Champ's Champion Christmas!

“Here’s my special after-Christmas post.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that Santa Paws brought you exactly what you wanted. Here’s me in my Christmas Elf coat, next to the tree, wondering if Santa Paws got my special letter to him…

Isn't our Christmas tree beautiful?

Yay! Santa Paws brought me just what I wanted! A whole bunch of squeaky balls!!!

Yay! Lucky me!

Don’t forget that there are so many needy animals out there, animals who didn’t have a warm cosy bed or a loving family over Christmas. It’s our duty to spread the word and save as many lonesome or homeless animals as possible. Just a small donation at any animal shelter or rescue will help so much.

If you want to help S.A.F.E. Rescue, the wonderful people that saved me from abuse and illness, please consider buying my book about my journey back to life. Champ: My Story of Survival is available on Amazon and proceeds go to help S.A.F.E. Rescue save as many animals as they can.”

About Champ: Champ is a 7-year-old poodle mix brought back to life from the brink of death by S.A.F.E. Rescue, a no-kill animal shelter in California. He lives happily for now with foster parents and their loving family while he gets completely well. He loves to be loved, and has not let being a celebrity turn his head. His favorite toy is his squeaky ball; and he loves going for walks and being cuddled. Collaborating on this book was the biggest step in his life and he hopes that people will love it to bits and tell the whole world.

 

Readers and supporters will agree with S.A.F.E. Rescue when they say: "Champ has touched the hearts of so many people and has been an inspiration, if for no other reason than to bring awareness and attention to the plight of abused and neglected pets. They too just want to be loved and cared for and can and will blossom into wonderful companions with unconditional love, despite their past."

A Book About a Bear!

About the Book

Title: Beenie's Search | Author: J.J. Schousboe | Publication Date: March 20, 2014 | Publisher: Friesen Press | Pages: 48 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 Book Description: Join Beenie, the friendly bear, as he searches for his family after hibernating for the long winter. Spring arrives and Beenie discovers that he is all alone. In search of food, friends and his family, Beenie gets side tracked and lost. When he remembers what he was taught by his parents, he overcomes his fears and sets off in the right direction. Beenie's Search teaches young readers the importance of listening and following directions as they join Beenie in his adventure.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Friesen Press

J J Schousboe Designs | Google Play | Goodreads

 

About the Author: J.J. Schousboe

JJ Schousboe migrated from the lovely island of Trinidad, in the Caribbean. She has been writing poems as a teenager and began writing stories for her children. A preschool teacher since 2007, JJ currently lives in Largo, Florida.

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

   

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: January 2, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, J.J. Schousboe and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Magic of Friendship

About the Book

Title: The Magic of Friendship | Authors: Subhash Kommuru & Sujata Kommuru | Publication Date: August 25, 2014 | Publisher: Kommuru Books | Pages: 42 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 Book Description: A flock of migrating geese stumble upon Tadoba, the land of the fierce tiger Babbar who does not tolerate anyone in his area. Will Babbar show any mercy? Can he change? Will the geese make it to safety? This is a story about change -- a transformation that comes with the magic of friendship. Personality may not change, but nature can surely change. This story will shows the value of friendship and how that can change a person, particularly one who is lonely and never really had the gift of laughter.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

 

The Buzz About the Book

"Committed to introducing Indian culture into children’s literature, Kommuru has set The Magic of Friendship in the heart India amid an imagined Tadoba Forest, which is not that farfetched from the real Tadoba National Park and Tiger Reserve near Maharashtra, India. Including other aspects of the country, such as the banyan tree — its national tree, and Kojagiri, an Indian term loosely related to a celebration, Kommuru’s story opens opportunities for children to learn and ask questions about another part of the world. Closing with a great moral that children will easily be able to figure out, The Magic of Friendship, is not just a fascinating read. Wonderfully written with aptly complementing illustrations, it is also a welcomed addition to children’s literature." ~ Pacific Book Review

"I really enjoyed this story. I thought it expressed how friendship changes people and makes their lives better very well. The art is cute and explanatory without the story as well."~ Phaedra S., Amazon

"When it comes to stories about friendship, children's picture book literature is replete with tales of boys and girls who form mutually beneficial relationships; but The Magic of Friendship aims for something more and stands above most others in pairing vivid, colorful animal drawings with a narrative that at first seems predictable, but offers some satisfying differences...the real value of friendship and its world-changing potentials in this winning, feel-good story perfect for read-aloud or young picture book readers." ~ D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"This is a really cute book that teaches that things are not always what they seem. The book is well illustrated and one that kids can easily relate to. This book is appropriate all the way up to 3rd grade reading level. My first grader was able to read it easily!" ~ Bonnie R., Amazon

"A story that will certainly put a smile on your face while teaching the importance of friendship." ~ Brenda C., Amazon

 

About the Authors: Subhash & Sujata Kommuru

Subhash and Sujata Kommuru hail from India. They migrated to the United States along with their memories of childhood and youth. Now that they are parents, just like every immigrant they crave to introduce their child to the culture and values of their upbringing. Yet it is challenging to teach something while you are in the midst of adjusting to a different culture yourself. Subhash and Sujata both work in different disciplines and have different styles and backgrounds, but it is the upbringing of their son that brings them on the same page. That exact place where they meet is captured and reflected in their stories, where Subhash can express in words, and Sujata can illustrate them beautifully. Where he puts it in black and white, she adds color to it. You get the idea! These stories are their attempt to share a glimpse of their childhood days with their son. He is their inspiration to write short stories that have meaning to them and provide teaching in some shape or form.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: January 8, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Subhash Kommuru and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

How Clever Are These Squirrels?

Title: The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car | Author: Sara Shafer | Publication Date: November 7, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 96 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 12 Book Summary: When his baby cousin Zander runs away, Chaz finally has a chance to live his dream of rescuing someone and proving his bravery. But Zander doesn't want to be rescued, and he certainly doesn't listen.

When the little squirrel crawls into a race car, Chaz follows him, expecting they will hide from the humans until the race is over. But Zander doesn't stay hidden, wanting to try everything the humans do.

When the race car spins out of control, Chaz is the only one who can save them. If he's not brave enough, not only will they crash, he'll lose Zander forever.

The Bravest Squirrel Series:

1. The Bravest Squirrel Ever

2. The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest

3. The Bravest Squirrel in School

4. The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car

Amazon * CreateSpace

Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

 

The Buzz About the Series

"Totally awesome book!! You are brave to be an author!" ~ reader Valerie D., age 9

"A wonderful children's book. I am passing mine on to my youngest grandson. He will enjoy this story." ~ Susie, Amazon

"I liked how the squirrels act. They were funny. It was a really good book. I think other kids that are reading chapter books should read this." ~ Gaea, 12 year old reader

 

About the Author: Sara Shafer

When two squirrels moved into Sara Shafer’s attic, she went on a quest to figure out what they were doing. She knocked on the ceiling, and they scratched back. Imagining what they thought and felt, she wrote The Bravest Squirrel Ever and then continued their adventures with The Bravest Squirrel in the Forest, The Bravest Squirrel in School, and The Bravest Squirrel Drives a Race Car. Although her attic is currently vacant, the squirrels outnumber the humans in her neighborhood and could decide to take over at any moment. She watches for signs of invasion as she plots more stories of squirrel bravery.

Website | Newsletter | Twitter

Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: December 22, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Sara Shafer and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Stories for Young Readers!

Me curled up on the rug!

Yay! I’m so excited. Here’s the book you’ve all been waiting for! I am proud to announce that my story How Superdog Champ Saved the Day is included. The BookElves Anthology Volume 1 is chock full of Christmas cheer, with stories that will please young and young at heart readers. There’s something for everyone in this collection of whimsical tales. Seven stories, seven situations threatening the festivities. Will the holidays be a disaster? Will families be left out in the cold? Will there be tears before bedtime, or will there be happy endings all round? The #MG BookElves group brings you its first anthology of tales to enjoy during the holiday season:

* Reliable Clooney Dockins delivered his town's mail on time for thirty-two years, until that strange and impossible Christmas Eve when he woke up late. M.G.King (Fizz & Peppers at the Bottom of the World, Librarian on the Roof)
* Max the Tonkinese cat finds Santa Claus on the roof and is whisked away to retrieve a very special message from another time and place. Wendy Leighton-Porter (The Shadows from the Past series)
* Shirley Link is an amateur sleuth who lives in a town that could use all the sleuths it can get! What is it about Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts that makes it such a hotspot for dastardly deeds? Even on Christmas Day? Ben Zackheim (Shirley Link Detective Series, The Camelot Kids)
*Champ may be a rescue dog, but he’s the best person around to stop the dognappers and save heartbreak at Christmas. Fiona Ingram (The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, Champ: My Story of Survival)
* When the railroad gets snowed under, the two bit town of Skunk Corners has to play host to a load of mighty difficult strangers. Can Big Al and the Ninja Librarian keep the season of goodwill from breaking into a riot? Rebecca M. Douglass (The Ninja Librarian, Halitor the Hero)
*Far away on the west coast of a western Scottish island, Dylan and Dougall face yuletide in Castle Haunn with no heat, light or food. Can Dylan get the message through to the mainland for help, or is there something nasty waiting for him in the hills? Jemima Pett (The Princelings of the East series)
*It’s Christmas holiday and Lily is stuck in a remote mountain village. With school out for a month and no internet connection, at first she wonders how she will fill the time. In this sweet romance, Lily discovers there’s more to gift-giving than just the giving. S. Smith (The Seed Savers series)

Each tale weaves its own seasonal magic. Each magician has already warmed the hearts of thousands of young readers with their stories. Enjoy these frantic races to meet the Christmas deadline while you curl up in your favourite reading spot this winter. And if you’re a dog (or a cat!) you can curl up by the fire on a comfy rug and get your human to read it aloud to you. Woof! Woof!

Book Blast: Ten Thankful Turkeys

About the Book

Title: Ten Thankful Turkeys | Author: Angela Muse | Illustrator: Ewa Powdles | Publication Date: October 4, 2014 | Publisher: 4EYESBOOKS | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 2 to 8 Summary: This colorful autumn tale follows ten turkeys as they get ready for an important celebration. This story teaches about gratitude. There are also fun turkey facts in the back of the book.

Kindle version available for only 99 cents from Amazon on October 24 & 25, 2014. Grab your copy now!!

Amazon (Kindle) * Amazon (Paperback)

 

About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela Muse was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children's book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children's picture books and released books in her first young adult romance series, The Alpha Girls, in 2013/2014. Her husband, Ben Muse writes suspense/thriller books that can also be found on Amazon.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: November 23, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway the

It's a Dog's Life...

I've been so busy helping out Foster Mommy Suzy with the Chicken Ladies, and planning my next writing assignment, I thought I get in some shut eye. Here's me looking cute as I snuggle under my blankie. Woof! Woof!

Have You Read My Book Yet?

Have you read my book yet? In case you haven't, it's available on Amazon. Please share this with all your friends who love animals and tell them they'll be doing a very good deed and helping animals by buying it? Why? Because proceeds go to the wonderful people at S.A.F.E. Rescue, who saved me and brought me back to life. Don't forget to leave a review so more people can read about how cute and special it is!


Here's me with a promo folder doing my marketing!

Here's me having a snooze after a busy day of telling everyone how to save animals. Being cute is such hard work!

Zzzzzzzzzzzz....

Lovable Lobo Goes to the Galapagos!

About the Book

Title: Lobo Goes to the Galapagos (The Adventures of Lovable Lobo) | Author: C.L. Murphy | Publication Date: August 27, 2014 | Publisher: Peanut Butter Prose | Pages:32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 7

Summary: Lobo returns in this adventure, sweeter and a bit salty this time. This lil' wolf pup finds that there's nothing like a little sea air to bring out the best in him and his unlikely tag-alongs. Take a trip to the Galapagos with Lobo and his right-hand raven, Roxy, as they help an injured, new feathered friend return home. Lobo faces some fears and witnesses the joy that comes from helping others in this "birds of a different feather DO flock together" tale.  

Book Preview

 

Purchase

Amazon | iTunes

 

The Buzz

"Who knew geography and learning about animals could be this much fun? Lobo Goes to the Galapagos is my new favorite children's book and is highly recommended. " ~ Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite

"While Ms, Murphy's uniquely whimsical and vibrant illustrative style is perfectly suited for the wild, tropical feel of this colorful book, and easily captures young readers' attention, there is also a subtle, quiet beauty to the storyline's overarching themes of friendship, trust, perseverance, and goodwill. Lobo's tenacious and giving spirit are delightfully captured in this fifth installment of puppy-fueled fun. In fact, it's sincerely so easy to fall in love with "Lovable" Lobo that I'd happily follow this well-meaning, big-hearted, wolf pup to the very ends of the earth!" ~ 5 Star Review, Indie Author Girl, Amazon

"What an adorable story! I read this to my nephew and he couldn't stop giggling at the silliness of Roxy as well as Lobo's cute friends Bobby, Sunny, Coconut and Sandra. The author was very clever in portraying a tale of friendship, adventure and excitement that is sure to enthuse young minds around the world." ~ 5 Star Review, Gina D., Amazon

 

About the Author: C.L. Murphy

While new to the children’s book writing and illustrating scene, C.L. Murphy (Cathy) has been doodling her way through life since she won a school wide poster contest in the third grade. She’s had the pleasure of working as an artist in residence, creating cartoons and painting murals with the children at local elementary schools. She adores the wonder and curiosity of young children. She feels that creating picture books is something that she was destined to do, after years of filing away so many ideas, while raising her two sons. She is a member of SCBWI. She lives amongst the wildlife in an enchanted forest in the beautiful Oregon wilderness with her husband and menagerie. She has always appreciated nature and animals have always played a major role in her life. The inspiration for the Lovable Lobo character came from a wolf that she raised for over 14 years. Check out her book series and discover that you, too, will find Lobo lovable.

Book Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* $100 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize (winner's choice) Contest Ends: October 23, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by C.L. Murphy and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Champ Reviews: Saving Wombats

I have been ever so busy catching up on my book reviews. The book I’ve been reading is called Saving Wombats by a clever Pawthor, Emma Homes.  She writes about animals so it’s very clear Emma loves animals and I like her already.

Here’s what Saving Wombats is all about. Ruthie, dad Tom and mum Kate, along with Ruthie’s younger siblings, Liam and Bel, and their pet wombat Womble (what a cute name!) are going to her cousins’ farm to spend a lovely holiday in the countryside (sounds like fun!). Up ahead they see a sad sight (yelp!): a wombat has been run over by a speeding truck. Ruthie’s parents stop to check the animal and discover it has a tiny baby in its pouch. The baby is still alive (yay!). Luckily, the Jirringbah Wildlife Shelter is on the same route and soon they get the baby, called a pinky, to Jo Matthews who shows the kids how to take care of the pinky. While they are there, the kids learn a lot about Australia’s wildlife and some of the skin diseases that can affect these animals; one is a horrible disease called mange (dogs can get mange too!). Ruthie doesn’t want to admit that soon Womble will be old enough to be released into the wild – imagine if he gets a nasty, itchy skin condition from the mange. Once they get to their cousins, the kids find out more about wombats and mange because there is a wombat on the farm that looks as if it has a bad case of mange. Medication can cure the condition, but it’s catching the animal and applying the medication regularly that’s the problem. Wombats are also pretty quick when it comes to getting away! With the help of some wildlife experts and her Uncle Dave, they devise a clever way of getting the medication onto the skin of the elusive wombat. Will the medicine cure this sick wombat? Will Ruthie be able to release Womble back into the wild?

I never knew there was such an animal as a wombat. But I live in California and they live in Australia so I guess that’s why. Australia looks very far away on the map. Wombats look so cute and cuddly, but they can be fierce if someone tries to get into their burrow.  I loved reading about Ruthie and her family, and especially that they all care about animals. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone in the world felt the same way? This book tells you so much about wildlife in Australia and how important it is to protect the environment. It’s a great book for kids, but people who are interested in animals and saving the planet will also enjoy it. This book is a winner for all ages and I think school libraries should have it on their shelves because kids can learn a lot and have fun at the same time! I give it five stars. I wonder if I will ever meet a wombat. I would say, “Hello Wombat. My name is Champ. What’s yours?”

Champ says: "G is for Grooming!"

Although I'm none too fond of a bath and a haircut, some days it just has to be done. Here's a picture of me looking like I need a bath!

"Yes, I am a bit dirty around the whiskers..."




But then Foster Mommy Suzy gets going with the necessities for a bath and a haircut and soon I'm looking handsome again!

"See? looking good again!"

See ya!

The Shambelurklers Return!

Yay! Can you believe it? My super-hero short story in Champ: My Story of Survival is featured in a great new kids’ book. I am so proud and honored to be a contributing Pawthor because the proceeds from this book go to help kids with autism. Let me tell you all about it.

 

Oooh! They look scary!!!

Five years ago, a friend alerted Marit Meredith to the work done by NAS (the National Autistic Society) The Early Bird Plus program, which had provided invaluable help for her friend’s grandson - and the idea of publishing an anthology to raise money for this cause was born. With a network of writer friends throughout the world, submissions soon came in, from as far afield as India and Australia, and Shambelurkling and Other Stories was published through Lulu (print on demand) in 2009.

Last year, after receiving an update on the work NAS undertakes through the helpline, Marit again sent out a call for submissions, hoping to produce another children’s book in the series. Again writers from near and far came up trumps, and on September 1^st, The Shambelurklers Return was published. In the first week, close on £100 was made in royalties, which will all go to the NAS Helpline.

If you’re wondering what or who the Shambelurklers are, the Shambelurklers was the name given to the monsters lurking in wardrobes, under beds and behind doors, by a writer friend, Rosa Johnson, when her children were small, and in the poem she wrote the myth of the monsters melt away, only to make room for another, more fun one. The poem is in the first book, with the original version opening the second, current book.

 

Here's me in the dark, checking to see if any Shambelurklers are lurking...

 

The Shambelurklers Return is a children’s book of stories and poems, for the age range 6-12, published by Marit Meredith who lives in Clydach, under the name Midnight Scribblers Publishing. It is available from Lulu for £5.99 – and will soon be available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Nook etc. as well.

Please help autistic kids by purchasing this fabulous book. You can also leave a review on the purchase site to encourage more people to buy and enjoy this marvellous collection. PS: Don’t be scared of the Shambelurklers … you just give a loud woof and they will run away!

Champ says: "I Wasn't Quite Myself..."

I wasn't feeling quite myself recently. You can see by this picture that I'm looking off-colour.

 



But then Foster Mommy Suzy took me straightaway to the most famous Dogtor on the planet, my special Dogtor Slaton. He's the Dogtor that helped to save me when I nearly died. I won't show you all the embarrassing pictures when he had to examine me (ugg!). Here's the picture of me afterwards giving him a hug.

 

Then I started feeling so much better, I even wanted to play with my blue ball! Maybe it's the colour that perked me up? Or having a squeaky ball? Anyway, here's me looking adorable and cute.

 

 

 

 

In case you've been wondering why I have been so conspicuous by my absence, I have been finishing a writing project (phew, a toughie) and reading two wonderful books about animals which I will be reviewing. I hope you enjoy them.

Champ's Top 5 Book Marketing Tips

As every Pawthor knows, marketing is an on-going slog once a book has been written. I have a few suggestions as to how Pawthors can spread the word about their work.

1. Get a great Pawtrait shot. You might need a professional photographer but Foster Mommy Suzy is so good with the camera that I just use her photos. (You saw this already but I look so cute I  had to include it again)

Soulful, intelligent, the look of a dedicated Pawthor.
 

2. You should have some interesting bookmarks made, using the cover of your book. It doesn't matter that people like reading e-books. They love getting something cute (and free) and everyone has books around the house. What better way for them to remember your book! You'll see something in the middle of this photo - temporary tattoos! Kids love them when we go to Petco Days. Depending on what your book is about, you could have great fun with these as freebies.

 

3. Coffee mugs are a really fantastic promo product. Can you imagine someone sitting at work, and every day they have their coffee break and look at the cover of your book? It's a winner. This photo is a bit dark but you get the 'picture.'

 

 

4. Folders and notebooks are also fab gifts for people to remember your book. See how wonderful the cover of my book looks!

 

 

5. Lastly but not leastly, you can get posters printed for a special event. There's no way people will walk past and miss seeing your book cover! The photo below shows the poster Foster Mommy Suzy had printed for a special Petco Adoption Day. Isn't it just the best thing you've ever seen? (Yes, that's me Muttbombing!)

I hope these tips all help you with your marketing campaign. Remember, never give up. Rome (wherever that is) wasn't built in a day.

 

I do something every day to tell people about my book Champ: My Story of Survival. Here's me busy at the computer, keeping in touch with my fans. You can follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook page for updates.

 

Please tell everyone you know about my book about how I got saved and have a new life, especially people who love animals (especially dogs!) and who also like 'happy ending' stories like mine.

 

 

 

Me Looking Handsome!

I have heard that a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Phew! I can count all the toes on my left front paw, and all the toes on my right front paw. A thousand sounds like a lot of words! Anyway here's a handsome picture of me that Foster Mommy Suzy took. Either I am handsomer than I thought, or she is just very good with the camera!



See my cute name tag shaped like a bone!

Champ Reviews The Poppy Project

I have some excellent news to share with my friends and followers. My biodographer Fiona Ingram has been working on a new book about a famous dog from Fiji called Poppy. It’s called The Poppy Project. Poppy met with a terrible accident one day. She was originally a hunting dog and her job was to root about in the bushes and chase the wild pigs for hunters. Oh my gosh, Poppy got in the way of a hunting machete and half her nose got cut off. She ran off and for weeks she just tried to find food by digging in dustbins, although her snout was in such bad shape she could hardly eat. But the Anjil for Aminals is always on duty and guided Poppy’s footsteps to a school where the very kind headmaster found her. He contacted the Nadi Clinic of Animals Fiji (they save lots of animals in Fiji) and they took Poppy in.

More good news! People all over the world heard about Poppy’s plight through Facebook and sent money to pay for an operation on her nose. Poppy got famous pretty quickly and then when Bondi Vet of Animal Planet heard about her … well, she was possibly the most famous dog from Fiji! Poppy had a life saving operation so she could eat and breathe properly and she got a new Fur-Ever Family that loves her to bits. Poppy is such a happy dog now, living a wonderful life in Australia. But she hasn’t forgotten all the needy animals left behind in Fiji, which is a very poor country.

Poppy was in very bad shape!

Fiona and Poppy decide to write down Poppy’s story about how she went from thin and starving to happy and healthy, and to use the money from the sales of the book to help Animals Fiji. Poppy’s story made me cry (at the sad part) but then it made me smile and laugh all the way because it is so happy. Poppy wrote a Pretty Ever After Poem, telling readers how she was worried that people would run away from her because she looked ugly. But you can learn a lesson here: everyone is beautiful because it does not matter what you look like on the outside … it’s the inside that counts!

What's inside the book? Oooh, lots of interesting stuff. Poppy also has an exciting adventure (Poppy’s Beach Adventure) in which she saves a little girl called Samantha from bullies at the beach. Poppy is a smart dog and she loves teaching people about Fiji. Poppy’s Classroom Capers will test your general knowledge about Australia and Fiji (don’t worry – the answers are at the back!). If you want to know how to help animals in general, Poppy includes loads of tips about caring for animals and making a difference.

Poppy all healed and looking pretty!

There are some sad photos because Poppy had a very bad time, but mostly there are photos of Poppy looking just gorgeous and being happy with her family. If you want to learn more about Poppy or to say hello, Poppy has a Facebook page as well. She loves to hear from people. If you want to know more about Animals Fiji and the fantastic job they do in helping Fiji's animals, then please visit their Facebook page as well. Animals Fiji needs a lot of support because they are trying to raise money to build a new clinic.

Please support Poppy and Animals Fiji by telling everyone about this 5-star book. It’s available on Amazon and you can be even nicer by leaving a review to say what you thought. Animal lovers of the world must stick together and make the planet a safe, loving place for all animals.

Book Review: Little Bird Lost

I’m so glad my biodographer Fiona Ingram is back into blogging after her poor doggie Chloe got so badly bitten. (Don’t worry, she is all better now!) I can’t manage to post any blogs without her help.

Anyway, in the meantime, I’ve been reading a fantastic book about birds. It’s called Little Bird Lost. “Birds?” you may ask. Not dogs? Today this book review is about birds. I don’t usually get to see birds up close because they are so high off the ground, and apart from my own experience with the Pigeon Ladies Flying Club in my adventure (where I kept my eyes shut most of the time), I only see them flying high above me. I had never seen a baby bird either, until I read this book about a little bird that may have been lost.

Oooh, it was nail-biting to say the least. Steve and Kate Larkinson wrote this book after Steve found a nest of baby swallows under the eaves of a bakery (Not sure what eaves are but it must be high off the ground). Anyway, there were supposed to be four baby birds, and then one of the babies disappeared. I was so worried that I chewed my paw-nails! Had it fallen out of the nest? Would the mommy and daddy bird find it? Where could it be? Was it scared?

The best thing about this book—actually two best things—are the photos and the way the story is told in rhyme. The photos are so clear that I was astonished to see what a baby bird looks like up close. The rhymes made me want to sing along. I loved this book to bits and I hope Steve and Kate write more books so people can learn about nature and animals and wildlife. I give this wonderful book five stars. Oh yes, there’s a cute video on YouTube that I just loved!

A Prayer for Chloe

I haven't posted for a very long time - well, it feels like a very long time - because my biodographer Fiona has been nursing her little dog Chloe back to health. Chloe was badly bitten two weeks ago by two very big dogs in the park. These dogs were not on a leash. Chloe got mauled so badly she had to have an operation to sew her back together again. But she is getting better, thanks to all sorts of kind people who helped to rescue her. Here's a picture of me praying to the Anjil for Aminals to make Chloe perfect again. Remember to always keep your dogs on a leash when you go for a walk, just in case!

If I could send Chloe my ball to cheer her up, I would!