I really wanted to call this “Let’s Go to the Amazon,” but I don’t think that is as effective as what I chose. Why mention [the e-Tailer who shall not be named]? Because (a) like it or not, Amazon.com is not going anywhere; and (b) we get lots of questions about selling (or not selling) on Amazon.com As I mentioned … Read More
Jazz Up Author Opportunities with Holiday Promotions
Or, as Carolyn Howard-Johnson calls it: The Holly-Jolly Season for Planning Year Round Promotion for Your Book is NOW As most of you know, I am not a writer. That said, I like learning about writing and how writers market their work. Why? Because marketing crosses all spheres of influence. Some of the best tips and ideas I have gotten … Read More
Weather Wits – is it silly? educational? both?
What’s the weather like today? Seems like someone is always asking that question. Sometimes we are curious; sometimes we’re fascinated; sometimes we need to make a decision! It’s no fun when you have a picnic planned but a storm rolls in at just the wrong moment … and that’s just run-of-the-mill weather. Let’s not talk about the disruption of tornadoes … Read More
Family Life: Getting the kids to help
Does this sound like your family life? You’ve had a tough day. You are so happy to be home. Then you walk in the door and your children’s toys spread near and far across the floor. You were counting on the comforts of home. You can feel your temper rising … How do you address the issue of your kids … Read More
Animal rescue – adopt your next pet
Have you ever seen one of those animal rescue Public Service Announcements (PSAs)? Even without them, if you have a child, you probably have been asked about getting a pet. Your kids see an adorable puppy or cuddly kitten. As adults, we know that when it comes to 4-legged critters, it isn’t as easy as walking into a store shop … Read More
Coal mining family shines in this children’s picture book
You may know that coal mining is a way of life in Appalachia. But how much do you know about the coal miners – their families, stories, or backgrounds? Odds are, you don’t know a coal miner, so you probably have a stereotypical view. Because the communities of people that work in the coal mining industry can often be misunderstood … Read More
Chicago is the star in this unique book
The Mom’s Choice Awards® team is just getting back from Book Expo America in New York City, but we have Scott Jacobs here in the Spotlight to share his book about his life in Chicago, Never Leave Your Block. A long-time resident of Chicago, Never Leave Your Block gathers up Scott’s observations of his local position into an warmly humorous collection … Read More
Kids control emotions with Celia the Great
Our kids wear their emotions on their sleeves. Heck, we do it too, sometimes. Grr! They are feeling angry, and in their frustration, they shout out something that they will most likely regret later… Learning how to prevent our emotions from taking control of us is hard. It is even more important for us as parents to maintain a clear … Read More