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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Andy Stories by Mary Jean Kelso Reach Out to Special Education Kids






Recently Cheri Ascue, who operates Downs Horseplay and is a local Special Ed teacher in Fernley, NV, stopped GAP author Mary Jean Kelso to introduce her to one of the students.

They were excited because they had been using the Andy series in the classroom and Cheri wanted her student to meet "the author".

Mary Jean had this to say, "Using the books for study has worked out well and the student was very excited to meet me. It was, above all, my pleasure. I am happy to see kids that the books are written to encourage actually enjoying them so much."

GAP Authors in the Community : Mary Jean Kelso and Andy and the Albino Horse








Fernley Elementary School recently asked GAP author Mary Jean Kelso to participate in their celebration of Book Week. Mary Jean read Andy and the Albino Horse to approximately 200 very attentive second grade students.

The reaction of the students was one of awe and amazement. They were enthralled with the story and enjoyed that some of the illustrations artist K.C. Snider painted represented the area they live in.

The story and the pictures brought the Nevada wild mustang and Andy to life in a way they appreciated and hopefully will help them relate in a positive way to individuals and animals with handicaps.



Mary Jean Kelso is a multi-genre author. Besides RV Mouse, The Christmas Angel, and its sequel, One Family’s Christmas, and the Andy & the Albino Horse series (Andy and the Albion Horse, Andy and Spirit Go to the Fair, Andy and Spirit in the Big Rescue and Andy and Spirit Meet the Rodeo Queen--with many more to come). The Adventures of Andy and Spirit and Cowboy James are scheduled for release soon. She is also the author of the young adult Lynne Garrett series:

Goodbye Is Forever, Abducted!, and Sierra Summer. Also Kat’s Cradle, Blue Coat, and The Homesteader series (The Homesteader, The Homesteader's Legacy, Back to the Homestead and Life on the Homestead) and is working on the next--The Homesteader Chronicles--Annabel's Story.

Mary Jean wrote for many newspapers and magazines and was an Asst. Editor prior to concentrating on fiction for children, young adults and adults. Mary Jean recently received awards from The Nevada Press Assn. and The National Press Assn. as a correspondent for The Lahontan Valley News.

She is a member of Made in
Nevada. Visit Mary on the Web at www.authorsden.com/maryjeankelso or http://www.andyandthealbinohorse.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Summer Reading Tip # 12




Watch a movie based upon a book and then read the book together. Discuss the differences. Which did you enjoy more and why?

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

GAP Author Watch: Janet Ann Collins to Attend Northern California Storybook and Literature Festival




GAP author, Janet Ann Collins, will be one of about fifty authors and illustrators at the Northern California Storybook and Literature Festival in Roseville, CA on Saturday, July 31. She'll also be at the SCBWI table for a while.



The festival will be at the Maidu Library and Community Center, 1530 Maidu Drive, Roseville, CA from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free and hundreds of people are expected to come for the events and children's activities. Collins will be reading a selection and signing copies of her book, The Peril of the Sinister Scientist.

You can visit Janet online at www.janetanncollins.com.

YouTube Tuesday

Monday, July 26, 2010

Summer Reading Tip #11




Pick up a magazine and then choose a letter. Circle each time that letter appears on a page.

Friday, July 23, 2010

New Books From Guardian Angel Publishing

Visit our website to learn more about these and other books from Guardian Angel Publishing!












Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Summer Reading Tip #10


Read the comics with your mom or dad.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

YouTube Tuesday

Monday, July 19, 2010

Summer Reading Tip #9


Create a storybook about summer!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Summer Reading Tip #8




Select books about places you'll be visiting.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

YouTube Tuesday

Monday, July 12, 2010

Summer Reading Tip #7




Keep books in your car to make reading and riding easy.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Summer Reading Tip #6




Visit the Association for Library Service to Children website and see how many Newbery Award Winners your child can read before the end of summer.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

YouTube Tuesday

Monday, July 5, 2010

Summer Reading Tip #5




To help your child make it through his school's summer reading list, allow him to choose some books that he's interested in reading too.

Friday, July 2, 2010

July 2010 Issue of Guardian Angel Kids Now Available!



Children, parents, and teachers are encouraged to check out the latest issue of Guaridan Angel Kids, which talks about the ocean and its critters.

Featured books this month are Gilly, the Seasick Fish, written and illustrated by Susann Batson, and Down by the Shore, written by Marilee Crow, with photo art by Mary Sue Roberts.

This issue also features poems, stories, games, and more!

Read your copy of the July 2010 issue of Guardian Angel Kids, today!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Interview with GAP Author Nicole Weaver

Joining us today is author Nicole Weaver. Nicole was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. She moved to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in four languages and is a high school teacher. We'll talk to Nicole about her writing, the book she self-published, and her book under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing.


Welcome to the GAP Family Blog, Nicole. It's wonderful to have you with us. Can you start by telling our readers a bit about you and your writing?

I am Haitian American, who came to the United States when I was ten years old. I lived in New York, and after college I moved to Houston, Texas. I met my husband, married, and then moved to Colorado. I have three children who are 22, 20 and 14. My daughter Michele will be a junior in college and Jean-Paul my oldest just finished a dance program affiliated with Dominican University. Luc will be a sophomore in high school in the fall. I am a full time high school French and Spanish teacher. I took up writing as a hobby. A close friend of mine talked me into attending a writer’s conference with her. The conference infused me with enough confidence to venture out and write my first children’s picture book manuscript.

What is it that inspired you to pursue a career in writing?

I love spending a lot of time in the children’s section of my local library reading new releases. I became quite discouraged to see so few books about children of color. After reading Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Bourke, I am convinced God is calling me to write books that will portray children of color in a positive light. I do the bulk of my writing during the summer months while I am on vacation from teaching.

Let’s talk about Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle. You self-published this book using Outskirts Press. Can you share what that experience was like?

This is a very touchy subject for me, but I am glad you asked the question. I did not like the experience at all. It was very frustrating working with my so called author representative. Many mistakes were made during production of the book. If I had to do it again, I would not go down that road. Discouragement from too many rejections got the better of me. I became too anxious and succumbed to self-publishing my book. Overall, there is a very negative sentiment toward authors who self-publish. All I can say is I am so very happy to have my second book published the traditional way. I am thrilled beyond words. This was a confirmation from God this is indeed what He wants me to do as a second career.



Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle is written in English, French, and Spanish. I’ve seen several bi-lingual books, but not many tri-lingual books. Why did you choose to write this book in three languages?

I am fluent in four languages, and I know from firsthand experience that a child’s brain is wired to learn languages through immersion. The younger you are the easier it is for you to master the language. I figured it would be a good idea to have all three languages side by side on each page. I have received a lot of positive feedback from parents. One parent told me after reading my book to her daughter, her daughter wanted to learn both French and Spanish. Fortunately, in Colorado we have a slew of Immersion schools. The child now attends an immersion school where she is learning both languages.

In addition to your children’s book, you’ve written poetry that has won awards. Can you tell us about this aspect of your work?

In 2005 I entered a poetry contest sponsored by my local library. I entered the contest just for fun. I never dreamed I would win first prize. I have several pieces that have been published in my church's journal. I still write a lot of poetry, it is very therapeutic for me. I hope to publish a book of poetry someday. But for now, I have included some of my poems in my memoir.

How did you become involved with Guardian Angel Publishing?

Donna McDine did a review for my newly published picture book. I saw the GAP emblem on her blog. The name Guardian Angel caught my attention, so I decided to check out their website to learn more about the company. I liked what I read about GAP and made the decision to submit my manuscript to Lynda. After a few revisions she offered me a contract.

What is your book about and when will it be released?

My book is called My Sister is My Best Friend. It is about two twin sisters who do everything together. The script is in English, French and Spanish. I got inspired to write the book after I met my half sister from my father’s side. Meeting her left me wondering what it would have been like to grow up with her. My imagination went to work full time and that is how I came up with the script. I do not know the exact time and date when the book will be released. I can only estimate that it will be late 2010 or early 2011. When I first signed the contract Lynda informed me her books are usually published between 9-12 months. I am keeping my fingers cross.



What are you working on now?

I am working on my memoir and a second children’s picture book. A group of Black editors from London invited me to submit work for a book that will be launched on August 13th, 2010. All the proceeds from the book will go to the Lambi Fund of Haiti for earthquake relief. I have one short story and a poem that will be published. Four out of six students who submitted work from my French class will get published too. I am really excited about this opportunity. Once the book is released the local media in Denver will be interviewing me and my students.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

I tell aspiring writers to never give up. Writing is like learning a foreign language the more you practice the better you will get at it.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you Cheryl for interviewing me.

Thank you to Lynda for making my dreams come true by giving me a contract. Last but not least, a big thank you goes to all of the Angels, you all are the very best!

Thanks for being with us today, Nicole. We enjoyed learning more about you. Good luck with your writing.


You can visit Nicole online at http://www.authorsden.com/nicoleweaver.


Check out Guardian Angel Kids Back Issues

Current GAP Books

OUR BOOKS ARE ALSO SOLD AS eBOOKS! Look for them at Guardian Angel, Nook, Follett, Kindle, and
iBooks!


A BEAUTIFUL DAY
A BLESSED BETHLEHEM BIRTH: as told by Abraham and Anna Mousenstern
A BRAINY REFRAIN : THE SUM OF OUR PARTS SERIES
A DUCK AT THE DOG POUND
A HORSE OF COURSE
A NECKLACE FOR JIGGSY
A POCKETFUL OF MANNERS
A SHORT TALE ABOUT A LONG TAIL
A MIDSUMMER'S DANCE
A STAR IN THE NIGHT
A TALENT FOR QUIET
A TODDLER'S ABC OF BLESSINGS
ABIGAIL PLATT'S CUSPIDS
ABC's OF HEALTH and SAFETY
ALLEYCAT
ANCIENT SYMBOLS, ARTWORK, CARVINGS AND ALPHABETS: SYMBOLOGY WITH PROFESSOR HOOT
AND THEN MAMA SAID ... IT TAKES TIME TO LEARN TO READ
ANDY & THE ALBINO HORSE
ANDY & SPIRIT GO TO THE FAIR
ANDY & SPIRIT IN THE BIG RESCUE
ANDY & SPIRIT MEET THE RODEO QUEEN
ANGEL DONOR
ANGEL EYES
ANGEL IN A BUBBLE
ANGELS DO THAT
ANGELS WATCHING OVER US
ANIMAL SOUND MIX-UP
APRON STRINGS
AS I WATCH

AVA'S SECRET TEA PARTY
BABY JESUS IS MISSING!
BEARLY LEARNING ABOUT WATER
BLUE DINOSAUR'S FRIEND
BOBBY COTTONTAIL'S GIFT
BRADYBUG
BURGHER AND THE WOEBEGONE
BUFFALOED BADGER
BUSTER BEAR & UNCLE B
BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE Free eBook
CAMILLE'S JOURNEY: A Christmas Musical & Play- Playbook, Master w/Scores, CD
music
CARTWHEEL ANNIE
CATS OF MANY COLOR
CHASING A POT OF GOLD
CHASING THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE
CHESLEY'S CRAZY HAIR
CHESTER, THE WATCHCAT
CHIP'S SHARING DAY

CHIZZY'S TOPSY TALE
CINDERFELLA & THE FURRY GODMOTHER
CIRCULATION CELEBRATION : THE SUM OF OUR PARTS SERIES
CHOCALIN!
CLIP-CLOP, TIPPITY TAP French Vocabulary on the Farm
CLOUD JUMPERS
COBBLEDOM'S CURSE
CODY KNOW'S
COLOR ME HAPPY!
COWBOY JAMES
CRASH!
CURLEY, THE CROOKED CHRISTMAS TREE
DIENTECITO Y EL ATAQUE DE LA PLACA Spanish Edition
DIENTECITO Y EL CASTILLO DEL PELIGRO-Spanish Edition
DIENTICITO Y LA PLACA PELIGROSA-Spanish Edition
DILIGENCE THE DRAGON
DOES HEAVEN GET MAIL
DOGGIE DAY CAMP: VERB AND ADVERB ADVENTURES
DOTTY'S TOPSY TALE
DOWN BY THE SHORE
DREAMCHASER

E F G H I J K L
EARTHQUAKE!
EBENEEZER'S COUSIN
EL PRIMO DE EBENEEZER Spanish edition
ELLIOTT & ANASTACIA
EMILY, THE BRAVE
FANTASTIC FLIGHT
FIRST SPRING
FLUTTER BUNNIES
FLUTTER BUNNIES-FOSSIL OF FORTUNE
FRANKIE'S PERFECT HOME
FRANK'S LIVING ON THE MOON ADVENTURE 1
FREDERICO, THE MOUSE VIOLINIST
GILLY, THE SEASICK FISH
GIFTS FROM GOD
GOD LOVES YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE
GOLDEN DAFFODILS
GROWING UP DREAMS
HAMSTER HOLIDAYS
HOPE, THE ANGELFISH
HORATIO HUMBLE BEATS THE BIG D
HORSE CAMP
HUMBERTO, THE BOOKWORM HAMSTER
I DON'T WANT A HAIRCUT
IF I COULD BE ANYTHING
I RIDE MY BICYCLE BK1 Free eBook
I RIDE MY BICYCLE BK2 Free eBook
ITCHA ITCHA GOO GOO BLUES
IT'S BIRTHDAY TIME, JAKE!
I SEE SEASIDE BIRDS
HORSE CAMP

JORDIE'S SCHOOL DAY ADVENTURE JP's HALLOWEEN PARADE
JAMIE'S DREAM
JOURNEYS OF HOPE "A STAR SHALL LEAD THEM"
JOURNEYS OF HOPE "PEARL OF WISDOM"
JUST THE THING TO BE
I AM ME
KATYDIDN'T

KATRINA AND WINTER: PARTNERS IN COURAGE
KITTY KERPLUNKING: PREPOSITION FUN
KLUTZY KANTOR
LADY GEHR
LAST PAGE IN THE DIARY
LEARNING YOUR ANIMAL ABCs WITH PROFESSOR HOOT
LEARN THE BASICS OF COLOR WITH PROFESSOR HOOT
LEARNING TO COUNT 1-10 WITH PROFESSOR HOOT
LIGHTNING STRIKES
LIDDIL GETS HER LIGHT
LILLY LOLLER'S ALWAYS LATE
LILY & THE CITY OF LIGHT
LITTLE SHEPHERD
LONELY
LITTLE LEAF

LUCKY PENNY
LUCY'S
PURPLE PULLOVER


M N O P Q R S

MAMA GRIZZLY BEAR
MARTA'S GARGANTUAN WINGS
MAGICAL MATTHEW
MAYBE WE ARE FLAMINGOS
MEET ME AT THE PARK
MICE IN MY TUMMY
MICHAEL'S NEW NEIGHBOR
MISTER TOPPER, THE POTBELLIED PIG
MOONLIGHT MEDALLION
MONSTER MADDIE
MUSCLES MAKE US MOVE: : THE SUM OF OUR PARTS SERIES
MY COPAN ADVENTURE
MY GRANDMA'S KITCHEN RULES!
MY BROTHER THE FROG
MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND
MY TOOTH IS LOOSE : THE SUM OF OUR PARTS SERIES
NATALIE'S ARK
NO BONES ABOUT IT! : THE SUM OF OUR PARTS SERIES
NO MORE GUNK!
NOTHING STOPS NOAH
O CHRISTMAS TREE
OLLIE OAK SAVES THE DAY
ON THE GO WITH ROOTER & SNUFFLE
ONE IN A BUZZILLION
ONE LARGE PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH TO GO
ONE NUTTY FAMILY
ONE FAMILY'S CHRISTMAS
ONE NOBLE JOURNEY
ONE PELICAN AT A TIME : A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill BELLA & BRITT BEACH SERIES
OUCH! SUNBURN
POODLE & DOODLE
PRESTON, THE NOT-SO-PERFECT PIG
PROFESSSOR HORACE, CRYPTOZOOLOGIST
PUT IT BACK, JACK
RACHEL SERVES A STEW
RAINBOW NIGHTS
RAINBOW SHEEP
RATTLESNAKE JAM
RIBBERT'S WAY HOME
RILEY'S HEART MACHINE
ROMEO'S RESCUE
RUTHIE AND THE HIPPO'S FAT BEHIND
RV MOUSE
SARAH'S SOCKS MY WORLD OF AUTISM
SCAREDY : A CLOUD AFRAID OF THUNDER
SEA TURTLE SUMMER: BELLA & BRITT BEACH SERIES
SEYMOUR THE SEMI - SPACE TRUCKIN'
SH SH SH LET THE BABY SLEEP
SHAPING UP THE YEAR
SIGNS OF TROUBLE
SHOO CAT!
SILLY MOMENTS
SLIME AND ALL
SMILEYTOOTH AND BUSHWHACK PLAQUE
SMILEYTOOTH AND THE CASTLE HASSLE
SMILEYTOOTH AND THE PLAQUE ATTACK
SECRET SERVICE SAINT
SPARKIE: A STAR AFRAID OF THE DARK
STAY AWAY FROM ELECTRICITY FREE eBook
STELLA, THE FIRE FARTING DRAGON
STOP THAT PUDDING!
STILTS THE STORK
STUBBY'S DESTINY
SULLY'S TOPSY TALE

T U V W X Y Z

TACONI & CLAUDE: DOUBLE TROUBLE
TALES FROM INDIA: CHARACTER COUNTS! RESPECT
TALES FROM KENSINGTON FOREST
TERESA'S SHADOW
THAT'S A LOT OF LOVE
THE ADVENTURES OF CHICKOLET PIGOLET: THE BRIBE OF FRANKENBEANS
THE ADVENTURES OF CHICKOLET PIGOLET: MURMUR ON THE OINK EXPRESS
THE ADVENTURES OF ANDY & SPIRIT- Book 1 Tweener
THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT
THE CAT CAME BACK
THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL
THE CLOWN AROUND KIDS
THE DOLL VIOLINIST
THE FIRST AMERICANS
THE GOLDEN PATHWAY
THE JUMBO SHRIMP OF DIRE STRAITS
THE LEGEND OF LUMPUS AND OGOLS
THE LITTLEST COWBOY
THE LONELY LIGHTNING BUG
THE MAGIC VIOLIN
THE MILK HORSE
THE MISADVENTURES OF ROOTER & SNUFFLE
THE ODD CHICK
THE PERIL OF THE SINISTER SCIENTIST
THE PLUMBER AND THE WISHING WELL
THE POTTY TRAIN
THE SAD LITTLE HOUSE
THE SISTER EXCHANGE
THE SKUNK'S GIFT
THE SOGGY TOWN OF HILLTOP
THE TURTLE WHO IMAGINED
THE WATER CYCLE: WATER PLAY SERIES bk 1
THE WEAVER ANOTHER WEAVER TALE
THE WISHING WELL ANOTHER WEAVER TALE
THERE'S A BEETLE IN MY BED
THERE'S A SPIDER IN MY SINK
TINY ANGEL
TODAY I AM A PENGUIN
TOO MANY KITTIES
TROUBLE FINDS ROOTER & SNUFFLE
TUCKER'S TALE: The story of a rescue dog
'TWAS THE YEAR CHRIST LEFT CHRISTMAS
VIVIEN'S BEACH DREAM
WE'RE BROTHERS AND SISTERS: THE BOOPLES
WHAT IF THE MOON...?
WHAT IS THAT THING?
WHAT IN THE WORLD SHOULD I BE?
WHERE IS SALAMI?
WHISTLING DIXIE
WICKY WACKY THINGS THAT GO! AUTOMOBILES 1
WICKY WACKY THINGS THAT GO! BOATS 1
WICKY WACKY THINGS THAT GO! BUSSES
WICKY WACKY THINGS THAT GO! EMERGENCY VEHICLES
WICKY WACKY THINGS THAT GO! HOT AIR BALLOONS
WICKY WACKY THINGS THAT GO! TRACTORS
WICKY WACKY THINGS THAT GO! TRAINS 1
WICKY WACKY THINGS THAT GO! TRUCKS 1
WILDERNESS WARRIORS hardcover and softcover
ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM! COME COUNT WITH ME!



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