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Mayra Calvani's Blog - Posts Tagged "picture-books"
A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear is out on Amazon
I'm happy to announce that my latest children's picture book, A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear, illustrated by award-winning artist K.C. Snider, has just been released by Guardian Angel Publishing and is now on Amazon... (soon on Kindle and iTunes with voice-over)
A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear
By Mayra Calvani
Illustrations by KC Snider
Guardian Angel Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 9781616334345; $15.95
Softcover ISBN: 9781616334352; $10.95
eBook ISBN: 9781616334369; $4.99
24 pages
Amazon / Guardian Angel Publishing
Little Bear offers Mama Bear various items to make her feel better, but she’s too busy to notice—until he gives her his super, so good, so very special dolly. Silly humor, alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia make this a fun read-aloud story. A celebration of the special love shared between mother and child. For ages 3-7.
A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama BearBy Mayra Calvani
Illustrations by KC Snider
Guardian Angel Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 9781616334345; $15.95
Softcover ISBN: 9781616334352; $10.95
eBook ISBN: 9781616334369; $4.99
24 pages
Amazon / Guardian Angel Publishing
Little Bear offers Mama Bear various items to make her feel better, but she’s too busy to notice—until he gives her his super, so good, so very special dolly. Silly humor, alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia make this a fun read-aloud story. A celebration of the special love shared between mother and child. For ages 3-7.
Today Only - Dec. 4th - A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear is on sale for only $.99!
Little Bear offers Mama Bear various items to make her feel better, but she’s too busy to notice—until he gives her his super, so good, so very special dolly. Silly humor, alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia make this a fun read-aloud story. A celebration of the special love shared between mother and child. For ages 3-7.
ONLY $.99 on Kindle TODAY ONLY
Meet Children's Author Anita Banks
Please welcome debut children's author Anita Banks. Anita harbored her secret of writing since she was in junior high school where the desire took seed in a creative writing class. She enjoys journaling, reading, running and traveling, but nothing compares to playing with her grandchildren. She's here today to talk about her new picture book, Tanner Builds a Block Tower.Visit:
http://www.anitabanks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/anita.banks.9
Q: Congratulations on the release of your book, Tanner Builds a Block Tower. What was your inspiration for it?
A: Thank you. The inspiration for this book, was my grandson, Tanner. On a visit when he was about three years old, he loved to play with his building blocks and build towers, over and over. He was fascinated with this repetitive play. We also went on numerous walks, he loved to explore the outdoors, and still does. So it seemed a natural fit to combine the two activities.
Q: When did your passion for children’s books begin? Did you have a favorite book when you were a child?
A: I have loved reading since my introduction to Dick and Jane and Dr. Seuss. I am constantly reading something all the time. When I was in junior high school, I had a creative writing class, that is when the writing bug stung me. But when family and life took over, I put the dream aside and just occasionally thought of it.
Q: Did you take any workshops or courses before you started writing?
A: Yes, I am a workshop junkie. One of my favorites was Walking on a Rainbow, a Fiction Picture Book Workshop with Mayra Calvani. I have completed a number of online workshops and also completed the Institute of Children's Literature course.
Q: How was your creative process like during the writing of this book and how long did it take you to complete it? Did you face any difficulties along the way?
A: This book was created in the Walking on a Rainbow workshop a couple of year ago. I loved the interaction and instruction that was had. The feedback from Mayra and the other participants was fuel that I needed to pursue my dream.
Q: What do you find most challenging about writing for children?A: I have a number of challenges, I sometimes over think my idea before I start writing, when I should just get the words on the page then edit. I struggle with writing too much and having to cut down to the small number of words that is required for picture books. Some day's it my own self-doubt of my ability and that I shouldn't try at all.
Q: What is your writing schedule like and how do you balance it with your other work and family time?
A: I'm sorry to say that I don't have a writing schedule. My "day" job is nine hours each day on a computer, so some days I just can't make myself look at a computer when I get home. I mostly try to write on my breaks and the weekends. My family time is limited to visits, since my three children are grown and gone, but I'm blessed with grandchildren.
Q: Tell us about your publisher and how you found it.
A: I entered a pitch contest at Savvy Authors, and the editor of Wee Creek Press, Melanie Billings, asked to see the manuscript after she read the pitch, then she contacted me to make the offer.
Q: What was it like working with an illustrator and how much control did you have over the artwork?
A: Wee Creek Press selected the illustrator, Molly Courtright. I didn't have any contact with her. until it was completed.
Q: How do you define success?
A: Success for me is enjoying another day. Living the best person that I can be each day. But career success would be to be able to give up the day job and be an at home full time writer.
Q: Do you think that becoming an author entails sacrifices?
A: I don't know that I have made any sacrifices, you live with the choices that you make. I have chosen to write, so I have to learn to accommodate my life with that choice. I haven't achieve the full dream yet.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring children’s writers? Do you know of any helpful resources you’d like to share?
A: Read children's books, first for the enjoyment. Then a second time for the craft. Study books that you truly like. Take classes and join groups. I am in several Facebook children's writers groups. They are informative and you can learn from others that are in the field.
Q: What’s on the horizon for you?
A: I'm working on a chapter book, and I have a couple of picture books that I am shopping out.
Thank you so much for your time.
The Writing Life with Cheryl C. Malandrinos, author of 'A Christmas Kindness'
Little ShepherdA Christmas Kindness
Cheryl C. Malandrinos has been a writer since the age of fourteen. She just didn’t do anything about it until after all of her kids were born. She is the author of the Christmas picture books Little Shepherd and A Christmas Kindness. She is also an editor, ghostwriter, blogger, and book reviewer. Cheryl lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband, two daughters, and three rescue cats. She also has a son who is married. She’s here today to chat about Little Shepherd, right on time for the holiday season. Let’s give her a warm welcome!
What’s
inside the mind of a children’s author?
Oh, lots of
things: a plethora of ideas, numerous characters, holidays, teachable moments,
a wide array of emotions, and a desire to touch the heart of young people.
What
is so great about being an author?
Knowing I can
create a story that someone I might not know or have a chance of meeting
enjoys.
When
do you hate it?
It’s tough
dealing with rejection, but it’s part of the game.
What
is a regular writing day like for you?
There isn’t one.
I write in between my full-time duties of real estate agent, wife, mom, sister,
and friend. I usually spend the Mondays before my writer’s group meets trying
to come up with something good.
Do
you think authors have big egos? Do you?
They can. They
are just as human as everyone else. I don’t think I do. My skills are a gift
from God, and therefore, I can’t take the credit.
How
do you handle negative reviews?
I haven’t
received many, but they are tough. You cry for a few seconds and then you move
on.
How
do you handle positive reviews?
I thank the
reader and share them all over the place.
What
is the usual response when you tell a new acquaintance that you’re an author?
They usually ask
what I write and what the names of my books are. I’ve actually sold a few books
that way simply because I’ve connected with the parent of a child who likes the
messages they impart.
What
do you do on those days you don’t feel like writing? Do you force it or take a
break?
My writing time
is so limited it’s rare I don’t feel like doing it. Forcing it doesn’t work for
me. I get up and do something else for a while and then sit back down and try
again.
Any
writing quirks?
I tend to
research way too much. It’s easy because I love it.
What
would you do if people around you didn’t take your writing seriously or see it
as a hobby?
That’s not a
concern of mine. I take it seriously and that is all that matters.
Some
authors seem to have a love-hate relationship to writing. Can you relate?
No. I love it
all. I’m even one of those crazy writers who really enjoys editing. I actually
think I am a better editor than a writer.
Do
you think success as an author must be linked to money?
Each of us
defines our own success. For some it might be money, but for others it might
just be getting those words down on paper. My success increases with each
child’s heart I touch.
What
has writing taught you?
Patience…but I
am still learning.
Leave
us with some words of wisdom.
There are no constraints
on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our
progress except those we ourselves erect. – Ronald Reagan
////////////////////////////////////
Title:
A Christmas Kindness
Genre:
First chapter reader
Author:
Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Publisher:
4RV Publishing
About
the Book:
Eight-year-old Robert
is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When
he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over
what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his
new friend a special gift?
Cheryl C. Malandrinos has been a writer since the age of fourteen. She just didn’t do anything about it until after all of her kids were born. She is the author of the Christmas picture books Little Shepherd and A Christmas Kindness. She is also an editor, ghostwriter, blogger, and book reviewer. Cheryl lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband, two daughters, and three rescue cats. She also has a son who is married. She’s here today to chat about Little Shepherd, right on time for the holiday season. Let’s give her a warm welcome!
What’s
inside the mind of a children’s author?
Oh, lots of
things: a plethora of ideas, numerous characters, holidays, teachable moments,
a wide array of emotions, and a desire to touch the heart of young people.
What
is so great about being an author?
Knowing I can
create a story that someone I might not know or have a chance of meeting
enjoys.
When
do you hate it?
It’s tough
dealing with rejection, but it’s part of the game.
What
is a regular writing day like for you?
There isn’t one.
I write in between my full-time duties of real estate agent, wife, mom, sister,
and friend. I usually spend the Mondays before my writer’s group meets trying
to come up with something good.
Do
you think authors have big egos? Do you?
They can. They
are just as human as everyone else. I don’t think I do. My skills are a gift
from God, and therefore, I can’t take the credit.
How
do you handle negative reviews?
I haven’t
received many, but they are tough. You cry for a few seconds and then you move
on.
How
do you handle positive reviews?
I thank the
reader and share them all over the place.
What
is the usual response when you tell a new acquaintance that you’re an author?
They usually ask
what I write and what the names of my books are. I’ve actually sold a few books
that way simply because I’ve connected with the parent of a child who likes the
messages they impart.
What
do you do on those days you don’t feel like writing? Do you force it or take a
break?
My writing time
is so limited it’s rare I don’t feel like doing it. Forcing it doesn’t work for
me. I get up and do something else for a while and then sit back down and try
again.
Any
writing quirks?
I tend to
research way too much. It’s easy because I love it.
What
would you do if people around you didn’t take your writing seriously or see it
as a hobby?
That’s not a
concern of mine. I take it seriously and that is all that matters.
Some
authors seem to have a love-hate relationship to writing. Can you relate?
No. I love it
all. I’m even one of those crazy writers who really enjoys editing. I actually
think I am a better editor than a writer.
Do
you think success as an author must be linked to money?
Each of us
defines our own success. For some it might be money, but for others it might
just be getting those words down on paper. My success increases with each
child’s heart I touch.
What
has writing taught you?
Patience…but I
am still learning.
Leave
us with some words of wisdom.
There are no constraints
on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our
progress except those we ourselves erect. – Ronald Reagan
////////////////////////////////////
Title:
A Christmas Kindness
Genre:
First chapter reader
Author:
Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Publisher:
4RV Publishing
About
the Book:
Eight-year-old Robert
is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When
he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over
what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his
new friend a special gift?
A Chat with Donna McDine, Author of 'Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters'
Multi award-winning children’s author, Donna McDine’s creative side laid dormant for many years until her desire to write sparked in 2007. Her latest release Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters joins the four early reader children’s picture books, A Sandy Grave (January 2014), Powder Monkey (May 2013), Hockey Agony (January 2013) and The Golden Pathway (August 2010) all with Guardian Angel Publishing. Join McDine as her adventures continue as she ignites the curiosity of children through reading. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI.Connect with Donna on the Web: www.donnamcdine.com / www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/DonnaMcDineAuthor
https://twitter.com/dmcdine
About her latest book, Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters: The anxiety of finding one’s own place and friends in kindergarten without the comfort of having her fraternal twin sister nearby at first overwhelms Dee until she realizes even without her fraternal twin sister, Dee and her classmates for the most part are in the same boat.
Find out more on Amazon.
Thank you for joining us today, Donna McDine. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself? I have always enjoyed immersing in a book that has me easily blocking the distractions of the world around him and I’m striving to create that joy from my books.
When did you first get bit by the writing bug? I fondly remember watching the television show, Lou Grant with my dad and I always found it fascinating how the research to the investigative reporting was conducting. I dreamed of becoming a reporter myself one day, but for some reason I did not follow this path. Happily I find myself many moons later writing for children. Why did you decide to write stories for children?
My writing bug resparked in 2007 when I came across the aptitude test for the Institute of Children’s Writing and eagerly completed the test and mailed in. To my pure joy I was accepted into the program and I’m now proud to say I have five published books to my credit.
Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?
I don’t feel it’s harder, but rather a different approach is required. Engagement and not preaching is essential in having the child wanting to come back for more.
What is your favorite part of writing for young people?
Watching their faces light up with excitement when they find a book that resonates with them and they then ask for more books along the same style or theme. It’s exciting to watch them open up the world at their fingertips.
Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?
The anxiety of finding one’s own place and friends in kindergarten without the comfort of having her fraternal twin sister nearby at first overwhelms Dee until she realizes even without her fraternal twin sister, Dee and her classmates for the most part are in the same boat.
What inspired you to write it?
The desire to share my personal childhood experience of being separated from my fraternal twin sister for the first time and that it all turned out okay.
Where can readers purchase a copy?
Pre-orders are available at my website www.donnamcdine.com and once December 1, 2015 rolls around Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters will be available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Guardian Angel Publishing as well as my website.
What is up next for you?
I’m dusting off a long ago shelved work-in-progress with a historical fiction theme.
Do you have anything else to add?
Keep reading and never stop. The exploration of the world is endless through books.
Thank you for spending time with us today, Donna McDine. We wish you much success.
Thank you, it was a true pleasure visiting with you and your visitors today.
Win a signed hardcover copy of 'Mama Graciela's Secret'
Dear Readers,
Enter my Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of my latest children's picture book!
Enter my Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of my latest children's picture book!
