Richly illustrated picture book encourages children to eat their veggies!

A family friend shared a secret with VS Grenier when she was little. The secret was how to whistle. However, she only shared it with her children…until now!

Children have a hard time learning to whistle. However, there is a secret and VS Grenier shares it in the latest SugarPaw adventure picture book, “Whistle Beans.” But how can vegetables help and what do they have to do with whistling? 

“When I about four or five, Charlie Baker, a family friend, told me that if I ate Whistle Beans, I’d be able to whistle just like him,” said Grenier. “Charlie was like my second dad when I was younger. He taught me how to fish, ride a horse and much more. So it only made since when he shared the secret to a good whistle, it had to be true. Only problem was…Whistle Beans are a part of the vegetable family. I soon got over this little fact and I’ve been able to whistle good and loud ever since.”

Children will get to go on another adventure with SugarPaw and Bonnie Whiskers, two of VS Grenier’s beloved characters from her award-winning picture book, “Babysitting SugarPaw.” This time SugarPaw finds himself in trouble when he lets out Bonnie Whiskers pet parrot Cesar. They end up chasing Cesar all over town and in the process; SugarPaw learns secrets about the vegetable growing in his own backyard.

“I wanted a fun way to teach children not only the importance of eating healthy, but also some unknown facts about vegetables,” said Grenier. “My kids had fun helping me research some of the different veggies in my book. They even gave me different ideas of how to share our family secret about Whistle Beans.”

Through exploring the world of vegetables with SugarPaw and Bonnie Whiskers, children gain a deeper understanding of healthy eating in a fun and silly way. “Whistle Beans” exposes children to an unexpected new way of looking at those leafy greens. While building confidence, critical thinking skills and strong whistles. Of course, SugarPaw will be up to his usually antics and will have kids laughing, too.

“This picture book isn’t only for children. Parents and educators will find in the back of the book Fresh Facts about the different vegetables in the story. Each vegetable plays an important part in helping SugarPaw and Bonnie Whiskers find Cesar, and this section gives information on why that is,” said Halo Publisher Lisa M. Umina.

You can purchase “Whistle Beans: Another SugarPaw Adventure” through Halo Publishing’s website (http://halopublishing.com), Amazon, B&N or you can purchase your autographed book from the author’s website http://vsgrenier.com

About the Author:

VS Grenier is an award-winning author and a Mom’s Choice Honoree, who loves spinning tales from her childhood into adventures in the World of Ink for children of all ages to enjoy. When she isn’t busy writing, playing dress-up or having tea parties with her girls, she takes long hikes in the desert with her miniature schnauzer, Taz. 

You can learn more about the VS Grenier at http://vsgrenier.com

About the Illustrator:

Kevin Scott Collier is a commercial artist/designer by profession as well as an author and illustrator of over 130 children's books. He lives in beautiful Grand Haven, a quaint port city along the Lake Michigan shoreline with his wife, Kristen and son, Jarod.

You can learn more about Kevin Scott Collier at http://kevinscottcollierhomepage.blogspot.com

Whistle Beans: Another SugarPaw Adventure written by VS Grenier and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, publisher Halo Publishing, Int., ISBN: 978-1612443676 (paperback) ; Price: $10.95 (paperback); $16.99 (Hard cover) $4.95 (eBook)

Review copies, cover and author photography and interviews are available upon request.

Contact: Ann Stallard at annstallard@worldofinknetwork.com

Book Spotlight: ESPete - Sixth Grade Sense by Arnold Rudnick

Talents are something that everyone wants and hopes to use to achieve their goals. But, what would you do if you were a sixth grade kid who can read minds, know things that might happen before they do and even figure out how to stop someone from thinking you are going to help them cheat on a test? Well! What a great feat that would be!

“ESP is sometimes called, the sixth sense because it is extra beyond our normal senses as Loyd Auerbach, MS shares in the forward of this book. He defines telepathy, Clairvoyance and Precognition and helps readers understand the kids are often more psychic than adults. Meet Peter Powell ad sixth grader who will surprise, mystify and definitely make you wonder: But, first think of a number between one and 100 before reading this book. You’ll learn why at the end. I did and was pleasantly surprised.

Peter Powell can read minds. Eleven years old and definitely smart, astute and knows exactly when to use his talents. Distracted during time and then sent to the school psychologist, Ms. Hornbauer who well sometimes grownups cannot handle things like Peter is ADHD. Even more revealing as he tells her he hears people talking when their lips are not moving. Wanting to test him for ESP was her next move. ESP the ability to read minds or called the sixth sense. But, not everyone is a friend and one not so great friend named Rodney Bell was waiting to see the Ms. Hornbauer and low and behold he knows the secret and of course would now use it to manipulate Peter. Added in Peter had a crush on a girl in his class named Casey Grant whose mind he tried to read during a math test and might have been accused of cheating. But, here is where the story gets interesting as we meet Pete in school and learn more about Mr. Stein the substitute teacher!

But, just as Mr. Stein introduced himself Peter caught wind of his thoughts. Was this substitute teacher really planning on robbing the school cafeteria? Or was he planning something bigger? How does this 11 year old approach the Principal and tell him what he thinks an adult might do? As he tried to follow what his dad always told him to rehearse before speaking which helps you to figure out what he would say, no amount of rehearsing was going to change the outcome when poor Peter had to face Mr. Stein along with Principal Willis. Adults have a way of covering up for themselves and the end result was they both thought that Peter was “prone to exaggeration.” But, not so fast everyone wait until you find out what happens next!

Rodney was the school bully and was constantly annoying Peter. Big for the grade hi’s in and knowing Peter’s secret, will Peter cover for him and not be a tattletale when he comes in hurt and in need of the nurse. A chapter test in math was hanging over his head and talk with his father did not ease his tension. But, poor Mr. Davenport was really sick and Mr. Stein was there. Just from his greeting you know that this was going to be trouble for Peter. Talking about money and where it goes and instructing the class in the Federal Reserve System triggers something in Peter’s mind. Using hands on experiences he shows the class how money is stored, how loans are paid and decides on a field trip to the bank.

Casey Grant and Peter talk about the field trip at lunch and he spills what he thinks. But, what can two kids do to stop what an adult has in mind? But, first the math test that would or not prove to Rodney that Peter was not going to help him cheat and he might pass on his own. You have to read it to understand Peter’s logic and the humor.

Every step of the way we learn more about Peter’s talents and how he tries to use it for the good. But, can he and Casey along with Rodney figure out how to stop Mr. Stein? Pretending to do a research project for school they follow Stein to learn his movements and more about what he does when not in school. Finding them in the same market they cover for themselves and convince him to buy fruit snacks for the class trip for the students.

As Peter and Casey decide on their next move they enter the First American Bank pretending to deposit some money, telling the teller who directs them to Judy in charge of new accounts. By the time Peter and Casey get done she takes them into the vault to show them just how protected their money is as he explains that he wants to become a lawyer when he gets older. But, things get dicey and difficult when the class does go on the trip and the truth is revealed. No one believed him and the adults in the school thought he was wrong about Mr. Stein. But, when Davenport gets sick again and the class trip comes about wait until you find out what happens when the class is taken into the vault and Mr. Stein implements his plan.

Fear, nerves and definitely some quick thinking come into play as Mr. Stein takes a chance, gets tons of money and what happens next you just won’t believe. Did he really plant a bomb in the vault? What will happen to Casey? Why did he take her hostage? Will they ever get out and will they recover the money? A chase that is heart stopping and a sixth grader that hopes his mind reading skills will save his friend, get the culprit and find the money. An ending you won’t expect. A final scene that will make you smile and let’s not forget to do the exercise on page 107. Added in the author gives readers a small treat: A short excerpt from his next book: ESPete: Psychic Hoop Dreams.

This book is for middle school readers and even older teaching kids honesty, understanding and friendships are important. Sometimes we even help a bully like Rodney see the light! Characters that you have to love and a young 11-year-old boy named Peter that is smart, polite, and adorable and definitely hopes to see more of Casey Grant. Can't wait to read the next book.

Fran Lewis: Reviewer 

 E.S. Pete: Sixth Grade Sense is about the perils of a paranormal preteen and winner of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and Reader’s Favorite Book Awards

ISBN: 0981587909

Publisher: Paraphrase, LLC

 

About the Author: ARNOLD RUDNICK has written for many television shows, including THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, STAR TREK: VOYAGER and THE NEW ADDAMS FAMILY.

Author Website: http://isntitpossible.com and http://espete.com

Follow on

Twitter @isntitpossible or arnoldrudnick

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/arnold.rudnick

FB Fan Pages:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Green/367225250007330

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ES-Pete-Sixth-Grade-Sense/239256356097969

WOI Cover Reveal: LITTLE GREEN & ESPete by Arnold Rudnick

LITTLE GREEN – Little Green Frog wants to be special, and he hops out of the swamp, asking “Isn’t it possible?” he could be a goose, horse or kio. While the reader learns about animal groups, skills sounds and traits, Little Green learns it’s important to be himself.

Arnold Rudnick has a gift for creating fascinating stories to challenge children toward self-improvement and self-esteem. In LITTLE GREEN he introduces a little green frog (beautifully realized by illustrator Marcelo Goreman) who has big dreams to be special. 

ISBN: 0981587976

Publisher: Paraphrase, LLC

E.S. Pete: Sixth Grade Sense is about the perils of a paranormal preteen.
 

Pete knew there would be a lot more homework in Sixth Grade, but he didn't plan on the reading list including the minds of his teachers and classmates. Knowing what they think can be helpful sometimes, but it also gets complicated -- ESPecially when Pete thinks the substitute teacher is planning a big robbery.

Winner of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and Reader’s Favorite Book Awards

ISBN: 0981587909

Publisher: Paraphrase, LLC

About the Author: ARNOLD RUDNICK has written for many television shows, including THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, STAR TREK: VOYAGER and THE NEW ADDAMS FAMILY.

Author Website: http://isntitpossible.com and http://espete.com

Follow on

Twitter @isntitpossible or arnoldrudnick

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/arnold.rudnick

FB Fan Pages:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Green/367225250007330

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ES-Pete-Sixth-Grade-Sense/239256356097969

The World of Ink Network will be touring author Arnold Rudnick's newest children's picture book, Little Green and his middle grade chapter book, ESPete: Sixth Grade Sense in April/May 2015.

 

World of Ink Virtual Tour http://www.worldofinknetwork.com/arnold-rudnick-april-15.html

WOI: Celebrate Early Childhood Tooth Loss on The Families Matter Show

Welcome to BTR's featured World of Ink Network. Today, Wed. March 25th (6pm Eastern - 5pm Central - 4pm Mountain - 3pm Pacific) on The Families Matter show, the hosts will be chatting with author Ingrid Bencosme, a former schoolteacher, about her interactive book for children, TEETH FAIRIES.

TEETH FAIRIES is a new, interactive book and doll set celebrating a child’s tooth loss process. From the age of about 5 to 12, the average child loses twenty baby teeth. That’s a lot of visits from the Tooth Fairy! This process is an exciting and sometimes stressful time for both children and parents.

This is a fantastic tool for moms and dads to help their kids get excited about losing their teeth and wanting to take care of their dental health!

You can find more info at www.teethfairies.com

Learn more about the World of Ink Network and its hosts at http://worldofinknetwork.com

Tune in Live or On-demand at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2015/03/25/woi-celebrate-early-childhood-tooth-loss-on-the-families-matter-show

Book Review of Adventures of Nutty and Twittles: OH NUTS! I LOST MY SISTER

Every young child looks forward to the last day of school and the start of summer vacation. The excitement fills the air in every classroom and students can’t wait to run out and enjoy the beautiful weather, the outdoors and have some real fun. But, the students in this classroom learn a lesson that they will take with them for a very long time as Mrs. Hoot, their wise Owl teacher reminds them not to venture into the Dark Forest, not to walk alone but remain with a Buddy using the very old but popular Buddy System and stay safe. Adventures of Nutty and Twittles: Oh Nuts I lost my little sister, teaches many important lessons that not only the special animal characters in this story can learn but young children too.

Nutty and his school friends could not run out fast enough when the bell rang hearing what Mrs. Hoot said but not really processing the gravity of her words.

Speckles the turtle, Squinty the raccoon, Nutty and the squirrel and his sister Twittles along with Robby Robin could not wait to play hide “n” seek. Gathering his friends, explaining the rules each of his friends tried his/her best to find a great hiding place. Twittles was worried that she would be found first. Speckles wanted him to count higher than 10 to give him a chance to hide. Wiggles was the first one he found followed by some of the others. But, where they hid is a secret in case they use the same hiding place next time. Everyone was accounted for except for Twittles and this really scared Nutty. Each of his friends banned together with him to try and find her and then Nutty remembered Mrs. Hoot’s words about the Dark Forest and the Buddy System. The Buddy System is still in place in some schools today and is a great way to make sure that children are paired with someone and are safe and will not get lost. Robby flew up in the sky and Wiggles looked under the branches and Squinty looked behind the rocks and trees. NO TWITTLES! The illustrations are colorful, show the expressions on the animal’s faces and the entrance to the Dark Forest making the story come alive even for non-readers to understand and follow the plot. Poor Nutty, what was he going to do and finding his way into the Dark Forest he comes in contact with Plago and what happens makes his heart pound as he relates that she might be lost. Realizing that he does not belong there Nutty leaves the forest and hears a familiar Hoot! Just what happens and the lessons they all learn about the Buddy System and the Dark Forest come full circle when Mrs. Hoot speaks from above the trees. What she tells them is enlightening? Did anyone find Twittles that remains to be seen? Hiding places are fun when they are not far from where you are playing and you follow safety rules. Nutty and his friends learned the importance of listening when an adult instructs them in a specific safety rule. They just might understand the dangers of the Dark Forest and think twice before even venturing in to this dangerous place. They learned the importance of the Buddy System and the true meaning of friendship. Trust, loyalty, forgiveness, understanding and friendship are all lessons learned in this great story by Dennis Marcoux and illustrator Amy Rottinger. The pictures are expressive and match the dialogue and the storyline and the faces and expressions are well crafted and vividly depicted. So, what’s next for these great characters? Let’s hope the author brings them back for another adventure real soon. Where is Twittles? That’s a secret that cannot be revealed!

Fran Lewis: Reviewer

Book Review of The Adventures of Sir Buddy and Mr. Pupples ~The Rescue~

About the Book:

This is an engaging story for children to read or have read to them about a lost puppy. Hopefully, it will encourage young ones to think about the story when they come upon a stray dog or cat; and seek the guidance of an adult in helping to find it's family...or new home.

Children learn the process animal rescue goes through to find "new" homes for dogs or any animal, how they find an animals owner if lost and also that sometimes animals end up in foster care until a new home can be found.

This is more of a picture story book, meaning this isn't your typical picture book of 500 words or less. New or beginning readers will struggle with this book and it is recommended to be more of a read-a-long book for that age group. However, those who are more advanced at reading or are in 1st grade and up, they should be okay reading on their own.

The story does more than bring the awareness of animal rescue to young children. It also opens up the channels of discussion about what to do when they get or feel lost or come across a stranger. Adults can even talk about adoption and foster care of young kids in relation to topics of the book.

We found this book to be very universal on topics within and also the picture themselves can be used to enhance storytelling and understanding how a story evolves. Beginning readers can use the pictures to tell the story based on each illustration. The artwork if full of story ques and clues to help the emerging reader.

Overall, we feel this is a great book to add to any school or home bookshelf.

Here is a link to the book trailer: The Adventures of Sir Buddy and Mr. Pupples

http://youtu.be/0ZdOCfAO99s?list=UUjcOpPUInovIAsrR8HLtxYA

 

Title of Book: The Adventures of Sir Buddy and Mr. Pupples: The Rescue

Written by Richard McEwan

Illustrated by Amy Rottinger

Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.

ISBN Number: 978-7-61244-307 -2

Genre of Book: Children’s Picture

Places where book will be available for sale: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Ingram

Author Website: www.twodogstales.com