Dear Parents, Caregivers & Young Readers Everywhere! Writing children's short stories a wonderfully satisfying endeavor. Ideas have emerged from real life experiences and usually, from a child with endearing character traits. Most often, my inspiration came from my late daughter, Tammy, who expressed the most precocious, yet charming and unique sense of humor I have ever known in a child. Even as a little girl, it became evident that she cared very deeply for the well-being of others and set a wonderful example of love and positivity to her little friends and adults alike! And so I chose to enter the wonderful world of children's writing with the introduction of two book series, Sunshine and Andy-Roo! All of my books impart an age appropriate moral for kids in the 3 to 7 year age group. They are never too young to learn life’s little lessons and what better source is there than a well-illustrated children’s book!
Sunshine I'll Make You Smile! is available in a traditional version AND in March 2013, an Irish adaptation was released to recognize the culture of magical Ireland, entitled Sunshine and Her Big Blarney Smile! From time to time, you will see new cultural releases which I affectionately regard as my little Travellin' Sunshines! Children who learn about symbolic cultural differences among the countries of the world will be fascinated…castles, folklore, and more! Sunshine and Her Big Blarney Smile! is also available as a black and white activity book for an entertaining coloring and puzzle experience.
Andy-Roo The Birthday Surprise! is my first release in the Andy-Roo series which touches lightly on an age appropriate anti-bullying message in a creative way. Andy-Roo made a good impression on Kart Kids and was subsequently awarded a 2013 Kart Kids Book List award for Creative Story Telling and is being sold in the Kart Kids Bookstore.
Andy-Roo is a puppy with legs longer than normal, which causes his friends to laugh and tease him. They give Andrew the name Andy-Roo because he hops like a kangaroo. The usually happy puppy becomes very sad until he meets a friend who also hops, and shows Andy-Roo that he is actually gifted, and that hopping can be so much fun. Will his friends who tease him agree?
Linda Hales writes a delightful storybook with colorful illustrations which will attract toddlers as a read aloud story. The moral of the story is that children and even puppies who are different can often do things just as well or better than their peers. It also relates how quickly other children will accept the differences among each other. Older children will find it easy to learn to read for themselves. This book has all the qualities loved by toddlers to age 4 — bright colors, and content short enough not to bore young readers. Parents buying this enjoyable children's book will want to check out other children's books, and more adventures by Andy-Roo, by the talented writer, Linda Hales.
When I first received Andy-Roo I have to admit, my first thought was that the characters reminded me of Bert and Gert (you know the "Stay Alert, Stay Safe" bunnies. Oh, well… I'm dating myself!) but I really enjoyed the story. My girls and I have read this book several times and after reading it my daughter who just stared JK in September usually wants to have a conversation about recess - who plays nicely, and who has friends to play with. It gives us a great opportunity to talk about things like playing kindly, tolerance and how there will always be people who we are different from. This is a great read for younger children!
I actually purchased a copy of this book for my kindle so we could take it with us. The pages are not too wordy – which is great for my 3 and 4 year old as they do no loose interest or get distracted when we are reading, and it is written in a way that they understand. The illustrations leave a bit to be desired,they do look a bit like stock images but my girls didn't mind so I'm not going to dwell on it!
Andy-Roo is a young puppy who grew long legs and feet, quite different from the other kids at the playground. This book tells his story, especially how he overcame his differences and became a popular player in little league games.
Andy-Roo's experiences are captured in short picture stories that will appeal to the young reader in the 3-7 year age bracket. A moral is imbedded in every tale that will not be lost on the young reader but will be remembered in context with Andy-Roo, the character. Most of all, his tales always make childrene smile!
Author Linda Hales has done it again! This time it is not Sunshine alone that makes you smile, it's the incredible Andy Roo as he teaches all our adorable children of the world that being different is ok.
Andy Roo with his big feet and sneakers turn out to be what the other children would all love to own while demonstrating being different can not only be challenging but a plus in life!
You need to put this book on your must own list and be one of the first in your group to read it to those young ones in your life. The outstanding vivid color of the illustrations Author Linda Hales has provided her readers are simply spell bounding. Each page you turn is better than the last.
Mrs. Hales provides you two entirely different books with her penmanship each entertaining while teaching your children how to respect one another. The sweet innocence of her characters seem to scoop you up into their lives as though they were your family or close friends.
Linda introduced a new book for her Sunshine series just recently along with activity books for both Sunshine and Andy Roo. Be sure you pick then them all up as they will provide hours of constructive entertainment for your family and friends.
Thank you Linda Hales for another wonderful tale. I for one would love to see a book where Sunshine takes Andy Roo on a walk through the wildflowers sharing love and lessons along the way!
Rosemary "Mamie" Adkins Reflections of Mamie -A Story of Survival soon to be released