I recently had the opportunity to review The Veterans' Clubhouse by Kristen Zajac. This book addresses the problems of homeless veterans from a child's point of view.
Becoming homeless can happen to anyone. But when it happens to Charlie, a Vietnam Veteran that Patrick and Hailey meet, they decide to take matters into their own hands and do something about it. With the help of their church and community, they build the Veterans’ Clubhouse to help homeless vets get back on their feet.
What a terrific message author Kristen Zajac delivers to children in showing them how they could get involved to help the homeless. I bet after reading the book, kids will come up with their own creative ideas on how to help as well.
Jennifer Houdeshell’s illustrations leap off the page and really add another dimension to this wonderful book.
This book would make a splendid addition to any home or library. It shows a way to give back to those who served this country and demonstrates how compassion plus action achieves great things. Nicely done!
I'm thrilled to announce that my latest picture book, Papa's Suns is scheduled to be released shortly. Below is the official blurb for this book which should be coming out at the end of the month.
Jacob and his grandfather like to spend time drawing pictures together. But after
Papa has a stroke, Jacob is afraid that his Papa will be different. Although Papa’s
body is healing, Jacob discovers that the love between him and his grandfather will
never change.
This book is close to my heart because it based on the relationship between my father-in-law and my daughter. Here is a sneak peek at the cover. The illustrations are beautifully done by Samantha Bell.
I recently redesigned my website from scratch. I used a content management system (CMS) to build it. For the uninitiated, this type of system allows you to change the data on pages fairly quickly while keeping the style of the website intact. It’s a far cry from the first website I built using Microsoft Publisher. The problem with that program is that it would never look the same depending on what computer and browser I was using. Anything that looked terrific on Internet Explorer, would look terrible on Firefox and vice versa. So I found myself forever tinkering with my website. It was a great when my writer’s block would kick in. I would have a legitimate excuse for not writing because I had to fix my #$@^&* website.
I used to work in a technology unit at my old day job. I am far from being a technology expert. But I have a basic understanding of how technology works and I’m willing to teach myself just about anything. So with enough time and patience, I rebuilt my website. I used a CMS called Joomla. It’s a pretty popular system. But Joomla was entirely different from anything I used before. I would have to start at the beginning to learn it. So with the help of the internet and armed with a “Dummies” book, I went to work.
First problem I ran into: Joomla was upgrading versions and the new version wouldn’t work with my current internet hosting. I contacted customer service and they sold me on trying a new hosting platform they were rolling out which would support the new version of Joomla. So I backed up my website, or so I thought, and had them convert me to this new hosting platform.
So I find out that I didn’t quite back up my website correctly (“D’oh”-with apologies to Homer Simpson). Also, when I switched platforms it deleted my old account. My website and everything else stored there was gone (“Double D’oh”).
If I had backed up my website correctly, I could have just imported it into Joomla and it would have converted it automatically (“Triple D’oh). But anyhow, now I finally have a nice, shiny new website, with plenty of bells and whistles. If you would like to see the results, please visit
www.kevinmcnamee.com and let me know how it looks to you.
Unfortunately, now I don’t have any more excuses for not writing. Back to work.
Hi All
As I mentioned in my previous post, I have new book to talk about. I’m thrilled to announce that my latest picture book has been released by Guardian Angel Publishing. It’s titled,
Just for Today.
This book is based on the time I have spent playing with my daughter, but it is written for a boy and his Dad. IMHO, there aren’t enough books geared for boys. Boys tend to be more reluctant to read, so I’ll do anything I can to encourage a love of reading. It starts with a simple question, “Where are you going?”
Marina Movshina did a terrific job with the illustrations for this book. She also illustrated my first book, If I Could Be Anything. Her use of watercolors really helped bring out the soft, gentle tone for this book. I’m excited to see what kind of reception this book gets. The book blurb and links are below.
If finding buried treasure, exploring outer space, and winning the World Series sounds like good way to spend the day, then you’ll love this gentle rhyming picture book about spending quality time with kids. All that’s needed is a little time, a lot of imagination and plenty of love.
This book is available as a print book, an E-book, or a book on CD from
Guardian Angel Publishing.
Books are also available from
amazon.com,
barnesandnoble.com, or ask your local bookstore.
Autographed copies are also available. Please go to
http://www.kevinmcnamee.com/pages/home/my-books/just-for-today.php for more information.
Hi All
I just wanted to share a nice surprise regarding one of my previously published books! I just found out that my book, Lightning Strikes is being featured in this month's edition of Guardian Angel Kids ezine. The theme is "weather", so my little rhyming counting book fits right in there. If you get a chance, stop by and check it out at
http://guardian-angel-kids.com. The full press release is below.
M E D I A R E L E A S E
CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine
Email: submissions@ guardian- angel-kids. com
Website:
http://guardian-angel-kids.com For Immediate Release
Children's Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Weather - September 2012 Issue
Welcome to the GAK September 2012 issue all about the weather.
The weather often times sets our mood. Editor-in-chief, Donna McDine enjoys
a cool autumn day with the wonderful visual of the colorful leafs
immediately relaxes me. With summer rapidly coming to an end McDine is
looking forward to the next change of seasons. While she enjoys the so
called lazy days of summer, McDine embraces the opportunity for a regular
school schedule affording her the time to focus on her own writing, and
continued work at GAK and private client publicity work.
The GAK staff invites you to sit for a spell and enjoy the every changing
world of weather. Take a ride on a cloud and dance in the rain through
poetry, experience the apprehension of a thunderstorm and competition
amongst friends at the school science fair through engaging stories. Or look
through the fog and learn how it helps the giant redwood trees of California
grow and learn tornado safety tips.
Visit the writers and illustrators in the Guardian Angel Kids September 2012
issue and enjoy the alluring poetry, stories, articles and activities,
www.guardian- angel-kids. com. Letter from the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Donna M. McDine
Featured BookS:
Lighting Strikes Flip Book by Kevin McNamee and art by Eugene Ruble
Cloud Jumpers Flip Book by Tracy Ahrens and art by Eugene Ruble
Children'S poetry, ACTIVITIES, SHORT STORIES, and articleS:
"One Little Cloud," by Barbara Bockman - the every changing cycle of clouds.
"Weather Wisdom," by Guy Belleranti - changing seasons.
"Crack Boom Crash," by Rose Thoman - how to stay safe in a lighting storm.
"Fair-Weather Friends," by Jennifer A. Buchet - science fair competition.
"When You Can't See the Water," by Mary Reina - how fog affects your life.
"A Dark Furious Looking Monster," by Irene S. Roth - the importance of
knowing what to do before a tornado hits.
Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and
www.guardian- angel-kids. com and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.
We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our
Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook .com/pages/ Guardian- Angel-Kids- Ezine/1637850803 46247.
Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at
submissions@ guardian- angel-kids. com and let them know what you think of
Guardian Angel Kids and what you'd like to see in the future. They aim to
please.
The Guardian Angel Kids Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your
visit. Thank you for your time and interest.
###
Hi All,
It's been awhile since my last post, but I just wanted to pass along the
Guardian Angel Kids Ezine theme list for 2013. What's great about this Ezine, besides the fact that they occasionally feature one of my books ;-), is that they accept submissions from children as well as adults. I've been writing since I was a kid and I don't remember any real opportunities to get my stories or poems published. So if you are a writer, or know an up and coming one, this may be a good place to send your work. Please see below for the themes and submission guidelines.
M E D I A R E L E A S E CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine Email: submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com
Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com
For Immediate Release
Guardian Angel Kids Ezine Announces 2013 Theme List and Submission Guidelines
Guardian Angel Kids Ezine expands the Guardian Angel Publishing (book publisher) mission and is an advertisement free location designed for a healthy and safe entertainment for children. GAK invites you to view our 2013 Theme List and get your creative juices flowing and write an original short story, non-fiction article, and/or poetry ideas around the 2013 Guardian Angel Kids Theme List.
January 2013 - Sewing – submission deadline - November 1, 2012
February 2013 - Imagination – submission deadline - December 1, 2012
March 2013 - Nutrition – submission deadline - January 1, 2013
April 2013 - Libraries – submission deadline - February 1, 2013
May 2013 - Circus – submission deadline - March 1, 2013
June 2013 – Confidence – submission deadline - April 1, 2013
July 2013 – Ice Cream – submission deadline - May 1, 2013
August 2013 - Aviation – submission deadline - June 1, 2013
September 2013 – Anti-bullying – submission deadline - July 1, 2013
October 2013 - Farming – submission deadline - August 1, 2013
November 2013 - Magic – submission deadline - September 1, 2013
December 2013 – Gratitude: Pass It Forward – submission deadline - October 1, 2013
YOUNG MUSES/CHILDREN SUBMISSIONS
Guardian Angel Kids accepts submissions from children up to 12. Topics and guidelines are the same as adult submissions below, including payment.
FICTION
Up to 500 words. Picture stories: adventure, animal, humorous, multicultural, nature/environment, problem-solving, sports. Character driven stories that children will be able to relate to.
ARTICLES
Up to 500 words. Articles may include activities, animals, arts/crafts, concept, cooking, math, nature/environment, problem-solving, science.
PARENT/TEACHER ARTICLES
Up to 700 words. Articles on parenting, teaching, reading, writing, and relating to the mission of the Guardian Angel Kids website.
POETRY
Kid-oriented poetry. Poems must be well written with no forced rhyme and roll off the tongue.
Our themes also tie into the Guardian Angel Publishing books, so be sure to check out the many books published each year at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com.
Please visit Guardian Angel Kids to read and adhere to our full submission guidelines athttp://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions2013.htm.
October, November and December 2012 issues are open for submissions. View themes and submission guidelines http://guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions2012.htm.
Thank you for your time and interest.
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]-->
Sorry for the long absence, folks. I’ve been swamped and haven’t kept up with the blog, although I’ve been nagging myself incessantly about it for a couple of weeks. I’ve been busy with a middle grade novel that has been calling me, although I’m not much past the research part of it. Also, I have a rhyming picture book that has been plaguing me for a while. I know what I want to do with it, but I having a hard time wrapping the rhyme and meter around the plot. Finally, I have also been researching and working on some interactive eBooks. Factor in a day job and family, my free time is scarcer than hen’s teeth. But I digress…
I was able to finish off a revision of one my prose manuscripts though (yippee) and it’s been accepted by my publisher (whoo hoo!). It’s a sequel to my picture book, The Sister Exchange. It’s called The Brother Exchange and it’s a “boy book” version of my previous book. In this book, the characters are Evan and Matthew. Evan wants to trade his brother in at The Brother Exchange. However, each
I'm pleased to announce that the March 2012 edition of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine is now online. This month's theme is The Human Body.
http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/The full press release is below with all the details. Please stop by and enjoy the stories, poetry, activities and online games with your favorite little ones.
M E D I A R E L E A S E
CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine
Email:
[email protected] Website:
http://guardian-angel-kids.com For Immediate Release
Children's Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: The Human Body - March 2012 Issue
Welcome to the March 2012 issue of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine (GAK). This
month our theme for GAK is The Human Body.
Did you know that you lose 60 - 100 strands of hair every day? Or that
fingernails grow nearly four times faster than toenails? The distance around
the earth is 25,000 miles. If you measured the length of all of a child's
blood vessels, the total would be 60,000 miles. In an adult, it would be
100,000 miles or nearly four times the distance around the earth.
And that bothersome earwax that seems to build up so frequently? It protects
the delicate inner ear. Our bodies are indeed complex and amazing.
Come explore the world of "The Human Body" through featured books, poetry,
activities, engaging stories, and articles
<
http://www.guardian-angel-kids. com/> www.guardian- angel-kids. com.
Letter from the POETRY EDITOR: Donna J. Shepherd
Featured BookS:
Muscles Make Us Move: The Sum of Our Parts Series - Flip Book by Bill Kirk &
Artist Eugene Ruble
Human Anatomy Video by Dejan Kober
Children'S poetry, ACTIVITIES, SHORT STORIES, and articleS:
In the Bone Zone by Bill Kirk - learn about the skeleton through this
amusing poem.
Games and Activities to Teach the Human Body by Kathy Stemke - games and
activities that require whole body participation will attract children's
imaginations.
If I Have to be Normal by Juliana Jones and illustrated by Clara Batton
Smith - finding a healthy balance even if you don't follow the "normal" way.
Listen Up! by Laura Thomas and illustrated by Jack Foster - school girl
Jasmine discovers the hard way why we are created with two ears and just one
mouth.
Excuse Me, I Burped! by Layne Fleming - you open your mouth to speak and out
comes a burp. You're embarrassed. You wonder why you burped.
Read Aloud Tips and Strategies: How Educators and Parents Can Sustain
Interest by Dorit Sasson - both educators and parents play a strong role in
ensuring young readers are engaged during read aloud time.
Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and <
http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/>
www.guardian- angel-kids. com and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.
We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our
Facebook Fan Page
<
Hi All,
I just wanted to drop a quick note to let everyone know that I'm being featured at Writers on the Move. I am talking about creating interactive eBooks and how my picture book, The Sister Exchange, was created for the iPad. If you get a chance, please stop by and say hello.
http://www.writersonthemove.com/2012/02/interactive-ebooks-next-generation-of.htmlThanks,
Kevin
Every now and then, I come across a story in the news that has an incredible message that I just have to share it. PBS KIDS is hosting a writing contest for kids in grades K-3. What a wonderful way to develop a love of reading and help young minds explore their creativity! I first started writing in the first grade and I just love the fact that this contest could open up a whole new world to another generation of writers. Plus, getting kids interested in the storytelling process is a terrific way to foster a love of reading. The press release is below.
Press release
Jan. 30, 2012, 9:00 a.m. EST
PBS KIDS GO! is Calling All Kids for Its Annual Writers Contest
PBS stations throughout the country encourage children to create original stories and illustrations
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan 30, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- PBS KIDS GO! is kicking off the new year with its annual PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, a national initiative designed to promote the advancement of children's reading skills through hands-on, active learning. The Contest, managed by member station WNED, partners with PBS stations nationwide to encourage children grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original work.
"In partnership with our local member stations, we are offering the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest as an opportunity for early learners to explore their creativity while developing essential literacy skills," said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children's Media, PBS. "Research shows that creative writing can enhance and improve a child's literacy development, and through this Contest, PBS is helping prepare children for learning and success in school."
Beginning January 16, 2012, PBS stations throughout the country will work with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations to implement the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest in their communities. Children will be encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to their local stations, which will select winners and award prizes. These winners will then be entered into the national level of the Contest where a panel of judges will select the winners. National winners will be announced and prizes, including tablets, e-readers and MP3 players will be awarded during summer 2012.
For the first time, stories can be digitally submitted to the Contest through a tool developed by new sponsor, StudentPublishing.com. Every participant that uses the tool will receive a free animated digital book of their story that they can share with others, including parents who can purchase bound copies of the entry as a keepsake for years to come. As in years past, winning entries in each of the Contest categories will be featured on the site, PBSKIDS.org/writerscontest, and visitors to the Contest site will continue to have the opportunity to create "Story Mashups" with winning stories.
More information on participating local stations, general entry rules and contest resources can be found on www.PBSKIDS.org/writerscontest .
PBS KIDS is a trusted guide nurturing young learners ages 2- 8. As America's largest classroom, PBS inspires children to discover their full potential for success in school and in life through a transmedia approach reaching children wherever they live, learn, and play.
About PBS KIDS GO!
PBS KIDS GO! offers early elementary children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. For more information on specific PBS KIDS GO! content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom, join our community online on Twitter and Facebook, or visit PBSKIDSGO.org.
About WNED
Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well/WORLD TV, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WNED-AM 970, the member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto pr
Hi All,
I’ve been pretty quiet around here recently and although I’ve been bursting at the seams to let people know, I wanted to wait until I had something concrete to show before I made any kind of announcement. My picture book, The Sister Exchange, has been published as an interactive book for the iPad.
There are plenty of features to this book including, movable graphics, sound effects, music, animations, and author readings by yours truly. There are even bonus features such as a jigsaw puzzle and hidden autograph page with a personalized message.
This book is priced at $2.99. Considering all the features this book has, I think it’s a bargain. I’ve tested the app and I’m very, very happy with the results.
So if you have an iPad and you would like to hear a picture book read with a New York accent, boy do I have the book for you! The link to the iTunes store is below.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-sister-exchange/id491267295?mt=8Regards,
Kevin
Happy New Year All!
Here’s to a happy, healthy new year filled with peace, prosperity, six figure book deals, or what ever else your heart desires.
I’m pleased to let you know that my latest picture book, My Brother the Frog, is being featured in this month’s edition of Guardian Angel Kids online magazine. The theme is siblings. This book is perfect for that theme. It is about a boy who gets mad at his brother and turns him into a frog, and an assortment of other animals as well while trying to change him back.
If you get a chance, please stop by
http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/ to see my book and other stories, games and activities with the little ones in your life.
Regards,
Kevin
Oh, my poor neglected blog. I think it’s time to make amends.
I’ve been busy with writing-related tech stuff that involved learning some new technology. I don’t have a finished product to show off yet, so I’m afraid the news will have to wait for another time. Sorry to be dropping vague hints, but I like to have something concrete to show off before I make any kind of announcement.
I’ve been neglecting plenty of stuff including writing new material, my critique groups and my website. I still had Halloween references there, yeesh!
Catching up has been a little like playing Whack-A-Mole. All these little things kept popping up, but I’m almost there.
Anyway, I would like to take this opportunity to share another nice review by children’s author, Lori Calabrese, for my latest picture book, My Brother the Frog. Ms. Calabrese has this to say.
MY BROTHER THE FROG is a humorous read that dives into a little sibling rivalry. As I said before, we've all probably imagined turning our brother or sister into a frog, but MY BROTHER THE FROG takes it one step further and really examines what would happen if it actually came to fruition. Kids will get a kick out of the illustrations and parents will enjoy the hidden message that a sibling can actually be your best friend.
To see the full review and other book info, please click on link below.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IPXLPVCJT00IPretty cool feedback if I do say so myself. :-)
Hi All
I received a great review for My Brother the Frog that I wanted to share. Being that writing can be such a solitary pursuit sometimes, getting recognition from other independent people in this field helps makes the effort all the more worthwhile.
This review is from Stories for Children, which says: Overall thoughts: There are many great lessons to learn from this book for kids. For one thing, it can open up some much needed discussion about the problems that siblings have with each other ... Secondly, it can teach kids that there is no point in trying to change their brothers or sisters. All they have to do is accept them for what they are and love them unconditionally. What a great message for kids.
How nice is that? :-)
Please see the link below for the entire review.
http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-review-my-brother-frog.html
I just finalized the date and time for a Halloween-themed event at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry in Tuckahoe, N.Y. I did a book reading there last year and had a great time. The entire office is designed with an ocean theme and includes a life size deep sea diver in the waiting room. It’s a large space and able to accommodate a good size crowd, but they are wisely separating the event into two separate sessions.
They serve refreshments and have crafts for the kids to do. So there’s always a flurry of activity with kids being guided from one activity to the other. It was extremely well organized and I’m very happy that they are asking me back again.
I’ll be reading from my books and since it’s close to Halloween, I’ll be reading selected poems from An Eyeball In My Garden: And Other Spine-tingling Poems. This is a terrific poetry collection that includes two of my poems, Our Neighborhood and The Gargoyle. As you can guess from the title, this book is perfect for a Halloween-themed event.
So if you are anywhere near the Westchester County area and would like to attend, just RSVP mspeddent(at)aol(dot)com to reserve your child’s spot. The flyer below has all the details. You’ll be walking away with some good memories and most likely, a new toothbrush (they give our goody bags from what I remember).
Hope to see you there.
Hi All
Now that Fall is here and Halloween is on its way, I just wanted to drop a quick note to let everyone know that An Eyeball in My Garden: And Other Spine-tingling poems is being featured at Writers on the Move. If you get a chance. please stop by
http://www.writersonthemove.com/2011/09/anyone-lose-eyeball.html for book information, links to Halloween craft ideas, and a cat wrapped in tin foil (you'll just have to see for yourself). :-)
Hi All
Halloween will soon be upon us (scary isn't it?) So I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you all know of a Halloween contest for writer and poets being hosted by the Storytellers Scroll. The winner can get a free copy of An Eyeball In My Garden, the collection of 44 sensationally spooky poems by 14 terrifyingly talented poets, including yours truly. :-) So if you get a chance, please stop by
http://www.eyeballinmygarden.com/ for more info and the contest rules.
Good luck!
Kevin
Hi All,
Just a quick note to tell you that I have a guest post today on Writer on the Move. I will be talking about the story behind my latest picture book, My Brother the Frog. If you get a chance, please stop by
http://www.writersonthemove.com/ and say hello.
Thank you,
Kevin
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Checked out the March issue. It's loaded with stuff. Like the games and coloring pages too.