Bestselling Author Ginger Marin Of Bijou Entertainment’s New Children's Science Fiction Book, Monster On Mars, Available At No Charge In Ebook Format July 31 Through August 2, 2024, At Amazon

'Monster On Mars' is a delightful and engaging children's science fiction story, offering a new twist on the hero's journey that the whole family can enjoy.

Bijou Entertainment has announced that their latest kids science fiction story, 'Monster On Mars,' will be available in ebook form at no charge from July 31 through August 2, 2024 in ebook form at Amazon.

As kids, we all had a favorite book. 'Monster on Mars' by bestselling author Ginger Marin of Bijou Entertainment is one of those books that will create a movie in the minds of children. Filled with mayhem and a healthy dose of humor, it is a delightful and engaging children's science fiction story that the whole family can enjoy.

The book follows the unexpected journey of Rolley, a spunky robot from JPL, who becomes an accidental hero on Mars after a series of events sends him rocketing to the Red Planet. Filled with humor, heart, and Martian mayhem, the story takes readers on a mind-bending, thrilling sci-fi ride as Rolley befriends the Goolgians while facing a deeper threat in the form of a legendary predator, Bogswampthing. Along the way, the book explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the unexpected potential within us all.

With a fresh twist on the hero's journey, 'Monster on Mars' is a cosmic adventure that is both fun and inspiring, making it a great addition to any children's library.

In a recent review, Vincent Dublado of Readers Favorite said, “Monsters on Mars succeeds at being two things at once: an enthralling young adult story and a decent and humorous science fiction story. It is a story that feels like a cross between Wall-E and Robots. This is a story with an appeal that is not limited to young readers. It works largely on its action-driven style as well as its evocative settings and characters that make it so astonishing. Moreover, considering that this is a planetary story, anyone can relate as it transcends human barriers. The story has a charming plot, and Ginger Marin involves you in a story with an idea and not just mindless scenarios involving close encounters with aliens. It involves something thoughtful, an idea that is especially stimulating to young readers and amusing for adults.”

NewInBooks called ‘Monster On Mars’, "A thrilling tale that blends humor, heart, and Martian mayhem, celebrating friendship, bravery, and the unexpected potential within us all."

The ebook version of 'Monster On Mars' will be available at no charge July 31 through August 2, 2024, at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ginger-Marin/author/B00V7EDT24?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Bijou Entertainment specializes in "Stories That Create Movies In Your Mind." Their stories captivate both readers and movie lovers, as authors Ginger Marin and her co-author J Bartell on many of their books, are also screenplay artists who also shine as actors and directors. They offer an enthralling selection of drama, espionage, action/thriller, dark comedy, and family-friendly books for kids, immersing readers in cinematic worlds with every flip of the page.

Both Marin and Bartell are available for media interviews and can be reached by email at contact@bijouentertainment.com. All of their books are available at Amazon and other book retailers. More information is available at the Bijou Entertainment website at https://bijouentertainment.com/.

About Bijou Entertainment:

Ginger Marin is an actor, author, environmentalist, and animal rights advocate who previously served as producer and writer for NBC News' top new shows and various special reports.

J Bartell did black ops assignments as a subcontractor for the CIA during a ten-year period. In addition to his work with the CIA, J Bartell is a behavior specialist and former California licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.

Contact:

Bijou Entertainment
https://bijouentertainment.com
contact@bijouentertainment.com

Leia Mais…

New Children’s Book About Peace, 'I Can See Peace' By Author Julie Penshorn, Wins Human Relations Peace Book Of The Year Award

The book will be officially be released on International Peace Day, September 21, 2018. Penshorn is the Director of Smart Tools for Life which provides memorable and engaging books and music for young children that enhance their “smarts” for problem-solving, empathy, and compassion, and sink deeply - for life - into children's hearts and minds.

'I Can See Peace,' the new children’s book, by Minnesota author Julie Penshorn, recently received the Director’s Choice Award from the Human Relations Indie Book Awards committee.

Susan Peterson, the Human Relations Indie Book Award organization’s representative commented, “We recently selected the outstanding children’s book, ‘I Can See Peace’, published by Growing Communities for Peace: Smart Tools for Life, as Human Relations Peace Book of the Year 2018. It was judged against the entries in all categories, not just children’s books. The focus of the Human Relations Indie Book Awards is to recognize outstanding indie authors who write on human relations topics.”

The illustrations, by California illustrator Jeanine-Jonee Keith, depict multicultural children seeking peace, even when they are struggling with conflict, illness, family arguments, and disability.

'I Can See Peace' is Penshorn’s second children’s book. The first, 'The Barnyard Buddies STOP for Peace' (2017) was awarded the Gold Award for Family Human Relations Children’s Indie Book. It guides families in learning a simple, four-step conflict resolution process. In the same category 'I Can See Peace' won a Silver Award. Both books hold Readers’ Favorite 5-star seals.

A Gold Award also was awarded to 'I Can See Peace' in the Health category. The book supports children’s mental health by providing a way forward toward a positive outlook when things are not going well. It also offers some inspiration and tools for children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including childhood trauma and depression.

“Peace is always around us,” said Penshorn. “The challenge is that peace is not the only thing that’s around us. In this book children and families discover that by focusing attention on nature, and the wonderful and peaceful things in their lives, they are building the muscles to see and experience more peace. This is helpful for the mental health of anyone. By starting with young children this approach to life becomes a habit.

“Childhood trauma can have lifelong negative impacts. Our nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace, created the Smart Tools for Life project to provide memorable and engaging children’s stories so learning about peace and nonviolence could be fun and impactful. Since whoever tells the stories creates the culture, our organization seeks to build a culture of peace beginning with children’s stories. We include music because it helps the skills sink into the hearts and minds of children for life,” commented Rebecca Janke, Montessori teacher trainer and GCFP co-founder and current board member.

Penshorn added, “We spend a lot of time discussing the best ways to protect our children from gun violence in their schools, or strangers on our streets. As important as these discussions are, raising peaceful, compassionate kids is the best way to protect future generations.”

Smart Tools for Life will celebrate the release of 'I Can See Peace' on September 21st, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Carondelet Village at 525 Fairview Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota. The program will include book reading, interactive dialogues, singalong and original songs of peace and justice, including the debut of Penshorn’s newest song, 'I Can See, I Can Be, I Can Wage Peace.'

Penshorn also will be a participant in an author-roundtable at Eat My Words Books, 214 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis on Friday evening the 28th of September.

Both events are in conjunction with Twin Cities Nonviolent and its Ten Days Free From Violence Campaign. Find out more at www.twincitiesnonviolent.org.

Penshorn encourages those seeking more ideas to visit her website: http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com. The Smart Tools for Life products include kids’ books and music, conflict resolution cubes to help children express their feelings, and wearables. There is also a free, downloadable coloring page for kids, based on the flagship children's book, 'The Barnyard Buddies Stop For Peace.'

Penshorn is now making this book and music, and other unpublished books like 'I Can See Peace,' (currently available in Kindle only) available for corporate sponsorships and as fundraising tools for like-minded schools and preschools. She asks that anyone who would like to learn more contact her by email.

Author Julie Penshorn, MBC, is a the Director of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace and champion of its Smart Tools for Life project. Penshorn co-authored a preK-3 curriculum on conflict resolution, complete with hands-on-learning tools, that is in use in over 13,000 locations. Now, she’s focusing her unique talents on children’s books and music and a blog-based approach to supporting peace literacy and building a culture of peace.

Penshorn is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at julie@smarttoolsforlife.com. More information about the books, music and other products is available on the website at http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com.

About Smart Tools for Life:

Smart Tools for Life is an ongoing project of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace. It provides memorable and engaging books and music for young children that enhance their “smarts” for problem-solving, empathy, and compassion, and sink deeply -- for life -- into children's hearts and minds. It makes it easy to bring social skills for peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, to young children, thereby encouraging more harmonious, sustainable relationships with others and the planet.

The organization’s materials are designed to develop peace literacy as they educate, entertain, and empower all those involved to strengthen families, classrooms, and neighborhoods. They also provide other teacher and parent education to support and maintain a culture of peace.

Contact:

Julie Penshorn
julie@smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.growingcommunitiesforpeace.org

Leia Mais…

Refugee Children: Why We Should Care And How We Can Help All Children - Julie Penshorn, Children's Book Author And Director Of Smart Tools For Life, Issues Statement

Smart Tools for Life provides memorable and engaging books and music for young children that enhance their “smarts” for problem-solving, empathy, and compassion, and sink deeply -- for life -- into children's hearts and minds.

Refugee children are now at the forefront of our reality. Every country struggles with what to do with the burgeoning numbers of people crossing borders to flee some sort of misery. Fundamental problems of governance and resource distribution create challenges far beyond the attention spans of most of us, as we navigate our busy lives.

So why should we care about these immigrants and/or refugee children? Even if a moral argument doesn’t sway us, it’s in our own self-interest to care. Logic leads to the simple conclusion that it’s much more expensive to treat illnesses than to prevent them.

While many Americans believe they are powerless to help with this problem, it is in fact within the grasp of every one of us to make a real difference - regardless of our location, education, economic status or political affiliation. Julie Penshorn, children's book author, Director of Smart Tools For Life, and expert in conflict resolution and anger management skills for children believes the answer lies in long-term efforts at building healthy communities with the capacity for empathy.

Building healthy communities starts with our own children, as the basic skills we teach to small children are essential for interactions throughout their lives. These skills can routinely be practiced in the home, the classroom, the workplace, and on the international level, to create trust, transform conflict, and enhance relationships.

Penshorn recently issued a statement on her website that offers these six simple suggestions for growing healthy communities:

1. Hold your child or grandchild in your lap and read a bedtime or daytime story. Pick an educational book like “The Barnyard Buddies STOP for Peace” or our new book “I Can See Peace”.

2. Demonstrate compassion as your child learns. Listen to them! Create realistic boundaries for behavior, and correct children in respectful ways when they make mistakes.

3. Listen when people that have different points-of-view try to convince you they are right and you are wrong. Don’t automatically shut them down. Listen with real open ears. Say, “I’ll have to think about that.” It’s very honoring to the other person to know they encouraged you to think. Don’t dismiss people out-of-hand because their opinions are different. Try to avoid unfriending them!

4. Watch and read diverse media. A singular media diet can become addictive and unhealthy, just like only eating one food!

5. Read books yourself and with your children that include multicultural and diverse individuals. That way the foreign becomes the familiar.

6. Learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences and their comprehensive consequences. Recent research shows how critically children are suffering in this country from the consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs contribute to tremendous long-term suffering and health issues for both immigrants and our own population.

Penshorn encourages those seeking more ideas to visit her website: http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com. The Smart Tools for Life products include kids’ books and music, conflict resolution cubes to help children express their feelings, and wearables. There is also a free, downloadable coloring page for kids, based on the flagship children's book, “The Barnyard Buddies Stop For Peace.”

Penshorn is now making this book and music, and other unpublished books like 'I Can See Peace,' (currently available in Kindle only) available for corporate sponsorships and as fundraising tools for like-minded schools and preschools. She asks that anyone who would like to learn more contact her by email. 'I Can See Peace' will also be available as a print book on International Peace Day, September 21, 2018.

In Penshorn’s first children’s book, “The Barnyard Buddies STOP for Peace,” the Barnyard Buddies start with the letter S – which stands for STOP and breathe, and then go through a complete conflict resolution process using the letters S-T-O-P.

This process, which works equally well for adults, according to Penshorn, continues to an examination of feelings and concerns of each party, through brainstorming solutions and ends with making a plan. The stated goal is to enhance relationships, develop creativity, and recognize that conflict doesn’t have to be a win/lose proposition.

Author Julie Penshorn, MBC, is a the Director of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace and champion of its Smart Tools for Life project. Penshorn co-authored an preK-3 curriculum on conflict resolution, complete with hands-on-learning tools, that is in use in over 13,000 locations. Now, she’s focusing her unique talents on children’s books and music and a blog-based approach to supporting peace literacy and building a culture of peace.

Author Julie Penshorn is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at julie@smarttoolsforlife.com. More information about the books, music and other products is available on the website at http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com.

About Smart Tools for Life:

Smart Tools for Life is an ongoing project of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace. It provides memorable and engaging books and music for young children that enhance their “smarts” for problem-solving, empathy, and compassion, and sink deeply -- for life -- into children's hearts and minds. It makes it easy to bring social skills for peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, to young children, thereby encouraging more harmonious, sustainable relationships with others and the planet.

Their materials are designed to develop peace literacy as they educate, entertain, and empower all those involved to strengthen families, classrooms, and neighborhoods. They also provide other teacher and parent education to support and maintain a culture of peace.

Contact:

Julie Penshorn
julie@smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.growingcommunitiesforpeace.org

Leia Mais…

Author Ruth Finnegan Chosen As One Of '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' In 2017 Book Awards

Ruth Finnegan OBE is a renowned scholar and celebrated writer who is Emeritus Professor, the Open University, a Fellow of the British Academy, and an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College Oxford

Author Ruth Finnegan has been chosen as one of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading in the 2017 Book Awards.  Finnegan was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process. The award is the latest in a string of international awards for her published works.

"I am so thrilled with this," Finnegan stated. "I have had many book awards but this is by far my most precious win because it’s not for an individual book but a voted-for endorsement of myself as an all-round author and, yes, dreamer of dreams - an author of full-length fiction, nonfiction, poetry, short stories and picture books, as well as a screenplay and libretto writer."

Finnegan's previous awards include:

Folklore Society, short list Katharine Briggs Award 1992
British Academy, longlist  Book Award 2003
British Association for Applied Limguistics, short list 2003
Herskovits Award, Honorable Mention 2008
National Indie Excellence, Finalist ( visionary fiction) 2016, Finalist (religious fiction) 2017
New York Book Fair, Honorable  Mention (romance) 2016
Readers Favorite, 4 Awards (fiction and nonfiction) 2016
Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book,   Runner up 2016
Readers Favorite, Honorable Mention
Hungry Monster, Silver award, 2016
Literary Titan, Silver award, 2017
Book Excellence, Winner (friendship) 2017
Kirkus Reviews, one of top 25 of 2017

In addition to a large number of academic works, Finnegan has written three novels.

'Pearl of the Seas' is the tale of two children building a boat from a log they find buried in the sand and sailing off to far-off fantastic lands in a stormy sea-driven adventure with their faithful - but accident-prone - dog Holly. There they learn much wisdom from a king who, like God, has many names'. After an incredible sacrifice of his dearest dream by the boy (now growing up) they return - another dream - to a family tea with their loved ones. The tale is a prequel and companion to Ruth Finnegan's award-winning epic romance 'Black inked pearl', here adapted for preteens but characterised by (in a simpler form) the same unique dream-like and enchanted style as in the original novel.

'Pearl of the Seas' received a Hungry Monster Silver Award in October 2016. The book has received a number of positive reviews. Tshombye K. Ware of Reader's Favorite stated, "If you're looking for a reader friendly story that touches the depths of your soul, this is definitely one of those books."

The companion work, 'Black Inked Pearl', tells the story of a naive Irish girl Kate and her mysterious lover, whom she rejects in panic and then spends her life seeking. After the opening rejection, Kate recalls her Irish upbringing, her convent education, and her coolly-controlled professional success, before her tsunami-like realisation beside an African river of the emotions she had concealed from herself and that she passionately and consumingly loved the man she had rejected.

The novel, born in dreams, is interlaced with the ambiguity between this world and another, and increasingly becomes more poetic, riddling and dreamlike as the story unfolds. The epilogue alludes to the key themes of the novel – the eternity of love and the ambiguity between dream and reality.

Since its publication in 2015 'Black Inked Pearl' has won five international prizes and its screenplay version is top genre winner in the 2017 Capital Fund Screenplay Contest. It was recently named as a finalist in the 2016 Best Book Awards in the "Fiction Visionary" category.

'Black Inked Pearl' has received rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike. Scott Neuffer of Forward Reviews stated, "If James Joyce's dream-like opuses were written from a more feminist perspective, they might look something like Ruth Finnegan's Black Inked Pearl, a rapturous fantasia of words and images set somewhere between ancient myth and the green shores of modern Ireland." Chris Fischer, in a Readers Favorite review stated "I just finished reading 'Black Inked Pearl: A Girl's Quest' by author Ruth Finnegan, and all I can say is 'Wow!' It's written in a unique and creative style, one that at times blends poetry with prose ... enviable and beautiful at the same time ... any reader who enjoys a lovely, unique and interesting work of fiction should absolutely read Black Inked Pearl. I will be eagerly awaiting the next offering by author Ruth Finnegan. If it is anything like her debut novel, it will be simply magical!" Kirkus Reviews said, "Kate's romantic quest calls to mind Paradise Lost and Greek mythology as it weaves together biblical allusions, fantasy, and details of the modern day." Like other classic and unusual literary works,  the book has given rise  to many  interpretations and, as Christiana Fatoki perceptively put it,  like its more recent prequel ‘Pearl of the Seas,’ it “sinks into your unconscious.”

'The Helix Pearl' is currently in production and will be released in 2018.

Ruth Finnegan is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at r.h.finnegan@open.ac.uk. More information is available at her website at  http://www.ruthhfinnegan.com.

About Ruth Finnegan:

Ruth Finnegan OBE is a renowned scholar and celebrated writer who is Emeritus Professor, the Open University, a Fellow of the British Academy, and an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College Oxford. She was recently elected as one of the first four International Fellows of the American Folklore Society, a much valued honor. She was born in Derry (on the last day of December 1933) and grew up  there and in the remote  countryside of Donegal where, as poetically recalled in the second chapter of her novel, ‘Black Inked Pearl’,  she spent the war years; went to a literature-imbued Quaker school in York where, a fellow-student with the actress  Judi Dench, she learned to read the resonant poetry of Yeats and Shakespeare and to repeat texts that, with others, she had to learn, aloud (a good training for the sonic style of her novels); earned top degrees in classics and anthropology at Oxford; and carried out fieldwork on story-telling in Africa – a revelation of the multi-sensory nature of performance that has affected her all her life, and constantly comes through in her writing. From 1969, apart from three years in the South Pacific island of Fiji,  she taught and researched at the pioneering Open University. She is the author of over twenty academic books, several of them prize-winning. She has three daughters (two of them born in Nigeria), five grandchildren (one in New Zealand), and now lives in Old Bletchley, England, with her husband of over 50 years.

Contact:

Ruth Finnegan
r.h.finnegan@open.ac.uk
http://www.ruthhfinnegan.com

Leia Mais…

Award Winning Author Dr. Nicole Named As One Of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading In 2017 Book Awards

Dr. Nicole was picked from a field of hundreds of authors. She is a multi-award winning best-selling author, based in Quebec. She writes children’s books that educate, inspire and teach valuable life lessons.

Canadian children's book author Dr. Nicole has been named as one of '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading’ in the 2017 Book Awards for the third straight year. Dr. Nicole was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process.

In the traditions of Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss, Dr. Nicole breathes life into inanimate objects and wildly entertaining characters that engage children in powerful ways. Through parent/child interaction, her works develop a love for reading while helping children develop the most important skill of all - critical thinking. If a child can master the art of critical thinking, nearly everything else falls into place.

"Winning an award is a source of inspiration to move forward to publish more books for my fans. I decided to create my own publishing company Dr. Nicole Publishing. I will soon publish a series of height children’s books titled Felix and Booboo. Theses picture books tell the story of a magical stethoscope Booboo who helps his owner Felix to take care of his sick friends. Themes will be lice, otitis, vaccination, allergies, broken arm, chicken pox and human body. A quiz at the end of each story will help parents and educators to challenge reading skills and to teach critical thinking. Books will be available on major electronic book distributors."

Dr. Nicole’s books have won numerous international awards. A full listing of the awards can be found on her website.

Dr. Nicole also received recognition as one of Quebec's Top 10 Women by the Maman Dion Foundation. The Maman Dion foundation was founded by Thérèse Tanguay-Dion, known as Maman Dion, a television personality and the Céline Dion’s mother. The Maman Dion Foundation is an educational foundation that provides support to underprivileged children in the form of clothing, eyewear and school supplies.

Dr. Nicole has sold over 150,000 books in her career. She is highly regarded for her work with children’s books and a health guide for families. Her goals are to create in children a love for reading and to create interaction and engagement.

No-charge copies of any of her books are available for University teachers, journalists and members of the media who provide email, website, mail address and phone number.

Dr. Nicole is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below. Journalists who wish to receive a copy of the books for review or might wish to schedule an interview can email info@drnicolebook.com. All of her English and bilingual works are available on Amazon, AuthorHouse, and other quality book retailers. Free coloring pages are available upon request by sending an email to the author. More information is available at her website at http://www.drnicolebook.com.

About Dr. Nicole:

Dr. Nicole Audet holds a Master degree in medical education. She is a professional writer and an engaging speaker. She has worked in Clinical Practice (emergency, family doctor office, University of Montreal affiliated teacher and Lecturer in the Department of Pediatrics of McGill University). She has been the Editor in Chief of the French medical magazine 'Le Médecin du Québec'. She has presented at many international, national and provincial medical congresses and has managed medical teaching clinics, medical magazines and medical research in computer science. Her books have received many international and national awards.

Contact:

Dr. Nicole
info@DrNicolebook.com
http://www.DrNicolebook.com

Leia Mais…

World Leaders Can Stop Conflicts By Following Guidelines For Children - Julie Penshorn, Children's Book Author And Director Of Smart Tools For Life Issues Statement

Smart Tools for Life specializes in books and music to guide children to peace literacy through social emotional learning and conflict resolution skills during their formative years

The United States and North Korea appear to be on a collision course. The rhetoric escalates day after day, reminiscent of those schoolyard situations that start with name-calling or sand-kicking and often escalate to something worse. This is nothing new. What is new is that these two nations are not threatening to use sticks or stones or fists - the threat includes the use of nuclear weapons.

Julie Penshorn, children's book author and CEO of Smart Tools For Life, is an expert in conflict resolution and anger management skills and techniques for children. She recently issued a statement that demonstrates that the basic skills we teach to small children are essential to adult interactions. These skills can routinely be practiced in every aspect of life: the home, the classroom, the workplace, and on the international level, to create trust, transform conflict, and enhance relationships.

"As we watch with worry the escalating rhetoric between the United States and North Korea, it’s easy to see that the two leaders involved are not working to gain the trust of each other," Penshorn stated. "They are refusing to become conflict 'partners' committed to working out their disagreements in a way that preserves the dignity and safety of each party/nation.

“Neither President Trump nor Kim Jong Un demonstrate that they know how to stop and  breathe, the first step in our simple conflict resolution process, detailed in the new children’s book, 'The Barnyard Buddies STOP for Peace.' Instead, they are putting untold numbers of people at risk,” continue Penshorn.

Writing for CNN last week, Adam Mount, a senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists, said, ". . . If the Trump administration can cease its careless threats, the US and its allies could begin a real conversation" about ways to improve the situation.

Penshorn said it doesn’t matter what your politics are; conflict is non-partisan. Life is much more peaceful when people use an effective conflict resolution process.

"We all have experienced the unhappy, frightening, or even dangerous situations resulting from conflicts where one, both, or all parties is clearly dangerous. If we reflect on those times, they usually are very similar: someone won’t stop his or her actions long enough to breathe and honestly examine how emotions like fear and anger are taking control from intelligent thought.

“Harvey Weinstein reportedly was asked many times to ‘Stop!’ Many of the women saying ‘me too’ also asked their accosters to stop,” Penshorn reminds us.

A new NBC News and Wall Street Journal poll shows that 48 percent of currently employed women in the United States say that they have suffered an unwelcome sexual advance or verbal or physical harassment at work.

“These actions are foreign in an atmosphere of caring and mutual respect such as we seek to develop in our classroom communities and our larger world,” said Penshorn. “Social and emotional learning is becoming an accepted part of preschool and elementary schools precisely so that we can learn to interact more successfully with others.

“So, while emotions give us important information and should not be discounted, they should not be acted upon without a period of thoughtful reflection and ‘cooling off,’ or, stopping,” summarized Penshorn.

In Penshorn’s new children’s book, “The Barnyard Buddies STOP for Peace,” the Barnyard Buddies start with the letter S – which stands for STOP and breathe, and then go through a complete conflict resolution process using the letters S-T-O-P.

This process, which works equally well for adults, according to Penshorn, continues to an examination of feelings and concerns of each party, through brainstorming solutions and ends with making a plan. The stated goal is to enhance relationships, develop creativity, and recognize that conflict doesn’t have to be a win/lose or, as in the case of Korea and the US, a lose/lose proposition.

The full statement can be viewed at http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com.

Author Julie Penshorn, MBC, is a co-director of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace and director of its Smart Tools for Life project. Penshorn co-authored an earlier curriculum on conflict resolution, complete with hands-on-learning tools, that is in use in over 13,000 locations. Now, she’s focusing her unique talents on children’s books and music and a blog-based approach to supporting peace literacy and building a culture of peace.

The Smart Tools for Life products include kids’ books and music, conflict resolution cubes to help children express their feelings, and wearables. There is also a free, downloadable coloring page for kids, based on the flagship children's book, 'The Barnyard Buddies Stop For Peace.'

Penshorn is now making this book and music, and other unpublished books available for corporate sponsorships and as fundraising tools for like-minded schools and preschools. She asks that anyone who would like to learn more contact her by email.

Author Julie Penshorn is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at julie@smarttoolsforlife.com. More information about the books, music and other products is available on the website at http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com.

About Smart Tools for Life:

Smart Tools for Life is an ongoing project of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace. It serves parents and educators by providing children’s books and children’s music, and makes it easy and engaging to bring state-of-the-art social skills like peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, to young children, thereby encouraging more harmonious, sustainable relationships with others and the planet.

Their materials are designed to develop peace literacy as they educate, entertain, and empower all those involved to strengthen families, classrooms, and neighborhoods. They also provide other teacher and parent education to support and maintain a culture of peace.

Contact:
Julie Penshorn
julie@smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.growingcommunitiesforpeace.org

Leia Mais…

Author Sarah Klaiber Announces The Release Of New Children's Book, 'Treasures'

Klaiber's new book teaches kids and adults how good it feels to love and appreciate the treasures all around us.

Author Sarah Klaiber has announced the release of a new kids' book, 'Treasures'.

There are millions of children's books available today, and thousands of books on the value of positive thinking.  Award winning author Sarah Klaiber has managed to take a completely unique approach to both genres with this new release.

Nearly all of these kinds of books extol the virtues of positive thinking. Nothing new there. However, to find the reason WHY we should be positive, we must look beyond our perceptions of everyday events. This goes beyond positive thinking to the realization that every happening - good, bad, ugly, sad - offers us the opportunity to find a hidden treasure. What is a treasure? A treasure is anything that has value. And every one of those treasures holds massive power. How do we do that? There are three simple steps - Stop. Look. Appreciate.

"I wrote this book to remind kids and adults to appreciate the small things, the things around them that mean more than they realize," Klaiber stated. "If more children grow up with this message, the world could some day be a happier place. The same result could come from more adults being reminded of it as well."

A child's mental health is all important. Our children face issues we have never faced. The mental health issue is particularly challenging, as today's kids must interact in a world in which social media (and the resulting cyberbullying) take center stage. This does not only affect children. Adults face many of the same issues. Thankfully, Sarah did not stop with publishing a book. She also created a blog where she presents all kinds of ideas in regards to learning how to stop, look and appreciate.

When asked about the mission of her blog, Sarah stated “It is important to think positively more often than most of us do. The opportunity is always with us, not just when the book is open. My blog gives this message value. It gives the opportunity to connect, comfort and allow gentle reminders into our unprioritized minds.”

'Treasures' has received high praise from readers and reviewers. The book received a five star review from Readers Favorite. In that review, Barbara Fanson stated, "Treasures will remind children that they have a lot more valuable items in their life than they realize." Red City Review said, "The lesson offered is a crucial one, and parents will be sure to support the message that the book is trying to make." Another Amazon reviewer said, "Perfect book for keeping little ones grounded in this high tech, materialistic world." Great word choices tell what children (and everyone) value most. Excellent for grandparents' (and parents') snuggle time . . ."

Sarah Klaiber was recently featured on The Authors Show. She is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at sarahklaibertreasures@gmail.com. 'Treasures' is available at online retail book outlets. More information, including her blog, is available at her website at http://www.treasuresaroundus.com.

About Sarah Klaiber:

Writing was Sarah’s first love. Her creations started at a very young age with poetry and short stories. As time went on, her passion evolved into songwriting. Sarah enjoyed composing so much that she made plans to pursue it as a career after high school. She was offered a recording contract, but there was a better path in her future.

Creativity took a back seat as Sarah worked towards being the best wife and mother she could be. The music scene made a brief re appearance, but the experience was disappointing to say the least. After that, the pen stood still for quite some time.

From a very young age, Sarah also fought the silent battle of depression. It worsened in time and began to rob her and her family of the happy memories they deserved. Finally, she had enough. That was the day she began her journey to fight instead of give in. The result has been better days.

Sarah taught herself that, among other changes, taking time to find appreciation provides a better outlook and bring light to some darkness. The concept began with “Treasures,” the resurrection of her passion for writing. Today, she is proud to be the voice of someone who gets it, someone who still struggles but not ashamed to admit imperfections while trying to help others.

Contact:

Sarah Klaiber
sarahklaibertreasures@gmail.com
http://www.treasuresaroundus.com

Leia Mais…

Author Delores Miles Announces New Children's Book Release, 'Don't Be Afraid, Be Brave'

Miles, through a story featuring Daisy the wise Westie, hopes to help kids understand they are not alone with their feelings and fears. The new children's book is slated for release in late 2017.

Author Delores Miles has announced the upcoming release of a new book for kids, 'Don't Be Afraid. Be Brave'.

A recent article on Parents.com listed the Top 10 toddler fears, which included things like fear of the dark, monsters and even the weather. Another piece on KidsHealth.com listed movies, nightmares, war and others. In short, kids hold many fears. It is up to parents to help them overcome that long list of fears. Delores Miles' upcoming kids book will help parents help children overcome those fears through an engaging story about sharing their feelings and their fears.

'Don’t Be Afraid. Be Brave' is a story written to help children age 1 to 10 realize they are not alone with their feelings and fears. With sensitivity and humor, it allows each reader realize it is okay to openly share their fears. They will see the main characters, Lizzie and Ben have many of their same fears.  Daisy, the wise talking Westie, helps her young owners to overcome these fears with reason and understanding.  Daisy is a safe messenger to take away the burden of unfounded fears that children carry each day.

"Working as an educator for 41 years, I witnessed the pain children endured because of their fears," Miles stated. "All children have many fears in common. I wrote this book to help them see that it is ok to be afraid but also many fears are unfounded and can be relieved with a simple explanation. Daisy the wise Westie does just that in the book. Parents will not be disappointed."

The new children's book is slated for release on December 1, 2017.

Delores is a cross-genre writer and is also the author of a romantic fiction novel, 'Never My Love'. 'Never My Love' has received very positive reviews. One review said, "What a delightful step back in time! Felt as if I was looking through old photo albums from the 60s ... with the radio on. Babyboomers, get ready to relate, but have a Kleenex ready . . ." Another stated, "Being a teenager in the late 60's made the book even more interesting to me. I couldn't put it down." Another said, "Loved the interweaving of the story, the history of the era and the beloved musical references."

Delores Miles is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at dallas3891@yahoo.com. 'Never My Love' is available in print and ebook form at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.deloresmiles.com.

About Delores Miles:

Delores Miles grew up in a small Texas town in the 1960s. She holds two master’s degrees from Texas A&M Commerce and a postgraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. After forty-one years in the field of education, she retired to pursue her love of writing. She has two grown children. She and her husband John, split seasons between their ranch in Durango, Colorado, and their home in Dallas, Texas.

Contact:

Delores Miles
dallas3891@yahoo.com
http://www.deloresmiles.com

Leia Mais…

Dr Nicole, Author Of Children's Book ‘Strike At Charles' Farm’, Named As One Of ‘2016-50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading’

Dr. Nicole was picked from a field of hundreds of authors who appeared on The Authors Show. Dr. Nicole is a multi-award and best-selling author, based in Quebec. She writes children’s books that educate, inspire and teach valuable life lessons.

Dr. Nicole, author of the bilingual picture books ‘Strike at Charles' Farm/Grève à la ferme de Charles’, 'Are You Eating My Lunch?/Manges-tu mon lunch?', and a number of other books has been named as a winner in the ’2016 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading’ Book Awards. Dr. Nicole was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process.

In the traditions of Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss, Dr. Nicole breathes life into inanimate objects and wildly entertaining characters that engage children in powerful ways. Through parent/child interaction, her works develop a love for reading while helping children develop the most important skill of all - critical thinking. For her, if a child can master the art of critical thinking, nearly everything else falls into place.

"My intentions regarding being an author are to inspire children to read, to set their imaginations free and to encourage good decision-making regarding health, safety and moral responsibility. Writing children’s books is a way for me to give back and be a positive source to the community. I have dedicated my life to changing the world one reader at a time. I am proud to know that readers liked my essay and voted for me."

As it appears in her website www.DrNicoleBook.com, in the last 2 years, Dr. Nicole’s books have won numerous international awards.

Dr. Nicole also received recognition as one of Quebec's Top 10 Women in a recent ceremony held by the Maman Dion Foundation. The Maman Dion foundation was founded by Thérèse Tanguay-Dion, known as Maman Dion, a television personality and the Céline Dion’s mother. The Maman Dion Foundation is an educational foundation that provides support to underprivileged children in the form of clothing, eyewear and school supplies.

Dr. Nicole has sold over 150,000 books in her career. She is highly regarded for her work with children’s books and a health guide for families. Her goals are to create in children a love for reading and to create interaction and engagement.

No-charge copies of any of her books are available for University teachers, journalists and members of the media who provide email, website, mail address and phone number.

Dr. Nicole is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below. Journalists who wish to receive a copy of the books for review or might wish to schedule an interview can email info@drnicolebook.com. All of her works are available on Amazon, AuthorHouse, and other quality book retailers. A featured article entitled, 'Critical Thinking: How to Teach Critical Thinking to My Child', other articles, and more information about Dr. Nicole and her work is available at her website at http://www.DrNicolebook.com.

About Dr. Nicole:

Dr. Nicole Audet holds a Master degree in medical education. She is a professional writer and an engaging speaker. She has worked in Clinical Practice (emergency, family doctor office, University of Montreal affiliated teacher) and has been the Editor in Chief of the French medical magazine 'Le Médecin du Québec'. She has presented at many international, national and provincial medical congresses and has managed medical teaching clinics, medical magazines and medical research in computer science. Her books received many international and national awards.

Contact:

Dr. Nicole
info@DrNicolebook.com
http://www.DrNicolebook.com

Leia Mais…

Renowned Scholar And Author Ruth Finnegan Appears On The Authors Show To Discuss New Release, 'Pearl Of The Seas'

Ruth Finnegan OBE is a renowned scholar and celebrated writer who is Emeritus Professor, the Open University, a Fellow of the British Academy, and an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College Oxford

Author Ruth Finnegan will be appearing on The Authors Show to discuss her latest book for preteens, 'Pearl of the Seas'. The new release is a companion to her award-winning epic romance novel, 'Black Inked Pearl'. Ruth Finnegan is the author of hundreds of highly praised works, academic publications, articles and books and is currently in production on a number of film scripts.

'Pearl of the Seas' is the tale of two children building a boat from a log they find buried in the sand and sailing off to far-off fantastic lands in a stormy sea-driven adventure with their faithful - but accident-prone - dog Holly. There they learn much wisdom from a king who, like God, has many names'. After an incredible sacrifice of his dearest dream by the boy (now growing up) they return - another dream - to a family tea with their loved ones. The tale is a prequel and companion to Ruth Finnegan's award-winning epic romance 'Black inked pearl', here adapted for preteens but characterised by (in a simpler form) the same unique dream-like and enchanted style as in the original novel.

'Pearl of the Seas' received a Hungry Monster Silver Award in October 2016. The book has received a number of positive reviews. Tshombye K. Ware of Reader's Favorite stated, "If you're looking for a reader friendly story that touches the depths of your soul, this is definitely one of those books."

The companion work, 'Black Inked Pearl', tells the story of a naive Irish girl Kate and her mysterious lover, whom she rejects in panic and then spends her life seeking. After the opening rejection, Kate recalls her Irish upbringing, her convent education, and her coolly-controlled professional success, before her tsunami-like realisation beside an African river of the emotions she had concealed from herself and that she passionately and consumingly loved the man she had rejected.

The novel, born in dreams, is interlaced with the ambiguity between this world and another, and increasingly becomes more poetic, riddling and dreamlike as the story unfolds. The epilogue alludes to the key themes of the novel – the eternity of love and the ambiguity between dream and reality.

‘Black Inked Pearl’ has received four international prizes. It was recently named as a finalist in the 2016 Best Book Awards in the "Fiction Visionary" category. The book has received rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike. Scott Neuffer of Forward Reviews stated, "If James Joyce's dream-like opuses were written from a more feminist perspective, they might look something like Ruth Finnegan's Black Inked Pearl, a rapturous fantasia of words and images set somewhere between ancient myth and the green shores of modern Ireland." Chris Fischer, in a Readers Favorite review stated "I just finished reading 'Black Inked Pearl: A Girl's Quest' by author Ruth Finnegan, and all I can say is 'Wow!' It's written in a unique and creative style, one that at times blends poetry with prose ... enviable and beautiful at the same time ... any reader who enjoys a lovely, unique and interesting work of fiction should absolutely read Black Inked Pearl. I will be eagerly awaiting the next offering by author Ruth Finnegan. If it is anything like her debut novel, it will be simply magical!" Kirkus Reviews said, "Kate's romantic quest calls to mind Paradise Lost and Greek mythology as it weaves together biblical allusions, fantasy, and details of the modern day." Like other classic and unusual literary works,  the book has given rise  to many  interpretations and, as Christiana Fatoki perceptively put it,  like its more recent prequel ‘Pearl of the Seas,’ it “sinks into your unconscious.”

Ruth Finnegan will appear on The Authors Show on November 22, 2016. She is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at r.h.finnegan@open.ac.uk. More information is available at her website at  http://garnpress.com/authors/ruth-finnegan/.

About Ruth Finnegan:
Ruth Finnegan OBE is a renowned scholar and celebrated writer who is Emeritus Professor, the Open University, a Fellow of the British Academy, and an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College Oxford. She was born in Derry (on the last day of December 1933) and grew up  there and in the remote  countryside of Donegal where, as poetically recalled in the second chapter of her novel, ‘Black Inked Pearl’,  she spent the war years; went to a literature-imbued Quaker school in York where, a fellow-student with the actress  Judi Dench, she learned to read the resonant poetry of Yeats and Shakespeare and to repeat texts that, with others, she had to learn, aloud (a good training for the sonic style of her novels); earned top degrees in classics and anthropology at Oxford; and carried out fieldwork on story-telling in Africa – a revelation of the multi-sensory nature of performance that has affected her all her life, and constantly comes through in her writing. From 1969, apart from three years in the South Pacific island of Fiji,  she taught and researched at the pioneering Open University. She is the author of over twenty academic books, several of them prize-winning. She has three daughters (two of them born in Nigeria), five grandchildren (one in New Zealand), and now lives in Old Bletchley, England, with her husband of over 50 years and two loving, impetuous, lovable cairn terriers.

Contact:

Ruth Finnegan
r.h.finnegan@open.ac.uk
http://garnpress.com/authors/ruth-finnegan/

Leia Mais…

Children's Book Author George Long Announces Lesson Plan Now Available For 'Pocketful Of Dreams', Character Building Book For Kids

'Pocketful Of Dreams' is available in print and digital editions and is also available in a Teacher’s Edition. The Teacher’s Edition includes a unit plan for K-2 teachers, written by a veteran first grade teacher

Children's book author George Long has announced that a Teacher's Edition Lesson Plan for K-2 teachers is now available for 'Pocketful Of Dreams'. 'Pocketful OFDreams' teaches children valuable character building lessons such as integrity, honesty, taking the initiative, telling the truth and much more. The book is available in a Teacher’s Edition, which includes a unit plan for K-2 teachers, written by a veteran first grade teacher.

It’s bedtime, and Momma tucks her girls into bed and says, “Happy Dreams.” Karen and Sue are off to sleep. Floating in a midnight sky, they dream their favorite dream. They dream of a garden wonderland where flowers bloom like candy for the picking. When they wake, they crave the sweets from their dream. To earn candy money, the two sisters open a lemonade stand—the symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit of America’s youth. They soon learn that running a real-life business is not as easy as picking candy from trees in a dreamscape. A hole in their money bag leaves them penniless, and they face hard lessons about responsibility and doing the right thing. Resourceful and imaginative, the sisters set a great example of how teamwork and honesty pay off.

“My mission is to create life-enriching stories for children and their parents to enjoy.”

All of Long's books are 'dyslexic friendly' as Mr. Long is dyslexic. He considers this to be an advantage, and he learned early on to compensate for this "disadvantage". The text boxes featured in 'Pocketful of Dreams' are designed with the dyslexic reader in mind.

Readers and educators alike have high praise for "Pocketful Of Dreams":
" . . . the lessons of integrity, honesty, taking the initiative, telling the truth and being responsible are timeless. There are many opportunities to use this book as a springboard in lessons about consumers and producers, character building and so much more."

"I like this book because the character building lessons are easy to learn."

"Your story is beautiful! It is written with such warmth and honesty.  The conclusion is neat and concise, yet still leaves room for imagination and dreaming. This heartfelt story would definitely be loved by the kids and parents at our library."

“Pocketful of Dreams: Teacher’s Edition” comes in hardback and paperback print editions. The regular edition comes in paperback and both can be purchased at Long's website and on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Both editions can also be found in digital format on Kindle and iBooks.

The Teacher's Study Guide document is available in pdf format at his website.

George Long is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at georgelong1941@gmail.com. More information is available at his website at http://www.georgelongchildrensbooks.com.

About George Long:

George Long's mother instilled in him her love for language. He uses that love to create life-enriching stories for children and their parents to enjoy.

'Pocketful of Dreams' is the first book in the 'Daddy Always Says' series. The text boxes featured in this book are designed with the dyslexic reader in mind. Although George struggled with dyslexia in his youth, he has learned to compensate for his learning disability.

He hopes this story encourages readers of all abilities to work hard and see their dreams come true.

Contact:

George Long
georgelong1941@gmail.com
http://www.georgelongchildrensbooks.com

Leia Mais…

Rhonda Fischer, Author Of Randy Kazandy Where Are Your Glasses. Announces Follett Listing

Successful children’s book will now be available in libraries nationwide

Author Rhonda Fischer announced today that her highly successful children’s book, Randy Kazandy Where Are Your Glasses?, has been included in the current Follett listing. Randy Kazandy Where Are Your Glasses? will now be available to libraries nationwide. The book has been approved by Parents magazine, Old Schoolhouse magazine and Stories for Children magazine.

“Having Randy Kazandy accessible through Follett Library Resources is fantastic news for children,” stated Ms. Fischer, “as Follett covers schools and libraries from the heartland to the inner city, from the East Coast to the West, across Canada and the United States. I believe children who wear eyeglasses and their parents will really benefit from having this book available.”

Randy Kazandy welcomes every child with and without glasses to come share his fun adventures. Randy is clever, sometimes a clown, but is always a boy who needs to wear glasses. But he struggles getting used to the new and unnatural feeling of having glasses on his face, and tries to ditch the glasses at every turn. With Randy’s mother determined to get him to wear his glasses, Randy finally comes to the conclusion that hiding the glasses just does not work, as somehow, another pair always seems to appear. Randy learns to love himself the way he is, with a motto, "I love being me."

“Ultimately the goal behind this book is to raise the self-esteem of a child who is required to wear glasses,” says Ms. Fischer. “This is almost universally perceived as a very negative event in the life of a young child. Now librarians can have a resource in their own libraries that will directly address this issue in a way that will engage, delight and inform. I am very pleased that Follett made the decision to make this book available to children nationwide.”

Follett is the nation's largest supplier of books, eBooks and audiovisual materials. Follett Library Resources offers a vast selection of educational materials. Their industry-leading expertise allows them to deliver the best products and services available anywhere.

Author Rhonda Fischer has contributed to community service columns for newspapers, including the Olean Times Herald in Olean, NY and the Orange County Register in California and Coto De Caza News in California. Ms. Fischer attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music on scholarships. Her career as an educator began as Musical Director at Children’s Meeting House, Serendipity, Willow School, St. Paul’s, Love’n Laughter, St. Thomas School, The Music Experience and The Academy of Children’s Music, all in Pennsylvania. She also taught children’s writing workshops in the public library in Lansdale, PA.

Rhonda designed the pre-school music curricula for 10 years through Marywood University in Pennsylvania. She was the Nutrition Director for the Cattaraugus County Senior Program in Olean, NY. As a Nutrition Director for South County Senior Services in Orange County, CA, Rhonda received an honored award for starting the Meals on Wheels program café style in Olean, NY. She also started the Meals on Wheels program at The Bell Tower Foundation in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. While there, Rhonda worked with senior citizens, keeping them busy writing poems that were published in the newspaper column called “Wrinkles”.

Ms. Fischer currently teaches for California Music Studios in Carlsbad, CA, and is a private piano teacher in Orange County, CA. She is now the president of Whim Publishing in Santa Margarita, CA, and is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and The Independent Book Publishers Association. Ms. Fischer continues to write children’s books and poetry.

Contact:
Rhonda Fischer
Whim Publishing
31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy Ste A 308
Rancho Santa Margarita CA 92688
Web: www.RandyKazandy.com
Email: RFischer@WhimPublishing.com

Leia Mais…