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By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 3/5/2014
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Without a doubt, reading aloud is a gift you can freely give your children from the day you bring them home from the hospital until the time they leave the nest. Children's reading experts agree that reading aloud is the easiest and most effective way to turn children into lifelong readers. And it's as much fun for you as it is for your children.
A child whose day includes listening to rhythmic sounds and lively stories is more likely to grow up loving books. And a child who loves books will want to learn to read them.
To spark that desire in your children, we have collected some useful tips for you to consider. Feel free to make use of those that work well for you and your children, and to add your own ideas.
Where
In addition to the usual reading places—a couch, an overstuffed armchair, a child's bed—consider less traditional ones:
o Outside under a shady tree, in a sandbox or a hammock, or at a nearby park.
o Toss a sheet over a clothesline or table to create a reading hideaway.
o Keep a book in the glove compartment of your car for long road trips or traffic delays.
o Spread a blanket on the floor for an indoor reading picnic.
o Use your imagination. Almost every room in your house offers exciting reading possibilities.
When
· Start right from the cradle! Reading aloud can help calm a fussing baby or entertain a quiet one, and it can do wonders for you, too. Reading aloud can give you and your baby many moments you will long treasure.
· Continue reading aloud even after your children learn to read. Young readers will enjoy listening to many books that they can't yet master on their own, and many teenagers like to hear old favorites.
· Set aside a special time every day to read aloud to your children. Before school, naptime, or at bedtime are some obvious choices, but do whatever works best for you.
· Take advantage of times when the family is together—for example, at breakfast or dinner. Ask a child to read to you while you tackle the dinner dishes, or read aloud from the morning newspaper while your children eat their breakfast.
· Be aware of your children's reactions. If they are restless, they may be trying to tell you they are at the limit of their attention span. Stop reading and try another activity.
What
· Read whatever is at hand. Books, magazines, and newspapers are great for reading aloud, but so are road signs, menus, mail order catalogs, billboards, cereal boxes, and dozens of other everyday items.
· Mother Goose rhymes and other traditional rhymes and songs are especially good for reading (or singing) aloud because they contain the basic rhythms of the language. Young children love to join in on favorite verses.
· For very young children, look for picture books with stories and artwork that are simple, clear, and colorful.
· After you've got the hang of it, be creative with the stories you've read. Substitute your child's name for the name of a character in the story. Make up your own stories.
· Vary your selections, returning to old favorites and introducing your children to new works.
· Occasionally try reading stories that are slightly beyond your children's reach. But if they seem frustrated rather than challenged, put the stories aside for another day.
· Newspapers offer a broad range of read-aloud possibilities, from news stories, to advice columns, to letters to the editor, to the funnies, to photo captions.
· Poetry makes an excellent read-aloud selection for all ages. Rhythm and rhyme help sustain a youngster's interest.
· Be flexible. If a child doesn't seem to like the book you're reading, drop it and try another. Ask questions to discover the kinds of books your children would like to hear.
How
· It helps to look over a book before you read it aloud. Shorten or skip overly descriptive passages.
· It takes time to learn how to take pleasure in reading aloud. And your children need time, too, to learn how to listen.
· Read slowly and with expression. Don't be afraid to ham it up!
· Make sure your children sit where they can see the book clearly, especially if it's a picture book. Of course, some children just don't like to sit still and listen—yours may prefer to draw or play quietly while you read.
· Allow time for a child to settle into a story, and allow time after reading aloud to talk about the story.
· As you read aloud, encourage your children to get into the act. Invite them to describe pictures, read bits of text, or guess what will happen next. Dramatize roles in the story with them.
· Expect lots of questions, especially from young children. Take time to answer these as you go along.
· Children like a sense of completion, so finish what you begin, or at least find an appropriate stopping point, like the end of a chapter.
· Keep reading aloud to your children even after they go to school. There is no age at which the fun and benefits of reading aloud end.
· Teenagers may enjoy reading aloud to a younger brother or sister. And you can often whet teenagers' appetites for reading by sharing aloud short selections from books or articles that might interest them.
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By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 2/28/2014
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by Tina Peterson, otherwise known as The Book Lady.
How many of you had imaginary friends growing up? You were lonely and maybe you didn't have many kids in your neighborhood or perhaps like this little girl you found yourself unable to communicate with other kids and therefore alone and needing friends. This little girl easily captures your heart and sympathies as she makes friends with the only "beings" around. 3 Trees each with their own personalities are in the garden and she friends each one of them. The story takes place over a year and as the season changes so does the little girl - she grows in confidence and by the end of the book she has friends and needs to rely on the trees less and less.
The Trees Have Hearts is a wonderful story for kids who love to sink into a good book. Perhaps like our heroine they are lonely and need friends or perhaps they love a good book to read on a rainy afternoon. The pictures are beautiful and fun to explore and the details in them are wonderful. The suggested reading level is 5-8 but I would say it's for kids who are able to read/listen to a lot of detail. It's a bit long and the dialog is very detailed for most 5 year olds so I would suggest parents read it first before giving it to their kids to read or trying to read it.
by Mrs. D. (Olga D'Agostino)
ISBN: 978-1469134796
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 2/23/2014
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I started reading to my children when they were newborns. They were raised on Bible stories, The Berenstain Bears, nursery rhymes and lesser-known favorites like "Five Minutes Peace" and "A House is a House for Me". The words in these stories gave wisdom, built character, taught faith and morals, entertained, instilled language skills and knitted tightly woven bonds between my children and me...
I'll never forget the evening my ten year-old son came down the stairs from his bedroom crying. He came to me, hugged me tightly and said, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my mommy you'll be". And then he handed me the book he'd just read.
And 'll never forget the day one of my daughters came home from school when she was in the third grade; handing me a copy of "The Man Who Loved Clowns" and told me her teacher (a life-long friend) said I needed to read this because she was reading it to the class.
Oh, and there are the days...weeks...months...years I read to my four children each morning for a few minutes before the bus came to take them to school. Nancy Drew mysteries (the ones I'd read as a child), The Orphan Train series, Huck Finn, The Little House books, Great Expectations, Junie B. Jones, the American Girl series and many others.
The power of words you share with your children by reading to and with them is something you should never take for granted. Grab each moment you can to read to and with your children. In the morning...in the car...at naptime...at bedtime...instead of television...to help them learn...to share your love.
Reading to and with your children is an investment...an investment in their lives.
About the Author
(I've been writing about anything and everything since I met up and coming author, Judy Blume, when I was in the sixth grade. While most of my work over the past twenty years has been parenting/family resources, inspirational non-fiction, Bible studies and curriculum, it is now time for me to begin telling my stories; the stories of the people and events that have made my life the wonderful adventure it is.
When I'm not writing, you will find me spending time with my husband, playing with my grandchildren, gardening or spending time with a special group of young people I call my kids.)
Newest book: "All my love, George..." NOTE: Book available in print nation-wide from any bookstore and all ebook formats.
A good book allows us to become part of the story within its pages, leaves us wishing we didn't have to say good-bye to its characters and makes us better in one way or another for having read it. "All My Love, George" is a good book. Technician Third Grade, George Burks was a medic who served and gave his life in the South Pacific during World War II. This book chronicles his three year journey from boot camp to days just prior to his death through the letters he wrote home to his family. These letters are intertwined with the thoughts and reminiscence of his younger brother-sixty-five years after George's death. Readers will grieve a family's loss as if it were their own, be put in the midst of one of the greatest periods of history in our nation and develop a sense of pride in this young soldier who selflessly gave his all for the life we enjoy today. The man George was-genuine, thoughtful, sincere, valiant and a real-life hero is evident in both the letters and the tender, proud words of his brother-a man whose teen years were overshadowed by his loss of a much-loved and admired older brother.
For more, please visit Darla's:
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 2/18/2014
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It’s very unusual for me to read a children’s book as my children are all grown up now and there are no grands quite yet. I am a huge fan of reading to your child, though, and read to mine for as long as I can remember. They are now three excellent readers. But when I met Mrs. D and she gave me a gift of several of her beautiful books, I decided to revisit the world of children’s books.
Although I have several of Mrs. D’s books, I began with The Trees Have Hearts as I was intrigued by her story of coming to America in 1992 with her two young children to a new world and a new life. The Trees Have Hearts tells the story of a beautiful little girl with dark curly hair who is very sad because she can’t make friends. Why? She can’t speak the language. This little girl came from a faraway place and the other children make fun of her because she can’t talk to them.
In the garden of her new home are three very beautiful trees. Hearing her crying to herself, the trees attempt to make friends with the little girl. How is this possible, you ask? Because, according to Chance the Plum Tree, “Trees speak all the languages in the world.”
The little girl has good times and adventures with her trees and even Old Man Wind gets in on the games. She is lonely no more. But as time passes and her language skills improve, she begins to make new human friends. Not wanting to lose her, the trees make a pact that they will shelter all of her human friends, too.
There is much more to the story, but you’ll have to read it for yourself. One thing you will notice about The Trees Have Hearts is that it’s much longer than a regular American story book. Mrs. D told me that she was shocked when she came here by how short our kids’ stories were. Her children would be like, “That’s all?” So she decided her stories would be more like the stories she grew up with in the Ukraine. The book is 8.5” by 11” in size and has approximately 40 readable pages. Incidentally, Mrs. D is Olga D’Agostino. I got to sit down and talk with her recently and learned about her stories and what inspired her to write in a language that wasn’t her own. I have a few more of Mrs. D’s delightful stories to tell you about and you’ll be getting tidbits of Mrs. D’s story with each upcoming book review.
If you’d like to read your child a very special story, I heartily recommend The Trees Have Hearts. It may take you more than one night to get through it, but I think every little girl would love to sit on your lap and hear the story of the child from far away who was lonely because she couldn’t speak the language. Children of all ages will understand the little girl’s pain and empathize with her journey to new friendships, spurred on by her loving garden trees.
Mrs. D kindly provided me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Follow the delightful story of a little girl who discovers the real meaning of friendship in The Trees Have Hearts.
ORDER A COPY NOW!
ISBN 13 (SOFT): 978-1-4691-3479-6
ISBN 13 (HARD): 978-1-4691-3480-2
Between The Book Covers features the oftentimes opinionated book reviews of Carla Ives, a self-described Jill of all trades, master of a few.
Carla loves history books, historical fiction and historical romance, all of which you will find on this site, along with any other books that may come her way.
Between the Book Covers is a community and site for all the best books.
Get reviews, author information and much, much more!
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 2/13/2014
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My Valentine
by Mrs.D.
The winter was slowly fading away. The glowing sun, full of energy and warmth, pulsated in the blue sky, promising a sunny day. Melting snow by my window, it woke up the first flowers, who bravely poked their tiny heads through the thin icy covering. The crystal drops beamed on the white petals, as the flowers gracefully stretched toward the sun. Full of hope and poise, the young snowdrops waved with gentle leaves, greeting the returning spring. Filled with love and peace, their smiling faces brought back memories of my first love. I had known him since birth. I lived by the river. He lived by the hill. His house was old and crowded; mine was quiet and new. He was shy and calm; I was jolly and noisy. We shared one crib and ate from one bowl. We were neighbors and non-separated friends. We were children of the postwar generation.
We grew up in a small village lost in the Carpathian Mountains. His one-bedroom house, with a cold dirt floor and a huge wood-burning stove, which took up half the kitchen, was my home too. His grandma took care of us while our parents slaved in the fields owned by the communist party. Sitting in his old crib, made from a solid piece of wood, we learned to talk and read. On cold days, we cuddled under the woolen blanket and listened to the stories his dad told our neighbors about the labor camp where the Germans took him when he was a young man. We ate warm bread, baked by his mother. It was dark, like the soil. Made from mixed grains, ground between two stones placed on the bottom of a wooden barrel, it tasted better than any white bread I ever ate. Swinging from wall to wall in the suspended crib, we pretended we were flying to space. With its squeaking rusty chains, the crib threatened to throw us out on the dirt floor. Giggling, we held tight to the metal chains secured to the wooden ceiling and watched his forgetful grandma placing a pan filled with pig grease on the wooden bench instead of the stove.
We shared many secrets, we did things we shouldn’t, we fought and we cried, we hugged and we kissed. Then we grew up. We were five years old. He told me we should get married as soon as the snow melts.
“Why not now?” I asked.
“You will see,” he said.
The winter departed and the snow was slowly disappearing. The earth was warming up under the shimmering sun. Spring arrived. One day he tiptoed to my window.
“Come with me,” he said. He impatiently waved his hands, switching from one foot to the other.
“I can’t leave the house; my mom is not home,” I said through the glass. He sighed and turned around. I saw him walking toward the narrow bridge, and then he crossed the river and disappeared between two hills.
“Wait!” I yelled through the open window, and ran toward the hills. He was climbing the hill, covered in pure white snowdrops, which peered at me with their smiling eyes.
“This is for you,” he said. He gently stretched out a shaking hand, full of delicate flowers. “I love you,” he whispered in my ear.
© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 2/6/2014
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After writing and self-publishing in four different genres for all age groups, I’d have to say that writing for age four through twelve is the easiest.
After I’d written most of Messages from Henry (a young adult novella about a homing pigeon), I had young people read it. I met them at a local library. I sat in the area where the public computers are, while doing some research. I asked them to tell me if they liked the story and what they would like to have Henry do next to save his owner’s life. They were thrilled to help me and I’m still friends with many of them today. I got all the feedback I needed and it was great! The hardest part for me was writing this in present tense, but many reviewers say they love it that I did. With over one hundred rave reviews (on Amazon and goodreads…not counting Smashwords--prior to unpublishing it there), I’d have to say meeting young people at the library and getting their help; was a great idea.
In 2013 I decided to write Jumper. It’s written to be read to children age four to seven, but eight year olds can read it. Jumper is a big red beach ball, telling about his adventures after escaping from a toy store bin. Writing this took me by surprise. I never imagined that I’d write any book where I pretend to be a ball, but it’s a lot of fun.
There are many young children living on surrounding farms and I know them all. After I’d finished writing Jumper and had it illustrated, I gave copies of the unpublished book (with the illustrations slipped into the pdf file copy) to these children. They loved it and many parents and grandparents bought the paperback book once I published it. Prior to publication I also emailed the book to some bookworms I’d met online, authors, and relatives. There was only one person that came back with negative feedback. She’s an author and she’d just finished a course re: writing for children. Enough said about her.
I never really planned to write a series of Jumper books, but so many of the children that read it want to know if he’ll be okay and what he’ll do next. One young mother told me that her boys want Jumper to be made into a TV series like Sponge Bob. I might pursue this once the series is complete. I’d like for Disney to make it into a movie, but I’m not going to get my hopes up that high. I’m also being told that children are taking Jumper to school for ‘show and tell’.
I’ll be self-publishing Jumper Bounces Back this February. Like Jumper, it will be in ebook format and paperback. I’m currently writing the third book in the Jumper series and I might call it Jumper Takes Flight. I plan to have my little friends at the local library read my work in progress real soon.
From Rebecca: (I have self-published four books in four different genres: Messages from Henry (a young adult mystery), Rag Doll (a crime drama short story), Jumper (a children's picture book), Where Love Takes You (romance sequel to Messages from Henry). All sold on Amazon.)
THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY!!
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 1/26/2014
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I am thrilled to introduce you to the exciting characters from my new book, "Who Is Most Important in the Fridge?", created by Ms. Chanoa, the young illustrator who illustrated most of my children's books. These books will be published between 2014 - 2016.
"Runaway Clothes" will be published spring, 2014. "The Royal Palm" is expected to be publish in summer 2014, and "Carlo the Mouse, Book 2: Now We're Talking!" will be published at the end of 2014.
I absolutely adore working with Ms.Chanoa, extremely talented and devoted young artist, whose artistic imagination knows no limits. Her artwork engages young readers from the moment they look at the first illustration. Here are some of the wonderful reviews about Ms. Chanoa's art:
Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is, obviously, Book 1 in a new series by the very talented Mrs. D. Several of the subsequent books are already well along in the publishing process, and it is abundantly clear this series is going to be a big hit. There isn't a young child in the country - maybe in the whole world - who would not be totally captivated by the brilliant colors, the amusing illustrations, and the anxious little mouse who just wants to "get out there" and see the world. Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
The pictures are adorable! Every facial expression, every nuance of action, is so well-thought-out. The colors are appealing, and the story’s lesson is simple enough for even the youngest of readers. Kitty Muse Book Reviews
Beautiful, animated illustrations. Review from Amazon
The Trees Have Hearts is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice
The cover is beautiful and appealing, and the illustrations and colors throughout the book are adorable, heartwarming, and peaceful. Reviewed by Readers' Favorite
The pictures are beautiful and fun to explore and the details in them are wonderful. Amazon Reviews
The story flows smoothly, and the illustrations really capture your attention. Amazon Reviews
This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The delicate colors and fine lines will prove satisfying to the eye just as the lyrical language is soothing to the ear. Amazon reviews
Exquisite detailed illustrations enhance this thought provoking tale of a small girls journey to develop friendships in a new country is enchanting without being cloy or dishonest. Amazon Reviews
This is a delightful book. First of all, the illustrations are absolutely stunning. They definitely help bring this fantasy story to life. Amazon Reviews
Trees Have Hearts is a beautiful story about a young girl moving to a new country and her imagination. The descriptive language and beautiful pictures capture your attention and make this story easy to relate to for readers of all ages. Amazon Reviews.
And I cannot add anything to that...
Now take a sneak glance inside Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? and meet awesome characters from the first story, Who Will Feed Stacey First?
The three rhyming stories will introduce young readers to delightful food characters with goofy personalities, real feelings, passions and fears, who always disagree with each other about who will feed a hungry little girl first.
Meet Stacey!!!
Sneaking through the open door, Stacey hopped on the kitchen floor.
Meet Frank!!
“Where’s the little girl?” Frank searched for her blonde curls.
Meet Kate!
“I’m first, I’m first,” the cabbage from Missouri quietly rehearsed.
Meet Mr. Sam!!
Tall cucumber was a big persona. He 'd grown up in Arizona.Meet Fred!!The green lettuce broke the news that he would feed Stacey first.
Meet OJ!!Orange juice jumped on his shelf. “I’m great for Stacey’s health!”
Meet Peppy!
“What’s the noise about, my friend?” Peppy mumbled from his bed.
Meet Rena!!
“I don’t think you should mind,” Rena the radish took Sam’s side.
Meet Blue Bowl!! “Mr. Sam, what a great trick!” The salad bowl moved to the sink.
Meet Uncle Tom!!
Uncle Tom had a strong urge to feed the little girl first...
Coming in 2015!!
© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 1/20/2014
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"20 Tips to Marketing Success"
by Rhonda Fischer
"The only source of knowledge is experience."
--Albert Einstein
Hello! My name is Rhonda and I specialize in Children’s Picture Books and my experience and knowledge derives from that. But most of these marketing techniques can be used for any book of any genre. I started just like you, with a book and dream. I have learned from doing, and from working outside the box. These are things that work for me, I hope you find them useful.
1 - Google Alerts
How "alert" are you about your book and its topic online? Are you using Google, Facebook and Twitter alerts to monitor what people are saying and to contribute to the conversation? I encourage all authors to sign up for Alerts and act on them once they arrive in your inbox. In my Alert I put "Randy Kazandy," the title of my book. So anything with "Randy Kazandy" that is published I get to see it immediately. When you get the emailed Alert, you should act on it. Comment next to the published information if possible. Add that information to your social networking sites. Alerts are not only used to inform you of your exposure on the net, but also to provide you material for you to pass on to other places and create a buzz about your book. You must have a Google account to sign up for it, but the Alerts can be sent to a diff email account.
http://google.com/alerts
2 - Business cards and checks
Have business cards made. I would put the Cover of your book on one side and information on the other. Leave them on coffeehouse boards. Pin one up in the library. Leave one in the restaurant when you leave a tip. Ask businesses if you can put a few by the register in appropriate shops. Give them to your relatives to pass out in your behalf. Slip them in your Christmas Card this year. Have checks made with your book on the left hand corner. I pay by check and have sold my book in book stores that way. The person behind the register saw the book image on the check and got the manager to take a look and they ordered books for their store. I got my checks from a company called "Checks in the Mail" and they do a great job. But I am sure most if not all check companies have this service.
3 - Hotels & traveling
Recently I attended the
Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Ceremony in Miami. I was fortunate enough to win a Gold medal for my book, Randy Kazandy. Here I am on stage with Readers' Favorite CEO Debra Gaynor, and fellow winner actor/author Paul Michael Glaser, star of the TV series "Starsky & Hutch." The other picture is of my suitcase, which I will explain in a minute.
When I walked into the Regency Hotel where the Readers' Favorite Awards Ceremony was being held, I asked the front desk if I could display my book. Three workers bought a copy instantly and were excited to display it. Even though there were over 200 other Readers' Favorite authors and families also in that hotel for the Readers' Favorite Awards Ceremony, I was the only author who asked to do this. By the following day there were dozens of books on the counter.
To be an author you have to be a great writer. To be a successful author you have to be a great marketer! Be aggressive. If you travel then Hotels can offer many advertising opportunities. Hand a stack of bookmarks to the maids and ask them to leave one in each room. Give the people that work there a discount on your book for helping you. Put a couple cards on tables around the hotel. Go to Staples and get a laminated 8x12 or 11x14 sticker of your book cover and put one on each side of your suitcase. I put an extra strip of packing tape over it so it won’t come off when handlers throw it around. And above all, smile when you talk to people!
4 - Book production
If you are children’s book writer and need a US Printer. The best in the business is Worzalla. They do four color and more. The best paper is auburn, which makes illustrations pop and the words will not glow back in your face when you have a light on it. I prefer 80 weight for the paper. Glossy is nice, but it has a terrible shine that could interfere with reading to a child under certain lighting.
If you can do it, pay a printer to provide you with copies of your book instead of using a vanity press. It takes an investment, but now you can make $10-15 or more on the sale of a single book. This makes carrying them around with you much more reasonable. Not only are you advertising your book, but if you walk around the story you may sell enough books to cover the cost of all your groceries!
5 - Finish your book before you sell your book
I beg all authors to take the correct steps when writing their books. After being a reviewer for years for large publishing houses like Random House, I have seen it all. And it amazes me that people are not taking professional steps. Do NOT have your friend edit your book, and certainly do not try and do it yourself. You must get a professional editor and it is well worth the money. I know we are all strapped for cash, but at the very least use a proofreader.
Big companies like Random House have lists they work by. This month they say “we only want books about cats”. If your book is not about a cat, it will get put into the slush pile, as I call it. That does not mean they did not like your story about dogs. They don’t have time to give you details about your book. But the word NO needs to become your very good friend. Just send it again in a couple months. Now that self-publishing is doable, editing/proofreading are critical.
If you are a new author and need an illustrator, make sure your illustrator is experienced. Two beginners will be a disaster together in the world of children’s books. One can be a beginner but not both.
6 - Judge your book by its cover - everyone else will!
Light my fire with the name of your book! Grab me and pull me in. Make sure your cover in done extremely well and make sure it has the price on the back of your book. Don’t clutter the back with long paragraphs. Keep it easy to read. Less is more.
7 - If you got it, flaunt it
Reviews and awards are very important, and of course you know to submit your published book to get reviews and awards. But did you know that some review and award companies, like Readers' Favorite, accept manuscripts for reveiw and for their contest? As long as you book is complete, submit it to companies that take manuscripts so you can have a review and possibly an award to put on your book for your first printing. Reviews and awards from respected companies are very valuable and should be printed on your book with honor. Just don't clutter your cover with them.
8 - Start your own book festival
I had a Randy Kazandy Midwest Kids Fest in Kansas City. That is an actual entire book fair that I held about my book. You could have a book festival in your town. Invite all writers. Have clowns who make animals out of balloons, a petting zoo, story times, music, food venues. I did it and it was wonderful. I even had a book store donate 350 books to the first 350 kids who walked through the doors. It was at a convention center in November. We even had Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for kids to visit with. Each child got a Randy Kazandy book mark with their candy cane.
I had bookmarks made for the event but I got sponsors to pay for them. I had my book character and name of my book and website on the front, with about 8 logos from sponsors/local businesses on the back. Each sponsor paid 100 dollars to be on those bookmarks. They did it with the knowledge that they would be supporting literature and that they would be passed out all over the place. I made $800 and they only cost me $66 to make all 1,000 of them.
So you could create a festival wrapped around your book! How much did it cost me? After that example if you guessed that I actually MADE money then you are right! Put in the time to get people to come and you can do it for nothing. Vendors, writers, and visitors all want to be there, you just need to do the leg work to contact them and get them excited to come.
9 - Greater availability = greater sales
Consider converting your book to an ebook for popular readers like the Kindle and Nook. Or maybe even an Audio book. I always like those when I am traveling. The more formats your book is in, the more people it will reach. It is that simple.
10 - Tell everyone!
Do you post your review or book award on Facebook, Twitter, maybe your own website? Of course you do. But, how about on reading blogs, library blogs, school blogs, teachers blogs, even publishing companies that previously turned you down. Plant a tree and you get a tree. Plant a thousand and you have a forest! What does that mean… I don't know it kinda got away from me there. But the point is when you have news about your book, TELL EVERYONE!
11 - Get your book in the Library system
Submit your book to
Follett Library Resources. If accepted they will send you Purchase Orders every month for books as libraries order them. They will get your book in the catalog and your book can be purchased by every school librarian in the country!
12 - If you leave the house, your book leaves the house
Carry you book with you everywhere. I had to fly from Kansas to Miami to attend the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Ceremony. I took a shuttle from the parking area to the main terminal and the bus driver saw my book that I was carrying and also the huge image of the cover on my suitcase. He asked who I was and I told him I was an author. He bought my book right there! When I entered the terminal, three women saw the book as I laid it down on the counter and then again on my suitcase and each one bought a book and wanted to go tell all their friends about it. They wanted to know if I would deliver more books as they were going to tell their friends. I happen to live near the airport so I gave them bookmarks with my contact information.
Then on the plane—yes I sell even on a plane--I sat with two other women with me in the middle. I was holding my book and they asked to take a look. When they found out I was the author, they screamed! I sold all the books I had with me on the plane. The pilot was upset about not getting a copy. My book is overcoming adversity and people were asking me to write about Randy Kazandy meeting someone with autism, someone else asked if I would write a book about Randy meeting someone with turrets as her son had it. She even gave me his contact information. We had the whole plane involved in the conversation. It was so much fun!
13 - Local radio stations
Call Radio stations that give interviews. I have been on Radio Disney and several Medical Radio Stations because my book is about getting eye glasses for children. Call all of your local radio stations and tell them you have a sensational book you would like to talk about. I guarantee you that you will get on more radio stations if you call them, than if you don’t :-).
14 - Local TV stations
Call all your local TV Stations and ask for the Programming director. If you get a recording leave a message, but call back. Call every number in the station until you get a real live person. I have been on several local TV shows more than once using this method. When I visit my son in Richmond, Virginia I book an appearance on “Good Morning Virginia,” and when I travel to New York where my other family members live I book shows on "WHAM Rock City Tonight," "The Noon City Show" and a few more. Every time I visit they want an update. Always, always send a Thank You note to your interviewer. That is very important. Make sure it is hand written and that is a guarantee they will have you back on the show!
15 - Once a local, always a local
If you have lived all over the country like I have, Upstate New York, Philadelphia, Albuquerque, Texas, California, Kansas to name a few. I call all the papers in those towns because you are still considered a local in their eyes and they would love to write about someone who once lived in their town. Spread the good word to all your past towns and cities.
16 - Smile!
If you go on vacation, why not see if you can have a book signing in a book store or have an article about your book in the local paper. They eat that stuff up! Always look for the opportunity to sing and be happy about your book. If you don’t, nobody will know. When my mother is with me she hands out book marks, talks about my book to store clerks and really thinks it's fun. You don’t know my mother…she has come out of her sour face and negativity and has learned to smile and love people like I have never seen because of my book. I often see her sitting in the audience at a school of over a thousand kids watching me tell my story, and she gets tears in her eyes. I know this book touches her heart. She is a character in my book so I have one small task for her, and that is to Smile!
17 - Banners
You can have a pull up banner made, one that fits on an airplane with your book on it. Make it fun and not too wordy. You can have a sponsor pay for it like I did if you are aggressive. My book is about a little boy getting eye glasses so I went to a foundation and they paid for all my banners. I put their logo on the bottom.
 | Along the bottom you could put your Readers' Favorite Award and/or other awards so they know you are an award-winning author. You can get them online or locally at a Staples or Kinkos and advertise the heck out of your award.
Take a picture of your award medal around your neck and plaster it all over the net. That is what I did after winning the Readers' Favorite Gold Medal. I plastered the internet with pictures of me and my large gold (and pretty heavy!) medal hanging around my neck. I even sent articles to The Wall Street Journal and New York Times! Every avenue you can think of I say TRY! |
18 - Grocery stores
Grocery stores are a great place to have a book signing. They often love any type of literature and the publicity that it can bring to the store. Having an author sign books is a great way for the store to attract business, especially if you can provide them with a sign promoting your upcoming visit to sign books. Whole Foods and Wegmans are two stores I use all the time. If you have one of those, definitely go in with your book and introduce yourself.
19 - Marketing for the soul
Ask people to review your book like hospital gift shops, museums, private book stores. Jack Canfield who wrote "Chicken Soup for the Soul" got rejected 144 times. He did not give up! Finally he went to his friend who was a publisher and he bribed him to print his book. He said, If I don’t sell my books I will buy every single one back from you. He did it on his own to start and the rest is history. He put the books everywhere; In limousines, as reading material in doctors’ offices, schools, and he would just drop one off on all his travels and at every opportunity. The secret is….put your book where there are no other books.
See the limo was great because they had no other books there. If you were bored in that limo, the next thing you would know is you would be picking up his book. So go out and take the world in your hands and market that book. When you give you get. If you have three books that you have printed, give buyers a three book package deal and post it on moms or dads sites depending on the nature of your book. Offer discounts for multiple books. Give 5% or 10% to your favorite charity because people like to know that you are helping others. Do not clutter up your book with awards. Select the best one for the cover and put the rest on the back or on your website. Also, Random House puts the other books you have published on the back cover, so you want to try that. So, Congratulations on your Readers' Favorite Awards it was so nice meeting you. Don’t give up…Please go after your dreams. I am cheering you on!!
20 - The TV/Radio pitch
First be prepared to call your target media. Be familiar with your product or news release and news angle. Be ready with the facts, have all materials near at hand. Be ready to fax information immediately. Be ready to express media kit materials overnight. Have your best thirty second pitch prepared and ready to go.
Here is a script for a good 30 second pitch:
Hey, we've got a great new guest for the New Year: Rhonda Fischer is one of the most talked about female children’s author in the USA -- she's been on channel 10 twice, NBC, Channel 6, Kansas City Live, SBV TV and WHAM13 twice about her book Randy Kazandy, Where are Your Glasses? She met with Laura Bush and she is one of those rare guests who just sizzles on the air. You'll invite her back again and again. Her picture book will engage parents especially if their child needs to get glasses. A little red headed, freckle face boy thinks he will look like an alien if he has to wear glasses, and all the antics that happen based on a true story. She also won a Gold medal. What can we do to get her booked on your show?
Develop your own fun pitch. Say it with enthusiasm and vigor. Make them think you are one of a kind. TV stations do not like boring people. So if you are an introvert, now is the time to learn how to be an extravert.
Practice your thirty second pitch ahead of time. Make sure you have it down cold and have all other materials in hand and ready to go. You can call cold without having sent a press release, or call after having sent a news release. Many of my clients set up a schedule to call three to five media a day and do nothing else. They find that cold calling media works very well. If you do this, you create a prioritized media list and call the most important media first. Then work your way down the list.
Keep calling five to ten people a day is a must, or do what you can. Recognize that the effect of media publicity is cumulative.
In conclusion...
Simply put, you get out of marketing what you put into it. Do not sit back and wait for your book to be a success, make it a success! Good luck!
The fastest growing book review and award contest site on the Internet!
Recipient of the "Honoring Excellence" and "Best Websites for Authors" awards
by the Association of Independent Authors.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 1/8/2014
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A sweet teaching story on caring, with valuable lessons!
Two stories in one–double the reading fun–is what you get in “Oh Brother!: A Nico and Tugger Tale.” In the first of a planned series you will meet Nico, an only dog that likes it that way, and Tugger, the pesky puppy that changes Nico’s life when Tugger is brought home. The book provides both dogs’ versions of the same tale, illustrating that even with these canine brothers there is more than one side to a story.
Reviewed by Mrs.D.
Oh Brother! A Nico and Tugger Tale, is a heartwarming story about two adorable dogs, written by Kimberly Sentek for young children and their parents. Through the dialogue of two dogs struggling to accept each other, the author opens readers' eyes to issues which occur in most families. As they see a diverse view of two different characters--Nico, the older dog, and a new puppy named Tugger--young children learn the great lessons of sharing and giving.
At first, Nico feels thrilled when his family brings a new puppy into the house, but he soon realizes that the puppy is not a regular toy that he can forget in the corner. Annoyed by the puppy, which is always following him and sometimes crying, he feels as if his life is crushed and destroyed forever. Feeling hurt and unhappy, the older dog tries to reject the playful puppy, who has stolen the attention of the people he loves so much. Nico used to be the only dog in the family and was always pampered. Now he must share his family, house, and toys with Tugger. The older dog grumbles about the new arrival who has dramatically changed his settled life.
On the other hand, Tugger is a very emotional, cute puppy, who is thrilled about his new family and the older brother he always wanted. Struggling to find the way to Nico's heart and to fit in to his new surroundings, the little puppy hopes that things will change and Nico will become his best friend. But first, Tugger must learn how to share, give, and be more patient.
With time, the two dogs adjust to changes in their lives and learn how to live in harmony. They both learn that not all changes are as dreadful as they seem at the beginning. If you give each other a chance and a little time, life can be fun. This story about the lives of two lovable dogs is a great example of how to teach children about sibling rivalry, who must learn how to overcome disagreements and develop a wonderful friendship. It will encourage young readers to accept a new friend or an addition to the family. The bright illustrations, done in soothing colors, brought this story to life.
I would recommend this children's book for parents who want to teach their children how to accept changes, adapt to new surroundings, and make new friends. This is a homey puppy-dog book, fun to read while curling up on the couch with your child! A delightful rhyming story, which teaches young children great lessons on how to rise above dramatic changes in their lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly Sentek has spent her entire life telling stories--so much so that her parents swear she was born talking. A lifelong resident of New Jersey (and a huge fan of Bon Jovi), Kimberly is owned by two cockapoos, Nico and Tugger. Her first book, Oh Brother!: A Nico and Tugger Tale, was inspired by them, and she hopes to continue writing a series of books about her two furry children.
You can visit her at KimberlySentek.com
@kimberlysente
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 12/30/2013
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Wishing all readers, fans, authors, illustrators, and friends a peaceful holiday season and an inspired, creative New Year! May magic fill your days and all your dreams come true this holiday season. Happy New Year!!
The New Year like a book lies before me;On its cover two words, "My Life," I see.
I open the covers and look between--
Each page is empty, no words can be seen,
For I am a writer, I hold the pen
That'll fill these pages to be read by men.
Just what kind of book will my book be,
My life written there for others to see,
Each day a page written, one by one--
Will it be worthwhile when finished and done?
Lord, help me keep these pages clean and fair
By living the life I'd have written there.
--Gertrude Laura Gast
New Year begins, let us pray that it will be a year with New Peace, New Happiness and abundance of new friends.
The New Year is the time of unfolding horizons and the realization of dreams, may you rediscover new strength and garner faith with you, and be able to rejoice in the simple pleasures that life has to offer and put a brave front for all the challenges that may come your way.
I wish that this New Year not a single patch of darkness touch your life, not a single tear ever trickle from your eyes, not a single friend leave your side, not a single effort go without recognition or providing proper insight.
Let us leave behind sadness, regrets and painful moments and have a new start full of joy this new year.
As the New Year approaches, my wish for you is a proactive spirit – a spirit that does not wait for the right time thinking when an opportunity would come and fall on the lap, but goes out to grab an opportunity, or if needed simply make one for yourself, and prove your worth to the world.
Just as you touch the lives of friends with your innate sweetness, may your New Year be as sweet and savory as can be.
The New Year is the time of unfolding horizons and the realization of dreams, may you rediscover new strength and garner faith with you, and be able to rejoice in the simple pleasures that life has to offer and put a brave front for all the challenges that may come your way.
May 2014 be the year when all your dreams come true, all your hard work reap great results and rewards, all your family and friends keep you company. Happy New Year!!
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 12/23/2013
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Snegurochka, also known as the Snow Maiden or Snowy, is a unique character of Russian folklore and an essential part of Russian New Year’s celebrations.
The origins of Snegurochka are contradictory.
The roots of this feminine character can be found in Slavic pagan beliefs. According to legend, she is the daughter of Father Frost and the Snow Queen.
However, another Russian fairy-tale tells a story of an old man and woman who had always regretted that they did not have any children. In winter they made a girl out of snow.
The snow maiden came alive and became the daughter they never had. They called her Snegurochka. But when the summer sun began to warm the land, the girl became very sad.
One day she went into the woods with a group of village girls to pick flowers. It began to get dark and the girls made a fire and began playfully jumping over the flames.Snegurochka also jumped, but suddenly she melted and turned into a white cloud.
In some parts of Russia people still follow the ancient tradition of drowning a straw figure in the river or burning it on the bonfire to dispel the winter. This custom symbolizes the transition from winter to spring.
Snegurochka's love story
Snegurochka's mother Spring gives her a gift of a Love Wreath that makes her capable of loving. However, as soon as she falls in love she leaves her forest and melts at dawn as the sun touches her with its rays and turns her into a cloud. Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov then wrote an opera Snegurochka based on Ostrovsky’s play. Snegurochka became widely known in the 19th century after Russian playwright Aleksandr Ostrovsky wrote the play Spring Fairytale based on the legend. The play portrays the young beauty as the daughter of Frost and Spring. She is immortal and she lives in her father’s winter forest. Snegurochka is lonely and would happily give up her immortality for the ability to feel love, like normal humans.
The soul of the New Year
The modern image of Snegurochka appeared at the turn of the 20th century, as she became a popular character in children's New Year’s celebrations and theatrical performances. Little girls enjoyed being dressed up as Snegurochka by their mothers in light winter attire and sometimes a cap.
Snegurochka has always been an essential part of the New Year’s celebrations and a helper to Father Frost, the Russian Santa Claus. Young, beautiful and smiling, she always travels with Father Frost on a horse-drawn sledge to visit children and give them gifts; she acts as a mediator between Father Frost and the children.
Snegurochka is forever young and beautiful. According to the legend the old man and woman who made her from snow used two deep blue beads for eyes, made two dimples in her cheeks, and used a piece of red ribbon for her mouth. Snegurochka was very beautiful, but when she came to life, she was even better. Snegurochka is often depicted with snow white skin, deep sky-blue eyes, cherry lips and curly fair hair.
Looks and personality
Originally Snegurochka wore only white garments and a crown, decorated with silver and pearls. Her present day costume is blue, red, white or silver and her crown is sometimes replaced by an embroidered cap with fur edging. She is probably one of the most attractive female characters in Russian culture.
Where to find her
Snegurochka is said to live deep in the winter forest. Snegurochka's modern place of residence is quite real - it's the Russian city of Veliky Ustug (in the fairytale, her origins are in the Russian city of Kostroma). Nowadays, Father Frost is considered to be her grandfather rather than her father, as in the old legend.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season and my sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year. Happy Holidays!!
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 12/17/2013
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The Adventures of Lovable Lobo, #4
It's almost Christmas and Santa finds himself in quite the predicament due to unintended consequences as a result of trying something new. Lobo, and his raven sidekick, Roxy, travel to the North Pole to help the jolly ole' one and are guided by the Arctic animals. The colors of the season delight along the way and make for a howling good holiday. Can you howl Ho Ho Ho?
What could be more exciting than celebrating Christmas with an adorable wolf pup (Lobo) and his friends? Who can resist the rainbow sky, trees, and houses? I couldn't!
What an adorable book for little children! The vivid illustrations, filled with snow and happy images, burst from every page. They take readers far away into a snowy land full of magic and fun. Traveling with Lobo and his friends to the magical world of Santa and his helpers, children will learn about animals that live at the North Pole. In this story, the author cleverly adds a good message about sharing, giving, and helping others.
C. L. Murphy has constructed a sweet teaching story for young children who like reading lighthearted books. I just wish this book could be available in print. It would make a beautiful Christmas stocking stuffer.
VIDEO ON YOUTUBE:
As a right of passage, Lobo, a wolf pup is expected to bring back dinner for his pack on his very first solo hunt. He has a real problem with this, but with the help of Popo, his opossum friend, they come up with a plan in hopes of fooling the pack.
Silly is what Lobo does best in this adventure where he visits the barnyard. Who knew he could have so much fun slopping and plopping with the farm animals? Lobo soon realizes that he is better off being true to his lovable wolf self.
There's something in the forest that smells very different to Lobo in his third adventure. What could it be? He discovers Squatchy, a little Bigfoot! Squatchy leads Lobo and Roxy, to a clearing in the forest where they witness the Squatchy Stomp. Stomp along to the beat just like the Bigfoots do! Find Squatchy when he hides in the trees and learn the secret Bigfoot signal! BELIEVE!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
FROM CATHY
I've been doodling my way through life ever since I won a school wide poster contest in the third grade. Creating is my passion! I've had the pleasure of working as an artist in residence, creating cartoons and painting murals with the children at local elementary schools. I just adore the wonder and the curiosity of young children. For years, I filed my picture book ideas away, until the reality of the empty nest syndrome sunk in and I decided to bring my favorite one to fruition.
I based the character, Lovable Lobo, on something very dear to my heart, a real wolf that I've raised for the last 13 years. Raising a wolf has been an interesting journey. I've felt the need to protect him his entire life, primarily due to the preconceived notions that wolves are to be feared.
I live amongst the wildlife in one of Oregon's beautiful forests. I have always appreciated nature and animals have always played a major role in my life. I was that little girl that brought home the strays asking, "Can we please keep it?" At an early age I realized my connection with animals by training a wild Bluejay to appear on command and take food from my hand.
I hope you enjoy Lobo's adventures and that you, too, will find Lobo lovable!
PLEASE VISIT CATHY'S SITES
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 12/15/2013
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These days, we hear a lot about book discovery.As more and more books hit the market, readers are deluged with choices and authors are struggling to get in front of new readers and even existing fans.
Recently
Bowker announced that the number of
books published each day in the US is up to 3,500.
This does not include all eBook data since many eBooks are published without ISBN numbers that Bowker can track. What this has done is create a strong need for a reader’s voice.Reaching these readers, however, is another matter entirely.
What’s an aspiring publisher or author to do? Well, it’s time to get serious about being seen in places where your reader will find you. It’s time to realize the things that are important to your reader:reviews and engagement.Authors who focus on those two things alone are head and shoulders above the rest.
More Reasons to Love Reviews
The other reason to love reviews is that the more reviews on Amazon the more visible your book becomes.This is largely due to the Amazon algorithm which is based on a few things, one of which is the number of reviews you get to your page.
It’s called Social Proof and Amazon loves it. More reviews on your page push your book higher in search ranking when someone enters your book’s search term into the Amazon search bar.
Different Types of Reviewers, Do They all Matter?
Reviewers, like anything in marketing, are very relationship based. That’s why it’s often easier to get reviews for your second or third book, but first-time authors, don’t worry – I’m going to show you a tip in a minute that can help you double or triple the amount of reviews you get.
There are a few different types of Amazon reviewers. Let’s look at each:
Top Amazon Reviewers:These folks can review anything, not just books, and they often do a lot of reviews. I had one reviewer tell me she once posted 100 reviews a month on Amazon. These reviewers also get a lot of credibility in that their reviews are often accompanied by attributes such as Hall of Fame Reviewer, Vine Voice and Top Ten Reviewer. Here’s an example of how a top reviewer shows up on Amazon:
It’s a great thing to get a top Amazon reviewer to consider your book but they are tough to target. Does it mean you should ignore them? No. We’ll talk more about how to creatively target them in a moment.
Amazon Reader Reviewers:These are readers who just love books. They aren’t part of the top list like the high profile Amazon reviewers, but they can also review a lot of books. Their reviews are thoughtful, insightful, and thorough.
They tend to be very genre focused, which means that they stay true to one genre, possibly two. Many of them are also on Goodreads, which is another reason why it makes sense to be on that site, too.
Consumers:Do consumers review books? Yes, but according to a review statistic I read recently they don’t review a lot. Often only 1% of consumers will review a book they read, but I’ll show you how to quadruple that number for your next book.
Bloggers:We love bloggers. They have this tireless passion for books and if you can get them to review yours, this relationship can last the length of your career. But keep in mind that while book blogger relationships are great, not all of them review on Amazon so if your goal is to really populate that page with reviews, you’ll want to make sure they do.
Curious about
how to find great book bloggers?You can search for many of them on Google and search “book blogger” + Your genre. You can also go to sites like:
Blogger Directoryor
Blog Metricsto find bloggers in your genre.
Different Ways to Find Amazon Reviewers
As you can see, the list has two tabs on it,Top Reviewer Rankings and Hall of Fame Reviewers.The Hall of Fame list is really the top of the top. If you can get picked up by one of those folks, you’re golden. Not all of them review your genre, and some don’t even review books. There are other ways you can reach them, though.
Some authors I know will just find reviewers based on other, similar titles.You can do this by going to books that cover the same or a similar topic and see who has reviewed their book on Amazon. You follow the reviewer’s link to his or her Amazon profile page, look for an email address, and send a pitch. It’s a very time-intensive way to get reviews, though it’s 100% worth it.
If you start this process early(i.e. before your book is published), you’ll be able to target these folks as soon as your book is ready to go. The other way to find reviewers is to use the following search string, which I’ve seen a few times in various formats.
Keep in mind that this search string isn’t an exact science,and I’ve also found that it works better for some genres than for others. First, let’s take a look at the search string structure:
Search String in Google:
http://www.amazon.com/review/top-reviewers “Top 500 reviewer” “Romance”
Or you can also use:
http://www.amazon.com/review/top-reviewers “Top 1000 reviewer” “Romance”
The string is broken down as follows:
1. Firstis the site you want to search:
http://www.amazon.com/review/top-reviewersthis is the profile link on the Amazon page—that’s the URL you are searching from so you must include this in your search string.
2. Nextyou want the Top X reviewers, in this case I recommend putting in 500 or 1000. You won’t pull up that many, but it’s a nice high number to shoot for. Why the difference in the number? Because I recommend that you search it both ways. Oddly, though you’re just changing a number, each of these searches may produce different results.
3. Next upis the genre. I put in romance here but yours might be mystery, sci-fi, etc. Whatever your genre is (fiction or non-fiction), put it there.
When you do this, you still have to sift through the results.Keep in mind that not all Amazon reviewers list their email address on their profile so you may have to hunt for them by searching their name and their blog (most Amazon reviewers have blog sites they repost their reviews to).
If you’re willing to continue your search, you can alsotry this search string:
http://www.amazon.com/review/top-reviewers “Top 500 reviewer” “Young Adult Fiction” “E-mail:”
Note the spelling of the term e-mail.For the purposes of finding the right reviewers, we want to mimic how the term e-mail is referenced on the reviewer site. This process, while time-consuming, can help you start building your top Amazon review list.
How to Double the Amount of Blogger Reviews You Get
You’ve now identified the bloggers you want to pitch and they also review on Amazon. You know that they get a lot of review requests, sohow will you make yours stand out?
Last year I conducted an experiment. I wanted to see if there was a way I coulddouble or triple the amount of reviewsI could get if I were an unknown, newly published author. If you’ve ever attempted to get reviews, you know it’s never easy as a first-time author.
You’re lucky to get one or two at the most. I always tell authors topersonalize their pitcheswhenever they can because it’ll net more review requests. Most of the time authors sort of nod in agreement, but I suspect that very few actually do this.
I mean let’s face it; it’s a big time suck to personalize pitches, right? You have to go to their blog, find their name, look up some of the books they’ve done reviews on, see if they’re right for your book and then pitch them.
Seems like a lot, right? Now I’m going to ask you totake this a step further.I want you to include some personal information on them, too. I did this anytime I could and, as I said, I tripled the amount of review requests I got for this unknown author. In some cases I quadrupled the amount.
Turning Your Book into a Review Machine
We all want to turn our book into a sales machine. Now I’m not talking about turning your book into a cross-promotion tool (though that’s good, too) I’m speaking about getting your book towork for you in other ways.
We’ve worked with many first-time authors, but earlier this year I had an idea I wanted to try. I wanted to find a way to encourage readers to review the book by adding a specific request. We asked the author to include a letter in the back of her book asking for reviews:
She reminded readers how important their voice is.Did it work? Yes. In fact she’s got well over 70 reviews of which only 10 were solicited. Remember, this is a first-time author with no history online and this book was self-published.
All of these things worked against her and still she succeeded in getting tons of reviews. Were they all five-star? No, but that’s not the point. Let’s face it, a book page that’s populated with tons of five-star reviews is pretty suspect anyway. All of the reviews are authentic, written by real readers the author engaged with.
Want to know another secret?These readers are now part of her “tribe;” she stays in touch with them and lets them know when her next book is out.
How did she ask for reviews? She crafted a letter to her readers. Here’s a sample of the letter we included in the back of her second book:
Keep in mind that as I mentioned earlier, generally only 1% of consumers review books on Amazon.Using this letter helped to beat that average by a lot.
A Little Known Amazon Tool
Did you know that you can respond to a review on Amazon?Using access to your Author Central account you can now write a note thanking the reviewer, or, you can let the various reviewers know that you have another book out and ask them if they want a free copy for review.
Once you’re inside you’ll see this header. Click on Customer Reviews(see red arrow)
If you click that button, it’ll take you to this page where you’ll see a bunch of your reviews. Under each review you’ll see “Add a comment”—this is where you want to click.
That will let you respond to the reviews. It’s a great way to connect with your readers on Amazon!
Here’s a screenshot:
Reviews and the process of getting them has gotten more challenging and time intensive as new books continue to flood the market. Reviewers have a lot of choices.
But if you’re smart about your efforts, and leverage Amazon’s features wisely, you can really boost your book’s exposure, and your sales.
One final note on Amazon reviews. Sometimes in order to get reviews, you need to become a reviewer. I’m not suggesting you compete for their top review spot, but instead help other writers in your market by reviewing their books. It’s not only a great way to pay it forward, but they may offer you a review, too.
Penny C. Sansevieri, Founder and CEO Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. She is an Adjunct Professor teaching Self-Publishing for NYU. She is the author of twelve books, including How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon and Red Hot Internet Publicity.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 12/14/2013
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Join James, Syvok, thirteen Yule Lad's and, of course, Matthias as they cause a raucous, create laughs, and create a Yuletide that you and James will always remember.
Thirteen Santas! How neat! Thinks James as he and Syvok set off on their third adventure. Little did he know the mischief these Yule Lads were capable of getting them all into.
What could be more exciting than a thrilling trip to the intriguing country of Iceland, with thirteen Icelandic Santas! The story starts with James reading a book about Iceland, and then his friends, Matthias and Syvok, and the cute glittering Dragonets visit his room. Soon afterward, they start their exciting adventures.
It is cold and dark, but the darkness does not scare the friends from flying north to frigid Iceland, which has a long list of Christmas traditions. From the first chapter, the author takes readers on a gripping ride. Readers quickly learn about the thirteen brothers (Santas) and what part they play in Christmas celebrations.
Just wait until they meet the spooky Old Hag and her dragons, which will give readers goose bumps and chills! Do you really want to know what they eat for dinner? Well, I will keep this a secret for a while…
Wendy Nystrom has created a fine story, which reminds me of old Christmas tales, where anything can happen. The Christmas Cat is interesting, and the dragons are just waiting for our heroes to make a wrong step. Luckily for the little adventurers, there were good Santas to protect them from the evil Old Hag.
Readers will love this book because, through the amusing adventures, the author introduces them to the beautiful country of Iceland, and they can easily learn about its traditions and culture. If your children like to read old stories with a modern twist, this book is definitely a great read.
Educational adventures for children
Below you will find each of her books, synopsis for each, buy links, awards, and ways to connect with Wendy on social media, follow her work on her website, and other outlets.
*Wendy Nystrom is a published author with Anchor Group Publishing, wife and a mother of three wonderful children. Wendy grew up in St. Paul, MN, and has lived at different points in her life in Minnesota, Texas, Idaho, Colorado, West Virginia, and Iceland. She currently resides in Michigan (USA). Wendy is an avid reader of many different genres; she love adventures; and devotes some of her time to being active in schools, the local library, and other community projects. She earned a BA in Geography concentrating on Urban Planning at Texas State University. Wendy began writing children stories in 2005 while living on the wonderfully imagination filled island of Iceland. Her writing paradise is sitting around a campfire deep in the mountains with a huge moon above with the mountain outlined all around while a story teller weaves a tale of adventure with a splash of fun as a pebble skips across the water.*
Wendy’s first children’s book is James Saves the Moon.
James Saves the Moon, a precocious young boy finds himself on a true adventure in the beautiful mountains of Iceland when he climbs out his window one night in an effort to touch the moon. He starts out on a mission that ends up so much more. He meets a magical friend, named Syvok, who shows him the way and introduces him to trouble and keeps him safe all at the same time. He also meets Matthias, a majestic blue dragon who flies them anywhere they need to go. With the help of his new friends James not only gets to touch the moon, but ends up having to save it. James is returned home with a magic souvenir, incredible memories, and promises of more adventures with his new friends.
Awards: Readers Favorite 5 Star
Wendy’s second children’s book is
Helga Returns: James and Syvok’s Adventure 2
James discovers a foot print walking along the shoreline. His special rock glows, and his heart fills with anticipation. He is going to see his friend Syvok again! What awaits him now? As he looks to the beautiful Icelandic mountains excitement grows. Syvok appears at James window and they take off up the mountainside. With just a little fairy dust a magic door opens where James finds himself face to huge face with a Troll. Helga introduces herself and they become quick friends. James soon discovers that Helga has been tossed out of her home because of a mistake she made. He embarks on a mission to find a way to help Helga get her old job back and win back the hearts of her family and friends without getting tossed into the icy cold realms himself.
Awards: Readers Favorite 5 Star
Wendy’s third children’s book is
Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland
What do you get? A lot of Tomfoolery and fun I’ll bet! The Thirteen Yule Lads of Iceland are much different than the Santa Clause we know. They are mischievous, troublesome, funny, and full of curiosity. Much like James! When James visits them in their home with Syvok, he almost gets eaten by their mother and is taunted by the Christmas Cat, they know right where they are going to come when they visit town during the 13 days of Christmas. James finds out that the Yule Lads make the noisiest houseguests ever when they come to stay. They clang pots, slam doors, and even bring their own lamb. However amidst all the ruckus they create comes the most joy and fun for the holidays.
Awards: Readers Favorite 5 Star
Amongst The Clouds: James & Syvok Adventure 4 is in the works!
Wendy also has an Urban Fantasy Short in an Anthology:
Paranormal Days Gone Awry
New Moon Brethren: Blaze
Changeling
The story is told by a dragon named Blaze who belongs to an old secret society
made up of paranormal beings and humans to stop the dark one.
*A full novel is in progress based off this short story!*
Connect with Wendy!
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 12/12/2013
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People are strangely fascinated by what other people eat, and even more so when that other person is the president. Here are 10 Christmas dinner menus from presidents past and present.
1. 1790 - GEORGE WASHINGTON
Christmas at Mount Vernon was no small affair. In addition to
Washington's super-tasty eggnog, the first president served onion soup, oysters, broiled herring, Yorkshire pudding, roast suckling pig, turkey with chestnut stuffing, boiled beef with horseradish sauce, Virginia ham, lima beans, acorn squash, baked celery with almonds, hominy pudding, candied sweet potatoes, cantaloupe pickles, spiced cranberries, and mincemeat, apple, and cherry pies. There were more desserts, including blancmange, jellied plums, snowballs (whatever those were), ice cream, and plum pudding, plus an assortment of fruit, nuts, cheese and egg-free alcoholic beverages.
2. 1887 - GROVER CLEVELAND
After a hearty breakfast of oranges, boiled rice and salt mackerel, Grover Cleveland and his family and guests were treated to an elaborate dinner menu featuring oysters on the half shell, game soup, boiled fish, roast goose, applesauce, potatoes, parsnips, turnips, more boiled rice, stewed onions, lobster salad, duck, plum pudding, vanilla ice cream, mince pie, salted almonds, various fruit, candies and cookies, and coffee. The White House Christmas Plum Pudding recipe is a monster of culinary proportions: it begins with a cup of beef suet followed by at least 16 more ingredients, 12 steps of preparation, four hours of boiling, and then to top it off there's a brandy sauce recipe that calls for "a piece of butter as large as an egg." Though he never found himself stuck in the presidential clawfoot tub, it might be worth noting that President Cleveland was quite large.
3. 1907 - TEDDY ROOSEVELT
Whatever else the Roosevelts were planning for their Christmas feast in 1907, they probably didn't expect the shipment that arrived from Helen Longstreet. She hand-fed a pair of possums for months — "mostly persimmons" — for the sole purpose of gifting them to the president and his family. Longstreet, a postmistress in Gainesville, Georgia, wrote on the box, "These o'possums surrendered near the Wren's Nest, Atlanta, both contending smilingly for for the honor of furnishing the Christmas dinner for the American Prince and his family." It's hard to imagine anyone would get away with the shipment of animals or that "American Prince" line today without a surprise visit from men with badges, but it's a sweet story, if you're into eating possum.
4. 1941 - FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
As the United States celebrated Christmas for the first time as combatants in WWII (while still climbing out of the Great Depression), the dinner menu at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was pared down a bit to reflect the country's wartime sacrifice. FDR and guest of honor Winston Churchill dined on clear soup, thin toast, turkey and dressing, and beans, and of course the Christmas plum pudding made an appearance as well.
5. 1947 - HARRY S. TRUMAN
The Trumans served what was probably the first roll-free White House Christmas dinner: the menu was "minus bread or rolls and butter, in keeping with the national food conservation program," and included only tomato consomme, curled celery, assorted olives, roast turkey, dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry jelly, mashed potatoes, asparagus, the now-infamous plum pudding, fruit salad, and coffee.
6. 1960 - DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
Details are scant about the Eisenhowers' holiday menus, but one fact is known: in 1960, the family received a 42-pound turkey and a gallon of oysters for the affair, courtesy of a Mr. Arthur Briscoe. To put that bird into perspective, the average 5-year-old weighs around 40 pounds.
7. 1973 - RICHARD NIXON
Things were not looking great for Nixon's presidency in 1973, what with that whole Watergate thing. The Nixons had a very small, private dinner in 1973 with just a few family and friends, some turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce. Eight months later, Nixon became the first (and only) president to resign the office.
8. 1993 - BILL CLINTON
Since the Clintons were already in the practice of hosting Christmas dinner for both their families, they put out quite a spread to include everyone's favorites: turkey and ham, bread stuffing and cornbread stuffing, sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli, ambrosia, a cranberry mold, giblet gravy, a relish tray with green onions, watermelon pickles and olives, and pumpkin, pecan, apple and cherry pies. And on top of all of that, champagne, wine, eggnog, syllabub, and sweet potato punch (from a recipe clipped from an Arkansas newspaper).
9. 2007 - GEORGE W. BUSH
The Bushes enjoyed a relatively low-key Christmas lunch at Camp David in 2007. On the menu? Turkey, dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes, fruit salad, Parker House rolls, pumpkin and pecan pies, and red velvet cake.
10. 2012 - BARACK OBAMA
Last year, the Obamas celebrated in Hawaii with steak, potatoes, green beans and pie. This year's menu will be slightly more traditional, though just as simple: turkey, string beans, dressing, and mac and cheese.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it interesting.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 12/6/2013
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Review Copy
It is Christmastime at Mrs. D’s home. Nyda – her old house cat – is happy to be inside, away from the harsh bitter elements that winter brings. She worries about her outdoor friends – and she misses Nicky, her former feline companion – but she knows he looks proudly down upon her from kitty heaven as she remembers all of the tricks he once taught her – especially tricks like how to convince the humans around her to give her delicious food!
Nyda enjoys the hustle and bustle of the holidays. She loves visits from family members and all of the delicious treats they bring! But she is not prepared for the surprise that Mrs. D.’s daughter brings to her home this particular Christmas!
The City Kittens And The Old House Cat by Mrs. D. is the delightful tale of Nyda – the old house cat – and her adjustment to the two city kittens that move into her home and rock her world. Like many of us who find themselves faced with new situations, Nyda does not welcome change. At first, she tries to make life difficult for the “spoiled inside city house cats” and does not welcome them into her home. But – when Nyda learns the truth about the kittens and their arrival – her attitude changes and she realizes how lucky she and the kittens are to have a family who loves them! Mrs. D. has created another engaging story that both children and cat lovers will adore. The beautiful illustrations by Mike Motz enhance your reading pleasure. Be sure to add this to your holiday gift list this season – and be sure to enter our holiday giveaway for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! 
Mrs. D. (Olga D’Agostino), an award-winning children’s author, was born in western Ukraine. She lived in the historical city of Lviv, where she studied business in Lviv Business College and worked in the food industry. In 1992 she immigrated to the USA with her two small daughters and for years worked in her own business. In 2011, she began her career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Two of her children’s books, The Trees Have Hearts and Good Morning, World! won a 2013 Mom’s Choice Awards. She is a member of SCBWI and speaks a few languages fluently. She lives in the famous town of Smithville, NJ, with her husband Patrick and a meticulous old cat named Nyda.
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To celebrate the holiday season, Create With Joy and Mrs. D. are joining Kid Lit bloggers around the blogosphere to make your Christmas a little merrier!
As part of the Kid Lit Giveaway Hop Holiday Extravaganza (which you can read more about at the end of this post) – Mrs. D. is offering not one but two prizes to two lucky Create With Joy readers!
The prizes will be awarded as follows:
- 1 Winner will receive an Autographed Paperback Copy of The City Kittens and the Old House Cat
- 1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Good luck!!
THANK YOU for visiting my blog!
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 12/3/2013
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Sometimes, just before bed on the one magical Eve of the year, the perfect Christmas book can make for the perfect way to lull excited children off into the land of sugar plums and fairies. But they’re also great leading up to that special day, as well as the rest of December. Grab a cookie and read up!
 | The Mitten: When a little red mitten suddenly appears in the forest, all the animals aren’t quite sure that it is. They do realize that it’s rather cozy inside the mitten, so one by one, they crawl inside. The mitten keeps on stretching to include more animals—even a bear! How many of them will be able to fit in there? Available in paperback, hardcover, and as a board book to suit small hands. Jan Brett’s classic tale of a lost mitten is a joy for children everywhere, especially with her delightfully colorful and highly detailed illustrations. This story may easily become a family favorite. |
 | The Polar Express: A book that quickly became a classic (and then a movie), it’s the story of one boy whose name we never learn as he steps onto a magical train that heads straight to the North Pole. It is there he meets Santa Claus himself and learns what it really means to believe. Chris Van Allsburg’s soft illustrations and sweet story have become a classic read during that time of the year. Every child will dream about getting the chance to hop onto the train and watch the stars and meet elves and of course, Santa Claus and his amazing reindeer. In fact, a few adults might dream of it too… |
 | A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree: A small evergreen tree stands alone in the forest, wishing to be a beautifully decorated tree for the festive holiday season. Each animal tells the tree how special it is to them, and after they decorate it with things from the forest, it realizes that not being chosen may be the best thing after all. Good children’s christmas books like this one celebrate the bonds of friendship in times of sadness. A positive book with a heartwarming story. Some children may be surprised when they finally notice that the trees have faces, as they are so well crafted into the shapes of the trees. |
 | How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Everyone in Whoville celebrates the holiday season with joy and happiness, toys and feasting. Except the Grinch. His heart happens to be two sizes too small, and he’s less than excited about the coming festival. So what does he do? On the eve of the big day, he dresses as Santa and steals Christmas! Or does he? This is a classic tale by Dr. Seuss that children and adults have come to love throughout the years. Through the prickly old Grinch, Dr. Seuss shows everyone what that special time of the season really means, and it’s much more than presents and food. |
 | God Gave Us Christmas: Cozying up the night before with a good selection of Christmas childrens books and a cup of hot chocolate always makes for a wonderful time. Now kids and adults can thank God by reading this title by Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrator David Hohn. A book meant for infants and children in preschool, a mama polar bear and her cub go through a series of simple questions and answers, the two reveal the true meaning behind that most special day of the year. A great book for parents looking to teach their children about God and why we celebrate December 25th. |
 | Dream Snow: Eric Carle is well known for his popular books featuring caterpillars and brown bears. But what about snow? He has one for snow too! Now children can read about a farmer who works hard all day, caring for his animals and then going home to relax. One night he dreams about everything being covered in snow, and when he wakes up he finds that his dream has come true. The bright collage-like illustrations will catch readers’ imaginations and young children will be excited to push the button at the end of the story, which plays a happy little tune perfect for the celebration. |
 | The Sweet Smell of Christmas: Mmm—the holidays certainly smell delicious! Little Bear knows that magical day of the year is almost upon them because of all the amazing scents floating in the air. From soft gingerbread men to sweet mint candy, there are so many smells to accompany the festivities; it’s hard to choose a favorite! Even if parents don’t make gingerbread cookies, readers can still smell them. The book contains six different scratch-and-sniff scents, so kids can interact with the story and smell some of the things that Little Bear smells. Parents might even bring in a few real scents to add to the fun—like candy canes and pine needles! |
 | Bear Stays Up for Christmas: Fans of Bear and all his friends will love children’s Christmas books that feature them. Bears snooze all through winter, but the other animals of the forest want Bear to experience the joy of the holiday season. So they wake him up! For the first time, Bear stays awake and gets to bake sweets, hang stockings, and enjoy the company of all his friends. When everyone else finally falls asleep, Bear plans a special surprise of his own. The soft pictures of a big bear and all his woodland friends are certain to be a favorite with newcomers to Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman’s creations. |
 | Christmas Remembered: Bringing his own experiences with festivities to children’s bedrooms, Tomie dePaola illustrates fifteen different memories, each one at a different time in his life. People can see how he celebrated as a child, as a teenager, and finally as an adult. From hanging stockings to feasting with friends, each memory is unique and pulled together with his signature illustrative style, using simple shapes, colors, and a collage-like approach to pull it all together. Half autobiographical for interested adults and half entertainment for young children, Tomie dePaola’s book is likely to become a quick addition to any book collection. |
 | Santa Claus: Christmas childrens books can remind kids that Santa knows when you are sleeping and when you are awake. But few actually know what goes on in his workshop and how his reindeer are taken care of. Rod Green divulges everything on Santa Claus, from his massive mail room to how his sleigh works. Children will be fascinated with his rendition of the North Pole, and possibly even more so with the amazing illustrations by Simon Danaher and Jon Lucas. The color and detail will captivate children as they gobble up information about Santa, the elves, the reindeer, and so much more! |
 | Nightmare Before Christmas: For children and adults looking for a different flavor when it comes to children’s Christmas books, this title should give you exactly what you are looking for. This title is based upon the popular movie by Tim Burton which puts a scary twist on the holidays. Jack Skellington is all about making Halloween spooky and fun. But after one more successful Halloween night, he starts thinking about other celebrations. When he discovers Santa Claus and the magic of presents and decorated trees, he knows what he has to do next! With plenty of freakish presents and a skeleton dressed in Santa Claus clothes, it’s going to be a spooky holiday! |
 | Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas: The lovable Fancy Nancy always parades around in the cutest things and has such a good time. Why should the season of giving be any different? When Nancy hears that it’s that time of year again, she’s more than ready. There are cookies to be made, presents to be wrapped, and a tree to be decorated. This year Nancy has bought a tree topper with her very own money. But will everything go smoothly? Will her holiday really be a splendiferous one? Jane O’Connor’s fun stories and text combined with Robin Preiss Glasser’s illustrations have become a huge hit with children all around, girls especially. Expect plenty of excitement when this title comes through the door at home. |
 | Olive, the Other Reindeer: Many children already know Olive, a little dog with big aspirations. She’s having a good time during the celebrations, but when singing songs about reindeer, she things the line “All of the other reindeer” is actually, “Olive the other reindeer!” Convinced she must actually be a reindeer and not a dog, Olive sets out to become a part of Santa’s team, with surprising results. An uncanny story will lead to lots of giggles and great fun. Olive has been around for many years, and her enduring entertainment will make sure that she stays around for many, more—a treat for kids and parents alike. |
 | The Christmas Miracle: Classic Christmas childrens books are always wonderful choices for the holiday season. This title by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by P.J. Lynch is about a man named Jonathan Toomey. He is the best woodcarver around, but has a sad past that no one knows about. When he gets a special request one year, it becomes a request that will change his life forever. The illustrations are truly opulent, echoing the woodcarver’s skills as each picture has a slightly etched feeling. Rich colors set the tone and the realism will have both parents and kids falling in love with them. A heartwarming tale with a miraculous ending. |
 | The Teddy Bear: While not strictly a Christmas book, its sentiments echo that of the giving season. A little boy loses his beloved bear one day, which is then found by a homeless man. When the boy discovers his favorite toy once more, he is unable to part the man with the bear, and instead chooses to do something that will leave readers touched and hoping to give others the same compassion someday. David McPhail’s simple story of love and giving (even from the teddy bear’s point of view) is one that will endure in any family’s household for many years to come. |
 | A Christmas Memory: A book by a man who most might not think of in the same vein as Christmas childrens books, Truman Capote brings his autobiographical story to the eyes of children. As a boy while growing up in Alabama, the holiday season is plenty of reason to celebrate, with such quotes as “It’s fruitcake weather!” and the loving bond between a young boy and an older woman as they share the joy of the season and each other’s company. It is an enduring tale that parents may remember from their childhood, and a story that children ages 9-12 will enjoy hearing every year. |
 | Mr. Willoby’s Christmas Tree: Robert Barry’s simple tale of one man’s attempt to get a tree into his house. It’s a little big, so what will he do? The only answer is to snip off the top. But what happens to the top of the tree after that? Kids will have to read to find out what something as down-to-earth a top of a tree can provide during the giving season. Generations of children can enjoy this timeless tale. Some parents may even have memories of bringing home a tree that’s just too tall. Mr. Willoby can show everyone that it doesn’t always matter what you give, but the simple fact of giving can make all the difference. |
 | Trouble with Trolls: Children’s Christmas books don’t always have to feature reindeer and Santa Claus. Sometimes they feature trolls! Jan Brett offers up a story not necessarily of the holiday variety, but more seasonal than anything, featuring characters that troop through heavy snow on mountaintops, wrapped up in warm clothing. The heroine Treva is out with her husky dog Tuffi when suddenly Tuffi is kidnapped by trolls. It’s up to Treva to face the trolls an rescue her beloved dog. Using old folk tale concepts, Brett provides beautiful illustration and an exciting story for any child aged 3 to 8. |
 | How Murray Saved Christmas: Santa is suddenly knocked out by a Jack-in-the-Boxer (much more dangerous than the usual Jack-in-the-Box!). But with Santa out for the count, who will deliver the presents to all the girls and boys? Murray the deli owner! He isn’t quite sure what to do, but with an assertive elf to guide him and a little boy to believe in him, Murray is sure that he’ll be able to make miracles happen. A hilarious romp written by Mike Reiss and complete with wacky illustrations by David Catrow. One of those books that children will want read over and over while they roll over the bed with laughter. |
 | Snowmen at Christmas: One cannot have Christmas childrens books without having a few that feature raucous snowmen! This cozy book by Caralyn and Mark Buehner (the creators of Snowmen at Night) are stuffed full of snowmen who come to life to celebrate the holiday season. Together, they have great times, caroling and even getting presents from Santa Claus himself! Snowmen certainly know how to party! Lyrical rhymes and exciting illustrations full of rich hues and expressive faces (even for snowmen!) will delight readers, young and old. In fact, after a few readings, both children and adults may not ever look at snowmen in quite the same way again. |
 | Auntie Clause: Sophie has a unique aunt. Her last name happens to be Claus and she does a lot of peculiar things, such as serving holiday cookies year-round, she disappears for a so-called “business trip” during one certain time every year, and her tree looks fantastic every single time. What is it with Auntie Claus? This year, Sophie plans on finding out! Elise Primavera provides a cute and fun story about what it might be like to have an aunt actually related to Santa Claus. Whimsical illustrations provide a festive look at New York City, and some kids might guess who Auntie Claus is before Sophie does. |
 | Olivia Helps with Christmas: Many favorite characters are featured in children’s Christmas books, and this time Olivia, everyone’s favorite pig is ready and set to help during the holidays. There is so much to do, from making cookies to opening presents. Olivia is ready to help with everything, but it’s a lot harder than she thought! Kids can join Olivia as she tries to make it the best celebration ever, and many might also be able to relate to her predicaments as she gets a little overzealous. Typical Olivia fashion, kids will enjoy the simple illustrations with a few dashes of color and a lot of heart. |
 | The Little Fir Tree: Margaret Wise Brown is well known in the book world for her wonderful children’s stories, most notably Goodnight Moon. Here she pens a tale of a small fir tree, standing alone in a field. It’s one with is to be a part of the forest, or at least to be a part of something. One quiet night, a young boy and his family decorate the tree and it becomes something much more. Soft with snow, yet evoking feelings of warmth, the illustrations by Jim Lamarche delight and inspire. A good read when cozy in bed or with a cup of cocoa. |
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By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 11/25/2013
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Millions of American families will join their hands in prayer to say grace. Thanksgiving is integral to American culture. On Thanksgiving, say a prayer of thanks to the Almighty, for the bountiful gifts bestowed upon you. Many years ago, the Pilgrims of Plymouth did so. They shared their food with the natives of the land, who had helped them in times of misery. The tradition of sharing the Thanksgiving meal continues even today. In honor of that tradition, share your gifts with friends and family. Simran KhuranaMay your Thanksgiving be filled with Peace, Love, and Harmony!
 H. W. Westermayer
The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts... nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.
 Kurt Avish
The things that we most of the time take for granted are always those that deserve our gratitude. Be thankful to that thing or person today and make every day of the year a personal Thanksgiving one. ~
 ~Cicero
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.
Anne Frank
I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy.
 William Shakespeare
Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,For everything Thy goodness sends.
Theodore Roosevelt
Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.
Whatever is beautiful,
Whatever is meaningful,
Whatever brings you happiness...
May it be yours this Holiday Season
and throughout the coming year!
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 11/24/2013
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Princess Harmonie, the daughter of Aphrodite, makes people feel peaceful. Her life in New York is disrupted when the war-god, Ares, demands that his five warrior children capture her so they can fight and cause wars. Princess Harmonie must give up all that she loves, including her beloved brother, Eros, move to Hawaii, and live with her new protectors, whom she doesn’t even know. Together, the five girls are The Mystic Princesses, and they learn they have inherited powers from their mythological parents. Along the way, The Mystic Princesses learn life-lessons in personal safety, trust, keeping secrets that could cause harm and stopping bullies. But will the princesses learn how to use their powers in time to protect Princess Harmonie from the Children of Ares, when their hiding place is discovered? Book includes a picture with each chapter for children who aren't ready to give up vivid colors yet.
Power, mystery, peace, and love! Earth, wind, air, and water! Thrilling adventures of fearless magical princesses who have power that can help others.
What could be more exciting than going on great adventures beneath the ocean and meeting brave, powerful princesses: Princess Harmonie, Princess Coral, Princess Catie, Princess Janna, and Princess Breanna. Reading The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool, children will easily connect to the mystical characters living in the ocean.
Written in a mysterious style, the story takes children on a fascinating trip from New York to Hawaii and inside the underwater kingdom. In this vibrant book, written by P. J. LaRue, the magical princesses rule the ocean. They have power; they just must learn how to use it properly!
The author beautifully describes the life of mysterious characters and the nature around them. Traveling through the story, children will easily fall in love with loving Princess Harmonie and her brother Eros, symbolizing peace and love. They will also meet the mystifying Children of Ares, who are after Princess Harmonie and her brother Eros, and follow Princess Coral and her friends inside the ocean.
Each princess has different power, but the young girls must combine their power so they can protect Princess Harmonie, who needs their help. Taking children to the underwater kingdom, the author gracefully connects them to nature and the ocean. Reading this exciting story, readers will feel as if they are riding on the playful Daring Dolphin or getting away from Scary Shark.
The story captured my attention from the beginning and kept it to the last page. I enjoyed knowing the daring princesses, who courageously protect their friend and each other. This is a lovely book about meaningful friendship, kindness, and caring. The illustrations are vivid and creative, and any child will love them. There are also a few great lessons underlined in this book. This book is great for young readers, who have a great imagination for the colorful tales and will love the princesses, nature, and ocean.
PJ LaRue wrote poetry in high school, but she discovered writing children's books and short stories later in life. Her writing inspirations are hiking, photography and environmental consciousness, but she links these interests to much larger social issues. A person very close to PJ was molested as a child, making PJ passionate about providing child safety tips. And, PJ was bullied in the third grade by girls much larger than she, who demanded that PJ give them her lunch or her lunch money. As a result, PJ is committed to spreading the word that bullying must be stopped. One of PJ's goals is to help educate children, parents and care givers, in a fun way, is her children's book series, The Mystic Princesses.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 11/22/2013
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A children’s book author pens her latest book featuring a young mouse who doesn’t like to follow the rules in this new book released by Dog Ear Publishing.Galloway, N.J. (PRWEB) November 08, 2013 Carlo the Mouse, who was born inside a Florida hospital and lives within its walls, longs to see the outside world. This charming new children’s book, the first in a series starring the rascally little fellow, features his first adventure. Although his parents do their best to teach him how to follow the rules, his desire to explore leads to nothing but trouble. In “ Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse,” the young mouse’s parents are running themselves ragged to feed their hungry child, evading mousetraps and tricking the staff in the kitchen. Carlo imagines that the kitchen – which smells delicious – is a fun place to hang out, not realizing the danger it holds. His favorite food is Italian, and he wants to visit Italy – just for the food. His parents try telling him the rules for living in a hospital, but Carlo wonders if he really has to follow them. Their only hope is that their son can use his wits and can remember to follow the rules if he wants to explore. Younger children can follow along with colorful cartoon images by Chanoa, a talented freelance illustrator who works on children’s books and anime. This is the fifth book for author Olga D’Agostino, also known as Mrs. D. She has a business school degree and immigrated to the United States from western Ukraine in 1992. Her other illustrated books include “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation,” “The Trees Have Hearts” “Good Morning, World!” and “The City Kittens and the Old House Cat.” “The Trees Have Hearts” was awarded a 2013 Mom’s Choice Award. She is already working on several other books for children, including more adventures starring Carlo the Mouse, and “Runaway Clothes,” “The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet,” “Everyone Needs Someone: The Royal Palm,” “Who Is Most Important in the Fridge” and “That Is How Things Are.” Carlo the Mouse Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse
Mrs. D
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4575-1917-8 | 40 pages | $18.99 US Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere. About Dog Ear Publishing, LLC Dog Ear Publishing offers completely customized self-publishing services for independent authors. We provide cost-effective, fast, and highly profitable services to publish and distribute independently published books. Our book publishing and distribution services reach worldwide. Dog Ear authors retain all rights and complete creative control throughout the entire self-publishing process. Self-publishing services are available globally at http://www.dogearpublishing.net and from our offices in Indianapolis. Dog Ear Publishing – self-publishing that actually makes sense.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 11/14/2013
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That Is How Things Are (two connected stories:"The Autumn Wind" and "The Kitten and the Sparrow") This new children's book is coming out in fall 2015!
Illustrated by Chanoa “The Autumn Wind”—A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the callous autumn wind unleashes his power.
Sketches of the characters
“Whoooshhhhhh … whooshhhhhh!” the wind growled from the sky, twirling like a white ghost his long, silver hair.
Without asking him, the hasty autumn had repainted the summer garden into one with many shades of golden orange.
Rustling in fear, the trees moved like a restless ocean, waving in the growing wind with their heavy branches
Frightened, the leaves trembled in the wind and clung to the branches.
Just yesterday blooming, the autumn flowers began shriveling up today, pressed to the ground by the powerful wind.
“Cuuurlik … cuuurrrrlikkk…” the departing birds cried, shedding their light feathers in front of the foggy window.
In no time, the golden autumn disappeared from the garden...
“The Kitten and the Sparrow”—A heartwarming story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learns about the power of nature.
Sketches of the characters
“What is winter?” the puzzled kitten asked, looking around the garden. “You are a silly goose. The winter just arrives by itself. It appears after every autumn.” The small sparrow laughed. The squirrel, feeling the ice-cold breeze blowing, grabbed the last acorns, which had rolled under a yellow leaf. Autumn has left. Winter will be here soon...
© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books.
Coming out soon!!
For updates, please visit: www.mrsdbooks.net© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books.
Exciting children’s stories await you!
The Trees Have Hearts
Mom's Choice Award Winner-Books : Inspirational / Motivational
The story of a young girl, left friendless because she could not speak a new language, will touch your heart. It will take your child into the imaginary world of a little girl who moved to America from a different country. Unable to speak English, the lonely girl could not find friends. She lived in an old house with a small garden, where three blooming trees and the mysterious wind became her first imaginary friends. The garden friends developed a wonderful friendship with the lonely girl, and helped her overcome her fears and worries. Through the story, they taught her how to make real friends and helped her cope with difficult moments while adapting to new surroundings. Unforgettable characters will open a beautiful imaginary world to young readers, inviting them to share the fears, tears and joys of a little girl. The story will teach the true meaning of friendship while showing readers the beauty of nature. This book will open an unknown imaginary world through the eyes of a child ... Carlo the Mouse on Vacation
A funny story, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things. In this vibrant picture book, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure even bigger than his appetite. Carlo has never been outside the four walls of his home and he has one unfulfilled wish-a vacation. In a twist of fate, he unexpectedly finds himself embarking on his adventures and misadventures by accidentally landing inside an open car trunk, catching the wrong bus, and boarding an airplane that takes him halfway around the world to Paris. The shrewd Carlo finds a way to survive the most unusual situations while dodging-or causing-mayhem along the way, touching readers' hearts and making them laugh. The City Kittens and the Old House Cat
A Christmas story about sharing and giving. This story revolves around Christmastime and a family who once adopted a lost kitten, naming it Nyda. Nyda has now grown old and has settled into a calm, uneventful life with her new family—until the day before Christmas, when the family’s older daughter brings two playful kittens, Mickey and Jack, home for the holidays. The two kittens from the big city are a change for the family, and for Nyda. The old cat likes her settled life and is not happy about the new arrivals. She’s also very protective of her belongings. The city kittens annoy her, and the old cat grumbles about the new additions to the family—until she hears a story one night that makes her feel bad. The kittens aren’t the soft or spoiled brats she had thought they were… Good Morning, World!
Mom's Choice Award Winner - Books:Fiction - General
Glide gently into the beautiful morning with Baby Thomas and his grandpa. The sun is shining brightly through the wide window and the flowers, trees, birds, and other creatures have already started their day. Brilliant colors of the dawning day wake up the park, and Baby Thomas is ready for a walk. While walking in the park with his grandpa, they see the same things but from a different perspective. Baby Thomas wants to hug the wonderful world around him, but his grandpa has a different opinion. In this book, young readers will easily connect to the wonders of nature and unforgettable characters, playfully interacting with each other. Join happy Baby Thomas and his grandpa for a walk and have a delightful, uplifting morning! Runaway Clothes
~ ( Coming 2014! ) ~
An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn't want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. "How easy it is to lose something you love so much." She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons. The Royal Palm
~ ( Coming 2014! ) ~
A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a deserted island surrounded by dark waters. This tender story explores the world of a royal palm wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short, plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, the selfish palm did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a storm struck the tiny island. Then she discovered that nobody can live alone. The royal palm learned about courage, friendship, and the true meaning of family. An inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared. The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet
~ ( Coming 2014! ) ~
Who made a mess in the closet? This enchanting story contains an amusing dialogue between the strange occupants of a closet and a curious kitten. Much to its surprise, the nosy kitten finds itself in the middle of a huge disagreement between the black broom and the other occupants of the closet. The blue sponge is sensitive, the purple duster is upset, the red vacuum cleaner is furious, and the black broom cannot rest until she discovers who made the mess. Sneak into a dark closet with a kitten and see who causes mayhem! Was it the silver bucket, the green dustpan, the lost slipper, the sleepy mop, or the old cat that made the mess? Read and reread this story until you find out! This entertaining story may start with a mess, but it ends with children laughing! That Is How Things Are (two connected stories)
“The Autumn Wind”—A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the callous autumn wind unleashes his power. “The Kitten and the Sparrow”—A heartwarming story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learns about the power of nature. Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse
Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures! Carlo the Mouse, Book 2: Now We're Talking!
~ ( Coming soon! ) ~
Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures! Carlo the Mouse, Book 3: What's Going On?
~ ( Coming soon! ) ~
Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who's disturbing the peace in the hospital? What's Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager's office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo's first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You'll find out in Mrs. D.'s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place . Carlo the Mouse, Book 4: Rules Are for a Reason
~ ( Coming soon! ) ~
More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you! Carlo the Mouse, Book 5: Nothing is Safe in a Mouse's Life
~ ( Coming soon! ) ~
A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse! Carlo the Mouse, Book 6: It's my life!
~ ( Coming soon! ) ~
Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can't eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk . Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy this book, my little friends.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 11/5/2013
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George Bernard Shaw once said, “Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself.” Writing my first book, Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, I kept his advice in mind. I wanted to create a children’s book that would appeal not only to children but to grown-ups as well. I hoped my story would attract a wider sector of readers of different ages and bring back memories of youthful fun and good laughs. Taking into consideration the fact that grown-ups are the ones who introduce books to children, I tried to lift the bar so the storyline would appeal to older readers too. If necessary, they could easily explain the story to the children if they were too young to understand it.
This decision slightly raised the eyebrows of some cynical folks. Thank heavens it did not bother the young fans. They fell in love with the daring mouse as soon as they saw the happy Carlo beaming from the cover of this book. Since the day I introduced this adventurous mouse to readers, he has managed to find many good friends around the globe. Readers like how Carlo took the world by the horns. I have received emails, messages, suggestions, pictures, and even some stories about Carlo’s future adventures, which I may use when the time is right.
Anyone who has read Carlo the Mouse on Vacation might remember that the story finished with Carlo sitting inside an empty pizza box. We'll let him sit there for a while and think of how he will outsmart the man in black. Meanwhile, I will tell you the story that led to the series of six books on Carlo the mouse as a baby.
It was the day of my daughter’s bridal shower. Before the girls hit the town to have fun, I volunteered to babysit for their children. The children happened to be very young, between 3 and 7 years old, and it was very challenging to entertain them all afternoon. Tired of chasing them around, I pulled out a box with books and started showing them colorful illustrations from my first book, Carlo the Mouse on Vacation. Before I knew it, the kids showered me with many questions about the Florida mouse. Who does not know about that famous mouse! But I stumbled on the famous cook, who yelled “Baaam” from the TV and scared babies in the delivery room.
The kids were so excited to find out what Carlo did inside the hospital that I started cooking up new stories about Carlo as a baby. There were many questions about the doctors, the hospital staff, and Carlo’s mom and dad. As they looked at the colorful illustrations, the kids were coming up with so many ideas that my head began to spin. To calm them down, I came up with stories of how Carlo caused trouble inside the hospital. Their interest sparked immediately.
At first, the kids wanted Carlo to do bad things and act silly, but I thought it would be more fun if we established some rules, which, of course, Carlo would eventually break and get himself in more trouble. In this way, younger children would learn something useful from his adventures while still having fun. I spent a lot of time in the hospital with my sick father and had a good idea of how a nosy mouse could get in trouble. Jumping in front of each other in their excitement, the children came up with many rules and some good propositions.
It was already close to dinnertime, but the game was not even close to an end. That was when my husband came to the rescue. He found a few flashlights and started the real adventures. Armed with flashlights and plastic bags, the young hunters started searching all the closets in the house. While their mission was going on, I managed to cook meatballs and spaghetti. Looking for clues that Carlo left in the closet, my husband finally lured the children to the kitchen so we could feed them. Who could refuse Mrs. D’s meatballs and spaghetti, which Carlo did not manage to taste when he tried to visit Mrs. D’s kitchen? In no time, the plates were empty and the children went back to searching for the sneaky mouse until they could not keep their eyes open. In the middle of the night, I could still hear them talking about the little mouse causing trouble in the hospital.
The next day, I received calls from their parents asking me the name of the book I had read to their children, because they were still looking for some mouse that was hiding in their closet.
“Unwritten book,” I said. At that moment, I knew I must go back in time and write new stories about Carlo the mouse, beginning the day he was born. The game the children created that summer did not stop and is going on to this day. It became more interesting when we started working on illustrations and I could show my little friends how the stories were coming to life. Now the game is more intriguing, because they can visualize the scenes from the illustrations and still have an opportunity to come up with their own stories.
As the author, I faced a real dilemma: what to do with the original book, Carlo the Mouse on Vacation. Since this book includes four stories, which are for slightly older readers, I decided to slightly rewrite it and I made these stories part of the new series of Carlo the mouse. As of right now, I have six books about Carlo the mouse as a baby and a teen, which I will gradually connect to the old stories. Chanoa, the illustrator, beautifully illustrated the first six books. Her illustrations are colorful, entertaining, and pleasant to the eye.
It has been some thrilling ride since I introduced Carlo the mouse to the world. As my grandpa would say, “Every vegetable has its time.” So does this story. It must find its readers, some of them far away from Florida and some of them next to my home. And as my young fan, Sergei from Moscow, wrote in his story, may the story of Carlo the mouse never end. http://mrsdbooks.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-story-of-carlo-mouse-never-ends.html
A SNEAK PEEK INSIDE
Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the mouse has been born! Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the mouse, Now We’re Talking! Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!
Carlo the Mouse, Book 2: Now We’re Talking!
Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures!
Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who’s disturbing the peace in the hospital? What’s Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager’s office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo’s first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so that he can go home safely? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the mouse, Rules Are for a Reason. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place …
More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!
A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the mouse,It’s My Life!
Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can’t eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk …
Join Carlo in this delightful series of children’s books! WORKS IN PROGRESS Carlo the Mouse on Vacation—A full series of new books More books on Carlo the mouse are coming in the near future. Unexpectedly, Carlo the mouse takes a vacation far away from home and discovers that the world outside the hospital is not what he had expected...
Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy these books, my dear friends!
© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 11/2/2013
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 Review Copy Good Morning, World! – Book Review
When you look at the world, do you see it through rose-colored glasses? When you look at a glass of water, do you see a glass as half empty or half full? No matter what your age or perspective, you are sure to find a kindred spirit in Good Morning, World! by Mrs. D. Good Morning, World! is a delightful children’s book about Baby Thomas and his Grandpa – two individuals who see the world from a vastly different perspective! The contrast in their viewpoints is highlighted one beautiful sunny day when Grandma sends them to the park for a stroll. The positive perspective of the optimist is personified in exuberant Baby Thomas, who is excited by everything that he sees! Every creature, big and small, that Baby Thomas meets is his friend. Everything on his path, he greets with joy! By the end of his stroll, Baby Thomas has collected a cap-ful of memories! Not so with poor, pessimistic Grandpa (who – in all fairness – is awakened from his slumbers to push the exuberant Baby Thomas around the noisy park!) The sun is too hot. The flowers make him sneeze. And that is only the beginning of Grandpa’s walk-in-the-park woes… Good Morning, World! is educational without being didactic – but lines like “The sun is very hot! It feels like a boiling pot!” are only half the fun. Eladziem perfectly captures the essence of this story with her emotive illustrations! I loved pouring over the details in every picture. Grandpa’s and Baby Thomas’s expressions speak a thousand words! Good Morning, World! is a book that you will enjoy reading to your children – and your young readers will enjoy reading on their own! It’s a book that makes you feel happy inside. I have read Good Morning, World! several times since its arrival for the sheer joy of it! I rate this book 5/5 stars.
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By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 10/31/2013
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New arrivals to the family bring an unexpected change of heart to a cat set in her ways in this new illustrated book released by Dog Ear Publishing.Galloway, NJ (PRWEB) October 31, 2013 Christmas time means time spent with family, both the two-legged and four-legged variety. Nyda, adopted when she was just a little lost calico kitten, has led a calm, uneventful life with her human family for years. In this charming new children’s book, everything changes when the family’s older daughter brings two playful kittens home to visit the day before Christmas. Although Nyda finds them annoying, Mickey and Jack aren’t the spoiled kittens she imagines. “ The City Kittens and the Old House Cat” tells the story of Nyda and her dislike of the visitors, who arrive with pretty collars with bells that make noise everywhere they go. She defends her food dish and gives them dirty looks as they play under the Christmas tree. It’s not until Nyda hears about their rescue from a harsh life on the streets with a sick mama cat that she realizes she has more in common with the kittens than she thought. This simple but touching fable about being welcoming to others and sharing works equally well for reading aloud as a family or for curling up with in a cozy corner. Mrs. D. knows how to convey the magical spirit of Christmas and its message of love and friendship. The illustrations, created by MikeMotz.com, are dramatic and vivid. Author Olga D’Agostino, known as Mrs. D., grew up on a farm by the Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine, surrounded by nature. Her childhood featured an imaginary world she filled with characters from books she read. She and her two small daughters immigrated to the United States in 1992. D’Agostino, who speaks many languages, has also written other illustrated children’s books: “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation,” “The Trees Have Hearts,” Good Morning, World,” and “Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse.” “The Trees Have Hearts” was awarded a 2013 Mom’s Choice Award. She is already working on several other books for children, including more adventures starring Carlo the Mouse, and “Runaway Clothes,” “The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet,” “Everyone Needs Someone: The Royal Palm,” “Who Is Most Important in the Fridge” and “That Is How Things Are.” The City Kittens and the Old House Cat Mrs. D Dog Ear Publishing ISBN: 978-1-4575-1619-1 (paperback) 34 pages $19.99 US ISBN: 978-1-4575-1682-5 (hardcover) 34 pages $29.99 US Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere. About Dog Ear Publishing, LLC Dog Ear Publishing offers completely customized self-publishing services for independent authors. We provide cost-effective, fast, and highly profitable services to publish and distribute independently published books. Our book publishing and distribution services reach worldwide. Dog Ear authors retain all rights and complete creative control throughout the entire self-publishing process. Self-publishing services are available globally at http://www.dogearpublishing.net and from our offices in Indianapolis. Dog Ear Publishing – self-publishing that actually makes sense.
By: Olga D'Agostino,
on 10/30/2013
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A toddler and his grandfather find plenty of things to see on a sunny day in this new book released by Dog Ear Publishing.Galloway, N.J. (PRWEB) October 28, 2013 Few things are better on a beautiful sunlit day than a walk in the park. When young Thomas and his grandfather go out for a walk, they see the same things but from different perspectives. Thomas loves everything he sees, but his grandfather finds fault with everything in this charming new illustrated children’s book. “ Good Morning, World!” explores the wonders of nature and its colorful characters like the golden sun, pretty flowers, and squabbling birds. Thomas is delighted when ladybugs spiral up into the air, but his grandfather is worried about being bitten. Thomas loves seeing the jumping frogs and sweet lizards, but his grandfather thinks the park is dangerous. By the end of their walk, Thomas is delighted with all the happy things he saw while his grandfather is delighted to be able to finally take a nap. Dynamic drawings by Eladziem provide a powerful counterpoint to the whimsical story. Author Olga D’Agostino, aka Mrs. D, immigrated to the United States from western Ukraine in 1992 with her two small daughters. D’Agostino, who speaks many languages, has written other illustrated children’s books, including “Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse,” “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation,” “The Trees Have Hearts,” and “The City Kittens and the Old House Cat.” “The Trees Have Hearts” earned a 2013 Mom’s Choice Award. She is working on several new children’s books, including more adventures starring Carlo the Mouse, and “Runaway Clothes,” “The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet,” “Everyone Needs Someone: The Royal Palm,” “Who Is Most Important in the Fridge” and “That Is How Things Are.” She lives in Smithville, N.J., with her husband, and has a grandson to whom she has dedicated this book. Good Morning, World!
Mrs. D
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4575-2154-6 46 pages $19.99 US Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere. About Dog Ear Publishing, LLC Dog Ear Publishing offers completely customized self-publishing services for independent authors. We provide cost-effective, fast, and highly profitable services to publish and distribute independently published books. Our book publishing and distribution services reach worldwide. Dog Ear authors retain all rights and complete creative control throughout the entire self-publishing process. Self-publishing services are available globally at http://www.dogearpublishing.net and from our offices in Indianapolis. Dog Ear Publishing – self-publishing that actually makes sense.
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This charming new children’s book, the first in a series starring a rascally little mouse, features his first adventure.
