Bringing A Book To Life
Watch Them Go!
Dear Readers, are you aware our small Southern town is making news? Why just this week, I saw this headline- Summer Travel Solved: National Award-Winning “Boomer and Halley” Book Keeps Kids Engaged and Kind on the Go!
It goes on: As families hit the road, the challenge of keeping young travelers entertained while fostering positive values has a new, positive, screen-time solution. Mary Jane McKittrick, founder of the national award-winning Shady Pines Story Town, has released the eBook version of her celebrated children’s title, Boomer and Halley Scavenger Hunt: Discover Rewards by Working with Others.
Now as Halley’s Comet would say, “Isn’t that the cat’s meow?”
Of course I’m sure Boomer would want to tell folks that since his name always appears first, HE’S the most important element of any Boomer and Halley story.
Interactive
Well this version of our print book is perfect for tablets and e-readers. And, as a portable adventure it’s designed to turn long car rides and flight delays into a chance for connection.
Now we know the story follows our two, favorite adopted four-legged siblings – Boomerang, an Australian Shepherd dog, and Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat, as they navigate a rainy-day scavenger hunt staged by a once childless couple turned instant “parents.”
But the kicker is, real parents can use the prompting questions to talk about the life lessons that pop up in storyline.
The Critters Come to Life!
And now, there’s a Book Trailer you can watch so you can see a preview of the story play out in animation.
Click the image to watch the animation
Make sure you share this post with your family members who may have young children and are needing some wholesome entertainment this summer. Remind them that if they grab a copy of the book from our BOOKS PAGE on the Shady Pine Story Town website they can get a FREE Boomer and Halley themed scavenger hunt to play at home or in the hotel!
Back To School
Of course we still have some weeks and plenty of stories to share with you before the young children of Shady Pines Story Town head back to school.
But it’s not too early to let you know that our local author, Mary Jane McKittrick, is already working on a Back to School package for Educators and Parents who Homeschool. We hear it will include all kinds of learning-while-doing activities.
She calls the program PAWS 4 Kids – Stories With Lasting Value
What’s In The Package?
The package will include the Boomer and Halley’s Scavenger Hunt book and the B&H scavenger hunt play at home or on the run version.
We hear there’s something else in the works. It’s a Write To Win contest that measure writing ability and comprehension. Each setup uses an illustration and Life Lesson found in the Boomer and Halley books and throughout the Shady Pines Story Town platform.
After reading a set up paragraph introducing the life lesson, the child is given multiple choice questions. When they answer correctly, a prompt takes them to another page where they are asked to write their own paragraph about Teamwork, Respecting Property, and so on.
When a child completes the task correctly they qualify to receive a certificate from Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs himself!
It may look something like this.
There will be other interactive elements in the PAWS 4 Kids package as well. Stay tuned for more updates on those.
Other News Around Town
Besides all of that, it’s summertime in Shady Pines. That means all sorts of things are going on as we get closer to July Fourth celebrations.
Wait! We have to mention a mystery surrounding the commemorative stamps that are tied to the town’s 100th anniversary. I should mention we think our town was founded a hundred years ago, but in Shady Pines it’s hard to get a straight answer.
Anyway, our mail carrier, Kim Dunworthy, will have more to say next week about why she thinks the stamps are missing. And, more importantly, if they’ll be found in time for the big unveiling on the Fourth!
We’ll look for you when we meet again for another edition of the Kindness Connection Blog Stories!
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW
Shady Pines is blossoming! It’s exciting to experience the growth. Good job.
Thank you so much Elaine!
I love all the content there is always something new to discover at Shady Pines and lots of interactive entertainment and education
Thank you so much Susan!
I love all the content there is always something new to discover at Shady Pines and lots of interactive entertainment and education
I love all the content there is always something new to discover at Shady Pines and lots of interactive entertainment and education
You’re right Mary Jane. It seems there’s a lot going on in Shady Pines
I am blown away. This site is really growing in a good way. Love the animation
Shady Pines seems to constantly evolve. Way to go!
Thank you Berne
It’s exciting to hear all the developments of Shady Pines. Really like the animation
So glad you liked it Jim
Watching Boomer and Halley come to life was really cool. I will share this with my daughter and her kids
This is wonderful! I love the animation and the back to school ideas. Shady Pines is on a roll
Thank you so much!
I love the animation! Shady Pines Storytown is well on its way. The concepts you’re developing are so creative and seem effortless but I know how much you’re putting into it to make it a success.
Wonderful job!!!
Thank you so much Teresa. That is a ringing endorsement!
Love the animation and there is so much coming! Can’t wait!
Thank you Sharon!
Amazing package and seeing Hailey and Boomer come to life is so exciting. I will share with family and friends immediately!
Thank you Tricia. I’d love to hear what they say
you keep knocking it out of the park, Mary Jane!
Thank you Nancy!
The animation is terrific !!!
Thank you!
So much fun listening and watching Shady Pines Story Town evolve and grow! Kudos my friend!
Thank you so much Amy!
A lot to share for sure! Thank you Mary Jane for all the updates and letting us be part of the fun!
You’re so welcome Jerry. Thank you!
Shady Pines is exploding with activity! It seems like everyone is very busy getting ready for historic events. I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
Thank you Sheri!
Brilliant !
Thank you Elaine!
There really is a lot going on in Shady Pines and I’m there for it. We need sites like this that spread kindness
Loved the animation and the exciting upcoming news
Such an exciting time in Shady Pines !
Thank you!