Lisa Cohn's Blog, page 16

“Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy,” Funded by Kickstarter, Keeps Lucy’s Memory Alive

In their latest book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy,” Bash’s soccer team is about to go to the championships, thanks to his dog, Lucy. She helps coach the team by kissing the players and doing tricks for them. But Bash sometimes has a hard time sharing Lucy. He is overcome with jealousy when his dog enchants a soccer team of special-needs kids. Can Bash learn to share his tail-wagging pal with kids who say they need her? Buy the book here On Amazon.com “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy” was funded by a Kickstarter, and the plot was created based on input from the Cohns’ “ Skype in the classroom” students. Here you can watch a Skype in the classroom clip where students provide ideas.

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Lisa and Michael’s first book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” received a Mom’s Choice Silver Award and was named Finalist, 2013 USA Best Books Awards.

In this contemporary boy-and-dog tale, talkative Bash has a big problem in soccer: His beloved dog, Lucy, is a pro at nabbing the ball, but sometimes at the wrong moment. Coach wants to ban Lucy from soccer practice and games, separating Bash from a companion who boosts his confidence in sports–and life. In this picture book for kids age 4-8, Bash and friends help Coach understand that with Lucy by their side, they feel more confident, laugh more often, and are comforted when they make mistakes.

Buy “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” along with the audiobook–recorded by the authors and three boys, age 6-8–on Amazon.com. Fifty percent of the proceeds are donated to the Oregon Humane Society.

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Yes, Our Dog’s Bravery Inspired Our Book Series

Our Dog’s Bravery Inspired Our Book Series

By Lisa Cohn

The first grader’s innocent question took me by surprise. Did we get the inspiration for our “Bash and Lucy” book series from our dog who died?

Even though I had answered this question many times, there was something about the student’s earnest expression that brought tears to my eyes.

Yes, Lucy’s bravery and strength inspired me–and Michael–to write our book series.

Nearly two years ago, she died suddenly of cancer at the age of 6. We had no clue she was sick. In fact, she ran with me through the forest trail behind our house every day–up until the day before she died. She never let on that she was suffering.

When she died, I was overwhelmed by her bravery and strength. And of course, I missed her. I wanted to somehow keep her alive. And so did Michael. Just as important, we wanted to share with kids all that we had learned–and continue to learn–about the amazing, inspiring and selfless things dogs do for children and adults.

To show our readers all that dogs do for people, our second book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy,”  features Lucy as a hero, once again. In this book, she actually coaches a soccer team, and leads her team to the championships by kissing the players and making them laugh.

Learn more about our new book here: Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy.

Here’s more on all the people who supported this project, and brought us some wonderful surprises!

Boy, 6, Keeps Memory of Dog Alive, Thanks to Surprising Supporters

If you’d like a copy of our new book to review, please email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com! It’s hot off the press this week!

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“Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy” Focuses on Helping Others, in Spite of Jealousy

 

 

In the latest book from Lisa and Michael Cohn, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy,” Bash’s soccer team is about to go to the championships, thanks to his dog, Lucy. She helps coach the team by kissing the players and doing tricks for them. But Bash sometimes has a hard time sharing Lucy. He is overcome with jealousy when his dog enchants a soccer team of special-needs kids. Can Bash learn to share his tail-wagging pal with kids who say they need her? Buy the book here on Amazon.com

One readers says,”This is a sweet story that teaches young readers not only about dealing with jealousy, but how dogs help kids with special needs. In the book, Bash, the boy who is the main character, learns how to help others, in spite of feeling jealous. Beautiful, expressive illustrations! Great for kids age 4-9 or so.”

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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 

–Book Giveaways!

 

 

 

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 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 503-577-0504, 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

 

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Boys, Age 5 & 6, Chat KidLit–With Detail, Enthusiasm!

Boys Chat KidLit!

It’s exciting to see young boys chat KidLit with enthusiasm and detail! In the video below, Michael, age 6, chats with Landon, age 5, about “Nate The Great and the Stolen Base” during one of our KidLit Chats. In this case, Landon is a homeschooler taking part in one of our Skype in the classroom lessons. We also work with bigger classes, and especially love to do “literary analysis” with young elementary school kids like Landon.

Our goal is to share our love of reading with kids everywhere!

“That was so much fun!” said Michael, after our session with Landon. “He liked the same characters I did, and was almost my age.”

Here’s a video clip from the chat:

And here’s another clip during which Michael and kids discuss conflict in a story:

Learn more about Michael’s love of books by watching us on the Today Show:

Book Crazy Boy, 5, A Budding LIterary Critic

For more information about our own books and our KidLit Chats, email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com!

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Can These Boys, Age 6-8, Inspire Kids to Get Off Their Screens?

Boys Recording Kids’ Audiobook

Can These Boys, Age 6-8, Inspire Kids to Get Off Their Screens?

50% of Proceeds of Kids’ Audiobook To Benefit Dogs; Audiobook Free for Schools



It’s no secret that parents and educators worry about the effects of children’s “screen time.” But four young boys, age 6-8, from Portland, Ore. are demonstrating that kids can use “screen time” to promote good causes.

With a computer, microphone and software, the boys—Michael Cohn, 6, Edward Stipkala, 8, Adam Stipkala, 6, and Matthew Stipkala, 6–helped create a new audiobook by sharing their voices, enthusiasm, and passion for dogs and reading.

Writer Lisa Cohn and her son, Michael, just released the audiobook, which is an audio version of their award-winning “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” dog picture book. Lisa Cohn narrates, Michael reads for “Bash,” and brothers Edward, Matthew and Adam read the parts of a coach and boys in the book.

Half the proceeds from sales of the “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” book and accompanying audiobook will be donated to the Oregon Humane Society (OHS). In addition, the Cohns are offering the audiobook and book free to elementary schools, in the hopes of sharing with young children the boys’ enthusiasm for dogs, reading and writing. The authors want to communicate the message that other young kids, like these boys, can write a book or create an audiobook.

Michael dedicates the audiobook to the memory of his dog, Lucy. Grief over her sudden death sparked the book project.

Listen to Michael’s dedication and preview the audiobook here:

Michael, Edward, Adam, and Matthew recently read portions of “Bash and Lucy” at a fundraiser for OHS, along with a group of dog book authors. At the event, all the authors raised more than $400 for the organization, which helps find homes for dogs from all over the country. Last year, the Cohns raised more than $300 for OHS at a book release party.

Boys Read At OHS Fundraising Event

“I’m so proud of Michael, Edward, Adam and Matthew for taking part in this project with such enthusiasm,” said Lisa Cohn. “They’re all dog and book lovers, and I’m excited about sharing that love with kids across the country while raising funds for the Oregon Humane Society.”

The Cohns have already sent their new audiobook and book to a number of schools that participate in a “Skype in the classroom” lesson given by Lisa and Michael. During the lesson, the mom and son share their story and encourage kids to follow Michael’s example and write a book. Michael actively participates in the lessons, enthusiastically communicating his love of reading and writing.

Clip From Skype in the Classroom Lesson with Michael

The audiobook, along with the book, are available for purchase on Amazon.com here: Buy New Audiobook + Book on Amazon.com

“Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” illustrated by Heather Nichols of Portland, won a Mom’s Choice Silver Award and was a finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards.

For more information, visit www.BashAndLucy.com. Contact: Lisa Cohn BashAndLucy@gmail.com

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Boys, Age 6-8, Create Kids’ AudioBook For a Good Cause

Boys Recording Kids’ Audiobook

Boys, Age 6-8, Use Technology For A Good Cause—or Two;

50% of Proceeds of Kids’ Audiobook To Benefit Dogs; Audiobook Free for Schools



It’s no secret that parents and educators worry about the effects of children’s use of technology. But four young boys, age 6-8, from Portland, Ore. are demonstrating that technology can be used to promote good causes.

With a computer, microphone and software, the boys—Michael Cohn, 6, Edward Stipkala, 8, Adam Stipkala, 6, and Matthew Stipkala, 6–helped create a new audiobook by sharing their voices, enthusiasm, and passion for dogs and reading.

Writer Lisa Cohn and her son, Michael, just released the audiobook, which is an audio version of their award-winning “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” dog picture book. Lisa Cohn narrates, Michael reads for “Bash,” and brothers Edward, Matthew and Adam read the parts of a coach and boys in the book.

Half the proceeds from sales of the “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” book and accompanying audiobook will be donated to the Oregon Humane Society (OHS). In addition, the Cohns are offering the audiobook and book free to elementary schools, in the hopes of sharing with young children Michael’s enthusiasm for dogs, reading and writing. The authors want to communicate the message that other young kids, like Michael, can write a book.

Six-year-old Michael dedicates the audiobook to the memory of his dog, Lucy. Grief over her sudden death sparked the book project.

Listen to Michael’s dedication here:

Michael, Edward, Adam, and Matthew recently read portions of “Bash and Lucy” at a fundraiser for OHS, along with a group of dog book authors. At the event, all the authors raised more than $400 for the organization, which helps find homes for dogs from all over the country. Last year, the Cohns raised more than $300 for OHS at a book release party.

Boys Read At OHS Fundraising Event

“I’m so proud of Michael, Edward, Adam and Matthew for taking part in this project with such enthusiasm,” said Lisa Cohn. “They’re all dog and book lovers, and I’m excited about sharing that love with kids across the country while raising funds for the Oregon Humane Society.”

The Cohns have already sent their new audiobook and book to a number of schools that participate in a “Skype in the classroom” lesson given by Lisa and Michael. During the lesson, the mom and son share their story and encourage kids to follow Michael’s example and write a book. Michael actively participates in the lessons, enthusiastically communicating his love of reading and writing:

Clip From Skype in the Classroom Lesson with Michael

The audiobook, along with the book, are available for purchase on Amazon.com here: Buy New Audiobook + Book on Amazon.com

“Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” illustrated by Heather Nichols of Portland, won a Mom’s Choice Silver Award and was a finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards.

For more information, visit www.BashAndLucy.com. Contact: Lisa Cohn BashAndLucy@gmail.com

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Touched By a Dog’s Love: Benefit for Oregon Humane Society

Authors Raise More Than $400 for Oregon Humane Society at Multimedia Book Reading Sept. 25

Snuggling with Lucy

By Lisa Cohn

Touched by a dog’s love.

That was the theme that permeated a multimedia book reading, “Books+Bark+Beer,” in Portland Sept. 25 that raised $406 for the Oregon Humane Society.

Many of the authors shared stories, photos and videos about how the love of a dog altered the course of their lives. Those authors included me and my son, Michael.

Ryan Chin, the organizer of the event and author of “Without Rain There Can Be No Rainbows,” related how the death of his dog, Toughy, launched a journey to New Zealand where Chin taught elementary school. His beautifully written book (which brought me to tears many times), follows his experiences as he begins the process of healing from the deaths of his dog and his brother, who died of leukemia at age 20. Chin brings his journey to life with videos (which accompany the book) posted on his website, WithoutRain.com

Chin added videos, photos and illustrations to the authors’ presentations at the event, a feature that drove home the power of the emotional connection between the authors and their dogs.

Another author, Rick Woodford, author of “Feed Your Best Friend Better,” shared a surprising tale about how his dog changed his life. Woodford began cooking his dog homemade food after a vet gave his ailing best friend only a few months to live.  The homemade food extended his dog’s life by four years, inspiring Woodford to launch a homemade dog food company that earned him the title “the dog food dude.”

His mission of helping others feed their dogs better consumed 80 hours a week of his time. But Woodford didn’t have the time to buy his own meat or cook his own meals!  Eventually Woodford stopped making dog food and instead shared his knowledge and love of dogs in his book. Learn more about Woodford here: The Dog Food Dude

At the event, Michael, age 6, and I shared how we were moved by a dog’s love in ways that changed our lives. To help us overcome grief over the sudden death of our Golden Retriever, Lucy, we created the “Bash and Lucy” series of books. Our aim was to keep her alive in our hearts. We’ve shared our story with school children from all over the world via Skype in the classroom and school visits. At the benefit event, our presentation began with Michael’s voice–a clip from our new audiobook–dedicating “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” to the memory of Lucy, “our wise, fetcher, friend and comedian. You can listen to his dedication here:

“Bash and Lucy” Audiobook Preview

Other authors included Jo Ann Houck, author of “Palmer’s Broken Eyes, about her dog going blind, Mary Mandeville, author of “Carrying Molly: Lessons From a Three-Legged Dog,” award-winning writer Samantha Ducloux Waltz, and Christy Caballero, who has won four Dog Writer’s Association of America “Maxwell” awards.

Like the stories shared at “Books+Bark+Beer,” tales of dogs changing lives abound in literature and real life. For example, we just read “Tuesday Tucks Me In,” a true story about how a service dog helps and comforts an injured soldier. We’ve written blogs about service dogs that alter the lives of autistic and diabetic kids. And, in one of our favorite dog books, “Because of Winn Dixie,” a lonely girl, Opal, takes in a stray dog, Winn Dixie; the dog brings her hope and new friends.

Not only do dogs help kids make friends. They improve kids’ health, comfort them, come to the rescue when young diabetics’ blood sugar drops, and prevent autistic kids from running into streets. And sometimes they even alter the course of a life with a heroic rescue:

Dog Saves Two Girls Story

As dog lovers, we’re proud to support the Oregon Humane Society, which finds homes for dogs from all over the country. We’re already looking forward to our next benefit for Oregon Humane, which we’ll announce soon. Stay tuned and follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BashAndLucy

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Four Great Reasons Kids Should Listen to Audiobooks About Dogs

Listen to audiobooks about dogs–Nate the Great!

We listen to audiobooks about dogs–Henry and Mudge!

Why should kids listen to audiobooks about dogs? Here are four great reasons!

1. They Teach Kids To Love Dogs

First of all, audiobooks about dogs, like their printed versions, teach kids about all the great reasons to love, admire and respect dogs. In Henry and Mudge, for example, we learn about a tight bond between a boy, Henry, and his lovable dog, Mudge, and all the fun Henry has with his tail-wagging pal.

2. Audiobooks Give Kids a Fresh Perspective and New Information

Audiobooks give kids a fresh perspective on their favorite kids’ dog books. When kids hear their book read out loud by someone other than their parent, they tend to “see” the book in a different light. When Michael, age 6, and I listened to the “Nate the Great” audiobooks over and over, Michael pointed out a number of new details about the books. Actor John Lavelle’s voice really brought life to the characters, including Sludge, the adorable dog detective. Michael pointed out that Rosamond is ever stranger when Lavelle reads her part! And Sludge is even cuter–if that’s possible.

3. In Audiobooks, the Reader Doesn’t Fall Asleep

I have to confess: When I read to Michael at night, and lay down and snuggle with him, it’s so easy to drift off to sleep. But when Michael listens to an audiobook, the reader never falls asleep! That means he doesn’t miss a thing about the clever, funny, endearing, and lovable qualities of the dogs who are characters in his favorite books.

4. Audiobooks Help Teach Kids to Read!

When children listen to an audiobook while following along and looking at the text version, they learn how to read. They can listen to the words while looking at the letters, and figure out which combinations of letters go with which sounds. That’s how my book lover, Michael, taught himself to read–by listening and looking.

Our favorite kids’ dog books include Nate the Great, Henry and Mudge, Scooby-Doo, and Good Dog Carl.

We’ve found that we love audiobooks so much we decided to create one for our own kids’ dog book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence.” In the audiobook, I’m the narrator and Michael and three friends, age 6 to 8, read the parts of the boys. Listen by clicking on this YouTube preview of the book and audiobook:

Questions? Email us at BashAndLucy.com! Follow us on twitter for updates about the release of our audiobook, very soon! https://twitter.com/bashandlucy_

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