Monday, December 31, 2012


A New Year Prayer



Holy Father,

God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.

We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.

Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.

Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.

To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.

To teach others to love by loving them.

Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.

So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.

That we could share Love with others.

Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,

in the chriping of sparrows in our backyards,

in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.

Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,

so that we may know You better and better.

We rejoice in the world You loved into being.

Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.

We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.

Forgive us for falling short this past year.

We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year 

knowing You will go with us.

We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to 

help us do exactly what You want..

I say it again, we rejoice!

In Jesus name,

Amen


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Friday, December 28, 2012

Michael And The Elf by Kathryn Sullivan


Michael And The Elf
Written by Kathryn Sullivan
Illustrated by Jo Dunningham

Synopsis: Michael likes to pretend. A tiny elf he finds in his parent’s garden asks him to pretend to fly him home. But a witch might stop Michael from pretending, and he must believe in himself.



About the author: Kathryn Sullivan has been writing science fiction and fantasy since she was 14 years old. Any place and any object is at risk of appearing in her stories – the river bluffs surrounding Winona, MN, where she lives, can become the windswept cliffs of an alien planet or the deep mysterious woods of a fantasy tale. Any birdlike beings in her books only slightly resemble her cockatoo owner. Her website is http://kathrynsullivan.com and her Facebook author page is https://www.facebook.com/KathrynSullivan.author


Visit Kathryn Sullivan http://kathrynsullivan.com/ to learn more about her illustrious writing career. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Wednesday, December 26, 2012



El Burro Sonriente (Spanish version)
Por: Mary Esparza-Vela
Illustrado por: Mike Motz

Synopsis: Un pequeño burro se presenta en la casa de un niño y se convierte en un valioso miembro de la familia. El día que desaparece, nunca esperan volver a verlo hasta que aparece una noche oscura y temerosa.









The Smiling Burro (English version) 
Written by Mary Esparza-Vela
Illustrated by: Mike Motz

Synopsis: A tiny burro shows up at a little boy’s house and becomes a real asset to the family. The day he disappears, they never expect to see him again until he prances in one dark spooky night.






About the author:

Mary Esparza-Vela is an award-winning author who has written articles for religious publications and online non-profit organizations.  She has published a total of 15 short stories and five of her children’s books are available thru Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. Her work includes:

“A Miracle for Juanito” won Honorable Mention in a Writer’s Digest competition.
A 1st Place winning entry on the Pen & Ink Blog.

The Turtle Who Imagined was selected as 2012 Book of the Year by Creative Child Magazine.

The Odd Chick

Bearly Learning About Water

The Smiling Burro

El Burro Sonriente (Spanish)

Mary is also a patented inventor. Her plush dolls, called LUV-BEAMS®, received Preferred Choice and Seal of Excellence awards from a panel of parents and educators. TDMonthly Toy Magazine has featured them as “winning toys.”  Adventure stories about the doll characters are COMING SOON.

Mary lives in Texas with her husband who is her writing partner, and their three children. Her books are available from various online bookstores, including Amazon.com, Guardian Angel Publishing, Barnes & Nobles, Target, and as e-books. The dolls are available at www.marysdollsandbooks.com.

Links to her books:







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas




A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
Wilda English,  n.d.


God grant you the light of Christmas,
which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas,
which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas,
which is justice;
the belief in Christmas,
which is truth;
the all of Christmas,
which is Christ?.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Thursday, December 13, 2012

Children's Book: Birds in the Flower Basket by Mary Jean Kelso



Just in the time for the Christmas season! Do you have a young girl on your Christmas list? Give the gift of a charming children's book today. 

About Birds in a Flower Basket: Abbi’s mother struggles to keep her flowering plant alive while birds raise their family in it. This gives Abbi a valuable lesson on how birds create a nest and raise their young. It is a learning experience from identifying the birds through watching the young hatchlings grow and take wing.

Suggested age for readers: 2-8


Visit children's author, Mary Jean Kelso www.authorsden.com/maryjeankelso and explore her illustrious writing career. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Children's Book: Ava's Secret Tea Party by Donna J. Shepherd


I'm pleased to share with you the announcement of Donna J. Shepherd's latest children's book, Ava's Secret Tea Party. Offered in both hard cover and paperback, Ava's Secret Tea Party is sure to be cherished by little girls and their parents for years to come.

BLURB:
Has your child dreamed of meeting Tooth Fairy, Santa, Sandman, or Easter Bunny? Ava wants to invite them to tea, but how? The answer lies with one special character who knows them ALL! In the style of a classic fairy tale, Donna Shepherd has written Ava's Secret Tea Party. Enjoy the tale, look for hidden teacups and chocolate chip cookies in the sweet illustrations, and have fun making the recipes and crafts included in the book!

Visit author, Donna J. Shepherd and discover her world of tea parties and other children's books:

Blog: http://www.asecretteaparty.blogspot.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Guest Blogger: Lucy Markham - Using Universal Archetypes in Children’s Literature




Using Universal Archetypes in Children’s Literature

by Lucy Markham 

Archetypes have been used in folklore for centuries to help adults and children alike understand the concepts of good and evil in storytelling. These archetypes are just as effective and important in modern children’s literature as they have been in mythology.

As the holiday season is approaching, there are several valuable lessons that can be learned from the Christmas story found in the Book of Luke. The reason why stories such as the Christmas story are so popular with children is because it presents archetypes such as the hero, the great mother, the devil, and the mentor, all universally recognizable characters that help children quickly relate to a plot line. The Christ child’s mother was said to be the most virtuous and beautiful above all other women, the Angel Gabriel appeared not only to Mary, but also to her fiancé Joseph to provide counsel and instruction to the couple. At the same time, there is a king, truly the representative of evil that is trying to rob all women of the joy of their baby boys.

The story of Christ continues by the baby boy growing up to be the martyr and best known hero of all time. His life is surrounded by characters such as the devil in a representation of being a trickster, a damsel in distress who will be killed without his help. These stories can be worked into your own children’s story to provide clear and recognizable characters. Why do you think so many children’s stories include an evil queen, a virtuous princess, and a knight in shining armor? These are terrific archetypes to help a story move a long and help children learn valuable life lessons of good prevailing over evil and the main characters overcoming triumphs and temptations.

As you are writing your own children’s story, consider the popular archetypes and how you can create your characters and their traits, flaws, and triumphs to help children dive into the story and understand easily with the familiarity of these universal archetypes.

Lucy Markham has a Bachelor’s Degree in English: creative writing from the University of Florida and worked as an academic and career counselor for three years before pursuing her Master’s degree in Education. She enjoys blogging, taking online classes in creative writing and discovering new books.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Sunday, December 2, 2012

Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Courage – December 2012 Issue















M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT:    Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine
Email:              submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com
Website:          http://guardian-angel-kids.com

For Immediate Release

Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Courage – December 2012 Issue

Courage instilled in children from the onset will develop over time to monumental positive actions. Starting with the simplest act of having the courage to ask questions in an effort to learn, especially when you think no one else could possibly have the same question. To always telling the truth even though disciplinary actions may be the result or standing up to the school bully when everyone else is afraid to. Courage comes from one’s positive surroundings and the support from our loved ones to live our lives in a positive manner.
Come explore the world of Guardian Angel Kids through the thought provoking short stories and articles of what it means to be courageous and how being so can be rewarding in immeasurable ways. Digging deep down to right a wrong in The Secret and Beyond the Evergreen are examples of truthfulness, discovering the admiration of sisterhood in Its Life, encouraging our children to reach their full potential in Courage-Reach for the Stars, and how teaching children to write their own stories provides them with an outlet to let their voice soar in Writing with Kids.

Surf on over to Guardian Angel Kids today www.guardian-angel-kids.com, enjoy a child safe ad free Ezine and visit the writers and illustrators in the Guardian Angel Kids December 2012 issue and enjoy the inspiring poetry, stories, articles and activities.

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 Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.

###


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Prayer




PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Walter Rauschenbusch

O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of the summer fields,
And taste of the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of the snow,
And smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
And save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thornbush
Is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Wednesday, November 14, 2012

iTunes for iBooks – The Doll Violinist Picture Book by Mayra Calvani



Just in time for the Christmas season, award-winning children’s picture book now available through iTunes for iBooks. Enhanced with real aloud sound, The Doll Violinist is available for download on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iBooks and on your computer with iTunes. Books must be read on an iOS device.

About The Doll Violinist: Five days before Christmas, Emma is captivated by a doll in a shop window. Each day, she sneaks out of the orphanage to check if it’s been sold, but the shop owner, Madame Dubois, sends her away. Will the magic of Christmas bring Emma, Madame Dubois, and the doll violinist together?


About the author: Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. Her love for the violin has inspired her to pen three “violin” children’s picture books: The Magic Violin, Frederico the Mouse Violinist, and now the latest, The Doll Violinist www.violinandbooks.wordpress.com/books-i-wrote.

Visit her website at www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com and get the first two lessons of her popular Walking on a Rainbow Picture Book Workshop free! 

Title: The Doll Violinist
Author: Mayra Calvani
Illustrations: Amy Cullings Moreno
Apple ID: 560908783
Published: September 1, 2012
Level: P-3
Pages: 28
Price: $4.99
ISBN: 9781616331870
Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-doll-violinist/id560908783?ls=1
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/doll-violinist.htm


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Sharon Stanley Announces Debut Children’s e-Book ~ Olive Ann


Sharon Stanley Announces Debut Children’s e-Book ~ Olive Ann
Children’s author Sharon Stanley, a self proclaimed non techie, embraces new e-Book format.
Seizing the opportunity to jump on the e-Book bandwagon, children’s author Sharon Stanley collaborated with illustrator Barb Dragony to create a uTale entitled, Olive Ann. uTales is a new world of picture books for kids; a world one can access anytime, anywhere. It’s both a website and an app for your laptop, iPhone and iPad, and soon tablets and phones operating on the Android system. It’s a way of making picture books for kids modern and engaging…it doesn’t replace traditional books, it’s another option.

About the book: Olive Ann is a small rabbit who wants to be big. She makes several clever attempts to grow but in the end, is it really necessary? This brightly illustrated story follows Olive Ann as she thinks through her dilemma and tackles the problem head on in her own unique and humorous way.

Title: Olive Ann
Author: Sharon Stanley
Illustrator: Barb Dragony
Publication Date: October 2012
Pages: 37
Price: $2.99 e-Book
Publisher: uTales.com http://utales.com/books/olive-ann

Sharon Stanley and Barb Dragony live with gratitude and appreciation for others and to celebrate the release of their book Olive Ann they are proud to announce that 10% of their proceeds will be donated to the Pencils of Promise charity. To learn more, visit www.pencilsofpromise.org.

About the author: Although Sharon Stanley has been writing for years, it was only after her youngest graduated high school that she got serious about it. She picked up her pencil and paper, joined the SCBWI and got busy. She has two picture books under contract and looks forward to seeing them published. Sharon lives with her husband, two grown boys, three dogs, three cats and lots and lots of cows on a working farm in Virginia. Her life is a crop circle of craziness that affords her a never-ending supply of subject matter for all the stories she writes. She enjoys all sorts of artistic and creative endeavors and blogs about her publishing journey and farm life at www.sharonstanleywrites.blogspot.com.

Be sure to visit with Stanley and download a FREE coloring sheet and word search activity to celebrate the release of Olive Ann.

About uTales: uTales is a worldwide community of authors and illustrators who together are building a library of digital picture books. Readers can visit the uTales website (utales.com) and download their favorite picture books or get unlimited access to the entire uTales library with a monthly subscription. And since all books are approved by their editorial panel, uTales is perfectly safe.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Thursday, November 8, 2012

Book Review: Caves, Cannons and Crinolines by Beverly Stowe McClure



Title:                     Caves, Cannons and Crinolines
Written by:           Beverly Stowe McClure   
Ages:                    12 and up
Publisher:             Twilight Times Books
ISBN:                   1-60619-112-8        
Published:             September 2009
Soft cover:            153 pages
Price:                    $16.95

The year 1863 finds outspoken, 14-year-old, Lizzie Stamford at a crossroads of what her parents believe to be acceptable behavior for a young lady, and secret desire to join the Confederate Army disguised as a boy. Her two brothers, Willie and Joseph willingly joined the Confederacy to defend Vicksburg from the Yankees and Lizzie longs to be part of the glory. Her blind courage brings her into the midst of a battleground at nighttime. Much to her dismay war is not what she believed it to be. The horrific acts of violence overwhelm her and she runs away as quickly as she arrived.

Her emotions and beliefs that all Yankees are evil is put to the test when an unexpected encounter with a Yankee soldier has her doubting her belief system. Will Lizzie come to terms of the ever changing world and circumstances which surround her? And what is to become of her beloved brothers and the city of Vicksburg?

McClure balances the emotions of the Confederate and Yankee characters with such in-depth feeling the reader will find themselves switching sides throughout the perilous journey of Lizzie Stamford and her family, and their quest to reclaim Vicksburg.

To learn more about Beverly Stowe McClure visit: http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com/


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Book Review: Carla’s Cloud Catastrophe by Beth Bence Reinke












Title:                            Carla’s Cloud Catastrophe
Written by:                  Beth Bence Reinke
Illustrated by:              Ginger Nielson
Soft cover:                  24 pages
Ages:                           4-8
Publisher:                    4RV Publishing, LLC
Print ISBN 13:            978-0-982-8346-0-2
Published:                   June 2011
Retail Price:                 $13.99

A joyful birthday celebration long planned comes to a screeching halt when it appears the sky is falling. Not to be stalled by the clouds that have blanketed her town, Carla is determined to make her way home with her special birthday cake.

However, her father, the Director of Transportation has other plans. Taking the lead in solving this unusual catastrophe they join the mayor at town hall for an emergency meeting. Will the adults practical solutions or Carla’s imagination solve the cloud catastrophe in time to enjoy Carla’s birthday party or will the town stay blanketed by clouds forever?

What better way to spark the interest of science in our young muses but through this imaginative story. Children’s author Beth Bence Reinke brings the questions “what is a cloud” and “how do they float” to life in this laugh out loud story, which will surely create lively discussions both in and outside the classroom.

Carla’s Cloud Catastrophe would not be complete without Ginger Nielson’s vivid and clever illustrations; making Carla’s story a true gem for libraries, classrooms, and homes throughout the world.

Author: Beth Bence Reinke

Illustrator: Ginger Nielson

Publisher: 4RV Publishing http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com
4RV Publishing online bookstore: http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Book Review: Taconi and Claude by M.E. Finke



Title:                Taconi & Claude: Double Trouble
Author:            M. E. Finke
Soft cover:      104 pages
Publisher:        Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. / January 2011
Print ISBN:     978-1-61633-130-6
e-Book ISBN: 978-1-61633-131-3
Price:               $8.95

The fear of the unknown sends Taconi’s mind into the darkest corners of his imagination. Will his ever changing life continue to spiral out of control? Finding his one true place while saddling the life as an aboriginal in the Australian outback and then as a Jackaroo in the white man’s world is a constant struggle. With the anticipation of his man ceremony, Taconi fights his inner thoughts to be worthy of his aboriginal customs; all the while, striving to understand his father’s need to become the head cook on the Coorparoo Cattle Station.

The fight for balance becomes quite confusing for young Taconi in his determination not to forget his heritage and accepting the need to live in the white man’s world. Along the way he finds comfort and direction in an unlikely companion, the outspoken Claude the cockatoo. This unlikely and heartwarming friendship is wise beyond their years and will have the reader cheering for Taconi’s one true quest, acceptance. Will Taconi be able to weave customs from both worlds into a comfortable fit?

Author, M.E. Finke expertly brings forth her expertise of the Australian outback in this fast paced fictional story transporting the reader with the perfect blend of description and dialogue. For a deeper understanding of the Australian, author M.E. Finke provides a glossary of Australian terms, which will surely bring out the love of reading to the most reluctant reader.

Taconi & Claude: Double Trouble available at:



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Thursday, November 1, 2012

Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Volunteerism – November 2012 Issue



Do you remember the first time you volunteered? Perhaps you volunteered to help mom in the kitchen. Could it be that you offered to lick the spoon after she made fudge? Dad might have been making sandwiches for lunch and you made the tremendous sacrifice to eat the leftovers.

This kind of volunteerism is wonderful, but do YOU have a ‘spirit of service’? How would that look? The next time your local food pantry serves meals to the homeless, you could go help make the sandwiches. You could serve the meals and thank God that you have a home and food to eat. Do you look for ways to help others that do not benefit you, other than the tremendous satisfaction you’ll receive from truly thinking of others? That’s a spirit of service.

This month, GAK is all about volunteerism and having a spirit of service. I know you will enjoy this month’s issue and will want to share the articles, stories, and poetry this month by clicking the 'share' button at the bottom of each page. Be sure to send the link to the GAK Ezine to your friends, too! And I hope this issue prompts you to think in a new way about volunteering and developing a spirit of service.
Surf on over to Guardian Angel Kids today www.guardian-angel-kids.com, enjoy a child safe ad free Ezine and visit the writers and illustrators in the Guardian Angel Kids November 2012 issue and enjoy the inspiring poetry, stories, articles and activities.

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 Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention & Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Book Review: The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade by Lori Calabrese



Title:                The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade
Author:            Lori Calabrese
Illustrator:        Chet Taylor    
Soft cover:      24 pages
Publisher:        Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. / August 2010
ISBN-10:        1-936381-05-2
ISBN-13:        978-1936381050

A bug enthusiast, Matt ventures on his quest to find the most unusual bug to present at the school Bug-A-Fair and that is when the play on words causes chaos of the strangest kind. For you see not only did Matt discover a bug which he was sure would secure him the accolades of his teachers and classmates he caught the dreaded cold bug too.

As persuasive as Matt can be his mother allowed him to attend school to submit his bug into the Bug-A-Fair. In attempts to control his sniffles Matt exploded with a forceful sneeze flipping the lid clear off the bug jar when he arrived at school and the bug flew right into the third grade.

Matt’s excitement overflows as well as his running nose and he bursts into his classroom to capture the bug once again. The obstacles he encounters with his teacher who is focused on Matt’s cold bug will have you chuckling and cheering for the bugs capture. Will Matt succeed and convince his teacher that he truly captured an unusual bug for real or will he be sent home because he caught the cold bug? Find out while you read the hilarious tale of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade told in perfect rhyme.

Visit children’s author, Lori Calabrese http://www.loricalabrese.com and become mesmerized by her enchanting world.

Visit illustrator, Chet Taylor http://www.dragonflypubs.com/dfz/chettaylor.html and enjoy his vibrant world.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Book Review: Little Shepherd by Cheryl C. Malandrinos



Title:                Little Shepherd
Author:            Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Illustrator:        Eugene Ruble
Soft cover:      16 pages
Publisher:        Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. / August 2010
ISBN-13:        978-161633-085-9
E-book ISBN: 978-161633-086-6

Wise beyond his years, young Obed has become a seasoned shepherd boy. Acutely aware of the hillside surroundings while tending his flock Obed stares at the sky in wonderment. A single bright light fills the sky. At first afraid, Obed felt a calmness wash over him as the beautiful angels descend, proclaiming “A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Unsure what their message means, Obed looks to his father for guidance. With reassurances from his father, Obed and the older shepherds journey to Bethlehem to meet the newborn King. Their journey and meeting Christ the Lord is nothing less than miraculous.

Your fist reaction may be, oh goodness another story on the birth of Christ. Toss those thoughts away and immerse yourself and your children into the magical arrival of Christ the Lord. Children’s author, Cheryl C. Malandrinos has re-explored and created a beautiful re-enactment of Christ the Lord’s birth in a unique and awe inspiring rendition which surely will become classical reading in Christian religious school studies and home libraries.

The old time illustrations expertly created by illustrator, Eugene Ruble will leave you feeling that you journeyed through the countryside with Obed and his fellow shepherds.

Visit children’s author, Cheryl C. Malandrinos at:



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
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The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Thursday, October 25, 2012

Book Review: Katrina and Winter - Partners in Courage




Title:                            Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage
Written by:                  Nancy Stewart
Hard cover:                 26 pages
Ages:                           8-12
Publisher:                    Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hard cover ISBN 13:  9781616332426
Published:                   April 2012
Pages:                          26
Print Price:                  $19.94

Connection between living creatures is essential to our soul and well being. Love, understanding, empathy, and a purpose for one’s life certainly helps a person flourish; especially in the face of adversity.
Meet Katrina Simpkins, a special young lady, who strives to be “so called normal” but because of her prosthesis leg she is anything but. That is until the day she meets Winter, a tailless dolphin who resides at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. From the moment Katrina and Winter meet there is an instant bond, which neither time nor distance can break. Inspired by Winter’s own adversity, Katrina’s life is transformed into triumphs to be celebrated.

Visit with Katrina Simpkins and Winter the dolphin in this heartwarming and awe inspiring true life story of how acceptance and love exceeds all.

Visit with Amazon best-selling and award-winning author, Nancy Stewart to learn more about her illustrious writing career and background bringing her passions full circle www.nancystewartbooks.com and www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com.



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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist









Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Book Review: Boarding School Mysteries ~ Pick Your Poison



Title:                Boarding School Mysteries ~ Pick Your Poison
Written by:      Kristi Holl
Soft cover:      134 pages
Ages:               9-12
Publisher:        Zonderkidz
ISBN:              978-03105-67998
Published:       June 2009
Price:               $6.99

Pick Your Poison is not only the title of this edition of the Board School Mysteries it is a long time saying when not knowing what to choose in a difficult situation. Unfortunately, the girls at the private Landmark School for Girls don’t have a choice. While enjoying the delicious meal prepared by Abby for her home-ec project, several girls become severely ill. At first it is believed the meal was prepared with spoiled food until more girls become ill eating different food. Setting the wheels in motion of suspicions and accusations.

Determined to take the attention off Abby and herself, 12-year-old Jeri McKane begins her own investigation to reveal the truth. What she uncovers is unthinkable for many. Throw in the threat of competition and several individuals look guilty. Will Jeri be able to discover the truth before the food poisoning goes too far and someone dies?

Immerse yourself into the setting at the private Landmark School for girls and learn for yourself the true meaning of friendship. And beyond outward appearances all may not be what it seems with determined ambitions bubbling below the surface.

Children’s author, Kristi Holl has done it again. The twists and turns arise at every corner, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat and quickly turning each page with suspense to the end.

To learn more about Kristi Holl’s accomplished writing career visit her at:

Kristi's web site at www.KristiHoll.com
Writer's First Aid blog at http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog
New mystery series at www.BoardingSchoolMysteries.com
Girls Connecting with God web site at www.devotions4girls.com
What's a Girl To Do? blog at www.devotions4girls.blogspot.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist