Announcing:

Magical Max and Magical Mickey's Big Surprise

Like their magical older brother and sister, Matt and Mea, nine year old twins Max and Mickey knew they’d soon lose their magic. But they are determined to build an amazing graduation gift before their magic runs out. Will they make it in time and what is their Big Surprise?

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Reviews:

 

 Skillfully written, beautifully illustrated, the fifth book in award winning Penelope Anne Cole's Magical Series will captivate and motivate young readers. Grown siblings Matthew and Mea, and Lily, their neighbor and friend in a wheelchair, have reached milestones. To mark the occasion gifts are in order, but who will receive the greatest surprise? Will the twins' magical powers combined with their perseverance and strength be enough for one last amazing feat? Wonderful first chapter books that teach children to use whatever gifts or talents they have to help others. 
~Lorna d'Entremont, M.Ed., Special Needs BookReview

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Penelope Anne Cole has rounded out her Magical Series with a book full of surprises. Now that the twins, Max and Mickey, are about to lose their magical abilities, they work hard to create another helpful gift that can be operated without magic. 

Helpfulness is still the core of the family values, as can be seen in the relationship of each family member to the others and the special relationship to neighbor, Lily. Kevin Scott Collier's illustrations graphically show the connections and the surprises. Young readers will love the way the story builds suspense until it gets to the final BIG Surprise.  
~Barbara Bockman, Author,Librarian, and English Teacher

From the Author

In my "Magical" series, I wanted to bring the story full circle -- to show children that it's possible to pursue and accomplish your dreams. To show them that kindness and good deeds can be their own reward, but are also blessings to others. And to show that family love and support are so very important at any age.

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Dedication:  
To Matthew, Katy, and AJ: 
your lives are uplifting examples of
perseverance, strength, and generosity.

Announcing:

IN AND OUT, ALL 'ROUND ABOUT - OPPOSITE FRIENDS

In Out All ‘Round About

This is about friendship and differences; about the ups and downs, ins and outs of having a friend, being a friend, and keeping a friend. Sometimes it’s cultural and racial differences, or distance that might separate friends.    

For ages 5-8.

Author Comment:

In and Out, All ‘Round About – Opposite Friends started out as a concept book about opposites:  in and out, up and down, and so forth. Then it grew into a story about two children who are opposites—pushing and pulling in opposite directions, even disagreeing—but they still keep their friendship in spite of their conflicts and differences. I hope children will see themselves in this story and see that our friends don’t have to be just like us.

Penelope Anne Cole’s new picture book, In and Out, All ‘Round About, tells about friends who are different. The story shows how two very different children, by embracing their quirks and differences, make their friendship stronger.  Cole demonstrates their differences in a rhyming cadence that works beautifully.  Snappy illustrations by Agy Wilson are a delight. They sustain the multicultural theme and expand it.                         

East to west, and heat to heart — Our differences won’t make us part.                                         

 I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers. Children always benefit from knowing the satisfaction of accepting and appreciating differences.                                                              

~Margot Finke—and her Magic Carpet of 15 Books   http://www.margotfinke.com

IN AND OUT, ALL ‘ROUND ABOUT is a beautiful story about two friends.  The text and pictures express some of the emotional complexities of friendship in a lovely way.  The two friends share differences and similarities that help them grow as individuals and that strengthen their bond.  I love reading and writing stories about friendship.  Author Penelope Anne Cole and illustrator Agy Wilson’s portrait of friendship would be a great addition to your home or school library.                                                                               

 ~Jill Dana   www.JillDanaBooks.com

 

Announcing

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Katy is invited to her Nigerian friend Amaeka’s for dinner and fears their food may be too different and she won’t like it. Katy asks her mother and friends about Nigerian food. At the dinner, Katy decides to eat what she is served and is surprised by the main course.                                                  For readers ages 5 to 8

Endorsements:

I think this is a cute idea for a story--and I think it's something kids REALLY worry about, whether they are going to eat foreign food or not. What if I don't like the way my friend's mom cooks? I think “What’s for Dinner” is great!    

~Margo Dill, Award Winning Writer, Editor, and Author

 www.margodill.com

Culturally specific books are important because research has shown that children fair well when they can identify with people who are similar to themselves. I applaud award winning children’s author, Penelope Anne Cole for writing her newest book, “What’s for Dinner.” Children all over the world will be inspired  with  her book because  it celebrates diversity.

~Nicole Weaver, Multi-Award Winning Author

www.nicoleweaver.com