February 2nd, 2010
Audrey Penn Makes Difficult Things Easier
by Lisa Barker
The following books by Audrey Penn are touching, heartwarming and perfect for little ones dealing with two different difficult situations. In “The Kissing Hand” we find a special way to stretch the bond of mother and child for the very first day of school. In “Chester Raccoon and The Acorn Full of Memories” we discover a way to ease the heartache of a loved one’s passing.
Chester and his mother quickly resonate with the young reader especially in their dialog where Mother Raccoon is soothing and reassuring, wise and nurturing. Both books are full of warmth and wisdom and are a pleasure to share with you.
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
(c2006, Tanglewood Press; ages 4-8)
It’s Chester’s first ‘night’ of school and he’s nervous and wants to stay home with mother where everything is comforting and familiar. Mrs. Raccoon shows him a special way to keep ‘in touch’ with her throughout the night by teaching him about the kissing hand.
Book review: As a mother I was very touched by “The Kissing Hand.” This is an idea mothers can share with their little ones and easily implement creating both confident kiddos and childhood memories to treasure.
The illustrations are wonderful and remind me of the old Golden Books. Filling the page, detailed and comforting, they underscore the warmth of the narration.
Reader relevance: This is the perfect gift for a child starting school! Little one’s will relate to Chester’s feelings and love the concept of the kissing hand.
“Chester Raccoon and The Acorn Full of Memories” by Audrey Penn (c2009, Tanglewood Press; ages 4-8) Chester comes home from school one day with news that his friend has passed away. Confused and aching he turns to Mother Raccoon who comforts him and teaches Chester and his friends how to make memories to honor remember their beloved friend.
Book review: My jaw dropped when I opened this book. From the start the illustrations enfold the reader and sweep you right into an expertly written story that is as tender and touching as it is consoling and healing. The prose is always only soothing and motherly and not the least bit syrupy or patronizing.
The story line is remarkable in that it offers children a practical means to work out their mourning; something constructive to do when a little one feels helpless. The full-page illustrations really underscore the soothing tone of the story while dealing with a somber subject and offering hope.
Reader relevance: I think this is a book that little ones will appreciate, giving them an outlet for their emotions and something to create and hang onto with regard to their deceased loved one.
LISA BARKER reviews children’s books for ages 0-12 BiblioReads.com. For book reviews, author interviews, content for your website/publication and advertising please contact Lisa at BiblioReads.info@gmail.com.
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Don’t get stuck in the past: Update your social media techniques today
January 21st, 2010
One of the largest mistakes companies who utilize social media are making is not integrating social media marketing into existing activities. What are you doing already that you can integrate social media into? Let’s get real; it’s 2010 and it’s now necessary to have a mobile device that lets you accomplish what your computer can. Think about how much more media- productive you would be if you had a mobile device that let you update Twitter, Facebook and check your e-mail while sitting in rush hour traffic or standing in line at Starbucks?
Social media can be hugely overwhelming, but now’s the time to jump right in. You can no longer afford to not participate. It’s shocking, but true; companies that do not use social media to engage the public are quickly becoming idle. Americans are largely reliant on social media to get information and updates about various industries and companies, and if you aren’t linked in you are missing out on a massive portion of your client base. Many underestimate the power social networking has to build real, working relationships with their clients.
· 60% of Americans regularly interact with companies on a social media site
· 43% of consumers say that companies should use social networks to solve the consumers’ problems
· 41% believe that companies should use social media tools to solicit feedback on products and services
Social media is still often referred to as “new media,” however it isn’t; it is media. Think about the last major news story and how you found out about it? I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of you did not read it in a newspaper. You probably got an e-mail update from an online news source or saw someone’s status or post on Facebook or Twitter. We no longer look for the news; the news finds us. (Social Media Revolution, video, YouTube.com)
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It’s all Good! Customers rave over All Good Goop, organic healing balm
December 14th, 2009
Elemental Herbs® “All Good Goop” Organic Skin Balm Captures Essence of Healing Herbs
It’s “All Good” for everything - from climbers’ calloused hands to baby’s tender bum
On occasion, Caroline Duell, president and founder of Elemental Herbs, can still be found in the kitchen mixing up a batch of “All Good Goop™” healing skin balm, considered a medicine-cabinet staple, and an alternative to petroleum jelly-based formulas. As Elemental Herbs’ premiere product, it put the company on the map nationally in 2006 as a manufacturer of organic herbal-based healing formulas.
These days, All Good Goop is made at a solar powered community center facility near Duell’s headquarters in Morro Bay, CA, and she still likes to keep her finger in the pot, so to speak, overseeing everything from sourcing the highest medicinal quality herbs to making additional batches when necessary to fill customer demands for the
exceptional healing ointment.
I personally used the product for a month on both my sons eczema. It not only keeps them from itching as much, but it healed all their bumps and scratches from countless episodes of scratching. My husband also swears by it on his rough cracked hands.
With an unparalleled combination of herbs and botanicals, All Good Goop’s popularity stems from the fact that its all-natural, organic formula benefits literally most any skin condition. For example, the balm can be used for:
· rough, dry hands, whether a climber or construction worker
· minor burns, cuts and scrapes
· diaper rash and other skin reactions
· chapped lips
· cracked heels and other skin irritations, including bug bites
Duell initially created the balm using well-known healing herbs grown in her garden - herbs relied upon for centuries for their skin-healing properties. The formula includes all organic calendula, comfrey, lavender, plantain and yarrow, which are infused in organic extra virgin olive oil with pure beeswax, vitamin E and lavender essential oil. It is free of artificial fragrances and preservatives.
All Good Goop is available at retailers nationwide or at www.elementalherbs.com. MSRP- $ 8.50 for one-ounce and $13.50 for two-ounce jars.
Founded in November 2005, Elemental Herbs inspires people to live in balance with nature by offering organic herbal-based healing formulas including All Good Goop™ healing balm, All Good Lips™ lip balms, Herbal Cool™ pain relief spray and Sunscreen Sport™.
The products are available at 300 retailers nationwide, including health food stores, outdoor sports shops and high-end gift shops. The company donates one percent of its revenues to environmental organizations through 1% for the Planet and tests only on humans. For more information, visit the website at www.elementalherbs.com
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Holiday Shopping made easier-Use Social Media!
December 3rd, 2009
It is obvious that people around the world are spending more and more time online, making social media properties a valuable asset to any industry. With the holiday season rolling in, shoppers everywhere are resulting to social media as a shopping aid. Deloitte’s 24th Annual Holiday Survey of retail spending and trends confirms that social media and mobile phones are key influencers this holiday season.
How you may ask? Take a look at these stats!
- 17% of all consumers are planning on using social media during their holiday shopping
- 60% of those consumers are planning on using social media to find discounts, coupons, and sale information
- 53% of all consumers are planning on using social media to research gift ideas for family and friends
Age is no factor when it comes to social media. From those consumers who are planning on using social media as a shopping assistant – more than half are in the age group of 18-29, 33% are in the age group of 30-44, and 12% are in the age group of 45-60. With the internet being a top shopping destination for all ages; 22% of consumers are planning on shopping primarily online this holiday season with 44% of the shoppers planning on using coupons obtained online at local stores.
With the current economic downfall, social media is a key factor to attract those consumers who are planning on using the internet as a shopping aid. How will you market your business this holiday season?
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Team Mom Makes Holiday Shopping Easier
December 1st, 2009
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) has launched two helpful websites for consumers.
ToyInfo.org provides you with the tips you need to choose the right toys for your family, from toy safety facts to free downloadable play guides and from recall information to discussion boards, this engaging and informative new site is a one-stop resource for caregivers and parents to discover everything about toys and play.
I found the site extremely informative and easy to acess. There are discussion boards which help to answer questions about putting something together or getting opinions on age-appropriate selections from experts-Moms and Dads!
I also found the recall area quite eye-opening as I saw a State-Farm bear and Leap Frog’s Scout the bear on the recall lists. The hungry man from the hungry commercials? Well, my son loves this guy and as cute as he is…. folks have discovered needles inside the plush that were left before final completion! What a great resource and new addition to my favorites.
ToyAwards.org showcases the top toys nominated for the 2010 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY), recognized as the “Oscars” of the toy industry. Not only will you discover which toys the industry’s experts think are best, but for the first time, kids and parents can indicate their favorite toy picks….and register to win their choice of one or more of 11 prize packages.
We found this to be spot on for choosing our toys this year. It’s so overwhelming to get the right present, but the kids enjoyed exploring the site as well and even decided on some substitutions to ask Santa for as they looked at the Top Toys of the year. Check out the preschool Crayola Land winner, it’s definitely on my 4 year-olds list this year.
May you and yours have a wonderful holiday season.
Blessings,
Laura
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