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WELCOME TO BOOKIN' WITH BINGO'S
"PROFESSOR BINGO
PRESENTS DAY"
I'M EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THIS TUESDAY'S
"PROFESSOR BINGO PRESENTS DAY"
CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT BOOK CHOICE IS.....
GIVEAWAY ENDED
ALPHABET WOOF
BY SHERRIE A. MADIA
ILLUSTRATED BY PATRICK CARLSON
The rich and colorful illustrations by Patrick Carlson will capture a child’s attention and imagination. The book is geared toward children ages 4 to 8.
ALPHABET WOOF! is published in both English and Spanish. In addition, a portion of the book’s proceeds benefit’s the SPCA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sherrie A. Madia, Ph.D. is an educator, author, and communications coach. She is Director of Communications at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and has just completed her latest book on the business of communicating titled, The Social Media Survival Guide.
But her most important job is being a mommy. Daughters Emma (age 14) and Anna (age 12) remind her every day of what’s really important. She has led workshops and activities for community organizations, family-centered fairs, and events large and small. Sherrie offers workshops to children on creative writing and poetry, designed to teach positive values and promote creativity.
If you are interested in inviting Sherrie to read or conduct a workshop at your school or event, please email her at sherrie@alphabetwoof.com or call her directly at (856) 220-8839.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
1. Welcome Sherrie Madia to BOOKIN' WITH BINGO! Before I start with other questions, can you tell my followers if you have a website they can visit to find out even more about you and your wonderful books?
Sure! My website: http://www.AlphabetWoof.com
2. Where did you get the inspiration or idea for this book?
As with most fun ideas, this one came from one of my daughters. Anna (now almost 13!) and I started a silly story about a dog who ate alphabet soup letters and started to talk, so I jotted down the idea on the back of a receipt. That was more than 10 years ago, and a testament to why I never throw anything away!
3. Kids are definitely a good inspiration. Now can you tell us how did the title of your book come about?
Alphabet Woof! is a combination of what Moxy, our talking dog eats (Alphabet soup) and his first word when he finds he can talk (Woof!).
4. Do you see yourself in your characters? Which characters are easiest or more difficult to write?
I suppose the more natural response would be to say that as a mom, I identify most with Mom, but in fact, it’s Moxy that most reminds me of me. I can remember whispering loudly to my sister, Laurie when we were supposed to be asleep. The whispers turned to laughter and before we knew it we heard the dreaded, “Settle down in there!”—which only made us laugh even harder—but very, very quietly.
Parents must be parents, equipped with rules and guidelines for their children. But if they can also search their memories and recall the joy of childhood, they’ll find this carries over into the joy of being a parent—reliving fun through your children—nothing is quite as special as that!
5. Sounds like a good formula for success! What books would you say have made the biggest impression on you, especially starting out? What are you currently reading?
Oh, the Raggedy Ann series by Johnny Cruelle, without a doubt! In fact, I’m holding a copy of my all-time favorite, Raggedy Ann’s Lucky Pennies in my hand as I write. My mom used to read these aloud at bedtime to my sister and me, and there is only one word to describe these stories: Magical.
6. As a former Reading Teacher, I thoroughly agree with you about parents reading to their children. How I wish more of them did as you did. So, what is the next or current book/project you are working on?
I’m working on Moxy’s Family-Time Cookbook, which will be full of fun and easy recipes for kids and their families (that means you, Dads—we’ve got stuff you’ll love!). And because our cookbook is based on Moxy, we had to include some tasty recipes for dog treats as well!
I’m also just completing a picture book for younger children titled, Bumblelina. This is a story about a tiny bumblebee who cannot fly. She learns the timeless lesson that success is all about trying. Our illustrator, Patrick Carlson sketched his usual engaging characters—He is a dad, himself and knows how to bring real emotion to his work. Our Bumblelina is one cutey-bee!
7. That is great and lots for us to look forward to from you. On a more personal note, what is something about you that you would want people to know about you that we probably don’t know?
I am a ridiculously hard worker—in fact, I put workaholics to shame—and this is not a good thing. But behind everything I do—all the busy work and endless tasks, and running at walls—is a kid in blue jeans, sitting in the grass and enjoying the breeze. Everyone should have some kind of image like this of his or her happiest, most relaxed self. So don’t let the hard work fool you—I’m probably having fun!
8. I love the image idea and may just steal it from you when I am swamped to make a deadline! What is your best advice to anyone, including young people, who want to be writers?
Learn how to take criticism without taking it personally—even though it’s the most personal thing you will do. This is hard, but if you focus on finding that one gem of wisdom in someone’s critique, your craft will grow.
Thank you so much, Sherrie, for your time. I wish you great success in your writing and especially with ALPHABET WOOF!
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Illustrator notes: Written by Woof, the Dog
The best news is – We’re doing another book together! Sher, the girls, Patrick – and me! Only this time, we’re creating a super-special project called “Moxy’s Family-Time Cookbook”.
This book will have some of the tastiest recipes ever – and they’ll be simple and easy, with step-by-step directions, so kids and their families can spend more time having fun together. They’ve even got a section of recipes just for us dogs – Homemade dog treats — I can’t wait! Sher says the book will be available in December 2010 — Just in time for the holidays. Think I know what I’ll be giving Mom this Christmas! Shhhhhh."
MY REVIEW:
In ALPHABET WOOF, Sherrie A. Madia has written a delightful children’s story that not only entertains, but has a moral to the story. It also is wonderful that a portion of the proceeds from this book go to help the SPCA to help advance the safety and well-being of animals. With brightly colored, vibrant illustrations from Patrick Carlson, this is sure to be a book you will find your child asking to have read over and over again.
Moxy is the pet pup of an ordinary family until one day when Aunt Mable, known for her good cooking, is preparing to serve the young lad of the family some soup, and a slight accident occurs. The results are that the soup goes everywhere and a delighted Moxy laps it up! It is alphabet soup and he slurps every last A, B, and Z!
When Mom goes to clean up and hears Moxy say, “Here. Let me get that”, they all turn and are shocked! Did Moxy talk? Indeed he did! As Aunt Mabel explains with great pride, her soup finally came out right because if someone is wishing for something while eating it, they are supposed to have their wish granted. And so Moxy goes on talking….and talking….and talking….AND TALKING!
The result of fame comes to a head when Moxy is given his own talk show and the family is moved to Hollywood to live out a dream life. However, for Moxy, it turns into a nightmare. He finally admits that he only wanted to talk with his family to ask about simple things like his bath and food. So with that, Mom decides that nobody should live a life they are unhappy in and they all return home to Aunt Mabel, and Moxy to his old life.
Written with some rhyming and repetition that will be attractive to young children, resulting in them being able to retell the story fairly quickly, it also teaches a lesson. The moral, of course, be careful what you wish for as it might no always turn out the way you thought it would. Children, very young and even beginning readers will enjoy the story and be quite entranced by the colorfully vivid illustrations, as well as all the numerous details they can pick out on each page. As a retired reading teacher, I know this is a book that would make a good addition to any young child’s library.
GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO SKYE AND SHERRIE, I
HAVE TWO COPIES OF THIS VERY
CUTE AND ENCHANTING CHILDREN'S
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
"PROFESSOR BINGO
PRESENTS DAY"
I'M EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THIS TUESDAY'S
"PROFESSOR BINGO PRESENTS DAY"
CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT BOOK CHOICE IS.....
GIVEAWAY ENDEDALPHABET WOOF
BY SHERRIE A. MADIA
ILLUSTRATED BY PATRICK CARLSON
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Alphabet Woof! is the story of Moxy the dog who eats magic soup and his wish comes true: He can talk! This gift leads Moxy and his family to some exciting adventures, but in the end, he realizes his greatest gift is not his ability to talk but rather, his ability to talk with the people he loves, who love him back. The story is fun and whimsical, but carries an important underlying message of family values and of understanding what really matters.
The rich and colorful illustrations by Patrick Carlson will capture a child’s attention and imagination. The book is geared toward children ages 4 to 8.
ALPHABET WOOF! is published in both English and Spanish. In addition, a portion of the book’s proceeds benefit’s the SPCA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sherrie A. Madia, Ph.D. is an educator, author, and communications coach. She is Director of Communications at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and has just completed her latest book on the business of communicating titled, The Social Media Survival Guide.But her most important job is being a mommy. Daughters Emma (age 14) and Anna (age 12) remind her every day of what’s really important. She has led workshops and activities for community organizations, family-centered fairs, and events large and small. Sherrie offers workshops to children on creative writing and poetry, designed to teach positive values and promote creativity.
If you are interested in inviting Sherrie to read or conduct a workshop at your school or event, please email her at sherrie@alphabetwoof.com or call her directly at (856) 220-8839.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
1. Welcome Sherrie Madia to BOOKIN' WITH BINGO! Before I start with other questions, can you tell my followers if you have a website they can visit to find out even more about you and your wonderful books?
Sure! My website: http://www.AlphabetWoof.com
2. Where did you get the inspiration or idea for this book?
As with most fun ideas, this one came from one of my daughters. Anna (now almost 13!) and I started a silly story about a dog who ate alphabet soup letters and started to talk, so I jotted down the idea on the back of a receipt. That was more than 10 years ago, and a testament to why I never throw anything away!
3. Kids are definitely a good inspiration. Now can you tell us how did the title of your book come about?
Alphabet Woof! is a combination of what Moxy, our talking dog eats (Alphabet soup) and his first word when he finds he can talk (Woof!).
4. Do you see yourself in your characters? Which characters are easiest or more difficult to write?
I suppose the more natural response would be to say that as a mom, I identify most with Mom, but in fact, it’s Moxy that most reminds me of me. I can remember whispering loudly to my sister, Laurie when we were supposed to be asleep. The whispers turned to laughter and before we knew it we heard the dreaded, “Settle down in there!”—which only made us laugh even harder—but very, very quietly.
Parents must be parents, equipped with rules and guidelines for their children. But if they can also search their memories and recall the joy of childhood, they’ll find this carries over into the joy of being a parent—reliving fun through your children—nothing is quite as special as that!
Now, with regard to the writing, the girls and I gave each line the “laugh test.” If two out of three of us laughed, the line made it into the book.
5. Sounds like a good formula for success! What books would you say have made the biggest impression on you, especially starting out? What are you currently reading?
Oh, the Raggedy Ann series by Johnny Cruelle, without a doubt! In fact, I’m holding a copy of my all-time favorite, Raggedy Ann’s Lucky Pennies in my hand as I write. My mom used to read these aloud at bedtime to my sister and me, and there is only one word to describe these stories: Magical.
6. As a former Reading Teacher, I thoroughly agree with you about parents reading to their children. How I wish more of them did as you did. So, what is the next or current book/project you are working on?
I’m working on Moxy’s Family-Time Cookbook, which will be full of fun and easy recipes for kids and their families (that means you, Dads—we’ve got stuff you’ll love!). And because our cookbook is based on Moxy, we had to include some tasty recipes for dog treats as well!
I’m also just completing a picture book for younger children titled, Bumblelina. This is a story about a tiny bumblebee who cannot fly. She learns the timeless lesson that success is all about trying. Our illustrator, Patrick Carlson sketched his usual engaging characters—He is a dad, himself and knows how to bring real emotion to his work. Our Bumblelina is one cutey-bee!
7. That is great and lots for us to look forward to from you. On a more personal note, what is something about you that you would want people to know about you that we probably don’t know?
I am a ridiculously hard worker—in fact, I put workaholics to shame—and this is not a good thing. But behind everything I do—all the busy work and endless tasks, and running at walls—is a kid in blue jeans, sitting in the grass and enjoying the breeze. Everyone should have some kind of image like this of his or her happiest, most relaxed self. So don’t let the hard work fool you—I’m probably having fun!
8. I love the image idea and may just steal it from you when I am swamped to make a deadline! What is your best advice to anyone, including young people, who want to be writers?
Learn how to take criticism without taking it personally—even though it’s the most personal thing you will do. This is hard, but if you focus on finding that one gem of wisdom in someone’s critique, your craft will grow.
Thank you so much, Sherrie, for your time. I wish you great success in your writing and especially with ALPHABET WOOF!
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Illustrator notes: Written by Woof, the Dog
"Oh, but they couldn’t have done it without my buddy Patrick. He’s the amazingly talented illustrator who captured my good looks perfectly, if I do say so myself. Patrick has two boys, too – twins! – he really understands my many moods—I just love that guy!
The best news is – We’re doing another book together! Sher, the girls, Patrick – and me! Only this time, we’re creating a super-special project called “Moxy’s Family-Time Cookbook”.
This book will have some of the tastiest recipes ever – and they’ll be simple and easy, with step-by-step directions, so kids and their families can spend more time having fun together. They’ve even got a section of recipes just for us dogs – Homemade dog treats — I can’t wait! Sher says the book will be available in December 2010 — Just in time for the holidays. Think I know what I’ll be giving Mom this Christmas! Shhhhhh."
Patrick Carlson's illustrations for this story are fantastic, bright and colourful with lots going on. The rhyming text and repeats of "talk talk talk talked", will really encourage children to join in as they share the story with grown ups.
Sherrie wrote the book over a decade ago on scraps of paper with the help of her young daughters Emma and Anna - something you could try with your kids!
The rhyming language is great for reading out loud, so Alphabet Woof will definitely be going into my bag for my next storytelling session in school.
Sherrie wrote the book over a decade ago on scraps of paper with the help of her young daughters Emma and Anna - something you could try with your kids!
The rhyming language is great for reading out loud, so Alphabet Woof will definitely be going into my bag for my next storytelling session in school.
MY REVIEW:
In ALPHABET WOOF, Sherrie A. Madia has written a delightful children’s story that not only entertains, but has a moral to the story. It also is wonderful that a portion of the proceeds from this book go to help the SPCA to help advance the safety and well-being of animals. With brightly colored, vibrant illustrations from Patrick Carlson, this is sure to be a book you will find your child asking to have read over and over again.
Moxy is the pet pup of an ordinary family until one day when Aunt Mable, known for her good cooking, is preparing to serve the young lad of the family some soup, and a slight accident occurs. The results are that the soup goes everywhere and a delighted Moxy laps it up! It is alphabet soup and he slurps every last A, B, and Z!
When Mom goes to clean up and hears Moxy say, “Here. Let me get that”, they all turn and are shocked! Did Moxy talk? Indeed he did! As Aunt Mabel explains with great pride, her soup finally came out right because if someone is wishing for something while eating it, they are supposed to have their wish granted. And so Moxy goes on talking….and talking….and talking….AND TALKING!
The result of fame comes to a head when Moxy is given his own talk show and the family is moved to Hollywood to live out a dream life. However, for Moxy, it turns into a nightmare. He finally admits that he only wanted to talk with his family to ask about simple things like his bath and food. So with that, Mom decides that nobody should live a life they are unhappy in and they all return home to Aunt Mabel, and Moxy to his old life.
Written with some rhyming and repetition that will be attractive to young children, resulting in them being able to retell the story fairly quickly, it also teaches a lesson. The moral, of course, be careful what you wish for as it might no always turn out the way you thought it would. Children, very young and even beginning readers will enjoy the story and be quite entranced by the colorfully vivid illustrations, as well as all the numerous details they can pick out on each page. As a retired reading teacher, I know this is a book that would make a good addition to any young child’s library.
GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO SKYE AND SHERRIE, IHAVE TWO COPIES OF THIS VERY
CUTE AND ENCHANTING CHILDREN'S
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!
HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK BY READING "ABOUT THE BOOK" ABOVE AND IN MY REVIEW
GIVEAWAY ENDS--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!
HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK BY READING "ABOUT THE BOOK" ABOVE AND IN MY REVIEW
+1 MORE ENTRY: GO TO SHERRIE A. MADIA'S WEBSITE HERE AND COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING IN THERE TO SEE
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY
6 PM, EST, OCTOBER 21!
24 comments:
This delightful book is unique and interesting since it concentrates on family values and important issues. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
The colorful and lovely website is special and I enjoyed seeing all the books. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
What a great feature. That SPCA is involved is wonderful. The illustrations are fabulous. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com
I enjoyed exploring the website and learning about this author. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com
My kids love the show Martha Speaks and this book reminds me of that with a talking dog. I think my kids would love it.
bkhabel at gmail dot com
I think the illustrations look like they'll be wonderful and the story looks very engaging. Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I would like to win this book because my son would love it. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
I like the he learns that communication with family is most important.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Sherrie donates part of her proceeds from events and sales to the SPCA International.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I have a Grandson who would LOVE this book! I think that I may enjoy it myself(I would like to find out where to get some of that soup too :))What he really wished for is VERY interesting and a good lesson to learn. They always say watch what you wish for....but, it sounds like it turns out well in the end and I love that.
gcpeach17 at aol dot com
I like that the book states the message of family values-so important
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
My nephew would love the amazing illustrations in this book and would be learning about values at the same time.
sonflower277(at)gmail(dot)com
I think my kids would really enjoy having this story read to them-sounds like a lot of fun!! :-)
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I have been ignoring these entries of yours and found myself in the bookstore looking for books for my nieces. I really want them to have the gift of books & perhaps love them books as much if not more than I. While I was searching I berated myself for not paying attention. I love that this book has a moral & also a charitable donation to a great cause.
Love & Hugs
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net
This would be a great book to share with my niece and nephew, I love fun stories that have an underlying moral message
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com
I like that you can purchase (3) t-shirts related to the Moxy character (dog) she created.
hmhenderson At yahoo DOT com
tweeted this giveaway
http://twitter.com/HendyMartin/status/27015718723
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com
We're learning to read at our house this would be very helpful and fun.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love that there is a moral to the story. That the book isn't just fun, but also has a good message that it sends to the reader.
danielle78(at)comcast(dot)net
Maxx, would love this book! Also, I like the fact that it teaches values and part of the proceeds helps animals. Thanks!jacquecurl1(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the boy moxy t-shirt and the chartity events. The one closest to me is in tulsa.thanks!jacquecurl1(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd like to win this book to read to my niece with its message of family and great illustrations!
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
Part of Sherrie's proceeds go to SPCA International.
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/27798339998
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
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