Book Review: Glamour Girl from The Stars

Posted by Barbara Techel

While this is a stretch beyond what I normally share about animals on this blog, Glamour Girl from the Stars is an interesting book to share with children, especially girls, and the image we have in our minds of how we should look.  It is why I decided to take part in doing a review for this book during Carlton Scott’s virtual book tour.


This book and it’s theme does relate to my “Joyful Paws” and the fact that through the eyes of my dogs I have learned to be the best me I can be, and most importantly, have accepted who I am.  It took me 41 years to feel comfortable with my truth and in my skin– it is my hope and my wish that all little girls growing up in today will not take as long as I did… and this book, I think, will help with that.

After traveling to Asia, Africa, Italy and Rome, just to name a few, PleeDee, known as the Glamour Girl is on her way to the Miss Universe Pageant in the USA.  I love this line in the book, “After traveling to and fro across outer space’s unknown, PleeDee discovers her world is similar to our own.  When little girls live up to their potential wherever they are, they’ll shine brightly with confidence no matter how near or far.”

PleeDee is from outer space and while she looks different than what we would expect a adolescent girl to look I love the lessons of self-acceptance, and what’s on the inside, that says who you are.  If that lesson could be instilled in every little girl in the world the potential for all young girls would be immense.

Glamour Girl is a fun, laid back, lyrical way in which you can create discussion with the young children in your life.  And quite honestly, it was a great reminder to me as a grown woman to keep believing in me… and let’s face it, we all need to be reminded of that from time to time… and by doing so we can easily instill this in all the young girls we encounter in our lives.


Scott has dedicated his life to working with children, both as a nurse and a mental health worker.  He has written and illustrated three picture books for children.  As part of his commitment to supporting children’s health, he donates 50 percent of all profits from his books to children’s hospitals across the country.  He created his newest book, Glamour Girl from the Stars, to foster self acceptance in young girls.


To learn more about Carlton Scott and his books you can visit his website.

 

 

WCUB 92.1 AM Radio to Host Authors Barbara Techel & Mary Shafer

Posted by Barbara Techel
Join me and Mary Shafer On Tuesday, June 15th at 9:30am Central Daylight Time, authors, Barbara Techel and Mary Shafer will be live on WCUB 92.1 am radio (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) discussing all the rewards of disabled pets.

Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award-winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Techel had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie’s strong spirit had her back into the swing of life very soon, and Techel realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie’s story. Together, they give others who may be struggling with obstacles the hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Techel’s newest book, Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, chronicles the twosome’s work as a therapy dog team at local hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers, spreading joy wherever they go.

Mary Shafer is a freelance writer, author and publisher of Word Forge Books, a small, independent publisher located near Philadelphia. She’s a member of the Cat Writers Association and is co-mom to four special needs cats. One of those cats, Idgie, is the subject of Shafer’s story in the company’s latest book, Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.

Join us for what is sure to be an inspirational time discussing special needs pets.

Cesar’s Milan Magazine Features Our Friends Dayna Hilton & Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’m so thrilled and happy for my and Frankie’s friend Dayna Hilton and her special dog, Sparkles.  If you remember, Frankie and I met them this past April when they stayed with us.  It was a whirlwind 4-days combining our messages and sharing them with Elkhart Lake Elementary School and then a school in Canada via Skype.

So we thought perhaps the dust would settle as we both eased our way back into our busy lives…well with some very much appreciated PR on how our two dogs met and their work ( thanks to Fido Friendly on line blog post and USA Today post) our message began to spread far and wide.

So drum roll please… this is where I say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Dayna and Sparkles for their story being published in the very popular Cesar’s Way magazine, July 2010 issue!!


I had the opportunity to read it before any of you, thanks to my friend Dayna and her copy she received via the mail today.  It is truly a touching story, filled with the love of a dog and her Mom passionate about sharing the fire safety message.  Dayna has worked so hard, and continues to do all she can to keep kids safe from fires.  She recently started a foundation, Keep Kids Fire Safe to reach even more and save many more lives.

I have no doubt the story in Cesar’s Way will help save lives as well, and I especially love the fire safety tips included in the article that will be useful for families to clip out and put on their refrigerator to remind them to practice fire safety.

The last paragraph was a bit hard to get through because my eyes filled with tears. Anyone who does work with their dogs knows there will come a day to say goodbye. It is not easy with any dog we love, but those of us who work so close in contact with and in spirit with our dogs it seems that much harder…and so reflecting on my own life and the work I do with Frankie, my heart cringed with a bit of sadness as Dayna realizes the time of Sparkles moving on could come sooner, than later.  Sparkles is 11 years old, and not in the best of health, but keeping on in honor of her fire safety message… so reading part of the reason for the foundation had me choking back the tears, while my heart swelled with pride for all Dayna and Sparkles have accomplished.

Way to go you two- we are so proud of you!!

To read more about Sparkles and this exciting news visit her blog!