A writer inspired by nature and human nature

Tina Lost in a Crowd (Children’s Picture Book) by Miriam Hurdle – Book Release Tour

Aside

Welcome to DAY 2: “Tina Lost in a Crowd” by my author friend Miriam Hurdle 

Author Miriam Hurdle has just released her first children's picture book (Tina Lost in a Crowd)

 

The Making of Tina Lost in a Crowd, Part 2

The Story Behind the Story Tina Lost in a Crowd

The story of Tina Lost in a Crowd is partly based on fact. When my daughter Mercy was eight years old, my sister Yolanda, her husband Patrick, and their son Enoch, who was Mercy’s age, came from Hong Kong to visit us. We took them on tours in northern and southern California. One activity was going to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. I drove the five of us to Rowland Heights Regional Park, then we took the Park & Ride bus to the Hollywood Bowl.

The sky was dark with bright stars when the concert started. Mercy and Enoch swayed side to side when they listened to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and smiled at each other. During the intermission, Patrick left his seat to buy some popcorn. Mercy and Enoch wanted to use the restroom. Yolanda and I urged them to catch up with Patrick.

Later, when Patrick came back without them, I panicked. Imagine losing 8-year-old kids in a crowd of 18,000 people. How would I find them? Yolanda and Patrick stayed in their seats while I followed the descending steps between the sections of seats to where I thought they could had gone.

What happened next became one of my most favorite memories. This story is based on this unforgettable moment.

 

 

Blurb

Tina invited her friend Erica to attend a popular Tchaikovsky’s Spectacular concert on a summer evening with her parents. During the intermission, her dad left the seat to buy some snacks. Tina and Erica followed him wanting to use the restroom. The shoving crowd pushed them away, and they lost sight of him. It would be impossible to fight through the 18,000 people to find him or go back to Tina’s mom. What would the girls do?

This story tells about what happened to Tina and Erica after they got lost. Children can adapt to the learning from different situations they may observe or encounter. Adults could have discussions with the children about the situations to help them develop problem-solving skills.

BUY THE BOOK

Book Review

Whether shopping, vacationing or attending a crowded event, families with young children are sure to benefit from Hurdle’s picture book. The illustrations complement the story beautifully. When Tina and her friend Erica find themselves lost at a concert, these young girls know just what to do—stay where they are and wait for an adult to come find them. TINA LOST IN A CROWD is not only a story that young children will enjoy, it teaches safe practices and inspires them to be responsible. This book also provides a springboard for adults (parents/grandparents/teachers) to talk with the children about the book. They’ll be inspired to plan time together keeping a child’s interests in mind.  Whether planning for summer vacation, a family weekend away or trip to the market, Tina’s story will encourage parents to provide high-interest, quality time for their families.  –Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning children’s book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults.

About the Author

Miriam Hurdle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She published four children’s books at twenty-six years old. Her poetry collection received the Solo “Medalist Winner” for the New Apple Summer eBook Award and achieved bestseller status on Amazon.

Miriam writes poetry, short stories, memoir, and children’s books. She earned a Doctor of Education from the University of La Verne in California. After two years of rehabilitation counseling, fifteen years of public-school teaching and ten years in school district administration, she retired and enjoys life with her husband in southern California, and the visits to her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in Oregon. When not writing, she engages in blogging, gardening, photography, and traveling.

Follow Miriam & find out more about her books

Thanks so much for stopping by to check out Miriam’s new picture book. I highly recommend Tina Lost in a Crowd for families with young children. ~ Bette A. Stevens

[Explore Bette’s Blog]

Written

on 04/19/2021

Comments on: "Tina Lost in a Crowd (Children’s Picture Book) by Miriam Hurdle – Book Release Tour" (77)

  1. Toni Pike said:
    05/03/2021 at 5:47 am

    A superb review, and more wonderful buzz for Miriam’s new book. It sounds like a story all kids should read. Toni x

    Like

  2. yvettemcalleiro said:
    04/25/2021 at 9:59 am

    I think every parent has worried at some point about losing their child in a crowd. This is a great short story, Miriam. Thanks for hosting, Bette! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      04/25/2021 at 1:45 pm

      Thanks for your support, Yvette! Miriam’s book is a perfect pick for families with young children. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

    • Miriam Hurdle said:
      04/26/2021 at 4:01 am

      Yes, Yvette, quite a few folks shared on this tour that either they lost their kids or they got lost as a kid. I liked that when one person said she had a secret language with her son to communicate with each other if they lost each other in public. I’ve never thought of it. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

  3. D. Wallace Peach said:
    04/24/2021 at 8:30 pm

    Another wonderful review for Miriam. It’s lovely to see her book getting so much attention! Thanks for hosting, Bette.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. karenringalls said:
    04/23/2021 at 3:10 pm

    Congratulations on your new book, Miriam. I am excited for you. Bette, thank you for hosting Miriam on her book release tour.

    Liked by 3 people

  5. Jacqui Murray said:
    04/20/2021 at 8:35 pm

    I’m not YA and still loved this book. Congratulations to Miriam on her debut children’s book!

    Liked by 3 people

  6. Jina Bazzar said:
    04/20/2021 at 4:14 pm

    Even with smart kids, the situation was no doubt terror-induced to everyone. It’s a good story for kids to learn. I’m glad it all turned out fine at the end.

    Liked by 3 people

  7. robbiesinspiration said:
    04/20/2021 at 2:34 pm

    Hi Bette, you have written a wonderful review of Miriam’s book, she must be delighted. Thank you for hosting Miriam with this lovely post.

    Liked by 4 people

  8. balroop2013 said:
    04/20/2021 at 12:35 pm

    What a wonderful review Bette! Congratulations Miriam, our blogging buddies are awesome.

    Liked by 3 people

  9. Kymber said:
    04/20/2021 at 10:48 am

    This really hits home. When I was seven years old, I got separated from my parents at an amusement park. I love your review, and can’t wait to add this to my tbr.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Miriam Hurdle said:
      04/20/2021 at 12:52 pm

      It’s wonderful you could relate to the story, Kymber. I’m glad you’ll be reading the book. Thank you so much for your support.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      04/20/2021 at 5:15 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing, Kymber! Our girls got lost at a State Fair (similar to your frightening amusement park adventure) when they were young. I love the concept of Miriam’s book. I know you’ll enjoy Tina Lost in a Crowd! ❤ Have a wonderful week! xo

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Sandee said:
    04/20/2021 at 10:11 am

    Oh what a heart stopper. I’ve lost my son like that and it’s a huge panic. Sounds like a very fun read.

    Have a fabulous day. ♥

    Liked by 3 people

    • Miriam Hurdle said:
      04/20/2021 at 12:48 pm

      It’s wonderful to see you stopping by to share your experience with your son, Sandee. Thank you so much for your comment. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      04/20/2021 at 5:18 pm

      We’ve had similar experiences over the years, Sandee. That’s why Tina Lost in a Crowd is such a wonderful book for young families to enjoy and discuss. It also makes a great read for grandparents with young grands. Thanks so much for your note! Have a wonderful day! ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

  11. boundlessblessingsblog said:
    04/20/2021 at 9:49 am

    Congratulations, Miriam and I too can understand when at times our children and others too get lost in such a great crowd. Thanks Bette for this lovely review.

    Liked by 3 people

  12. Gwen M. Plano said:
    04/20/2021 at 9:03 am

    Congratulations, Miriam. It’s wonderful to see your lovely book in the spotlight. Thank you, Bette, for hosting Miriam today. It’s always a pleasure to visit you. 💗

    Liked by 3 people

  13. Norah said:
    04/20/2021 at 6:53 am

    What an exciting plot with a great message. It’s next on my Kindle TBR list.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      04/20/2021 at 11:02 am

      That’s awesome, Norah! 🙂 I know you’ll love it! xo

      Liked by 1 person

      • Norah said:
        04/22/2021 at 5:47 am

        I do, Bette. I’ve just read it. It’s a lovely story with an important message for kids. It was interesting for me to read about a family visiting the Hollywood Bowl.

        Liked by 2 people

    • Miriam Hurdle said:
      04/20/2021 at 12:39 pm

      It’s wonderful to see you here, Norah. I’m glad you’ll be reading this book. Thank you for your interest and support. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      • Norah said:
        04/22/2021 at 5:50 am

        I’ve just read it, Miriam. It was delivered to my Kindle but I couldn’t read it on my iPad (where I usually read my Kindle books) – eyesight! – and needed to remember to read it on my computer, which I’ve just done. It’s lovely. Congratulations.

        Liked by 2 people

      • Miriam Hurdle said:
        04/22/2021 at 7:10 pm

        I switch between iPad and computer also, Norah.

        Liked by 1 person

    • Miriam Hurdle said:
      04/22/2021 at 5:09 pm

      Hi Norah, I have an iPad but a PC laptop. When I order eBooks, it only goes to one account so I have them delivered to the laptop. I have an android phone so I could read on my phone also but as you said, reading on the computer is easier for the eye. Thank you for enjoying the book!

      Liked by 2 people

      • Norah said:
        04/23/2021 at 2:58 am

        I have a Kindle account which I can access on my PC laptop, iPad and Android phone. It keeps track of my reading everywhere. Most books I read on my iPad as I can increase the font size and read with white text on a black background which, I think, is easier on my eyes. Unfortnately, with picture books like yours, I’m unable to increase the page size so the font is too small for me. Reading it on my laptop – on my huge monitor – was much easier. And I did enjoy it. Thank you.

        Like

  14. Priscilla Bettis said:
    04/20/2021 at 6:51 am

    Poor Tina and Erica! This book sounds like a good way to start a parent-child discussion on getting lost. Congratulations to Ms. Hurdle on this recent release!

    Liked by 3 people

  15. Darlene said:
    04/20/2021 at 4:32 am

    That must have been scary for the children and you, Miriam. Great to see Miriam and her book featured here, Bette. I can´t wait to read it!

    Liked by 3 people

  16. harmonykentonline said:
    04/20/2021 at 4:25 am

    Congratulations on your latest book, MIriam. I’m off to Amazon now. It looks great. I’m so glad your story turned out okay. That must have been horrifying. Best wishes with everything 🙂

    Bette, thanks for hosting Miriam today 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  17. Jill Weatherholt said:
    04/20/2021 at 3:54 am

    It’s great to see Miriam and her children’s book on your blog, Bette. I’m so happy for her! I can’t wait to read Tina Lost in a Crowd. It sounds wonderful. Thanks for hosting and congratulations to Miriam!

    Liked by 4 people

  18. D.L. Finn, Author said:
    04/20/2021 at 2:49 am

    Congrats on your new release, Miriam:) I enjoyed it and can’t wait to share your book with my grandkids.

    Thanks for hosting, Bette!

    Liked by 5 people

    • Miriam Hurdle said:
      04/20/2021 at 3:49 am

      It’s lovely to hear you’ll share the book with your grandkids, Denise. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I look forward to your post. I’m so thankful for Bette’s help and support. ❤

      Liked by 3 people

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      04/20/2021 at 10:14 am

      That’s awesome, Denise! I love Tina Lost in a Crowd. It’s a perfect book to share with our little ones. Marian has touched on an important topic for families to share and discuss. So glad you stopped by to support her. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Annika Perry said:
    04/20/2021 at 2:25 am

    Bette, it’s exciting to see Miriam and her children’s book featured on your blog! I love your review, the gentle message it gives to children and illustrations look beautiful.

    Miriam, yikes! Those most have been terrifying moments for you all and no wonder it stayed with you. I love that it has inspired this story for you. For my son’s eighth birthday we hired a mini van and took him and seven friends to the theatre for a panto. In the interval my husband took a couple of the boys to the loo when three others wanted to go too and rushed after them. A while later my husband came back with the original two and no sight of the other three!! To say I was panic-stricken is an understatement! Luckily all ended well …

    Best of luck with the release of your special book, it looks wonderful with a terrific and strong story and message!

    Hugs xx

    Liked by 5 people

    • Miriam Hurdle said:
      04/20/2021 at 3:45 am

      Hi Annika, when I talked with my friend about my experience with Mercy and wrote this story, they also have similar stories to share. It was terrifying, to say the least. In your situation, taking other boys for your son’s birthday outing, and some boys were lost, it was worse. What if you couldn’t find them? How would you tell their parents? Would you have to get the police to help? The worries just could go on and on.

      That’s the joy of parenthood, I think, to have joyous, worry, and scary moments. Thank you for adding your thoughts and comment. I appreciate your support!! ❤

      Liked by 4 people

  20. Jan Sikes said:
    04/19/2021 at 10:59 pm

    Hi, Bette. This is such an exciting time for Miriam! I just read this story today and loved it. It carries such a great message for children. Thank you for sharing and best wishes to Miriam!

    Liked by 4 people

  21. Miriam Hurdle said:
    04/19/2021 at 9:46 pm

    Thank you so much for hosting my book release tour, Bette. I’m grateful for your support. I appreciate your lovely review!!

    Liked by 3 people

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