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Archive for the ‘Children’s Picture Book’ Category

GOOD NEWS: New book inspires kids to meet challenges with patience and persistence


One concern parents have is how to inspire children to meet challenges with patience and persistence. That is the plot of this new book.

One concern parents have is how to inspire children to meet challenges with patience and persistence. That is the plot of this new book.

This story is a true gem…

“Children of all ages will be able to relate to monarch’s plight in some way… “This story is a true gem and one that will inspire children for years to come.” Renee Hand, award-winning adult and children’s books author. Hand reviews for the New York Journal of Books.

Matilda becomes discouraged when she is unable to fly during the early stages of her metamorphosis. But, this Amazing Monarch never gives up on her dream. Unlike her friends, Matilda doesn’t want to leap onto ledges or bound across fields, she only wants to fly. Matilda’s friends laugh at her because she doesn’t have any wings. They wonder: How can a creature without wings ever hope to fly? While Matilda progresses from egg to butterfly, her friends recall how they felt before they were able to do all of the things they had dreamed of doing. Encouraged by her friends, Matilda learns that if she keeps trying, she can do anything that she really wants to do.

Watch the video:

  • AMAZING MATILDA: A Monarch’s Tale by Bette A. Stevens
  • Paperback for your child’s bookshelf or classroom: http://amzn.to/YJVVOk
  • Kindle version for your PC/MAC, iPad, tablet or  eReader: http://amzn.to/Xf97aU

Bette A. Stevens received her B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Orono before embarking on graduate courses in Curriculum Studies at Chapman University in California. She has taught in elementary and middle school classrooms in California and Virginia. Stevens is retired and living in Hartland, ME. Stevens has written articles for ECHOES, The Northern Maine Journal of Rural Culture based in Caribou, Maine. Her love of children, of literature and of learning inspired her to write her first children’s book, The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too! Find out more about Bette Stevens and her books at http://www.Amazon.com/author/betteastevens

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Meet the Author: Hélène Clarke


Author’s children’s book helps parents address kids’ question: Why do bad things happen?

Hélène Clarke, author of 'Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?' and her cat Boo. (self-protrait).

Hélène Clarke, author of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ and her cat Boo. 

Children’s picture book with a practical purpose

“I decided to order a few of these  [‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’] for our store because we need books that will address this issue clearly for kids.” Paul Wilkinson of the blog, Thinking Out Loud.

Hi, Hélène. Welcome to 4writersand readers; it’s a pleasure to have you with us today. First, can you tell us about you and about your life?

I grew up as an only child. I would have loved siblings but it wasn’t to be. Even as a child I loved to read. Some of my favorites were ‘Peanuts’ by Charles M. Schulz, ‘Winnie the Pooh’ by A.A. Milne and ‘Narnia‘ by C.S. Lewis. My stuffed Snoopy dog and Winnie the Pooh bear both had the stuffing hugged out of them. I grew up loving the wonders of the imagination and I always loved…and still love, when good triumphs over evil.

What about your family? 

When I was 25 I married the love of my life and best friend. We were never blessed with children but my husband comes from a large family and so we have 21 nieces and nephews to inspire and make us laugh.

How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do? 

I have been writing for eight years. I’ve always written for children but I write many genres and for many age groups within those categories.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ 

My book is about a young boy who grows up knowing that God is good. He believes this wholeheartedly but one day an Osprey poops on his head. He is then hit by another tragedy and so questions that if God is good, why do bad things happen. The story ends with him realizing that bad things happening does not determine God’s goodness. God is good because he is.

I love your book’s video introduction. Let’s give our readers a preview: 

What prompted you to write? 

As a girl out of college I traveled to Perth, Australia to join up with a missions group called Youth With A Mission or YWAM for short. During my year and a half with YWAM I saw many different countries and cultures.  I was introduced to the poorest of poor and I’m embarrassed to say that there were times that I wished I was home watching it on TV so I could just change the channel. It was all a bit overwhelming. The amazing thing about people living in desperate situations is that you often still hear laughter. We were there to help where we could by sharing love through singing, puppets or hugging; but, the miracle of going out to bless others is that you’re often blessed yourself. Seeing the orphans laugh at the puppet shows inspired me more than I realized.

When I came home it took me awhile to find what I wanted to do. All through the years I was writing some small skits and puppet dialogues. I enjoyed doing this but never saw it as a career opportunity until I decided to take a correspondent writing course from the Institute of Children’s Literature. Once I completed this course, I realized that I was in love. I had found my passion. I wanted to write books for children to inspire them, teach them, and make them laugh. There’s no better sound in the world than a child’s laughter.

Do you have a favorite line from the book? 

“We can’t explain everything. All we can be sure of is that God loves us and that he is good.”

Who is your favorite character and why? 

Definitely Timmy, as this character is based on my husband. Joe the gecko is pretty cute though.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

My biggest challenge was in keeping this faith concept simple without minimizing it.

You definitely deserve an A for meeting that challenge, Hélène.  Do you do anything besides write? 

When I started writing I worked out of the home while writing on the side. For the past few years I have dedicated my time solely to writing and marketing. Writers are often natural hermits so the learning curve on how to get out there and market a book is a challenge to say the least. A need for more finances may alter this plan but for now I’m holding fast to it.

Helene's Book

How can my readers get a copy of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’  My book is available as a soft cover with a  free audio download OR as an eBook. You can get it from amazon, barneandnobles.com, www.heleneclarke.com, Bell Tower books in Kelowna, BC or Searchlight books in Port Hope, Ontario.

What’s next for you?

Hopefully more books! I have many stories written for different age groups and in different genres. I continue to send them out and I’ll definitely post on my website the day another book gets published.

I just love the title and concept of your book, Hélène. The topic, ‘why do bad things happen’,  is a timely one for parents everywhere. ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ provides the perfect opportunity for parents and other adults to talk about it with the kids in their lives. It has been a pleasure. I look forward to reading and sharing many more of your children’s stories. And with a FREE audio download or eBook to accompany your print edition, how can a parent or grandparent resist? It’s a fantastic idea and a real bonus. Thanks so much, Hélène Clarke, for joining us today. Happy writing. ~ Bette A. Stevens, www.4writersandreaders.com

Find out more about author Hélène Clarke and her books:

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author interview, Children's Picture Book, Meet the Author, MEET THE AUTHORS

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Meet the Author: Hélène Clarke


Author’s children’s book helps parents address kids’ question: Why do bad things happen?

Hélène Clarke, author of 'Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?' and her cat Boo. (self-protrait).

Hélène Clarke, author of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ and her cat Boo. 

Children’s picture book with a practical purpose

“I decided to order a few of these  [‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’] for our store because we need books that will address this issue clearly for kids.” Paul Wilkinson of the blog, Thinking Out Loud.

Hi, Hélène. Welcome to 4writersand readers; it’s a pleasure to have you with us today. First, can you tell us about you and about your life?

I grew up as an only child. I would have loved siblings but it wasn’t to be. Even as a child I loved to read. Some of my favorites were ‘Peanuts’ by Charles M. Schulz, ‘Winnie the Pooh’ by A.A. Milne and ‘Narnia‘ by C.S. Lewis. My stuffed Snoopy dog and Winnie the Pooh bear both had the stuffing hugged out of them. I grew up loving the wonders of the imagination and I always loved…and still love, when good triumphs over evil.

What about your family? 

When I was 25 I married the love of my life and best friend. We were never blessed with children but my husband comes from a large family and so we have 21 nieces and nephews to inspire and make us laugh.

How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do? 

I have been writing for eight years. I’ve always written for children but I write many genres and for many age groups within those categories.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ 

My book is about a young boy who grows up knowing that God is good. He believes this wholeheartedly but one day an Osprey poops on his head. He is then hit by another tragedy and so questions that if God is good, why do bad things happen. The story ends with him realizing that bad things happening does not determine God’s goodness. God is good because he is.

I love your book’s video introduction. Let’s give our readers a preview: 

What prompted you to write? 

As a girl out of college I traveled to Perth, Australia to join up with a missions group called Youth With A Mission or YWAM for short. During my year and a half with YWAM I saw many different countries and cultures.  I was introduced to the poorest of poor and I’m embarrassed to say that there were times that I wished I was home watching it on TV so I could just change the channel. It was all a bit overwhelming. The amazing thing about people living in desperate situations is that you often still hear laughter. We were there to help where we could by sharing love through singing, puppets or hugging; but, the miracle of going out to bless others is that you’re often blessed yourself. Seeing the orphans laugh at the puppet shows inspired me more than I realized.

When I came home it took me awhile to find what I wanted to do. All through the years I was writing some small skits and puppet dialogues. I enjoyed doing this but never saw it as a career opportunity until I decided to take a correspondent writing course from the Institute of Children’s Literature. Once I completed this course, I realized that I was in love. I had found my passion. I wanted to write books for children to inspire them, teach them, and make them laugh. There’s no better sound in the world than a child’s laughter.

Do you have a favorite line from the book? 

“We can’t explain everything. All we can be sure of is that God loves us and that he is good.”

Who is your favorite character and why? 

Definitely Timmy, as this character is based on my husband. Joe the gecko is pretty cute though.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

My biggest challenge was in keeping this faith concept simple without minimizing it.

You definitely deserve an A for meeting that challenge, Hélène.  Do you do anything besides write? 

When I started writing I worked out of the home while writing on the side. For the past few years I have dedicated my time solely to writing and marketing. Writers are often natural hermits so the learning curve on how to get out there and market a book is a challenge to say the least. A need for more finances may alter this plan but for now I’m holding fast to it.

Helene's Book

How can my readers get a copy of ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’  My book is available as a soft cover with a  free audio download OR as an eBook. You can get it from amazon, barneandnobles.com, www.heleneclarke.com, Bell Tower books in Kelowna, BC or Searchlight books in Port Hope, Ontario.

What’s next for you?

Hopefully more books! I have many stories written for different age groups and in different genres. I continue to send them out and I’ll definitely post on my website the day another book gets published.

I just love the title and concept of your book, Hélène. The topic, ‘why do bad things happen’,  is a timely one for parents everywhere. ‘Why Did the Osprey Poop on My Head?’ provides the perfect opportunity for parents and other adults to talk about it with the kids in their lives. It has been a pleasure. I look forward to reading and sharing many more of your children’s stories. And with a FREE audio download or eBook to accompany your print edition, how can a parent or grandparent resist? It’s a fantastic idea and a real bonus. Thanks so much, Hélène Clarke, for joining us today. Happy writing. ~ Bette A. Stevens, www.4writersandreaders.com

Find out more about author Hélène Clarke and her books:

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MONARCH on the Move!


‘AMAZING MATILDA’ is on the move…

She’s FREE on Amazon this Sunday & Monday, MARCH 24th – 25th!

Meet AMAZING Meet AMAZING MATILDA, her meadowland friends and their creator: Author/Illustrator Bette A. Stevens on BlogTalkRadio's storiesfromunknownauthors. SHOW is hosted by award winning author Renee Hand.

Meet AMAZING MATILDA, her meadowland friends and their creator: Author/Illustrator Bette A. Stevens. GET YOUR FREE KINDLE BOOK, TOO!

Matilda and her meadowland friends LOVE to inspire kids of all ages (4 – 94) to reach for their dreams.

Grab your FREE copy and be sure to tell your friends. SHARE the love…

You’ll find out all about it at the PRlog Press Release link below.

http://www.prlog.org/12102791-great-news-new-book-inspires-kids-to-meet-challenges-with-patience-persistence.html

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Aside

Sixty-six (66) 5-Star Reviews for Award-winning Picture Book AMAZING MATILDA!


MATILDA expertly as a cirus acrobat... 2016

About the book

This “Gem of a Tale” about a Monarch Butterfly teaches kids lessons in friendship, patience and persistence as AMAZING MATILDA transforms from egg to caterpillar to butterfly. (Children’s Picture Book/Ages 5-11).

Order your copies today:

AM Celebrate Season MATCHBOOK bas 2016

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Written

on 03/08/2013

“AMAZING MATILDA” FREE February 17-19: Children’s book inspires young readers!


"Matilda's story is my story. It's you story too. It's everyone's story. Meeting the challenges of life at every stage of life is no easy task. Matilda and her friends encourage readers and listeners to meet those challenges." (Bette A. Stevens)

“Matilda’s story is everyone’s story. Meeting challenges of life at every stage of life is no easy task. Matilda and her friends inspire readers and listeners to reach for their dream.” ~Bette A. Stevens

AMAZING MATILDA by Bette A. Stevens

AMAZING MATILDA: A Monarch’s Tale is a story filled with excitement and adventure. WATCH THE VIDEO below to find out more!

FREE FOR 3 DAYS: February 17-19!

That’s this week, Sunday – Tuesday

There’s a new book out that inspires kids to meet challenges with patience and persistence AND it’s FREE on Amazon for 3 days.

AMAZING MATILDA– FREE DOWNLOAD http://amzn.to/Xf97aU Feb. 17-19, 2013

“Children of all ages will be able to relate to monarch’s plight in some way…This story is a true gem and one that will inspire children for years to come.” Renee Hand, award-winning adult and children’s books author. Renee Hand reviews for the New York Journal of Books.

Watch the video:

Get your FREE Download NOW! http://amzn.to/Xf97aU

Don’t have a Kindle? No worries… Download Amazon’s FREE APP http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=sv_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771 Kindle Reader for iPad, smart phones, tablets, PCs and other devices. Start your own digital library and read AMAZING MATILDA and other great books instantly!

Share great news with friends!

Grab your copy of AMAZING MATILDA and share the great news with your family and friends! ~ Bette A. Stevens

Get your FREE copy of AMAZING MATILDA and share the great news with your family and friends!  Drop me a line and let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you. Don’t forget to download and save my Monarch Freebies Facts and Fun. I designed it especially for my readers. HAPPY READING!  ~ Bette A. Stevens

  • Sign up for email updates from author Bette A. Stevens (click on the blue box on the right column of this blog)

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More Freebies MONARCH FACTS & FUN for home and classroom learning

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INSPIRE THE KIDS IN YOUR LIFE!


CHILDREN’S BOOK PRESS RELEASE

This tale of an Amazing Monarch and her meadowland friends will inspire you to reach for your dreams!

This tale of an Amazing Monarch and her meadowland friends will inspire you to reach for your dreams!

Author: Bette A. Stevens
Title: AMAZING MATILDA: A Monarch’s Tale
Publisher: CreateSpace (July 2, 2012)
Price: $3.99 for Kindle/E-reader or PC
(Also available in paperback: $9.49)
eBook Version http://amzn.to/Xf97aU
Paperback http://amzn.to/UTJGMn

Contact: Bette A. Stevens, bettestevens@tds.net

Sign up for FREE author email updates http://eepurl.com/t-7JP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hartland, Maine (January 28, 2013)

GOOD NEWS: There’s a new book out that will inspire kids to meet challenges with patience and persistence.

“I can say without hesitation that [AMAZING MATILDA] is a well written book filled with excitement and adventure.” (dwgodby) Read the full review at http://dwgodby.blogspot.com/2012/07/amazing-matilda-monarchs-tale.html

Matilda becomes discouraged when she is unable to fly during the early stages of her metamorphosis. But, this ‘Amazing Monarch’ never gives up on her dream. Unlike her friends, Matilda doesn’t want to leap onto ledges or bound across fields, she only wants to fly. Matilda’s friends laugh at her because she doesn’t have any wings. They wonder: How can a creature without wings ever hope to fly? While Matilda progresses from egg to butterfly, her friends recall how they felt before they were able to do all of the things they had dreamed of doing. Encouraged by her friends, Matilda learns that if she keeps trying, she can do anything that she really wants to do.

Stevens says, “Matilda’s story is everyone’s story. Meeting the everyday challenges of life at every stage of life is no easy task. Matilda and her friends encourage readers and listeners to meet those challenges. Whether we read this children’s book ourselves or listen to it while sitting on a loved one’s lap, AMAZING MATILDA is a story that never grows old or gets outgrown.”

AMAZING MATILDA: A Monarch’s Tale
NOW AVAILABLE for Your Kindle/eReader or PC.
Order a paperback copy for your child’s bookshelf or classroom.

Bette A. Stevens received her B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Orono before embarking on graduate courses in Curriculum Studies at Chapman University in California. She has taught in elementary and middle school classrooms in California and Virginia. Stevens is retired and living in Hartland, ME. Stevens has written articles for ECHOES, The Northern Maine Journal of Rural Culture based in Caribou, Maine. Her love of children, of literature and of learning inspired her to write her first children’s book, The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too! http://amzn.to/VGgeZM

Grab your copy of AMAZING MATILDA: A Monarch’s Tale for Kindle, eReader or PC: http://amzn.to/Xf97aU

RELATED WEBSITES:

CONTACT:  Bette A. Stevens,  bettestevens@tds.net

# # #

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Great twist to an old tale! Have you read with a child today? Bette A. Stevens

SMorris/KidLitReviews's avatarKids Lit Review

The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas 2012The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas

by Tony Wilson

Sue deGennaro, illustrator

Peachtree Publishers

5 Stars

Inside Jacket:  All the princesses who want to marry Prince Henrik are beautiful and sensitive. Too sensitive.  They complain about everything.  “If these are real princesses,” Henrik says, “I want to marry the opposite.”  Determined to find someone less delicate, the frustrated prince comes up with a new twist on a time-honored test.  Instead of a stack of mattresses and a single pea, his plan involves a camping mattress, an old sleeping bag, and a whole packet of frozen peas.  But it is not always easy to find the perfect princess, even when she’s right under your nose . . .

pea2

“Once upon a time there was a prince called Henrik . . . yes, Prince Henrik; he was the athletic-type who liked camping, and field hockey.  His brother, Prince Hans, gives…

View original post 686 more words

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Award Winning Author & Local Hero!


Award Winning Children’s Book Author/Illustrator and Local Hero!

Meet the Author/Illustrator:
Uncle Dave Howard

Award-winning author Dave Howard, "Everyone's Favorite Uncle."

Uncle-Dave Howard holds his award-winning, rhyming children’s picture book LADY’S DAY, while his main character, pup and pal shares the spotlight!

Everybody’s Favorite Uncle!

“Howard’s seemingly simple illustrations that fill each page and sometimes spill over the edges are filled with texture that speaks a language all its own.” — C.R. Nelson, Observer-Reporter

Hello and welcome, Dave. I’m so glad you could drop by 4writersandreaders for a visit. Can you tell us a little about you and about your life?

I was born in the small town south of Pittsburgh. I was put into L.D. (learning disability) classes when I was in fifth grade. I could not read or write. I have Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D). I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with an associate degree in visual communication.

How about your family life?

I am very close to my family. Most of my ideas come from my family.

 How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do?

I started writing poems when I was ten years old. I continued writing horror stories through junior high; but, the only ones published so far are children’s books. My children’s books all rhyme.

Tell us about Lady’s Day to Play and your Mom’s Choice Award.

I have several books, but my award-winning children’s book Lady’s Day to Play is about a day in the life of my dog Lady. It follows her from play time, to bath time, to nap time in a rhyming format.

I love children’s books that rhyme. What prompted you to write your book? .

Lady’s Day to Play was a baby shower gift for my niece. Her baby died of S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) when she was only two months old. I rewrote the story and made it better. I also donate one dollar per book to S.I.D.S. research.

Do you have a favorite line from Lady’s Day to Play?

“Watch her shiver watch better shake;
better dry it off before it’s too late.”

Who is your favorite character and why?

There are only two characters in the book, but Molly is in three of my other books and she has come to life. I am adding more and more to her character as I go.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

In one word— finishing.  My mind never seems to be happy with anything and is always tweaking and fixing things.

Do you do anything besides writing?

I illustrate. Sometimes the illustrations inspire the book and sometimes the writing inspires the illustrations. I self-publish my own books as well as illustrating and publishing other authors’ work. I also work in a factory that makes outlet boxes. That is my full-time job. The books are just a hobby that pays for now.

How can my readers get a copy of your book?

8708971

www.uncledavesbooks.com

What’s next for you?

I am working on several books all at the same time. Some of them I am illustrating for other authors and one of them will be one that I illustrate and write.

Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Uncle Dave Howard. It’s been a pleasure having you. I’m including one of the many YouTube videos I found about you, so that my readers can get to know you even better. After all, many in your community and beyond consider you a local hero. You certainly know how to help kids and adults cultivate their creative side. KUDOS, Uncle-Dave Howard! — Bette A. Stevens 4writersandreaders

“Dave Howard is a larger-than-life children’s book author: With his industrious work ethic and his dedication to bringing art back to the children, Dave brings hope and encouragement to kids and adults alike to be creative and imaginative…” – Larry Pishko, Heraldstandard.com

Watch the video and learn more about Uncle-Dave Howard’s role as a local hero:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIv7achztzg&feature=my_liked_videos&list=LLteNGzhYApf-rCp-v6lPXvA

You can also find Uncle Dave Howard and his award-winning books here:

www.facebook.com/uncledavesbooks

UncleDaveHoward on twitter @uncledavesbooks

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Bette A. Stevens on BlogTalkRadio


“Chatting With Sherri” interviews Maine author/illustrator Bette A. Stevens

Sherri Rabinowitz, Host of "Chatting With Sherry" on BlogTalkRadio

Sherri Rabinowitz, Host of “Chatting With Sherry” on BlogTalkRadio

This week we will speak to the lovely Bette Stevens about her wonderful children’s book Amazing Matilda; A Monarch’s tale. An inspirational tale of a Monarch butterfly and her meadowland friends.

Sherri Rabinowitz CHATS with Author Bette Stevens

SIMPLY CLICK THE LINK:
You’re invited to drop in for a listen and a share— Bette A. Stevens

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