Tag Archives: children fiction

“Acorn Gert and BrotherBert” is a Delightful Tale of Uncovering Our Potential in Life

Meet Acorn Gert, a delightful, energetic acorn who loves her brother Bert and their life under a great oak tree. Gert and Bert are happy frolicking in the leaves until their friend, the wise owl, lets them in on a secret.

Cleveland, OH (USA), December 1st, 2016 — Meet Acorn Gert, a delightful, energetic acorn who loves her brother Bert and their life under a great oak tree. Gert and Bert are happy frolicking in the leaves until their friend, the wise owl, lets them in on a secret. They have more potential and will offer more in life than just two sweet little acorns playing in the dirt. “Acorn Gert and Brother Bert” remind us that, just like acorns, we all have seeds of potential, our God-given gifts that are meant to grow into something amazing.

“As the mother of eight wonderful children, each one uniquely their own, I wanted to create a children’s story that would celebrate the individual potential of each child and encourage readers to cherish and nurture their own unique value,” said author Elizabeth Duncan Stretar. “I am hoping parents will be able to use the message of Acorn Gert as a starting point for conversations about potential with their children.”

“Acorn Gert and Brother Bert” is told in rhyme, with a joyful rhythm that children will enjoy and ask to have read repeatedly. The colorful characters, drawn by illustrator Rosemarie Gillen help bring the story to life. At the end of the story Stretar has included additional information to help parents and educators use the story with intention to help discover the untapped talents of children.

“It is important that we talk about the seeds that have been planted in our children from a young age,” said Stretar. “My hope is that the characters will make the story memorable and the importance of discovering each child’s inner purpose becomes a regular conversation with parents and educators.”

Stretar aims help parents nurture their children’s potential and help them grow to become all they were meant to be. To that end, “Acorn Gert and Brother Bert” is meant to be tool to stimulate fun, meaningful conversation between adults and children. It is the first in a series of delightful children’s stories featuring the main acorn characters. In the next edition Acorn Gert – Gets a Brand New Skirt, which will highlight the simple pleasures of playing dress-up and igniting imaginative paly in the lives of children.

“I have so enjoyed working with Elizabeth on this project,” said Lisa Umina, founder and president of Halo Publishing International. “Acorn Gert and Brother Bert is such an important book for parents to read to their children. It is never too soon to encourage our youth to be the best they can be.”

“Acorn Gert and Brother Bert” is now available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon, in paperback for $12.95 and e-book version for $6.95.

* Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/acorn-gert-and-brother-bert-elizabeth-duncan-stretar/1125157561?ean=9781612445038
* Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Acorn-Brother-Elizabeth-Duncan-Stretar/dp/1612445039/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479839105&sr=8-1&keywords=Elizabeth+Duncan+Stretar

About Elizabeth Duncan Stretar:
Elizabeth Duncan Stretar, graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, is a wife, mother of eight and grandmother of sixteen (by mid-2017). She is also a flight attendant who writes on the fly and blogs on a wide range of topics. The author spent the majority of her professional career in the non-profit sector working primarily with teenage mothers through YoungLives; an outreach program of Young Life. She was the first YoungLives National Director responsible for laying the groundwork for the teen mom initiative that today, reaches teen moms world-wide. In 2008, she and husband Frank co-founded the non-profit organization LeaderWithin. “Acorn Gert and Brother Bert” is her first published book. Proceeds from this book will be used to support the ongoing work of LeaderWithin, which exists to help others discover more of who they are, where they are and what they can become. www.leaderwithin.org. www.betsystretar.com

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

“Mindfulness of Nature” a Dose of Encouragement and Beauty Support Positive Mental Health

In the first in a series of books supporting the benefits of affirmation, author Jo Ann Petrucci Andrews offers a collection of beautiful landscape images combined with words of positive support.

Foster, RI (USA), December 1st, 2016 — In the first in a series of books supporting the benefits of affirmation, author Jo Ann Petrucci Andrews offers a collection of beautiful landscape images combined with words of positive support. “Mindfulness of Nature” uses the alphabet as a foundation for presenting encouraging words to help readers focus on the positive rather than the negative in life.

“Sometimes we just need to be reminded that no matter how dark our day is or how negative a relationship may be, there is a ray of positivity if we look for it,” said author Jo Ann Petrucci Andrews. “I wanted to create a book that would help readers remember their strengths, their value and the parts of their life for which they should be most thankful.”

“Mindfulness of Nature” statements of affirmation from A to Z can be used as a daily reminder, an as-needed dose of positivity or even as a family activity to promote a habit of thinking on the bright side of life. Each beautiful image was taken by the author depicting some of her favorite restful spots from the woodlands of New England to the beaches of Mexico.

“I wanted to combine the beauty of nature with encouraging words to help the reader be in the moment,” said Andrews. “There is a gift to be had by focusing on the positive in our life right this moment rather than bemoaning what might have been or worrying about the “what ifs” of the future. Being in the moment is a great way to change the direction of our thoughts which can help us as we view life, relationships, work and every aspect of our day.”

“I keep a copy of Jo Ann’s book within easy reach,” said Lisa Umina, founder and president of Halo Publishing International. “I thoroughly enjoyed the positive messages during the first read through and now I flip through at random and pick a page to help focus my mind during the day. It is a great way to remind me of the blessings in my life.”

Andrews is working on a series of books to follow “Mindfulness of Nature” based on her professional counseling sessions that will inspire, motivate and encourage readers to live in the moment and surround themselves with positive thoughts, positive people and positive experiences.

“Mindfulness of Nature” is available from:
* Halo Publishing – http://halopublishing.com/1a-c/jo-ann-petrucci-andrews.html
* Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Nature-Jo-Ann-Andrews/dp/1612445128/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479315461&sr=8-3&keywords=andrews+halo+publishing
* Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mindfulness-of-nature-jo-ann-petrucci-andrews/1125149851?ean=2940156965397

Purchase your copy as an e-book for $7.99 or hardcover for $15.95.

About Jo Ann Petrucci Andrews:
Dr. Jo-Ann Petrucci Andrews is a marriage and family therapist who helps children and their families recover from grief and loss. She is a licensed mental health counselor, and she holds a Doctor of Education degree. Jo-Ann specializes in trauma-focused treatment for a wide range of issues, including bereavement, divorce, adoption and foster care, autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, co-parenting, and mood disorders. She currently lives on a farm in New England with her husband, children, and animals.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

“Racing the Flame” Combines Faith and Adventure in this Western Children/Young Adult Novel

If you have ever dreamed of being a cowboy/cowgirl on a Montana ranch, “Racing the Flame” will transport you out west and take you for the ride of your life.

Jordan, MT (USA), December 1st, 2016 — If you have ever dreamed of being a cowboy/cowgirl on a Montana ranch, “Racing the Flame” will transport you out west and take you for the ride of your life. Set during a drought-stricken summer in Montana on a cattle ranch, readers will meet the Landers family, a tightknit Christian family who have their faith in God in the forefront of their lives. When tragedy strikes, in the form of a raging fire that is eating up thousands of acres of prairie land, their faith is put to the test.

“I wrote this story based on a real life experience we had on our horse ranch,” said author Lisa Phipps. “Just like Jay’s father, my husband was out with the other ranchers fighting the fire day and night. I wanted to create a story that featured our ranch life and the realities we experience while also depicting a family unit that is based on their love for each other and their love and trust in God.”

Even before the fire strikes, the older Landers’ children, Jay and his sister Katy, are introduced to readers as hard working, responsible teens who love their family and enjoy the unique life of herding cattle, riding horses and working in the barn. Readers gain a true understanding of ranch life and how different it is from the typical teen life of walking the mall and hanging out at the local burger joint.

“Lisa has created a wholesome, entertaining story that will capture readers of all ages,” said Lisa Umina, founder and President of Halo Publishing International. “The Landers family is a wonderful example of how family life can be if we live as God wants us to; understanding that relationships are far more important than materials things.”

Racing the Flame” is beautifully illustrated on the cover and throughout the book by Katie Busch. Katie has a passion for art, especially pencil and clay, but all media are fun for her. She lives in northeastern Montana with her husband and their dog, chickens, and emus. This is her first book to illustrate, however Lisa Phipps and Katie are continuing to collaborate on a series of picture books that will be coming out soon.

“Racing the Flame” is available from Halo Publishing as well as Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get your copy in paperback for $11.95 or as a e-book for $3.99.

About Lisa Phipps:
Lisa Phipps grew up in west-central Minnesota. She earned her degree in elementary education at the University of Minnesota, Morris and moved to Montana to begin her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse. She is a runner, a writer, and a Sunday school teacher, but her favorite thing to do is ride horses with her husband and their three children on their Montana cattle ranch.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

“El Lago de los Milagros” A Fantastical Journey Between Good and Evil

Welcome to the two worlds of “El Lago de los Milagros” – the Lake of Miracles – where the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the intense internal battle we all experience, takes on a life of its own.

Jacksonville, FL (USA), November 20th, 2016 — Imagine if our most fantastic dreams came true; if the dragons and fairies that entertain our sleeping hours lived in their own special dream world. Welcome to the two worlds of “El Lago de los Milagros” – the Lake of Miracles – where the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the intense internal battle we all experience, takes on a life of its own.

“I have been a fan of fantasy fiction since reading the Never-ending Story as a child,” said author Paola Sur. “Throughout my life I have been intrigued and entertained by the idea of a world where dreams come to life and the reader can escape into a story of wonder and adventure.”

In “El Lago de los Milagros” there are two worlds; a world of human beings and a universe in which of all of the creatures of our dreams live. Agatha, the great Sorceress of Lubathar, has in her hands the ability to maintain balance, but a threat jeopardizes the fate of the lives of humans and creatures.

“This is such an exciting adventure,” said Lisa Umina, founder and president of Halo Publishing International. “Paola brings the characters to life and will hold readers in the palm of her hand as they experience the struggle between good and evil.”

As readers enjoy “El Lago de los Milagros” they will come to realize the value of dreams, the importance of friendships and the reality that no one is alone; there is always someone there to offer help and support, no matter what the struggle.

Paola has also been creating mini-children’s stories with illustrator Tatiana Williams. Follow Paola on Instagram to learn more: @paobsur.

“El Lago de los Milagros” is available from Halo Publishing as well as Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get your copy in paperback for $14.00 or as a e-book for $5.95.

About Paola B. Sur:
Paola B. Sur is a Colombian writer and blogger based in the United States since 2002. Mother of two children, lover of football and fiction fantasy, she has written for publications including First Coast Magazine and Ser Padres and was editor-in-chief of Muévelo Magazine. In 2011 she earned the title of Master of Communications at Georgia State University.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

“I Love Being Me” a Wonderful Lesson in Acceptance

“I Love Being Me” is a joyful, positive book that will encourage readers to celebrate humanity in all its colors.

Portland, OR (USA), November 20th, 2016 — When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see? Liberty Belle does. A rather precocious child, Libby, as she is called, has a joy for life and a level of self-confidence that is contagious. Just ask her friends, a diverse collection of little girls, each with their own unique value, that have come together to have fun and enjoy life. “I Love Being Me” is a joyful, positive book that will encourage readers to celebrate humanity in all its colors.

“Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to travel and live in a variety of countries around the globe,” said author April Allen. “I have seen first-hand the benefits of diversity. When one has been exposed to a diversity of people they tend to be more well-rounded, better communicators and in turn better leaders. When I became a mother I knew that I wanted to raise my daughters to accept and celebrate the differences that we all have. From this desire was born Liberty Belle, a fun and colorful character who happily points out her friend’s unique differences, while emphatically declaring she loves everything about herself.”

Each of the friends that Libby meets in the book “I Love Being Me” are actually a composite of some of the wonderful people that have been in April’s life from elementary school through law school and beyond. She wanted to honor the friends that have been an inspiration in her real life.

“My hope is that as parents are reading the story of Libby and her friends to their children that it will spark some interesting conversation,” said Allen. “I wanted to create a story that allows children and parents to have important discussions in a healthy, fun and loving way. God created us all and loves us all, no matter our background, color, or ability and hopefully “I Love Being Me” will help foster that inclusive behavior in our readers.

“This is such a special book,” said Lisa Umina, founder and president of Halo Publishing International. “Liberty Belle is a great voice for the next generation as she embraces different ethnicities and races while celebrating who she is and her own uniqueness.”

“I Love Being Me” is available from:
* Halo Publishing
* Amazon
* Barnes and Noble

Get your copy in paperback for $10.95 or as a e-book for $6.95.

About April Allen:
April Allen lives outside Portland, Oregon with her wonderful husband and two young daughters. April loves to learn, travel and to try new adventures! She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington. She also holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. April has traveled the world extensively and lived in several countries such as, Guatemala, England, Japan, and Spain. Some of her adventures include, climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan and Acatenango in Guatemala, and trekking the Great Wall of China. April consults and educates institutions on matters of diversity and inclusion.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

The Christmas Mouse Inspires Families to Create New Holiday Traditions

The latest in holiday children’s literature, The Christmas Mouse, is soon to become a classic that families will read every December.

Oshkosh, WI (USA), October 01st, 2016 — The latest in holiday children’s literature, The Christmas Mouse, is soon to become a classic that families will read every December. Set at the time of Jesus’ birth, we find a tiny mouse and his fellow barn animal friends anticipating the holy birth; but not everyone is excited.

“I wanted to create a story that would put focus back on the true meaning of Christmas,” said Mark Spencer. “There was something innocent and endearing about a tiny mouse being the voice of faith and grace during a time when we can so often be caught up in the material trappings of the holiday.”

The Christmas Mouse is written entirely in rhyme and the illustrations, created by artist Polona Lovsin, beautifully bring to life a camel, goat, donkey, sheep and mouse. Children will be drawn to their sweet faces and the wonderful story as it moves from fear and doubt to faith and generosity.

“I’m an engineer,” said Spencer. “Writing children’s fiction was never even a consideration. However, one day while visiting friends, I noticed a tiny doll house door along their baseboard.”

That little door created a spark of inspiration and over time the story began to take shape in his mind until one final night when it just seemed to flow from his fingertips.

Readers of The Christmas Mouse will be glad that Spencer tapped into that inner child and created this wonderful holiday tale which includes an idea for creating an annual family tradition. The little mouse door plays an important role in the story. It is through the door that the grace of God enters; a door into our hearts. Spencer suggests families might create a simple door, with paper and crayon, to symbolize the spirit of Christmas entering each home. It is a wonderful way to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive.

“This is such a sweet story,” said Lisa Umina, founder and publisher of Halo Publishing International. “And I have it on good authority that these adorable creatures will be appearing in a sequel before too long.”

Early readers of The Christmas Mouse are already sharing their positive comments:
“What a great message of giving and generosity. It is a message that will teach kids a lot of important lessons. Most of all, it will teach kids the true meaning of Christmas so that they could get ready not by expecting gifts but by sharing as much as they can with others, especially those who are less fortunate,” Irene Roth.

The Christmas Mouse is now available in paperback and e-book formats at:
* Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Mouse-Spencer-Mark-ebook/dp/B01LYWC8W4/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474928874&sr=1-5&keywords=mark+spencer

* Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-mouse-mark-spencer/1124662359?ean=9781612444888

About Mark Spencer:
Mark Spencer is currently a Project Director with SEE Inc. with a background in engineering and architectural design. He enjoys foremost his boys, along with firefighting, skiing, snowboarding, and also has an interest in fiction and technical writing. The Christmas Mouse is his first published work.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. http://www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com