children’s books

Teacher Testimonials for Skype Visits with Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

Frankie and I are having so much fun visiting classrooms via the technology of Skype.  Some schools have their own video conferencing and that has worked out just as well.  If you are thinking about bringing us into your school with the help of the Internet, please check out what these teachers had to say about the experience.  For more information visit our special teacher section on our website.  We would love to meet you and your students!

Students at my school in Canada used Skype to connect via the Internet with Barbara and Frankie who live in Wisconsin. The students were so excited and amazed at the experience. It seemed as if Frankie and Barbara were sitting right in their classroom!

The students were able to interact with Frankie and Barbara. They asked many thought provoking questions. They learned a lot about animals with disabilities and how to stay positive no matter what challenges they might face. The Skype has been their favorite part of the school year! ~Karen Keys, Teacher Librarian Canada

I was apprehensive about the vist, but it was tremendous. I wondered if 500+ children would be able to attend to the screen and realize they were having a conversation with an author. You did it! They stayed on task for the entire visit. The variety of activity–your talking, the Powerpoint, the video and Frankie’s presence all worked together to keep them engaged. Thank you– you made me look good! ~Kathy Howell, library media specialist, Clarksville Primary School, Arkansas

The students had such a great time during their webcam visit with Mrs. Techel and Frankie. They were even more inspiring in person. Mrs. Techel had Frankie right there with her during our web cam visit. Frankie even fell asleep on her desk. She showed the class how Frankie got in and out of her wheelchair, explained how she cared for Frankie, gave us a first hand view of her writing studio, and explained the writing process from the gathering of ideas, to the editing, and the publishing stages. ~Karen Elz, 3rd grade elementary teacher, Shiloh Point Elementary School, Georgia

Through the magic of technology we were able to host Barb & Frankie for an in-class(ish) presentation via Skype. Barb was able to take the kids through the notion of overcoming challenges, making a difference in the lives of others, and facing hardship in a positive, life-changing way. They were CAPTIVATED which is a pretty big deal for six-year-olds. ~Ben Bordeau, Who’s Your Dachshund blogger and Jason Wade, 1st grade teacher, Bicentennial School, Canada

Our visit with you and Frankie was fabulous! The children couldn’t stop talking about it. Not only did you make Frankie’s story come alive for these students, you were able to make writing more real. Not one of these students have ever met an author, much less had a visit with one. I believe they received your message and also came away with a better understanding of what writing really is. ~Susan Ownens, special education teacher, Cheatham Park Elementary, Springfield, TN

Reader Reviews, by kids, for kids

Posted by Barbara Techel

To me there is nothing better than a child (or two) reading my books and loving them!  Two, sweet young girls, Madeline, age 8.5 and Sophia, age 7 reviewed Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House.  They are both home schooled and writing reviews is part of their curriculum.  I think that is just awesome!  What better way to teach your kids to be great readers!

So Madeline starts off with:

This is a true story about Frankie the walk 'n roll dog becoming a therapy dog. Frankie visits nursing homes to make the older people feel better. Every time Frankie visits, the older people love it! Frankie’s mom is very proud that Frankie is a therapy dog.  To read full review, as well as Sophia's review please click here.

Thank you Madeline and Sophia- your reviews are priceless and they mean the world to me and Frankie!!

Best Christmas Gift of 2009

Posted by Barbara Techel

At my in-law’s home on Christmas Eve I gifted my three nieces and one nephew a copy of my newest book, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.  Since one of the themes of the book is making a difference in your own, unique way, as Frankie does even though she is disabled, I thought I’d encourage each of them to make a difference.  They each received an extra copy of the book and  I’ve asked them to donate it.  I gave them suggestions, but also said if they came up with an idea in how to make a difference with the book, to go for it!

John comes from a large family with 5 sisters and all their significant others and four grandkids, so it can be, well let’s say, a bit loud at family gatherings (but I love it).  So amongst the remaining gift opening, loud talk and laughter, my nieces and nephews sat in the middle of the living room floor reading their new Frankie books. Tears sprang to my eyes and it was the BEST gift ever!!  So I share photos of all of them as my Best Christmas Gift of 2009.