Friday, February 27, 2015

Guest Author and Illustrator, Kathleen Bullock Visits Write What Inspires You


I am delighted to host author/illustrator Kathleen Bullock. It's not too often that an author is also an illustrator. Come along for a glimpse into Kathleen's creative world. Take it away Kathleen...

In earlier days I worked my art in oils and watercolor, pencil and pastels, even the occasional collage. I’ve always been an illustrator at heart, rather than a classic ‘artist’. With a new world of electronics on the horizon, I saw that I’d have to adapt to creating artwork for publication in an electronic format, and I have. It’s a challenge to minimize the digital look of electronic art and give each piece the casual look of ‘top-of-your-head’ sketchiness that I so love, but I’m starting to get there.

I used Photoshop to create the artwork for Olive and the Great Flood. This meant that I could control the color and images on each page for consistency. Each separate piece of art is on its own invisible layer. I can eliminate or correct any of these images before I fix the art on a single layer. The pages then are sent to the publisher as individual jpegs for publication.

You can see my evolving styles on my portfolio web site, www.kathleenbullock.carbonmade.com

Also, look for my next book soon to be published by Guardian Angel,


I hope readers will enjoy reading Olive and the Great Flood as much as I did illustrating it.

Olive and the Great Flood tour schedule http://childrensauthorconniearnold.blogspot.com 

Guardian Angel Publishing 

Amazon  


There will be two drawings at Connie Arnold's blog tour conclusion on the 28th for a copy of Ms. Arnold's first children’s book, Animal Sound Mix-up and a dove wind chime.

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

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


Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review


Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, February 26, 2015

Children's Picture Book Review: Olive and the Great Flood by Connie Arnold




Title: Olive and the Great Flood
Author: Connie Arnold
Illustrator: Kathleen Bullock
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Published: January 15, 2015
ISBN-10: 1616335920
ISBN-13: 978-1616335922
Paperback: 20 pages

 Connie Arnold takes the reader on a splendid rendition of Noah’s Ark told through the eyes of Olive, the dove. Arnold’s expert knack of rhyme has a steady flow throughout Olive and the Great Flood, making the old age bible story come to life. Topped off with realistic illustrations created by Kathleen Bullock, the reader will feel part of the story. A new classic has been born.

Learn more about Connie Arnold’s intriguing writing world at…

http://www.conniearnold.webs.com http://conniearnold.blogspot.com http://www.childrenbooks.webs.com
http://childrensauthorconniearnold.blogspot.com

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, February 23, 2015

Good News When You Least Expect It...


Life is a constant roller coaster and I'm blown away by two exciting offers this week...


The first offer through the Greenwich Academy via Izabela O'Brien, parent volunteer chairing the Greenwich Academy book fair on April 12, 2015. They have asked me to appear as their guest author.

The second offer...


I reached out to the Collingswood Book Festival after participating as an exhibitor October 11, 2014 as to their application process to be an invited/featured author for their 13th book festival to be held October 3, 2015. After receiving the details, I eagerly filled out the application and low and behold I heard from the Author Selection Committee and I am now a confirmed featured author.

Please know I'm not bragging, I'm just sharing how networking and assisting others on their road to publication and beyond is essential in getting your name out there! I implore you to do the same, you never know what doors will open.

Here's to your inspiration!

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, February 20, 2015

Award Winning Children's Book Author Donna McDine Encourages Charity Book Donations


Numerous studies from both government and the private sector provide clear evidence that early reading skills are an investment in a child's future. Early reading skill development dramatically affects the quality of life for children as they grow into adulthood. Sadly, a recent article by Carole Dickerson on the Journal Standard website quoted a local social worker who stated that many of the parents in the homes she visits do not own a single children's book. 

This is quite shocking to me and in response, I am announcing a children's book drive within my county to support the Rockland County Department of Social Services. I encourage other authors of children's books to do the same or if you have gentle used children's books to please donate to the book drive.

I invite those interested in donating to contact me directly at donna@donnamcdine.com.

In my opinion, "the bare essence of learning to read opens up the world of exploration to a child. Across the curriculum it is imperative children grow in their reading capability so success in their classes can be had. Without the fundamentals it is very difficult to progress successfully."

"I believe in ‘paying it forward.' That one book donation may be all it takes to make a difference in a child’s life. By encouraging the love of reading in our young muses their look of wonder as they bubble with excitement on their next reading journey swells my heart."

I urge you to join me in my quest to ignite curiosity in children through reading by donating to the Rockland County Department of Social Services book drive.

A big shout out goes to... Melissa AbramovitzPenelope Anne Cole, Emma Glover and Sharon Stanley for their generous donations! Thanks ladies...we are off to a terrific start! 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you!

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, February 18, 2015

2014 New England Book Festival - Honorable Mention - Children's Early Reader Picture Book, Hockey Agony


I am delighted to share that my children's early reader picture book, Hockey Agony, has been bestowed the honor of Honorable Mention in the children's book category for the 2014 New England Book Festival.


Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the award ceremony on January 24, 2015 at the Omni Parker House in Boston, MA. Looking forward to receiving the award stickers to place on my books.

Thank you to the judges at the New England Book Festival!

Yippee!

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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

Blogging from A-Z April 2015 Challenge


I'm delighted to be participating in the A to Z April 2015 Challenge. It's a great way to make new friends and to stay connected to "old" friends.

Looking forward to 26 days of blogging engagement!

Details and rules at www.a-to-zchallenge.com.


I'm also proud to announce I am an official member of C. Lee McKenzie's, The Muffin Commando Squad in celebration of the A-Z April 2015 Challenge...it's going to be a blast!

Fellow members are...

Muffins anyone?

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, February 4, 2015

#TeamMickey - Helping to Hold the Hand of A Child Fundraiser


Wow! It's February 4th already! I've been participating in #IWSG for several months now and the support has been amazing. Thank you! 

The awesome co-hosts for the February 4 posting of the IWSG will be Gwen Gardner, Dolorah, Sarah Foster, and M. Pax!

I'm going off topic from writing this time around and I'm focusing on fundraising efforts for childhood cancer. Please read the story below of Mickey Reeves from my community who is now battling his way through cancer for the second time. 



Team Mickey
Helping to Hold The Hand of A Child Fundraiser

Any child can have cancer. Nothing you do or say, not even love, can stop it. It doesn’t discriminate based on race, financial status, or the age of a child.

It was 2008, when Mickey was 10, he began exhibiting concerning symptoms and in January of 2009, he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor. He would endure radiation and chemotherapy and more surgery to stop a massive GI bleed. He would lose the entire use of his left side and learn how to walk again. He would receive blood and platelet transfusions as a side effect of the chemotherapy. He would endure intensive rehabilitation. 

Eventually over time, he fell back into the normal swing of things. After home tutoring, he returned back to school in the 8th grade and in true Mickey fashion continuously made honor roll.  His strength and determination has been incredible.  Mickey is now a junior at Tappan Zee High School. Last year he and his family learned there was a new growth and they have been managing his healthcare and again we stand united to support him in his courageous battle against brain cancer.

Can you help us out? If you are a business please make a generous donation of food, gift certificates or services.  If you are a family or individual please make a generous donation of money or buy some raffles for some spectacular prizes.

On Sunday March 8, 2015, 2pm, we, the friends of Mickey Reeves, will hold a fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus in Blauvelt, New York. The event will feature an afternoon of live music, with a couple of talented bands, Dead Mile Dance and Sum of The Others. There will be many opportunities to win amazing raffles and prizes. Food, beer, wine and sodas will be served. 
We have reunited again to continue our journey and we need your support. No man, woman, or family is an island, we live in a community where people pitch in to help when things get rough.

Prayer is powerful and your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

If you are not local and would like to contribute please visit... http://www.gofundme.com/teammickey ~ No sum is too small!

Thank you for your time and thoughtfulness!

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, February 3, 2015

KidLit Book Review ~ Otis, Jerome & Otis O. Kay



  • Written by: B. Emmett Jackson
  • Illustrated by: David Steenhard
  • Hardcover:
  • ISBN-10: 1495133362
  • ISBN-13: 978-1495133367

B. Emmett Jackson’s debut children’s book Oscar, Jerome & Otis O. Kay is a pure delight. This heartwarming story of three unlikely friends and how they overcome each one’s adversity will have the reader rejoicing. For these three individuals have not allowed the expectations of society to define them.

B. Emmett Jackson has nailed it from the onset. I for one would like to see the adventures of Oscar, Jerome & Otis O. Kay to continue.

David Steenhard’s alluring illustrations have the story and character’s leaping from the pages.

Learn more about the author at www.otiskaybooks.com.

Purchase at Amazon...



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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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, February 2, 2015

Review - Mama Cried by Talia Haven



  • Publisher: Sheehan and Haven; 1 edition (January 9, 2015)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Print Length: 12 pages
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00S2RKNFU
  • A heart-wrenching story of the final day and afterlife of young Jenny and the anguish of those left behind. Is forgiveness possible from the victims or can judgment of the criminal pose more peace for all involved? Find out in Talia Haven’s quest to find solace in Mama Cried
  • Purchase at Amazon...



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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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