RSS

Pages

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Benefits of Summer Reading Programs by Cheryl Malandrinos




I'm a big fan of summer reading programs. I used to sign up at my local library every year when I was a kid. Yes, the prizes were nice, but the best memories are of the many books I read during the few months I was out of school.

This year, both my girls signed up for the One World, Many Stories summer reading program at the Wilbraham Public Library. I'm thrilled to see it. My youngest has always been a big reader, but the older of the two girls swears off anything that seems like schoolwork over the summer.

When kids aren't learning over the summer, they are at a distinct disadvantage when they return in the fall. As a parent and a children's author, I hate to see that happen. Volunteering at our local schools, I see how hard the students and educators work all year long. It's a shame to see some of that lost when kids aren't engaged in meaningful activities over the summer.

Summer Reading Programs offer not only the opportunity to learn, they allow kids to interact with their peers by providing group activities. As part of One World, Many Stories, the girls are participating in The Great Create, which is a weekly art workshop. Both my girls love art, so it's perfect. These programs also teach kids about goal setting and time management, skills they will use throughout their lives.

Check out your local library to see what they're doing this summer. The fun is just beginning.



Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens. Her first children’s book, Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is also a member of the SCBWI.

Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger. She is also a regular contributor for the Writer2Writer eZine. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two children. She also has a son who is married.

Visit Cheryl at her newly redesigned website - http://ccmalandrinos.com/

Monday, June 13, 2011

Kai Strand and K.C. Snider at Redmond Public Library on June 18th!



Redmond Public Library
827 NW Deschutes Ave.
Summer Reading Program
Showing June 1 through July 30 2011
Local Children’s Books Illustrators KC Snider and Sharon Bean

Meet the Central Oregon authors and illustrators of popular illustrated children’s books. Hear their stories, get your books signed, ask questions, and enjoy the display.

Activities: Saturday June 18th
Book Readings: 10:30am 11:30am 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Book Signings: 1:00pm to 4:30pm by authors and illustrators
Reception: 2:30pm to 4:30pm for the illustrators and authors
Location: Main floor of the library.

Featuring:

“The Weaver” author Kai Strand, illustrator (cover art) KC Snider
(Guardian Angel Publishing)

“I Can’t See, But… I Can Imagine” author Patricia Wilson, illustrator Sharon Bean
(self-published)

Other children's books illustrated by KC Snider will also be available for sale and some of the illustrations will be part of the exhibit.

The library display will have the original art and information about illustrations for children’s books; a history of types of illustrations, an explanation of how illustrations are determined, researched, and edited; plus other interesting facts.



For more information about these and other GAP titles, please visit us online at http://guardianangelpublishing.com/!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

More GAP Nonfiction Bestsellers at Fictionwise!




This book about Earthquakes empowers your kids with information and preparedness. What causes earthquakes? Can we predict them? How are earthquakes measured? How do we prepare for them? There are lots of fun factoids and a few experiments. (Learn how to make your own seiche.) What was the biggest earthquake? Find out here.


EARTHQUAKE! won HONORABLE MENTION in the Wild Card Category at the 2009 GREEN BOOK FESTIVAL.

EARTHQUAKE! by Susan J. Berger and illustrated bny Eugene Ruble #5






A troupe of hamsters celebrate a year of hare-brained holidays in their unique hamster style. The book highlights nouns and adjectives on each page, as well as exploring opposites. Activity pages include scrambled words, match-up and crossword puzzles—plus much more. Grammar becomes fun and games with hamster helpers.

Hamster Holidays: Noun and Adjective Adventures by Cynthia Reeg and illustrated by Kit Grady #6


Learning the bones in the human body can be a challenge for anyone. Using this clever learning tool in rhyme may be just what you’ve been looking for, no bones about it. You’ll be amazed at how fast you will be able to learn them from head to toe. Study the bones, find fun factoids, take the quiz, discover the mystery bones.

The Sum of Our Parts: No Bones About It by Bill Kirk and illustrated by Eugene Ruble #10




Look into each holiday and you’ll begin to notice the different shapes that make up objects that relate to each day. See if you can spot the different shapes in each picture. Now look around you. It doesn’t have to be a holiday to shape up into a great day. Uniquely illustrated with cut out art. Teaches shapes, colors and counting. There's an activity page, too!


Shaping Up the Year by Tracey M. Cox and illustrated by Samantha Bell #11
Learn more about these and other GAP titles at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

GAP Nonfiction Titles Hold Three of the Top Five Selling Spots at Fictionwise!



The following titles are among the top bestsellers in the children's nonfiction category at Fictionwise!


“Angel Eyes” is a heartwarming adventure of two cherubs, Kennedy and Tristan. They help children understand what the angels might have felt when Jesus came to Earth and was crucified.

Angel Eyes by Dixie Phillips and illustrated by Kim Sponaugle


This book invites you to view life down by the shore through unique poetic prose and enchanting photos that truly captures its beauty. Inquisitive students who love nature will delight in learning how sharks inspire fear in swimmers and what kind of birds share a rocky ledge with sea lions.


Down by the Shore by Marilee Crow with photo art by MarySue Roberts



Have a frolicking good time Learning with Professor Hoot! Zany animal characters and colorful art teach kids the alphabet and colors with this delightful exploration of an alphabet learning experience. Alphabet animals from Aardvark to a zigzagging Zebra teach the alphabet to children of all ages. 28 pages, 28 illustrations. Activity page with Picture Seek & Finds and Word Puzzles.

Learning Your Animal ABC's with Professor Hoot written and illustrated by Eugene Ruble

Bestselling GAP Titles at Fictionwise!



These GAP fiction titles are currently listed as bestsellers at Fictionwise!


What child doesn’t wish for a horse of his own? Aaron certainly does! When his wish comes true Aaron is thrilled, but a horse in the house presents a few unexpected problems, and now Aaron has a tough decision to make. Will Aaron’s choice make everyone happy? What about Horace?


A Horse of Course by Shari Lyle-Soffe and illustrated by Eugene Ruble #26



Reanie is a shy girl. She has a new step dad whose shoulders seem to fill their small house. Afraid to disappoint him, she retreats to her room whenever Bill asks her to play. But when he invites her on a photo safari in the creek, Reanie can't resist. As the father and daughter splash through the water, they encounter many creatures. Bill teaches Reanie how to handle a camera, and her new step-dad doesn't seem so strange anymore.

Illustrated with Kim Chatel's stunning photography, this is more than a story. It is a journey with Reanie as she finds her voice and her artistic talent. The back of the book includes five non-fiction pages about photography: a glossary of terms, tips on taking better pictures and historical tidbits about photography.

A Talent for Quiet by Kim Chatel #27



This endearing book introduces Splish, who longs to read—all by himself. Mama tells Splish to be patient and keep trying, and one day it will happen. Splish wants to believe Mama, but he still sulks and gets frustrated. In the end, perseverance and patience (everyone's) are rewarded!

And Then Mama Said...It Takes Time to Learn to Read by Gena Suarez and illustrated by Kevin S. Collier #34





Andy and Spirit’s world expands as they grow together and experience things neither would have had the opportunity to do alone. The two become heroes to each other as they meet and accomplish challenges Andy never thought possible before the two of them became a team. 10 illustrations, 2100 word storybook, 24 pages.

Three extra pages of activities about 4-H and wild horse management.

Andy and Spirit Go to the Fair by Mary Jean Kelso and illustrated by K.C. Snider #35



Andy and Spirit are at the Nevada State Fair to participate in 4-H activities. During a tour through the grounds they find they must run away from danger and, in seeking safety, become involved in rescuing a bully that has taunted Andy for years.

2 pages of educational information about Hippotherapy.

Andy and Spirit in the Big Rescue by Mary Jean Kelso and illustrated by K.C. Snider #36


When Andy takes equine therapy, he learns how to cope with his disabilities and searches for ways to get along with a bully at school. By learning about the horse and its own handicaps, Andy begins to see hope for himself and his future. 4 pages of horse educational facts included.


Andy and the Albino Horse by Mary Jean Kelso and illustrated by K.C. Snider #37


Guardian angels are being turned into bubbles! Join Alison and her pets—a golden retriever, a deer, and a mouse—as they cross forests, hike mountains, and climb rainbows in order to find God and help the angels. An adventurous, mythical journey!


Angel in a Bubble written and illustrated by Melisa Eyuboglu #38

More GAP fiction bestsellers:

Cartwheel Annie by Marilee Crow and illustrated by K.C. Snider

Chizzy's Topsy Tale by Donna J. Shepherd and illustrated by Kevin S. Collier

Cloud Jumpers by Tracy Aherns and illustrated by Eugene Ruble

Color Me Happy by Sally M. Harris and illustrated by Cecilia Paplinksi

Crash! by Marya Calvani and illustrated by Anna Pylypchuk

Diligence the Dragon written and illustrated by Kevin S. Collier

Does Heaven Get Mail? by Marilee Crow and illustrated by K.C. Snider

Doggie Day Camp: Verb and Adverb Adventures by Cynthia Reeg and illustrated by Kit Grady

Dotty's Topsy Tale by Donna J. Shepherd and illustrated by Kevin S. Collier

Gifts from God by Cynthia Reeg with photo art by Mary Sue Roberts

Gilly the Seasick Fish written and illustrated by Susann Batson

Learn more about these and other GAP titles at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

Amazon's Bestselling GAP Titles!



The following GAP titles are currently listed as Amazon bestsellers!


Eight-year old Melina wants to become a good violinist. When she loses confidence, her Rumanian teacher Andrea decides it’s time for a magic dose of self esteem. A mysterious old woman in rags gives Melina some curious advice; a violinist Russian hamster, who happens to live under the old woman's hat, offers her a virtuoso performance; a shooting star fills her with hope on Christmas Eve. Is Melina actually playing better, or has her violin become magic? Who is the old woman in the town square, and why does she wear the same emerald ring as her teacher Andrea?


The Magic Violin by Mayra Calvani and illustrated by K.C. Snider #37


Bella and Britt love living by the beach. When they find oil washing to shore from a gulf spill, they want to help but are told there is nothing for kids to do. But when their old friend, the pelican, becomes covered with oil, they help save his life by their quick thinking and action.

One Pelican at a Time by Nancy Stewart and illustrated by Samantha Bell #43




Learning the bones in the human body can be a challenge for anyone. Using this clever learning tool in rhyme may be just what you’ve been looking for, no bones about it. You’ll be amazed at how fast you will be able to learn them from head to toe. Study the bones, find fun factoids, take the quiz, discover the mystery bones.



The Sum of Our Parts: No Bones About It by Bill Kirk and illustrated by Eugene Ruble #59




Imagine, if you will, the aerial dance of fireflies taking flight on a mid-summer’s eve, accompanied by a summertime symphony of frogs and cicadas, harmonizing as darkness falls. The rhythmic sounds of the outdoor concerto build to a crescendo, then fade into the night air until the next midsummer’s dance.

A Midsummer's Dance by Bill Kirk and illustrated by Clara Batton Smith #61


Buzzy is a tiny bee who doesn’t feel like she belongs. Despite her mother always telling her how special she is, Buzzy learns the hard way. When a bear threatens the hive, she musters all her courage and saves the hive. Buzzy soon learns that she is a very special bee indeed!


One in a Buzzillion by Hannah Schreiber and Connor Hartstock and illustrated by Jack Foster #62



The final picture book in the Topsy Tales trilogy features a jazz loving, bebopping, singing snake suffering with laryngitis. What’s an independent snake that only sings solos to do? While waiting for his voice to return, Sully learns to appreciate the talents of others and the value of friendship.

Sully's Topsy Tale by Donna J. Shepherd and illustrated by Kevin S. Collier #81


In a town of word weavers, Mary suffers through her third year of Novice Word Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who grants her a wish. But instead of weaving a better story, she's weaving strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales.

The Weaver by Kai Strand #84

Learn more about these and other GAP titles at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

One in a Buzzillion Ranks No. 5 on Amazon's Hot New Releases in Children's Books!




One in a Buzzillion by Hannah Schreiber and Connor Hartstock and illustrated by Jack Foster is currently ranked as Number 5 on Amazon's list of Hot New Releases in Children's Books.

Buzzy is a tiny bee who doesn’t feel like she belongs. Despite her mother always telling her how special she is, Buzzy learns the hard way. When a bear threatens the hive, she musters all her courage and saves the hive. Buzzy soon learns that she is a very special bee indeed!


To learn more about this and other GAP titles, please visit us online at http://guardianangelpublishing.com/


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!



Sitemeter