A Christmas Kindness Virtual Book Tour

My book tour for A Christmas Kindness starts today.

About the book:

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?

Excerpt:

Inside the mall, Christmas music and the tinkling of jingle bells tickled Robert’s ears. With his mother, Robert weaved through the crowd of shoppers. He smelled fried food from Burger Mart. The sweet scent of warm chocolate chip cookies from the bakery made his mouth water.

Purchase information:

4RV Publishing
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble Nook
Kobo

A Christmas Kindness Tour Schedule

December 2

Interview at Linda Weaver Clarke’s A Family Friendly Blog

December 3

Interview at Writers and Authors

Book review at By the Book

December 4

Book review at IE Mommy

Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Blooming with Books

Book Blast w/ Giveaway at 4 the Love of Books

Book Blast w/ Giveaway at My Devotional Thoughts

Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Lynn’s Corner

Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase

Book Blast w/ Giveaway at The Story of a Writer

Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Rose & Beps Blog

Book Blast w/ Giveaway at Naturally Kim

Guest post at Book Beat Babes

December 5

Book review at My Devotional Thoughts

First chapter reveal at Broken Teepee

December 6

Guest post at Marilyn’s Musings

December 7

Interview at Janet K. Brown: Writing God’s Message of Hope

December 9

Book review at Inside BJ’s Head

December 10

First chapter reveal at Classic Children’s Books

Guest post at Paperback Writer

December 11

Book review at Lynn’s Corner

December 12

Interview at One Writer’s Journey

December 13

Interview at Examiner

December 16

Book review at Maureen’s Musings

December 17

Guest post a Lori’s Reading Corner

First chapter reveal at 4 the Love of Books

December 18

Book review at Our Families Adventure

December 19

Guest post at 4 the Love of Books

Book review at Blooming with Books

December 20

Book review at Classic Children’s Books

December 23

Book tour highlights at The Book Rack

Book review at 4 the Love of Books

Thanks for your support. Wishing you a blessed Christmas season.

Interview at Stories from Unknown Authors Tomorrow!

Hope you'll join me tomorrow at 1PM Eastern when award-winning children's author, Renee Hand, interviews me at Stories from Unknown Authors. We'll be talking about my second children's book, A Christmas Kindness, which was released by 4RV Publishing last year. A digital version was just released a few weeks ago.

Here is the direct link to listen in: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors/2013/11/19/interview-with-cheryl-malandrinos-for-a-christmas-kindness

You can also call in to 619-566-0945.

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors

Today I'm blogging over at Christian Children's Authors about books available for children and families going back to school. Come check out my list of recommended titles at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2013/08/16/back-to-school-books-for-families/

Book Review: Enchanted Tree by Davy Liu

Artist, illustrator, and former Disney feature animator Davy Liu, has released the next book in his Invisible Tails series. Founder of Kendu Films, Liu has once again brought to life a well-known Bible story that will captivate young readers with its stunning artwork and moving Bible-inspired plot.

Enchanted Tree takes place at the time of Creation, with the animals living together in harmony. The proud Phoenix boasts of a special fruit that gave her beauty and a special ability. The animals begin to crave this fruit, but none more than Octavia who doesn't feel quite as pretty as the others.

Once a two-footed stranger and his helpmate arrive, the Phoenix changes her plans. Soon the Paradise Garden is no longer a paradise and the animals and the two-footers must wait for everything to be new again.

This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. The animals display traits we all know as humans; traits youngsters will relate to: self-consciousness, jealousy, doubt. The reader sees the story of Creation and the fall of man through these animals' eyes. He is witness to the immense beauty of the Garden of Eden and the deep tragedy that occurred when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit--even though those names don't appear in the story.

I've read every one of Liu's Invisible Tails books to my girls, and though they are more involved storylines than typical picture books, the girls were still able to tell me without prompting which Bible story the book is based upon. The book's unusal size (12 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches) allows it to stand out on the bookshelf, but it will never be there long.

Highly recommended!

Hardcover: 64 pages

Publisher: Kendu Films, LLC (May 8, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0982505086

ISBN-13: 978-0982505083

SRP: $19.95

I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinion, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

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)

Reviews of Children's Books by Clavis Publishing at TC&TBC

As many of you know, I also run The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I received a box of books from Clavis Publishing that I reviewed on June 27th at that blog. What I loved about these books is the way that they truly celebrated families and youngsters.

You can find my reviews at http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/. The titles are:


Bathing
Going to the Beach with Lily and Milo
Going to the Zoo with Lily and Milo
My Daddy
Playing
Ricky is Brave
Thankyouplease
The Big Baby Book

I'll definitely be on the lookout for more titles from this publisher.

Children's Book Week: May 2nd - 8th!

“Since 1919, Children’s Book Week has been celebrated countrywide with author & illustrator appearances, parties, storytelling, and other book-related events in schools, libraries, bookstores, clubs — anywhere where kids and books connect.”

Visit the Children’s Book Week website at www.bookweekonline.com to view events taking place across the country and to learn more about this annual celebration.

How will you celebrate Children’s Book Week?

Can Picture Books be Used to Introduce Young Readers to Sensitive Topics?

That's the topic that Amy M. O'Quinn discusses today at The National Writing Center for Children blog. She happens to mention as a good example, Donna McDine's The Golden Pathway.

O'Quinn makes a good argument that picture books can be an "excellent resource to introduce and discuss such topics as the death of a family member or pet, sickness, family problems, handicaps and disabilities, different kinds of abuse, peer pressure, self-esteem, etc."

You can read the full article at http://writingforchildrencenter.com/2011/04/08/using-picture-books-to-introduce-sensitive-topics-to-children/

Guest Blogging at Cynthia's Attic

My friend, Mary Cunningham, author of the Cynthia's Attic series invited me to be a guest blogger this week. You can find my post on inspiration from others at http://cynthiasattic.blogspot.com/2011/03/inspiration-from-others-cheryl-c.html

Have you picked up a copy of Little Shepherd yet? If you have, I would love to hear your thoughts on it. My email address is cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com.

If you don't have a copy yet, you can purchase Little Shepherd from:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Guardian Angel Publishing
Indiebound.org

You can also email me at cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com if you would like an autographed copy of the book. The cost of an autographed copy would be $10, plus a flat $3 shipping and handling fee for anywhere in the United States. Additional shipping charges would apply outside of the United States.

World of Ink Virtual Book Tour - Day 4

Today the Little Shepherd World of Ink VBT is stopping off at Book Marketing Network. Today's post shares something I learned from publishing my first book--patience.

You can find the article at http://thebookmarketingnetwork.com/profiles/blogs/publishing-requires-patience.

I hope you enjoy my ramblings.

World of Ink Virtual Book Tour - Day 3

The Little Shepherd World of Ink Virtual Book Tour continues today with a stop off at The Product Review Place. They did a nice spotlight on the book. You can find it at http://productreviewplace.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=0lnk96wyqr6ya.

I hope you'll stop by and check it out.

World of Ink Virtual Book Tour - Day 2

Today's stop on my World of Ink Virtual Book Tour takes place at the SFC Blog: Families Matter. I visited this blog during my first virtual book tour. It's great to be back. There is so much wonderful information on this site for writers, educators, and parents.

You can find my interview at http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-childrens-author-c.html

Some of the blogs will be hosting giveaways during this tour, so be sure to check the stops, leave comments, and increase your chances of winning.

You can order a copy of Little Shepherd at:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Guardian Angel Publishing
Indiebound.org

You can also email me at cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com if you would like an autographed copy of the book. The cost of an authographed copy would be $10, plus a flat $3 shipping and handling fee for anywhere in the United States. Additional shipping charges would apply outside of the United States.

Little Shepherd Remains in Amazon's Top 100 Books in its Category for Third Day in a Row

On Sunday, October 24th, Little Shepherd, returned to Amazon's Top 100 books in the large print, children's book category. It is on its fast slide down, but it still appears as #81 in today's list.

If you stop by my virtual book tour page at the Pump Up Your Book site, http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2010/09/08/little-shepherd-virtual-book-tour-october-november-and-december-10/, you'll find a complete tour schedule that will allow you to read some of what is being said about the book.

Little Shepherd Remains in Amazon's Top 100 Books in its Category for Second Day

Little Shepherd returned to Amazon's Top 100 books in the large print, children's books category on Sunday, October 24th. While it appeared at #18 yesterday, it is now listed as #45.

I'm pleased to be appearing in this list at all. What a blessing.

Online reviews have been very favorable so far. You can find 7 of them at the book's page on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Little-Shepherd-Cheryl-C-Malandrinos/dp/1616330856

I hope you'll consider bringing Little Shepherd home this Christmas.

You can purchase a copy of Little Shepherd

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Guardian Angel Publishing
Indiebound.org

Little Shepherd Hits #18 in Amazon's Top 100 List in its Category

Glad to see that the virtual book tour is having some impact on sales. Today Little Shepherd appeared in the #18 slot in Amazon's Top 100 books in its category, which is Books-Large Print-Children's Books.

This is the highest in the rankings it has been since its release and I am thrilled to see it.

Thank you to all who have purchased a copy of Little Shepherd. I hope you'll send me an email at cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com to let me know how you and/or your children felt about it.

One of the comments that continues to come up in the reviews for the book is that it is nice to see this historical event told from the point of view of a young person. It warms my heart to read that. I feel that God is allowing me to rreach young hearts in a special way, which is a true blessing.

If you purchase a copy of Little Shepherd and send me proof of purchase by December 19th, you'll be entered in a drawing to win a basket of lovely Christmas themed prizes that retails for almost $100.

You can purchase a copy of Little Shepherd

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Guardian Angel Publishing
Indiebound.org

Little Shepherd Virtual Book Tour - Day 3

We're hopping along the virtual book tour trail with my friend, April, at Cafe of Dreams. Today I am talking about, "My Love Affair with Books". This affair began a long time ago and I hope to share that love with little ones everywhere.

Don't forget to leave a comment at this tour stop to be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket filled with goodies. Here's what's in store for the winner of Giveaway #1:

An autographed copy of Little Shepherd
Angel figurine printed with the Serenity Prayer
A Little Shepherd sticky note pad
Little Drummer Boy 2010 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
Gift of Peace 2003 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

Retail value of Giveaway #1 is $65 (rounded to nearest dollar)

There's also a giveaway running for those who purchase a copy of Little Shepherd during the tour. You will find all the details here!

Stop by Cafe of Dreams at http://www.cafeofdreamsbookreviews.com/2010/10/cheryl-malandrinos-author-guest-post.html today!

Thank you for your support!

Little Shepherd Virtual Book Tour Schedule

The Little Shepherd Virtual Book Tour '10 kicks off on Monday, October 4th. Here is a schedule so that you can follow along:

Monday, October 4

Book spotlighted at Examiner

Tuesday, October 5

Guest blogging at Review from Here

Guest blogging at Fodder for Fiction

Wednesday, October 6

Guest blogging at Café of Dreams

Thursday, October 7

Guest blogging at Paperback Writer

Friday, October 8

Guest blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner

Monday, October 11

Book reviewed at Ohio Girl Talks

Interviewed at Pump Up Your Book

Tuesday, October 12

Interviewed at Literarily Speaking

Wednesday, October 13

Book reviewed at Milk ‘N Honey Learn and Grow

Thursday, October 14

Book reviewed at Ellis

Interviewed at A Writer’s Jumble

Friday, October 15

Guest blogging at The Story Behind the Book

Monday, October 18

Book reviewed at Book Reviews by Molly

Tuesday, October 19

Book reviewed at Chrissy’s World of Books

Book reviewed at Reading at the Beach

Wednesday, October 20

Guest blogging at Writing Daze

Thursday, October 21

Book reviewed at Christy’s Book Blog

Guest blogging at Literarily Speaking

Friday, October 22

Guest blogging at AllVoices

Book reviewed at A Bookish Mom

Monday, October 25

Interviewed at Beyond the Books

Tuesday, October 26

Interviewed at Promo 101 Promotional Interviews

Wednesday, October 27

Book reviewed and guest blogging at Coffee & Keyboard

Thursday, October 28

Book reviewed at The Crypto-Caper Reviews

Friday, October 29

Book reviewed at Elysabeth’s Emerald City

Monday, November 1

Interviewed at As the Pages Turn

Tuesday, November 2

Book reviewed at Broken Teepee

Wednesday, November 3

Book reviewed at Café of Dreams

Book reviewed at Debbie’s Book Bag

Thursday, November 4

Book spotlighted on The Plot

Guest blogging at SFC Blog Family Matters

Friday, November 5

Guest blogging at The Plot

Book reviewed at Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Monday, November 8

Guest blogging at Book Marketing Buzz

Interviewed at Linda Weaver Clarke’s blog

Tuesday, November 9

Guest blogging at Thoughts in Progress

Guest blogging at Double M

Wednesday, November 10

Book reviewed at A Room without Books is Empty

Book reviewed at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase

Thursday, November 11

Interviewed at The Writer’s Life

Interviewed at Margot’s Books for Kids and Writing News

Friday, November 12

Book reviewed at My Favorite Things

Interviewed at Beth’s Book Basket

Monday, November 15

Guest blogging at Glamourastic Eats

Tuesday, November 16

Interviewed at Let’s Talk Virtual Book Tours

Book reviewed at Lady D Books

Wednesday, November 17

Guest blogging at Life in the First Draft

Thursday, November 18

Guest blogging at Life in the First Draft

Book reviewed at RBC Library

Friday, November 19

Guest blogging at Life in the First Draft

Interviewed at Judge a Book By The Cover

Monday, November 22

Interviewed at Personovelty

Guest blogging at Pets and Their Authors

Tuesday, November 23

Book reviewed at What You Reading Now?

Wednesday, November 24

Book reviewed at Just One More Paragraph

Friday, November 26

Interviewed and book reviewed at Family Literacy and You

Book reviewed at Holiday Gift Guide  and Giving N Sharing

Saturday, December 4 @ 11 AM Eastern

Interviewed at A Book and A Chat Podcast with Storyheart

Monday, December 6

Book spotlighted at The Hot Author Report

Book reviewed at A Mom After God’s Own Heart

Tuesday, December 7

Interviewed at The Hot Author Report

Guest blogging at Blogher

Wednesday, December 8

Guest blogging at The Hot Author Report

Book reviewed at Lynn’s Corner

Thursday, December 9

Guest blogging at The Hot Author Report

Interviewed at Lynn’s Corner

Friday, December 10

Book reviewed at 4 the Love of Books

Guest blogging at J. Aday Kennedy’s Writing Playground

Monday, December 13

Interviewed at Café of Dreams

Book reviewed at Tribute Books Reviews & Giveaways

Tuesday, December 14

Book reviewed and guest blogging at The Story of A Writer

Wednesday, December 15

Book reviewed at J. Aday Kennedy’s Writing Playground

Book reviewed at Putting Words Down on Paper

Thursday, December 16

Guest blogging at Authors & Appetizers

Friday, December 17

Interviewed at Putting Words Down on Paper

Book reviewed at The Elliott Review

Please remember that I am running two giveaways during my virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book. You can find the details of these giveaways by clicking here.

Good luck to all who enter and thanks so much for your support. It means the world to me.

See you along the tour trail!

Guest on Red River Radio - A Good Story is A Good Story

Last night I had the pleasure of being a special guest on the Red River Radio program, A Story is A Good Story, on Blog Talk Radio. Hosts Marsha Cook, Freda Roberts, and Virginia Grenier led an excellent conversation about virtual book tours that I participated in for approximately an hour. We also chatted for a few minutes about Little Shepherd, my first children’s picture book that was released by Guardian Angel Publishing in August.

If you didn’t catch the podcast, you can click here to be directed to the episode page and listen in.

New Interview with Cheryl Malandrinos, Author of Little Shepherd

I have to tell you that it feels kind of strange referring to myself in the third person. :) My friend and online buddy, Jo Linsdell-Feliciani, posted a lovely interview with me today about Little Shepherd and some of my other projects. This is the first of many blog stops you'll find as my virtual book tour kicks off on October 4th.

I hope you'll stop by Writers and Authors to check it out. You'll find it here!