Twilight Times Books is having a sale!

This year consider buying books as Christmas gifts!

This year is the 10th anniversary of the founding of Twilight Times Books(1999) and the 5th year since they went to print (2004). Those aresignificant milestones.

In celebration, Twilight Times Books will have a print book sale from nowuntil Dec. 15th. Most titles will be offered to the general public at a 10- 30% discount.

http://twilighttimesbooks.com/print_books101509sale.html

For a limited time, and while quantities last, they are offering a 30% - 50%discount on selected titles.

http://twilighttimesbooks.com/print_books101509special.html

Check out their newsletter for info on our latest releases.

http://twilighttimesbooks.com/ttb_nl19.html

Happy shopping!

Review of Tiny Angel, by Nancy Carty Lepri

Things aren't looking too bright at the moment for 8-year old Macy. She's just moved into a new place, left her best friend behind, and in her new school there's a bully who makes her life miserable every chance he can get. But just when things can't seem to get any worse, she receives a visit from a special little friend: her very own guardian angel! This little angel is witty and has an attitude, and does her best to infuse Macy with strength and confidence. Finally an opportunity comes for Macy to prove herself at a bee spelling competition... Will she go for it and show everyone what she's made of, or succumb to her fear of success?

Tiny Angel is a well-written, delightful story that will entertain middle-grade girls. Macy, with all her doubts and insecurities, is a character young girls 8 and up will identify with. The story has a good message--there comes a time when we have to be bold and act in order to achieve our dreams--but it is not preachy; it's simply a good story about school, friends, being oneself, and achieving one's full potential. Highly recommended.

Tiny Angel

Chapbooks for Tweens
Author: Nancy Carty Lepri

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-94-8 ; 1-935137-94-8
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-95-5 ; 1-935137-95-6

When her dad is transferred to a new town, ten-year-old Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she’s the new girl…alone and bullied. An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in and become a forever friend.

(BOOK EXCERPT)
Chapter 1

“Hey, chubbo quit hogging the sidewalk!” Kenny Thompson yanked the front of his bike off the ground, circled around eight-year-old Macy Carver, and stuck out his tongue.

“Don’t!” She yelled.

Kenny cut the bike’s front wheel, covering her with dirty water. Laughing, he sped toward school.

“Creepazoid!” Macy brushed mud from her jeans, which made a worse mess. Mud had splattered her favorite top. Tears filled her eyes. Stupid North Carolina! Why did her dad have to move here? She hated being the new kid in class.

Thanks to Kenny, the kids either ignored her or were mean. To make things worse, she had to sit next to him.

Sighing, she trudged on, hoping that Kenny would have sprouted huge warts on his nose at school.

The first bell rang. Macy walked to her desk and tripped over Kenny’s outstretched foot.

“Hey four-eyes.” He laughed at her. “Are you a klutzo, too? Aw, poor Macy—dirty and klutzy.”

Macy grabbed the side of her desk to keep from falling. She glared at Kenny, ready to stick out her tongue, but decided he didn’t need anything else to tease her about.

Biting her lip, she sat at her desk. She wanted to go home—fat lot of good that would do her. She knew she wouldn’t feel better there. (continued)

For more information, visit Guardian Angel Publishing!

Teacher's resource: "Yes! You Can Teach K-12 English language learners Successfully"

When it comes to teaching English language learners successfully, teachers express frustrations with classroom management, finding the right materials, differentiating lessons and time management for purposes of lesson planning and other administrative responsibilities.

As a teacher of ELLs, author Dorit Sasson knows how challenging it is to keep the learning continuum at a high and discipline problems at a low. But still how is this all possible if students can’t read and understand the lesson? Or how is possible to meet each student’s needs when they are not catching up with their native English speaking peers? Just how is it possible to correctly assess students’ needs so that lessons match their learning styles and needs?

Sasson's work begins with the 97 tips you’ll find in her electronic booklet or ebooklet, “Yes! You Can Teach K-12 English language learners Successfully” on how to teach ELLs more effectively. Here, you’ll find bite-sized tips for a bite-sized price on differentiated instruction, teaching vocabulary, improving reading comprehension and lessons and oral instruction among others.

For more information, visit: http://newteacherresourcecenter.com/?p=1899

Interview with children's illustrator Kit Grady

My guest today is talented illustrator and sometimes author Kit Grady. Grady has worked for Windswept House Publishers, Kaeden Books, Guardian Angel Publishing, The United Methodist Publishing House and Kicksclub Books. In this interview, Grady talks about her road to illustrating, her style and working with children's books. To learn more about her work, visit her website.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you started illustrating children's books?

I have always enjoyed drawing and expressing myself on paper. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in art, and later many SCBWI Conferences plus all the writing an illustrating classes I could find. My first book, Jiggsy’s Necklace, I wrote and illustrated, was published with Windswept House. Later I wrote and illustrated one for Kaeden Books. I have had many types of projects throughout the years and learned so much. (Yet always finding more I need to know) I currently work with Guardian Angel Publishing as one of their illustrators and illustrate for Kicks Publications. I have several projects in the wings. I stay busy which is a good thing.

How would you describe your style?

I strive for a more painterly style even though I use photoshop on the computer to do the art work. I try to keep my illustrations colorful, with lots of expression and action.

What excites you about a picture book manuscript?

I love the process. When I first get a manuscript, I look through it for a great story, good pacing and picture possibilities. When you find these types of manuscripts it really gets you excited. You may have a story you enjoy doing the illustrations and know the pictures will be of the subjects you do well, but if deep down you know the story is not what it should be, it can be a problem. I have been so fortunate to have many good stories to work with. I strive for a great book.

Which picture books are hard to illustrate? Which ones are easy?

This is hard to say. I begin my work on the sketch pad before scanning it into the computer to design, color, and complete. Sometimes you are just working, working, working on a character or creature and you cannot get it the way you want — maybe the equivalent to writer’s block — when, out of the blue, you get the image you like and it moves quickly. Some parts of the book can be so easy and then you find another illustration to be challenge. Each book has its own unique set of problems and solutions.

Do you get into 'The Zone' often when you work on your art? How would you describe 'The Zone'?

I’m sure it is the same feeling as in writing, sports or whatever one does, when it is coming together and you feel all is working so well you want to just keep going; losing all sense of time and the things happening around you. I love that place.

Do you have a website and blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?

You can find me at www.kitgrady.com and stop by my blog and leave me a comment at Kit-grady.blogspot.com.

Is there anything else you'd like to say to our readers?

Illustrators and writers keep writing or drawing, and strive to be their very best.

I feel blessed to be doing what I love.

Thanks, Kit!

Reviews of Humberto the Bookworm Hamster

"Storytelling is an important means of teaching children; they absorb what they hear and see. This in turn enables them to process subtle lessons without realizing it. Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster is a wonderful children’s picture book that utilizes this very process. Calvani cleverly weaves an engaging story that conveys two very important messages for children.

"The first message or lesson is that reading can bring a child on fantastic adventures, and it can open new and unknown worlds…it can ignite the imagination. The child can be a hero on a huge white steed, with sword in hand; he can be a space traveler soaring through the universe; he can fight a fire-breathing dragon with the aid of his magical lance; he can travel to far away places; a child can be anything and do anything through books.

"The first is that reading can bring a child on adventures, and it can open new and unknown worlds, it can ignite the imagination. The child can be a hero on a huge white steed; he can be a space traveler soaring through the universe; he can fight a fire-breathing dragon; he can travel to far away places; a child can be anything and do anything through books.

"The second message in Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster is that of friendship. Through outstanding story telling, Calvani demonstrates the importance of balance. Humberto limits his entire world to reading until he is awakened to the fact that there are other things in life as important, sometimes even more important. Choosing between saving his books during a flood, or his neighbors, Humberto chooses his neighbors. He realizes having friends fills a part of his life that books cannot. And, the best part is that he can share his books with his new friends.

"In addition to a charming story, the illustrations in Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster are amazing. They are bright, bold, and fanciful. They are sure to capture every child’s attention and imagination.

"I am an advocate of children reading for learning, inspiration, and for sparking the imagination. As a grandparent I look for books that not only tell an entertaining story, but ones that also provide an uplifting lesson or moral element. I have two young grandchildren and this is definitely a book I will be reading to them." --Karen Cioffi, Writing For Children

"HUMBERTO, THE BOOKWORM HAMSTER, for readers 4 - 8 years old, is a wonderful book with a message about priorities and friendship. Children will not only learn about the importance of reading, but will also come to see that it's much more enjoyable when books are shared with friends. Kit Grady, the illustrator, enhances this lovely book with beautiful, colorful drawings of Humberto and his friends. This is a book that children will want to read again and again." --Liliana Monteil-Doucette, LA Education Examiner

“Humberto the Bookworm Hamster explores the joys of reading and friendship. Humberto’s gift of imagination will delight children as much as his kindness towards others will inspire them.” – Cheryl C. Malandrinos, The Kids Book Connection


"Humberto the Bookworm Hamster is suggested for readers from 4 - 8. Mayra Calvani's text explores the joys of books, the fun of an active imagination, and the inspirational effect stories can have on our behavior. When Humberto chooses to help the animals who suffered from the flood, he does so in the best tradition of the storybook heros he admires... Kit Grady's illustrations are charming, positive, and full of expression. All in all, Humberto the Bookworm Hamster is a fun book with a heartwarming message delivered in a subtle way that is never preachy. This book should entertain kids through several readings." Vicky L. Smith, Amazon Reviewer

"Ms. Calvani has written a lovely story about learning what’s important in life. Ms. Grady’s illustrations capture the characters' personalities perfectly, down to the spectacles perched on Humberto’s nose. This is a great book to share with your little ones at bedtime or anytime they want to cuddle with you. Be prepared, parents, to read the story over and over again. I recommend Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster for children, parents, grandparents, animal lovers, and everyone who enjoys a fun read with a gentle message." --Beverly McClure, YA author

"Wonderful drawings in vibrant colors enhance the storyline. Parents and teachers can use this delightful picture book as a starting place to discuss important issues with children. Is Humberto doing too much reading? Is he ignoring "real life" for the fantasy life of books? What is the proper response when disaster hits? This is a book children will want to hear over and over." --Lila Guzman, Ph.D., children's author

"This is an adorable tale of friendship sure to delight young readers. I loved the story and also the cute illustrations. A fun read aloud. My eight-year-old also loved reading about Humberto and his love of books. A must add to any children's collection." Kim Bacciella, YABooksCentral

I was interviewed by Kit Grady today

Hi all,

Today I'm thrilled to be a guest at Kit Grady's blog.

Kit illustrated my latest book, Humberto the Bookworm Hamster. She's marvelously talented!

Stop by if you have the chance and read the interview HERE.

Thanks!

Featured book: Where Are Your Glasses? by Rhonda Fischer

About the book: Randy Kazandy! Where Are Your Glasses? is a sweet story set to rhyming verse that would make a wonderful gift for a child who is about to visit the eye doctor for the first time, or just getting a first pair of glasses. The storyline, though simple and easy to understand, holds a profound, positive message for children. The illustrations are colorful and extremely pleasing to the eye – they make the story come to life.

For many children, getting the news that “you need glasses” can be traumatizing. But adorable Randy Kazandy reminds kids (and parents) that putting on your first pair of specs is not only an adventure, it opens up a whole new world. Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told, this book is a must-read for any child—bespectacled or not.

Jennifer Cho Salaff - Editor, Parenting OC Magazine

Visit: http://www.randykazandy.com/index.html

Watch the Video HERE.