N Is for Now Enter to Win a Signed Copy of Stanley
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to receive a free signed copy of The Adventures of a Sparrow Named Stanley. If you don’t know what to comment, a suggestion is the title of your favorite book from childhood. The entry period extends from now through midnight (CDT) Saturday, April 23, 2016 and I will announce the winner on Sunday, April 24.
For a while now, I’ve wanted to launch a small publishing company named, in honor of my great aunt Hattie, Hidden Timber Books, and I was waiting for the right book to come along.
That book is this delightful children’s picture book written by Betty Sydow and illustrated by Carolou Lennon Nelsen. The paperback just became available on Amazon this week, and the hardcover will be listed early next month (ebooks to follow as well). Use the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon for a glimpse Stanley’s own Private Revolution and what he learns along the way.
I love everything about this book. The fable-like story of Stanley the sparrow begins when Stanley leaves his mother’s nest and is on his own in the world. He tries everything he can think of to be famous and get noticed, thinking this is how he can make friends. Finally, a wise gray owl gives him the advice he really needs. Stanley’s tale offers lessons in friendship, persistence, and being true to who we are. The read-aloud book will be enjoyed by ages 3-11 and the young at heart of all ages, and the independent reading level is grades 3-5. Easy-to-read typeset makes the book perfect for grandparents to read to grandchildren.
The first-time author and illustrator team are themselves inspiring. Betty stumbled upon a creative writing class after she retired from a 30-year nursing career, and she was hooked. The story of Stanley began as a fable and over a year’s time grew into a children’s book. She asked her artist friend Carolou if she would illustrate Stanley’s story. Carolou, who has a master’s degree in social work, was immediately drawn to the book’s message of the strength of individuality.
This post is part of the April A to Z Blog Challenge. For more on my 2016 theme of Private Revolution, see A Is for Ambition. Click here to read all posts in the Private Revolution A to Z Challenge blog series.
Beautiful illustrations. Can’t wait to see the book in print!
Thanks, Angie! Carolou made Stanley come alive with her drawings.
Wow! I love this!! Congrats on the new venture! Sounds like it is right up your alley 🙂
Thanks, Allyse! I am definitely in my element. 😀
so nice to have a local name out in print good luck with the book we continue to enjoy your diary will you be publishing it
Ed found his Mother in it the other day she enjoys reading the copies I take to her and shares with Bill and Esther Assman from time to time
Kathy, thanks so much for this comment!
I’m loving the alphabet month and I look forward to each post. Personal revolution…inspiring!
Kathleen, thank you! Sometime in May let’s find a time to get together. It has been far too long.
I am happy to announce that the random generator I used to choose the recipient of the book produced the name of Kathy Chauncey! Thanks to everyone for your comments. There is a Goodreads giveaway for Stanley that ends May 8th, so there are more chances to get a signed copy.