What’s coming next in 2020: The third coloring and activity book, “Candy Canes, Snowflakes and Gingerbread Houses PLUS Coloring and Activity Fun!” is coming soon before the holidays.
About The Author
Amelia Griggs is a Writer, Instructional Designer, eLearning Developer and Authopreneur. Her background is IT support and training in the corporate setting. In addition to being a tech-geek and always wanting to troubleshoot and figure out anything you want to know about computers, she enjoys researching, designing, and developing all kinds of educational materials, and writing instructional articles.
She has always loved to write. Even as a child, she loved composing stories and drawing pictures. She started out writing training manuals, but over the years, she wanted to get more creative, so after working in IT for 15 years, she went to grad school to study Instructional Design and Technology.
She fell in love with the creative process of designing training programs, developing online courses, and incorporating animation. She also discovered another untapped interest: writing and self-publishing.
For years, she focused on “technical” writing and designing but something was missing. Her creative juices continued to flow as she discovered yet another passion: composing short stories, and more recently, writing children’s books. This allowed her to harness her love of rhyming.
Do you love to read? Do you love to write? Either way, you have something in common with Amelia. If you’re thinking of writing a book and need help with the process of writing, self-publishing and marketing, her next book series will be devoted to helping others pursue their dream of writing and self-publishing a book.
I know this may be an easy answer for most of you, but I choose to sip tea with Teddy. Naturally, as the author of the forthcoming children’s picture book, Teddy Bear Tea I’m a tad partial, but hear me out.
Of course, I love Winnie-The-Pooh and all his lovable friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. The story and characters are beloved and classical, but everyone knows the story of Pooh Bear.
I’d like to meet some new friends and read about the fun they have in the woods. A Teddy Bear Tea in the middle of the forest with a group of adorable woodland animals sounds like a fun time. And if you’re a big hunny lover, I’m sure they’ll have some for you to stir into your tea!
On November 14, 1902, the beginnings of the Teddy Bear occurred when President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a Louisiana black bear while hunting in Mississippi. It didn’t take long for the incident to make national news and a series of imaginative events to unfold.
By November 16, political cartoonist, Clifford Berryman, got wind of it and satirized the episode in The Washington Post. Shortly after, Brooklyn candy shop owner, Morris Michtom, saw the picture and became inspired to create a stuffed bear that he named ‘Teddy’s Bear’ and dedicated to the president.
Upon receiving President Roosevelt’s permission to use his name for the toy, Michtom mass produced the bear and founded the Ideal Toy Company.
*** Available for interviews or to write a feature
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Praise for Mr. Inker Goes to School, Book #2 of series
Mr. Inker Goes to School
By Christina Francine
Rafiq was glad Mrs. Adler said his name correctly. The boy with red sneakers whispered it wrong to the boy next to him saying instead “Ra-Freak.”
Rafiq misses his friends from Pakistan and a boy at school makes fun of his name. It is not easy being an immigrant in America. Rafiq knows he’s safer in “the land of the free,” yet he is homesick. When he receives a fancy pen for his birthday, he discovers his new best friend, a talking pen. Sometimes Mr. Inker is too proud and his jokes corny. He can be a real stinker, but he helps Rafiq with English words, makes him laugh, and finds a way to connect Rafiq with his old friends through traditional letter writing. This Step 3 Waldorf Reader is perfect for boys and girls ages 5-8!
Be sure to look for other books about Mr. Inker who is sometimes a stinker.
A unique idea – a talking pen. In an age where cell phones seem most kids’ friends, the author resuscitates the original means of communication: the pen! A talking writing utensil becomes an immigrant boy’s best friend. Immigrant children will like reading a book about themselves combined with a little fun and magic. Not only will they learn to read, but have fun at the same time. Mr. Inker will bring smiles to immigrant and American children alike. The story may even cause a chuckle or two. Teachers and parents will like the learning within each story and the learning section at the back of the book.
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author for all ages. Her picture book, Special Memory debuted Fall 2019. The first of her Leveled Reader # 3 Mr. Inker series debuts early 2020. Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016. She believes individual learning style may solve world problems. She teaches writing at University of Buffalo and at Buffalo State. Christina is a member of Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers & Illustrators (BNCWI).
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author and educator for all ages. Picture book, Special Memory (2019), and leveled reader series, Mr. Inker (2020), reflect her positive thinking and belief that individual learning style can solve world problems. Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016.
Christina holds a B.A cum laude in Children’s Literature and in Education from University at Castleton, Vermont, and a M.A in English Studies with a concentration in writing from SUNY Fredonia, New York. She continues to share her love of writing by teaching college students and with elementary students part-time. She is a member of BNCWI – Buffalo, Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. Her fantasy novel is forthcoming. Learn more about Christina by visiting https://ChristinaFrancine.org
*** Available for interviews, readings, school & library visits ***
Amazon: Christina Francine Goodreads: Christina Francine
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mr. Inker Finds a Home
(1st of the Mr. Inker series)
By: Christina Francine
Rafiq looked puzzled and surprised at the same time. “I cannot believe it,” he said. “A pen that can talk.”
A unique idea – a talking pen. In an age where cell phones seem most kids’ friends, the author resuscitates the original means of communication: the pen! A talking writing utensil becomes an immigrant boy’s best friend. Immigrant children will like reading a book about themselves combined with a little fun and magic. Not only will they learn to read, but have fun at the same time. Mr. Inker will bring smiles to immigrant and American children alike. The story may even cause a chuckle or two. Teachers and parents will appreciate what the book offers young readers.
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author and educator for all ages. Picture book, Special Memory (2019), and leveled reader series, Mr. Inker (2020), reflect her positive thinking and belief that individual learning style can solve world problems. Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016.
Christina holds a B.A cum laude in Children’s Literature and in Education from University at Castleton, Vermont, and a M.A in English Studies with a concentration in writing from SUNY Fredonia, New York. She continues to share her love of writing with teaching college students and with elementary students part-time. She is a member of BNCWI – Buffalo, Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. Her fantasy novel is forthcoming. Learn more about Christina by visiting https://ChristinaFrancine.org
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Praise for Mr. Inker Finds a Home
Goodreads
5 Stars
Mr. Inker is a pen that is created to tell a story of profound importance. It is a pen that talks and is wise as it is humorous.
The Author, Ms. Christina Francine, has evocatively brought us to the attention of how the children of today would rather play and learn with gadgets and computers, rather than use a pen/pencil to write and learn. A child’s world today is centered around mechanical intervention.
Ms. Francine has also portrayed a little of the fear that is faced by immigrants who move to another country to seek better lives for their families, especially for their children.
I would recommend Mr. Inker finds a Home, written with a little humor, and much imagination, to her targeted readers, as it fosters deeper understanding towards the plight of immigrants in children, and invokes greater interest in learning with traditional tools. —-Shobana Gomes, Malaysia
5 Stars “It was amazing”
Mr. Inker, a classy pen, finds himself alone in the office and party supply shop, wondering if he will ever find a home. When young Rafiq opens up his birthday present and finds Mr. Inker, he tells his Grandfather he has never had a pen of his own before. Meanwhile, we learn that Rafiq has only been in America for one month and he misses his friends from his birth country, Pakistan. When Mr. Inker comes to life, growing arms and legs, Rafiq remarks that he has “a very special pen, indeed.” Mr. Inker brags that he will never have to be thrown away, since he is fancy, and his ink and eraser may be replaced if they no longer work. Rafiq jokes that he might call him Mr. Inker the Stinker which raises a laugh. When Mr. Inker notices Rafiq’s sad face, Rafiq mentions how much he misses his home and old friends. He encourages Rafiq to pull open a page from his notebook and write a joke. Then he invites Rafiq to write a letter to a friend in Pakistan. When Rafiq counters with his idea of writing on the internet, Mr. Inker points out that penning the letter in person will help him improve his English and also provide a unique experience for his friend: not only will he have a solid piece of paper that Rafiq has touched, but he will be able to write a letter back to him.
Engagingly told through the pen’s point of view, this reader conveys the connection a young Pakistani immigrant boy named Rafiq finds with his writing tool—not merely an instrument who becomes a companion, but also a little being who helps him find a link with the homeland he misses so much. In addition, the author cleverly inserts the theme of literacy. By writing the letter rather than typing it on the computer, he will learn English by composing the letters and words to his dear friend at home. The character of Mr. Inker becomes a friend, guide, and mentor for young Rafiq, a bridge from his old life and language to the new America. This reader provides all of us a compelling window into cultural sensitivity and love of learning for the many immigrant children we teach and treasure.
Want to get away? Just read Mr. Inker finds a Home. I’ll begin by stating this, I’m a senior citizen and I really enjoyed the book despite my age.
Even though it states that it targets the level three reader, its far beyond that and I’ll tell you why.
In these current times of chaos, hate, and various types of prejudices, one needs to “go somewhere else” mentally! In other words, read a book like this and leave this world behind even for a short time.
This book displays various illustrations and a colorful narrative that makes a person desire peace and tranquility.
Remember, we’re all still young within our spirit!
Any child will achieve a certain degree of peace reading this book. An excellent read for anyone…..even us adults! —-Robert Davis
5 Stars
People from all over the world travel to America every day. Some even become part of our society and American citizens. But one young boy from Pakistan would learn a great many lessons from a unique and cherished birthday gift.
Mr. Inker has only one wish and that was hoping to be bought. Mr. Path in sold office and party supplies and Mr. Inker was part of his inventory.
Excited and thrilled when he heard people singing happy birthday. Never expecting to see the smiling and excited face of the young boy who peeled away the paper and was beaming at seeing him. Imagine a young child absolutely thrilled at receiving a pen from his grandfather for his birthday. Never owning a pen before this was a hallmark moment.
Taking Mr. Inker from the box that he came in, he looked him over but what he did not know is that Mr. Inker was studying him too. Rafiq is the boy’s name and little did he know that Mr. Inker was not an ordinary pen.
Being mindful of his precious gift Rafiq places it on a desk in his bedroom. But something happens and his life will change, and he will learn some valuable lessons from believe it or not : Mr. Inker!
Suddenly, he hears a voice and cannot imagine where it is coming from.
Mr. Inker wanted to share his secret with Rafiq. Placing his other gifts in his bedroom he thought about how much fun he had but something was missing. His friends from his old country. He wished they were there. Mr. Inker would help bring them closer to him in a different way.
Suddenly, the pen came alive and had two eyes, mouth, two arms and two legs. Rafiq could not believe what he saw or heard. Guess what? This pen’s eraser and ink can be replaced, and he will never need another pen. Mr. Inker and Rafiq talked and became acquainted. Taking Rafiq got to understand more about his gift and admitted not knowing a lot about pens.
Then Mr. Inker learned that Rafiq came from Pakistan and that his old country was different from America.
He missed his friends but was not sad about living in America.
Mr. Inker is not only a pen but really understands Rafiq and found a unique way of helping him contacting his friends in Pakistan.
Imagination pen that tells jokes. Imagine one that writes them. No, I bet you are wondering how! Author Christina Francine created an interesting and innovative character that she can bring back many times either teaching Rafiq need lessons in life, about his new country or even introducing some American friends. Watch what happens when they both write some jokes but to find out what they are you must read it for yourself.
Technology is great because we can email, text, or even send short note but what about writing a letter. Find out what Rafiq decides to do and how his new pen will help him if he does not know an English word. Which is better: an email or a real letter that you or your friend can hold in you had and put away safely in an envelope or scrapbook to read repeatedly? Find out which he chooses and read the jokes that Mr. Inker adds.
This book teaches important lessons in friendship, differences in countries and introduces a precious young boy from Pakistan named Rafiq: happy emailing or using your own special pen? What is your choice and why? A great lesson for teachers to use as a writing prompt. A great book and I wish I had a Mr. Inker too! —-Samfreene (Fran Lewis), Just Reviews
About The Author
Photo courtesy of: Christina Francine
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author and educator for all ages. Picture book, Special Memory (2019), and leveled reader series, Mr. Inker (2020), reflect her positive thinking and belief that individual learning style can solve world problems. Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016.
Christina holds a B.A cum laude in Children’s Literature and in Education from University at Castleton, Vermont, and a M.A in English Studies with a concentration in writing from SUNY Fredonia, New York. She continues to share her love of writing by teaching college students and with elementary students part-time. She is a member of BNCWI – Buffalo, Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. Her fantasy novel is forthcoming. Learn more about Christina by visiting https://ChristinaFrancine.org
By way of introduction, here is Deborah Kalb’s bio.
Deborah Kalb is a freelance writer and editor. She spent about two decades working as a journalist in Washington, D.C., for news organizations including Gannett News Service, Congressional Quarterly, U.S. News & World Report, and The Hill, mostly covering Congress and politics.
Her book blog, Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, which she started in 2012, features hundreds of interviews she has conducted with a wide variety of authors.
Hello, Deborah, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications! Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
I’ve always been interested in writing. I grew up in a family of writers and journalists, so I guess it was just something in the air. I remember writing a “novel” in third grade in a series of black-and-white notebooks.
Is writing your full-time profession?
At this point, more or less. I was a journalist for many years but have been focusing more lately on writing books, plus freelance writing and editing.
How long have you been writing?
Most of my life. But specifically, in terms of published books, for more than a decade now.
How many published books have you written?
I’ve written a nonfiction book for adults (with my father, Marvin Kalb)–Haunting Legacy: Vietnam and the American Presidency from Ford to Obama.
I’ve written three children’s books, George Washington and the Magic Hat, John Adamsand the Magic Bobblehead, and Thomas Jefferson and the Return of the Magic Hat.
They’re a series of middle grade novels focusing on a group of fifth graders in Bethesda, Maryland, who go on time travel adventures and meet the early presidents. I’ve also edited/written some reference books about U.S. history and government.
Which genres do you write?
It’s eclectic nonfiction for adults and fiction for kids. Plus, I have some other manuscripts I’m working on that are fiction for adults.
What do you find most challenging writing for these genres?
In terms of the children’s books, probably getting the right balance between the historical time travel events and the everyday 21st century events happening in the kids’ lives.
What are you working on now?
I’ve handed in book four in the series, James Madison and the Magic Book, to my publisher and am working on book five, about James Monroe.
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
It’s all a matter of combining bits and pieces of things I see, hear, and experience. Somehow the characters emerge. And for the historical characters, I do a lot of research to make sure the details are right.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Talking to kids in school groups or elsewhere about the books and answering their questions, which often make me look at things in a completely new way!
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Don’t give up! Keep trying. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you run into writer’s block.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
I live in the Washington, D.C. area and I have a blog, Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, where I interview a wide range of authors about their books.
What message are you sharing in your books?
The importance of understanding history.
What are your favorite books?
Some of my favorite kids’ books are the Half Magic Series by Edward Eager. I loved them as a kid. There are so many others. For adults, again, there are so many it’s hard to say. Some authors whose work I admire include Elinor Lipman, Nick Hornby, Stephen McCauley, and Tracy Chevalier.
If you could create an author’s group with writers from any time period, who would you invite?
I’d invite Jane Austen, definitely. Maybe Louisa May Alcott and E.L. Konigsburg.
Who has influenced your writing the most?
My family. My parents are both authors, and so are my uncle and aunt and sister and cousins.
After almost six months in Maryland, fifth-grader Oliver still misses his friends back in New Jersey. But things start to change one day, when his neighbor—and possible new friend—Sam lends Oliver a magic hat that takes him back to the 18th- and 19th-century world of Thomas Jefferson.
Oliver and his sisters—Cassie, the nice one, and Ruby, the annoying one—end up learning more about Jefferson than they’d expected. And Oliver finds that his new neighborhood might not be so terrible after all.
Thomas Jefferson and the Return of the Magic Hat is the third in The President and Me series that began with George Washington and the Magic Hat and John Adams and the Magic Bobblehead.
This new adventure brings back previous characters Sam, Ava, J.P. (blink and you might miss them, though!), and of course the cantankerous talking hat itself.
Cait Marie’s long-awaited sequel, The Lost Prince, is releasing November 11!
First, let’s see the cover!
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Blurb
Adalina and Shane will do whatever it takes to protect their people. Even if that means working with the “enemy.”
They stopped one tragedy, but now they face an even bigger challenge. Their only hope lies in the story of a mythical golden flower with powers from the sun.
It’s nothing more than a fairy tale.
But that’s never stopped Ada before.
Once more Ada must set sail on a quest with her favorite band of pirates. While she searches for the magical flower and the truth of the curse on the Nihryst, Shane is left to pick up the pieces of their crumbling kingdom. But there are secrets hidden deep within its history.
Secrets that could destroy everything the royal siblings know.
All her life, Cait Marie has loved fairy tales. When she discovered a passion for writing in 2015, she knew she had finally found the right path.
Cait is the creator and manager of Functionally Fictional. Since 2017, she has held multiple positions within Coffee House Writers, including C.O.O., Editor, and Writer. In 2019, she joined the indie staff of YA Books Central as a reviewer and then Indie Assistant Blogger. She graduated with honors in 2019 from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and she is currently enrolled in their Master of Fine Arts program.
She lives in Indiana, where she freelance edits and provides a variety of other author services. When she’s not writing or reading, she can usually be found watching Disney movies or Brooklyn Nine-Nine, painting, or singing along to showtunes.
