GAP FAMILY BLOG

Crockett Johnson	Harold and the Purple Crayon
Don Freeman	Corduroy
Dr. Seuss	Green Eggs and Ham
Eric Carle	The Very Hungry Caterpiller
Esphyr Slobodkina	Caps for Sale
Jane Yolen	Owl Moon
Jon Scieszka	The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Laura Numeroff	If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Margaret Rey	Curious George
Margaret Wise Brown	Goodnight Moon
Marucs Pfister	The Rainbow Fish
Maurice Sendak	Where the Wild Things Are
Munro Leaf	The Story of Ferdinand
P.D. Eastman	Go, Dog. Go!
Shel Silverstein	The Giving Tree

Can you match these famous children's authors to their books? Answers on Friday.

1. Crockett Johnson  ___
2. Don Freeman  ___
3. Dr. Seuss  ___
4. Eric Carle  ___
5. Esphyr Slobodkina  ___
6. Jane Yolen  ___
7. Jon Scieszka  ___
8. Laura Numeroff  ___
9. Margaret Rey  ___
10. Margaret Wise Brown  ___
11. Marucs Pfister  ___
12. Maurice Sendak  ___
13. Munro Leaf  ___
14. P.D. Eastman  ___
15. Shel Silverstein  ___

A.  Corduroy
B.  Curious George
C.  The Giving Tree
D.  Goodnight Moon
E.  Go, Dog. Go!
F.  Caps for Sale
G.  Harold and the Purple Crayon
H.  The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
I.  The Story of Ferdinand
J.  Where the Wild Things Are
K. Owl Moon
L.  The Very Hungry Caterpiller
M.  If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
N.  The Rainbow Fish
O.  Green Eggs and Ham

Artist Samantha Flynn - a ten year old student!

Print ISBN: 9781616333768; 1616333766

eBook ISBN: 9781616333775; 1616333774

We congratulate all our Angels on their placement in the 2012 Preditors and Editors Reader's Poll Children's Book category:


1. Angel Donor by Jennifer Gladen
5. Angels Do That by Tracey M. Cox
9. The Wishing Well, Another Weaver Tale by Kai Strand
17. Ava's Secret Tea Party by Donna J. Shepherd

You will find these and other GAP titles at http://guardianangelpublishing.com/

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

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.

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

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/

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/

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!

I AM ME by Jennifer B Leese, art by C Iannaccone-Littlest Angels Nica Jolee has her daddy’s freckles and her mommy’s button nose. This heartwarming children's picture book teaches your child that even though they may look or act like members of their family; they are still themselves ... special and unique, and there is no one else in the whole wide world just like them.



LILLY LOLLER'S ALWAYS LATE by Janean Nusz, art by Melina Benini- Chapbooks for Tweens An alliterative story- Poor Lilly, she's always late! Late, late, late! Find out what life is like for Lilly as she lolls, lags, and lingers. Discover how you can be less like Lilly and laugh a little, too, with this tongue twisting story.

 

ANGEL DONOR by Jennifer Gladen art by Samantha Bell- Health & Hygiene Olivia never asked to have a disease like Biliary Atresia. It made her liver sick and only a transplant will make her better. After waiting several months and close to losing hope, she gets the call she's been waiting for. The journey of her life is about to begin.



ABC's of Health & SAFETY Melissa Abramovitz, art by Alex Morris -Health & Hygiene From active aerobics to heart-healthy habits to zoo zone zeal, this delightfully rhyming ABC book introduces kids to health and safety basics in a fun way. They'll learn about everything from keeping the grubbies away to kitchen safety to the importance of a healthy weight through familiar (and some new!) alphabet-linked words.


WHISTLING DIXIE Dixie Phillips, art by Laureen Caponigro -Littlest Angels Dixie lacks confidence, but she steals the show when her grandmother comes to her rescue and helps her discover a creative way to tackle stage fright. Dixie's example provides the stepping-stones timid children need to gain self-confidence and is sure to help little ones overcome foolish fears.



THE PLUMBER AND THE WISHING WELL hardcover and softcover Author Liam Maher, artist Gin May- Chapbooks for Tweens The plumber has lost his job and worries he won't be able to buy gifts for his children. Find humour and magic mixed in with surprises. The illustrations by Gin May are magnificent and gives one a sense of Christmas warmth and cheer.


THE FIRST AMERICANS by Kelly Bakshi -Academic Wings Would you use a buffalo bladder as a canteen or wear a coat made out of seal skin? Native Americans cleverly used everything in their environment in order to survive. They created games, recipes, tools, and homes based on their surroundings. A word search review game is included.



ONE LARGE PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH TO GO by Linda Derkez, art by David Fielding- Littlest Angels Scotty is in the habit of walking around with his food, leaving crumbs all over, rather than sitting at the table to eat. Mom is in the habit of letting him. One day Mom decides to use her imagination to fix this growing problem.

Find these books and more at the Guardian Angel Publishing website.

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES Dixie Phillips, AUTHOR OF Apron Strings. Congratulations on the release of Apron Strings. Please tell us more about it.

Grandma Eleanor and Lexi are attached at the heart. For Lexi’s seventh birthday, Grandma Eleanor sews her a beautiful apron. When her grandmother gets sick, Lexi is comforted by the heavenly clues she discovers in the treasured apron. This inspiration sensation is guaranteed to help mend broken hearts and shape small souls. Apron pattern included, too!

What was the inspiration for this book?

Dixie: My paternal grandmother helped raise me. When I was a little girl, she sewed me an apron exactly like the one in Apron Strings. When she passed away, I experienced some deep grief. In the midst of my sorrow, I was rummaging through a dresser drawer and rediscovered my little apron. As I studied each little stitch, God comforted my heart. I sat mesmerized by the clues my apron held.

What is your favorite moment from the book?

Dixie: I love when Lexi tells her grandmother that the apron strings will be tied around her heart forever.

Is this your first published book?

Dixie: No. I have six other titles with Guardian Angel Publishing: Angel Eyes, Stubby’s Destiny, One Noble Journey, Baby Jesus is Missing, Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother, and Stilts the Stork.

We’d love to hear more about you.

Dixie: My husband and I have been married for thirty-four years and been honored to serve the Gospel Lighthouse Church and Academy in Floyd, Iowa, for thirty years. Paul and I have four grown children, three grandboys, and one granddaughter. I am a ghostwriter and also enjoy songwriting. Our hands are full, but our hearts are even fuller.

Do you have any book signing events or book tours scheduled for Apron Strings?

Dixie: In the Spring, I will begin my book signings.

How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming Apron Strings events?

Dixie: They can go to my blog at www.writing4littleones.blogspot.com or my website at www.phillipsandphillipsmusic.com and www.floydslighthouse.com.

Thank you for stopping in to share Apron Strings with us. Readers can purchase a copy direct from GAP’s website. We are proud to add it to the ever-growing line of quality titles from Guardian Angel Publishing.

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


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

Email: submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com
Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com/


For Immediate Release




Welcome to the March 2012 issue of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine (GAK). This month our theme for GAK is The Human Body.

Did you know that you lose 60 – 100 strands of hair every day? Or that fingernails grow nearly four times faster than toenails? The distance around the earth is 25,000 miles. If you measured the length of all of a child's blood vessels, the total would be 60,000 miles. In an adult, it would be 100,000 miles or nearly four times the distance around the earth.

And that bothersome earwax that seems to build up so frequently? It protects the delicate inner ear. Our bodies are indeed complex and amazing.

Come explore the world of "The Human Body" through featured books, poetry, activities, engaging stories, and articles http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/.

LETTER FROM THE POETRY EDITOR: Donna J. Shepherd

FEATURED BOOKS:
Muscles Make Us Move: The Sum of Our Parts Series - Flip Book by Bill Kirk & Artist Eugene Ruble

Human Anatomy Video by Dejan Kober

CHILDREN'S POETRY, ACTIVITIES, SHORT STORIES, AND ARTICLES:

In the Bone Zone by Bill Kirk – learn about the skeleton through this amusing poem.

Games and Activities to Teach the Human Body by Kathy Stemke – games and activities that require whole body participation will attract children’s imaginations.
If I Have to be Normal by Juliana Jones and illustrated by Clara Batton Smith – finding a healthy balance even if you don’t follow the “normal” way.

Listen Up! by Laura Thomas and illustrated by Jack Foster – school girl Jasmine discovers the hard way why we are created with two ears and just one mouth.

Excuse Me, I Burped! by Layne Fleming – you open your mouth to speak and out comes a burp. You’re embarrassed. You wonder why you burped.

Read Aloud Tips and Strategies: How Educators and Parents Can Sustain Interest by Dorit Sasson – both educators and parents play a strong role in ensuring young readers are engaged during read aloud time.

Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/  and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.

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.

Shellie wonders what it would be like to be a different animal. After all, some can fly, leap, hop, flutter, and so many other things. Her big brother explains to look inside yourself and like what you see to find true happiness.


A young boy, Frank, moves to the Moon. He realizes that things he took for granted on earth are now much more difficult to overcome. Learn how he adapts to his new environment and share in his new life lessons on the Moon.



Rooty Rooster ignores a new chick because he finds him both scary and disgusting. The new chick, a baby vulture, struggles to win Rooty’s heart. And when he does, Rooty invites him to join him in a crowing session on top of the barn roof.

Here is another New Year's resolution from a member of the GAP family. Cheryl C. Malandrinos is the author of Little Shepherd.

I stopped making New Year's resolutions a long time ago. This year, however, I am in the middle of many changes in  my life and resolutions in regards to my writing seem more important than ever.

In 2012, I resolve to work hard at finding homes for the six picture books I wrote during May 2011's Picture Book Writing Week. Two have been rejected by literary agents already, but I will spend part of 2012 revising them and sharing them with my critique groups to see if I can change that. In addition, despite the fact that I plan to return to working outside my home for the first time in eight years, I resolve to finish my two works in progress--Hold Your Horses (Christian juvenile) and Amelia's Mission (middle grade historical)--and get them ready for submission.




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 also 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 Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com/ or visit the Little Shepherd book blog at http://littleshepherdchildrensbook.blogspot.com/

Wishing all our readers a happy and healthy new year! Thank you for your continued support of Guardian Angel Publishing, its staff, authors and illustrators.

Here is another New Year's Resolution from one of our Angels. Janet Ann Collins is the author of The Peril of the Sinister Scientist, Secret Service Saint, and most recently Signs of Trouble.


Janet Ann Collins is a writer, teacher, parent, and grandparent. She has been a columnist and feature writer for newspapers, her work has appeared in periodicals and anthologies, and she is the author of three books for kids.

You can visit Janet online at http://www.janetanncollins.com/ and her blog at http://onwordsblog.blogspot.com/

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