Wiggles Room

Daffoldils, Dogs and Cars iTunes Download

2011-02-22T11:32:00.001-08:00

A drive to Hyannis, MA on a sunny spring day was planned for Gabe. He was looking forward to a ride on the Cape Cod Central Railroad, his second trip as Gabe was only four. But mommy hadn’t called ahead and as a result she had no idea that the train depot would be closed for the season. The opening day was in two weeks.

Quick on her feet, she spotted a sign for the “Steamboat Authority” and then she came up with plan “B”. Mom decided they might as well take a ferry to Nantucket.

What a great last-minute idea that turned out to be, because it was the 35th Annual Daffodil Day Celebration and they would be just in time for the doggy parade, antique car show, and the flower competition at the old schoolhouse.

Gabe and his Mom met townies who told them where to have ice cream, “…the Nantucket Pharmacy, of course, with its old-fashioned soda fountain.”

Others guided them to the old schoolhouse to see the flower show hosted by the Massachusetts Audubon. They saw all the varieties of daffodils and they would vote for best flower.

By the day’s end, the two were so exhausted that they made the ride back home to Cambridge on pure adrenalin from all the fun they had experienced.

African Amerian Publisher launched at iTunes & More

2011-02-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

Everyone around the world can now download a multicultural book from Wiggles Press with the launch made possible by StoryChimes™ a division of Siena Entertainment Los Angeles, California.

Wiggles Press is truly multicultural in that writers from varying backgrounds author stories that are based in diversity whether it is content, storyline or illustration. Wiggles Press makes a special effort to create main characters that are African American, Asian, or Hispanic. The stories are universal in nature and meant to teach valuable life lessons that would be embraced by educations and parents.

The initial launch includes nine 2010 storybook releases:

1. Don’t Play Catch with Jelly, George Jack and Jennifer Rackley
2. Gabe’s Nantucket Adventure; Daffodil, Dogs, and Cars
3. I Saw Wild Parrots in New York City, George Sommers
4. Metal Mike, Larry Richardson
5. My Favorite Shoes, Rochelle O’Neal Thorpe
6. Perfect Pet, Donald Cantor and Michael Cantor
7. The Moon Creeper, Monique Howard
8. There’s No Mouse in My New House, Jean Smith Andrews
9. Tyler and the Spider, Melinda Lancaster

For more information or to go to the links for each story click here > http://wigglespress.com/Storychimes.html

StoryChimes Wiggles Press Launch February 18th, 2011

2011-02-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

New Cast of Characters... joining WP in 2011

2011-01-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

Wiggles Press (WP) is happy to announce a new cast of characters joining out storybook line this year. Bringing these characters is a host of new writers and new artists.

Wiggles Press Book Release Schedule

January 2011

1. Animal of the Year is a new storybook written by Donald Cantor and Michael Cantor that takes readers on a second visit to Happy Farm, where there is a host of unique animals who display their talents. Only this time, readers are introduced to the adorable hound who is inspired by many Wheaten Terriers they have owned over the years. (Hard cover edition January 2011)

2. No Hay Raton en Nuestra Casa Nueve is a new Spanish translation of There’s No Mouse in My New House written by author Jean Smith Andrews. This funny and witty book by author Jean Smith Andrews will keep you laughing as you encounter the Funnybones’ reaction to finding a mouse in their new house.

February 2011

3. Grandma, Tell Me If You Can, by Melinda Lancaster brings to live a grandmother and grandson having a special moment at the beach. A beautifully written book showing a time filled with intrigue and imagination; illustrated by Michelle Podgorski

4. Presents for Phoebe, written by Paul Rodhe and illustrated by Al Margolis is a delightful story of Phoebe who is a bit spoiled by her adoring parents. Yet, Phoebe is awakened by the news of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and has a charitable heart towards the children living in an orphanage. You will have to read this one to learn just what this little one does to make a big difference!

5. Solaka, The Girl with the Long Blue Toenails, by mother and daughter Cristi Catt and Katryn (Katy) Loutzenhiser is a unique story that will make you laugh; art by Katy.

6. There is a Tarantula in My Pajamas, written by Celestine L. Payne is a story of parents comforting "Junior" who is afraid of the dark. Junior images he sees dragons, Martians and even a big old tarantula. Illustrator Bill Young

March 2011

7. Can I still be President? Written by Magnolia Walker. Diane and Juan their friends Ming and Tim ask themselves this question after being teased by a bully... You will love the answers and realizations each one comes up with individually; Illustrated by Michael (Miguel) da Cruz

8. Flowers, by Cynthia K. Davis will arrive just in time for Spring and introduces an array of characters like Lily, Queen Ann, Papi the Poppy, and even a Squirrels and Sparrows play a part in this tale! The lessons they teach about diversity, acceptance, and working together makes this story "No Ordinary Garden Show Competition."

9. Mary Margaret, A Flea You See, by Julie Reed is a coming of age story that will make you laugh and leave you feeling adventurous, ready to set out and pursue your dreams!

April 2011

10. My Room is a Jungle, by George Jack, is a story about a young boy who is trying hard to understand why his Mom thinks his room is so messy it looks like an African Safari deep in the Serengeti! Illustrated by Laurie Hamilton.

11. Sensational Sandy is a new character brought to us by Monique Howard, who will also illustrate the story Sensational Sandy and Stripes. This one is funny and sheds light on learning to accept change... and learning to like something new.

Summer 2011 (May/June)

12. Amazing Me! The Right Way to Be, by Judie Yuill and illustrated by Kristen Doherty will be joining us this summer. Its forest creatures teach the importance of teamwork and self-acceptance (Summer 2011).

13. A Dragon Valentine, by Rochelle O'Neal Thorpe will also arrive in Summer 2011 just in time for all the Asian mothers trying to prepare for the Year of the Dragon's first birthday parties in 2012. It is a story about discovering a friend's culture and going to your first big girl's party. , and it will a Dragon's heart.

14. How Did Daddy Love Me Today? A question many children may ask... and you will want to read how Pat Larson treats this inquiry; illustrated by Rosemarie Gillen.

15. Jackson’s Cloudy Day written by Melinda Lancaster is a story about Jackson who is a little boy who is home with a cold and spending the day in his pajamas. Using his imagination, he soon discovers in the shapes of the clouds a set of drums, a marching band, a castle where he can steal the golden goose and let all the prisoners loose, and much, much more.

About Wiggles Press

Wiggles Press was founded in March 2009; the collaborative publishing house aims to provide multicultural storybooks for little hands. In 2010, Wiggles Press grew its authorship from twelve to twenty four new authors with a promising catalog for 2011.

Founder and Publisher, Rochelle O’Neal Thorpe is a graduate of Emerson College with a Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications and the University of Massachusetts, Isenberg School of Management, Bachelor of Business Administration.

URL: wigglespress.com

Contact: Rochelle O’Neal Thorpe
publisher@wigglespress.com
Publisher, Wiggles Press
(617) 497-3985 / (617) 918-0285

Fatimah Asghar
fatima@wigglespress.com
(617)-319-4622
Media Relations

2010 NEW AUTHORS & NEW BOOKS

2011-01-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome!

Wiggles Press is a collaborative publishing house that works with first time authors to make their dream of publishing stories for children a reality.

In 2011, we have two Spanish editions, Miguel Metalico and Mis Zapatos Favoritos, as well as a Japanese and Mandarin translation of The Tales of Teacups.

February 15th a suite of books will debut at StoryChimes.com for download on Apple itunes to read on iphone, and ipad.

The publishing industry keeps pushing the bar and we aim to reach readers around the globe.

Our dedication to quality reading will be met through printing our popular editions in hardcover for treasuring over a lifetime.

Most importantly, our writers are accessible in their Storybook Groups in this community.

This year we welcome newcomers Celestine Payne, Cristi Catt, Cynthia Davis, Katryn Loutzenhiser and Delores Walker to the team; and new artist Ashley Andrews and Katryn Loutzenhiser.

Our New Releases will be:

Can I Still Be President, Magnolia McDougald Walker
Flowers, Cynthia K. Davis
Grandma, Tell Me If You Can… Melinda K. Lancaster
How Did Daddy Love Me? Pat Larson
Jackson’s Cloudy Day, Melinda K. Lancaster
My Room Is A Jungle, George Jack
Presents for Phoebe, Paul Rhode
Tarantula in My Pajamas, Celestine L. Payne
Solaka; Girl with the Blue Toenails, Cristi Catt and Katryn Loutzenhiser

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to join us online at our community on NING > wigglespress.ning.com

Our authors and illustrators welcome you to blog with them.

Also, you can purchase our books at Wiggles Press and on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel.

Sincerely,
Rochelle O'Neal Thorpe

The Adventures of Penelope Star: The Mystery of The Three Dragons

2010-05-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 20, 2010

Wiggles Press is pleased to announce its first juvenile novel
The Adventures of Penelope Star: The Mystery of the Three Dragons
Written by Paula M. Ezop and illustrated by Bill Young

Cambridge, MA – Wiggles Press a small publisher that specializes in creating books for the hands of little readers has produced its first juvenile chapter book or juvenile mystery novel titled, The Adventures of Penelope Star: The Mystery of the Three Dragon. Now available in paperback and as a Kindle e-book at Amazon.com.

The main character, Penelope Star is an adventuresome pre-teen who has a best friend, Dolly. The two live in the picturesque town of Dragon Point where tourists come to enjoy the rugged Maine coastline, the excellent cuisine, and to explore the tiny shops that line Main Street. There are a number of fancy boutiques and an unusual number of antique shops.

There are also many town legends and mysteries that these two decide to explore and the girls elicit the help of three boys, Eddie, Ben, and Billy to discover the truth about Dragon Point’s past. They call themselves “The Fearless Five”.

Their summer adventure begins when they find an old diary hidden under a floorboard in Penny’s room. This diary would have more questions than answers, and an exciting mystery of treasure, jade dragons, and a long ago young Chinese Empress…

“I wanted to write a story about a diverse group of children who were best of friends. That’s when “The Fearless Five” came to life. I guess my inspiration was the fact that I could create a friendship between children of different races and ethnic backgrounds who would not only share their friendship but a common experience and adventure.

It enabled me to create the type of childhood experience that I’ve always dreamed about. What fun it would have been to live in Dragon Point, Maine, with friends like Dolly, Eddie, Ben, and Billy, and to have a summer filled with mystery and adventure!”

- Paula M. Ezop

The author also weaves in a whole community of villagers and illustrates cross-generational relationships with the dialogue between Penelope and her Grams and Tati, a southern woman with roots going back to the Underground Railroad.

Although this story is a first chapter book for the author, it will leave readers anticipating the next edition.

About the Author
Paula M. Ezop says she absolutely loves writing for children as it takes her to a place where all things are possible, a place where dreams come true and fantasy becomes reality. Bears can talk, mountains can move, dogs can sing, and alligators can dance. You bring all of the characters that exist in your mind to life, they become real, and you have the pleasure of sharing them with everyone who reads your books.

While creating The Adventures of Penelope Star and the Mystery of the Three Dragons, Paula knew that Penny, Dolly, Billy, Eddie, and Ben had lots of adventures to go on. After all, they are best of friends, and Dragon Point, Maine is just filled with secrets, hidden passageways, buried treasure, stories of pirates, and maybe even a ghost or two.

Paula’s inspirational columns “Following the Spiritual Soul” have appeared in Oconee Today, a South Carolina Scripps Howard publication, “Celebrating the Success of the Modern Woman” and “Esteem Yourself”. She has contributed to Chicken Soup for the Caregivers Soul and she has written the foreword to Whispers of Inspiration, a collection of both poetry and prose gathered from voices around the world.

About the Illustrator

Bill Young resides in Philadelphia, PA, where he also attended the Hussian School of Art to obtain an Associates Degree. For the past 30 years Bill has created several illustrations for comic books and news publications. His talents range from comic to realism and his mediums from computer graphics to fine arts paintings in watercolor and acrylics.

His dream is to stop the printing press, as his day job is working in a print shop, to become a full-time artist with a lucrative career.

Publisher
Wiggles Press was founded in March 2009. Its objective is to provide multicultural literature for young readers created by first-time writers and illustrators. This year Wiggles has grown its authorship from one to twenty new writers with a promising Spring Catalog.
For more information contact us:

Publisher, Rochelle O’Neal Thorpe
Wiggles Press
115 Clifton Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
Telephone: (617) 497-3985
Cell: (617) 981-0285
Email: Publisher@wigglespress.com
URL: wigglespress.com

Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories
Book Size: 6" x 9"
Pages: 190
Language: English
Text: Black and White / Trade paper
Price: 9.95 USD
ISBN 1935706047 / 9781935706045
Amazon Kindle ASIN: B003MW03RS

Spring 2010 Submissions a Success!

2010-01-30T19:27:00.001-08:00

Thank you Writers who so eagerly responded to our request for submissions.
Wiggles Press received some truly great stories that we are very eager to publish.

In fact, the entire process was so exciting that it is hard to think about anything else... Already the illustrators are busy making character sketches, and editing is underway to make sure we reach our April deadline.

Luckily, many of you had your own illustrators or illustrations and nearly perfect writing.

Your submissions were a dream come true for a budding publisher like myself.

Go Here!

Christmas Party

2009-11-30T02:58:00.001-08:00

Wiggles Press has been in business now for three quarters and is happy to celebrate the success of its author, Robert Peters, who has made tremendous strides in booksales and media coverage for the small independent publisher. Robert's book Da Goodie Monsta has appeared on Urban Update, and has had several book signings from Boston to Cape Cod.

As a member of the Wampanoag Nation, Robert also fulfills Wiggle's corporate mission of diversity in children's literature.

In addtion, to having an opportunity to hear Robert read Da Goodie Monsta, those attending will also see his Thirteen Moon art collection and learn its sacred meanings.

Also you will enjoy music by Berkley Duo Jayna & Otto, dine on French cuisines and holiday treats, while having an opportunity to purchase handmade crafts like jewelry, dolls, posters, and of course books.

The cover charge for individuals and families is $10, so bring the kids they are free.

Readings will start at 12:30 and there will be lots of fun for everyone.

For directions and more information see: http://www.pierrotbistrot.com/events.html

You can pay at the door - or RSVP online at the link above.

Urban Update Interviews Robert Peters, author of Da Goodie Monsta

2009-10-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

Robert Peters author and illustrator of the
Da Goodie Monsta was interviewed by host Byron Barnett of Urban Update, a weekly news magazine aired Sundays at 11:30 AM on the NBC affiliate, WHDH TV Channel 7, Boston, MA.

The gentlemen discuss the origins of Da Goodie Monsta and how Robert's son woke from a nap and relayed the tale of a monster who "chased dem nightmares away" this is how Da Goodie Monsta born. Robert Senior not only wrote the story, he also illustrated in masterful etchings the images that give this story a vivid portrayal of the mythical creature, urban life, and the main character Shaka that will delight a child's imagination.

Byron Barnett also inquired about Robert's Native American heritiage and how, if any, this story relates to his Wampanoag culture.
You'll want to tune in to the show to hear Robert's answer.

Be sure to go to the web site at Urban Update for scheduling information and airings.

http://www1.whdh.com/primetime/schedule/
http://www.wigglespress.com/

To learn more about Da Goodie Monsta join Robert Peters on Facebook page as well.

Da Goodie Monsta is a Treat to Children

2009-10-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

This summer author Robert Peters was able to test out the imaginative story he wrote that describes a dream his son, Robert Jr. told to him when he woke from a nap at age 3. During this reading several children ages 3 to 19 enjoyed the story and became enthralled in its masterful halftone etchings designed to portray the story and timeline of events.

On October 31st, 2009 at 12 Noon
the story will be presented to families and attendees during a Children's Hour Reading taking place a Jamaicaway Books & Gifts. 676 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

Call 617 983-3204 to reserve your copy - or see http://www.wigglespress.com/ to order Now!

Description

Limited Edition Hardcover / 8.5 x 11 Full Color / Library Binding - 28 pages

Ideal for readers 7 and up.

http://www.wigglespress.com/buy.html

Directions

See Jamicaway Books & Gifts
http://www.jamaicawaybooks.com

Get Ready for "Da Goodie Monsta!"

2009-09-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

“Da Goodie Monsta swoops down to visit the village and enters the dreams of little brothers and little sisters to chase dem nightmares away.

Only Shaka isn’t dreaming and therefore Da Goodie Monsta has no occasion to enter his dreams. Disappointed, Shaka turns to his mother pained that he hasn’t been visited.

Although his mother assures Shaka that Da Goodie Monster will come he decides to take matters into his own hand and has chosen to leaves the Ghetto to go through the forest and up the mountain to where Da Goodie Monsta lives. He waits, and waits until it’s almost dawn before the winged creature with woolly locks that is part dragon, part bird and part lion finally arrived.”

The book “Da Goodie Monsta” is one that your children will also be eager to hear its conclusion. It’s a story that will not only “chase dem nightmares away,” Da Goodie Monsta will inspire adventure and confidence in young readers.

To learn more about Author, Robert Peters go to Wiggles

Cambridge Carnival

2009-08-22T02:47:00.001-07:00

Wiggles Press is coming to Cambridge Carnival
September 13, 2009.

Each year Cambridge Carnival International host vendors from around the world - who setup along the parade route for attendees to enjoy ethnic foods and to purchase crafts and clothing reflecting the African Diaspora - from the Motherland to all isles in the Caribbean, including Brazil and Central America.

The highlight of the event are the dancers who parade themselves in color costumes and dance their way down the street in Troupes competing for first place.

Music is provided by live bands on stage and the music accompanying each dance troupe.

Kid Fest features a moon walk, entertainers, games and face painting.

This time there will be something new, Wiggles Press.

We will be on site to read and sale books.

Storytime will occur once an hour and feature books that Wiggles produced or upcoming features in this Fall's collection.

It will be a time to come hear stories not yet at bookstores or to buy books from us.

Cambridge Carnival International is in its 17th Year of multicultural fun, won't you join us!

Getting Started

2009-08-22T02:25:00.000-07:00

Starting a new publishing company has truly taught me many lessons and placed me on a new learning curve.

My heart was inspired to write books as a result of keep journals as a teen of my travels. As an adult who was healing after a divorce, I took up journaling again - jotting down the experiences I had as a mom, wife, and in my career.

These events often inspired poems or short stories reflecting my life.

My first book was The Majestic Crane and the second one soon followed; Captain Remarkable. After sharing my manuscript with fellow writers, they encouraged me to generate a Chapter book and "The Adventures of Captain Remarkable was born."

Last winter, I had the opportunity to utilize my 20 year marketing career to get a book published for Civil Rights Activist and Educator Mel King.

Nothing made me feel more wonderful than helping an 80 year old man who has given so much to Boston and the children he has educated at Harvard and MIT as well as his own 8 children and family of grandchildren and communities.

It was his birthday when he signed with Sweeties Books and it was also my 47th.

Discovering that the role of publishing agent was similar to PR Agent - I took on other clients.

I helped Deb Cornin publish "Christmas without Santa" with Sweeties as well.

Wiggles was formed shortly thereafter this Spring 2009.

As Wiggles I published Debs books "My Baby Brother the Bully," and "My Sister Stephi is Getty Married" in May.

Wiggles hosted its first event the "Spring 2009 Roxbury Children's Book Fair."

Also scheduled one at a local elementary school library.

All of these events took place within nine months - and boy was I exhausted.

I welcomed taking the summer to get my ducks in a row and taking on small projects that I am eager to announce.

I also enoyed chatting with writers belonging to the African American Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (who recently reorganized).

I learned allot from them and they are great supporters.

In September Wiggles will be at Cambridge Carnival and reading stories for children attending Kid Fest.

I will promoting my new authors and reading their stories and a few of my own.

Come see!

Cambridge Carnival

Summer Reading

2009-07-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

What books are your kids reading this summer?

Welcome

2009-07-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hi:

Here is a place where you are welcome to chat about chidlrens literature, teaching, or helping young ones learn to read.

Feel free to share your favorite books and tools for best practices.

Especially any comments about books you have read in the Wiggles Press catalog.

Thanks and Welcome!