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Great 2018 Summer Reads For Kids
Delilah’s Birthday Surprise By Danielle Van Alst
Available in eBook & Paperback
It’s Delilah’s seventh birthday and what could be more fun than a birthday surprise! When Delilah wakes to the excitement of her big day, she is looking forward to a party with all of her friends complete with hats, noisemakers, decorations, and games. However, when Delilah’s Grandma shows up with a special birthday present, Delilah can’t believe her eyes. What is this extra special present Delilah’s Grandma brought? That’s the surprise!
Best for Readers Ages 5-9
Three Reasons to Read This Book
The illustrations are beautiful and extremely detailed.
This book will remind your child that they can have fun without a computer or phone! It will inspire them to use their imagination.
It’s the first in a series so your little ones can look forward to more great stories about the adventures of Delilah and Louise!
Where to Buy This Book
Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo starting in early June 2018
Five Fun Facts about the Author
Fact #1: Danielle has Master’s Degree in Psychology from Phillips Graduate University with a minor in Child Development
Fact #2: She is an only child, which is how she developed such an amazing imagination.
Fact #3: She has another book out called A World of Imagination (available on Amazon).
Fact #4: Danielle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Fact #5: She is very superstitious. When writing in a notebook or journal she must have her “lucky” pen.
You can learn more about Danielle by visiting her website www.daniellevanalst.com or following her on Twitter @d_vanalst, Instagram @dvanalstwriter or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/danielle.vanalst.35.
Of Course Said The Horse By John Scott Morton
Available in eBook & Paperback
Camels need to borrow flannels; a giraffe needs his bath and of course, a lion wants to use his iron! Horse says “Of course”, to all these unusual requests. Llamas are after his pajamas, will horse say ‘”of course”, to them?
Best for Readers Ages 5-10
Three Reasons to Read This Book
Written in rhyme, the book is fun to read both silently and out loud.
It has a terrific happy ending where the main character (the very generous horse) gains the happiness he deserves!
It’s not just a fun story, but also one that contains a valuable lesson about taking care of our planet!
Where to Buy this Book
Amazon and www.duckandcoverbooks.com
Five Fun Facts about the Author
Fact #1: His right foot is a full size larger than his left; causing him to buy odd size shoes.
Fact #2: He personally illustrates each of his books.
Fact #3: John had the idea for “Of Course, Said The Horse” while recycling the trash at his home. He decided it would be a great idea to write a book that entertained, but had a serious message for children about helping the planet.
Fact #4: His family was in the military so as a child he moved 23 times and lived in several different countries.
Fact #5: John always finishes every story with either a valuable lesson about life, or a way to help others. He would love it if his messages permeated people’s thoughts.
You can learn more about John by visiting his website www.duckandcoverbooks.com or following him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/duckandcover87.
How Sunny the Skunk Found His Smell By Antalaya Israel
Available in eBook & Paperback
This is a heartwarming tale about an adorable young skunk named Sunny who is a bit different from all his other friends. Sunny wants to play Hide and Go Smell but none of the other skunks can ever find him, because he doesn’t have a “Smell”. Join Sunny on his journey to find his smell.
Best for Readers Ages 0-9
Three Reasons to Read This Book
The Illustrations are beautiful but simple making them very appealing to small children.
The story is short enough for young children to memorize, which will cause them to delight in pretending to read the story, as they recite it aloud.
The book teaches kids it is okay to be different, while reminding them that everyone eventually grows comfortable in their own skin, and thus “finds their smell”.
Where to Buy this Book
Amazon and Barnes & Noble starting in early July 2018
Five Fun Facts about the Author
Fact #1: Antalaya wrote How Sunny the Skunk Found His Smell, while still in high school.
Fact #2: She loves cherry Pepsi, especially in a can.
Fact #3: Her favorite place to write is in the park.
Fact #4: One of her favorite authors is Stephen King.
Fact #5: She hopes her book will empower children everywhere who feel different or like they don’t belong.
You can learn more about Antalaya by following her on Pinterest @AntalayaIsrael1220, Instagram @TheOnlyAntalaya or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/antalaya.israel.
Are there Monsters in My Closet? By Jack Batcher
Available in eBook & Paperback
Calvin’s imagination runs wild when he is startled awake by strange noises. Now alone in the darkness of his bedroom he must figure out if these thumps, rattles, and bumps could be the very thing that his sisters warned him about. The question Calvin has to answer… Are there Monsters in My Closet?
Best for Readers Ages 4-8
Three Reasons to Read This Book
It is hysterical, especially if your child has a sibling!
Since the book is part of a series, your little one can immediately enjoy more great books like this one.
It will make the monsters in your child’s closet a lot less scary!
Where to Buy this Book
Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Five Fun Facts about the Author
Fact #1: He got his start in elementary school. He can remember making his own books out of construction paper.
Fact #2: The first book he published was a joke and coloring book called “Silly Cow”.
Fact #3: Jack is an accomplished musician and songwriter with over twenty years of experience as a musician.
Fact #4: If you can believe it, in addition to being a musician and published children’s book author he also writes poetry!
Fact #5: Jack’s nieces and nephews were the inspiration for his Critter Books series. He is a devoted uncle who delights in seeing the joy his books have brought to his own family, as well as, others.
You can learn more about Jack by visiting his website www.JackBatcher.com or at Good Reads at www.goodreads.com/jackbatcher. Additionally, you can follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjackbatcher.
The Tortoise Meets the Sea Turtles By J.D. Parsons
Available in eBook & Paperback
Join Teddy T. Tortoise, the famed tortoise who raced the hare, on another adventure as he vacations at the beach and meets a group of sea turtles. However, one of his new buddies finds it hard to accept Teddy because he’s different! However, Teddy is gentle, kind, and accepts everyone as they are. Can he convince his new sea turtle friend that it’s okay to be different?
Best for Readers Ages 1-12
Three Reasons to Read This Book
It contains a very important social issue prompting discussions about the dangers of judging others negatively, just because they are different.
The illustrations are beautiful!
It’s part of a series and the other books in the collection also have social themes.
Where to Buy this Book
Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble
Five Fun Facts about the Author
Fact #1: He was once a photographer.
Fact #2: He enjoys watching cartoons.
Fact #3: He has a deep interest in religious texts and politics.
Fact #4: J.D. participated in writing competitions in high school.
Fact #5: Dr. Seuss was one of his inspirations for becoming a children’s author.
You can learn more about J.D. by visiting his website www.misterlineeditor.com or following him on Twitter @JDParsonsAuthor, Instagram J.D.parsons_author_editor, or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JDParsonsAuthor.
Weeds in Nana’s Garden By Kathryn Harrison
Available in eBook, Hardback & Paperback
A young girl and her Nana hold a special bond that blooms in the surroundings of Nana’s magical garden. Then one day, the girl discovers that her beloved Nana has Alzheimer’s Disease. Over time, her Nana declines, but the girl learns to accept and support the changes, and takes over as the magical garden’s caregiver.
Best for Readers Ages 4-10
Three Reasons to Read This Book
You directly support the Alzheimer Society of Canada with each purchase. The organization supports those living with dementia and their families. Each purchase results in a $1 donation to the society.
By reading this book, your children will enhance their understanding of this disease and dispel fear, building compassion if they encounter it.
It won two distinct book awards, one with Wishing Shelf Book Awards and the other in the Authors Talk About It Book Contest.
Where to Buy this Book
Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at weedsinnanasgarden.com
Five Fun Facts about the Author
Fact #1: She loves to swim and is part of a synchronized swim team.
Fact #2: She has an identical twin sister who lives in California.
Fact #3: Her garden has flowers that she transplanted from her mom’s garden (Nana’s Garden).
Fact #4: Kathryn shares her art studio with a sweet golden tabby cat, named Elara.
Fact #5: She use to dream of illustrating books when she was a little girl, and now she is an illustrator, so dreams do come true.
You can learn more about Kathryn by visiting her website http://kathrynharrison.ca/ or by following her on Instagram @kathryn.harrison.art and Twitter @KathHarrisonArt.
I Smile For Grandpa By Jaclyn Guenette
Available in Paperback
When Grandpa is diagnosed with a dementia disease, Little Buddy realizes playing soccer together won’t quite be the same. However, while the activities that Grandpa can do are changing, there is still much fun to be had. In fact, spending time with each other is as special as ever!
Best for Readers Ages 5-9
Three Reasons to Read This Book
Discussing Dementia with children can be difficult. Adults will appreciate the “Tips for Parents” and “Q&A” sections in the book.
The story drives home the importance of connecting with loved ones.
The book is beautifully illustrated. Children will love the little animals and creatures found throughout the book.
Where to Buy this Book
Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Five Fun Facts about the Author
Fact #1: She is a registered social worker.
Fact #2: Jaclyn loves to travel and will be traveling on a trip to Europe for a few weeks with her family.
Fact #3: Every year, she runs a half marathon with friends.
Fact #4: She loves sports, especially soccer.
Fact #5: Jaclyn hopes people will consider ways to keep children involved and talking about Dementia.
You can learn more about Jaclyn’s upcoming projects by visiting http://flipturnpublishing.com.
Vendor Agreements: Avoiding the GDPR Administrative Nightmare
By Marie Korman, J.D.- Freelance Writer
The compliance deadline for the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) is right around the corner. As companies scramble to meet the May 25, 2018 deadline, it may be tempting to quickly sign contractual amendments received from vendors to achieve GDPR. compliance. To avoid an administrative nightmare in managing GDPR commitments within vendor contracts, it is best to take a strategic approach from the very start.
The Problem
Companies that engage vendors for services that involve data hosting or processing of any kind and which might include the capture of EU resident’s data, will need a strategy for bringing their vendor contractual agreements into compliance. When companies engage multiple vendors, it means each one is likely to want a slightly different set of contractual terms. This presents an important problem when legislation like GDPR, requires companies respond shortly after a trigger event transpires. Varying terms means having to look up the corresponding contractual GDPR commitments each time an incident happens. This can waste valuable time and put companies at risk of fines and penalties.
The Solution
Companies should establish their own standard GDPR contract amendment or standalone agreement. This allows a company to set a single standard and utilize it with their entire vendor pool. A standard contract amendment would be a practical approach for companies who have multiple vendors but tend to have a single master agreement that governs all of the individual services received. A standalone agreement would be the best approach for those companies who have multiple vendors and several different contracts with each. The standalone agreement would provide protection and continued GDPR compliance when termination of individual contracts or signing of new agreements occur.
When drafting a standardized GDPR contract amendment or standalone agreement a company should engage their Legal, Risk, and Procurement teams to ensure appropriate input from all vantage points. It is best to establish an agreed upon governance approach, so that it is clear which team will take responsibility for maintaining the GDPR template agreement and what role each team will play when the need for updates arise. Be sure to incorporate a version control process and historical archive in which to store previous versions. This can be important in the event of an audit, as the auditor may to ask to see a copy of the prior GDPR agreement.
The Benefits
Having consistent GDPR contractual terms will drive speed in responding to data incidents or inquires. Additionally, it will lower the cost associated with the administration of GDPR contracts, by limiting the number of GDPR templates needing maintenance. If revisions to the legislation occur in the future (which is likely) updates will consist of revising a single document and distributing it to the entire impacted vendor pool. It will also allow for a few individuals within a single organization to develop an expertise with the GDPR template, making the approval process for minor revisions requested from vendors faster.
The Result
A low cost, low maintenance, streamlined administrative approach for GDPR vendor commitments.
For more information about GDPR see https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations.
2018 New Emerging Children’s Writers
Do you know what the best thing is about a new children’s author? They bring the possibility of discovering a new book your kids fall in love with and the chance to fall in love with an author they will follow for decades. Here are some great new children’s authors who are making their debut in 2018.
Debut Book: How Sunny the Skunk Found His Smell
Expected Book Release Date: July 2018
Where to Find It: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
What You Should Know About Antalaya:
How She Became a Writer– While attending Humanities High School, she found her passion for writing in her children’s literature class where she first wrote “How Sunny the Skunk Found His Smell”. Later in life she would have a chance meeting with Joy Thomas Anderson, an illustrator, resulting in the opportunity to finally bring her story to market.
What Makes Her Writing Unique– She believes in short simple children’s stories that are easy for kids to memorize like the mother goose stories of old. Antalaya explains further, “Sunny is a young boy just trying to fit in and make friends. My book is unique because it uses a fairy-tale format, while addressing a serious concern kids have today, which is wanting to fit in with others and feeling different, alone and without a “smell”.
One Thing That Might Surprise You to Know– Antalaya created the Sunny the Skunk character based upon her own experience as a child. “I didn’t grow up having money and sometimes I felt alone because my family couldn’t afford the latest sneakers or jackets that were in style.”
What Readers Can Expect Next– She hopes to turn How Sunny the Skunk Found His Smell into a series. So be on the lookout for more adventures of Sunny the Skunk!
Debut Book: The Jenson Adventures: The Ghost of Crow Island
Expected Book Release Date: Available Now
Where to find it: https://gremlincreative.com
What You Should Know About Stephanie:
How She Became a Writer– Stephanie’s been writing since she was kid. She loved writing short stories and even wrote a fictional newspaper called The Oracle that she handed out for fun in middle school.
What Makes Her Writing Unique– In her own words, “My middle grade book stories are simple and traditional, which I don’t think you see often these days. The kids love and respect their parents and the parents are involved in their kids’ lives.
One Thing That Might Surprise You to Know– She lives in Hawaii but the ocean terrifies her. Stephanie said, “I’ll sit by the ocean and read, but I will not dip a toe in the water!”
What Can Readers Expect Next? – Stephanie indicated while she does hope to continue The Jensen Adventures as a series, she is currently finishing some adult book projects. Her post zombie apocalypse book, Division Tennessee will be available in June, so be sure to look for it.
Debut Book: Eden’s New Friend
Expected Book Release Date: Available Now
Where to Find It: Amazon
What You Should Know About Erin:
How She Became a Writer– Sadly, she lost her mother at age 5. School officials thought it would be beneficial for her to keep a journal so that she would have a “safe” outlet for her and emotions. Erin stated however, “I found myself turning it into a challenge to see what completely ludicrous scenarios I could create.” Later, as her children got older, she realized she needed to find another focal point for her attention, which had been exclusively her children, up to that point. It was at this point, that she decided to take the courageous leap, of transitioning into a writer, as an adult.
What Makes Her Writing Unique– Her writing is based on her own experiences raising her three children, over the past 20 years. Her vast experience means her stories will resonate with most kids, as well, as their parents. Nothing draws readers in better than real life experiences, that are totally relatable.
One Thing That Might Surprise You to Know– She is terribly afraid of heights.
What Can Readers Expect Next? – More adventures featuring Eden! Erin has already penned the next two books in the Eden series, “Eden Visits the Orchard”, and “Eden’s Bad Day” and hopes to have the next book available by August.
Introducing Antalaya Israel
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to cross paths with writer Antalaya Israel. She was looking for assistance with publishing her first children’s picture book, How Sunny the Skunk Found His Smell.
After hearing the storyline, I, Joy Thomas Anderson and Frieda Raj, each immediately signed on to the project.
I am so excited to share that How Sunny the Skunk Found His Smell is on the calendar for release in July.
If you would like to learn, more about Antalaya, including how she got her start as a writer, see my “Who I Am Following” page. You will find many other great writers there as well.
Content Creation & Book Publishing 