VSNL

Steve Butler’s New Book, A Letter From Heaven, Helps Children Deal With The Death Of A Sibling

Lenoir, NC (PRWEB) July 15, 2008

In his newly released children’s story, A Letter From Heaven, author Steve Butler addresses a rarely talked about issue regarding the questions and feelings children have when they discover that their parents had a previous child who died.

Jamie is a young boy full of curiosity and questions. His inquisitiveness about a ceramic jar sitting on a shelf causes him to constantly question his mother about it. For a long time, his mother was quick to give a simple answer that satisfied him. As time passes, he becomes even more curious. His mother finally sits him down and retrieves a letter from the jar. She reads the letter and Jamie discovers that it is written to him from his sister who died shortly after being born.

A Letter From Heaven is a poignant and heartfelt story that explains what happened to Jamie’s sister before he was born.

Book Reviews

Deborah Wham, MS, CGC

“Parents who have experienced pregnancy loss or neonatal death will find A letter From Heaven to be a gift. It is not only an eloquently told story of death, grief, and new life, but it also helps to explain these abstract concepts to children. Professionals who work with the bereaved will want to keep this one on their bookshelves.”

Melissa Eggers – Retired Educator

“A Letter From Heaven will fill a niche that needs filling – a book for children who have questions about a previous child who died. It will help parents to answer those questions, and it will help children understand and be assured that their older sibling who died is still a member of the family, still loved, and still related to them. It’s a book about love.”

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

“With beautiful illustrations enhancing the story, A Letter From Heaven, is a very tender and uplifting story. It is highly recommended as an aid for parents, therapists, and educators, to help children through the grieving process when discovering the unexpected loss of a baby through either a miscarriage, still born, or sudden infant death. The book is a must have for every library.”

Book Ordering

A Letter From Heaven is published by AuthorHouse, ISBN:9781434347152 and distributed through Ingram Distribution and can be purchased online at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and many other online bookstores. AuthorHouse orders can be placed at AuthorHouse

About the Author

Steve Butler is chaplain at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir, North Carolina. Steve is a native of Chicago and has also served as a college chaplain in Wisconsin and Ohio. He is an Associate Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Steve has also written, We are Known as Christ’s Disciples, a Christian Education resource for children in grades 1-3, published through the curriculum series, Disciples Alive! He has also written a family history.

If you are interested in reviewing A Letter From Heaven, or arranging for a talk and book signing, or interview, please contact Steve Butler at wsbutler @ charter.net, or by phone at 828 – 292 -1642.

###

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

USA Skypanels Announced Today the Positive Effects Children at Cox Elementary School Have Benefited from Since its Donation of Skypanels™

North Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) March 16, 2009

USA Skypanels announced its donation of six Cumulus II light diffusers to Cox Elementary school today. Skypanels™ are custom designed, decorative translucent panels, that fit into standard fluorescent ceiling fixtures and replace the dull, brittle, plastic stock diffusers found in most commercial offices, hospitals, schools, and homes.

Skypanels™ have been placed in many classrooms for children with special needs across the nation. Adikie Mosby, a special education teacher at Cox Elementary in Concord, North Carolina had six Cumulus II Skypanels™ installed in her classroom. Instead of looking up at the standard brittle plastic diffusers that are known for their harsh lighting, students now work under images of soft billowing clouds. The light that emits through the translucent inks on a Skypanel™ is on a blue scale, and promotes the same elevated feelings of happiness and calm that the color blue is attributed to.

Mosby teaches students in the Learning Connections program from Kindergarten to second grade. The program is designed for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who have average to above average IQ and/or academics at or above grade level.

A study called “The Effects of Fluorescent and Incandescent Illumination Upon Repetitive Behaviors in Autistic Children,” conducted by Richard S. Colman, Fred Frankel, Edward Ritvo, and B. J. Freeman showed the findings of six autistic children who were observed under two conditions of background illumination. During two sessions, the room was illuminated by fluorescent light, and during two other sessions, by equal intensity incandescent light. Subjects spent significantly more time engaged in repetitive behavior under fluorescent light. Previous research suggested that these findings were related to the flickering nature of fluorescent illumination.

Since the instillation of Skypanels™ at the end of February 2009, Mosby has seen a noticeable calming effect on her students. “The classroom is so quiet during work activities even though we have multiple groups going on at the same time,” Mosby said. “The students no longer complain that the lights are too bright and they seem more relaxed and calm.”

Skypanels™ capture the essence of nature while creating an illusion of being under real skies and other natural therapeutic settings. Skypanels™ have been attributed to reducing tension and headaches by providing relief from the harsh glare of traditional overhead diffuser lighting. By creating a feeling of being outdoors, Skypanels™ users sited elevated moods, feelings of calmness, as well as an increased overall sense of well being, as compared to those who worked under traditional light diffusers.

Used by thousands of customers nationwide, USA Skypanels™ delivers quality products at affordable pricing. Coming in a variety of designs ranging from clouds, to colorful blossoms, to a variety of trees, and hot air balloons, Skypanels™ bring the relaxation and color of the outdoors, into a variety of interior settings including healthcare facilities, offices, conference rooms, retail spaces, spas, hotels, restaurants, homes and schools.

Skypanels™ can be ordered individually or as a set, creating a virtual sky. Installing Skypanels™ is easy and can be completed in minutes with minimal effort. Weighing 1.75 pounds and measuring 24″ x 48″, Skypanels™ can be cut with a razor blade to fit into any ceiling space. Made from 100% acrylic with the images screen printed directly onto the panels, Skypanels™ are built to last for up to 20 years under normal inside lighting conditions and for up to 10 years outdoors. Skypanels™ are created with a protective layer of UV coating.

Founded in 2004 USA Skypanels, Inc. is a strong supporter of local charities, donating a portion of its proceeds from every Skypanel™ purchased to worthy organizations. For more information about Skypanels™ products please contact USA Skypanels, Inc., 6180 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Suite 320, North Hollywood, CA 91606 USA. Phone: (888) 475-9726; Fax: 818-980-9021; Internet; http://www.USASkypanels.com; email: Sales (at) USASkypanels (dot) com.

# # #

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico Launches “Summer Guaycura Camp” for Children

Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico (PRWEB) April 22, 2012

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto (http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com), Baja California South, Mexico, the newest luxury resort from the Villa Group, is pleased to announce “Summer Guaycura Camp” created for kids ages 8-15. Starting July 14th, there will be six week-long adventure camps throughout the summer offering children an opportunity to experience a variety of outdoor and cultural activities. The Guaycura camp is named after the native people who occupied the region before the arrival of the Spanish.

“Children will be completely engaged through a range of hands-on activities and excursions in this remote natural setting,” remarked Carlos Velasco, the resort’s activity director and camp creator. “It’s also great for parents who want to enjoy our resort’s many amenities or pamper themselves at the newly opened spa knowing their kids are having fun too.”

Families with children of all ages will appreciate the resort’s protected, private and tranquil bay which is ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding and boasts miles of sandy beaches, five pools, two restaurants, and accommodations with spacious one, two and three bedroom suites.

The Guaycura Camp activities include:

Nature adventure hikes, including the survival basics (including bamboo raft-making) and night-time stargazing;
A visit to historic Loreto and its 1697 mission;
Cooking classes featuring traditional Mexican cuisine and cooking over a bonfire;
Treasure hunt at the beach;
Arts and crafts;
Water activities, including snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding;
Aztec dance lessons for a group performance at night;
Awards for participation in activities.

The one-week camp fees are competitively priced starting at 9 for the first child and 0 per additional child. Flights from LAX to Islands of Loreto are available through Cal Jet beginning at 9 (taxes and fees included). Additional camp information is available at http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com under the specials menu, or through the reservation agent.

About Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto ~ Baja’s First Million Star Resort

Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico is a secluded resort on the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja peninsula overlooking Danzante Island (one of five in the region). It features 171 new, spacious, beautifully appointed one, two and three bedroom villas with balconies, stunning ocean views, mountain views, outstanding restaurants, an attentive English-speaking staff, four swimming pools, beautiful beaches and a mild and warm climate year-round.

Guests can enjoy scuba and snorkeling tours in the protected Marine Park within the five prominent Loreto Islands (Coronado island is a must), horseback riding, swimming, world-class fishing (catch a Dorado and bring it home to have a Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico chef prepare it for you), surfing, kayaking, whale watching and baking. With the free shuttle service, guests can explore the historic town at the Islands of Loreto; visit the 1697 mission that made the town famous. The area is also known for its wildlife, including the 900 species of fish off the coast and in an area that has been declared a World Heritage Site. Hotel perks include a spa and fitness center, massages, salsa dance lessons and movie nights for children.

The New York Times lists the Islands of Loreto in its Top Ten Places to go in 2011. The travel article featuring the Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico ranked first among readers. The Villa Group offers high-end, family-oriented resort vacations in idyllic settings along the Mexican coastline. Its first property of eight was Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta. Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto opened in March 2011; Paul Moreno serves as the Vice President of Operations. Website: http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com or our toll free number (866) 209-0726.

The Islands of Loreto is known as a safe vacation destination for travel.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Find More New York Times Press Releases

Poet Audited for Including Note on Her Taxes: “Please Use This for Children and Not for War and Guns”: #kindlepoetry

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 20, 2012

Available for a limited time at a discount, award-winning poet Cynthia Blomquist Gustavson’s bestselling book of poetry has gained critical acclaim from such poets as John Fox and Kim Stafford, as well as thousands of readers of the print version.

Now in Kindle format, “Please Use This for Children and Not For War and Guns” is an uncommon and gritty yet refined collection of political, social, nature and personal poetry will go far to please young 99 percenters and aging hippies, LGBT activists and liberal Christians.

From “Please Use These Words for Children” an activist poem about Gustavson’s simple letter to the IRS along with her family’s taxes saying, “Please use this for children, and not for war and guns,” to a moving poem written for a homosexual family member, to a poem about a conversation between a midwestern mother and her daughter about long-kept secrets over an empty ice cream bucket filled with lily-of-the-valley slips, these poems capture midwestern stories of love, politics and loss.

“Please Use These Words for Children” is still available in print, and available wherever books are sold and is on discount in the Amazon Kindle format. Click here for the Kindle version

Cynthia Blomquist Gustavson was born in rural Minnesota to a jazz musician and a waitress in 1947. She is a much acclaimed poet and author, the winner of two Indie Excellence Book Awards, a New Millennium Writings Award and finalist for the Rita Dove Poetry Award from the Salem College Center for Women Writers. She is the author of five poetry collections, several poetry workbooks for therapists, and has published in numerous journals.

Gustavson was educated at Gustavus Adolphus College, Boston University, Louisiana State University, United Seminary of the Twin Cities, and Oklahoma State University, and has taught at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, and has been an invited lecturer around the country.

In her twenty-seven years as a social worker she has worked in drug prevention, practiced individual and group therapy, worked extensively with caregivers of the chronically ill and developmentally disabled and is now a practicing psychotherapist.

Blooming Twig Books, an independent publisher based in New York City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, publishes award-winning books that matter, from self-help to children’s fiction. Contact the publicity department for author bookings, sample and adoption copies.

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Find More New York Times Press Releases

How Parents Can Keep Their Children in School and Out of Trouble–New Memoir by Douglas Wallace, Everything Will Be All Right, to be Released October 1, 2009 by Greenleaf Book Group, Offers Powerful Lessons for Parents

Book Launch October 1, 2009

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) July 23, 2009

Douglas Wallace, author of the upcoming book Everything Will Be All Right, knows what it’s like to be a troubled youth. During his childhood and adolescent years Wallace was continuously assaulted by violence, drug addicts, and criminals. Living in the housing projects of east Nashville, he was exposed to violence 24/7. He dropped out of high school during his senior year. Says Wallace, “Random acts of violence and ignorance helped to shape me into the man I am today.” Wallace was determined to free himself from the cycle of poverty that had strangled his family for generations. As soon as he was old enough to articulate it, he made a pledge, to God and his future family, that he would become a successful attorney, and that his children would never experience the deprivation and limitations of abject poverty.

Wallace made good on that promise when he became an attorney at the age of 26, and went on to become the only member of his family to escape the stranglehold of poverty. Today, each one of Wallace’s three children have post graduate degrees–a lawyer, a veterinarian, and one applying for medical school. Wallace adds, “Success for a child begins with parenting skills.”

Wallace’s book tells the story of his troubled childhood in a dysfunctional, impoverished family, and how the lessons of that experience enabled him to build a company, which he sold in 1999 for stock valued at over fifty million dollars. Says Wallace, “The foundation for the successful outcome of a child, and in particular an impoverished child, is inextricably linked to the character traits of the parents.” When I decided to write my memoir, many of my business friends wanted me to write about my company, Wallace & deMayo, P.c. But I wanted to write about something that was closer to my heart–impoverished children. To accomplish that, I knew exactly where to start–my childhood years. That was the time in my life when I was most vulnerable. Anything could have happened during those tumultuous years to cause me to lose a stake in the future–remaining a high school dropout, going to prison, or worse, getting killed by an act of violence.

Everything Will Be All Right is the raw testimony of a child who overcomes one unimaginable setback after another. Wallace wanted to share his remarkable story to encourage parents to never give up–to keep trying. Wallace believes his book will change lives. Says Wallace, “When you read my book, you will come upon times when it appears that all is lost–that there is no reason for hope. My story is proof that society should never give up on our youth. Our children are our future.”

Aptly titled, “Everything Will Be All Right”, this 256-page, hardcover book by Greenleaf Book Group is an unforgettable rags to riches portrait of a child who starts out with nothing and claws his way to the top. Wallace takes away the complexities, mysticism and confusion of achieving the American Dream. His heartbreaking testimony of life on the fringes of society offers lessons for today’s youth on how to stay in school and out of trouble. Its message offers parents easy lessons for keeping children focused and getting their lives back on track. Adds Wallace, “Only a few hundred advance reading copies have been released to the press, and no books have yet been released to the general public, but I’m already receiving positive feedback from parents, particularly mothers, and also grandparents.”

The release of the book on October 1, 2009 comes at an opportune time. The economy today is the worst we’ve seen in the past eighty years. Wallace’s story of survival during the hard times delivers hope and inspiration, as well as a road map for creating opportunity in the wake of setbacks. Says Wallace, “One of the important lessons I learned while working my way out of poverty was that optimism will trump unimaginable hardships. Perseverance is a virtue.”

Wallace works full time for charitable causes that benefit children born into impoverished families. His blog http://www.dougwallace.net/ is devoted to highlighting attention to the unimaginable challenges faced by children living in a culture of poverty. Wallace chose to write his story of growing up in poverty as a way to call attention to the unimaginable hardships for the generationally impoverished. Available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders, as well as ebook retailers such as Kindle and Sony Reader.

About the author: Douglas Wallace is an attorney, a successful entrepreneur and a published author. His book, “Everything Will Be All Right,” is a memoir, published by Greenleaf Book Group, scheduled for nationwide launch on October 1, 2009. Members of the media can find additional information at Doug Wallace’s blog at http://www.dougwallace.net/ on the Media Page.

# # #

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Trichotillomania, the Urge to Pull Hair, Starts for 200 to 400 Children Daily

Colleyville, TX (PRWEB) October 26, 2009

The mysterious urge to pull hair impacts 2-4% of children and adults, based on research studies. Every day in the U.S., some 200 to 400 children and teens begin hair pulling, and there is no known cure.

To date there has been little information written from the perspective of hair pullers about this compulsive disorder, named trichotillomania. Since nearly all people who are compulsive hair pullers live shamefully in silence, there are few people who have stepped forward to admit they live with this puzzling compulsive disorder.

A new book written by a man who began pulling his hair at the age of six has just been released. This book, by Gary Hennerberg, chronicles his deep thoughts as a child and teenager about living with this disorder. Titled Urges, this book has been written as hope and inspiration for teenagers and adults with trichotillomania and other compulsive disorders.

The book has already had a profound influence on at least one teen-ager who recently read the first chapter before the book was completed. “Stephen” is 16, and like the book’s author, started pulling his hair as a child. Stephen said “It’s like half the things he said in one chapter was my whole life story.” Stephen sent a text message to one of his high school teachers asking if he could read parts of the first chapter to his classmates. Up until that point, he had not shared with his classmates why he wore caps to school and had no hair. The words in the book were Stephen’s chance to explain the disorder to other teens and tell them what was going on his mind, which largely mirrored what Hennerberg had written in his book. Stephen says that reading the book has changed his life.

“After I finished reading that part of the book, I explained to my classmates why it was important to me. After everything was said and done, they all clapped for me and I never felt prouder of myself,” said Stephen. “This book had an amazing impact on me, and it will on millions of others.”

The book has drawn praise from many in the trichotillomania community. The Foreword for Urges was written by Christina Pearson, Founder of the Trichotillomania Learning Center in Santa Cruz, CA.

“More individuals like Gary are stepping up to share their personal experiences with this misunderstood and often misdiagnosed disorder,” said Pearson. “Ultimately, this will help others come to terms with their own struggles in healthier ways, and lay the groundwork for what I hope will be a public awareness paradigm shift.”

The book is not written by a medical professional, but rather is a personal and intimate account of a man who has coped with the disorder through most of his life. It opens with the incident that prompted Hennerberg to begin pulling his hair. In this story, he reveals his intimate thoughts and questions about why he has trichotillomania (also called “trich” or TTM).

In this book, Hennerberg shares three approaches he has used to co-exist with trichotillomania: his faith, self-acceptance, and discovering his gifts and talents. Using stories of his childhood while growing up on farms near the Nebraska and Kansas borders, he shares life lessons that have enabled him to cope and accept hair pulling. As a child, he thought he was the only person who pulled his hair. The book weaves stories of lessons learned while in 4-H, family life on a farm, and ultimately how he accepted himself and decided to go public with his story when he stopped covering his bald spots with a hairpiece and decided to shave his head.

Urges is now available online at http://www.Manage-Trich-Urges . c o m and at Amazon . c o m.

###

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Related Borders Books Press Releases

Troubled Children of Divorce Find Solace in Award-Winning Children’s DVD: ‘A Heart Full Of Love’

Santa Fe, NM (PRWEB) November 20, 2009

“A Heart Full Of Love,” an animated story for children of divorce 5-8 years of age, has been released on DVD domestically and internationally by Phoenix Shakti Productions. Based on the award-winning children’s book of the same name by the late famed children’s author Bette S. Margolis, this poignant story of a sweet puppy-child of divorce fills an urgent need in society, especially during the holiday season.

To offset the serious impact of divorce on both children and parents, the characters in Ms. Margolis’ story are depicted as a family of delightful dogs. Eight-year-old Allison, a Cocker Spaniel pup, reveals her conflicting feelings about the divorce of her parents, their significant others, and their eventual remarriages. Torn between sadness, grief, and fear of the changes in her life, Allison ultimately makes peace with herself, her family and step family of dogs, with the compassionate guidance, patience and loving understanding that they all offer her—humor provided by Allison’s talking cat, Louise.

“There are fifty million children of divorce,” Ms. Margolis would share with her active audience, “Every other family in the U.S. now has a stepparent, a stepchild, a stepsibling or some member of a stepfamily in it. The children of this epidemic of divorce have few resources—books, DVDs, TV shows—to help them adjust,” she would emphasize.

Ms. Margolis had spent extensive time researching divorce and children and memorizing statistics on divorce, re-marriages, step families, blended families, children of divorce, and so on. She had in fact lived all of the issues, personally having been married and divorced twice, at times also being a working single mother of three children.

These experiences clearly left their mark on her, for in 1999, at the age of fifty-four, when her children were grown, she wrote, published, and marketed her illustrated book, which was “…hailed as a new perspective on the developmental process of creating peace within oneself, with family, step family and extended family, despite life‘s ‘slings and arrows.’

Ms. Margolis—who in the past had authored and illustrated a number of children’s books—raised the funds to produce the DVD from twenty investors, found the Los Angeles animation company Psychic Bunny, and wrote the first draft of the screenplay, insisting that the storyline follow the positive approach of her book. The day after she completed the screenplay, early in 2008, she passed away suddenly, and the project was continued by her business partner, George Schwimmer, Ph.D., a writer and director, who brought it to a successful conclusion.

It was Ms. Margolis’ wish that this story become a television series, which would also include children of trauma, and partners for that project are presently being sought. “A Heart Full Of Love” DVD may be purchased at http://www.AHeartFull . c o m, http://www.BarnesAndNoble . c o m, http://www.Amazon . c o m, and everywhere that DVDs can be ordered and bought.

To obtain additional information, to read endorsements, and to view a trailer, go to http://childrencopewithdivorce.wordpress . c o m and http://www.AHeartFull . c o m.

Contact:

George Schwimmer, Ph.D.

Phoenix Shakti Productions

445 Sunset Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501-1924

505-983-7812

http://childrencopewithdivorce.wordpress . c o m

Powered by http://IndieMarketingGenius . c o m, an online marketing, branding and promotions company. President of IMG, and author Bobbi Miller-Moro is an active supporter of the victims of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS), and was a single mother of three children, and now fulfilled parent of five children in a blended marriage. Founder of WomenWithoutBorders.us, a woman’s Empowerment portal.

###

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Great Earth Day Book: One Child, One Planet Teaches Children Conservation

Lake Orion, MI (PRWEB) March 13, 2010

What differentiates this book from others on the topic is its sheer optimism. One Child, One Planet reveals big and small places of beauty on the planet, fostering an appreciation that will, in turn, encourage every person to do his or her part to maintain a healthy world.

Children of all ages will be captivated by the photographs and inspired by the prose. Author, Bridget McGovern Llewellyn teamed-up with award-winning wildlife photographers, Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick. Sams and Stoick are a husband-wife team, and co-creators of the New York Times best-selling

In the Woods series of books and videos for children, including Stranger in the Woods.

Readers can preview the book at http://onechildoneplanet . c o m.

About the author: Bridget resides in Lake Orion, Michigan. One Child, One Planet was created when she searched for an environmental book to suit her family’s needs, and came up empty. She was born in Manhattan, raised in Western New York, and graduated from Syracuse University. She enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with her husband, Pat, and their four daughters. This is her first book.

About the photographers: Carl and Jean reside in Milford, Michigan. They have been photographing the same family of deer near their home for more than 20 years. Sharing photos and stories with children is their way of fostering love and appreciation of the outdoors, with hope that the next generation will help to preserve all of nature’s treasures.

List price: .95

ISBN: 978-0-984-1880-0-0

Available at Amazon, Borders, Bass Pro and in April, Barnes & Noble

Autographed, personalized copies available: http://onechildoneplanet . c o m

Editors: For interview requests, contact: Bridget Llewellyn at 248-860-9221. Images of cover and author are online: http://onechildoneplanet . c o m.

###

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Lennon and Other World Class Artists Spread Joy to Children in Japan

Tokyo (PRWEB) February 08, 2012

A group of internationally established musicians and producers joined forces to kick off the season of giving early last year by producing an album that aims to bring hope to children with cancer in Japan and their families. The CD is called ‘Shine On! Songs Volume One’ and has uplifting songs from a variety of genres.

They were brought together by the Tyler Foundation, a Japan based NPO that has established a number of innovative psycho-social support programs since 2006 throughout the country for children with cancer and their families. After a devastating earthquake and tsunami rocked north-eastern Japan in March 2011, the Foundation sought to use its experience in treating stress in children with cancer, to help children in these areas recover psychologically. All proceeds from the album’s sales will go to fund the organization’s programs.

One of the album artists is the Grammy nominated Julian Lennon, son of famed Beatles member John Lennon. Lennon is known for his charitable works, so when the Tyler Foundation approached him with the idea of donating a song for their album, he was all too willing to help. Lennon re-recorded his 1993 song ‘Children of the World’ which was also featured on the Japanese anime movie ‘Coo’ and can be heard here:

http://youtu.be/IqXiimwFHf0

Julian Lennon had the following to say about his involvement with the album. “Japan has always been close to my heart. It’s a wonderful country with wonderful people and I have been there many times over the past 20 – 30 years. I have also had chart success there many times! I have many friends in Japan; some are musicians and producers. Those personal connections are one of the reasons I’m involved in ‘Shine On!’, because Nick Wood, with whom I co-wrote the ‘Children of the World’ song is working on the ‘Shine On! Songs Volume One’ project. Of course, I was pleased to be able to help as anything any of us can do to help fight cancer is worthwhile.”

Another of the artists, the British reggae vocalist Maxi Priest, says that he has visited Japan since the 80′s and his website states that he has known people personally affected by the disaster. This year he offered his support to organizations dealing with the crisis such as the Red Cross and the Tyler Foundation. Priest contributed the track entitled ‘African Sky’ to the Foundation’s album which he also performed in September at Billboard Live in Tokyo.

The song was written by him, Mark Ferris and Nick Wood. The album, which was released in fall 2011, is a collection of songs suitable for all ages and includes contributions by the same people who brought us the classic Disney songs in the 90′s including those from the Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Academy award-winning lyricist Tim Rice and composer Alan Menken both donated the song ‘Howling At the Moon’ which was sung by Donna Burke and also featured on the sound track of the Deon Opperman and Sean Else musical ‘Jock of the Bushveld’.

According to the Tyler Foundation, the album’s proceeds will go to not only supporting children with cancer in Japan and their families, but also the Tyler Foundation’s work supporting children in the areas of the Tohoku region affected by the March earthquake and tsunami.

Other artists on the album include American artists such as the Nashville folk rock band Tin Cup Gypsy, singer Mark Ballas (also dancer on the ABC hit show ‘Dancing With the Stars’), and Wendy Parr (associated with the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack). Gordon Goodwin, who did arrangements for several tracks that included songs performed by his group ‘Big Phat Band’; newcomer and Disney’s Next Big Thing winner, Amber Lily; plus, the three-time Grammy Nominee for “Best Jazz Vocal Album”, Tierney Sutton.

“I got involved with the project because two of the Producers on my HurtLoveBox CD were very involved.” said Mark Ballas, this year’s judge for the Miss America pageant, as he talked about how he decided to sing a tune for charity. “It started when Michael Becker invited Rob Chiarelli to be a part of the Tyler Foundation project and Rob was excited to co-produce 3 songs with him. Rob then ask me to get involved, and I thought the project was important to support.”

The international artists also include Japan-based vocalists, Rie fu and Donna Burke (theme song vocalist for both the ‘Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker’ and ‘Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles’ soundtracks). Popular Jazz singer, Monday Michiru, was born in Japan and has led an active international career.

Tracks on the CD were recorded at Capital Studios in LA, OMNIsound Studios in Nashville, Flux Studios in New York, Livingstone Brown’s Studio in London. Mixing and further production work was undertaken at Syn Studios in Tokyo.

Those behind the album include award winning producers such as Dan Savant, Nick Wood, Michael Becker, Rob Chiarelli, and also the three time Emmy winner, Gordon Goodwin. Rob, a producer responsible for award-winning tracks from Will Smith and other artists talked about his involvement.

“Michael and I have both spent a lot of time in Japan and we have fallen in love with the culture and the people. And we all have friends who were victims of the devastating earthquake. Beyond that, cancer claimed the life of my father and another close friend is fighting his own battle with the disease, so it definitely hits close to home. We all hope that our contributions will be helpful in a meaningful way to the Tyler Foundation and those who are served by their great work.”

According to local news in Japan, children in the Sakari Elementary School and surrounding areas were seriously affected by the disaster earlier last year. Sony Music artist and singer on the album, Rie fu, visited the region in November with the Tyler Foundation’s Smile Ambassador (reference) to offer support and uplift the children in distress. Rie fu collaborated with the school to create a song created for the album entitled ‘Who I want to be’, which ranked #71 on Japan’s top 100 iTunes chart since its release. Children from the school were included on the track and others were on the music video recently released which show the areas devastated.

Check it out:

http://youtu.be/VK6ubEuLeqw

Other music videos for the album are planned to be released periodically over the next few months according to the Tyler Foundation. In the meantime, they have released interviews with Dan Savant, Amber Lily, and the band Tin Cup Gypsy on their official YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube . c o m/user/shineonsongsen

Other sources:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20071013a1.html

http://www.iwate-np.co.jp/hisaichi/h201111/h1111011.html

http://metropolis.co.jp/arts/cd-reviews/shineon-songs-volume-one/

http://bccjacumen . c o m/issues/january-2012/2012/01/uk-stars-support-tokyo-charity/

http://www.tenkai-japan . c o m/2011/08/24/school-children-participated-in-recording-kenji%E2%80%99s-song-%E2%80%9Cwho-i-want-to-be%E2%80%9D/

Artists sources:

http://www.markballas . c o m/blogdetail/Mark-Ballas-contributes-to-Shine-On-Songs-Volume-One/446

http://amberlily . c o m/528/shine-on-vol-1/

http://www.wendyparr . c o m/?p=550

http://www.timrice.co.uk/archive.html

http://nickwood.jp/?p=1806

# # #

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

FUNNY FOOD Book Gets Children Laughing, Learning, and Eating Healthy, One Breakfast at a Time

Funny Food by Bill and Claire Wurtzel (Welcome Books, April 2012)

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 23, 2012

Armed with his delightful new book Funny Food, Bill Wurtzel is gleefully determined to get children laughing, learning, and eating right–one breakfast at a time. Never has been getting even the most finicky kids to eat a good breakfast, satisfying snack, or even healthy desert been so fun, wholesome, and educational.

Riffing on eggs, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, cereal, fruit and nuts, Bill’s is a wacky world where nutritious and delicious fit together like two peas in a pod. In his hands carrots turn into airplanes, boiled eggs into jugglers, and pears into guitar players but, as Sam Roberts says in The New York Times, “these are not your mother’s smiley-face sandwiches.”

While Picasso, Matisse, Shakespeare, and even Sigmund Freud make cameo appearances on the plates of Funny Food, it’s Bill’s wife Claire (a vision in kiwi, egg, and strawberries on page 42) who inspired the book. Since the early days of their 50-year marriage, Bill has made breakfast a happily anticipated event, preparing over 400 of his wildly artistic, healthy plates for his committed Weight Watcher wife.

Together, the Wurtzels are turning a fun hobby into an art form with a social message, taking their Funny Food Workshops to kids and teachers in New York City public schools, “teaching them to use their imaginations to improve their health, rather than just putting lettuce and vegetables on their trays,” Bill explained to The New York Times. “Your breakfasts don’t have to look like they’ll hang in the Louvre,” Mr. Wurtzel said. “It’s the gesture that counts.”

Funny Food contains recipes, how-to photographs, step-by-steps, and easy to teach and remember tips for a lifetime of healthy, happy eating.

Click here to see photos of 4 year old Daniela having fun making and eating a healthy fruit snack.
The Funny Food Workshop Guide will be available to teachers for free download upon the release of the book.
Read Claire’s blog on Lifetime Mom’s here.

###

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.