Book Highlight of the Week... Little Shepherd by Cheryl Malandrinos

This week I'm highlighting a beautiful Christmas story...

Little Shepherd 

by Cheryl 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:

http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/

Thank you for visiting!

#littleshepherd

#childrenschristmasbook

#picturebook

#cherylmalandrinos

#guardianangelpublishing

#gap

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved
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 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, 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

Prodding #Inspiration Along by Cheryl Malandrinos

Welcome! I'm delighted to host fellow children's author, Cheryl Malandrinos. I always enjoy hearing how fellow authors find their inspiration. Today, Cheryl is doing just that has she tours cyberspace along with her latest children's book, Amos Faces His Bully. 

Welcome Cheryl! 

Prodding Inspiration Along

It’s hard to talk about writing without bringing up inspiration. Almost every interviewer asks where the idea for your latest book came from. There are articles to inspire your writing; books are written to provide inspiration and encouragement; and you’ll often find conferences that hold panels dedicated to inspiring your writing.

Some writers only put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) when inspired to do so, while others discipline themselves to write even when inspiration is elusive. William Faulkner once said, “I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately I am inspired at 9 o'clock every morning.” I guess we know where he stands on this topic.

My personal relationship with inspiration is one where I prod it along in the hopes of producing results.

My first book, Little Shepherd, was inspired by a Christmas carol. At bedtime, I would sing The Little Drummer Boy to my daughter as a lullaby. Each time I sang it, the image of a shepherd boy meeting the Holy Family on the night of the first Christmas would come to me. It took two years, but eventually I was able to plot out Obed’s story…though the end result was very different than I originally intended.

A Christmas Kindness was inspired by a desire to focus my children’s attention on others during the holiday season. Because the story takes place in the mall around Christmas, I spent a few hours at the mall sitting in the food court watching the kids line up to meet Santa. Sounds really tough, doesn’t it?

Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving and my latest picture book, Amos Faces His Bully, were completed thanks to the Picture Book Idea Month/STORYSTORM challenge I participate in each year. Originally only for picture book authors, this event challenges writers to come up with 30 story ideas over 30 days. I also have a recently written picture book that is ready to submit thanks to Picture Book Idea Month in 2012 (sometimes my inspiration needs a lot of prodding).

Now that I’ve talked about my inspiration, I hope you’ll share yours. Do you have any tips or tricks to share? I’m always open to suggestions. Writers can never have too much inspiration.

About the Author

 Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Little Shepherd, A Christmas Kindness, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving and the recently released, Amos Faces His Bully. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married. 

Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com/ and her children’s book blog at https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOG

About the Book:

Title: AMOS FACES HIS BULLY

Author: Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing

Pages: 20

Genre: Christian children's picture book

BOOK BLURB:

Amos is targeted by the town bully because he is so small. When word reaches Amos of his friend David's battle with Goliath, he thinks back to what David told him about putting his faith in God's protection. Perhaps the same God can help Amos face his bully too.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Guardian Angel | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |Indiebound.org 

Book Excerpt:

Amos clutched his knees to his chest. Sitting in the dirt, he blinked to keep the tears from spilling down his cheeks.

Nathaniel and the other neighborhood boys marched around, taunting him.

“Are you going to cry now, baby?” Nathaniel balled his hands into fists and pretended to rub his eyes.

“I’m not crying,” ten-year-old Amos said with a sniffle. He stood and brushed the dirt off his clothes.

“I bet you’re the biggest cry baby in all of Bethlehem,” said Nathaniel.

The boys pushed him back and forth chanting, “Cry baby, cry baby.”

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/qj4-5M2cgrg

We appreciate your time! Thank you for visiting! 

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

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


Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved
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 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, 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

Whale Poacher Children's Book A Sandy Grave - Thank you to Cheryl and Pump Up Your Book

The virtual book tour for my whale poacher children's book, A Sandy Grave flew by! It's hard to believe the end has come of traveling through cyberspace. Cheryl Malandrinos of Pump Up Your Book organized a terrific tour and she was with me every step of the way. I highly recommend Cheryl and Pump Up Your Book for your book promotion efforts! 

Thank you, Cheryl…you are amazing!!!

Now without further ado I'm pleased to announce the winner of the $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card…. Carla Bosch!!! Congratulations! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carla, I emailed you privately for your snail mail address.

Thank you one and all for your interest in my latest children's book, A Sandy Grave and for visiting me throughout the tour. Your time is appreciated! 

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

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

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Readers Favorite Five Star Review 

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Readers Favorite Five Star Review 

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Readers 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

Enter at a Chance to Win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card - A Sandy Grave Children's Virtual Book Tour

The adventure continues for three girlfriends, Leah, Nicole and Hayley as they attempt to uncover the truth about the whale poachers at the beach. Enjoy the virtual book tour of A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine.

Be sure to enter at your chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Details below the tour schedule.

Thank you for your time and interest!

A SANDY GRAVE TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 3

Book trailer reveal at If Books Could Talk

Tuesday, March 4

Interview at As the Pages Turn

Wednesday, March 5

Guest post at My Sister Is My Best Friend

Friday, March 7

Book review at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

Monday, March 10

Guest post at Literarily Speaking

Tuesday, March 11

Book featured at The Writer’s Life

Wednesday, March 12

Interview at Rebecca’s Writing Services

Thursday, March 13

Book review at Rebecca’s Writing Services

Book review at Farm and Fru Fru

Monday, March 17

Book feature and giveaway at My Sister Is My Best Friend

Wednesday, March 19

Interview at Straight from the Author’s Mouth

Friday, March 21

First chapter reveal at Read My First Chapter

Monday, March 24

Book feature at Between the Covers

Tuesday, March 25

Book feature and giveaway at The Busy Mom’s Daily

Wednesday, March 26

Interview at Nancy Stewart’s Books

Guest post at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase

Thursday, March 27

Book review at My Devotional Thoughts

Friday, March 28

Interview and giveaway at PUYB Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, April 1

Guest post at Strands of Thought

Wednesday, April 2

Guest post at Lori’s Reading Corner

Thursday, April 3

Character interview at Beyond the Books

Book trailer reveal at A Leisure Moment

Friday, April 4

Book review at A Leisure Moment

Monday, April 7

Book review at Blooming with Books

Tuesday, April 8

Interview at Blooming with Books

Wednesday, April 9

Book feature at 4 the Love of Books

Thursday, April 10

Guest post at The Story Behind the Book

Friday, April 11

Book review at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Monday, April 14

Book trailer reveal at 4 the Love of Books

Wednesday, April 16

Book feature and giveaway at Blooming with Books

Thursday, April 17

Book review at Mary’s Cup of Tea

Friday, April 18

Book review at By the Book

Monday, April 21

Book feature at Plug Your Book!

Wednesday, April 23

Book review at 4 the Love of Books

Book review at Mymcbooks’s Blog

Thursday, April 24

Book review at WV Stitcher

Friday, April 25

Book tour highlights at The Book Rack

Pump Up Your Book and Donna McDine are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card.

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
• This giveaway begins March 3 and ends on April 25, 2014.
• Winners will be contacted via email on April 28, 2014.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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


A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

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