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Children’s Series Aims to Eliminate Stigma Around Disabled
Dr. Owlkin and The H.O.M.E Team, a series of children‘s books by Dr. Terri Howard-Hughes & Clint Hughes, has a mission set to change the world by eliminating the stigma around disabled children.
Based in Hopeville, The H.O.M.E (Help Or Motivate Everybody) Team celebrates characters’ differences or disabilities and promotes acceptance and inclusion for children aged 3-8. This series is devoted to raising the self-esteem and confidence of children with special needs and teaching other children acceptance of those with “differences.” Even though others may be “different,” we find that inside, everybody just wants to be loved, encouraged, accepted, appreciated and included. Dr. Owlkin is quick to remind readers, “It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!”
Dr. Owlkin and the H.O.M.E Team directly benefit St. Jude & Scottish Rite’s Children‘s Hospitals and are currently working toward developing relationships with other children’s charities. Book 5 is set to release this fall, 2023.
The mission of the Doctor Owlkin book series is to raise the self- esteem and confidence of children with special needs, disabilities, or differences and teach other children acceptance and inclusion of those with differences or disabilities. When children look past their differences, they find that inside everyone wants to be accepted, appreciated, included, and encouraged! Doctor Owlkin, the members of The H.O.M.E. Team (Help Or Motivate Everybody), and the characters in the books become the heroes who find a way to make their diversity and differences an attribute or advantage. The stories encourage those with differences to be their best!
The H.O.M.E. Team is led by wise old Doctor Owlkin and loving Nurse Sharky, who bring together their helpers. The first four books in the series tell the amazing stories of each of the helpers. The H.O.M.E. Team includes Trouble, a Bloodhound who was born with extraordinarily long and useful ears; King Tux, a tiny cat who has a BIG personality and smarts; Pirate, a lop-eared rabbit with only one eye who sees the world in a unique way; and Goldie, a Golden Retriever, who was born with 3 1⁄2 legs, but doesn’t let that stop her from being a hero. Each of these characters has adapted and developed special skills – their superpowers – that allow them to uplift and encourage others. Each book addresses a new difference to teach children why that character is special.
As Doctor Owlkin always reminds the team,
“It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!”
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ART & JOY: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER
This wry and wisdom-filled children’s book from the author of How To Spot An Artist helps artists aged five and up discover the joy of artistic expression while silencing self-criticism.
Danielle Krysa, a children’s book author and artist, has released a new book called Art & Joy: Best Friends Forever. This inspiring tale is designed to help young artists aged five and up overcome their inner critic and embrace their artistic expression. The book tells the story of two best friends, Art and Joy, who stand up to the “Art Bully” that criticizes their creative endeavors.
Krysa understands that children also have an inner critic, and her book empowers them to tap into their imaginations, shrug off negativity, and express themselves freely through art. The book‘s brilliantly colored collages and witty typography add humor and depth to the story as Art and Joy explore the art world, discovering clever ways to get their creative juices flowing using color, shape, line, and found objects.
Art & Joy: Best Friends Forever teaches children to embrace creativity and express themselves freely. Art & Joy is now available at major bookstores and online retailers.
For more information about the author and the book, visit https://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/.
About the Author
DANIELLE KRYSA, aka The Jealous Curator, is an artist and illustrator with over a quarter of a million Instagram followers. Her previous book, How To Spot An Artist, won Best Picture Book Page in the 2021 Children’s Book Council’s Kids’ Book Choice Award in the 3-8 age range category. She lives in British Columbia, Canada.
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New Children’s Book Tells Story of Self-Identity, Acceptance & Animal Rescue
Robert Vincent’s real-life tale of son’s black cat saved by a homeless woman
Author Robert Vincent has written and illustrated “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” (Friendly Falls Press; Archway Publishing from Simon & Schuster), a children’s book inspired by the real-life story of a black cat named Max who was rescued by a homeless woman in Dallas.
“From the Pocket of an Overcoat” tells the story of an affable cat, Max Buckles, through his adventure of finding a new home and family – and being loved for who he is. He goes from the cozy overcoat pocket of Sally in the city, to the country with Farmer Buckles and his other animals, including his four dogs – Sam, Tots, Scotty, and Junior Buckles. Along the way, Max discovers a true sense of belonging within his new family. As told through the journey of Max the cat, this is a story about self-identity, acceptance, animal rescue and adoption. The inspiration for the story comes from Vincent’s son Matthew, who adopted Max in 2010.
“I was inspired by the amazing story of the real Max the cat,” notes Vincent. “Almost everyone struggles with self-identity and being loved for their authentic selves. This book embraces those concepts and lets kids – and adults – find solace in the courage of this wonderful black cat.”
“From the Pocket of an Overcoat” retails for $17.99 and is sold on BN online and Amazon begins from November 22, 2021; it is currently available at Valencia Sport Saddlery and Glenroy’s Equestrian Gifts in Los Angeles. A portion of each book sale will be donated to organizations that promote animal rescue and adoption – The Humane Society, Best Friends, and Alley Cat Allies.
About Robert Vincent
Robert Vincent is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as the author of a number of other literary works. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kathy. Robert and Kathy’s son Matthew is a violinist with Oakland Symphony and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. In December 2010, Matthew adopted a lovable black cat named Max. And the rest, as they say, is history.
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MISS OLIVE’S AWARD-WINNING SERIES, THE DOGGY DIVA DIARIES, CONTINUES WITH MISS OLIVE FINDS HER FUREVER WINTER WONDERLAND
Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Winter Wonderland continues the story of a little Italian Greyhound with three legs who is adopted by a loving family in the first book in the series, Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Home. Her adventures continue in Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Friends, where Miss Olive encounters bullying and learns that her superpower is kindness and finds true friendships.
In the third book in the trilogy Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Winter Wonderland, Miss Olive wonders about the true meaning of the holidays, discovering the greatest gift of all is the joy of being with her “furever” family and friends and sharing the joy of the holidays with others. Miss Olive is delighted to discover that she not only has a “furever” home with “furever” friends, she also learns the true meaning of joy during the holidays.
Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Wonderland, the third installment in the award-winning Miss Olive children’s book trilogy from The Doggy Diva Diaries, continues the rescue dog’s adventures with the adored pup learning the true meaning of the holidays.
Written by Susan Marie and Miss Olive, and Illustrated by Rebekah Phillips, the story is about Miss Olive anticipating the celebration of the season and wonders if there is more to the holidays than receiving gifts. She joyfully discovers that the greatest gift of all is the love and kindness you share with your family, friends and others.
“Through Miss Olive’s eyes, kids remember to appreciate all the magic that is around them during the holidays. They see Miss Olive learn that what’s important are the friends who surround her during this time,” said author Susan Marie.
Recently recognized by the National Parenting Product Awards with a 2021 NAPPA Award, Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Winter Wonderland also won an award from Creative Child Magazine for 2021 Book of the Year Award in Kid’s Holiday Themed Books category.Recommended for ages four through nine, Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Winter Wonderland with its message of kindness and love, shows children that the true meaning of the holidays is the joy of giving to others.
Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Winter Wonderland continues the story of a little Italian Greyhound with three legs who is adopted by a loving family in the first book in the series, Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Home. Her adventures continue in Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Friends, where Miss Olive encounters bullying and learns that her superpower is kindness and finds true friendships. In the third book in the trilogy Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Winter Wonderland, Miss Olive wonders about the true meaning of the holidays, discovering the greatest gift of all is the joy of being with her “furever” family and friends and sharing the joy of the holidays with others. Miss Olive is delighted to discover that she not only has a “furever” home with “furever” friends, she also learns the true meaning of joy during the holidays.
Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Friends, Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Home and Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Winter Wonderland are available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other online book retailers.
Learn more about Susan, Miss Olive and Miss Olive’s book trilogy by visiting www.TheDoggyDiva.com.About Susan Marie
For over fifteen years, Susan Marie has been spreading the word about puppy love through her award winning podcast , The Doggy Diva Show. On her show, Susan interviews pet industry experts, bestselling authors, pet health and lifestyle professionals and representatives from animal rescue organizations. Past guests include Bob Barker, Dean Koontz, and America’s Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker. The Doggy Diva Show can be heard on Pet Life Radio, Apple, Google Play, Stitcher and Speak Up Talk Radio.
Susan is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators as well as the Dog Writer’s Association of America and the Florida Writers Association. A devoted champion of animals, Susan donates a portion of the proceeds from Miss Olive books to animal rescue organizations. She’s passionate about passing along the love of animals to future generations.
About Miss Olive:
Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Home, Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Friends and Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Winter Wonderland are the first, second and third books (respectively) in a trilogy about the adventures of Miss Olive, an Italian Greyhound rescue. The real Miss Olive was adopted in 2015 by author Susan Marie from Italian Greyhound Rescue Gulf Coast. Miss Olive was a victim of neglect and health issues, having lost her teeth due to lack of medical attention and one of her legs to cancer. The neglect and illness that she experienced has never affected her loving, gentle spirit; she is always ready for a snuggle. Miss Olive joins Susan Marie at the microphone each week as the co-host of The Doggy Diva Show on Pet Life Radio. -
BOOK OF HUGS – A Story About Achieving Your Dreams
Share some love and give a hug with Teddy Bear Tim. Teddy Bear Tim LOVES hugs! He loves hugs so much that he wants to share all of his favorite kinds of hugs with you. Whether it’s a happy hug, a sad hug, a fast hug, or a bear hug, Tim has three simple steps to follow to make sure you’re giving the very best hug you can give. Inspired by Tim Harris’s love for giving big bear hugs and his restaurant that offered up hugs on the menu, Book of Hugs, this charming how-to guide gives readers so many reasons to give someone a big hug!
Motivational speaker, disability advocate, and restaurateur Tim Harris’ debut picture book, Book of Hugs, publishes this September. Inspired by Tim’s love of giving big bear hugs and his restaurant that offered up hugs on the menu, this charming how-to guide inspires readers with plenty of reasons to give someone a big hug!
Colorful characters Teddy Bear Tim and his trio of energetic monkey friends share tips on delivering the very best hugs – no matter whether they are happy hugs, sad hugs, fast or slow hugs. Every type of hug is about sharing love. As the book says, “Love is the most important part!”
In our new world of pandemic etiquette and a post #MeToo era, setting and respecting boundaries and gaining consent are among the most important practices we can instill in children. Book of Hugs is an entertaining story that can lead into deeper discussions about permission and new norms.
About the author: Tim Harris
Tim Harris is a motivational speaker, business owner, and disability advocate. He is really good at giving hugs. For a long time, Tim owned his own restaurant and he even had free hugs on the menu. They were so popular that Tim has now hugged over 75,000 people, including the president of the United States! Tim really does love hugs, mostly because he loves LOVE and that is what hugs are all about. This is Tim’s first children’s book.
About the illustrator: Charlie Astrella
Chalrie Astrella graduated from the University of Teesside with a First Class Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Animation. He now works in 3D modeling, animation, and 2D illustration to create works of art he is proud of. He has experience in advertising, product design, video games, and children’s books.
Note: Upcoming National Hug Day and Hug-a-thon:
On the weekend of January 21st – 23rd, Tim and his family are relaunching the Hug-a-thon. The goal is to get ONE MILLION hugs and ONE MILLION dollars in donations, all to benefit the Hearts of Joy International charity. Details are unfolding now and more will be shared in the Fall. This incredible non-profit provides life-saving heart surgery for children born with Down Syndrome. Learn more at Hearts of Joy International.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR BOOK OF HUGS
“With the help of some monkeys, a teddy bear teaches readers all about hugs. Teddy Bear Tim (the author’s teddy-bear persona) waves to readers and declares, ‘I LOVE hugs!’ His upbeat narration continues as Teddy Bear Tim meets up with a trio of cuddly monkeys who share the love for hugs—and bananas. The four characters list many different kinds of hugs (like ‘happy hugs,’ ‘slow hugs,’ or ‘monkey hugs’) before Teddy Bear Tim shares the ‘three simple steps’ to giving a hug. They are: ask first, open arms wide, and wrap the other person in a hug (‘tight, but not too tight’). Once the instructions are given, Teddy Bear Tim describes some hugging scenarios and acts them out with the monkeys. From running full-bore into each other’s arms to a 5-second ‘quick hug,’ the hugs all point back to Teddy Bear Tim’s key precept: ‘The LOVE is the most important part.’
Motivational speaker and disability advocate Harris’ debut picture book affirms the joy of hugs while highlighting the importance of consent. Astrella’s expressive cartoon characters and energetic hugging sequences show his animation background.”
– Kirkus Reviews
Since 2005 Flowerpot Press has been planting the seeds that help young minds grow, offering a broad range of books. The Hayes family has been in the publishing and media business for two generations now. The family members grew up living in the midst of the golden periods of publishing and media distribution.
Watching and participating in the growth of their father’s children’s publishing business, they learned from the ground up and understood the unique character and needs that publishing for young children demanded. Anne and Pat served in every role from warehouse operation to acquisition, design, licensing, printing production, and editing to name a few areas.
As entrepreneurs, they separately and together founded companies still owned, integrating other media such as video and music. This well-rounded creative team uses a hands-on approach in every aspect of the business, first and foremost because they love it. Pat is also a published author in his own right. Anne (our publisher and CEO) lives in the Toronto area with her husband and family operating the Canadian office of Flowerpot Press, while Pat and his family live in Franklin, Tennessee, and operate the US office of the company.
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Learn Gardening, Science and More with “A Family Guide to Terrariums for Kids”
With the increasing likelihood that more kids will be home distance learning, here’s a fun and creative means to learn about science, nature, and more.
Kids love to create, imagine, and have fun. Nothing fulfills all three of those desires quite like designing and planting a terrarium. With the step-by-step project instructions found in A Family Guide toTerrariums for Kids, the results are beautiful, inspiring, and confidence-building. Making these little landscapes develops motor skills, spatial awareness, and provides a wealth of sensory input. The science behind the art is included with quick and simple lessons on ecosystem functions, the water cycle, and plant nutrition. But for kids, it’s all about being active and building something cool!
With the terrarium plans found in A Family Guide to Terrariums for Kids, everyone in the family can tap their inner “science geek” to:
- Use multi-colored sand and succulents to craft a desert terrarium
- Plant, trim, and tend a terrarium bonsai tree
- Build a peat bog filled with carnivorous plants
- Make an aquatic terrarium, complete with a marimo moss ball “pet”
- Design a prehistoric garden of air plants
- Create a plant-filled habitat for a praying mantis
- Grow a Japanese garden with living rocks
With information on selecting the best terrarium container, growing materials, decorative elements, tools, and plants, readers are primed for success that lasts long after the terrarium has been built. Terrariums combine imagination and creativity with a dash of hands-on science. And you get to play in the dirt! What could be better than that?
About the author:
Patricia Buzo is the owner and artist behind Doodle Bird Terrariums. From the age of 15, she had a successful career in fine art and mural painting, often choosing plants and nature as her preferred subject matter. Looking for a chance to work more closely with nature, Patricia founded her terrarium-making business in 2008, and through trial and error has become an expert in her craft. Both by experimentation and research, she perfected how to best create and care for planted terrariums, while at the same time using her artist background to create realistic miniature landscapes using live mosses and other tiny plant life.
