Book Release Celebration THIS AFTERNOON..."You are a RAINBOW"

BOOK RELEASE CELEBRATION TONIGHT
3 P.M. - 6 P.M.
New Haven Town Farmer's Market
State Route 104
Town of New Haven, New York
Held in front of the town offices
Hazzy's Tavern is across the Road

A goal and dream I've had was to release a children's book to help parents explain kidnapping and abduction to children in a non-threatening or fearful way. I thought this would be my first children's book yet God had other plans.

Last month I presented "collector copies" of YOU are a Rainbow to the kindergarten class I worked with, as their year-end gift. After all, they were the inspiration behind this book. 

Their energy, drive, and smiles provided daily encouragement for me and I found a renewed love to teach and spark the next generation to be the best he or she can be. Shortly after Christmas God placed this book on my heart but I couldn't figure out how to illustrate what was in my head.

3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Get your copy today!

I try to be a no stress writer, because if it's work, then I don't want to do it. So I carried the folder and notepad of ideas with me, wherever I went. When an idea came to my mind, I wrote it down. 

My initial target audience was your 4 -6 year old students but as I prayed and planned, God showed me there are many who need to know they are a RAINBOW. YOU are a Rainbow, in fact.

 Ready to paint...

Photo walk to take pictures...

A sample page from the book...

I had someone ask, "Could a special needs child read this?" My answer, this book is for everyone - young or old, struggling or advanced reader. This book is written to be read to a child, class of students, children at youth group, or even a group of adults. 

It isn't your typical story. No plot or conflict. No underlying theme. There are seven pages of "story", each representing a letter and color of the alphabet. RAINBOW is actually the acronym I used to bring this book to life, even though YOU is the word highlighted on the cover. Both are important, YOU and the colors within, your personal rainbow.

This is not an error. I did it on purpose. I placed the emphasis on YOU so that whoever picks up this book to read will know they are special, have potential and matter. Seven story pages, eleven words on each page, and opportunities to start important, necessary, and life-changing conversations with those you read it with.

One teacher ordered thirteen copies. After thanking her, I asked "Why so many copies?" Her response touched my heart so much. She bought a copy to gift to each teacher in her building because she enjoyed the book so much. She said, "When I saw the extension activities in the back, I knew each teacher needs a copy of this in their classroom." 

I am humbled and amazed yet thankful because you see, I'm working on a "Resource Guide" for teachers and youth leaders to purchase as a supplemental, with worksheets and activities ready to go - all the teacher/leader will need to do is make the copies. I hope to have this available by the end of the summer, in time for school in case teachers want to use it this year. I understand the time constraints in the classroom and the importance of finding ways to incorporate writing into their routines.

I'll share more about how this book transitioned from an idea to reality throughout the week - hope to see you tonight at the New Haven Farmer's Market, State Route 104, New Haven, New York, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Books are $10. I'll have copies of all five of my books with me tonight - if you can't make it. 

Books are available on Amazon.com or I'm at the market most Monday's through September. I'm also scheduling speaking engagements for the Fall and into Spring 2015.

See you tonight - rain won't stop me from being there. Who knows? Maybe there will be a RAINBOW over and at the market....

*NOTE* If the market is canceled due to rain - 
I will post here on the blog and on Facebook and Twitter.
Pray the rain stops and the sun comes out...
Maybe we'll have a rainbow over the market this afternoon?