Wishing my dear friends and colleagues a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy 2011.
Tommy waiting for Santa...sleeping on the afghan mom made in 1971. (She also made several counted cross-stitch ornaments. She was amazing. Love you and miss you lots, Mom!)
This awesome nativity set was made by my wonderful mom, Emily Carty in 1957.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Final Day of "Tiny Angel" Virtual Book Tour
TC&TBC
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection
Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri
Today’s special guest is Nancy Carty Lepri, author of the tween chapbook, Tiny Angel. This book tackles the difficult issues young people face when moving to a new town and into a new school district. It also addresses the topic of bullying. The Phoebe Prince case, which captured national attention, took place in a town that is barely 30 minutes away from here. For those of you who might not have heard of the case, Phoebe Prince was a young girl who committed suicide after continued bullying at her school and online and by texting. A year prior to this, a young boy from a nearby community took his own life because he couldn’t handle the bullying any longer. He was only 11.
Here, the author shares the basis for Tiny Angel.
You know you want to write a children’s book, but wonder what to write. That was the prevailing question on my mind. Where to get ideas? Where to start? My first college writing course, “Creative Writing 101” answered these two questions. The professor stated, “Write what you know!” Sounds simple, right?
I always had the “itch” to be creative, whether through illustrating—I think I came out of the womb with a crayon in one hand—or writing, as the other hand must have held a book. This was my life’s goal. One day as I considered what to write, my insight became clear after witnessing some children picking on one of their peers. Thus, I wrote Tiny Angel.
As a child, I was sensitive and shy, which I am happy to say, I’ve outgrown! I kept to myself engrossed in schoolwork and books. Also having terrible eyesight, I started wearing glasses in the third grade. Due to this, some boys in my class started tormenting me. I was called “four-eyes” or “teacher’s pet”. Never did a day go by without receiving hurtful taunts. I often would not respond, but after one classmate crushed my beloved plastic Barbie lunchbox, that did it! I reported it to my teacher. Sadly, that made matters worse. From then on, I wanted to crawl into a hole and become invisible.
Remembering those unhappy days was the impetus to write Tiny Angel. Not only to purge the sadness I felt, but I also wanted to help other children going through similar circumstances. My desire was to let them know they are not alone, that someone else has endured this, and that things can get better. Children being bullied feel isolated and tend to magnify their hurts. After all, they are the center of their own world. When they are bullied, they feel slighted and less of a person.
I also believe we have guardian angels. I can site times when my own (also named Jody, after the angel in my book) has come to my aid. Angels can give children (and adults) comfort.
It is ironic that since I have matured and reconnected with several of my classmates, many of them have admitted their own insecurities and fears as children; and these were children whom I thought back then were the “cool kids” with not a care in the world. Funny that was not the case. No matter how happy or “with it” children may seem, I believe everyone has a fear or aspect about themselves they feel does not measure up.
Needless to say, if one child can learn to feel good about themself or find enjoyment by reading Tiny Angel, I will have accomplished the main goal for writing this book.
Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.
In 1995, Nancy and husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the “Wilmington Magazine” as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.
Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.
After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and copy edited and reviewed for “Affaire de Coeur” magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews for ReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and has completed her sequel to Tiny Angel.http://nancycl.webs.com
http://nancycl.blogspot.com
http://nancycl.livejournal.com
Watch the trailer!
Here is a short blurb from my review of Tiny Angel:
“In this engaging story, your tween will learn how to appreciate their talents, disarm bullies, and the importance of meaningful friendships.
I love the unique aspect of Macy having a guardian angel who encourages and helps her along her journey through the challenging transition from the school and the best friend she lost to truly coming into her own at her new school and making new friends.”
You can read the full review at http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2010/01/15/tiny-angel-by-nancy-carty-lepri/.
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection
Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri
Today’s special guest is Nancy Carty Lepri, author of the tween chapbook, Tiny Angel. This book tackles the difficult issues young people face when moving to a new town and into a new school district. It also addresses the topic of bullying. The Phoebe Prince case, which captured national attention, took place in a town that is barely 30 minutes away from here. For those of you who might not have heard of the case, Phoebe Prince was a young girl who committed suicide after continued bullying at her school and online and by texting. A year prior to this, a young boy from a nearby community took his own life because he couldn’t handle the bullying any longer. He was only 11.
Here, the author shares the basis for Tiny Angel.
You know you want to write a children’s book, but wonder what to write. That was the prevailing question on my mind. Where to get ideas? Where to start? My first college writing course, “Creative Writing 101” answered these two questions. The professor stated, “Write what you know!” Sounds simple, right?
I always had the “itch” to be creative, whether through illustrating—I think I came out of the womb with a crayon in one hand—or writing, as the other hand must have held a book. This was my life’s goal. One day as I considered what to write, my insight became clear after witnessing some children picking on one of their peers. Thus, I wrote Tiny Angel.
As a child, I was sensitive and shy, which I am happy to say, I’ve outgrown! I kept to myself engrossed in schoolwork and books. Also having terrible eyesight, I started wearing glasses in the third grade. Due to this, some boys in my class started tormenting me. I was called “four-eyes” or “teacher’s pet”. Never did a day go by without receiving hurtful taunts. I often would not respond, but after one classmate crushed my beloved plastic Barbie lunchbox, that did it! I reported it to my teacher. Sadly, that made matters worse. From then on, I wanted to crawl into a hole and become invisible.
Remembering those unhappy days was the impetus to write Tiny Angel. Not only to purge the sadness I felt, but I also wanted to help other children going through similar circumstances. My desire was to let them know they are not alone, that someone else has endured this, and that things can get better. Children being bullied feel isolated and tend to magnify their hurts. After all, they are the center of their own world. When they are bullied, they feel slighted and less of a person.
I also believe we have guardian angels. I can site times when my own (also named Jody, after the angel in my book) has come to my aid. Angels can give children (and adults) comfort.
It is ironic that since I have matured and reconnected with several of my classmates, many of them have admitted their own insecurities and fears as children; and these were children whom I thought back then were the “cool kids” with not a care in the world. Funny that was not the case. No matter how happy or “with it” children may seem, I believe everyone has a fear or aspect about themselves they feel does not measure up.
Needless to say, if one child can learn to feel good about themself or find enjoyment by reading Tiny Angel, I will have accomplished the main goal for writing this book.
Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.
In 1995, Nancy and husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the “Wilmington Magazine” as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.
Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.
After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and copy edited and reviewed for “Affaire de Coeur” magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews for ReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and has completed her sequel to Tiny Angel.http://nancycl.webs.com
http://nancycl.blogspot.com
http://nancycl.livejournal.com
Watch the trailer!
Here is a short blurb from my review of Tiny Angel:
“In this engaging story, your tween will learn how to appreciate their talents, disarm bullies, and the importance of meaningful friendships.
I love the unique aspect of Macy having a guardian angel who encourages and helps her along her journey through the challenging transition from the school and the best friend she lost to truly coming into her own at her new school and making new friends.”
You can read the full review at http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2010/01/15/tiny-angel-by-nancy-carty-lepri/.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Virtual Book Tour -- Day 9 (review)
4 THE LOVE OF BOOKS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010
Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri
This is a cute book for your tweens. the theme is bullying and friendship along with peer pressure. Lepri helps the reader see that being in the "in crowd" isn't always what it's cracked up to be. This is a very good message for those in between years when your child wants to fit in but can't find his/her click. It can be a hard road to travel alone. Tiny Angel will help the reader see that sometimes it isn't good to be in the "in crowd". It's hard to turn the other cheek and take a stand. While this was a very cute book I must stay true to my language code (see code here) and let you know there are some words in this book that I consider curse words.
When her dad is transferred to a new town, Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she is the new girl…alone and bullied. An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in and become a forever friend.
About the Author...
Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.
In 1995, Nancy and her husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the Wilmington Magazine as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.
Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.
After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and was copy editor and reviewer for Affaire de Coeur magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews for ReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and is completing her sequel to Tiny Angel.
You can visit Nancy’s website at: http://nancycl.webs.com.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Virtual Book tours.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010
Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri
This is a cute book for your tweens. the theme is bullying and friendship along with peer pressure. Lepri helps the reader see that being in the "in crowd" isn't always what it's cracked up to be. This is a very good message for those in between years when your child wants to fit in but can't find his/her click. It can be a hard road to travel alone. Tiny Angel will help the reader see that sometimes it isn't good to be in the "in crowd". It's hard to turn the other cheek and take a stand. While this was a very cute book I must stay true to my language code (see code here) and let you know there are some words in this book that I consider curse words.
When her dad is transferred to a new town, Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she is the new girl…alone and bullied. An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in and become a forever friend.
About the Author...
Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.
In 1995, Nancy and her husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the Wilmington Magazine as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.
Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.
After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and was copy editor and reviewer for Affaire de Coeur magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews for ReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and is completing her sequel to Tiny Angel.
You can visit Nancy’s website at: http://nancycl.webs.com.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Virtual Book tours.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Virtual Book Tour of "Tiny Angel" Day 8 (review)
CHRISSY'S WORLD OF BOOKS
12/15/10
Tiny Angel - Review
Tiny Angel By Nancy Carty Lepri
Details: Paperback, 104 pages – Children’s Book
Suggested age group 8 - 11 yrs
View The Trailer: Tiny Angel
Author Web Site: http://nancycl.webs.com.
Description: When her dad is transferred to a new town, Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she is the new girl…alone and bullied. An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in and become a forever friend.
My Thoughts:
Tiny Angel is about a little girl who has to deal with moving from her town to a new one and leaving all of her friends. She finds her by herself and the others bully her. She meets Jody a guardian angel who helps her deal with all of this.
I think this is a nice book for children to read especially if they find themselves as the new kid. The author does a great job keeping your interest in the story all the way to the last page. I sat down to read this and before I knew it, I was through the book. I found it easily readable for the age group it was designed for. I would not have a problem recommending this chapter book for any child in the age group.
What a good story I really enjoyed reading this one... I can relate to this book because I know exactly how Macy feels being the new kid all alone. My dad was in the military, which made me an Army brat and we were always moving from base to base so I was always the new kid. I hated being the new kid going to a new school every year or every two years depending on where my dad was assigned. I wished I had this book when I was a kid it might of made me feel a little better knowing I wasn't alone.
About The Author:
Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.
In 1995, Nancy and her husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the Wilmington Magazine as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.
Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.
After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and was copy editor and reviewer for Affaire de Coeur magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews for ReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and is completing her sequel to Tiny Angel.
* I have been provided a complimentary copy of Tiny Angel for review by the Author Nancy Carty Lepri threw an opportunity from Pump Up Your Book. By receiving a complimentary copy it in no way obligates me to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.*
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Virtual Book Tour -- Day 7
Kid Konnection: Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri
Giving Reading a Chance!!!
Tiny Angelby Nancy Carty Lepri
Paperback, 104 pages
Published November 1st 2009 by Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (first published 2009)
Synopsis:When her dad is transferred to a new town, Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she’s the new girl…alone and bullied.
An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in become a forever friend. Tiny Angel is the story of Macy, who has moved to a new town leaving behind her best friend and everything she knows. In this new place and in the new school she is struggling to adjust and being bullied doesn’t help at all. When her guardian angel Jody appears, she has difficulty in beliving in the existence of her angel. Jody however teaches Macy the little things which will make her adjust, face her bullies, let go of what she has left and embrace the now and make new friends.
“Star light, star bright. First star I see tonight. Wish I may, wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight….Please send me a friend.” -pg. 12
What I really like about this book is that Jody is in no way doing magic and helping Macy, she is there as a support system, which Macy likes and dislikes all the time. A very sweet book aimed at 8- 12 year olds, which helps kids a lot. It talks about facing bullies, facing world with self-confidence and standing up for your values, which you should never be ashamed of. The characters are real, believable and lovable as well.
I think this one will be a great gift for the little girl you know and will help her a lot.
Book Provided via Pump Your Book Promotions by the author.
About the Author -
December 14, 2010
Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.
In 1995, Nancy and her husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the Wilmington Magazine as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.
Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.
After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and was copy editor and reviewer for Affaire de Coeur magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews forReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and is completing her sequel to Tiny Angel.
Visit Nancy at her website: http://nancycl.webs.com
Visit Nancy’s blog: http://nancycl.blogspot.com
Visit Nancy’s Live Journal page: http://nancycl.livejournal.com
Friend Nancy on Facebook
Need to read more reviews/enter giveaways?
■Guest blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
■Guest blogging and giveaway at Acting Balanced
■Book reviewed at Lynn’s Corner
■Book reviewed at Acting Balanced
■Book reviewed and giveaway at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
■Book spotlighted at Book Tours and More
■Author interviewed at Pump Up Your Book!
5 Comments
Reply
Suko
December 14, 2010 at 2:22 am
Veens, this does sound like a great book for young adults, especially girls in the age group you mentioned. Bullying is a problem at our schools, and this book could help girls learn some coping skills. Terrific review.
Reply
bedazzled
December 14, 2010 at 6:14 am
sounds like a sweet little book..I must read more YA !:-)
Reply
bermudaonion (Kathy)
December 14, 2010 at 10:46 am
This sounds like such a sweet book!
Reply
Nancy Lepri
December 14, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Thank you so much for hosting me today and for your lovely review! Happy holidays to you too!
Reply
Helen
December 14, 2010 at 9:02 pm
This sounds like a lovely book for children! I think it’s important for kids to learn how to cope with things like bullying and starting a new school. Great review!
Giving Reading a Chance!!!
Tiny Angelby Nancy Carty Lepri
Paperback, 104 pages
Published November 1st 2009 by Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (first published 2009)
Synopsis:When her dad is transferred to a new town, Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she’s the new girl…alone and bullied.
An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in become a forever friend. Tiny Angel is the story of Macy, who has moved to a new town leaving behind her best friend and everything she knows. In this new place and in the new school she is struggling to adjust and being bullied doesn’t help at all. When her guardian angel Jody appears, she has difficulty in beliving in the existence of her angel. Jody however teaches Macy the little things which will make her adjust, face her bullies, let go of what she has left and embrace the now and make new friends.
“Star light, star bright. First star I see tonight. Wish I may, wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight….Please send me a friend.” -pg. 12
What I really like about this book is that Jody is in no way doing magic and helping Macy, she is there as a support system, which Macy likes and dislikes all the time. A very sweet book aimed at 8- 12 year olds, which helps kids a lot. It talks about facing bullies, facing world with self-confidence and standing up for your values, which you should never be ashamed of. The characters are real, believable and lovable as well.
I think this one will be a great gift for the little girl you know and will help her a lot.
Book Provided via Pump Your Book Promotions by the author.
About the Author -
December 14, 2010
Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.
In 1995, Nancy and her husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the Wilmington Magazine as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.
Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.
After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and was copy editor and reviewer for Affaire de Coeur magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews forReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and is completing her sequel to Tiny Angel.
Visit Nancy at her website: http://nancycl.webs.com
Visit Nancy’s blog: http://nancycl.blogspot.com
Visit Nancy’s Live Journal page: http://nancycl.livejournal.com
Friend Nancy on Facebook
Need to read more reviews/enter giveaways?
■Guest blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
■Guest blogging and giveaway at Acting Balanced
■Book reviewed at Lynn’s Corner
■Book reviewed at Acting Balanced
■Book reviewed and giveaway at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
■Book spotlighted at Book Tours and More
■Author interviewed at Pump Up Your Book!
5 Comments
Reply
Suko
December 14, 2010 at 2:22 am
Veens, this does sound like a great book for young adults, especially girls in the age group you mentioned. Bullying is a problem at our schools, and this book could help girls learn some coping skills. Terrific review.
Reply
bedazzled
December 14, 2010 at 6:14 am
sounds like a sweet little book..I must read more YA !:-)
Reply
bermudaonion (Kathy)
December 14, 2010 at 10:46 am
This sounds like such a sweet book!
Reply
Nancy Lepri
December 14, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Thank you so much for hosting me today and for your lovely review! Happy holidays to you too!
Reply
Helen
December 14, 2010 at 9:02 pm
This sounds like a lovely book for children! I think it’s important for kids to learn how to cope with things like bullying and starting a new school. Great review!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Book Tours and More: Author Spotlight: Nancy Carty Lepri and Tween Chap...
Book Tours and More: Author Spotlight: Nancy Carty Lepri and Tween Chap...: "When her dad is transferred to a new town, Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she is the new girl…..."
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
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