Welcome new readers and Maria Dismondy fans!
We are thrilled to be part of Maria’s Pink Tiara Blog Tour! One of the things we love about Maria’s children’s books is how each story gives young readers tools they can use to deal with sticky situations, like bullies and friendship triangles.
When you see Maria Dismondy’s [amazon_link id=”0615473938″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun[/amazon_link], the first thing that sticks out is the title! In fact, spaghetti in a hot dog bun was an actual crazy food creation that Maria’s mom used to make when she was a little girl.
With the odd food she ate for lunch and her big hair, young Maria was a target for bullies. Combining her childhood experiences and her background as elementary school teacher, Maria now writes illustrated books that focus on different aspects of bullying and how kids can handle bullying situations.
Her newest book, [amazon_link id=”0615516203″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Pink Tiara Cookies For Three[/amazon_link], is also based on her childhood friendships. When she’s not writing, Maria loves photography, reading, and being a devoted mom to her two little girls. Along with previously teaching elementary school, she’s also a fitness instructor as well!
With the start of her book tour for [amazon_link id=”0615516203″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Pink Tiara Cookies For Three[/amazon_link], we thought it was a great opportunity to catch up with Maria and talk about writing, and being a Mom to her favorite “little ladies.”
Please welcome Maria Dismondy!
MCA: Welcome to the spotlight Maria! Can you please tell us about what motivated you to create your books?
Maria: My book [amazon_link id=”0615473938″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun[/amazon_link] is based loosely off of my own experiences as a child being teased and bullied growing up. I have been in education for more than ten years and found a great need for a children’s book like this one and decided to write it myself!
As I said in this television interview, I want to make a difference for kids. Bullying and bullies are a real problem. The inspiration for my children’s books come from my experiences as a young girl that are still relevant today.
[amazon_link id=”0615516203″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]
Maria: I am really excited about my new book, Pink Tiara Cookies for Three. It is a chance to connect with kids in meaningful ways and help them manage that sticky road called life.
My children’s books not only help kids, they help parents address tough topics with their children. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun and The Juice Box Bully each dealt with bullying; Pink Tiara Cookies for Three deals with friendship issues.
I am really excited about launching Pink Tiara Cookies at a book signing next week at Biggby Coffee. There are lots of events coming up, and people can see the full calendar of events on my website, www.MariaDismondy.com.
If your readers want an autographed copy of Pink Tiara Cookies for Three, I am happy to sign books purchased from my website.
MCA: Please name several ways your Mom’s Choice Award® will help you attain your goals.
Maria: The Mom’s Choice Award® is a reputable company, and by having my book associated with the MCA helps me attain my goals.I have already seen an increase in book sales on Amazon because of my Mom’s Choice Award®. I certainly hope that continues into 2012.
I am becoming active in the Mom’s Choice Award® tweets and LinkedIn in subgroups. Because you make these tools available, I have an opportunity to continue to build my network and meet other award-winning authors.
MCA: On your website, you’ve said that if there is something out there you want to try, you go for it. Can you share with us what you learned about yourself as an writer in creating your award-winning product?
Maria: I’ve learned that dreams can come true … if you set your mind to it and believe in yourself! I’ve also learned that things won’t happen for you unless you put in the effort.
I work on my book business every single day while raising my two young children. I make a point to do something, even if it is as little as tweeting about my books, so that I can continue to grow my business.
MCA: Since launching your book, what has been your most rewarding experience in promoting or sharing it with the public? Do you have a favorite memory?
Maria: Above all, I love speaking to schools and large groups of children. It is so rewarding to see their faces so intrigued and engaged while listening to my message.
My favorite memory is of a little boy who told me about how he was being bullied but he remembered what he learned in my book and he told his dad. His dad helped by talking to the school and the teasing stopped. My book made a difference! This is why I am doing what I am doing!!!!!
MCA: As a new honoree, do you have any questions you’d like some of the “old hands” to answer for you?
Maria: Please let me know what other ways I can gain exposure by being a new honoree. Any advice is welcome!
MCA: Thanks for stopping by Maria! We wish you all the best for 2012 and your new book.
Join Maria Dismondy as she heads to the next stops on her Pink Tiara Book Tour!
1/17/2012 – Mommy’s Secrets http://www.mommysecrets.blogspot.com/
and The Asset Edge http://theassetedge.net/blog/
1/18/2012 – Kleinspiration http://www.kleinspiration.com/
1/19/2012 – Diaper Diaries http://thediaperdiaries.net/
1/20/2012 – Christina McGuire Photography http://www.christinamcguire.com/
1/21/2012 – Corner on Character http://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/
1/22/2012 – Finding Joy in 6th Grade http://joyin6th.blogspot.com/
1/23/2012 – Nayu’s Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.com/
1/24/2012 – Seven Thirty Three http://733blog.blogspot.com/
1/25/2012 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/
1/26/2012 – Crypto-Capers Reviews http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com/
1/27/2012 – Fun in First Grade http://fun-in-first.blogspot.com/
1/28/2012 – Sticky Bellies http://www.stickybellies.com/blog/
1/29/2012 – 4th Grade Frolics http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/ ,
The Organized Classroom http://www.theOrganizedClassroomBlog.com/
and Teaching Blog Addict Today Radio Show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teachingblogaddict
1/30/2012 – Primary Graffiti http://primarygraffiti.blogspot.com/
Mom’s Choice Awards® Honors
[amazon_link id=”0615473938″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]
[/amazon_link] Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Arewritten by Maria Dismondy
illustrated by Kimberly Shaw-Peterson
Making Spirits Bright: One Book At A Time, 2008
Gold 2011 – Developing Social Skills
Contact, Connect and Network with Maria Dismondy
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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.