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Rubber Shoes: A lesson in gratitude/ Los zapatos de goma is a beautiful story about being grateful for what you have. Gladys gets a new pair of ugly brown rubber shoes. She is very unhappy about this and set about to destroy them, lose them, get rid of them any way she can. Unfortunately they are indestructable. Finally when she grows out of those "ugly" shoes her mother takes her to give the shoes to another little girl. Gladys sees how the other little girl feels about those "ugly" shoes she learns about gratitude.
This book is written in English and Spanish which makes it rich in cultural diversity. The illustrations are very gentle in a beautiful color pallette. You and your child will love this story and its powerful but not overwhelming message. This is one of my new stories that I will use in therapy with my clients.
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
Tell us a bit about you: I'm a first grade teacher and I will have been teaching for 15 years this July. I graduated from the University of San Francisco and went to graduate school at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, receiving my M.A in Elementary Education.
Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you
1. I'm a really outgoing and social person so people are surprised to learn that I prefer doing things in a small and intimate setting like reading and watching movies at home.
2. I love, love, love home baked chocolate chip cookies! I can devour them quickly, chased by a super cold glass of milk:)
3. Deep down I would love to be on the show: Dancing With The Stars! Not sure if I would be any good, but I would be up for the challenge.
What inspired you to write Rubber Shoes: A Lesson in Gratitude/Los zapatos de goma
0 Comments on Interview with Gladys Barbieri, author of Rubber Shoes: A Lesson in Gratitude as of 1/1/1990
Tell us a bit about you: I'm a first grade teacher and I will have been teaching for 15 years this July. I graduated from the University of San Francisco and went to graduate school at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, receiving my M.A in Elementary Education.
Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you
1. I'm a really outgoing and social person so people are surprised to learn that I prefer doing things in a small and intimate setting like reading and watching movies at home.
2. I love, love, love home baked chocolate chip cookies! I can devour them quickly, chased by a super cold glass of milk:)
3. Deep down I would love to be on the show: Dancing With The Stars! Not sure if I would be any good, but I would be up for the challenge.
What inspired you to write Rubber Shoes: A Lesson in Gratitude/Los zapatos de goma?? People often ask me when I make time to write and the truth is I don't have a set time to write. So far the stories that I have written have just come to me during a long run with my dog Chucho. Usually I see an image or two in my mind and in the course of a few months that story literally presents itself to me. And that's when I do sit down and scribble away on a note pad. The wonderful part of this writing process is that the more open I make myself to receiving such stories, the more and more stories that I am able to write and hopefully one day share. That's pretty inspiring!
What do you hope your books will impart to children?
I hope my books impart valuable lessons that teach children and adults love and connection. Children's books are so powerful because they lend themselves to discussing so many relevant topics from girl power, being grateful to taking care of the environment.
What are you working on now?
If all works as planned I will start the next book this spring. I can't say too much about it other than it has to do with girl power and the color pink. Can't wait to see what the finished product looks like.
Do you have any favorite children's authors or favorite books?I want to have my own children's bookstore so I can store and share all of my favorite books. Just today I was introduced to HOW ROCKET LEARNED TO READ by Tad Hills. But my all time favorites are: Ezra Jack Keats' books, author of THE SNOWY DAY. I find it pretty remarkable that he was the first to introduce a little black boy as the main character way back when in the 1960's. Jan Brett books, author of THE MITTEN are great because the illustrations teach kids how to infer. Judy Blume books and RAMONA QUIMBY books are classics that still make me smile.
What author would you like to meet and what would you say?
Neale Donald Walsch, author of Conversations With God: An Uncommon Dialogue. I have read and reread this book many times. I then read book 2 and 3 (it's a trilogy). Needless to say I was blown away. The concepts were so immensely new and yet they absolutely resonated with me. I'm sure it's no coincidence that shortly after reading Conversations With God I began to write. The funny thing about my writing experience is that every time I finish a story I usually end up quite moved with tears in my eyes because I know the lessons contained in the stories come from a higher place other than me.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
Well, I'm a teacher first and foremost. This writing business is very new to me. But given the opportunity I would have loved to be a dancer: a ballerina, a flamenco dancer or a tap dancer. Next, a children's bookstore owner. You never know, I might win the lottery and make those dreams happen.
What obstacles have you experienced in your writing journey?
Too many to tell...but I will share this one experience. Being that the book: Rubber Shoes/Los zapatos de goma is a bilingual children's book written in English and Spanish, some bookstores have not been interested in carrying it. That's a bummer. But like I said earlier, for every person that doesn't like the book, there's another person saying what a great story it is. I'll just focus on the positive responses, makes for a brighter and more hopeful day.
Chucho
What advice would you give other aspiring writers?
Write! Write! Write! There is a lot of truth in that saying, "There is something for everyone". Someone might think your writing is just plain horrible. However, there might be someone who thinks that what you have to say is just plain brilliant. No matter what, just keep writing.
Anything else you would like to share?
When I was little there were sometimes green monsters under my bed. They would miraculously disappear whenever my mom turned on the night light.
Click here to read Rubber Shoes Book Review Where can people buy your books? Do you have a web page or fan page?Rubber Shoes/Los zapatos de goma can be purchased on my website: www.chuchosbooks.com On my website parents and teachers can also find educational resources and comprehension questions in both English and Spanish. Books can also be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.
0 Comments on Interview with Gladys Barbieri, author of Rubber Shoes: A Lesson in Gratitude as of 1/1/1900
I Love You More Than Chocolate is a sweet rhyming book that will help you share with your child how much they are loved. The story lists all the wonderful things that we see in our own lives. This is a sweet story that is perfect for a bedtime ritual. The author sings a sweet song that matches the words in the book. You can listen to the cd that it comes with while you share the story with your children. What a wonderful way to remind your children how much you love them.
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
I Love You More Than Chocolate is a sweet rhyming book that will help you share with your child how much they are loved. The story lists all the wonderful things that we see in our own lives. This is a sweet story that is perfect for a bedtime ritual. The author sings a sweet song that matches the words in the book. You can listen to the cd that it comes with while you share the story with your children. What a wonderful way to remind your children how much you love them.
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
Melanie is a gifted musician, award winning songwriter and a dedicated preschool teacher. Her children’s concerts are fun with music that is jazzy and entertaining. The lyrics are inviting and relate to the everyday experiences of a young child. You will find yourself humming, tapping and clapping right along with your little ones as Melanie shares her children’s songs.
Melanie’s family concerts will touch your heart in many ways. Her original songs are about real life experiences such as letting go of your children, healing from a miscarriage and falling in love with Jesus. Her songs will make you laugh and cry.
When not writing songs, performing concerts or teaching preschool, Melanie can be found living in beautiful Durango, Colorado with love of her life, her husband, Joe.
What do you hope your book, I Love You More Than Chocolate, will impart to children?
0 Comments on Interview with Author Melanie Milburn of I Love You More Than Chocolate as of 1/1/1990
Melanie is a gifted musician, award winning songwriter and a dedicated preschool teacher. Her children’s concerts are fun with music that is jazzy and entertaining. The lyrics are inviting and relate to the everyday experiences of a young child. You will find yourself humming, tapping and clapping right along with your little ones as Melanie shares her children’s songs.
Melanie’s family concerts will touch your heart in many ways. Her original songs are about real life experiences such as letting go of your children, healing from a miscarriage and falling in love with Jesus. Her songs will make you laugh and cry.
When not writing songs, performing concerts or teaching preschool, Melanie can be found living in beautiful Durango, Colorado with love of her life, her husband, Joe.
What do you hope your book, I Love You More Than Chocolate, will impart to children?
I believe ALL children have the right to feel loved.I also believe it is impossible to overdo it when telling a child they are loved.I hope this book will remind ALL children they are special and loved.If a child feels loved by reading/singing this book, then I have made a difference in the life of a child.
What are you working on now?
I am presently working on 2 more children’s books. Both of the books were originally songs, just like “I Love You More Than Chocolate”. One is about using your imagination and the other is a true story about a little boy who spent a lot of time in the time out chair at preschool, and how I think he felt about it. It is called the “Time Out Chair Blues”.
What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?
Spare time? What is that? In my spare time, I love taking long walks with my husband, Joe, while exploring God’s beauty here in Durango, Colorado.
Who was your favorite author when you were young?
I loved Frances Hodgson Burnett! “The Secret Garden”, and “The Little Princess”, were my two favorite books growing up.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Write about what you know; write about what you have experienced’ and write about what you are passionate about.
Describe yourself in 5 words
Compassionate, sensitive, energetic, spontaneous, and playful!
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
I love my job as a preschool teacher, and I love children. I am also a singer/songwriter and my job allows me to use my love of music while teaching children through songs and movements. I guess if I HAD to choose another career it would be the lead singer in a rock and roll band!
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Tim Tebow. I am a huge Denver Bronco fan. Tim Tebow is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He has taken so much criticism and yet he always responds with nothing but integrity and class. I would love to know how he has learned (at such a young age) to handle all that pressure so graciously.
Where can people buy your books?
My books can be purchased on amazon.com, on my web site, www.melaniemilburn.com, Maria’s bookstore, in Durango, Colorado and from me!
I also hope this book will help parents put life in perspective. We all have the tendency to get so busy with life that we forget to slow down and make sure our children know how special they are and how much we love them. Children need to hear that they are loved. Parents, cherish your time with your little ones. They grow up so fast.
“Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.” ― G.K. Chesterton
Did you know that reading fiction can strengthen your social ties and even change your personality?
I read an interesting article in Scientific American called Fiction Hones Social Skills. As an avid reader, lover of learning, and a social worker, this article made me extremely happy. I have often heard people talk about how they only read non fiction because fiction is a waste of time. There is scientific reasearch that shows that reading fiction is good for your life.
Researcher, Keith Oatley explains how reading fiction can enhance your life....
1. It can fine-tune your social skills by helping you better understand other human beings. 2. Entering imagined worlds builds empathy and improves your ability to take another person’s point of view. 3. A love affair with narrative may gradually alter your personality—in some cases, making you more open to new experiences and more socially aware.
In an interesting study by Keith Oatley , ninety-four (94) people were asked to guess the emotion of a person by looking at a photograph of their eyes. The study discovered that:
“The more fiction people read, the better they were at perceiving emotion in the eyes, and…correctly interpreting social cues.”
The moral of the story is that reading fiction will help us better understand real human emotion, and in turn improves our social skills.
Continue to read your nonfiction, newspapers, but don't forget to....
Read More Fiction
P.S. You must have a subscription to read the Scientific American
0 Comments on Reading Fiction Improves Your Social Skills as of 1/1/1990
I Just Don't Like The Sound of No is a story about a little boy named RJ. He has a problem accepting no. He likes to argue in the hopes that he can change that answer into something else. A teacher teaches him about the Say Yes to No Club. He learns the valuable skill of accepting no.
This book is a must for parents, teachers and anyone else that has contact with children. This story will help them learn a valuable social skill in a fun way. At the end of the book there are tips for parents and educators that will help teach children on how to accept no and how to appropriately disagree.
The Worst Day of My Life Ever is another story about RJ who is having a really bad day. What he learns is that a lot of his problems come from him not listening or following directions. This story teaches the important lesson about listening and following directions. I love how it teaches children to be responsible for their actions, own their mistakes and take control of their day. Also I like how the book explains that hearing is not the same as listening. This book also ends with tips for parents and educators.
RJ is in trouble again in Sorry I Forgot to Ask! He and his friend decide they don't want to take the bus home from school. They walk instead and make a few stops. When he gets home he learns about asking for permission. He forgets to ask about a few other things over the weekend. He learns the importance of asking for permission and also how to apologize correctly.
This story has a great message. Kids get in the habit of saying "I'm sorry" as a reflex and not really meaning it. This book teaches them the steps to sincerely apologize. This book also ends with tips for parents and educators.
These are only 3 of the wonderful books of Julia Cook. I will be reviewing more later. I am having a hard time giving these up because as a therapist I think that these are valuable tools. If you would like the chance to win one of these books leave a comment here or go to Wild About Reading. Please comment on why you would like to win one of these books. Only open t
0 Comments on From My Bookshelf to Yours: Best Me I Can Be series by Julia Cook as of 1/1/1990
Julia Cook was born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah. While living in Utah, she became actively involved in teaching children how to ski. That experience led to a love of teaching in general. Julia now lives in Fremont, Nebraska. She has a Master’s degree in Elementary School Counseling. While serving as a guidance counselor, Julia often used children’s books to enhance her classroom lessons. She is now well-recognized as a national award-winning children’s book author who has presented in over 700 schools across the country, regularly delivers keynote addresses at national education and counseling conferences, and has 26 published children’s books. The goal behind all of Julia’s books and efforts is to actively involve young people into her fun and creative stories and teach them to become “better.” Inspirations for her books come from working with children and carefully listening to parents and teachers. Julia’s books have been referenced in such publications as Parent’s Magazine, The New Yorker, Yahoo.com, and babyzone.com. In her spare time, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and family.
0 Comments on Interview with Author Julia Cook of the Best Me I Can Be series as of 1/1/1990
“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
My 33rd birthday was Monday and I was sitting back contemplating my life. Where I have been and where I am going. I couldn't help but remember a very hard time in my life. This is weighing heavily on my heart so I will share with you. I was in the 9th grade. I went to a private school. My parents worked themselves to the bone to make sure my sister and I had the best education possible which meant we wore clothes from the thrift store. We had a raggedy car that backfired everytime my mother came to pick me up from school. I was bullied. I was called names, spit on, pushed around and vicious rumors made up about me. There were other terrible things done to me that I will not mention. I would hide in the bathroom during lunch. Although I was nowhere near fat I became anorexic.
I contemplated suicide several times and even attempted. Then one day a wonderful man, Dr Fehl, noticed me. He took me under his wing. He shared lunch with me, he opened his door to me anytime I wanted to talk. He shared with me that in me he saw a leader and a person who would change the world. He gave me hope. If it wasn't for this man I would not be here. I would not have two wonderful and beautiful daughters. I would not have been there for the many clients that have shared vulnerable parts of their lives with me. Dr. Fehl was a school counselor but you don't have to be a counselor to notice someone in pain and help them find the help they need.
I share this with you because bullying is topic that is close to my heart. Almost every research paper I have written since 1997 has been about bullying, bullycide and prevention. One of the reason I decided to become a therapist was so that I could be the light in the darkness for a lost child or aolescent with no hope. I hope that one day I could start some type of program to empower victims of bullying. In 1993 they did not have a term for what I went through and almost succeeded in, but now they call it bullycide.
Bullying is a problem that affects millions of children and adolescents of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. The consequences can seriously affect the victim for the rest of their lives. It is a silent killer. Everyday someone choses to take their life instead of facing another day of bullying. I beg you to take notice of your children and the children around you. Some signs that they are being bullied are: If your child or teen is being bullied they may exhibit symptoms of withdrawal, depression and anxiety. If they have missing or damaged items, physical bruises and other outward signs of abuse, these are apparent signs of bullying. Other signs of bullying include:
Has change in eating habits
Makes excuses not to go to school
Has fewer friends
0 Comments on If Someone Hadn't Taken the Time to Notice Me I Would Not Be Here Today as of 1/1/1990
"I Love You Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies" is almost ready for production. I would be honored if you all would help me to choose which cover you like the most. If you have little ones please ask them also. You guys rock! I appreciate all of your support!
Cover 1
Cover 2
Cover 3
Thank you!
0 Comments on Please Help Me Choose the Cover for "I Love You Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies" as of 1/1/1990
Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin: Green Sea Turtles is a cute and informative book. In this book a little girl named Hailey goes for an underwater adventure with her best friend, Scarlet the Dolphin. On this adventure they learn all about the endangered Green Sea Turtles. The illustrations are colorful and sure to keep your child's attention. They will enjoy learning all about our underwater friends.
You can buy the book on www.amazon.com and at www.barnesandnoble.com
Tell us a bit about yourself.I have been married for almost 8 years. I have 2 daughters, a 4-year-old, Addie and a 2-year-old Faith. I work part time as a school social worker and also teach adjunct at a few local universities.
Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you? 1. When I was 19, I went on a family vacation and had a dolphin encounter with a dolphin named Scarlet. 2. It is my goal to travel to each state at least once during my lifetime. 3. It was my goal last year to read at least 18 books, I ended up reading 33!
What inspired you to write Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin: Green Sea Turtles? I have always been interested in sea life and love dolphins so I decided to make learning about sea life fun for children. Plus, I wanted to teach my own daughters to follow their dreams and nothing has made me happier than reading my own book to them.
What do you hope children learn from your book? In this book, it is my hope they learn all about Green Sea Turtles. For the series, it is my hope for children to learn about all the different animals in the sea.
Do you have any other books you are working on? If so give us a sneak peek. The second book in the series, pending publication, will be Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin: California Sea Lions. And in this book Hailey and Scarlet will go to San Fransico to learn all about California Sea Lions.
How old were you when you began to write stories? I came up with this idea years ago, but did not start writing until I was 29 years old.
What are your favorite children's authors/books? As a school social worker, one of my favorites is Cheri Meiners. I also really like Eric Carle, but I do love all children's books and have quite a collection at home.
What advice would you give other aspiring writers? Never give up on your dreams!
What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question? What makes you the proudest? I have had a lot of accomplishments over the years, however nothing makes me prouder than being a mommy to Addie and Faith. They are truly the most amazing children and always bring a smile to my face. They are the greatest gifts I could have ever asked for.
0 Comments on Interview with Jennifer Wallis author of Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin: Green Sea Turtles as of 1/1/1990
Want to hear is some really cool news. Read it slowly, because at first I thought it said "The Versatile Booger". I was like, "Hmmm, is this a good thing?" Seriously, I was awarded The Versatile Blogger Award! This award was sent to me by my fellow blogger, author friend, Nickie Storey Bailey, whose blog can be found here: nicolestorey.wordpress.com. Thank you for this award, I promise not to let it go to my head!
According to the rules, in order to receive this special award, I must:
1 – Thank the person who gave it to me and link back to their blog.
2 – Share seven things about myself.
3 – Pass this award on to 5 other recently discovered blogs and inform them of the honor.
So here are seven things about me:
1. I dvr everything! The last thing I watched on tv while it was actually on was Super
Bowl XLIV (Geaux Saints)!
0 Comments on I Won The Versatile Blogger Award! as of 1/1/1990
Peter and the Whimper-Whineys is the story of a young whiney, "selfish and cranky and cross," rabbit. After receiving a punishment he falls asleep and finds himself in the Whimper-Whineyland. He learns what the whimper whineys sound like to those around him. This story teaches having a positive attitude even when things do not go your way. Also that whiney is not the way to get attention or what you want. This book is a must for parents and teachers everywhere! The illustrations are cute and colorful.
The Magic Word is a wonderful tale that teaches manners. The words "please" and "thank you" are the magic words. Elisabeth is a very rude child who learns from her mother the lesson of common courtesy. She also learns how to be a good friend. This rhyming story flows from beginning to end. This is a great read aloud for little ones with beautiful illustrations to keep their attention.
I love the way Santa's Birthday Gift tie the stories of Jesus and Santa Claus together. In my family we know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus but the kids also anxiously await to see what Santa brought them. This adorable rhyming story shows Santa role in Jesus' birthday. It also teaches the lesson of giving. This story is bound to become a Christmas tradition with its simple, but beautiful retelling of the nativity scene. What a wonderful way to teach your kids the true meaning of Christmas!
I am a mother of four and a grandmother of nine. I have written three published award-winning children’s books, as well as four published musical plays for elementary school children. I will have a fourth children’s book released in early 2012. A former teacher, I have had varied careers including Varsity Coach, professional Newspaper Sports Photographer and Columnist, Dinner Theatre Company Stage Manager, Talent Manager, and Business Administrator. My husband and I celebrated our 51th wedding anniversary in June! We are now retired, and we travel in our RV from the east coast to the west coast each year to spend time with our children and grandchildren... sharing my books along the way!
Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you:
1.I grew up (from 6-16) in the Willard Hotel in Washington DC, where my father was the manager.
2.In 2011, I have been fortunate enough to win
0 Comments on Interview with Sherrill Cannon, author of Santa’s Birthday Gift as of 1/1/1990
So my next book is for the little ones. "I Love You Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies " is very close to being done. We are shooting for February publication. Here is a sneak peek at two of the new characters in the story. For more diversity I decided to go with animal characters. What do you think?
Teaser: How much do you love chocolate chip cookies? I love them a lot, but there is something I love even better! I Love You Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies is an entertaining book that teaches what should really take first place in our hearts.
0 Comments on "I Love You Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies" by Donalisa Helsley Sneak Peek as of 1/1/1990
Kathryn feels that her parents love her siblings better than they love her. After being sent to her room, Maggie, the magical butterfly, and her rainbow charm bracelet show up and take Kathryn on an adventure. Where she learns about self esteem, self confidence,belonging and expressing herself. On this journey she discovers the rainbow of colors inside her.
What an empowering book with a very positive message that all children need to hear. It offers practical examples and explanations. The illustrations are vibrant, colorful and beautiful.
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
I am 37 years old and am native to San Diego. I live less than a mile away from the home I was raised in, and where my parents still reside today. Just like in the Kathryn the Grape books, I have three older brothers that I love very much, and who lovingly still tease me. My five year old son is my greatest source of inspiration and joy.
What inspired you to write “Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure”?
The idea for this particular book, which is the second book in the Kathryn the Grape series, came to me inNovember of 2009, as I was walking with my friend, Jennie Lapointe, around San Diego Bay. We wanted to find a way to teach children about the energy points in their body, but in a fun and new dynamic way. Jennie and I came up with the idea of matching the colors with particular symbols on a charm bracelet to help teach children that they are colorful.
This story was developed before the first Kathryn the Grape book was illustrated, and the reason whyKathryn the Grape's sleeves are always rolled up is because her wrists needed to be exposed in the second book so the charm bracelet would be always seen. One of my favorite parts about creating theKathryn the Grape series is all the "big picture" visioning it requires. Many characters and concepts that are being introduced in the upcoming third book impact future books in the series.
0 Comments on Interview with Kathryn Cloward, author of Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure as of 1/1/1990
Mortimer meets a monster who at first sight is scary, but he gets to know him and has a wonderful adventure. This is a beautiful story about friendship and not judging others based on their appearance. In an age where we are are dominated by computer generated images it was refreshing to see the hand drawn and colored pictures. My children LOVED all the beautiful sweets drawn as rides and things especially the chocolate commode. The sing song rhyming put the "icing on the cake" for me. A beautiful tale that should be shared with all children. Maybe the author can write a book about a vegetable land. If she does dedicate it to me!
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
0 Comments on From My Bookshelf to yours: The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump: Mortimer's Sweet Retreat as of 1/1/1990
Tell us a little bit about you: I am your average mini-van driving mama but I do have an imagination that is FAR from tame! (I may need to invest in tranquilizer darts just in case it happens to get loose) Often times when my kiddos and I are driving around in "Mandi's-Mini" we will crank the radio up and I will then proceed to make up new silly songs to whatever happens to be playing on the radio. The kids seem to think it's fun and often times a book idea will strike me right there in the mini! :)
How did you begin your writing career for children? I have always LOVED to write and draw since I was a young child. I would make up stories for fun and I was pretty convincing at times. I had several friends believing that I had actually traveled to Earth by way of a large bubblegum slide from an undiscovered candy-coated planet. I began my writing career after a person family tragedy-turned-miracle gave me the shove I needed to pursue my dream. Was there someone or some event in your life that inspired you to write your book? I wrote my first book about 10 years ago but put it aside because I had never even considered pursuing publishing it until several years later after my youngest child was born. He was very premature (only a 28 weeker) and the doctors said due to a grade III bleed on both sides of his brain he may not walk or talk. He faced many more complications while in the NICU and at that time, I prayed and made a promise to God that if he would just save my baby's life, I would share my miracle with as many people as possible. Well my little one is now almost 6 years old and has no trouble walking or talking and is actually a very smart little boy. He recently had to get glasses but I made up a What if question in my second book that made glasses COOL for him. I read it to his class and half of them wanted glasses too!! Lol. One little boy even wore sunglasses to school the next day! :o) In order to get my miracle spread to the world as I promised, I decided to publish my book and since then I have written a total of 4 but am working on illustrations for the other two. Good things can come
0 Comments on Interview with Mandi Tillotson Williams, author of Mortimer's Sweet Retreat as of 1/1/1990
0 Comments on From My Bookshelf to Yours: Peter & the Whimper Whineys, The Magic Word & Santa's Birthday Gift as of 1/1/1990
