Lisa Cohn's Blog, page 20

Scooby-Doo Book Reviews By Michael, Age 5, On YouTube: New Playlist

Scooby-Doo Book Reviews By Michael, Age 5

Michael, our 5-year-old co-author and YouTube book reviewer, loves to do Scooby-Doo book reviews. He has read dozens of these kids’ dog books, and is in the midst of reviewing many of them on his YouTube Channel.

That’s why we’ve created a new playlist just for Scooby-Doo Book Reviews, and you can find it here:

 

 

So far, we’ve posted four Scooby-Doo book reviews: Scooby-Doo and The Case of the Doughy Creature, Scooby-Doo and The Rock ‘N Roll Zombie, Scooby-Doo and The Phantom Cowboy, and Scooby-Doo and the Fishy Phantom. But we’ve got many more lined up–so stay tuned. Be sure to subscribe to Michael’s YouTube Channel here: Michael’s YouTube Channel

Michael loves the silly characters in these books. And he loves their predictability. As he says in his review of “Scooby-Doo And The Fishy Phantom,” there’s a pattern, and it goes like this: There’s a mystery to solve, the gang splits up to look for clues, they set a trap, and then Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are the bait that helps catch the bad guy. He always laughs when Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are enticed into being the bait.

In addition, Michael likes to have lengthy discussions with random people in bookstores–usually fathers–about who is the leader of the Scooby-Doo gang. Is it Fred? Is it Scooby? And he enjoys discussing the books that vary slightly from the pattern. For example, in “Scooby-Doo and The Phantom Cowboy,” Shaggy gets trapped. “That was very unusual,” he says.

Michael is also very interested in the facts that Velma spouts. He wants to know what they mean. And when we’re playing pretend Scooby-Doo at home, Mom gets to be Velma and her job is to be as nerdy as possible, providing commentary related to physics and math.

All in all, the Scooby-Doo books are a big part of our day here at Bash And Lucy. Be sure to email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com if you want us to review your favorite Scooby-Doo book!

And don’t forget to check out this cute Today Show story about Michael’s YouTube book reviews and his role helping write “Bash And Lucy Fetch Confidence.” Here it is:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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“Book-Crazy Boy” Story on Today Show: Viewers’ Response!

Michael, Our Book-Crazy Boy, On Today Show

To all of you who saw us on the  Today Show Sunday: Thank you for the emails, Facebook comments (on the Today Show’s Facebook page), shares, suggestions for book reviews, visits to our website, and “Bash And Lucy Fetch Confidence” purchases (many of which came directly through our website).

The Today Show feature focused on 5-year-old Michael Cohn’s love of books, his YouTube book reviews, and his role in helping write “Bash And Lucy Fetch Confidence.”

We loved all the emails and comments, many from books lovers who were thrilled to see such a young “book-crazy boy” so engaged with books. We were also excited to hear from all the parents with book lovers out there. Many people said that their own kids share the same passion for books.

If you haven’t watched the Today Show story, you can view it here:

“Bash And Lucy” Authors on The Today Show

“What a treat to hear such a heart-warming story on the news this morning about Michael’s love of the library, books, and his dogs,” one viewer wrote us.

“He’s so cute, won my nerd heart, we’re a family of book people,” wrote one woman on Facebook. “Being a book-buff myself, this literally brought tears to my eyes,” wrote another woman. “I hope he NEVER outgrows his love of books…I sure never did.”

One woman wrote, “If part of the campaign to ‘Keep Portland Weird’ includes providing an environment where a 5-year-old boy can become a book critic and co-write a book with his mom… I am fully in support of keeping it weird.” She shared the story from Powell’s Facebook page (Part of the segment was filmed at Powell’s Books).

“Thanks for the positive energy you’re giving our country and world,” wrote the National Center for Families Learning in an email.

One woman who had just lost her Golden Retriever wrote, “Your courage of how you were able to get through the hurt of losing a ‘best friend’ gave me strength. Thank you very much for showing your bravery! I bought your book and will remember you!”

The Daily Mail in the UK ran a story about Michael’s appearance on the Today Show. You can read it here:

Daily Mail Story About Michael Cohn’s Appearance on the Today Show

Many people have asked us how we became guests on the Today Show. Lisa, who does some public relations for artists and arts organizations, bought a list of TV producers and sent the story idea to a Today Show producer.

On the Today Show’s Facebook page, some moms said they didn’t understand why the Today Show ran the story. They said Michael isn’t so special; lots of kids love books! We’d love to hear your opinion and hear your stories about your book lovers, writers and reviewers! Email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com

While you’re thinking about that question, check our our book and its reviews at Bash And Lucy Fetch Confidence

Again, your feedback was very touching and we’d love to hear from you!

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Our Young Book Reviewer And Author Featured On Today Show

Michael, Our Young Book Reviewer, On Today Show

Michael, age 5, our young book reviewer and author, was featured on The Today Show. The story addresses Michael’s love of books, his role in writing the award-winning “Bash And Lucy Fetch Confidence,” and his YouTube book reviews. Watch the video here (after first watching a short advertisement):

Today Show Story About Our Young Book Reviewer, Michael

We’re very excited that we were featured on the Today Show, and really enjoyed working with the show’s reporter, producer and camera crew.

You can email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the Today Show story!

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Encourage Kids To Give To The Less Fortunate With Kids’ Book and Traditions

Michael Sells His Kids’ Book To Benefit The Oregon Humane Society

Here at Bash And Lucy, we’re counting our many blessings over the holidays and focusing on ways to encourage fortunate children like Michael to give to the less fortunate (both human and four-legged). One of the ways to help kids focus on giving is by reading “The Sparkle Box,” a kids’ book the author’s team asked Michael to review. This children’s picture book shares the author’s family tradition of focusing on ways to help the needy. The book includes a sparkle box, to be opened on Christmas, that families fill with notes about how they helped the less fortunate throughout the year. Here’s a YouTube review of the children’s book from Michael, age 5, and his friend, Mia, age 13:

After reading the book, we asked Michael how he might fill his sparkle box, and realized he had worked hard to help needy dogs and other animals this year. With our “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” book release party and our Christmas Bazaar fundraiser, we raised and donated $440 to the Oregon Humane Society. We plan to continue the tradition of raising funds for the Oregon Humane Society in 2014. This organization is near and dear to our hearts because it does so much for animals from Oregon and other states. Many shelters send their animals to the Oregon Humane Society because it has enough room–and volunteers–to house and care for animals that would otherwise be euthanized.

How will your children fill their sparkle boxes this holiday season? How do you encourage kids to give to the less fortunate? Email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com and tell us your stories!

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“Bash and Lucy” Wins Mom’s Choice Award; Second Award For Kids’ Dog Book

“Bash and Lucy” Receives Mom’s Choice Silver Award

We’re excited to announce that our children’s picture book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” was honored with a “Mom’s Choice Silver Award” last week. This is the second award our book has received since it was published.

The Mom’s Choice Awards program evaluates products and services created for children and families and is globally recognized for establishing a benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The program has reviewed thousands of entries from more than 40 countries. The panel of judges includes education, media and other experts. It also include parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors and scientists.

In November, our book was honored as a Finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards in its category.

Buy our book here on Amazon: Buy “Bash and Lucy” on Amazon.com or here from us: Buy “Bash and Lucy” From the Authors

In this contemporary boy-and-dog tale for kids 4 to 8, 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. But 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.

We’re thrilled with our Mom’s Choice Award and our 2013 USA Best Book Awards honor. When we were selling books last weekend to benefit the Oregon Humane Society, Michael enjoyed showing off our award stickers:

Selling Award-Winning Book to Benefit Oregon Humane Society

 

Be sure to watch the book trailer, by an award-winning teen videographer, here:

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Mom-Son Authors To Sell Book & Raise Funds For Oregon Humane Society 12/6

Oregon Humane Society Fundraiser

Press Release:  Mom-Son Authors to Sell Book, Donate to Oregon Humane Society, Dec. 6-8 at Christmas Bazaar

Writer Lisa Cohn and her son, Michael, will sell their award-winning kids’ dog book, “Bash And Lucy Fetch Confidence,” and donate the proceeds to the Oregon Humane Society at the Christmas Bazaar in Portland Dec. 6-8.

Lisa and Michael will sign and sell their book at the Oregon Humane Society booth from 11 am to 2 pm Dec. 6, 7, and 8 at the bazaar.

“Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence”  (www.BashAndLucy.com) was honored last month month as finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards, in the “Children’s Picture Book: Softcover Fiction” category.

At the Christmas Bazaar, Lisa and Michael will also share information about “Michael’s Dog Blog,” which features fun dog facts for kids, stories about Michael’s adventures with his dog, and dog book reviews from Michael and friends, age 4 to 13.  Michael and friends review dog books on YouTube, and authors often email us and ask them to review their books. Learn more about the blog here: Michael’s Dog Blog.

At their book release party and benefit in October, Michael and Lisa raised $340 for the Oregon Humane Society, with the help of their illustrator, Portlander Heather Nichols.

Their book is about a wise but mischievous Golden Retriever who teaches a boys’ sports team about teamwork and sportsmanship and instills confidence in the players.

Watch the book trailer here:

A Boy, His Dog, A Book, and Love

Grief over the sudden death of their Golden Retriever spawned the book and blog.  The Cohns have been visiting elementary schools to tell their story and talk about the process of writing and publishing.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to raise funds for the Oregon Humane Society and look forward to meeting lots of dog lovers at the Christmas Bazaar,” said Lisa Cohn.

For more information, visit www.BashAndLucy.com or contact Lisa Cohn at BashAndLucy@gmail.com

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Michael, Age 5, & Mia, 13, Review Child’s Dog Book About Friendship

Child’s Dog Book Review By Michael, 5, and Mia, 13

The power of friendship is the focus of the child’s dog book, “Mr. Spunky and His Friends,” that Michael and Mia review on YouTube. This is one of a number of children’s books that Michael and friends have reviewed in response to requests from children’s book authors. They have a stack of books that they’re making their way through–and are very flattered by the requests.

Michael really likes the characters in this kids’ dog book and the fact that the characters are dogs who drive around in a convertible! Mia likes the fact that the book is about dogs helping each other overcome challenges–in this case, sadness, anger, and blindness.

Watch the video here:

We hope that our young reviewers’ enthusiasm for books is contagious! In addition to reviewing books by independent authors, Michael, Mia and friends review books from traditional publishers–generally books that Michael happens to be reading. Here’s one example:

And if you want to learn more about Michael’s own kids’ dog book–which recently was honored as finalist, 2013 Best Book Awards, Children’s Picture Books: Softcover Fiction–watch the book trailer here:

A Boy, His Dog, A Book, and Love

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Fun Facts for Kids: You Yawn, Your Dog Yawns! That’s Empathy!

 

Fun Facts for Kids

Ever notice that when you yawn, your dog often yawns? With these yawns–often called contagious yawns–dogs show that they understand how you’re feeling. That’s empathy–and just one of the many wonders of the magical dog-child connection.

It’s pretty common to see humans yawn when they see each other yawn–especially humans who have strong bonds. But a study in Plos One found that dogs do this, too. Earlier, researchers believed that dogs yawn when they feel stress. Not so, says this study. It’s all about empathy. And dogs are more likely to yawn after seeing someone they’re bonded with yawn. They’re less likely to yawn along with strangers.

What’s called “contagious yawning,” or yawning that spreads from one being to another–plays a role in communication and social interactions. In other words, dogs who yawn in response to your yawns are social creatures who want to connect with you!

What’s more, dogs can teach kids empathy, says Susan Newmann, Ph.D., social psychologist and author of “Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day.” Kids often feel empathy when their dogs or pups aren’t feeling well.

Next time you yawn, and your dog yawns, too, remember that he or she is “feeling” for you and be sure to give him or her a big hug!

For more fun dog facts for kids, you can check out Michael’s YouTube channel here: Fun Dog Facts for Kids on Michael’s YouTube Channel. In fact, here’s one of our favorites that shows just how heroic–and empathic–dogs can be:  Heroic Dog Story By Michael, Age 5

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“Bash and Lucy” Finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards

Bash and Lucy is Finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards

We’re honored and excited that our book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” was named finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards, in our category–Children’s Picture Books, Softcover Fiction.

As independent authors, we’re especially honored our book was chosen along with titles from mainstream publishers, including St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Penguin, John Wiley & Sons, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Hay House, and Llewellyn Worldwide.

“The 2013 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States. With a full publicity and marketing campaign promoting the results of the USA Best Book Awards, this year’s winners and finalists will gain additional media coverage for the upcoming holiday retail season,” said Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News.

Keen said, “Our success begins with the enthusiastic participation of authors and publishers and continues with our distinguished panel of industry judges who bring to the table their extensive editorial, PR, marketing, and design expertise.”

USABookNews.com is an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers.

And what does Michael, age 5, co-author of “Bash And Lucy Fetch Confidence,” have to say about his award? “Let’s go to the bookstore and read all the kids’ books!”

The list of books honored can be found here: USA Book News.

Watch the video trailer for our book here, by an award-winning teen videographer: A Boy, His Dog, A Book, and Love

Buy the book here: Amazon.com or here: Buy Bash and Lucy From The Authors

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“Clifford” Books Reviewed by Michael and Cousins, Age 4 to 7

Clifford Books Reviewed By Michael and Cousins 

 

What better way for kids to spend time together on their family vacation than to review “Clifford” books together? When Michael was in New York state with his cousins, age 4, and 7, they had lots to say about Clifford books. In this video, they say they’re reviewing “Clifford at the Beach,” a book that doesn’t exist, so we’re guessing that they’re really reviewing “Beach Day,” A Clifford’s Puppy Days book, along with Clifford books in general. Michael says that that the Clifford-at-the-beach book teaches kids that they can have fun at the beach with their dog. His cousin, Paula, has lots to say about Clifford being separated from his family. And what’s her favorite thing about Clifford books? Watch the video to find out:

With these videos, we hope that our young reviewers’ enthusiasm for books is contagious! Soon we’ll begin reviewing books with a class of elementary school kids. So stay tuned! And if you’re a dog book lover, be sure to check out Michael’s own kids’ dog book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” about a dog who doesn’t go to the beach, but does join a group of boys on a soccer field. She has lots to teach them about teamwork! You can check it out the video trailer here:

Don’t forget to send us the names of books–especially dog books–you’d like our team to review! Email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com

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