M E D I A   R E L E A S E           

 
CONTACT:    Mayra Calvani

Email:          mayra.calvani@gmail.com   

Website:       www.mayracalvani.com

For Immediate Release

Best Summer Book - Sunstruck by Mayra Calvani

A fun, quirky, beach summer read ~ Twilight Times Books!

(KINGSPORT, TN) – Just in time for your summer reading, Sunstruck hits the beaches! Daniella is an architecture student living with her narcissistic artist boyfriend in San Juan. Abandoned by her father at an early age, Daniella always falls for the ‘wrong’ type of man. Her most enduring male relationship so far has been with her cat.
   
Several strange mysteries are threaded through Daniella’s everyday life: her ex-husband, Ismael, has just opened an outlandish hotel for animal lovers that has her distraught; Ismael’s wife, a rich woman Daniella fondly refers to as ‘Lady Dracula’, has some gruesome ways to keep her skin looking young; Daniella’s mother is founding a revolutionary, feminist society called The Praying Mantises; the island’s national forest is being depleted of hallucinogenic mushrooms; meanwhile, young girls are disappearing and there’s a nut loose dressed as Zorro slashing the rear ends of women who wear miniskirts.  

Oppressed by all these eccentric characters, Daniella feels herself falling into an abyss. Then something terrible happens, making Daniella wake from her stupor and take charge of her life.

Gift with purchase offer…

Purchase Sunstruck http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LYYOWM and receive FREE download e-Book of Dark Lullaby. Email her publicist, Donna McDine donna@donnamcdine.com with your receipt of Sunstruck purchase and receive link to FREE Dark Lullaby e-Book through July 27, 2012. Of course, if you purchase Sunstruck elsewhere please email receipt to Ms. McDine.

What reviewers are saying…

“Dark and quirky humor coupled with quixotic characters adds to the surprising mix found in Sunstruck… I've never read a book remotely like it. Everything from the humorously weird to the acutely macabre can be found between these covers, and then some.” –Laurel Johnson, Midwest Book Review

"Sunstruck is like a nutty Whodunit with a little twist. Who really is in the Zorro costume? With all the crazy characters I caught myself pointing fingers again and again. A great read that will make you forget where you are, while you giggle yourself to complete oblivion from all the silliness." –Autumn Blues Reviews

About the author: Award-winning author Mayra Calvani has penned over ten books for children and adults in genres ranging from picture books to satire to paranormal fantasy novels. She’s had over 300 articles, short stories, interviews and reviews published in magazines such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal and Bloomsbury Review, among others. She has lived in America, Asia, the Middle East, and now lives in Brussels, Belgium.

Purchase info:

Title: Sunstruck
Author: Mayra Calvani
Author web site: http://www.mayracalvani.com/

Publisher: Twilight Times Books
url: http://twilighttimesbooks.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60619-024-2

Genre: Parody/Satire
Format: ebook in pdf, ePub, Kindle, Mobi, PRC, etc.

Distributors: Amazon Kindle; Apple iBookstore; BN.com Nook; eReader; Fictionwise; Kobo Books; OmniLit; Sony eBookstore, etc.

Release date: July 15, 2012

Price: $5.95

Pages: 160
Chapter excerpt: http://twilighttimesbooks.com/Sunstruck_ch1.html

Purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LYYOWM

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About the author:

Liam Maher grew up in the beautiful gardens

of Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland.

This and the surrounding picturesque countryside

coupled with the old beliefs during his

boyhood days of leprechauns, ghosts and fairies were to inspire his

children’s stories that were to come in later life and originally written

for his grandchildren.

Liam has had two other books published with Guardian Angel, The

Golden Daffodils and Mr. Topper, the Lucky Potbellied Pig.

More are coming soon.

Liam spends his time gardening, keeping fit, entertaining his

grandchildren and searching for leprechauns.

About the Illustrator:

Gin May is an engineering graduate, hailing from Malaysia. Her

greatest interest lies in fantasy art, with an emphasis on human or

humanoid characters. She says she enjoys doing fantasy-based pictures

since she can brush off anatomical mistakes by claiming the character

isn’t human. She lives on a steady diet of instant noodles and potato

chips.

Samples of her work may be viewed at http://ginmay.cjb.net/

The Plumber and the Wishing Well

What could be more charming than Irish folk lore and Christmas, all wrapped up in to one story of wee people and their magical wishing well?  In this story written by Liam Maher, a beautiful yellow bird tries to find a way for her friend the plumber to buy presents for his children on Christmas Eve.  The bird Tupo, visits her friend in the forest, and receives instruction on how to find a magical wishing well.

Upon her approach the well is covered in unforgiving vines.  Tupo is entertained by music and dance, and witnesses some mystical wee people.  The little people have a problem that maybe Tupo can help them with.  They are sad over the fact that Christmas will be ruined if they do not find a way to fix their problem.

 The plumber arrives and notices something most rewarding, but does not share his new found knowledge with anyone.  The little people are delighted to see the plumber, and want to give him riches, but the plumber has other intentions.     

This Gaeilge flavored tale with all the influence of the emerald Isle, has a few intriguing turns and twists that will delight a child’s interests. The art work of Gin May is beautifully illustrated, and pops from the page.  This is a heartwarming story of kindness, sharing and consideration for others in need.  The plumber is concerned with how the little people will be able to continue the life they are accustomed to living.  His intentions are to manipulate the chain of events and make life better for everyone.  The story of the Plumber and the Wishing well is truly in the holiday spirit, and lends example for children to practice in their every day travels.

This enchanting holiday story includes a leprechaun, an elf, a fairy, and other interesting characters. With all the charms of Irish folklore and brilliant art work, I rate this book with *****, and because of the wonderful message of sharing, it lends to all.

This review was written by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature.

http://Bagfullofbooks4kids.blogspot.com     www.susanhornbach.com

If you wish to purchase this book, click the link below:

THE PLUMBER AND THE WISHING WELL
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/plumber-wishing-well.htm

                                                                      

 

The First Americans

 Would you use a buffalo bladder as a canteen or wear a coat made out of seal skin? Native Americans cleverly used everything in their environment in order to survive. They created games, recipes, tools, and homes based on their surroundings. A word search review game is included.
                                                                                                                    

 The First Americans, written by Kelly Bakshi, is the story    of how early Native Americans crossed the Bering Strait from  Asia to Alaska by foot when it was frozen solid,  thousands of   years ago.  This creative non-fiction book will draw the interest  of children, as they will be able to identify with the children of  different regions so long ago.  They’ll find themselves walking  into the far north where they will meet Ahna from the Inuit  Tribe. They’ll find out about her igloo, how it was built, and how  Ahna lives and survives the elements. 

 Traveling on to the North West coast of the United States  further south, children will meet Malid of the Kwakuitl Tribe.   He will tell them how he honors the Earth, finds his food, and  what creative things his tribe does with the trees.

As their trip continues to the Southwest where it is a warm dry climate they will say hello to Catori of the Hopi Tribe.  Catori’s people live in a very unusual building made of clay with no doors.  Children will delight in the way one must enter their home.

Further East, Hinto of the Dakota Tribe will peak their interest when he explains how his life revolves around, where the buffalo roam.  Hinto lives in a portable house made of many animal skins.

The famous Hiawatha from the Iroquois Tribe in the Eastern Woodlands will tell children of her many accomplishments.  Hiawatha’s people live in large strange looking houses, and the tribes of her people give much power to woman.

Moving on to the Southwest they meet Quigaltanqui of the Natchez Tribe.  This child of early times lives in a warm mild climate.  Children will learn how this tribe’s class of people is ever changing.

These Native Americans worked hard, and they played hard.  This book lends education to games they played, and what they did to survive and eat well.  The First Americans book explains about storytelling, crafts, activities of these early Native Americans, as well as much detail to their traditions, and survival.

The time line for when the first Americans crossed the Bering Strait is of great controversy among those who study the subject, but no matter what the time span; whether it be 30,000 or 15,000 years ago, I think this would be a book valued by any parent, teacher, librarian, and certainly I feel this is a book children will not only enjoy, but also, remember and value.  

The pictures in The First Americans book for children are brilliant, expressive, and quite informative.  I enjoyed this book, and give it five stars ***** for educational content, drawings, and photos.

This review was written by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature.

http://Bagfullofbooks4kids.blogspot.com   www.susanhornbach.com

  

THE FIRST AMERICANS by Kelly Bakshi

 If you would like to purchase this book, click the link below:

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/first-americans.htm       Look for it in the Academic Wings section

 About the author:
Kelly Bakshi is a Social Studies teacher and a
writer. She is also the author of Myth-Busting
Columbus. She holds a BA in Political Science
and History from Rutgers and a MS in Secondary
Education from Mercy College. Kelly loves living
in New York City with her husband and son.
Visit with her at www.kellybakshi.com

Cody Knows

Welcome Karen Sue, Linda, and Candace

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/cody.htm

Cody Knows, written by Karen Sue Wiesner, with Linda Derkez, is an intricate detailed picture book with few words that depict the life of a small toddler boy named Cody. The book is displayed for very young children, and takes a child through a day of waking, bathing, eating, romping, exploring, visiting, playing, and pretty much getting into everything this rambunctious happy toddler can dig his little curious self into.

 His Mom is on the go from morning till night doing her best to keep up with her baby. Cody likes books, his dad, his Grandma, yummy food, and finds comfort at the end of the day in his Mom’s lap.

 I think this book will hold the attention of small children ages 2 to 4 years of age, and would be a great book for 5 year olds to read along with a parent.  I recommend Cody Knows for anyone looking for a book to cuddle up with at the end of the day, or any time when you and your little bombardier need a break!  I give it ***** for an all around story and art experience for little tikes.

Illustrations of Cody knows:  Candace J. Hardy 

This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature.

http://Bagfullofbooks4kids.blogspot.com   www.susanhornbach.com

If you would like to purchase this book, click the link below:

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/cody.htm

Cody Knows follows the imagination and adventures of a single day in the life of an Indiana Jones-wanna-be toddler.

..........................................................................................................................................

“This story follows one day in the life of little Cody. It begins at daybreak and ends

at bedtime. Most any child will be able to relate with the story of Cody—a wonderful

picture book for preschoolers. Simple words to follow and short sentences per

page so your child can read along with you. The illustrations are bright and

colorful...”~Huntress Reviews

Suggested age range for readers: Toddler - 5

............................................................................................................................................
Karen Sue Wiesner is the children’s book pen name of Karen Wiesner. When asked why this award-winning, multi genre author ventured into children’s books, Karen says, “For the reason I think most authors write children’s stories: My son Cody is an avid lover of books, like his parents. I wrote this book for him when he was just a baby, wanting to share what a unique, special child he is. Cody looks at the world in an unusual way that I hope will captivate others as much as it has my husband and I. Candy’s illustrations really bring out the single day of adventure we go through living with our son.” Karen is an accomplished author with 90 books published in the past 14 years, which have been nominated for and/or won 123 awards, and has 16 more titles under contract.

http://www.karenwiesner.com http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/childrensbooks.html

http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/childrensreviews.htm

Candace J. Hardy lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband, three children, a Dalmatian, two rabbits, and a pigeon (with whom she shares her studio). Although she has studied oil and pastels privately, she currently renders digitally and in colored pencil. She taught elementary education, hearing impaired children, and later home-schooled her own children, leaving writing and illustrating to be kept “on a back burner”.

Littlest

Welcome to a Review of:

 

 

Chip is a dreadfully selfish little bear who can’t find it in his heart to share any of his toys with his cousin Dorcas; who comes with their grandmother to visit Chip and his Mom.  Chip is instructed to play with Dorcas and share his things, but Chip’s Idea of fun is to insult Dorcas’ name, talk back to his mother, and torment his cousin by sharing nothing with her.

Dorcas is shy and timid, and gives Chip the benefit of the doubt at each attempt to play with one of his toys.  After much consideration and patients, Dorcas decides she is fed up with Chip’s nonsense, and selfishness.  Chip keeps telling her how they have to share, but all the while he is sharing nothing with her.

Finally, Dorcas tells Chip she will share what she secretly carries in her pocket. His greedy little self agrees to take it without giving anything in return.  After her gift to Chip, he is hopping and crying like the outsmarted bully that he is.  His Mom and Grandma feel Dorcas has served him his just deserts.

In the end Chip realizes that what you give, is what you get back, but sometimes worse.  Chip then sees Dorcas in a new light, and they begin to work on a friendship. This is a wonderful book for children who have a hard time sharing.  It also has a life lesson for children; that no matter how timid a child is, they have the strength within themselves to combat anyone who is unkind to them.

I think this book written by Linda Derkez, and illustrated by Phoebe Doehring, will empower children who are timid, and bring enlightenment to those children who are a bit unkind to their playmates.  I felt this book was entertaining, as well as a lesson in social skills for children.  The pictures are colorful, cute, and in my opinion, will hold the attention of any small child.  For me, this books earns ***** for content, life lessons, and art.

This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature

http://Bagfullofbooks4kids.blogspot.com   www.susanhornbach.com

If you would like to purchase this book,  click the link below:

 http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/chip.htm

Cousin Dorcas is visiting today and Chip's mother tells him he must share his toys because it's kind and nice and fair to share. Shy Dorcas picks up one toy after the other, only to have that rascal Chip remind her that they have to share and take turns playing with his toys. Finally, Dorcas decides to be kind and nice and fair by sharing something with Chip that he might not actually want! Chip finds himself reluctantly admiring his cousin for beating him at his own game.

ABC’s of Health and Safety

Welcome Melissa and Alexander

ABC’s of Health and Safety, written by Melissa Abramovitz, and illustrated by Alexander Morris, is a multifaceted book for which children will learn more than just their ABC’s, not to imply that, that would not be enough to expect from a child’s colorful book.  But, this whimsical picture book also covers many subjects in the world of health, safety, exercise, and happiness.  Each page explains to children the importance of keeping themselves healthy and safe, and how to do it.

As each page turns, a new letter from the alphabet appears with a wonderful illustration of a child who is performing an act that pertains to what a child needs to do, to stay healthy and safe.  It illustrates what they should eat, how to be safe while swimming, Kitchen safety, and the list goes on and on, for each letter of the alphabet throughout the book.   Children will be amused by the active pictures while they are learning important life safety and healthy habits.

ABC’s of Health and Safety could be an important learning aid for teachers of beginning grades. This book could be incorporated into a teacher’s curriculum, as the book holds a wealth of information for safety and health education.  Parents will also find this most informative book for the health and safety of their children useful. Most of all children will love to read this colorful book again and again, as it is first and foremost, a fun book to read!  ABC’s of Health and Safety deserves ***** for imagination, great illustrations, and exceptional informative content.

This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature.

http://Bagfullofbooks4kids.blogspot.com   www.susanhornbach.com

If you would like to purchase this book, click the link below:

ABC's OF HEALTH and SAFETY
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/Health-safety.htm


About the author:
During her 25+ years as a freelance writer, Melissa Abramovitz has published hundreds of magazine articles for all age groups, from preschoolers through adults, along with more than 30 educational series books for children and teens. She has also published poetry and short stories for children, an adult novella, and is the author of A Treasure Trove of Opportunity: How to Write and Sell Articles for Children's Magazines for writers. Of all the varied types of writing she does, putting together rhyming picture books is her absolute favorite! In addition to the newly released ABC's of Health and Safety, Guardian Angel will be publishing her picture book, Helping Herbie Hedgehog, in the future. Melissa holds a degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego.

About the illustrator:
Alex Morris graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art—Schaumburg with a Bachelor’s in Media
Arts & Animation. Since middle school he knew he wanted to be an artist, spending time drawing
monsters, evil clowns, and any other twisted malform he could conjure. In college he discovered
the “gentler” side of his imagination and started drawing cartoon characters. Look for more of his
illustrated books from Guardian Angel Publishing.
Visit Alex at www.alexrmorris.com
Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Saint Louis, MO 63128 USA

Melissa Abramovitz is a versatile writer who enjoys writing for all age groups, from preschoolers through adults. While she specializes in nonfiction magazine articles and educational books on health topics, she also writes on a variety of other topics, including science, nature, and history. She has published some fiction and poetry as well, and has written five rhyming children's picture books.

Her new book for writers, A Treasure Trove of Opportunity: How to Write and Sell Articles for Children's Magazines, was released by E and E Publishing in February 2012, and her children's picture book, ABC's of Health and Safety was released by Guardian Angel Publishing in June 2012. Helping Herbie Hedgehog is under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing. 

Check out Melissa's Amazon Author Page at www.amazon.com/Melissa-Abramovitz/e/B001HOWGMI for a listing of books. She is a member of SCBWI and The Working Writers Club.

Melissa Abramovitz is a versatile writer who enjoys writing for all age groups, from preschoolers through adults. While she specializes in nonfiction magazine articles and educational books on health topics, she also writes on a variety of other topics, including science, nature, and history. She has published some fiction and poetry as well, and has written five rhyming children's picture books.

Her new book for writers, A Treasure Trove of Opportunity: How to Write and Sell Articles for Children's Magazines, was released by E and E Publishing in February 2012, and her children's picture book, ABC's of Health and Safety was released by Guardian Angel Publishing in June 2012. Helping Herbie Hedgehog is under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing. 

Check out Melissa's Amazon Author Page at www.amazon.com/Melissa-Abramovitz/e/B001HOWGMI for a listing of books. She is a member of SCBWI and The Working Writers Club.

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT:    Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids E-zine

Email:              submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com

Website:          http://guardian-angel-kids.com

For Immediate Release

Children’s E-zine Guardian Angel Kids: Adoption – July 2012 Issue

Welcome to the July 2012 issue of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine (GAK). This month, GAK is all about a different family experience – adoption, where through a legal process, a person becomes a member of a family different from their birth family. Please enjoy all the fun and informative features in this month’s issue and please feel free to share the GAK link www.guardian-angel-kids.com with your friends – and family, too, of course!  

Letter from the POETRY EDITOR:  Donna J. Shepherd    

Featured BookS:

One Nutty Family by James Byers and illustrated by Kevin Collier
Curley the Crooked Christmas Tree by Rodger Pritchett and Mike Webb and illustrated by Jamie Holmes 

Children’S poetry, ACTIVITIES, SHORT STORIES, and articleS: 
 
“The Same Difference,” poetry by Shari L. Klase – Our differences unites us.  
 
“The Chain of Hearts,” by Susan Harris Sanders and illustrated by Nancy Miller – Adoption is a new beginning.  

“The Duck Family Reunion,” by Suzanne Purvis and illustrated by Jack Foster – A young bullfrog discovers he is right where he belongs.

 
“A Basketful of Eggs,” by Shari L. Klase – How birds play a role in adoption of a different sort. 
“Teaching Children about Adoption,” by Kathy Stemke – how teaching children about adoption and altering certain activities includes all types of families.

 Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and www.guardian-angel-kids.com and enjoy a child safe and ad free E-zine.

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/163785080346247.  

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 E-zine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.

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Welcome 

Today I have posted a review written for Linda Derkez, and David Fielding’s new book:

    One Large Peanut Butter Sandwich to Go

 

A new Release from Guardian Angel Publishing

This is an ever moving story about a boy named Scotty who likes to eat his food while walking around the house.  His Mother is easy going and would rather not say no to Scotty, but also is concerned about the crumbs he drops as he travels around with his food. 

Scotty’s Mom uses her imagination, to peak Scotty’s imagination. The two of them come to a solution based solely on Scotty’s decision through his imaginary experiences. In the end, Scotty finds the perfect place to eat his food.

Scotty imagines himself outside with his very large peanut butter sandwich.  He meets a mailman, a neighbor, a hairy dog, a grandma, a gentle man in a hat, and many other people who all have the same thing in common; they are hungry!

The pictures in this book are vividly enticing. They jump off the page and grab attention. I think any child would be thrilled to read these pages written by Linda Derkez, and gaze upon the artwork of David Fielding; over and over again. This book could very well become a favorite in a child’s library.

I give this book ***** for color, and ***** for story content.  The mother in this story found a way to heighten her child’s reasoning without being cross or negative; a lesson to be learned for sure.

This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature. http://Bagfullofbooks4kids.blogspot.com  www.susanhornbach.com 

I hope you will leave a comment for Linda and David. 

To purchase this book you may click the link below:

ONE LARGE PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH TO GO
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/peanut-butter.htm

About the Author

Linda Derkez has always enjoyed writing, especially journaling. The mother of three, she began writing children's stories that would reinforce lessons or values she wanted her children to learn. Linda is the author of two previously published children’s books, including: Caleb's Missing Whisper & Other Stories and Chip's Sharing Day. Linda also co-authored Cody Knows with award-winning author (and sister) Karen Wiesner. Linda also enjoys writing children's stories with her husband and her brother-in-law, David Fielding, who illustrated One Large Peanut Butter Sandwich to Go.