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Friday, December 28, 2012

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES DONNA J SHEPHERD, AUTHOR OF AVA’S SECRET TEA PARTY

Congratulations on the release of “Ava’s Secret Tea Party.” Please tell us more about it.

Has your child dreamed of meeting Tooth Fairy, Santa, Sandman, or Easter Bunny? Ava wants to invite them to tea, but how? The answer lies with one special character who knows them ALL! In the style of classic fairy tales, I wrote "Ava's Secret Tea Party." Enjoy the tale, look for hidden teacups and chocolate chip cookies in the sweet illustrations by Bella Sinclair, and have fun making the recipes and crafts included in the book!

What was the inspiration for this book?

When my daughter was little, she and her cousin had tea parties all the time. They never tired of them, so I knew a book about tea parties would appeal to children – and to the grownups, too. I still have tea every evening!

What is your favorite moment from the book?

When I first saw the finished illustrations, I would think I had a favorite until I saw the next one. Bella Sinclair brought such beautiful detail and whimsy to the book with her illustrations. But I have to say that when the Tooth Fairy first makes an appearance, I laughed out loud. She is precious, and I’m particularly fond of the rhyme on that page. Seeing it in hardcover thrilled me. I’m hoping it is one that children will reach for time and time again.

Is this your first published book?

No, this is my ninth book for children, my eighth with Guardian Angel Publishing.

We’d love to hear more about you.

I’m a children's picture book author and inspirational writer with hundreds of articles and devotionals published – so far! All of my books for kids feature short, playful rhymes and humorous illustrations by several different and oh-so-talented illustrators. I’m the founder of Greater Harvest Workshops and Middletown Area Christian Writers, and a Bible teacher, conference speaker, singer, and voiceover artist. I live in the Cincinnati area with two dogs, two birds, and one husband. I have two grown children who inspire me every day.

Do you have any book signing events or book tours scheduled for “Ava’s Secret Tea Party”?

Several bloggers have graciously hosted me already and I have several more stops to make.

How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming “Ava’s Secret Tea Party” events?

Bella Sinclair drew coloring pages and a banner for the blog at http://www.asecretteaparty.blogspot.  I hope you’ll visit the blog where you will find coloring pages, puzzles, more recipes, and of course, information on how you can purchase your own copy of Ava’s Secret Tea Party. Come visit me in Topsy Turvy Land (http://www.topsyturvyland.com) for even more fun or join the fan page on Facebook to keep updated on everything I’m doing: http://www.facebook.com/donnajshepherd

Thank you for stopping in to share “Ava’s Secret Tea Party” with us. Readers can purchase their copy here. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel Publishing.

 
Thank you! I never grow tired of talking about writing for children.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES MARY ESPARZA-VELA, AUTHOR OF “THE SMILING BURRO”


Congratulations on the release of “THE SMILING BURRO.” Please tell us more about it.

About the book:
This humorous and heartwarming picture book is targeted for children 4-8 years of age. It is about a tiny burro that shows up at a little boy’s house and becomes a real asset to the family. The day he disappears, they never expect to see him again until he prances in one dark, spooky night.

What was the inspiration for this book?

Mary:  When I was a child, my maternal grandfather would visit every weekend. He was a great storyteller and I looked forward to hearing his ghost stories before going to bed. The entire family always gathered around him and once he started, we were glued to our seats. “The Smiling Burro” became one of my favorite stories. 

What is your favorite moment from the book?

Mary:  My favorite moment is the surprise ending. 

Is this your first published book?

Mary:  This is my fourth book. The book is also being published in Spanish. Other published books include “The Odd Chick,” “The Turtle Who Imagined,” and “Bearly Learning About Water.”  

We’d love to hear more about you.

Before writing for children, I worked as an Editorial Assistant at a medical facility. I have written articles for religious publications and won various online writing contests, including “Honorable Mention” in a Writer’s Digest competition (Children’s category). “The Turtle Who Imagined” recently won a 2012 Book of the Year Award. I am also a patented inventor of three award-winning plush dolls. Picture book adventures with the doll characters are coming soon. You’re welcome to see the dolls at www.marysdollsandbooks.com. I live in Texas with my husband and three children.

How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming “THE SMILING BURRO” events?

Author: Interviews and press releases are planned as well as introductions at small book stores, libraries, writers groups and conferences.

Thank you for stopping in to share “THE SMILING BURRO” with us. Readers can purchase their copy here. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel Publishing.

Merry Christmas!



Merry Christmas from everyone at Guardian Angel Publishing. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Holiday Memories with Author Kai Strand


My husband is from a large family (seventeen kids is large, right?). Each year it is tradition for someone to host a summer gathering and for someone else to host a Christmas gathering. Usually you call dibs for the next year’s gathering while attending one – which is what I did in 1996. “We’ll host all of you in December of 1997!” I eagerly agreed.

And then was blessed to learn that we were expecting our third child, New Years 1998.

To make matters worse, I had some very specific ideas of what my party would be like. There would be turkey, honey baked ham and roast. Scratch mashed potatoes, no bulk buy dinner rolls for my guests. And plenty of seating.

Realizing I would be cleaning and decorating and preparing for overnight guests, cooking and serving and cleaning some more, all less than a month from my due date gave me pause. Could I really pull it off?

It was my oldest sister who made the statement, “Do you think all of your sisters-in-law would let you do all the work when you are that pregnant?” I realized she was right. This would probably be the easiest party I’d ever thrown.

Mid-December rolled around and we hosted 58 people for a ‘sit down’ dinner, though obviously not everyone sat at a table. The meal went off without a hitch and like my sister said, my sisters-in-law were champions in the “You just sit and take it easy - we got this” department. Twenty-two guests spent the night in our house. It was truly a lovely time. My son was born late – January 8th – so in the end there was never really much for me to worry about.

Christmas is all about family to me and that Christmas party was the pinnacle of family togetherness.


Kai Strand writes fiction for kids and teens. Her debut novel, The Weaver, was a finalist in the 2012 EPIC eBook Awards. She is a (very lucky) wife and the mother of four amazing kids. The most common sound in her household is laughter. The second most common is, "Do your dishes!" She and her family hike, geocache, and canoe in beautiful Central Oregon, where they call home.

To find out more about Kai’s books, download companion documents, find links to her published short stories and discover all the places to find Kai both virtually and in person, visit her website: www.kaistrand.com. She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to send her an email or visit her facebook page, Kai Strand, Author.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES Penelope Anne Cole, AUTHOR OF Magical Matthew.


Congratulations on the release of Magical Matthew.  Please tell us more about it.

About the book: 
Matthew has a big secret.  He can fix things magically with his mind.  Matthew secretly uses his magic to fix things for his family and friends.  Later, he expands his magical good deeds by fixing things in his neighborhood.  Matthew’s friend, Lily, suspects something is special about him.  Matthew must decide whether to tell her the truth or not.

What was the inspiration for this book?

Penelope: My book was inspired by my friend's son, Matthew, when he attained "double digits."  I thought, “How Magical is that – he’s not a kid anymore!”  Which led to, what if he really had magic?  What would he do?  And would he tell people, or keep it a secret?.

What is your favorite moment from the book?

Penelope: There are two special moments for me.  First, when Matthew confides in his Grandma Nonie, showing he’s comfortable sharing his secret with a trusted adult.  And, second, when he realizes he has abilities and talents beyond magic. 

Is this your first published book?

Penelope:  Yes

Congratulations! We’d love to hear more about you.


I’ve had a few careers:  my longest was in government service Human Resources (HR), next as a teacher of adults and children, and now as a writer and book reviewer.  In most of my positions, I’ve been able to write and teach others.  English Literature was my undergraduate Liberal Arts major and Education my Masters program.

Do you have any book signing events or book tours scheduled for Magical Matthew?

Penelope:  For now I’m visiting fellow author’s blogs and Magical Matthew is being reviewed.  I hope to visit local schools, libraries and bookstores.

How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming Magical Matthew events?

Penelope:  I will post them on my blogs: 
http://penelopeannecole.blogspot.com and http://magical-matthew.blogspot.com.

Thank you for stopping in to share Magical Matthew with us.  Readers can purchase their copy here. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel Publishing.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Holiday Memories with Author Cheryl Malandrinos



The Christmas of 1982 stands out in my mind. It was the worst kind of year I can imagine for a child. My mother had battled cancer for two years, but her battle was nearly over. A hospital bed had been set up in my old bedroom downstairs. She planned to die at home. But that wasn't to be. On Thanksgiving morning, Mom was rushed to the hospital in extreme pain. She would never come home again.

By the time mid-December rolled around, I swore we were cursed. A friend's fiance was killed in a car accident on the 3rd. My aunt, my mother's older sister, died unexpectedly of a stroke on December 12th. Mom was getting worse and had slipped into a coma. The rest of us played a dreadful waiting game. My dad working and spending all his down time at the hospital. Me and my middle sister trying to concentrate on school. My oldest sister, who was married by this time, trying to cope with being pregnant with her second child and taking care of her younger siblings. As you can imagine, there wasn't a lot of Christmas spirit.

Mom died on December 18th and we buried her just four days before Christmas. I don't think anyone expected presents that year. I doubted Dad had even had time to shop with all that was going on. Imagine my surprise when there were a few gifts under the tree. And included in one of each of our gifts was a note from Dad. I don't know what my sisters' notes said, but mine told me that the reason he bought me that particular gift was because it was the one thing Mom had told him to be sure to buy. She said I would need it, because I was growing up.

My father has never been a man of many words. Since my mother was home full-time until I was 10, he worked a lot of hours to make ends meet. When Mom died, I felt I was left to live with a stranger. But that Christmas morning, when I opened a gift he made sure to buy just for me, including the only note he has written to me in 44 years, I felt we could make it through the pain and the suffering, and that maybe, one day, the sun would shine again.

Thanks Dad!




Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer, children’s author and editor. Her first children’s book, Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is a member of the SCBWI, a book reviewer and blogger. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two children. She also has a son who is married. Visit her online at http://ccmalandrinos.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES Marilee Crow, AUTHOR OF Once There Was A Monster

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES Marilee Crow, AUTHOR OF Down By The Shore, Alleycat, A Short Tale About A Long Tail, Does Heaven Get Mail?, Cartwheel Annie, A Pocketful of Manners and Once There Was A Monster.



Congratulations on the release of Once There Was A Monster. Please tell us more about it.


About the book:

Every child at some point in their lives has a fear of monsters. Through charming, funny rhyme, see how one child conquers her fear of the monster in her room. What happens when the child finds out that monsters have fears too?


What was the inspiration for this book?


Marilee: I still have to have the closet door closed at night or I can't go to sleep. The clothes hanging there creep me out in the dark.


What is your favorite moment from the book?


Marilee: When the monster comes up from under the house with all these creepy crawlies.


Is this your first published book?


Marilee: No, this is my 9th.


We’d love to hear more about you.


I have retired to South Carolina. Before that, I lived in Southern California where I worked at a private school for special education students. I was one of the PE teachers. I have been married to my best friend for 36 years. When we were younger, we owned a gymnastic center. We taught and had a competitive team for 18 years, all the while, raising one daughter.

I have always loved to write. I wrote two romance novels and had them published before I began writing children's stories. I was taking a poetry class and when it came to the rhyming section of the course, I could only think of Dr. Seuss. I began putting together a corny little rhyme about a little girl who took a trip to the beach. That's when I realized I had all these children's stories in me.


Do you have any book signing events or book tours scheduled for Once There Was A Monster?


Marilee: I have a couple of Fall Festivals I'll be at with all my books.


How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming Once There Was A Monster events?


Marilee: I have a blogspot: booksbymarilee.blogspot.com and I'm on facebook, where I usually post for family and friends of my signings.


Thank you for stopping in to share Once There Was A Monster with us. Readers can purchase their copies here. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel Publishing


Monday, December 10, 2012

Holiday Memories with Author Stacey A. Marshall






For New Year's Eve every year, our young children help create a menu of myriad appetizers. We search for unusual hors d'oeuvres recipes and spend the whole week prior to New Year's creating our feast of finger foods, which will be served on our finest platters, coupled with sparkling cider served in our crystal champagne glasses. We eat our meal in the dining room on fine china (kinda funny to eat mini quiches and pigs-in-a blanket on fine china!), and the kids love the variety of foods and fancy table setting!


Stacey Marshall has been a public speaking coach and motivational speaker for over 15 years. Like Captain Courage, she enjoys teaching people of all ages how to be courageous in any formal or informal situation. Using her expertise, she has conducted optimal communication skills training for various groups including: politicians, actors, litigators, business executives, broadcasters, students, as well as media training for Division I, NFL, WNBA, and Olympic athletes. With a background in broadcasting, Stacey also is a winner of the Women Executives International Speak Out. She has written for numerous local and national publications, and often focuses her writing on how to demonstrate confidence/courage. She earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She currently resides with her husband and children in North Carolina. 

You can learn more about Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes at http://www.captaincourage.com/


You can find this and other books from Guardian Angel Publishing online at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

Friday, December 7, 2012

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES JENNIFER REED, AUTHOR OF DOODLE GIRL


Congratulations on the release of Doodle Girl. Please tell us more about it.

About the book:

Rachel loves to doodle on walls, on her school books, on her back pack. Anywhere Rachel can doodle she does, but it gets her into big trouble. She tries to draw and color in other places. She learns she can mix colors and make more colors. Suddenly, Rachel’s doodling becomes a lot more fun!

What was the inspiration for this book?

Jennifer:  My daughter Emma was always drawing pictures. I’d find them on walls, on her toys, on her books.

What is your favorite moment from the book?

Jennifer: When Rachel, the main character, was caught drawing on the wall behind her bed- that really happened.

Is this your first published book?

Jennifer: No, this is my fourth published book with Guardian Angel and my 28th published book total.

We’d love to hear more about you.

I knew I wanted to be a writer in the second grade. That’s when the magic happened. I wrote short stories about a little hedgehog named Harold. I pursued writing whenever possible. In high school, I wrote for the school newspaper. I majored in English and writing in college. I worked on newspapers and magazines and did a lot of freelance writing. I got my master’s degree at Vermont College of Fine Arts in writing for children and teens. I love to write and share ideas with children! I have two older teens who have always given me much to write about.

Do you have any book signing events or book tours scheduled for Doodle Girl?

Jennifer: Nothing regular. I sometimes do school visits locally.

How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming Doodle Girl events?

Jennifer: Visit my website at www.jennifer-reed.com. I just updated it with cool book trailers and photos and lots of information on my books.

Thank you for stopping in to share Doodle Girl with us. Readers can purchase their copy here. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel Publishing.

November 2012 New Releases from Guardian Angel Publishing



Introducing Gatsby, the art gallery cat, who loves exploring famous paintings at night. When he forgets to jump out before dawn, strange things happen to Winslow Homer's, 'Snap the Whip'. Children who enjoy animals and art will learn about an artist's work through the adventures of a mischievous cat.



Three-year-old Abbi is introduced to an interesting event right outside her living room window. Birds are nesting in the hanging flower basket. Abbi’s mother struggles to keep her flowering plant alive while birds raise their family in it. This gives Abbi a valuable lesson on how birds create a nest and raise their young. It is a learning experience from identifying the birds through watching the young hatchlings grow and take wing. Educational pages, too.







Michael likes to pretend. A tiny elf he finds in his parent’s garden asks him to pretend to fly him home. But a witch might stop Michael from pretending, and he must believe in himself.



A fun ridiculous adventure explores outer space, swims deep under the sea, bravely flies through a windy storm. Then find yourself in a tree or imagine yourself far, far away in this wonderful ridiculous adventurous book.


Peter and Jen devise a plan to capture a fat bullfrog. Humor, bullfrog facts and the thrill of adventure are laced together to create a book reluctant readers and boys will enjoy.


Un pequeño burro se presenta en la casa de un niño y se convierte en un valioso miembro de la familia. El día que desaparece, nunca esperan volver a verlo hasta que aparece una noche oscura y temerosa. (A tiny burro shows up at a little boy’s house and becomes a real asset to the family. The day he disappears, they never expect to see him again until he prances in one dark spooky night.)

Look for these are other fun titles at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

Monday, December 3, 2012

Holiday Memories with Author Sharon Stanley




The year I turned 10 it snowed on Christmas Eve… a lot. Richmond Virginia is one of those places that rarely has a white Christmas, so when it does, things generally come to a screeching halt. On this night in l966, my mother happily wrapped gifts secure in the knowledge that all was ready for Santa’s visit. My father put last minute touches on the tree and my brother and I were tucked away in bed dreaming of sugar plums…or in my case, a Kissy Doll.

Kissy was the dream doll that year. Dressed in a red gingham dress, she stood quite tall, arms outstretched ready to “kiss” anyone who squeezed her arms together. Why I wanted this doll I don’t remember, but I do remember it was all I asked for, so when my mother took Kissy from her box for a test kiss, she remembers all but breaking down in tears when Kissy would not oblige. By now it was 9 PM and snow was flying, already several inches deep. These were the days before local shopping centers and Kissy had been purchased at Miller & Rhodes, a downtown store 15 miles from our home.

Ever the optimist, Mama made a call to the downtown store hoping someone would answer the switchboard and offer a suggestion. The gentleman who did was obviously enjoying a last minute office party, the jovial spirit sounding in his voice.

“Mrs. Patterson,” he said, “I give you my solemn promise that your little girl will wake up with a Kissy doll under her tree tomorrow morning.”

Mama hung up after giving him our address more hopeful than certain that this would be the case. She assumed by the time he came down off the table and removed the lampshade from his head, he would not remember it was even Christmas let alone locate a Kissy doll in the six story department store and deliver it to her in a raging snowstorm.

The snow continued to fall hard and fast. A bit after 11 PM, a yellow cab rounded the corner of our street and slid to a stop barely missing the ditch. A well dressed gentleman knocked on the door, red-faced from the cold wind, the office celebration or both. When he handed her the Kissy doll, bowed deeply and wished her all the joy of the season, Mama did not see a tipsy executive, she saw the real Santa Claus. Needless to say, we shopped at Miller & Rhodes until they closed their doors many years later, and although this is not MY Christmas memory per se, it’s one of my favorites just the same.

Although Sharon Stanley has been writing for years, it was only after her youngest graduated high school that she got serious about it. She picked up her pencil and paper, joined the SCBWI and got busy. She has two picture books under contract and looks forward to seeing them published. Sharon lives with her husband, two grown boys, three dogs, three cats and lots and lots of cows on a working farm in Virginia. She enjoys all sorts of artistic and creative endeavors and blogs about her publishing journey and farm life at www.sharonstanleywrites.blogspot.com. Her life is a crop circle of craziness that affords her a never-ending supply of subject matter for all the stories she writes.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

December 2012 Issue of Guardian Angel Kids Available!




M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine

Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com

For Immediate Release

Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Courage – December 2012 Issue

Courage instilled in children from the onset will develop over time to monumental positive actions. Starting with the simplest act of having the courage to ask questions in an effort to learn, especially when you think no one else could possibly have the same question. To always telling the truth even though disciplinary actions may be the result or standing up to the school bully when everyone else is afraid to. Courage comes from one’s positive surroundings and the support from our loved ones to live our lives in a positive manner.
Come explore the world of Guardian Angel Kids through the thought provoking short stories and articles of what it means to be courageous and how being so can be rewarding in immeasurable ways. Digging deep down to right a wrong in The Secret and Beyond the Evergreen are examples of truthfulness, discovering the admiration of sisterhood in Its Life, encouraging our children to reach their full potential in Courage-Reach for the Stars, and how teaching children to write their own stories provides them with an outlet to let their voice soar in Writing with Kids.

Surf on over to Guardian Angel Kids today www.guardian-angel-kids.com, enjoy a child safe ad free Ezine and visit the writers and illustrators in the Guardian Angel Kids December 2012 issue and enjoy the inspiring poetry, stories, articles and activities.

We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247.

Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at  submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com and let them know what you think of Guardian Angel Kids and what you'd like to see in the future. They aim to please.

The Guardian Angel Kids Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.

Guardian Angel Publishing Illustrators Discuss Creating A Book Cover


Have you ever wondered how a book cover is made? It is surprising how many different ways cover artists, book designers and/or illustrators approach the task. I talked with a few Guardian Angel Publishing illustrators to learn more about their process.

First, let’s introduce the talented ladies who took time out of their busy schedules to talk with me.  Melissa Ross, is the author/illustrator of Today I Am A Penguin. K.C. Snider has illustrated more than thirty books for Guardian Angel Publishing and Jennifer Thomas Houdeshell has already illustrated two picture books for Guardian Angel Publishing.

Thank you, ladies, for chatting with me. I’ve worked with K.C. Snider on my two chapbooks for tweens, The Weaver and The Wishing Well: Another Weaver Tale. We collaborated over both covers and I was curious if that was a standard experience or if that was simply how K.C. works. Can you give us some specific experiences?

Melissa: As both writer and illustrator of Today I Am APenguin, I wanted the cover to introduce the main two characters, Kaleigh and Ian.  I also wanted to convey the joy these two characters experience as penguins.  I chose an image where Kaleigh and Ian are enjoying one of the most fun pats of being a penguin-- sliding down an icy hill    Many people will buy a book just because there is something on the cover that catches their eye.  I chose vibrant icy blues and rich purples. This also helped create a dreamlike quality, which I imagine Antarctica feels like--a beautiful icy wonderland of whites, blues, purples and pinks.

K.C.: For The Town of Masquerade by Jack Samuels, the publisher, author, and I collaborated on the nature of the story to come up with an unusual book cover design to match the unusual storyline.  Even the colors used in the background and on the masks are at opposite sides of the color wheel.  I collaborate extensively with my publisher because she has a lot of great ideas and I can elaborate from them.  The author sent in his ideas of the important parts of the story he wanted to see incorporated on the cover.  When I have the ideas, I run them past my publisher first so she can critique them with how well they match the story in one quick look.  In this case, she came up with the idea of using the thespian masks of tragedy and comedy and having children climbing them.  I had an idea of the color scheme and of how the children would be climbing, how many children would look good, how to balance the illustration as a whole, and what kind of story it would tell in one glance.  If you notice you can only see one child’s face, the one at the top of the masks is wearing a mask.  The cover must draw in the public’s eye and it must be a reflection of the real story within the book.

Jennifer: I'm honored to be the illustrator of the touching, sensitive story, Ebeneezer’sCousin, by author Kristen K. Zajac, about a military family. This was the first book I illustrated for Guardian Angel Publishing, so I was delighted to find I'd be given total artistic freedom to create the cover in any manner I chose. Of course I carefully based it on the text so it provided enticing clues to the story's plot. I wanted to focus on the endearing face of  "Maria," the little girl who is the main character, as she held her much loved stuffed animal pal, the monkey, Ebeneezer. I used the circular bands of color to heighten that focal point, and I put the U.S. flag in Ebeneezer's hand to reveal that it's a patriotic story.

The author, Kristen, didn't see the cover until I had completely finished it, but she had seen all of the other completed illustrations by then and was most enthusiastic about them. I created the cover last.  She was delighted with it as were the child I had chosen as my model and her parents. Just remembering their joyful reactions and that of our fine publisher, Lynda Burch, still makes me smile. That is a soul satisfying experience for an illustrator! 

 ***

Thank you ladies. Let me share a little background on my book covers. On my first book, The Weaver, my publisher knew I wanted a house as the focal point and that I wanted it to have an old world, village feel. When K.C. was visiting St Louis for a big author/illustrator event, she and our publisher, Lynda, drove around town taking pictures of houses. Lynda had first hand knowledge of a house that she felt would portray my ‘village in the mountains’ feel. K.C. brought the pictures back and I fell in love with the house. In order for K.C. to create the character, Unwanted, I read the passage that described him.

I was more prepared for my second book cover, The Wishing Well: Another Weaver Tale. There is a house in my hometown that looks like it belongs in a quiet hamlet in the Alp. So I knocked on the door and asked, “Could your house model for my next book cover?” The homeowner readily agreed and even provided some digital pictures from a more bloom-filled season that I immediately forwarded to K.C.

I was thrilled with the collaboration and the amount of input I had on my covers and, of course, I’m in awe of K.C.’s talent. Is developing the cover always such a team event? How do you decide the elements, the colors, or even the culture? Do other authors give you pictures? Do you have to do research?

K.C.: Some covers require specific ethnicity, expression, colors, and personality to match the characters in the book.  In the case of Masquerade, most of the children are from family photos of the children in my family and my publisher’s family.  A couple of children are based on generic pictures from magazine ads, etc.

There is always research to be done.  How much is needed depends on the story.  Historical books require the most research to be sure everything is accurately depicted.  In Masquerade, the town is based on pictures from playgrounds, and pictures of Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, Missouri, that my publisher provided.  As an artist, I can easily come up with ideas; the difficult part is finding what will fit my ideas from real life.  For example, there is no description of any of the masks in this story nor was there a requirement to put masks on the trees, clocks, fire hydrants, etc.  I even put my little dachshund, Jack, in one of the pictures wearing a mask.  No one told me how to dress the characters or who to show as adults in the town and what they do.  Each illustration depicts a part of the story and a different piece of the town without being told, “I want a little boy standing just so… wearing such and such… in these colors…and crying.’”
 
Jennifer: I always find models to use for the human characters in the books I illustrate. Then I gather all of them together in one place and take photos of them acting out the various scenes in the text. I take close ups of the various expressions on their faces and then start sketching the people, composing the scenes and creating the appropriate settings. Then I do the final, detailed drawings using the photos for reference and begin the painting process.

 I did have to do a lot of research on military uniforms and insignias, various foreign locations, medical equipment and even capuchin monkeys for the illustrations themselves but not for the cover. I even went to a primate sanctuary to sketch capuchins. I created Ebeneezer after seeing a cute stuffed animal in a store window.

The author wanted the characters in this story to be Hispanic, so I chose the models accordingly. The little girl spoke only Spanish, and I only English, but with plenty of smiles and the help of my wonderful bilingual friend who was playing her mom, we did just fine. The child knew her well, but she had just met the man I chose to play the role of the father on the actual day of the photo shoot, so at first she was shy. Soon, however she was laughing and talking. They were all good actors to be able to portray a close family so convincingly. They all loved the book when it came out and were proud to be a part of it.
 
Melissa: Because my story is an educational one, it was very important to me to illustrate the anatomy of the penguins and other marine life in the story as accurately as possible while still maintaining their people-like qualities.   

I used many books with pictures of penguins as well as photos from the internet as models to work from.  I would have preferred real penguins to study, but the trip to Antarctica was a little too pricey, not to mention way to cold for a Texas gal.

***

There is so much work involved, isn’t there? It isn’t a matter of sitting in front of a canvas and painting any ole picture.

It was K.C.’s idea to add the milk bottle on the cover of The Weaver, which was a perfect addition because of how he meets the main character, Mary. Were there elements on the cover that surprised your author or did they have input on all of it? 

Melissa: Being the author as well, I was blessed to have freedom to create a cover of my choosing.  I wanted it fun, colorful, simple and eye catching.  Hopefully that was accomplished.

K.C.: The final rendering was a good collaboration, more with my publisher than with the author, so it was a surprise to Jack (the author, not my dog).  He was delighted with it. My publisher saw it as it was coming together, so if she was surprised, it was with how well the colors worked together.

Thank you ladies for giving us a look inside the process of creating a book cover. Our readers can learn more about your work by visiting your websites.

 
Melissa Ross: 
http://www.melissa-ross.com/
K.C. Snider:  http://www.kcsniderart.com/
Jennifer Houdeshell:  www.zhibit.org/jenniferhoudeshellartist 

Monday, November 26, 2012

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES JACK FOSTER, ILLUSTRATOR OF “CHANCES ARE”


Congratulations on the release of Chances Are. Please tell us more about it.

Chances Are is an alphabet, animal, crazy rhyming book. It is filled with giggle producing pictures of soccer playing moles, bike riding peacocks, sports car driving baboons and much, much more.

What medium did you use for illustrating this book? How do you choose?

Jack: I have been an airbrush artist for 25 years. Several years ago I learned how to airbrush digitally. I get great results without all the messy cleanup! I usually sketch with pencil. Then I scan in the sketch and paint it digitally.

What is your favorite illustration from the book? Why?

Jack: I think it is the pink flamingos sipping cider in the shade. Because one of the flamingos is looking at the other. He has a strange look on his face like, “That’s weird. I’ve never seen a flamingo using a straw before!”

Did you have to do any research for this book?

Jack: Yes, I’m a bit embarrassed to say that the author, Susan Bangert-Wood, came up with a few animals that I had to look up. First time I ever drew a lemur.

Is this your first published book?

Jack: No, this is my 19th book for Guardian Angel Publishing. What a blessing to work for such a wonderful company. I’ve also had 4 more books published by various publishers.

We’d love to hear more about you.

While in grammar school, I was blessed to have some great teachers. I’m not talking about their teaching skills, I mean their faces! I would doodle pictures of Mr. Wilkins and his big nose and Mrs. Tanner with her silver wig and globbed-on mascara. At home I would spend night after happy night at the kitchen table copying the Sunday comics while the rest of the family watched “Happy Days.” After high school I attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago. I spent several years as a political cartoonist for a suburban newspaper.  I spent several more years airbrushing murals for libraries, churches and kid’s rooms. In 2009 Guardian Angel Publishing took a chance on me. My first book was Poodle and Doodle. I currently live near Chicago with my wife Aleithia, a dog and a cat. I have 5 grown children and 10 grandkids.

How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming Chances Are events?

Jack: I am on facebook and my blog is  jacktoon.blogspot.com

Thank you for stopping in to share Chances Are with us. Readers can order their copy here. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel Publishing.


Saturday, November 10, 2012

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES SUSAN WOOD, AUTHOR OF CHANCES ARE


Congratulations on the release of CHANCES ARE Please tell us more about it.

About the book:
An entertaining alphabet book with unusual animals doing zany things. Aardvarks, komodo dragons, and many more incredible creatures. The comical illustrations will capture the imagination while building reading skills at many levels. Also included are activities for parents/teachers to do with children.

What was the inspiration for this book?

Susan:  I love working with children and writing poetry so I thought I would combine two of my passions and create the book.

What is your favorite moment from the book?

Susan: I absolutely adore the illustrations by Jack Foster.  He does amazing work.  Overall I love how the animals are doing funny things which draws in the young readers.

Is this your first published book?

Susan: Yes. This is my first book published.

We’d love to hear more about you.

I grew up on a farm in rural Illinois with a wonderful Christian family.  I have a twin sister, Sandy, and an older brother, Darren.   I went to a small high school in Bluffs, Illinois.  I was active in MANY things.  I played basketball, volleyball, and softball.  I was also involved in band, student council, National Honor Society, and various other clubs.  I received my Bachelor of Arts in Education/Biology from Illinois College where I also continued being active in sports; volleyball, basketball, tennis, and track as well as Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  I received my Master's in Elementary Education and Reading From Western Illinois University.  I have been a teacher and coach for many years.  I married Frank Wood in 2004 and moved to Missouri.  We now have two active boys, Frank Jr. and Gary. 

I have had a passion for writing my entire life.  I published my first poem when I was around ten years old.  I enjoy writing for children as well as poetry, plays, magazine articles, musical lyrics and musical composition.  I hope to continue writing for many years.

The most important things to me are my faith in God, my family, and my friends.

Do you have any book signing events or book tours scheduled for CHANCES ARE?

Susan:  In late November I will be doing a book signing/tour in Illinois where I grew up. I hope to have a signing in Missouri some time in early December.  I'm in the process of scheduling it all now.

How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming CHANCES ARE events?

Susan:  I currently have an author's Facebook page under Susan Bangert-Wood books. The link is below.   I am also working on my personal website now thanks to my husband.


Thank you for stopping in to share CHANCES ARE with us. Readers can purchase their copy here. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel Publishing.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

October 2012 New Releases from Guardian Angel Publishing


Every child at some point in their lives has a fear of monsters. Through charming, funny rhyme, see how one child conquers her fear of the monster in her room. What happens when the child finds out that monsters have fears, too.


Matthew has a secret. He fixes things magically. Matthew secretly uses his magic to fix things for his family and friends. Later, he expands his magical good deeds by fixing things in his neighborhood. Matthew’s friend, Lily, suspects something. Matthew must decide whether to tell her the truth or not.



A tiny burro shows up at a little boy’s house and becomes a real asset to the family. The day he disappears, they never expect to see him again until he prances in one dark spooky night.


An entertaining alphabet book with unusual animals doing zany things, aardvarks, komodo dragons, and many more incredible creatures. The comical illustrations will capture the imagination while building reading skills at many levels. Also included are activities for parents/teachers to do with children.


Rachel loves to doodle on walls, on her school books, and on her back pack. Anywhere Rachel can doodle she does, but it gets her into big trouble. She tries to draw and color in other places. She learns she can mix colors to make more colors. Suddenly, Rachel’s doodling becomes a lot more fun!

Find these and other great Guardian Angel Publishing titles at www.guardianangelpublishing.com!

Friday, November 2, 2012

New Seasonal Titles from Guardian Angel Publishing


Spend your Christmas with Camille, an orphaned camel, as she leads three zany wise men and their bossy camels to the newborn King in Bethlehem. Children of all ages will love this fun, easy-to-learn Christmas musical. Finally a drama guaranteed to warm the coldest heart.

The CD has the music included! Also a music video will be available at iTunes.


After a family’s star for their Christmas tree is destroyed they search for another ornament to top the tree. They resurrect the treetop angel carried across The Oregon Trail by a young pioneer and bring the story of The Christmas Angel full circle.

Look for these and other seasonal books at www.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!



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