The Alumni Spotlight is a periodic feature on the official Mom’s Choice Awards® blog. It is part of our ongoing effort to “shine the spotlight” on you and your award-winning, family-friendly products, services, and media.
MCA: Can you please tell us about the inspiration for Sherlock McBiskit Shares His Secrets to Good Character and Respect
The program began in response to discipline problems at my daughter’s elementary school. I decided I would try to teach students what is gained by thinking and acting with good character, and what they can lose by not following the character traits. It somehow worked, and I have since taught thousands of students in both public and private schools with PAWS. I use dogs of all sizes and shapes. The smallest is 15-pound Sherlock McBiskit, a West Highland Terrier; and the largest is Stonewall, a 220-pound Newfoundland.
MCA: What are your goals for Sherlock McBiskit in the next year?
Pauli: I hope to reach as many children as possible to help them understand what “good character” is and why they need these traits by showing them the benefits of using them in their daily lives. I want to convey to kids that they can actually “train their brains” to automatically respond with good character just by saying “no” when they are about to be disrespectful, irresponsible, dishonest, etc. “Training the brain” is exactly like training a dog. It takes time at first, but if you keep trying, the brain will automatically respond with the correct thought which leads to the correct behavior.
MCA: If someone gave you air time for a 15-second commercial, how would you entice people to read Sherlock McBiskit
Pauli: Who is Sherlock McBiskit? Come meet this wise West Highland Terrier and let him teach you his secrets to getting the most out of life. Travel with him on adventures and see how his life changes when he learns the value of good character. You will discover what it means to have good character; the importance of respect; and how to pass life’s tests. McBiskit and his friends will show you how to “train your Brain,” make more friends, and more! A must read for children of all ages! The book, written in poetry with cute and colorful photos, is a must read for children of all ages.
MCA: You started with an idea and now have a successful, award-winning children’s book series. Looking back on your journey, what was the easiest part? The hardest? What surprised you the most?
Pauli: The easiest part of my journey was writing the story. I had told this story many times to my students, and it was great fun turning the story into rhymes. I usually worked late at night, and the rhymes came to me easily. The principles in the book are based on spiritual concepts. I often think that I must have had quite a bit of divine intervention in writing the story.
The hardest part was taking the pictures of Sherlock McBiskit! I can’t tell you how many times I’d have him finally in a perfect position, only to have a distraction. A butterfly would land near him or another dog would walk by the house, and all I would get was a picture of his paw, ear, or mouth. So for every picture in the book, there were at least 25 attempts to get that photo.
What surprised me the most was how long it took me to complete the book from story to published book. I was not a writer or publisher. I had been a UsAirways flight attendant for 21 years and a school volunteer, so I had to learn everything that had to do with creating a story, and then publishing that story into an actual book. I read many books on the subject which helped greatly. I also met wonderful people who guided me every step of the way. There must have been divine intervention in this area too. Every time I reached a point where it looked impossible to continue, there was always someone or something that showed me how to proceed further in the process.
MCA: Since launching Sherlock Mcbiskit as a book, what has been your most rewarding experience in promoting or sharing it with the kids? Do you have a favorite memory?
Pauli: Since Sherlock McBiskit is a real dog, we get to do author visits together. Whether we go to a school, library, or bookstore, we always have such a wonderful time. Since the book is written from his perspective, the children think Sherlock McBiskit is the author. He also wears his large MCA honoree lapel pin on his kilt which now makes him an award-winning author.
I use Sherlock McBiskit’s success as an author as and example to teach children perseverance. Nothing is impossible, as long as, you are willing to work hard, have patience, a good attitude, and never ever never give up. I love that Sherlock McBiskit receives fan mail with drawings and stories. My favorite memory is when I did my first author visit. I loved seeing the students faces when they saw the book and then saw Sherlock McBiskit, the main character, on my lap. The younger ones thought it was magic.
MCA: Could you please tell us why you chose the Mom’s Choice Awards® program in seeking recognition for your book?
Pauli: When I began writing my book, I would go to local bookstores and look at children’s books. I was always drawn first to the books with the MCA seals on the cover. Each of these books seemed to stand out among all the rest. I knew the books were special. Someone had looked at their message and the quality of their presentation. I thought how wonderful it would be to write a book that would be worthy enough to have this beautiful seal on the cover.
As I was writing the book, I would visit the MCA website. I was very impressed. The Mom’s Choice Awards® seemed to have wonderful people who wanted to promote worthy products and services. When I visited the site the first time, I wished that I could one day be part of this great group. How so very grateful I am now to have received this honor!
MCA: What does it mean to you to be a Mom’s Choice Awards® alumnus?
Pauli: To be a Mom’s Choice honoree means a great deal to me. I define good character first as a way of thinking, then as a way of acting that is good for you and others. The Mom’s Choice Awards® exemplifies this definition. The MCA staff and alumni represent and promote respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, perseverance, sincerity, friendship, good citizenship, caring, and gratitude. I feel very honored to be part of such an incredible group of people.
I am so thankful for all the opportunities that the Mom’s Choice Awards® offers to promote me and my book. As a first-time, self-published author, their help has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate the time they take to guide me. Every person I have worked with has always been so very kind, nice, and helpful.
I believe the purpose of life is to serve others. The Mom’s Choice Awards® Program seems to believe in the same concept. Being a MCA alumnus has also helped me gain confidence and has renewed my enthusiasm for helping children learn the value of good character.
MCA: What did you learn about yourself in the process of creating your award-winning children’s book?
Pauli: I learned so much in the process of creating my book. I had to practice most of the character traits I teach to my elementary school students. Perseverance was a must during the two years I wrote and then published the book. I just kept telling myself “don’t quit, don’t quit, be patient, bounce back, etc.” I constantly reminded myself that “nothing is impossible.”
Receiving the Mom’s Choice Award® validated that truly, nothing is impossible. I hadn’t realized it, but my daughter was watching my journey. She came home one day and said, “Mom, in school we talked about how important it is to believe in yourself. I told the teacher that my Mom believed enough in herself to put a great deal of money into starting a business and publishing a book. I am proud of you Mom.”
MCA: Would you recommend the Mom’s Choice Awards® to other entrepreneurs? If so, why?
Pauli: Yes, I would definitely recommend the Mom’s Choice Awards® to other entrepreneurs. The Mom’s Choice Awards Program and services are outstanding. Thy walk the talk and embody their mission to honor family-friendly media, products, and services. Mom’s Choice Awards is a great help in gaining exposure and recognition. They also have a great panel of judges.
MCA: How have you/your company benefited by being a Mom’s Choice Awards® honoree? Do you have any tangible examples?
Pauli: Both my company and me as a person have greatly benefited by being a Mom’s Choice Awards® alumnus. The program is well-respected by bookstores, libraries, schools, etc. I KNOW I have received many more offers to do author visits than I would have otherwise. The week after I was notified of the award, I sold 43 books after a school author visit largely due to the Mom’s Choice Award®. Today I sold 20 books, again, with help of the award. Last but not least, reporters and journalists for magazines and newspapers seem to be more welcoming of my book due to the MCA seal.
MCA: Thank you Paul for taking the time to share your story about Sherlock McBiskit and your journey to becoming an award-winning author. We wish you continued success, and truly appreciate all of the details you offered about the value of your award.
written by Pauli Reading
McBiskit Publishing, 2009
2010 Silver Recipient, Children’s Picture Book – Values and Life Lessons
Social Media Contacts for Pauli Reading
Social Networking Contacts for Pauli Reading
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |