GAP FAMILY BLOG

Three Guardian Angel Publishing titles ranked in Amazon's bestselling Top 100 books in the large print, children's books category today.

They are:

A Star in the Night by Jennifer Gladen, illustrated by K.C. Snider - 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.


Doggie Day Camp: Verb & Adverb Adventures by Cynthia Reeg, illustrated by Kit Grady - When timid Bubba, joins in the adventures at doggie day camp, he soon discovers new friends, new talents, and verb and adverb fun as well. Another book in the Pet Grammar Parade Series. Includes 2 study guides, 6 activities for verbs and adverbs and answer pages, too.




Sully's Topsy Tale by Donna J. Shepherd, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier - 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.

To learn more about these and other books from Guardian Angel Publishing, please visit us online at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

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

Guardian Angel Kids Ezine Announces New Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine

Jennifer Reed, original Editor-in-Chief is stepping down from Guardian Angel Kids and will be replaced by award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine effective immediately.

Ms. McDine comes to Guardian Angel Kids with 20 plus years of administrative and web design expertise in both Fortune 500 companies and as a virtual assistant. Along with her experience in the children’s publishing industry as a published author, National Writing for Children Center Publicist Intern, and former Stories for Children Magazine marketing manager McDine brings to the forefront her business, writing, and marketing know how to propel Guardian Angel Kids to further success in 2011 and beyond.

Please join, Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing, Kevin McNamee, Guardian Angel Kids Technical Director, and MarySue Roberts Guardian Angel Kids Cover Art Director in welcoming Donna McDine to the family.

Please visit Guardian Angel Kids and become familiar with all we have to offer the young muses in your life at http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/.

Thank you for your time and interest.

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Full Media Kit and more are available upon request electronically.

The other day I did something I've been avoiding for some time. I put away my youngest child's favorite "babies" forever. When my oldest decided it was time to give up his Oma Bear, we wrote a loving note about this special teddy bear that described how she was a special gift from his Oma, which is the German word for grandmother. Oma Bear was his first gift and spent every night in his bed from the day he came home from the hospital until he was nine. From head to tail, Oma Bear was as long as my son when he was a newborn. My son "visited" Oma Bear in her new quiet home in my cedar chest a few times, and then all was well.

But there was something different about this goodbye because it was the last one. "Baby" was one of those lamb Beanie Babies, sans the ears, tail, and nose. Most of the lamb-looking fabric had been rubbed and washed off and this Baby still resembled dirty dishwater even after a good soak in Tide. You can imagine what I went through when it came time to give Baby a bath. I remember watching my son chew on the ears when he was teething. And the time we forgot it at Grammy's and he had to wait several days to get it in the mail. Baby was there for the hospital stays, the naps, and every kiss goodnight in between. Baby even woke my youngest up with little baby smooches on his cheek, with a little help from Mom. Sigh. It was well past the time to stop all that, but for me, asking him to give up his little bed buddies was also putting an end to a precious time in my life as a mother.

Yesterday when the house was empty, I sat down to write a note to Baby. And when I folded the note and gave Baby a goodbye kiss, there was a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I nestled her in the cedar chest next to Oma Bear, Momma Bear, my oldest son's shaggy blanket, and my raggedy stuffed rabbit from my childhood. I shut the lid and wondered, just like the Velveteen Rabbit, what they might be saying to each other as they wait for another child to love them in the distant future.

Margaret Rose has had a passion for the written word since she was a young girl. She became a professional writer and editor after college and is fortunate to be a fulltime writer. By day she works as a copywriter and editor for a small direct marketing firm and freelances feature articles for business-to-business magazines. In the evening hours she writes children's books and romance novels.

Margaret is married and has two children. Some of her passions are all types of music, flower gardening, biking, walking her dog on moonlit nights, nature, and making people laugh. She lives in Minnesota and never plans to leave no matter how cold the winters are.

Visit Margaret Rose at: Margaret Rose Writes
E-mail: Margaret_Rose@rocketmail.com

Check out the latest issue of Guardian Angel Kids. With featured books, stories, games and activities, this online magazine will entertain and educate your children. This month's issue features and excellent article for parents and teachers on successful read alouds.

Click here to view this month's issue of Guardian Angel Kids!

Kristen Zajac, author of Ebeneezer's Cousin, has passed along information regarding upcoming visits to schools in honor of Veteran's Day.

Kristen will be visiting:

Tuesday, November 9 - Essrig Elementary School (Tampa, FL)
Wednesday, November 10- Cleveland Elementary School (Tampa, FL)
Friday, November 12- Alafia Elementary School (Valrico, FL)
Monday, November 15- Thonotosassa Elementary (Thonotosassa, FL)


She will be doing a special book reading of Ebeneezer's Cousin for Veteran's Day programs at all four elementary schools. The program will include:

1) Reading Ebeneezer's Cousin to the students.
2) Showing them an original framed illustration by the artist, Jennifer Houdeshell, so they can see what the pictures look like before being integrated with text into a book.
3) Giving a powerpoint presentation with photos of the real organizations that train service animals to help people with special needs, like the capuchin monkey Eli in Ebeneezer's Cousin.
4) Leading a "picture peace" postcard activity with the children. She will be having them draw what peace means to them and write a thank you note to be sent to a veteran at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the James A. Haley Hospital.
5) The author will also be signing books for the children.



You can visit Kristen online at http://www.kristenzajac.com to learn more about the book and its author. Kids will find a special section just for them on Kristen's website. There is also a section for parents and teachers, and one that includes links to organizations that train and place assistance animals with people in need.

While browsing the Internet today, I came across a post about PiBoIdMo. Did you know about Picture Book Idea Month? I didn't.

What PiBoIdMo is all about is sparking ideas. Participants come up with one picture book idea for each day of November. At the end, you have 30 potential ideas to turn into picture books. There are some awesome prizes too!

You must sign up by Novermber 7th in order to be eligible. Visit http://taralazar.wordpress.com/2010/10/30/piboidmo-2010-kick-off/ for additional details and a list of prizes.

Good luck to all who participate!

Since signing my first book contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, February 2008, I have read time and time again that the marketing of your book begins well before publication. Profound statement and right on the mark. Don’t miss another important aspect. You need to pair your book marketing with marketing YOU the author. Do not become a wall flower and only peel yourself from the wall when you want to position and sell your book.

Active membership in a writing community is essential, both online and in-person. Start out slow and don’t give in to joining too many groups. Being an active participant in one or two communities is much better than joining five plus and the members hardly or never hear from you. Start out by introducing yourself and then respond to fellow members posts constructively. Never attack or bash. Remember what mom always said, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” With respect, correct?

When a fellow member seeks advice on a particular topic and you have experience to offer, share what worked for you and what didn’t. The conversation ease is set from the get-go when fellow members sense you are not here just for your book, but to partake in an exchange of information. A trust naturally develops over time as you converse, cheer members successes, and encouraging even louder when a rejection is received. Relationships forged in this manner are usually a win-win outcome for all involved. Over time you will begin to wonder how you made through it the publishing roller coaster ride without them.

Go ahead put yourself out there and connect with fellow writers. You were brave enough to submit your manuscript to the publishing Gods so this should be a snap. Most of all have fun and make new friends.

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications, and her first book, The Golden Pathway, will be published through Guardian Angel Publishing. Ms. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Musing Our Children, and The National Writing for Children Center. Learn more about Donna at http://www.donnamcdine.com/ if you sign the guestbook, you’ll receive a FREE e-Book Write What Inspires You: Author Interviews, and http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ and http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/.

Little Shepherd by Cheryl C. Malandrinos, which was released by Guardian Angel Publishing in August, returned to Amazon's Top 100 Books in the Large Print-Children's Books category on Sunday, October 24th. It hit #18 on the list Sunday, and remains in the Top 100 Books in this category for a third day in a row.

This book first ranked in Amazon's Top 100 Books in this category on Tuesday, September 21st. It spent two days in the Top 100 during the month of September.

You can view Little Shepherd's Amazon page at http://www.amazon.com/Little-Shepherd-Cheryl-C-Malandrinos/dp/1616330856 to read some reviews the book has garnered since its release on August 21st.

Here in Western Massachusetts, the early part of the week is going to be a wet one. How appropriate considering today's post from J.Aday Kennedy. J.Aday is the author of Klutzy Kantor and the newly released Marta's Gargantuan Wings, both from Guardian Angel Publishing.


Dirt and Worms by J. Aday Kennedy


Run to your local store and pick up a plastic pail and shovel off the clearance rack or buy one from the dollar store. We are going to have a little fun in the kitchen.


Grab your kids and tell them you are going to make mud, dirt and worms for dessert. How? It is simple.

MUD = Make a batch of chocolate pudding and pour it in your pail.

DIRT = Take chocolate graham crackers or cookies and put them in a baggy that zips closed. Remove all of the air. Crush them with a rolling pin. Sprinkle the crumbs over the top of the mud (approx. ½ inch)

WORMS = Find candy worms and pepper the top of your pail. Partially bury them in the dirt and mud.

J. Aday Kennedy, the differently-abled writer, is an award winning multi-published author of inspirational/Christian pieces and of children’s literature. Klutzy Kantor and Marta’s Gargantuan Wings have already been released and six additional picture books are under contract eagerly awaiting publication. She is a ventilator dependent quadriplegic making her dreams come true a story at a time. As a speaker, Aday entertains, instructs, motivates and inspires audiences of all ages. To learn more about her and her writing, visit her online at http://jadaykennedy.com/ or stop by her blog at http://jadaykennedy.blogspot.com/ to read interviews, witness the book promotion brainstorms for authors, and marketing and writing tips.

Passing up fruits and veggies for an afternoon snack, Kevin grabs a chocolate pudding and heads out the door. His adventure begins as he opens up his pudding cup and watches it spring to life! Find out if Kevin and his spoon are fast enough to catch his quick snack!



Stop That Pudding! by Andi Houdek

Illustrated by Kevin Collier

Purchase your copy here!
 
 
 
 


Jiggsy, a junk yard dog, delights in finding a special diamond necklace he thinks will change his life. When his special possession disappears, Jiggsy realizes how it feels to lose something dear and decides to do the right thing. His honesty is well rewarded.



A Necklace for Jiggsy written and illustrated by Kit Grady

Purchase your copy here! 
 
 


I Don't Want a Haircut by Lea Schizas

Illustrated by K.C. Snider

Purchase your copy here!


“Lightning Strikes, I count to ten. I don’t hear thunder until then.” Science and Math come together to educate and entertain. This fun, rhyming counting book will help teach children to count backwards, and to understand the principles of lightning and thunder.



Lightning Strikes by Kevin McNamee

Illustrated by Eugene Ruble

Purchase your copy here!








A fanciful story of a potbellied pig who needs a home and pretends he is lucky. After fruitless searches for warmth and a new home, finally Mr. Topper discovers he is indeed a lucky potbellied pig.



Mister Topper, the Pot-bellied Pig by Laim Maher

Illustrated by Vanda Lavar

Purchase your copy here!




Marta's Gargantuan Wings by J. Aday Kennedy

Illustrated by Eugene Ruble

Purchase your copy here!





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.

A Star in the Night by Jennifer Gladen

Illustrated by K.C. Snider

Purchase your copy here!

Title: The Golden Pathway
Written by: Donna M. McDine
Illustrated by: K. C. Snider
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1
Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0
eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8
Published: August 2010

Headline: A beautifully written tale that grabs your heart.

Twelve-year-old David lives with his parents on their farm in the south, during the time of slavery in the US. David can never please his Pa, who ridicules him when he displays weakness, and calls him sissy. Worse, Pa routinely and savagely whips the slaves, including sixteen-year-old Jenkins. Appalled at these beatings, David determines to help Jenkins escape. David is frightened of his father, and knows that if he is caught, Pa will beat him. David will need his wits and every ounce of courage to help Jenkins escape.

The story resonates on all levels. K. C. Sniders' illustrations are dramatic and emotionally charged, and enhance the story beautifully. The way Jenkins is depicted especially pulled on my heartstrings. David's empathic character is perfectly rendered.

Author Donna McDine pulls you in from the first sentence, and doesn't let you go. Her writing is filled with sensory detail that puts you into the story and the era. She has created living, breathing characters, so much so, that I strongly felt their lives before and after the tale. She doesn't hold back on showing the cruel and inhumane treatment of slaves, which highlights David's compassion and courage as the centerpiece of the story. His emotions are felt through out, putting the reader into his shoes. As a result, David personifies and models something very important: A boy differentiating himself from his parent, and standing up for what he believes is right. This is a powerful message, that you can love a parent, as David surely does, even if you do not agree with what they do.

I highly recommend The Golden Pathway to teachers, parents, and children. The story will be a valuable part of any classroom studying slavery in the US. In addition to being a good introduction to the history and life of the time, it will generate good discussion about the era, making it a valuable addition for libraries.

The Golden Pathway is a beautifully written tale of courage, conscience, and compassion. Five big stars. It's a gem.

* Reviewed By A. R. Silverberry
Award-Winning Author of Wyndano's Cloak

Purchase your copy of The Golden Pathway here!

About Donna McDine:

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competitions. Donna's stories and features have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Her second book, The Hockey Agony is under contract and will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She writes, moms, and is the Publicist Intern for The National Writing for Children Center and Children's Writers' Coaching Club.
Visit Donna at:

THE GOLDEN PATHWAY BLOG
WRITE WHAT INSPIRES YOU BLOG
http://www.donnamcdine.com/


* Review is reprinted with the author's permission.

You know you want to write a children’s book, but wonder what to write. That seemed to be the prevailing question on my mind. Where to get ideas? Where to start? When I attended college, my first writing course, “Creative Writing 101” answered these two questions. The professor said, “Write about what you know!” Well, duh, that sounds simple, right?


I have always had the “itch” to be creative whether by illustrating--I think I came out of the womb with a crayon in one hand--or by writing, as the other hand must have held a book. This was my life’s goal. So, one day as I considered what I wanted to write it became clear after I witnessed some children picking on one of their peers. Thus, I wrote Tiny Angel.

As a child, I was very sensitive and shy, which I am happy to say, I have outgrown! I kept to myself and spent my time engrossed in schoolwork and books. Also having terrible eyesight, I started wearing glasses in the third grade. Due to this, a few boys in my class started tormenting me. I was always being called “four-eyes” or “teacher’s pet”, with never a day going by without receiving hurtful taunts. Many times I would not respond, but after one classmate crushed my beloved plastic Barbie lunchbox, that did it. I reported it to my teacher. Sadly, that made matters worse. From then on, all I wanted to do was crawl into a hole and become invisible.

Remembering those unhappy days was the impetus to write Tiny Angel. It more or less was a purge of the sadness I felt, but I also wanted to help other children who are teased and tormented. My desire was for them to know they are not alone, that someone else has endured this, and that things can get better. Children being bullied often feel isolated and tend to magnify their hurts. After all, they are the center of their own world. When they are bullied, they feel slighted and less of a person.

I am also a firm believer that we have guardian angels. I can cite times when I know my own (also named Jody, after the angel in my book) has come to my aid. The thought of having an angel can give a child the modicum of comfort.

What is ironic is since I have matured and reconnected with several of my old classmates, I have learned many of them have admitted their own insecurities and fears as children; and these are people whom I thought back when I was a kid, that were the “cool kids” with not a care in the world. Funny how that is not the case. No matter how happy or “with it” children may seem, I believe everyone tends to have something they fear or an aspect about themselves they feel does not measure up.

Needless to say, if I can or have reached only one child with Tiny Angel and helped them through the difficult time of growing up and this story gets them to feel good about themselves, then I will have accomplished the main goal for writing this book.


Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.
In 1995, Nancy and husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the “Wilmington Magazine” as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.

Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.

After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and was copy editor and reviewer for “Affaire de Coeur” magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews for ReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and is completing her sequel to Tiny Angel.

Visit Nancy online at:

http://nancycl.webs.com/
http://nancycl.blogspot.com/
http://nancycl.livejournal.com/

For Immediate release
Contact: Lynda S. Burch, Publisher
(314) 276 8482

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. teams with Be There Bedtime Stories’ new technology to bring families spread around the globe together.

St. Louis, MO, USA: In a time where families are spread further apart than ever before ‘Be There Bedtime Stories’ is a technology that puts video of a Storyteller onto the page of a children’s book, to be displayed on a computer and read to your children. http://www.betherebedtimestories.com

“We are very excited with this new adventure,” said GAP President and CEO Lynda Burch. “Our partnership with Be There Bedtime Stories will allow for an unprecedented availability of family sharing reading time with kids and grandkids around the globe. What a wonderful way to “Be There” for your kids whether on assignment out of the country, traveling for work, or just wanting to participate daily in your children’s reading habits; encouraging reading skills that will last a lifetime. It increases literacy awareness and wellness and strengthens family bonds.”

The Sedona International Film Festival, Tuesday night cinema film series displayed the concept, with 5 local leaders, including the Mayor of Sedona. They recorded a bedtime story for presentation that was made to the audience of nearly 500 patrons, right on the big screen of a movie theatre!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jcBuWI2qo8


http://www.betherebedtimestories.com/bookstore.aspx?search=guardian+angel+publishing

X X X

For more information on Guardian Angel Publishing or to schedule an interview with the publisher, email Lynda S. Burch at publisher@guardianangelpublishing.com

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

CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance

Email: suzannelieurance@hotmail.com

Website: http://writingforchildrencenter.com

The National Writing for Children Center is Sponsoring a 6-day Virtual Book Tour for Author Mayra Calvani, Starting Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Author Mayra Calvani and her new book How to Turn Your Book Club into a Spectacular Event are being showcased the entire month of October at the National Writing for Children Center. Part of this showcase includes a 6-day virtual book tour. Join Suzanne Lieurance, founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center, and the virtual book tour hosts as they welcome Mayra Calvani for her exclusive tour that starts Wednesday, October 6.

Mayra Calvani is an award-winning multi-genre author for children and adults. Her work, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, was a ForeWord Best Book of the Year Award winner. She’s had over 300 reviews, interviews, articles and stories published online and in print. Her picture books include The Magic Violin, Crash, Humberto the Bookworm Hamster, and the forthcoming Frederico the Mouse Violinist.

Intrigued? Want to learn more about Mayra? Follow along on Mayra’s virtual book tour. Here's the schedule:

Wednesday, October 6

“Meet the Author”

Host: Terri Forehand – “http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com/” http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 7

“The Writer’s Life”

Host: Kristi Bernard – “http://kristibernard.wordpress.com” http://kristibernard.wordpress.com

Friday, October 8

“Tradebook Tips for Teachers”

Host: Margot Finke – “http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/” http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/

Saturday, October 9

“Writing Tips”

Host: Donna McDine - “http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com” http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com

Sunday, October 10

“On the Go”

Host: Suzanne Lieurance – “http://suzannelieurance.com” http://suzannelieurance.com

Monday, October 11

“Become a Fan of Children’s Author, Mayra Calvani”

Host: Kathy Stemke – “http://www.educationtipster.blogspot.com” http://www.educationtipster.blogspot.com

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to your visit.

Authors interested in being showcased at the National Writing for Children Center can download an application "http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com" www.writingforchildrencenter.com or email Suzanne Lieurance for more information at "mailto:bookbitesforkids@yahoo.com" bookbitesforkids@yahoo.com.

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Easy way to enter contest! Watch this video to find out how to enter to win your autographed copy of Poodle and Doodle by Donna J. Shepherd, illustrated by Jack Foster.