GAP FAMILY BLOG

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Guardian Angel Publishing is pleased to announce that Fantastic Flight by Barbara Bockman and illustrated by Jack Foster has been awarded the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

After one night at her grandparents’ beach house, Jessica is ready to go home to Mommy and Daddy. Grandma suggests a fantastic outing with Grandpa that sounds like fun. The balloon Grandpa buys for Jessica takes them on a fantastic flight where they meet some unusual characters.

Suggested ages for readers: 4-7

PRINT ISBN:9781616332044; 1616332042
eBook ISBN: 9781616332051 1616332050

You can purchase this and other GAP books at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

Janet: Thank you very much for interviewing me.

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.

GAP FAMILY BLOG WELCOMES Roey Ebert, AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR OF Put it Back, Jack. Congratulations on the release of Put it Back, Jack. Please tell us more about it.

Roey: It is the story of two young brothers who take a walk through the woods. The younger brother, Jack, decides to take something from the woods much to the surprise of his older brother, Max. Both brothers end up falling in love with this creature but know it must return to its family. This book brings together the beauty of nature and family and how they must always stay intact.

What was the inspiration for this book?

Roey: My son, Jack, found a baby deer hidden in our ivy. It was so small he could have put it in his pocket. Instead of that option, I convinced him to let me write a book about it. And, that’s exactly what I did.

What is your favorite moment from the book?

Roey: The moment when big brother Max starts to love the baby deer as much as Jack. It is the moment when they kick the soccer ball in the basement, just as best friends would. He was no longer the big brother but a best friend.

What is your favorite illustration from the book?

Roey: Without a doubt, the picture of Jack kissing the baby deer in the basement. This was the painting that I felt I really had it right. I had Jack the way I like him and the deer the way I wanted him. And you could feel the love between this little boy and this little forest animal, just by the way the deer reached up to kiss Jack.

Is this your first published book?

Roey: I have illustrated before but never authored a book. So this is my first published book that I have written.

What medium did you use for illustrating this book?

Roey: I used acrylic gouache and black ink.

How do you choose?

Roey: It was definitely trial and error. I started with acrylic…my favorite medium and then had a workshop with Lindsay Barrett George who encouraged me to use gouache. I had tried charcoal pencils and watercolor and did not like the outcome. So, I tried gouache and was hooked. I loved the pigment and the control. I also used black ink to outline.

Did you have to do any research to illustrate this book?

Roey: Yes, my son, Duke, gave me pictures of deer and gave me his toy deer to sketch. I also made my children pose in all kinds of positions to get it right. I used old photos of my 15-year-old, from when he was 2 years old, because he had the look I was going for…big head, big belly and lots of mischief.

We’d love to hear more about you.

Roey: I am the mom to 6 kids…15 years to 2 years. I recently started my own company called Roey’s Paintbox Parties, canvas painting parties, out of the belief that you should never waste your talents. This company combines my love of art, teaching and just plain, fun into a business. I am so proud of this first book. Even as an 8th grade teacher, I would incorporate children’s storybooks into my lesson planning. To me, there is nothing like the feeling of being read a good story.

Do you have any book signing events or book tours scheduled for Put it Back, Jack?

Roey: Yes, I did multiple school visits during Catholic Schools’ Week in the Lehigh Valley, PA. I have events planned at a large elementary school in Allentown, PA called St. Thomas More for April and another for St. Theresa’s in Hellertown, PA in April. I plan on visiting local bookstores and other schools in the near future.

How can our readers learn more about you and any upcoming Put it Back, Jack events?

Roey: I have a website http://www.roeyebert.com/ which lists my events.

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

To find these and other titles by our talented GAP family members, please visit us online at http://guardianangelpublishing.com/.

Artist K.C. Snider, who has illustrated such Guardian Angel Publishing books as the award-winning historical storybook, The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine, the tween chapter book, The Weaver by Kai Strand, the Andy and the Albino Horse series by Mary Jean Kelso, and newly released, The Milk Horse by Cat Luce, has become a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

K.C. Snider, an honors graduate from The Eugene School for Art, is a prominent Oregon artist. Her love of the western life and of wildlife has been developed since her youth. She had a natural talent for drawing and color exhibited since she was ten years old. She has shared her talents as an Art Instructor at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. Her painting, the “Brothers of the Wolves I”, has been published by Colorado’s Leanin’ Tree, Inc. Her painting, “Spirit of the Hunter,” was chosen by Leanin' Tree for the 2006 Christmas card line.

Originally specializing in Western Art, K.C. has branched out into a variety of styles and subjects. Her collection of oil paintings, lithographs, and pencil drawings include portraits of the All-American Cowboy and Cowgirl and their lifestyles of days gone by. Recently, K.C. has been sculpting using a variety of subjects including cowboys, domestic animals and other funny caricatures and is working on her first bronze, “The All-American Cowgirl.”

K.C.’s paintings incorporate horses of all breeds, majestic wolves and buffalo herds, as well as eagles and other native birds of prey, in their rustic natural habitats. The western terrain in her art is not only very detailed, but it also transcends time. Now a resident of Redmond, Oregon, K.C. is inspired by the natural beauty of the high desert of Central Oregon. In some of her works, if one looks closely, the visions of spirits create an inspiring visual impact. K.C. has a gift for capturing the shimmering iridescence of the spirit world. In her reverent detail, one can almost hear the howl of wolves and the trampling of running horses on dusty trails as their stories depicted on the canvases come to life in the mind’s eye.

K.C.’s artwork has won many awards during her long career. Her rainbow collection of prize ribbons from all over the Northwest is as colorful as her work. Recently, K.C. has won plaques from the 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Western Art Roundup at Winnemucca, Nevada. She has won prizes in several categories, as well as the prestigious Snaffle Bit Award for her authentic Western Art, the Pioneer Award for the depiction of life on the High Desert, and the Indian Heritage Award for her piece titled, “Hope of the White Buffalo.”

K.C. has now completed illustrating a number of children’s’ books. The Christmas Angel, with author Mary Jean Kelso and The Magic Violin, with Mayra Calvani were the first of the books published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

You can visit her website at http://www.kcsniderart.com/  She also has two blogs: http://blog.kcsniderart.com/  and http://andyandthealbinohorse.blogspot.com/.

Guardian Angel Publishing recently released O Christmas Tree by Lindsay Bonilla and illustrated by Jack Foster.

The Marshalls, a family wrapped up in their holiday traditions, can hardly wait to celebrate the season by decorating their Christmas tree. But when their tree, Treena, unexpectedly comes to life, she teaches them a lesson about the true meaning of the Christmas that they will never forget.

To celebrate the book's release, Lindsay is offering a FREE copy as a giveaway during her interview at Through His Eyes. The winner will be announced at the Through His Eyes blog on November 14th. Find additional details at: http://throughhiseyestoo.blogspot.com/2011/11/o-christmas-tree-by-lindsay-bonilla.html

The following Guardian Angel Publishing titles have been nominated in the Global eBook Awards.

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.





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.




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. 
 
Look for these and other GAP titles at http://guardianangelpublishing.com/.

Nancy Stewart, author of the newly released GAP title, One Pelican at a Time, will be showing a PowerPoint presentation at the Illinois Reading Council Conference in Springfield, Illinois on Thursday, March 17, 2011.

Literacy Through Green Colored Glasses-Picture Book Activities to Help Kids Save Their Planet includes activities for children that empower them to care for and nurture their planet and have fun at the same time!

You can find more information about Nancy, her book, and this presentation by visiting the author's website at http://www.nancystewartbooks.com/.

One Pelican at a Time is the first US children's book to address the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of April 20,2010. The book features Bella and Britt and their heroic efforts to save their friend, the old crooked beak pelican, whom they've known all their lives.

An author's page gives facts about the spill as well as some green tips on how to save energy and make us less dependent on fossil fuel. Britt and Bella lead us all by example.


After having been an elementary school teacher, a management consultant with New Options, Inc. in New York City and a university professor of education, Nancy Stewart now writes children’s books full time. She, her husband and three sons, lived in London for eight years, where she was a consultant to several universities, including Cambridge.

Nancy travels extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. She is the US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education.

Nancy is the author of One Pelican at a Time and two other Bella books: Bella Saves the Beach and Sea Turtle Summer, soon to be published by Guardian Angel Publishers. Nancy will be a presenter at the Illinois Reading Council Conference on March 17, 2011.

She and her family live in St. Louis and Clearwater Beach, Florida.


Nancy will be going on a virtual book tour in April and May 2011 to talk about One Pelican at a Time. Please visit http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/01/19/one-pelican-at-a-time-virtual-book-tour-march-and-april-2011/ for more information on her tour.

Taconi, a young aboriginal boy living on Coorparoo Cattle Station, in outback Australia, fears the unknown. His upcoming Man Ceremony, Dreamtime Spirits, and his Dad’s change of job are just three of the unknowns he must tackle. Claude, his chatty cockatoo, offers wise one-liners. Yet Taconi must discover courage and insight for himself.


Purchase Taconi & Claude: Double Trouble by Margot Finke by clicking here!



Mini-moi is only six hands tall. He wants to work on the farm like the big horses, but he’s too small. When Mini-moi runs away he finds a whole menagerie of animals in need. Children will delight in the animal antics as Mini-moi discovers that even little ones can be big helpers. Along the way learn French vocabulary and phrases. Includes a glossary of terms.



Purchase Clip-Clop, Tippity Tap by Kim Chatel and illustrated bu Kathleen Bullock by clicking here!



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.


Purchase One Pelican at a Time by Nancy Stewart and illustrated by Samantha Bell by clicking here!




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.


Purchase Down By The Shore by Marilee Crow and photographed by MarySue Roberts by clicking here!




"It’s an alien from outer space! … It’s a strange and smelly creature! … It’s a mysterious, roaring animal! … It’s my baby sister?!" Jenna uses her imagination to understand this new person in her life. When she finally sees things as they are, will Jenna like what she sees?


Purchase What Is That Thing? by Kevin McNamee and illustrated by K.C. Snider by clicking here!





Plenty of chuckles will be delivered in this rhymed topsy-turvy adventure about a ditzy stork who adopts an orphaned “egg” she discovers on a golf course. Can a zany stork, who adopts an orphaned “egg” that she discovers on a golf course, deliver plenty of chuckles? Yes! This rhymed, topsy-turvy adventure is guaranteed to tickle your child’s funny bone. Anyone who can follow the antics of Stilts without a chortle or two is an odd bird indeed.

Purchase Stilts, The Stork by Dixie Phillips and illustrated by K.C. Snider by clicking here!


FIND MORE GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING BOOKS AT http://guardianangelpublishing.com/!

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?




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.



Frederico is a tiny mouse with a big dream: he wants to become a violinist. Each day he watches as Stradivari makes his famous violins. Each night, he sneaks into the workshop to play. But the violins are too big! Then, unbeknown to Frederico, Stradivari sees him playing and begins carving a tiny device. Could it be a famous Strad especially for Frederico?



Jamie had the best dream last night. Now he wants to buy it for his mom. Jamie is having a great day. He has French toast for breakfast; gets a gold star in spelling; wishes on a puffball; meets a unicorn; finds Dreams R Us, and buys his mom a dream.

Find all these books and more by visiting the Guardian Angel Publishing website at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/!

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 Obed trust that the miracle of the first Christmas will keep his sheep safe until he returns?

With expedited shipping, you can still order these books in time for Christmas from http://www.amazon.com/!

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!

When Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special Ed. “No way! Kids will think I’m dumb.” But go he does, and with amazing results.


Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D" by Margot Finke and illustrated by Ellen Gurak

Purchase a copy here!


Frederico is a tiny mouse with a big dream: he wants to become a violinist. Each day he watches as Stradivari makes his famous violins. Each night, he sneaks into the workshop to play. But the violins are too big! Then, unbeknown to Frederico, Stradivari sees him playing and begins carving a tiny device. Could it be a famous Strad especially for Frederico?



Frederico, the Mouse Violinist by Marya Calvani and illustrated by K.C. Snider

Purchase your copy here!

A green carpet lays where snow once did. Springtime flowers and crawly bugs confuse and delight baby as he explores Mother Nature with Momma for the first time in this delightful nursery rhyme.



First Spring by Margaret Rose and illustrated by Marina Movshina

Purchase your copy here!

Emma comes from three generations of Air Force pilots and misses her father when he travels. Her best friend Adam tries to cheer her up. Emma’s great grandfather, one of the first African American pilots during World War II, shares his life story with Emma and Adam and helps them appreciate the spirit of service.

Chasing the Spirit of Service by Kristen Zajac and illustrated by Julie Tucker

Purchase your copy here!



Chester, The Watchcat by Jeff Clineff and illustrated by Eugene Ruble

Purchase your copy here!


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

Purchase your copy here!


Guardian Angel Publishing titles are also available at:



Amazon.com

Barnesandnoble.com

Indiebound.org.

Fictionwise.com and other online retailers!

Jake, the Hedgehog, is excited—it’s his birthday! But the party isn’t until 6:00 pm, so Jake will have to wait. As readers follow along with Jake’s daily activities—playing outside, reading, taking a bath. They can watch the clock for him, too.


It's Birthday Time, Jake written and illustrated by Samantha Bell

Purchase here! 


Ribbert and his family have to find a new home when their old pond begins to dry up. Hop along with them as they explore the world around them, avoid a snake, and see if they can find a new pond that’s deep-deep-and-deeper.

Ribbert's Way Home by Tracy M. Cox and illustrated by Alexander Morris

Purchase here!


One night at bedtime Teresa discovers Corky, a furry visitor, in her room. Corky is no ordinary monster. In fact he seems just as scared as Teresa. Teresa soon realizes she must help Corky get home. But how can she when she’s afraid of the dark and Corky is afraid of the light?


Teresa's Shadow by Jennifer Gladen and illustrated by Marina Movshina

Purchase here!


Lily dreams of leaving her dark village and going to the City of Light. But when she learns that the secret to getting there lies in making a great sacrifice, she faces a difficult challenge. Journey with Lily as she meets colorful characters in her quest for the great city.

Lily and the City of Light by Lindsay Bonilla and illustrated by Alexander Morris

Purchase here!
Everyone’s had their feelings hurt, and it makes us want to run away and hide from everyone. Abigail Platt, the girl in this story, had her feelings hurt by someone she loved. But sometimes people don’t mean what we think they do, and we need to ask and find out. That’s part of trying to get along with others. We can learn a lesson from the little girl who had cuspids.


Abigail Platt's Cuspids by Doc McDuke and illustrated by Michelle Morse  

Purchase here!

Children with learning disabilities get separated from their Special Education class on a field trip and use what they’ve learned to get reunited with them. The included activities can help children learn safety rules, understanding of people with special needs, basic reading skills, and creative writing skills.

Signs of Trouble by Janet Ann Collins and illustrated by Jack Foster

Purchase here!

Guardian Angel  Publishing titles are also available at:
Amazon.com
Barnesandnoble.com
Indiebound.org.
Fictionwise.com and other online retailers!