MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND AWARDED CREATIVE CHILD MAGAZINE 2012 AWARD

M E D I A  R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Nicole Weaver

Children’s Trilingual Author

Website: http://mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

Email: lumiereleclaire@yahoo.com


For Immediate Release

Nicole Weaver’s trilingual children’s book, My Sister Is My Best Friend: A Trilingual Story, English, French, and Spanish has been awarded Creative Child 2012 Preferred Choice Award – Kids Picture Storybooks category.

About Creative Child Awards Program

Each year, Creative Child holds a 2-day event held in Henderson, Nevada where over a hundred guest reviewers (moms and education professionals) are invited to attend a review event at the local convention center. All products are divided into categories and displayed at various review stations. Guest reviewers are asked to sit and review each product at one station, then move to another station, and so forth and so on. A review form is provided to each guest to aid him or her in evaluating each product. The review forms are to include written comments and a score value based on criteria that corresponds to the product’s category.

Finally, all review forms are collected, scores tabulated, and comments reviewed. Based on the scores and comments, certain products are determined to be finalists and receive a prestigious Preferred Choice award. The Seal of Excellence is another prestigious award given to those products that are not finalists but do exceed expectations based on the criteria for nurturing creativity and education in children.

Look for My Sister Is My Best Friend: A Trilingual Story, English, French and Spanish to be featured in Creative Child‘s special holiday issue this November!

Synopsis

My Sister Is My Best Friend is a story about the unique and very close friendship that exists between twin sisters. The sisters celebrate their friendship and closeness by doing just about everything together. People from all cultures can relate to this heartwarming story with the text written in English/Spanish/French on each page.

About the Author

Nicole Weaver was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish. Her deep connection with family resulted in her writing and publishing, My Sister Is My Best Friend: A Trilingual Story, by Guardian Angel Publishing, November 2011. Nicole has one more book under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, My Brother Is My Best Friend. Weaver also penned the children’s trilingual picture book entitled, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle. The story is about aHaitian little girl who resided by the beach in Haiti. Visit Nicole Weaver:

http://mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com.

Title: My Sister Is My Best Friend, a Trilingual Story

Written by: Nicole Weaver

Illustrated by: Clara Batton Smith

Soft cover: 16 pages

Ages: 4-8

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/sister-best.htm

Print ISBN 13: 978-1616332099

eBook ISBN 13: 978-1616332105

Published: November 2011

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HOW TO GIVE WITH A PURPOSE

Do you believe in giving with a purpose? Have you ever given to a charity just for the sake of giving? I think at one point we all have done that. Charitable contributions have taken a huge dive because of the economy. The only recourse we have is to do a thorough research to make sure the money is being used properly.

I believe most people that give do it because they mean well.   Having great intentions is no guarantee the money you give will be used for what you intended it to be used for.  This past week I had a rude awakening.  It broke my heart when I learned my monthly contribution that was meant to help the poor of Haiti was used to pay the salaries of pastors.  I had heard about a church that sends monthly contributions to Haiti to help feed the needy, so I figured it would be a great idea to send them a monthly check.

 I trusted the person who told me about the Haitian church, so I blindly gave my money.  I realized I can’t hop on a plane to go feed the hungry but the least I can do is to make monetary contributions.

As fate would have it, the week I found out how my contributions were diverted for other things is the same week I got a copy of the book:  Angels of a Lower Flight written by Susie Scott Krabacher , a former playboy centerfold.  I read the book in one day.   I have learned many things from reading this book.  The most important thing I learned is   there are people who are honest and like me they want to help Haiti’s needy.  Angels of a Lower Flight will help you see a genuine look at what goes on in my native Haiti.  It is a story of courage.  Susie Krabacher turned her destructive childhood and troubled youth and healed herself completely by serving love on a silver platter to Haiti’s children.

Her story of courage re-kindled my heart with a new desire to help the poor children of Haiti.  I found the courage to forgive the pastor that deceived me into thinking my monthly contribution was for the poor.  I have since learned how to give with a purpose.  I mean, I work very hard to earn a living so I can provide for my children.  My daughter just graduated from college and I have one more child to attend college. I give most of the proceeds from my book sales for Haiti relief and now, my contribution will be going to Mercy & Sharing.

If you would like to make a contribution you can visit  MERCY & SHARING

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR SISTERS LOVE YOU?

 How do you know your sisters love you?  For me the answer to that question is very easy. I am the youngest sister.  I often think back on when I was younger.  My two sisters Danielle and Rose took great care of me.  They came to the United States before me.  I remember them helping me learn English. Haiti is so different from New York. It took me time to get used to the frigid winters in New York.  My sisters were always there for me.  They made sure I had all the necessities for school.  Our Mom worked two jobs to make end meet. 

As a young girl living in a new city far away from my native Port-au-Prince Haiti, my sisters helped me assimilate to the American way of life by taking me to many functions.  They accompanied me to see the yearly Christmas and Easter shows at Radio City Music Hall. They took me to the movies and Coney Island.  These memories will reside in me forever.

Later, when I got married and had children, my sisters continued to support me by spoiling my three kids.    Coming up with the title of my second children book was not too difficult.  I wanted to dedicate a book to my sisters and that is how I came up with the title: My Sister Is My Best Friend.

I wrote the story to show that siblings can get along and it is fun to take time to do things together as opposed to fighting and arguing.  The story is written in English, French, and Spanish for a reason.   One reviewer captured the true essence of the book:

Nicole Weaver's children's book, My Sister is My Best Friend: A Trilingual Story, is a whimsy, fresh faced and full of confection. Yet, when one thinks about the book, it is soon evident the story has an important message. It is an homage to sisterhood even, and especially, at such a callow age.

The three languages, English, Spanish and French add to the globalness, and the girls become "everygirl." Similarities are so much more important than differences in today's tiny world, and Nicole's books prove this to be true.

The happy mood is captured beautifully by Clara Batton Smith's yummy watercolors. The sisters are dressed alike and are delighted with the day and the outing with each other and their mother. I particularly like the city feel of the illustrations.

Nicole dedicated the story to her three sisters, and the love she feels for them shines through within the book's pages. Delightfully, in fact.
 This is a gorgeous read all the way around. You're guaranteed to love it!

I hope you can answer the question: How do you know your sisters love you with a positive answer. Having siblings that support you is a gift that is worth millions.

The Joy of Sharing

There is nothing more nobler than the act of sharing.  Sharing is a basic act of letting the other person know you care.  Young children learn about sharing by watching the adults around them.  Actions certainly speak louder than words.  Growing up with two wonderful sisters made it easier for me to learn the value of sharing.  What I learned from them made me into the adult I am today. 

I am very thankful my older sisters taught me this important lesson.   It brings great joy to my heart because I have been able to pass on that important value to my three children.   They learned early on to share everything. 

I think sharing goes beyond material things.  My sisters and friends helped me shoulder the pain of my son’s illness.  They shared my pain by praying for me.  Now, they are sharing the joy of my son getting well again.  Life is so fragile, but having people around you to share joy makes life worth living.

Compassionate Children Become Compassionate Adults

 Earlier this week I wrote a post about sisters are special.  Today I want to write about friends are special too.  Since my son’s illness, many of the parents of Luc’s friends have been dropping off meals every night.  They know that I have been spending an entire day at my son’s bedside in the hospital.  I am very moved by their kindness.   Their actions remind me that compassionate children become compassionate adults.

Regarded as one of the greatest human virtues, compassion is an emotional response and attitude toward others that is deeply empathetic. It enables us to connect to human suffering with care and understanding, acting in ways that brings comfort to those around us. Research shows that compassion plays a key role in helping children develop into engaged, caring, and optimistic adults.

The old adage that says: Charity begins at home is so true. I think one of the best things we can do as parents is to encourage children to treat their siblings with love and respect. A child that learns early on to be a friend to a sibling can transfer that friendship to others. When my kids were young, I made sure they understood the importance of treating their siblings with respect and love. I helped my children figure out how to be a friend to each other. This strong belief is what led me to write My Sister Is My Best Friend as sisters that got along with one another.

 
I love what one reviewer wrote about the book:

“I like this book because it portrays sisters who get along and enjoy each others' company instead of being yet another one about sibling rivalry.”

Even in the face of a major illness, I was able to draw some positives to help my son understand and appreciate what true compassion is all about. He will be writing thank you cards for all who lovingly made meals. The blue cooler pictured below was filled with his favorite food.  upon our arrival from the hospital  on Saturday, we sat and ate a very healthy and robust lunch.  The families insisted on providing us meals until Tuesday .   I am abundantly blessed to live in a community with such compassionate individuals.

 

Sisters are Special

Do you have sisters? Are they as special as mine are?  I am sure they are.  I find great comfort knowing my sisters are there for me.  I am the youngest.  In good and bad times, my sisters are always there to support me.  Last month my sisters Danielle and Rose flew to Malibu, California to attend my daughter’s college graduation from Pepperdine University.

 My two sisters Rose and Danielle with my daughter Michele at her college graduation

The past two weeks have been very difficult as my youngest have been very sick.  Again, my sisters came to my support.  As I sit here in my son’s hospital room, I got inspired to write this post to share my thoughts on how thankful I am to have such great sisters. 

Yesterday my sister Rose brought me my favorite meal for lunch.  It gets very boring eating the same cafeteria food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I usually arrive at hospital by 6AM and leave by 8PM, so I do not have time to cook or even go to the store.  I want to spend as much time with my son as possible.

My sister Danielle lives in Long Island, New York.  She calls every day to give moral support and well wishes.

Feel free to share your sister story by leaving a comment. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

I consider myself very blessed to be part of Guardian Angel Publishing.  My publisher Lynda Burch, publishes quality children's books for ages 0-12 and it is with great pleasure I share with you the media release  below.  Hope you have time to stop by and check out the new Ezine format.  Thank you for your interest and support.


M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine
Email: submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com
Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com


For Immediate Release

Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Growing Up – June 2012 Issue

The Guardian Angel Kids creative crew is pleased to announce the new Ezine format. The inviting visual will take the reader on a turn page style adventure with the click of the mouse accompanied with the sound of turning a page in your hand. Without further ado, we present the Guardian Angel Kids Growing Up June 2012 issue…

The carefree days of childhood invokes memories of lazy days of summer vacation filled with days of swimming at the town pool. It was the central social point of the neighborhood and the excitement of the day would then flow onto our cul-de-sac (after the children of the neighborhood ate their respective suppers) where there was always a stick ball game going on until the single street light flickered on. Quickly we would change gears and switch to playing flashlight tag. My mother, always an avid reader, made sure her children read each and every day and to this day we all have instilled the same love of reading with our own children. Without lapsing in our reading skills throughout the summer we were always well prepared with our studies. The days appeared endless and before you knew it, it was time for back to school shopping.

The love of reading has led me to the path of writing for children and Editor-in-Chief of Guardian Angel Publishing, for which I’m joyful for and proud to present the Guardian Angel Kids June 2012 issue of Growing Up www.guardian-angel-kids.com.

We hope you enjoy our issue of Growing Up as much the Guardian Angel Kid staff did reminiscing about our childhoods and selecting the wonderful poetry, stories, articles, and activities.


LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Donna M. McDine

FEATURED BOOKS:

Growing Up Dreams by Susan Berger and illustrated by Samantha Bell

The Odd Chick by Mary Esparza-Vela and illustrated by Kevin Collier

CHILDREN’S POETRY, ACTIVITIES, SHORT STORIES, AND ARTICLES:

“I’m Growing Up,” poetry by Guy Belleranti – how quickly the time passes by.
“Is It Friday Yet?” poetry by Alicia Z. Klepeis – The excitement of the approaching end of the week.
“Activities to Make Reading Fun,” by Kathy Stemke – having fun with language is the key to unlocking the world of reading to your child.
“Too Much Trouble,” by Juliana M. Jones and illustrated by Nancy Miller – the growing responsibility of getting older.
“Maid for Make Believe,” by Caroline Yu and illustrated by Clara Batton Smith – the magic of pretend brings to friends closer together.
“Read Aloud Tips for Preschoolers: Put Some Pizzazz in Reading Aloud,” by Dorit Sasson – how to connect to the story by acting it out.
“Encouraging Your Reader,” by Vanessa Fortenberry – tips on how to encourage and instill the love of reading.

Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and www.guardian-angel-kids.com and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.

We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our Facebook Fan Pagehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247.

Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at submissions@guardian-angel-kids.comand let them know what you think of Guardian Angel Kids and what you'd like to see in the future. They aim to please.

The Guardian Angel Kids Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.