Review of The Veterans' Clubhouse

I recently had the opportunity to review The Veterans' Clubhouse by Kristen Zajac.  This book addresses the problems of homeless veterans from a child's point of view.

Becoming homeless can happen to anyone.  But when it happens to Charlie, a Vietnam Veteran that Patrick and Hailey meet, they decide to take matters into their own hands and do something about it.  With the help of their church and community, they build the Veterans’ Clubhouse to help homeless vets get back on their feet.

What a terrific message author Kristen Zajac delivers to children in showing them how they could get involved to help the homeless.  I bet after reading the book, kids will come up with their own creative ideas on how to help as well.

Jennifer Houdeshell’s illustrations leap off the page and really add another dimension to this wonderful book.

This book would make a splendid addition to any home or library.  It shows a way to give back to those who served this country and demonstrates how compassion plus action achieves great things.  Nicely done!

Papa's Suns Coming Soon!

I'm thrilled to announce that my latest picture book, Papa's Suns is scheduled to be released shortly.  Below is the official blurb for this book which should be coming out at the end of the month.

Jacob and his grandfather like to spend time drawing pictures together. But after
Papa has a stroke, Jacob is afraid that his Papa will be different. Although Papa’s
body is healing, Jacob discovers that the love between him and his grandfather will
never change.

This book is close to my heart because it based on the relationship between my father-in-law and my daughter. Here is a sneak peek at the cover.  The illustrations are beautifully done by Samantha Bell.

Bear and the 3 Goldilocks Has Been Released!

Hi All,

Sorry about the long absence.  I just wanted to send out a quick post to share some great news.  I am thrilled to announce that my latest picture book, Bear and the 3 Goldilocks, has been released! This fractured fairy-tale was a lot of fun to write and Robert Lee Beers really did an amazing job with the illustrations. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or ask your local bookstore. Autographed copies are also available through my website at www.kevinmcnamee.com if you are interested.

Happy writing!

Kevin

Special Kids-Special Needs

Hi All,

I just wanted to let you know that the latest edition of Guardian Angel Kids E-zine is now available.  This is the E-zine that my publisher puts out monthly.  Every month is a different topic.  This month features special kids with special needs.  It contains stories, poems, and articles for kids as well as articles for teachers and parents.  If you get a chance, stop by and check it out.  It’s well worth the visit.    The link for it is http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/

While you’re there, you can see some of the games and activities that I designed for this E-zine as part of the creative crew there.

Why Children’s Books Matter



New York Public Library on 42nd & 5th Ave

I recently went to an exhibit at the New York Public Library on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue in New York City.  It is titled “Why Children’s Books Matter”. This exhibit walks you through the history of children’s books from early colonial times through Manga and the graphic novels of today. I really enjoyed the displays that included some of my favorites. From Alice in Wonderland to Winnie the Pooh, to Where the Wild Things Are, all the classics were represented. There were examples of children’s books from Russia and India, a history of the origin of children’s books, and a reading section where kids(or adults for that matter) could sit and read from the shelves of children’s books available. Some of the displays included props that I have never seen anywhere else.

The Original Winnie the Pooh & Friends

I think that kids will really love some of the interactive displays there.  There is a replica of the car from The Phantom Tollbooth, a life sized fireplace from Goodnight Moon, and a rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland for kids to crawl through.  Even if you don't bring any children, there is still enough on display to invoke memories from your own childhood.  The original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal was on display along with Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger. Mary Poppin’s umbrella was alongside the original book and clips from the movie were playing on the adjacent wall.  Across from this exhibit, original drawings from the Wizard of Oz hung on the wall.

My First Introduction to Poetry

What really made me feel like a kid again was seeing a vintage copy of Mad Magazine on display. This magazine helped fuel an irreverent sense of humor which I still have to this day. It also introduced me to poetry and taught me the concept of rhyme and meter before anyone else. Before I had ever read Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in school, I read Rhyme of the Modern Skateboarder in Mad Magazine. Like any good children’s book, this exhibit doesn't preach to you. It doesn’t tell you why children’s books matter. It simply shows you the work and lets you draw your own conclusions. But I do know why children’s books matter to me. They introduced me to a vast array of ideas and different ways of thinking. They taught me about the world and about myself in ways that I could relate to.  They also influenced me in ways I would not fully understand until much later on in life. After all, who knew back then that I would wind up recommending that budding poets read vintage copies of Mad Magazine to sharpen their poetry skills?  If you get a chance, I highly recommend seeing this exhibit.









Going Global

I received some great news from my publisher that all of my books are going to be available for sale in China and other Asian markets.  Guardian Angel Publishing has finished negotiating with an agent to distribute English language books.  This is coupled with a mandate in China that all school children should learn English.  So I’m really excited that my books will be open to such a huge market.  Also in the works is distribution to India and other emerging markets where my books are not available.  I’ll keep you posted on any further developments.  But I couldn’t wait to spread the word.  How cool is that?

Just for Today Has Been Published.

Hi All

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have new book to talk about. I’m thrilled to announce that my latest picture book has been released by Guardian Angel Publishing. It’s titled, Just for Today.

This book is based on the time I have spent playing with my daughter, but it is written for a boy and his Dad. IMHO, there aren’t enough books geared for boys. Boys tend to be more reluctant to read, so I’ll do anything I can to encourage a love of reading. It starts with a simple question, “Where are you going?”

Marina Movshina did a terrific job with the illustrations for this book. She also illustrated my first book, If I Could Be Anything. Her use of watercolors really helped bring out the soft, gentle tone for this book. I’m excited to see what kind of reception this book gets. The book blurb and links are below.

If finding buried treasure, exploring outer space, and winning the World Series sounds like good way to spend the day, then you’ll love this gentle rhyming picture book about spending quality time with kids. All that’s needed is a little time, a lot of imagination and plenty of love.

This book is available as a print book, an E-book, or a book on CD from Guardian Angel Publishing.


Books are also available from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or ask your local bookstore.
Autographed copies are also available. Please go to http://www.kevinmcnamee.com/pages/home/my-books/just-for-today.php for more information.

Lightning Strikes is Featured in Guardian Angel Kids Ezine

Hi All
I just wanted to share a nice surprise regarding one of my previously published books! I just found out that my book, Lightning Strikes is being featured in this month's edition of Guardian Angel Kids ezine. The theme is "weather", so my little rhyming counting book fits right in there. If you get a chance, stop by and check it out at http://guardian-angel-kids.com. The full press release is below.


M E D I A R E L E A S E
CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine
Email: submissions@ guardian- angel-kids. com

Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com

For Immediate Release

Children's Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Weather - September 2012 Issue

Welcome to the GAK September 2012 issue all about the weather.

The weather often times sets our mood. Editor-in-chief, Donna McDine enjoys

a cool autumn day with the wonderful visual of the colorful leafs

immediately relaxes me. With summer rapidly coming to an end McDine is

looking forward to the next change of seasons. While she enjoys the so

called lazy days of summer, McDine embraces the opportunity for a regular

school schedule affording her the time to focus on her own writing, and

continued work at GAK and private client publicity work.

The GAK staff invites you to sit for a spell and enjoy the every changing

world of weather. Take a ride on a cloud and dance in the rain through

poetry, experience the apprehension of a thunderstorm and competition

amongst friends at the school science fair through engaging stories. Or look

through the fog and learn how it helps the giant redwood trees of California

grow and learn tornado safety tips.

Visit the writers and illustrators in the Guardian Angel Kids September 2012

issue and enjoy the alluring poetry, stories, articles and activities,

www.guardian- angel-kids. com.

Letter from the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Donna M. McDine

Featured BookS:

Lighting Strikes Flip Book by Kevin McNamee and art by Eugene Ruble

Cloud Jumpers Flip Book by Tracy Ahrens and art by Eugene Ruble

Children'S poetry, ACTIVITIES, SHORT STORIES, and articleS:

"One Little Cloud," by Barbara Bockman - the every changing cycle of clouds.

"Weather Wisdom," by Guy Belleranti - changing seasons.

"Crack Boom Crash," by Rose Thoman - how to stay safe in a lighting storm.

"Fair-Weather Friends," by Jennifer A. Buchet - science fair competition.

"When You Can't See the Water," by Mary Reina - how fog affects your life.

"A Dark Furious Looking Monster," by Irene S. Roth - the importance of

knowing what to do before a tornado hits.

Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and

www.guardian- angel-kids. com and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.

We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our

Facebook Fan Page



http://www.facebook .com/pages/ Guardian- Angel-Kids- Ezine/1637850803 46247.

Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at



submissions@ guardian- angel-kids. com and let them know what you think of

Guardian Angel Kids and what you'd like to see in the future. They aim to

please.

The Guardian Angel Kids Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your

visit. Thank you for your time and interest.



###

Featured at Writers on the Move-Interactive eBooks

Hi All,

I just wanted to drop a quick note to let everyone know that I'm being featured at Writers on the Move.  I am talking about creating interactive eBooks and how my picture book, The Sister Exchange, was created for the iPad.  If you get a chance, please stop by and say hello.

http://www.writersonthemove.com/2012/02/interactive-ebooks-next-generation-of.html

Thanks,

Kevin

PBS KIDS – Writing Contest for Grades K-3

Every now and then, I come across a story in the news that has an incredible message that I just have to share it. PBS KIDS is hosting a writing contest for kids in grades K-3. What a wonderful way to develop a love of reading and help young minds explore their creativity! I first started writing in the first grade and I just love the fact that this contest could open up a whole new world to another generation of writers. Plus, getting kids interested in the storytelling process is a terrific way to foster a love of reading. The press release is below.


Press release

Jan. 30, 2012, 9:00 a.m. EST

PBS KIDS GO! is Calling All Kids for Its Annual Writers Contest

PBS stations throughout the country encourage children to create original stories and illustrations


ARLINGTON, Va., Jan 30, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- PBS KIDS GO! is kicking off the new year with its annual PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, a national initiative designed to promote the advancement of children's reading skills through hands-on, active learning. The Contest, managed by member station WNED, partners with PBS stations nationwide to encourage children grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original work.

"In partnership with our local member stations, we are offering the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest as an opportunity for early learners to explore their creativity while developing essential literacy skills," said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children's Media, PBS. "Research shows that creative writing can enhance and improve a child's literacy development, and through this Contest, PBS is helping prepare children for learning and success in school."

Beginning January 16, 2012, PBS stations throughout the country will work with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations to implement the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest in their communities. Children will be encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to their local stations, which will select winners and award prizes. These winners will then be entered into the national level of the Contest where a panel of judges will select the winners. National winners will be announced and prizes, including tablets, e-readers and MP3 players will be awarded during summer 2012.

For the first time, stories can be digitally submitted to the Contest through a tool developed by new sponsor, StudentPublishing.com. Every participant that uses the tool will receive a free animated digital book of their story that they can share with others, including parents who can purchase bound copies of the entry as a keepsake for years to come. As in years past, winning entries in each of the Contest categories will be featured on the site, PBSKIDS.org/writerscontest, and visitors to the Contest site will continue to have the opportunity to create "Story Mashups" with winning stories.

More information on participating local stations, general entry rules and contest resources can be found on www.PBSKIDS.org/writerscontest .

PBS KIDS is a trusted guide nurturing young learners ages 2- 8. As America's largest classroom, PBS inspires children to discover their full potential for success in school and in life through a transmedia approach reaching children wherever they live, learn, and play.

About PBS KIDS GO!

PBS KIDS GO! offers early elementary children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. For more information on specific PBS KIDS GO! content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom, join our community online on Twitter and Facebook, or visit PBSKIDSGO.org.

About WNED

Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well/WORLD TV, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WNED-AM 970, the member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services to local, regional and national audiences that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at wned.org.

About StudentPublishing.com

StudentPublishing.com is the school division of Creations by You, and provides award-winning educational publishing products that support educators and parents. Several publishing services are offered to schools whereby students receive a free printed copy of their story. These programs are designed to inspire and reward the creative effort of students as well as improve comprehension and interest in the underlying subject matter.

SOURCE: PBS







PBS

Melissa Mills, 703-739-8134

mkmills@pbs.org

or

360 Public Relations

Caitlin Melnick, 617-585-5775

cmelnick@360publicrelations.com

or

WNED

John Craig, Ph.D., 716-845-7000

jcraig@wned.org

Another Great Review for My Brother the Frog

Oh, my poor neglected blog. I think it’s time to make amends.

I’ve been busy with writing-related tech stuff that involved learning some new technology. I don’t have a finished product to show off yet, so I’m afraid the news will have to wait for another time. Sorry to be dropping vague hints, but I like to have something concrete to show off before I make any kind of announcement.

I’ve been neglecting plenty of stuff including writing new material, my critique groups and my website. I still had Halloween references there, yeesh!

Catching up has been a little like playing Whack-A-Mole. All these little things kept popping up, but I’m almost there.

Anyway, I would like to take this opportunity to share another nice review by children’s author, Lori Calabrese, for my latest picture book, My Brother the Frog. Ms. Calabrese has this to say.

MY BROTHER THE FROG is a humorous read that dives into a little sibling rivalry. As I said before, we've all probably imagined turning our brother or sister into a frog, but MY BROTHER THE FROG takes it one step further and really examines what would happen if it actually came to fruition. Kids will get a kick out of the illustrations and parents will enjoy the hidden message that a sibling can actually be your best friend.


To see the full review and other book info, please click on link below.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IPXLPVCJT00I

Pretty cool feedback if I do say so myself. :-)

Nice Review for My Brother the Frog

Hi All

I'm just coming back from vacation all refreshed and rejuvenated (at least for the rest of the day).  I went to Disney for the first time and really enjoyed myself, almost more than my daughter did.  But I can see that I have been neglecting my blog a little.  Well, to make amends, I'd like to share a nice review I received for My Brother the Frog.  This is from the Children's and Teens' Book Connection where they say:

"I’ve enjoyed every one of McNamee’s books that I’ve read, and My Brother the Frog is no exception. He knows how to reach kids right where they are with fabulous books and unique storylines they’ll enjoy"

How nice is that? (Big Grin)  To see the full review, please click on the link below:
http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/my-brother-the-frog-by-kevin-mcnamee/

My Brother the Frog has been released

Whoo Hoo!  I am extremely happy to announce that My Brother the Frog has been released.  Below is the media release for this book.  :-)


M E D I A 
R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release







My Brother the Frog by Kevin McNamee: A Fun and Creative Approach to Sibling Rivalry

It’s a chicken! It’s a giraffe! It’s a penguin! It’s my brother? Humor and imagination come together in this entertaining picture book about sibling rivalry.

Sibling rivalry can be a problem in any family. But in this amusing story, a little brother deals with this dilemma in a most unusual way. He changes his brother into a frog. He does have a bit of trouble changing him back though. He manages to change his brother into a variety of animals until he finally gets it right. Meanwhile, he starts to realize how much he cares for his brother, and how much his brother cares for him.
Top notch illustrations by Alexander Morris bring the story to life and help make this book a welcome addition to any home or school library.

So while relationships with siblings may not always be perfect, this book points out some very good reasons to love your family … warts and all, especially if your brother just happens to be a frog.


This book is available as a print book, an E-book, or a book on CD from http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/brother-frog.htm/

Books are also available from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or ask your local bookstore.

Kevin McNamee is a writer and poet living in Yonkers, N.Y., and has never, ever changed anyone into a frog, although there were times that he really wanted to.

Other books by Kevin include: If I Could Be Anything, The Sister Exchange, Lightning Strikes, The Soggy Town of Hilltop and What Is That Thing?

Kevin’s poetry has been published in the collection, An Eyeball in My Garden: And Other Spine-Tingling Poems.

To find out more about Kevin, please visit his website at http://www.kevinmcnamee.com/ or his blog at http://www.kevinmcnameechildrensauthor.blogspot.com/.


Thank you for your time and interest.

###

A Great Review at Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

More reviews are coming in for What Is That Thing? I received a great review from Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection where they say:

In this delightful new story from talented poet and writer, Kevin McNamee, we see him doing what he does best–create a story that youngsters will love.

How sweet I that? They also go on to say:

The artwork by K.C. Snider is absolutely wonderful. From mom the space alien with kitchen utensils sticking out of her head to Jungle Jenna swinging on the vines, her illustrations will capture the hearts of young readers who really want to now how Jenna feels.

To read the full review, please click on the following link.

http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2011/04/25/what-is-that-thing-by-kevin-mcnamee/#comment-1833

 To me, one of the finest moments in the life of a writer other than getting an acceptance, is getting a great review. After all the hours spent bringing what was once a vague idea to an actual physical book, someone else looks at it and says, “This is good stuff.” It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Nice Review at Stories for Children Magazine

Reviews are starting to come in for What Is That Thing? And I received a very nice one at Stories for Children Magazine. Ms. Irene Roth reviewed the book and had this to say:


Overall Thoughts:This is a heart-warming story of how a young child can accept a new member of the family. The illustrations are hilarious and witty. It will keep a child spellbound and captive.

I recommend the book to any child who has younger siblings or is about to accept the arrival of a new sibling. They will be able to laugh and also accept the little being into their lives, and even be very happy and enriched by the new little baby sister or brother.

One of the hard parts about being a writer is that many times, you work in a vacuum. You never really know how your work will be received. How great it is when someone else sees the value in it.

To see the full review, please click on the link below.

http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/WhatIsThatThing.aspx

Great Review for What Is That Thing?

I received a really nice review for What Is That Thing? from Nicole Weaver at blogcritics.org. Ms. Weaver highly recommends my book and has this to say:


“This cute and heartwarming story should be read to all children who already have or are about to have a new addition to their family.

Further value is added by the award-winning artist K.C. Snider, who elevates the story with her top-notch illustrations.”

K.C. really did do a great job with the illustrations and I’m very fond of the text, myself. ;-) So I’m so glad this book is getting a good reception.

To read the entire review, please follow this link: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-what-is-that-thing1/#ixzz1I0ZtWvyA

First Review for What Is That Thing?

I received my first review for What Is That Thing? from author Janet Ann Collins on her On Words blog. An excerpt of which is below:


“McNamee has done a great job of capturing what the experience of having a new sibling can be like.

Illustrator K.C. Snider provided colorful pictures that show both Jenna's imaginary adventures and the real world in a cute way.”

To read the full review, please follow this link http://onwordsblog.blogspot.com/

One criticism she had was that newborns don’t smile. But I respectfully disagreed with her and mentioned it in a comment on her blog.

My daughter smiled when she was a newborn, and there are plenty of others who will tell you that their babies started smiling right away. I’ll always remember that little toothless grin on her face when she was an infant. Even if it was gas, I’ll still take it. :-)

I even sent Ms. Collins a link to a parenting site to back me up. Because the last thing I want to happen is to give inaccurate information in my books. You can read more about this at the website below.

http://www.parentsconnect.com/questions/newborn_actual_smile.jhtml

What Is That Thing? has been released.

"It’s an alien from outer space! … It’s a strange and smelly creature! … It’s a mysterious, roaring animal! … It’s my baby sister?!"


Jenna uses her imagination to understand this new person in her life. When she finally sees things as they are, will Jenna like what she sees?

It is with great pleasure that I announce the release of my latest picture book with Guardian Angel Publishing. It is titled, What Is That Thing? This book deals with the arrival of a new baby. Jenna uses her imagination to try and figure out this new little person in her life, and to understand the changing family dynamics involved in having a new addition to the family. K.C. Snider did a terrific job with the illustrations.

This book is available as a print, book, ebook and book on CD from Guardian Angel Publishing at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/what-is-that-thing.htm

and as a print book at Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/What-That-thing-Kevin-McNamee/dp/1616331410/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

I’ll be adding be adding new links for this book as they become available. This is so new, Amazon doesn’t have a picture for it yet. This book was a lot of fun to write. I hope people have just as much fun reading it.

Nice Review for Lightning Strikes

I received a very nice review from the Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection and an even nicer review of my work in general. In this review they say:


Now McNamee has written a book that combines Science and Math in a fun way. Lightning Strikes teaches kids to count backwards while it also explains how you can use counting to judge how far away thunder is. In his typical style, McNamee uses humor and rhyme to tackle a less than funny subject…In addition to the fact that McNamee’s books are always fun, he comes up with some of the most unique story ideas. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

The full review can be found at the link below.
http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/lightning-strikes-by-kevin%c2%a0mcnamee/

I have four more picture books currently under contract and I know that two of them are being worked on by the illustrators. I don’t have any release dates for these ones though. I think I might need to email my publisher about that after this blog post. You see, I’m kind of curious to see what I’m coming up with next as well. ;-)

Just In Time for Halloween!

Halloween is right around the corner! Now might be a perfect time to introduce yourself to a brand new monster like the one in Winking Wot Warning, or to try a dish off the Mummy’s Menu, or to really find out Where Nightmares Dwell, if you dare.

An Eyeball in My Garden: And Other Spine-Tingling Poems is a collection of forty four spookalicious poems written by fourteen terrifyingly talented poets. Containing everything from the humorous, to the creepy, to the absolutely sinister, this collection is designed to tickle your funny bone and then perhaps, gnaw right through it.

This book is available from Marshall Cavendish, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or ask your local book store.

Be sure to check my the poems, Our Neighborhood and The Gargoyle.


To find out more, please visit http://www.eyeballinmygarden.com/