I've had the pleasure of not only being a published author through GAP (Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.) but I've also had the extreme pleasure to have read and review several books published by them. I am completely humbled to be included with this group of very talented authors and illustrators, and I'm sure those who purchase and read the many books offered through GAP will come away feeling touched and proud to have these books for their children and grandchildren.

When Brianna tires of little sister Julianne always doing things she does, and always wanting to be with her, Brianna decides she wants to trade her in for a new sister. Going along with her, Brianna's mom calls the "Sister Exchange" to see who they can offer by way of trade. When Brianna is offered a sister who talks too much, she declines. The same happens with a sister who snores loudly, and one who has stinky feet. But, when Brianna is offered a sister who will want to play with her, do the things she does, and follow her, she excitedly accepts only to learn the sister they are offering is her own little sister, Julianne.

This story is another way of showing children that though they may think another sibling would be more fun, because the sibling they have may get on their nerves and drive them crazy, deep down they love who they have and really would not trade for anything.

Kit Grady’s illustrations add to this delightful story and will be enjoyed by every child who at one time or another has wanted to trade in their sibling(s).

Mr. McNamee has penned a delightful rhyming tale that I’m sure everyone will relate to. Who among us has not wondered what life would be like if we were anything we could be?
Children always have these thoughts and wonder what life would be like if they were anyone else, especially one of their favorite animals. Mr. McNamee has shown that if we could be whatever we wanted, we are loved for who we are and who we are is what really matters.
Marina Movshina’s charming illustrations will touch your heart and make a perfect complement to Mr. McNamee’s text.

I have been getting some wonderful reviews for my book "Tiny Angel" so I thought it only appropriate that I read and review some of GAPs (Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.) books to post to my blog too...

Please watch, for they are forthcoming!

Saturday, January 2, 2010
Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri


In a day and age when chapter books for tweens can sometimes be more hype than substance, Nancy Carty Lepri's Tiny Angel is a breath of fresh air. When ten-year-old Macy Carver's dad is transferred to a new town, Macy leaves behind everything she knew even her best friend. Suddenly she is the new kid on the block and is the recipient of cruel bullying. Then, she receives an unexpectant heavenly visitor - her guardian angel Jody.

There are numerous positive lessons children can learn from Tiny Angel.

1. The gift of compassion - Macy's keen discernment helps her look beyond herself and extend friendship to Tommy, a needy boy in her school.

2. Another perspective - Macy gives readers another view from her pew. She is able, through the help of her guardian angel Jody, to see beyond herself.

3. Generosity - Macy could have been selfish and kept the award money she won from the spelling bee competition, but instead she sees a need greater than herself and donates her money to help those in need.

4. Convictions - Macy's life reflects her heart of mercy for the underdog while continuing to stand up for what you believe in even if it means being rejected.

5. Educational - Children will hone their spelling skills when they attend the spelling bees with Macy and her friends.

6. Faith - Little hearts will grow in their faith when they fall in love with Macy's guardian angel Jody and learn that only faith can devour fear.

Macy isn't some goody-two-shoes. Ms. Lepri pulls back the curtain and allows us to see Macy's struggles.

I think Tiny Angel should be read in elementary schools everywhere. It would open up dialogue about bullying and how devastating it can be to an individual and teach students the lost art of compassion.

If you want a great book with some character building lessons tucked in every chapter for the children in your life, you will want to get a copy of Tiny Angel.

You can purchase Tiny Angel by Nancy Carti Lepri at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/tiny-angel.htm. While you are there, you may want to look around at some of their other amazing books.

Posted by Dixieland57 at 8:54 PM 1 comments

Labels: Guardian Angel Publishing, Nancy Carty Lepri, Tiny Angel

I want to wish all my dear friends and colleagues a happy and healthy 2010. I'd also love to thank those of you who have purchased "Tiny Angel". I'm currently working on my next book of which I hope to make a series. This book will be focused on Tommy and the tentative title is "Tommy's Angel"! (Very imaginative, huh? ) I'm open for suggestions as titles always prove a problem with me.

Anyway, my warmest wishes to you all and please be sure to post comments on my page!

I'm proud to say I've just sold ten autographed copies of my latest release, "Tiny Angel". How cool is that??? Thanks from the bottom of my heart for those who purchased a copy from me. I hope the children who read my book love it and please be sure to give me any feedback.

I am happy to say I got through all the mucky-muck of applying for my copyright for "Tiny Angel" and it's in the process. What amazes me is they say it could take up to a year and a half to get completed! Is the government getting that many copyright orders to take that long? Unreal. But, at least I know "my baby" is protected as of the 24th and I'll just have to be patient and wait for my notice to come back.

Hope everyone had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. I had the joy of sharing the day with my wonderful daughter and husband, who by the way, did all the cooking! Am I blessed, or what? Of course we ate too much, but were able to relax and watch movies by the fire. We also got several phone calls from family and friends, which made the day complete. Tomorrow it's back to work...no shopping for me!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Review of Tiny Angel, by Nancy Carty Lepri
reviewed by Mayra Calvani

Things aren't looking too bright at the moment for 8-year old Macy. She's just moved into a new place, left her best friend behind, and in her new school there's a bully who makes her life miserable every chance he can get. But just when things can't seem to get any worse, she receives a visit from a special little friend: her very own guardian angel! This little angel is witty and has an attitude, and does her best to infuse Macy with strength and confidence. Finally an opportunity comes for Macy to prove herself at a bee spelling competition... Will she go for it and show everyone what she's made of, or succumb to her fear of success?

Tiny Angel is a well-written, delightful story that will entertain middle-grade girls. Macy, with all her doubts and insecurities, is a character young girls 8 and up will identify with. The story has a good message--there comes a time when we have to be bold and act in order to achieve our dreams--but it is not preachy; it's simply a good story about school, friends, being oneself, and achieving one's full potential. Highly recommended.



Tiny Angel

Chapbooks for Tweens
Author: Nancy Carty Lepri

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-94-8 ; 1-935137-94-8
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-95-5 ; 1-935137-95-6


When her dad is transferred to a new town, ten-year-old Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she’s the new girl…alone and bullied. An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in and become a forever friend.

(BOOK EXCERPT)
Chapter 1

“Hey, chubbo quit hogging the sidewalk!” Kenny Thompson yanked the front of his bike off the ground, circled around eight-year-old Macy Carver, and stuck out his tongue.

“Don’t!” She yelled.

Kenny cut the bike’s front wheel, covering her with dirty water. Laughing, he sped toward school.

“Creepazoid!” Macy brushed mud from her jeans, which made a worse mess. Mud had splattered her favorite top. Tears filled her eyes. Stupid North Carolina! Why did her dad have to move here? She hated being the new kid in class.

Thanks to Kenny, the kids either ignored her or were mean. To make things worse, she had to sit next to him.

Sighing, she trudged on, hoping that Kenny would have sprouted huge warts on his nose at school.

The first bell rang. Macy walked to her desk and tripped over Kenny’s outstretched foot.

“Hey four-eyes.” He laughed at her. “Are you a klutzo, too? Aw, poor Macy—dirty and klutzy.”

Macy grabbed the side of her desk to keep from falling. She glared at Kenny, ready to stick out her tongue, but decided he didn’t need anything else to tease her about.

Biting her lip, she sat at her desk. She wanted to go home—fat lot of good that would do her. She knew she wouldn’t feel better there. (continued)

For more information, visit Guardian Angel Publishing!