GAP FAMILY BLOG

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!

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/

The day after Thanksgiving is often the day families decorate their homes for Christmas. But in my friend’s household, it is the kickoff day of a beloved family tradition. Each year, Jen pulls out a decorative sleigh large enough for a toddler to sit in and fills it with their collection of Christmas books. She’s been collecting books related to the Christmas holiday since her boys were babies. They have titles that range from traditional stories to quirky tales. But what makes the tradition so special in my eyes is that each night from the evening the books are set out until Christmas itself, her boys pick one book to be read. At some point in the evening, after homework is completed, or tae-kwon-do class is over, but before the boys shuffle off to brush their teeth and maybe even curl up with a book of their own, Jen and her boys settle together in the living room to read a Christmas story. They have some favorite books, which have been read repeatedly over the years, but they also look forward to sharing new stories together.

Can’t you just picture the cozy scene? The boys cuddled under their throws either laughing at Christmas antics or in awe over the story of Jesus’ birth; and Jen, sharing those moments night after night, year after year with her (now 10 and 13 yr old) boys.

What a lovely and enduring tradition.

Guardian Angel Publishing has several holiday titles to kick-start your annual tradition, or, as in the case of my friend, add to an existing one:

A BLESSED BETHLEHEM BIRTH- www.guardianangelpublishing.com/blessedbirth.htm

A STAR IN THE NIGHT- www.guardianangelpublishing.com/star-night.htm

ANGEL EYES- www.guardianangelpublishing.com/angel-eyes.htm

BABY JESUS IS MISSING! - www.guardianangelpublishing.com/baby-jesus.htm

CAMILLE'S JOURNEY: Christmas Musical Play & Master www.guardianangelpublishing.com/camille.htm

CURLEY, THE CROOKED CHRISTMAS TREE- www.guardianangelpublishing.com/curley.htm

LITTLE SHEPHERD- www.guardianangelpublishing.com/little-shepherd.htm

O CHRISTMAS TREE- www.guardianangelublishing.com/o-christmas-tree.htm

ONE FAMILY'S CHRISTMAS- www.guardianangelpublishing.com/christmas-angel.htm

SECRET SERVICE SAINT- www.guardianangelpublishing.com/secret-saint.htm

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT- www.guardianangelpublishing.com/best-xmas-gift.htm

THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL- http://guardianangelpublishing.com/christmas-angel.htm

'TWAS THE YEAR CHRIST LEFT CHRISTMAS - http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/christ-left.htm

Kai Strand is the author of The Weaver, a tween chapbook that offers a little magic and a lot of storytelling. Though it isn’t a Christmas title, it would make a fine Christmas present for any 9 – 12 year old.

GAP author Cheryl C. Malandrinos is going to be traveling the blogosphere in November and December to talk about her Christian children's picture book, Little Shepherd.

Obed is in the hills outside Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth. Can he trust the miracle of Christmas to keep his flock safe while he visits the newborn King?

Read the reviews!

“Little Shepherd by Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a fresh rendition of the familiar story of the angels appearing to the shepherds in the field and announcing the birth of the Savior. The unique slant to this particular retelling of the scriptural story is that the reader sees the event through the eyes of a little shepherd boy, tending his first-ever flock of sheep. As a grandmother, I would be delighted to read this story to my grandchildren. As such, I recommend it to parents/grandparents/teachers everywhere who wish to bring this passage of scripture to life for impressionable young hearts to understand”.

–Kathi Macias, radio host and award-winning author of more than 30 books, including the Extreme Devotion series and Valeria’s Cross

“Heartstrings will be tugged as readers journey to the manger with a little shepherd boy. Obed’s father entrusted him with his first flock of sheep. Everything seems to be going perfect until angels fill the sky with an unusual request. Obed’s gripping tale promises to inspire and become a family favorite.”

–Dixie Phillips, award-winning author of Stubby’s Destiny, Angel Eyes, and other Christian children’s books

“The Christmas liturgy, presented from a child’s point of view – simple, innocent, open to wondrous occurrences – both highlights the majesty and wonder of Christ’s birth and makes the liturgy accessible to God’s beloved little ones. I bought four copies already for the children in my family and I can’t wait to present them. I’m sure this book will be treasured and read over and over again. This is a beautiful version of the greatest story ever told and I highly recommend it.”

-K.M. Daughters, author of Rose of the Adriatic

“The book is a fresh reinterpretation of a familiar biblical story of the angels appearing to the shepherds announcing the birth of the Saviour. Cheryl has a unique slant on the retelling of this scriptural story. The reader will see the events unfold through the eyes of a little shepherd boy, tending his first-ever flock of sheep. It is an enchanting story that will bring the important message to young readers.”

-V.S. Grenier, author of Babysitting SugarPaw

“While the title character may have more responsibilities than a child of today, tending to an entire flock of sheep, Malandrinos balances the difference in time period by showing the child-like joy experienced by the adult shepherds at seeing the Messiah. They willingly leave their sheep – even with wolves nearby – in order to heed the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. He wonders what could be so important that they would do such a thing. Their reaction to the newborn intrigues him, and he yearns to discover what it all means. It is a beautiful lesson for young readers to experience. The most important thing in life is not one’s job, status or material wealth. It is God.”

–Nicole Langan, Tribute Book Reviews

“This story gives us a fresh look at the miracle that happened so long ago. This is the kind of book parents should read to their children on the night before Christmas, one that should be in every family’s library to become a family tradition.”

-Marilyn Meredith, author of Lingering Spirit



Cheryl Malandrinos’ LITTLE SHEPHERD VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER ’11 will officially begin on November 1 and end on December 15, 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/09/22/little-shepherd-virtual-book-tour-november-and-december-2011/.



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.

Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger. She is also a former 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/ or visit the Little Shepherd book blog at http://littleshepherdchildrensbook.blogspot.com/.

January 2011
Contact: Jennifer Gladen
Philadelphia, PA
http://www.jengladen.com/

On January 18, 2011, A Star in the Night, written by Jennifer Gladen and illustrated by K.C. Snider, was awarded the Catholic Writers Guild (CWG) Seal of Approval (SOA) award. The award is given to fiction and non-fiction books which are consistent with Church teaching and are faithful to the Magesterium.

A Star in the Night is a story about Christmas and its real meaning. Is it all about the shopping, gifts, cookies and parties? Or is there something more David is missing?

As taken from the book’s blurb: "David makes his way home on Christmas Eve and sees this is no ordinary night. Accompanied by a shimmering star and some tough decisions, David encounters three experiences that will change his view of Christmas forever. Join David on his wondrous journey home."

Just what are some people saying about A Star in the Night?

"A touching tale with a great Christmas message."
--Cheryl C. Malandrinos , December 1, 2010

"Great book for the holiday season - true meaning of Christmas"

--Customer, Barnes and Noble.com

Jennifer Gladen is a children’s author, mother of three and teacher who lives and writes in Pennsylvania. She has written several children’s books, stories and articles, and started her own Catholic e-zine titled My Light Magazine. When not writing, teaching or mothering, she enjoys singing in her local parish choir on Sundays.

To purchase A Star in the Night, visit:

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

ISBN# 1616330554

To schedule an interview or to contact the author, send an e-mail to:

Jennifer_gladen5@msn.com

The following Guardian Angel Publishing titles are currently listed as Amazon bestsellers in the Large Print Chrildren's Books category.

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?




In the hills outside Bethlehem, Obed guards his first flock of sheep. When the angels appear to tell of the Savior’s birth, he is hesitant to follow the others to see the new King. Can he trust that the miracles of Christmas will keep his flock safe?

Look for these and other Guardian Angel Publishing titles at our website and at:

Amazon.com


Barnesandnoble.com

Indiebound.org and other online retailers!

Looking for seasonal titles to share with the young person in your life? Here are some books from Guardian Angel Publishing that might fit the bill.

In the hills outside Bethlehem, Obed guards his first flock of sheep. When the angels appear to tell of the Savior’s birth, he is hesitant to follow the others to see the new King. Can the miracles of Christmas keep Obed's flock safe until his return?









The annual Christmas decorating contest left no room for Jesus until little Josiah Carr teaches his mommy and daddy the true spirit of Christmas is finding Jesus. This captivating story is guaranteed to warm the coldest heart and become a Christmas favorite for families everywhere.



Melissa is a young girl who moves with her family to Oregon via The Oregon Trail. She has been allowed to bring one prized possession and she struggles to see that the porcelain angel that has topped the family Christmas tree makes the journey safely. This adventure on the Oregon Trail has added educational tools including a map, lists of supplies, info on the trail, links to sites and games about the Oregon trail. Five extra pages of activities.



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. (Sequel to The Christmas Angel).





Loosely based on legends about a famous saint, this book tells the story of Nicholas, who discovered the fun of doing secret good deeds. Kids who read or hear the story at any time of the year will be challenged to do the same.





Have you ever wondered what would happen if Christ were kicked out of Christmas? When people decide to celebrate without Christ, they ask him to leave. But with no Christ in Christmas, what miracle will be left to ponder? Find out in this new take on the classic holiday poem.






This book is a unique dialogue in rhyme between a grandmother and grandson exploring the true meaning of Christmas.


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?


All these titles and more are available at the Guardian Angel Publishing website found at http://guardianangelpublishing.com/. Our books are also available at:

Amazon.com
Barnesandnoble.com
Indiebound.org and other online retailers!

Cheryl C. Malandrinos, author of Little Shepherd, will be a special guest on the popular Blogtalkradio show, A Book and A Chat with Storyheart.

Join Storyheart at 11 AM Eastern on Saturday, December 4, 2010 for A Book and A Chat sit down with GAP children’s author Cheryl C. Malandrinos. You can listen online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond and call in your questions to 347- 237-5398.

Malandrinos’ picture book, Little Shepherd has hit the Amazon bestseller’s list in the Large Print Children’s Books category four times since its release.

Here is what reviewers are saying about Little Shepherd:

“It's a great book for families during the holidays looking to bring more depth and understanding to the standard nativity story."

--Christy’s World of Books

“Little Shepherd is a great Christmas story for children between the ages of 4-8 that inspires faith and trust in something that cannot be seen, but can be felt in the heart and in the soul. This book would make a great addition to any Christmas collection as well as in any religious setting.”

--The Crypto-Capers Review

“Your first reaction may be, oh goodness another story on the birth of Christ. Toss those thoughts away and immerse yourself and your children into the magical arrival of Christ the Lord. Children’s author, Cheryl C. Malandrinos has re-explored and created a beautiful re-enactment of Christ the Lord’s birth in a unique and awe inspiring rendition which surely will become classical reading in Christian religious school studies and home libraries.

The old time illustrations expertly created by illustrator, Eugene Ruble will leave you feeling that you journeyed through the countryside with Obed and his fellow shepherds.”

--Donna McDine, award-winning author of The Golden Pathway

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer, online book publicist, blogger and reviewer. She is a founding member of Musing Our Children and Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages &Pens. Little Shepherd is her first book.

Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com/.

Storyheart (Barry Eva) is the author of the YA romance novel, Across the Pond and the host of the popular Blogtalkradio show, A Book and A Chat.

You’ll find Storyheart online at http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/.

Contact information:
Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Email: cg20pm00@gmail.com
Website: http://ccmalandrinos.com