ages 7-13 in mind. However, sophomores from Upland High School in CA wrote:
“Youngen is a great book. It taught me to respect nature.”

“What I liked about the book is that it showed some of the world’s problems through the eyes of two birds. I also liked that she went through a journey.”

A teacher wrote: Fabulous story! There are lots of insights and lessons for young readers.

For myself, once I started reading, I did not want to put it down!

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Maria: I believe there is crisis in our country and around the world, which is social, economic, moral and spiritual. Fundamentally it is an opportunity for the human race to re-evaluate its priorities. My book written for children allows us to see what is truly important in life. These are things like family, friendship, community and the connectedness of all life. I think our ability to choose our priorities wisely now is a matter of our survival.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Maria: We need to get in touch with hope and this book offers that vision! It is not a Pollyanna kind of hope but based on some facts which people of all ages need to know.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own

creativity?

Maria: I love poetry and a good poem sparks my creativity but so does a good meal. I think it is important to be open to the world, people, nature, beauty, books, art. Etc. Keep being curious and being open to learning. I was thinking of learning to play the ducimer.

I am as old as dirt but hey, I would love to play that instrument when I do a poetry recital.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Maria: The need to communicate with large numbers of people about things you care about motivates authors. However, they usually begin by writing for themselves. I wrote poetry as a kid because I was moved by joy, sorrow, fear etc. I also wrote plays to see words come to life. It is something that is organic like becoming a kind of tree.

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

Maria: I think right now it is the contest which will offer kids a $50.00 US Savings Bond for writing an essay on one of 4 concepts in the book, Youngen Finds Her Song:

Self-confidence, Community, Earth Stewardship, or Peace.

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn’t interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I’m thinking something better than “Its the greatest book ever.” Give me something more specific

Maria: Teach Your Children Well! This book contains a essential values not only for an individual to create the “good life” but these are life enhancing values for a united World.

30. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Maria: The major theme of the 21^st Century is “Relationship” with self, other and the natural world.

The lone wolf mentality is over. We can see that as we look at the impact of things like global warming, the economy, and human rights. We will either make it together or we don’t make it at all. My book reminds us that our chance of making is – good!

1 – How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

I have always loved dogs. When my dachshund became paralyzed from a spinal injury and had to be fitted for a cart, I received much compassion from strangers as I would take her about in my little town. People were fascinated by the “little dog in tires” and wanted to know her story. So, that is why I decided to tell her story.

2 – Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I began writing about three years ago. At that time my chocolate lab, Cassie had been diagnosed with cancer. I was devastated. It really made me realize how short life really was. After much soul searching I decided to pursue my love of writing and write about animals. I landed a job working for our local paper and wrote a monthly column titled, “For the Love of Animals.” I also joined a woman’s writing circle to expand my writing further. As my confidence in my writing grew, I attended a Writer’s Festival the following year. I was thinking of writing an adult non-fiction book based on my journey in life and the lessons I learned from my dogs. When I returned home from the festival I decided to write a children’s book about Frankie. I believed her story could help spread a positive message.

3 – What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

My story is about my dachshund that becomes paralyzed from a ruptured disk. I would say research all your options. These dogs do not have to be put down prematurely and they can live quality lives even with a ruptured disk and paralysis.

4 – What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

Definitely to spread the message that dogs can lead a quality life in a wheelchair. Also sharing her message with children so they realize we all face challenges, but we can overcome our challenges or make positive choices to any challenge we are facing.

5 – Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Every child, pet owner, grandparents.

6 – What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

For me it was inspiration and also wanting to find more meaning for my life and leave a legacy

7 – What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Time and confidence

8 – How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Start with 10 minutes of writing a day. Write about anything. Find a local writing group or on-line group to join for support.

9 – What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I think each person is different. As a writer, I think we just want to be heard. For me it is important to leave a legacy.

10 – Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

A child

11 – Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

If you have a story tell, and we all do, go for it. Follow your heart and your heart will guide you.

I have to start by saying this book is absolutely adorable. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean its filled with fluff. But, the “heroine” is a sweet little weiner dog. We learn about Frankie and how she came to live with her humans. Wouldn’t we all like to hear what our pets think about the first time they met us? Frankie is a friendly dog who loves her humans and makes friends at a variety of places, including the local farmer’s market.

The author, Barbara Gail Techel, shows us how the relationship between Frankie and her humans develops and one day, they leave town on a vacation. While they are out of town, Frankie and Kylie stay at the kennel and even though they miss the rest of their family, they are doing all right. One evening, Frankie gets a little rambunctious and she lands hard on the cement floor. She can’t feel her back legs, but she feels stabbing pains in her back. The caretaker at the kennel takes Frankie to the vet and her family come back from their vacation when they hear about the accident.

Frankie has surgery, recovery and rehabilitation to get her back legs moving again. Even though Frankie feels better and gets back to being herself, but her back legs are not moving. Her mother finds a cart with wheels that allows Frankie to get around.

The later portion of the book is inspiring and deals with perceptions and concerns for anyone who is disabled. This is written in a simple fashion and contains beautiful pictures, but the points being made will benefit a reader and animal lover of any age. Any pet owner with a disabled pet should definitely check into the cart mentioned in this book. It is a wonderful way for an animal without the use of their hind legs to get around.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to meet an inspiring and unique heroine and who loves animals.

For more information, visit www.joyfulpaws.com
For information about the cart used by Frankie – visit www.eddieswheels.com

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm