Dear Readers, The temperatures have been scorching this summer, but the activity of our Shady Pines Story Town creators is downright sizzlin.' Why, in addition to launching the newly re-published first book in her National Award-winning Boomer and Halley book series. Author Mary Jane McKittrick has been fielding questions from folks all over the country - book promoters, marketers, and more. They all want to help promote the new eBook (6-9 yr olds) Boomer and Halley Scavenger Hunt - Discover Rewards by Working with Others.

That's only part of what's going on. As you might imagine Editor Zulah Talmadge over at The Shady Pines Gazette is on the story because she knows news.

"Hi everyone. Zulah here. I had to have a little chat with our local author. She's supposed to keep me informed when she starts making news and it seems she forgot to call me."

Dear Readers, there's something you should know. Zulah gets a bit hot under the collar when she's not the first to hear what's happening in our small Southern town. You see, that Scavenger Hunt book is part of a new educational program that's set to launch this week. Well, you can listen to Zulah asking about that.

PAWS 4 Kids - Stories With Lasting Value

"Ah-Hem," says Zulah as she clears her throat. "First off Mary Jane, what's this new educational gig you've got going?"

"Well Zulah," says Mary Jane. "We're calling it, PAWS 4 Kids - Stories With Lasting Value. It's on the launch pad and is ready to take off sometime this week. This program continues our approach to introducing soft vales through social-emotional learning. PAWS 4 Kids is designed for educators and homeschoolers. That's why the Boomer and Halley book one is included. The theme, this time out, centers around Teamwork.

"Okay. Fine," says Zulah. "Why haven't I heard about this? Have you been working on it for awhile?"

Mary Jane nods her head. "Yes. This is is a Pilot Program for us so we'll do a limited launch to see how people react to it. There are four modules of interactive learning opportunities.

Each module is built upon the warm, character-driven storytelling of Shady Pines Story Town. The Write To Win Contest challenges a child's reading and comprehension with a certificate from Mayor Fibbs as a prize. We want to provide practical ways to explore life lessons at home and in the classroom."

"Where can learn more about this PAWS 4 what-cha-ma-call-it?" asks Zulah.

Mary Jane shakes her head. "Zulah, it's PAWS 4 Kids and there's a page on the Shady Pines Story Town website that explains the program in detail.

CLICK HERE to find out on more and discover how you can have these materials delivered to you!

The Reviews Are In

"Alrighty. Now then. We've covered the new educational program, Mary Jane," says Zulah pushing back from her desk. She gets up and heads for the refrigerator in the back room of the Gazette office. "Would you like some water?"

"Sure," answers May Jane. "That'd be great. Thank you."

Zulah returns with two, cold glasses of water. "Now tell me what you're hearing about reaction to your book now that's it's back in circulation."

"Well. Zulah, If you CLICK HERE you can read what the Bookworm For Kids site had to say. We are especially appreciative of the feedback from industry professionals. They recognize how the story helps children visualize and act upon the value of teamwork and our other core life lessons."

"Here's another example - we're thrilled that Maestra Mom, Amanda Wilson, (a homeschooling mom) included us in her latest list of Best Children's Books," says Mary Jane.

"Got it, " says Zulah. "Hey whatever happened to that editor at The Pilot newspaper in Southern Pines? Didn't she interview you while you were there doing your Writers Residency?"

Mary Jane looks surprised. "Zulah you have a mind like a steel trap. You are absolutely right. That did happen and Laura Douglass published her article in the Sunday edition on July Fourth weekend. She did a very large spread!"

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Here Are Comments From Readers:

"Want more. I think that sums it up. The Scavenger Hunt was fun, lighthearted, but taught a lesson at the same time. The best part, kids won't know they are learning." - Michele, mother of two, educator

"It doesn't hurt to teach good manner, respect, and responsibility. We need more of this.. Can't wait to read the next Boomer and Halley Story. Bring it on. It's time for a change." Coni, mother of three, grandmother of two

"Harold and Edna love each other. You can tell." -Anky, age 6

"I think Boomer is cool." -Michael, age 7

New Boomer and Halley Book?

Zulah exhales. "This is a lot." The perceptive editor looks sideways at the author whose taking another sip of water. "What? There's more?"

"Well...there is," says Mary Jane "I recently found the manuscript I wrote for a fourth book starring our favorite Australian Shepherd and silver streak of a cat. The working title is: Boomer and Halley PAWS To Help."

Zulah is a bit shocked. "Whaaat? What's this one about?"

"Here's something I wrote as an overview," says Mary Jane.

For seven-year-old Ray Robinson, not speaking is a survival mechanism, until a critical split
second when his silence could mean the death of a best friend. Like Maya Angelou and James
Earl Jones, both of whom famously went mute following childhood trauma, Ray has internalized
the stress of his father's overseas deployment and his mother's financial anxiety, withdrawing from
the world. Will he discover his voice in time?

"I have to say, that has my attention. When can we expect this book will be published?"

"That kinda depends," says Mary Jane. "I'm in the process of trying to attract a literary agent to represent this book and our now multimedia Shady Pines Story Town platform. But I promise you Zulah, you will be the first to know when that happens."

Zulah shuffles the papers on her desk and with a sly smile says, "You'd better. I'm gonna hold you to that. Now get out of here. I have a lot to report now because of you. And where's Scoop? We have another edition of the Gazette to get out!"

And that's where we'll leave it for now Dear Readers. You're up to date on all the news that's fit to report as Zulah always says. One thing you can reply on, here in Shady Pines kindness matters. No matter what is produced here we will be a safe place for you to land whenever you need a smile!