There is Nothing Like a Bookstore

Last Friday's story time was a reminder to me that there is nothing quite like a good old bookstore experience.  As I anxiously waited for story time patrons to arrive the calm yet creative ambiance of the good old fashion Explore Booksellers bookstore filled the air. I was surrounded by hand made cards, neat gifts, and of course rooms filled with literature waiting for someone to take off the shelf.

When you open a new book there is a cracking sound from the fresh print.  Then when you purchase the book and head on your way you day dream of where you will first sit to read your new book.  Or maybe the book was a gift and you have a vision of the person (or child) reading the book in a special place.

As I signed copies of ABC Healthy I thought of who I was dedicating the book to and on my way home I replayed the faces of the people I talked to daydreaming about parents and grandparents reading with children.  It really is amazing to watch up close how people react to my book.

There needs to be more bookstores like Explore Booksellers.  If you are lucky enough to have a real bookstore in your town and haven't been in a while, I suggest you take a stroll through and pick up a fresh new book.  Listen to the crackle of the pages.  Ask for a recommendation for a good read and get face to face contact with a real person.  You will leave feeling refreshed and day dreaming of where you will read your new book.  Start the day dreaming now...

Julianne

jstokesart.com

Photo Credit: Susan Allen

Upcoming Event in Aspen!

A New Year and New Journeys

ABC Healthy may have been published in 2015, but I am still continuing my writing and illustrating journey in 2016.  The great thing about creating a children's book is that there are always more children out there to inspire every day.  Also, healthy living books for children can be read over and over again to teach our children it is important to live healthy lives.  

This years journey for me will be a bit more busy.  I now have baby number three keeping me on my toes.  Literally on my toes.  My Fit Bit watch tells me on most days that I reach 10,000 steps before noon! I am still doing public events for ABC Healthy. (check those out here) I am also working on putting together a book dummy for my next book Dolphins Don't Eat Donuts.

What is a book dummy?   It is a physical sample of an idea one has for a book with at least two finished pieces of artwork and the rest sketches, along with text.  I am doing this to send my work to a traditional publisher.  I have enjoyed self publishing and I still may choose to self publish again, but I have to give the traditional route a try.

So on my blog here you will keep hearing about ABC Healthy, but you will also come along on my Dolphins Don't Eat Donuts and traditional publishing journeys.

Happy reading and healthy eating to all for 2016!

Julianne

jstokesart.com

An Old Friend and Memories of a Great Farm Stand - Cervenka Farm

I am proud to announce that ABC Healthy is being sold at Cervenka Farm Stand in Flemington, NJ.  I have many memories as a kid going to this farm stand and seeing all of the fresh and healthy food.  If my mom would say, "I am going to Cervenka Farms. Do you want to come along for a ride?" my immediate reaction would be, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"  Of course there was one other little detail.  My friend Bridgette might be there.  It is her family's farm.

Bringing your kids to buy local produce is very important.  It helps make a connection between understanding the difference of what is real food and what is packaged processed food.  Take your kids over to Cervenka Farm Stand for some fresh produce and pick up a copy of ABC Healthy!  

Here is a link to Cervenka Farm Stand.

And here is one to my ABC Healthy Page to find out where you can get a book near you.

Farias Event Date Change and Local Author Book Fair

I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of my Farias Surf and Sport Kids event change.  Instead of doing a reading and signing tomorrow July 11, I will be doing the reading and signing at Farias Surf and Sport Kids in Ship Bottom, NJ on Monday July 20 at 11:00 am.

I have also managed to get into the Local Author Book Fair at the Library on Long Beach Island Library in Surf City, NJ this coming Wednesday July 15 from 10 am -1 pm.  I will be there with other authors to talk about my book and I will also have it for sale with a signing.

Events, Events, Events!

The book launch party was a success.  It is so great to see the excitement on the kids faces.  Not only the excitement about a picture book, but also the excitement to eat healthy!  After my reading they all enjoyed a healthy snack of oranges and quinoa salad while I read from my glossary about why their snack was so good for them. 

Next stop, Farias Surf and Sport Kids in Ship Bottom, NJ this coming Saturday, July 11th at 11:00 am.  I will be doing a reading and a signing of ABC Healthy under one of Farias' famous event tents. ABC Healthy will be for sale in the store.  Farias is a good store to carry ABC Healthy because kids look up to the surfing culture which promotes exercise and movement.  Health isn't just about eating healthy, but it is also about getting out there and moving too!

ABC Healthy Juice

If you want your kids to eat healthy don't forget to stop by my book launch party. This coming Monday, July 6th from 2-3pm at the Long Beach Island Library in Surf City, NJ.  Before you know it they will be asking for healthy snacks as a special treat!  My son loves when we make a special juice.  Try this one the kiddos will love!

ABC Healthy Juice
2 oranges
2 kiwis
1 peach
1 granny smith apple or other tart apple
a bunch of kale
poor over ice and enjoy!