Lisa Cohn's Blog, page 15
January 30, 2015
Book Lover, Age 6, Reviews Dog Book at the Science Museum!
Book Lover Reviews Dog Book in Dog Costume!
Michael, age 6, loves to review KidLit–especially kids’ dog books. He reviews children’s books in taxis, parks, gyms, and on beaches and city streets.
He’s often holding his teddy bear, Eddie, or dressed as one of his all-time favorite literary characters: Scooby-Doo! Michael loves Scooby-Doo books because they combine dogs with mysteries.
In his latest review, of “Pansy in Paris: A Mystery at the Museum” Michael is wearing his Scooby-Doo costume and reviewing one of his favorite kinds of books–a mystery that features a dog detective! He does this review at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (even though the book is set in a different kind of museum–an art museum).
Michael loves the dogs in “Pansy and Paris,” he says. He gives the book a secret rating that only his mother can de-code. Hint: It’s more than 10 out of 10 stars and the secret rating is revealed at the end of the video!
Watch the video here:
We recently had the opportunity to chat briefly with the author of “Pansy in Paris,” Cynthia Bardes. We learned that one of her “Pansy” books will be staged as a musical in September. Michael plans on interviewing Cynthia in a few weeks via Skype. This will be the first in a series of author interviews by Michael and mom. We’ll be posting the interviews on our YouTube channel.
If you’d like to follow Michael’s book reviews or author interviews, be sure to subscribe to the Bash And Lucy YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/bashandlucy And if you’d like to send along an idea for a book review, email BashAndLucy@gmail.com
Stay tuned for more KidLit reviews and KidLit author interviews!
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January 25, 2015
Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy Wins Mom’s Choice Award
Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy Wins Mom’s Choice Award
We’re thrilled, honored, giggly and grateful that our latest book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy” received a Mom’s Choice Silver Award.
This is the second Mom’s Choice Award for our “Bash and Lucy” book series. Our first book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy,” received a Mom’s Choice Silver Award–along with a USA Best Book Award.
“Bash and Lucy” Book Series Honored by Second Mom’s Choice Award
When 6-year-old Michael, co-author of the book series, learned of the award, he yelled “Yippee!” and bolted up to his sister’s bedroom to shout out the news. Since we dedicated the book to Ally, it only makes sense that she’d be the first person to learn about the award.
Michael quickly applied award stickers to the books so he could show them off at an author presentation for the Village Home School in Portland.
“The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for parents and educators and is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Using a rigorous evaluation process, entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost. Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media trust the MCA Honoring Excellence seal when selecting quality products and services for families and children.”
Visit Amazon.com to read recent 5-star reviews about “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy.” We’re thrilled with the response so far!
Here’s the latest review on Amazon:
“Who hasn’t felt a twinge of jealousy when their best friend pays attention to someone else?
No one wants to feel left out. Bash already shares Lucy with his whole team.
When a new kid shows up, a kid who already has a dog, and says HIS team needs Lucy’s special coaching skills,
I can’t blame Bash for feeling a little upset.
The illustrations in this book are fun and beautiful.
This book is cute on many levels.
When Bash’s friends help him look for Lucy it shows the power of friendship.
When Lucy is found coaching the other team, there is an opportunity for emotional growth.
A wonderful opportunity also for parents to discuss feelings with their children,
and the concepts of right and wrong.”
We have many reasons to feel proud and grateful today!
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January 8, 2015
Budding Book Critic, Age 6, Gives Advice to Famous Authors!
Budding Book Critic, With Teddy Bear
By Lisa Cohn
My book lover and budding book critic–Michael, now age 6–began doing YouTube book reviews when he was a few months short of 5 years old.
In his first review, at age 4, of “Clifford the Firehouse Dog,” he praised “Clifford, big old red dog,” for saving the fireman from a burning tower.
Since then, he has reviewed many books, classics such as “Clifford” and “Henry and Mudge,” as well as lesser-known picture books from independent authors.
In nearly every case, he gave the books ratings ranging from 10 stars to 2 million stars–out of 10 possible stars!
He has conducted his reviews in gymnasiums, taxis, parks, ski lodges and his bedroom, as well as on beaches and city streets. Why? Because talking about books is just as much fun as visiting all these places. And it’s especially fun to combine playtime and vacations with KidLit talk!
Most recently, Michael decided to share what he doesn’t like about his favorite book series– the Berenstain Bears, Henry and Mudge and Nate the Great.
He gives tips to the famous authors of these KidLit books in this video:
In this review–as well as others–Michael holds his Teddy Bear, Eddie, or is sure his bear is close by.
We love to share Michael’s enthusiasm for books–and hope it’s contagious!
Got a book you think Michael should review? Email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com!
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December 27, 2014
What Happens When You Deprive a KidLit Lover of His Books?
Deprive a KidLit Lover of His Books and…
By Lisa Cohn
I didn’t know I was depriving my KidLit lover of his books when I sent him to the Waldorf school.
I didn’t ask the question, “Do KidLit lovers get to look at books in Kindergarten classes?” because it never occurred to me that books wouldn’t be allowed.
Soon enough, Michael, now 6, staged a mutiny. Read my story, “Why Did You Send Me to That B*&$!! of a School?” in BLUNTmoms to find out what happened:
http://www.bluntmoms.com/send-b-school-asked-kindergarten-son/
Got a KidLit lover who was accidentally deprived of books? Email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com and tell us your story!
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December 20, 2014
Our Book Lover, Age 6, Reviews KidLit at the Gym!
Michael, Age 6, Reviews KidLit
Our 6-year-old book lover, Michael, has reviewed KidLit on the Oregon Coast, in a taxi, in New York’s Central Park, in numerous bookstores and libraries, in a ski lodge in Montana, in his bedroom, and even on the Today Show.
In his latest, he reviews KidLit in a bouldering gym! Why a bouldering gym? Because he thought it would be super fun!
In this video, he reviews “Nate the Great and the Sticky Case,” giving away too much and providing a secret rating. If you count the number of giggles, you might get the number of stars.
Michael loves “Nate the Great” books because they star a boy-and-dog detective team. And he loves the characters.
This book is even more exciting because it teaches kids about dinosaurs–one of Michael’s favorite subjects.
Here’s his review:
You can learn more about Michael and his reviews by watching this Today Show story about him:
Boy, 5, a Budding Literary Critic
Learn more about Michael’s own kids’ dog books at www.BashAndLucy.com. Email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com to suggest books for review!
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December 15, 2014
This Review of Our Picture Book Made Our Day!
Bash and Lucy Picture Book
Sometimes, a happy reader can make an author’s day!
And yesterday, this review on Amazon about our first picture book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” from a grandparent really brightened our day! The reader posted the review shortly after receiving our book as the result of a Goodreads giveaway.
“I would like to thank Lisa and Michael Cohn, Heather Nichols (for her illustrations ) and Goodreads First Reads for my copy of Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence. I love this book. I like how this book encourage confidence in the characters especially with Lucy’s help. I love that dog! I can’t wait to read this to my grandchildren. It’s a great book/CD to add to their home library. Loved it.”
You can read the review on Amazon Here
Earlier in the week, a reader’s review of our latest book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy” was just as heartwarming.
Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy
“Continuing the tale of Bash and Lucy, in Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy, authors Lisa and Michael Cohn take kids on a wonderful ride through a life lesson on jealousy, sharing, and compassion for others. Using sports, a soccer-loving dog named Lucy, and his young owner Bash, to help create a healthy learning environment for our youngest generation, is noteworthy. What a great read for parents to share with their children. It’s a must have, along with their first book, Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence, on every parent’s book list for nighttime reading.wrote Kirk Mango, National Champion, Hall of Famer, and author of “Becoming a True Champion.”
You can read the review on Amazon Here
We’ll be offering another Goodreads Giveaway soon–so stay tuned!
And if you’re interested in reviewing our books, send us an email at BashAndLucy@gmail.com!
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December 9, 2014
We Raised $350 For Oregon Humane Society at “Bash and Lucy” Party
Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy Book Release Party
We raised $350 for the Oregon Humane Society at our “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy” book release party–thanks to our dog-loving Kickstarter backers, family members and friends.
Our Kickstarter backer, Dania Doose, her daughter Michelle, and her son, Tristen, flew up from California to celebrate the fact that we created a character based on 11-year-old Tristen. They helped us set up the party, sold raffle tickets, took photos, and helped with clean up. We’re so happy we met this wonderfully generous and lovable family!
Dania Doose
Tristen and Michael at Bash and Lucy party
During the party, Michael announced that we had dedicated our book to his big sister, Ally, who first insisted that our family get a dog. Not only did she bring Lucy into our lives; she was our first reader, and encouraged us to move forward with the “Bash and Lucy” project. She has supported us every step of the way, selling books at fairs, serving as chief public relations adviser, and prepping and dressing Michael for TV interviews and appearances. Our dedication reads, “For Ally, who blesses us every day with her enthusiasm, creativity, wisdom and love.”
Michael Dedicates Bash and Lucy to His Sister
We were thrilled that our party took place in Sniff Dog Hotel’s cafe, where guests can watch dogs in doggy daycare behind a large glass window. Sniff, a Kickstarter backer, generously offered us the space and provided servers for the event.
Bash and Lucy party at Sniff Dog Hotel
Also attending were two gorgeous dogs from Autism Anchoring Dogs. Our guests got to pet the dogs and learn about how these service animals prevent autistic kids from running away into dangerous places.
Autism Anchoring Dogs
Heather Nichols, our talented and generous illustrator, was swamped with requests to do caricatures of the guests, and donated 100% of the sales of her work to the Oregon Humane Society. In this photo, she’s doing a caricature of Dania Doose’s daughter, Michelle:
Illustrator Heather Nichols Does Caricature During Party
The kids danced to the music of Mr. Hoo a talented kids’ musician from Portland. Among other songs, he sang “The Rain Song,” about a dog in the rain, which he wrote with some input from Michael. Our guests enjoyed ice cream generously donated by Ruby Jewel Scoops. Also providing donations to support our raffle were Lucky Lab NW, Hip Hound and Sitter for Companion Animals.We also provided kids’ dog books for the raffle.
A number of our Kickstarter backers attended, including Kristi Holden, who was the photographer at our party and snapped many of the photos above, and authors Brian Tashima and Ryan Chin. A big thank you to everyone who attended our book release party and who has supported our book project! Learn more at BashAndLucy.com
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December 1, 2014
Boy, 6, Keeps Memory of Dog Alive in His Heart, Thanks to Surprising Supporters
Boy Keeps Memory of Dog Alive with New Book
Dec. 7 Book Release Party and Fundraiser for Oregon Humane Society: 4:00-6:30, Sniff Dog Hotel, 1828 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR
Featuring:
–Kids’ Music by Mr. Hoo
–Caricatures by our illustrator, Heather Nichols
–Raffle of Kids’ and Dogs’ Gift Baskets
–Two Autism Service Dogs
Boy, 6, Keeps Memory of Dog Alive in His Heart, Thanks to Surprising Book Supporters;
Dec. 7 Book Release Party, Fundraiser for Oregon Humane Society
Young author Michael Cohn, age 6, will keep the memory of his dog, Lucy, alive in his heart by continuing a kids’ book series launched in 2013–thanks to some unanticipated Kickstarter supporters who helped fund his just-released book.
Dania Doose, the owner of a dog training company, surprised Michael and his mom, Lisa Cohn, by backing a Kickstarter project in May that aimed to fund the Cohns’ second dog picture book. Doose asked the Cohns to make her special-needs son, Tristen, a character in the book, along with his service dog.
The new book, successfully funded by the Kickstarter, is “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy.” It follows “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” a Mom’s Choice Silver Award winner and finalist, USA Best Book Awards. The Cohns wrote the first book in 2013 to overcome grief over the sudden death of their golden retriever, Lucy.
“This series really helps Michael keep the memory of our dog, Lucy, alive in his heart,” said Lisa Cohn. “Michael, who loves helping write these books, rose to the challenge of integrating our Kickstarter backers into the new ‘Bash and Lucy.’ He came up with the jealousy theme and created the entire plot line, integrating Tristen and his dog.”
In addition to Tristen and his service dog, featured in the book is Kickstarter backer Sniff Dog Hotel, which will host a Dec. 7 book release party and fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society. The natural pet products company “I and love and you” also appears in the book. In addition, the Cohns wrote into their book their vet, Cornelia Wagner, in appreciation for her care of their new dog, Hudson.
“Not only did these companies back us initially, but they continue to give generously to our project,” said Lisa Cohn. “’I and love and you’ and Sniff Dog Hotel have donated products for our Oregon Humane Society fundraisers.”
Portland-based backers also include authors Ryan Chin and Brian Tashima.
“For us, this project is about giving back—through our OHS fundraisers, to dogs who give so much to us. We’re also thanking the companies and students who are so enthusiastic about our books,” she added.
In “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy,” Lucy helps coach Bash’s soccer team by kissing the kids and making them laugh, and even leads the team to the championships. But Bash is overcome with jealousy when a special-needs boy, Tristen (who has mild autism and epilepsy), says he wants Lucy to coach his Olympics team of special-needs kids.
The Cohns visit school children in Portland and via Skype, sharing their story. They also do “KidLit Chats with Michael,” during which book lover Michael discusses books with young children. Here’s an example: http://youtu.be/_D5PooWyPvc
“Lisa and Michael Cohn are a powerhouse team,” said Doose. “They inspire reading in a most lovely way. Children and parents are going to love their next project. My child, who is intelligently challenged, was inspired to read by their book.”
Lisa and Michael Cohn have appeared on the Today Show, SiriusXM Radio, in Disney’s Babble, in the Oregonian, on AM Northwest, and other media.
For more information visit www.BashAndLucy.com or contact Lisa at BashAndLucy@gmail.com
A Big Thanks to Our Other Kickstarter Supporters, including:
Airlie Road Publishing, Deborah Taylor-French, Peak Performance Sports, Toren Orzeck, Kristi Holden, Susan Richardson-Bishop, Neha Hewitt, Patty Price-Yates, Ljupka Journey, Tatiana Terdal, and Elisa Wood.
QUOTES FROM KICKSTARTER SUPPORTERS:
We were excited to support the Bash & Lucy book series through Kickstarter. What better way to celebrate the bond between people and dogs, especially when it involves children and their unique connections with pups. We love that the authors, Lisa and Michael, are from Portland and that the story take place locally. Portland has such a large, loving dog community–we look forward to bringing these local supporters together for the book release/ fundraiser at Sniff.
–Jami Mollas, Owner, Sniff Dog Hotel
I was so impressed with Lisa and Michael Cohn’s first book. Kickstarter made it possible for us to connect in a way that otherwise would be impossible. I am so humbled to have my son, Tristen, be part of this book. He is encouraged to read books by Lisa and Michael because he loves dogs. His service dog, Benji, has opened doors for him to be confident and make new friends. We are excited for the release of this new book and we hope it promotes reading and acceptance of others.”
–Dania Doose, whose son, Tristen, and service dog, Benji, appear in “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy”
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How Our Gramma Cohn Inspired us to Give Back
Margaret Cohn: Giving Back
By Lisa Cohn
Growing up, my grandmother, Margaret Cohn, was an inspiration.
She always focused on the importance of giving back to the community–and was a formidable role model.
She is probably best known for being one of the secret founders of Planned Parenthood of Buffalo in 1931. “Birth control was definitely something you didn’t discuss in Buffalo in the 1930s, except behind closed doors,” she told the Buffalo News. Gramma and the other founders met in a Buffalo mansion with the doors locked for their first meetings.
In addition to her important role in Planned Parenthood, my grandmother was either a founding member of or volunteered for many other organizations, including a home for unwed mothers, Camp Lakeland, the Brandeis University Women’s Committee, Young Audiences, and Jewish Family Services.
In many ways, Gramma inspired our work donating to the Oregon Humane Society and teaching school kids all that we’ve learned about writing and publishing.
You can read more about such efforts here, in a story in Oregon Jewish Life about how she inspired me. The story begins on page 20:
http://www.ojlife.com/sites/default/files/issues/AHAH%20callback/OJL_Dec_LR.pdf
As always, email BashAndLucy@gmail.com with your thoughts!
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November 26, 2014
Boy, 6, Keeps Memory of Dog Alive in His Heart, Thanks to Surprising Supporters
Boy Keeps Memory of Dog Alive with New Book
Dec. 7 Book Release Party and Fundraiser for Oregon Humane Society: 4:00-6:30, Sniff Dog Hotel, 1828 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR
Featuring:
–Kids’ Music by Mr. Hoo
–Caricatures by our illustrator, Heather Nichols
–Raffle of Kids’ and Dogs’ Gift Baskets
–Two Autism Service Dogs
Boy, 6, Keeps Memory of Dog Alive in His Heart, Thanks to Surprising Book Supporters;
Dec. 7 Book Release Party, Fundraiser for Oregon Humane Society
Young author Michael Cohn, age 6, will keep the memory of his dog, Lucy, alive in his heart by continuing a kids’ book series launched in 2013–thanks to some unanticipated Kickstarter supporters who helped fund his just-released book.
Dania Doose, the owner of a dog training company, surprised Michael and his mom, Lisa Cohn, by backing a Kickstarter project in May that aimed to fund the Cohns’ second dog picture book. Doose asked the Cohns to make her special-needs son, Tristen, a character in the book, along with his service dog.
The new book, successfully funded by the Kickstarter, is “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy.” It follows “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” a Mom’s Choice Silver Award winner and finalist, USA Best Book Awards. The Cohns wrote the first book in 2013 to overcome grief over the sudden death of their golden retriever, Lucy.
“This series really helps Michael keep the memory of our dog, Lucy, alive in his heart,” said Lisa Cohn. “Michael, who loves helping write these books, rose to the challenge of integrating our Kickstarter backers into the new ‘Bash and Lucy.’ He came up with the jealousy theme and created the entire plot line, integrating Tristen and his dog.”
In addition to Tristen and his service dog, featured in the book is Kickstarter backer Sniff Dog Hotel, which will host a Dec. 7 book release party and fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society. The natural pet products company “I and love and you” also appears in the book. In addition, the Cohns wrote into their book their vet, Cornelia Wagner, in appreciation for her care of their new dog, Hudson.
“Not only did these companies back us initially, but they continue to give generously to our project,” said Lisa Cohn. “’I and love and you’ and Sniff Dog Hotel have donated products for our Oregon Humane Society fundraisers.”
Portland-based backers also include authors Ryan Chin and Brian Tashima.
“For us, this project is about giving back—through our OHS fundraisers, to dogs who give so much to us. We’re also thanking the companies and students who are so enthusiastic about our books,” she added.
In “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy,” Lucy helps coach Bash’s soccer team by kissing the kids and making them laugh, and even leads the team to the championships. But Bash is overcome with jealousy when a special-needs boy, Tristen (who has mild autism and epilepsy), says he wants Lucy to coach his Olympics team of special-needs kids.
The Cohns visit school children in Portland and via Skype, sharing their story. They also do “KidLit Chats with Michael,” during which book lover Michael discusses books with young children. Here’s an example: http://youtu.be/_D5PooWyPvc
“Lisa and Michael Cohn are a powerhouse team,” said Doose. “They inspire reading in a most lovely way. Children and parents are going to love their next project. My child, who is intelligently challenged, was inspired to read by their book.”
Lisa and Michael Cohn have appeared on the Today Show, SiriusXM Radio, in Disney’s Babble, in the Oregonian, on AM Northwest, and other media.
For more information visit www.BashAndLucy.com or contact Lisa at BashAndLucy@gmail.com
A Big Thanks to Our Other Kickstarter Supporters, including:
Airlie Road Publishing, Deborah Taylor-French, Peak Performance Sports, Toren Orzeck, Kristi Holden, Susan Richardson-Bishop, Neha Hewitt, Patty Price-Yates, Ljupka Journey, Tatiana Terdal, and Elisa Wood.
QUOTES FROM KICKSTARTER SUPPORTERS:
We were excited to support the Bash & Lucy book series through Kickstarter. What better way to celebrate the bond between people and dogs, especially when it involves children and their unique connections with pups. We love that the authors, Lisa and Michael, are from Portland and that the story take place locally. Portland has such a large, loving dog community–we look forward to bringing these local supporters together for the book release/ fundraiser at Sniff.
–Jami Mollas, Owner, Sniff Dog Hotel
I was so impressed with Lisa and Michael Cohn’s first book. Kickstarter made it possible for us to connect in a way that otherwise would be impossible. I am so humbled to have my son, Tristen, be part of this book. He is encouraged to read books by Lisa and Michael because he loves dogs. His service dog, Benji, has opened doors for him to be confident and make new friends. We are excited for the release of this new book and we hope it promotes reading and acceptance of others.”
–Dania Doose, whose son, Tristen, and service dog, Benji, appear in “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy”
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