Why I Love My Library!

There's a lot of talk these days about budget cuts having negative impacts on libraries. As an avid reader since childhood, the public library has been a part of my life since I turned six and applied for my first library card.

My husband and I find ourselves on opposing sides when it comes to libraries. He feels that computers and e-Reading devices have made libraries obsolete. My writing, however, has depended upon libraries in some ways. When I first began exploring writing as a career, I visited the library to browse through magazines I might want to write for. I've borrowed books to supplement online research or for times when I couldn't find the right information online.

Today, I snuck into the library for help with three of my current writing projects. Next month, I'll be pitching a couple of manuscripts at two different conferences. I searched the agencies online and wrote down some of their titles to read. Then I spent time browsing the Internet to find books that might compare to the ones I'll be pitching. I found most of the titles I was looking for, but had to request some assistance from our children's librarian, Elaine.

Not only did she help me find the books I didn't see on the shelf; she went down to the basement to find seasonal titles that were in storage, and when I shared my book ideas with her, she came up with other books that might be comparable. I left the library with a dozen books to browse through that will help me shape my pitches.

And that's why this writer loves her library!

Book Review: Not Fat Because I Wanna Be by LaNiyah Bailey

A book that shares a powerful message is what you’ll find in Not Fat Because I Wanna Be by LaNiyah Bailey.

Six-year-old LaNiyah is tired of being picked on by her classmates just because she’s different. Even though she eats a healthy diet, she’s still a big girl. She doesn’t know why until her new doctor runs some tests. With the love and support of her family, LaNiyah is able to share her story with her classmates, so they understand the “inside her.”

I’m not sure what amazes me more about this book: that a child of this age is selfless enough to want to be an advocate for others or that she has the courage to write her story and share it with the world. Not Fat Because I Wanna Be is a truly inspiring story that captures the importance of family love and support in tackling the issue of bullying and helping bullied kids to feel good about themselves. As someone who was teased through her school years, I’m very sensitive to this issue. Now, it seems even more dangerous than it was back then. In our local communities we have had two young people in the past three years commit suicide after being subjected to extensive bullying and cyber-bullying.

Six-year-old Bailey tells her story in the first person, which helps the reader connect with her and feel the emotions she feels as the book moves along. Your heart aches when you read the names she is called; just as much as it leaps for joy when her new doctor helps her understand what is going on with her body.  You cheer for her when she courageously answers a mean classmate who asks why she is so fat. And you can’t help but smile when the same girl becomes her best friend.

The artwork is provided by Laura Perez Ricaud. She did a superb job in telling LaNiyah’s story in a visual way. From the cover to the very last page, her illustrations will captivate young readers and encourage questions and discussion points.

Not Fat Because I Wanna Be by LaNiyah Bailey needs to be in all our elementary schools and shared often.  This book can help parents and educators open the door for discussions on tolerance and diversity. I highly recommend Not Fat Because I Wanna Be by LaNiyah Bailey!

Paperback: 42 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (March 2, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1461006767

ISBN-13: 978-1461006763

SRP:  $13.99 paperback (also available in eformats)

Guest Blogging Today at Cafe of Dreams

My friend, April over at Cafe of Dreams is running a special Summer Memories feature this month. You can find my post at http://www.cafeofdreamsbookreviews.com/2011/08/cheryl-malandrinos-summer-memories.html where I talk about a special vacation my family took when I was only 8. I hope you like it.

Cheryl

Being Interviewed at One Writer's Journey on August 5th!

I'm being interviewed at Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz's blog tomorrow, where I'll be talking about my children's picture book, Little Shepherd.

Obed is in the hills outside Bethlehem when the angels appear to announce the Savior’s birth. Can he trust that the miracle of the first Christmas will keep his flock safe while he visits the newborn King?

Here is what early reviews had to say about Little Shepherd:

“Your first 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.”

--Donna McDine, award-winning author of The Golden Pathway

“Little Shepherd by Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a fresh rendition of the familiar story of the angels appearing to the shepherds in the field and announcing the birth of the Savior. The unique slant to this particular retelling of the scriptural story is that the reader sees the event through the eyes of a little shepherd boy, tending his first-ever flock of sheep. As a grandmother, I would be delighted to read this story to my grandchildren. As such, I recommend it to parents/grandparents/teachers everywhere who wish to bring this passage of scripture to life for impressionable young hearts to understand”.

–Kathi Macias, radio host and award-winning author of more than 30 books, including the Extreme Devotion series and Valeria’s Cross


Little Shepherd is available for purchase from:

Amazon


Barnes and Noble

Guardian Angel Publishing

Indiebound.org

Autographed copies may be ordered directly through the Books page on my website.
 
I hope to see you at Penny's blog tomorrow at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/
 
Thanks!
 
Cheryl

Little Shepherd Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to Donea Lee, who picked up a paperback copy of Little Shepherd during the Christmas in July Giveaway at Putting Words Down on Paper.

Congratulations also go out to Lynda R. Young who picked up an electronic copy of the book from the same giveaway.

Look for more chances to win copies of Little Shepherd coming over the next few months. Reminder, I will be going on a virtual book tour in November and December to promote Little Shepherd. You can email me at cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com if you are interested in hosting me during my tour with Pump Up Your Book.

Promoting Your Seasonal Book All Year Round--Guest Blogging Today

I'm visiting Susanne Drazic's Putting Words Down on Paper today at http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/2011/07/christmas-in-july-with-cheryl-c.html.  This article talks about promoting your seasonal title all year round.

Leave a comment to win one of two copies of Little Shepherd. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping for the kids!

Thanks.

Cheryl

Interviewed at Through His Eyes on Saturday, July 23rd

Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know that I'll be interviewed tomorrow at Salena Stormo's lovely blog, Through His Eyes. I'm so thrilled to be there. I hope you'll join me while I spend the weekend at this wonderful blog.

I'm sure she would appreciate some followers too.

Blessings to all,

Cheryl