THE WEED THAT WOKE CHRISTMAS: THE MOSTLY TRUE TALE OF THE TOLEDO CHRISTMAS WEED, illustrated by Polina Gortman, is the recipient of the Independent Publisher’s Silver Medal for Holiday Books and the Story Monsters Approved award for books that make a difference.
“A heartwarming holiday tale that proves even the littlest things can make a big difference.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The fine message about holiday spirit makes for a perfect read for parents seeking stories that encourage kids to feel empowered to begin changes that cross age and economic barriers. The Weed That Woke Christmas is a lovely, positive, much-needed story for modern times.” —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
This heartwarming and inspiring book proves that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference and transform apathy and oblivion into awareness, unity, community, kindness, and hope. Partly truth and partly fiction, it is based on the moving true story of how a weed on a Toledo street corner helped spread the giving spirit far beyond its traffic island home. All Weed wants is to be seen, but people are in too much of a hurry to notice each other, let alone Weed. Weed watches, wishes, and waits until finally someone does see it. But Weed discovers that there is something far bigger and more important than a little weed being noticed.
“This sweet story is accompanied by lush illustrations by Gortman, who portrays Toledo’s citizens as diverse. The author manages to convey the importance of charity and community without making the tale mawkish or trite. She closes the text with the real story of the Christmas Weed and the hope that the holiday magic will continue.” —Kirkus Reviews
AN OLD MAN AND HIS PENGUIN: HOW DINDIM MADE JOÃO PEREIRA DE SOUZA AN HONORARY PENGUIN, illustrated by Milanka Reardon, is the recipient of the Story Monster Approved Award for Excellence in Literature Picture Books Nonfiction.
“A moving, affectionate, and joyful tale, all the more so for being true.” —Kirkus Reviews
“An Old Man and His Penguin holds a number of important messages about human/animal relationships, love, oil slicks and their impact on sea life, and loneliness. . . . its underlying focus on letting go and reaping rewards from non-possessiveness offers an outstanding lesson about love for the very young.” —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Off the coast of Brazil, João rescues a lifeless, oil-covered penguin (Dindim) and nurses him back to health. Dindim adopts João as an honorary penguin, and the steadfast friends do everything together. They swim together, fish together, and stroll the beach together. But there are real penguins somewhere across the sea. So one day, Dindim leaves João. The villagers tell João the penguin will never come back. João cannot say if he will or will not. Are the villagers right? Will Dindim ever patter into his old friend’s loving arms again?
“Adults looking for an inviting animal story with an important message will welcome this appealingly different seaside tale.” —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“The underlying lesson about compassion and good stewardship is subtle but effective; an author’s note explains the real-life circumstances. Reardon, who also illustrated the penguin-themed Noodles’ & Albie’s Birthday Surprise (2016), deftly captures the story’s charm and expressiveness.” —Kirkus Reviews
SIENNA, THE COWGIRL FAIRY: COWBOY TROUBLE book two in the series was illustrated by Blake Marsee.
Aunt Rose is getting married, and guess who she’s asked to be her flower girl. Sienna’s sadder than a coyote without a howl. “I’d look mighty silly in a dress. I’d trip over my own feet in them fancy shoes. And I ain’t much good at manners neither.” Ma signs Sienna up for cowgirl charm school where Sienna discovers she’s even worse at being elegant than she thought she’d be. To make matters worse, Billy Bob and his band of bullies see Sienna in her charm school clothes and raise a ruckus. Maybe Sienna can teach those cowboys a thing or two about manners and poise. But can she learn enough at charm school to walk down the aisle without embarrassing herself and Aunt Rose?
SIENNA, THE COWGIRL FAIRY: TRYING TO MAKE IT RAIN book one in the series was illustrated by Brian Martin. This book is the recipient of the Reader’s View Reviewers Choice Literary Award.
Sienna is not your normal cowgirl, for she’s half human and half fairy. But Sienna wants nothing to do with fairies. When her ma sends her to fairy camp instead of cowgirl camp, she ain’t none too happy. Not only must she deal with cliquish fairies who reject her spunky spirit and outspoken ways, she must also noodle out how to help Mother Nature end the Texas drought. Can Sienna balance cowgirling with some tried ’n’ true fairy skills to both fit in and make it rain? A story about perseverance, friendship, teamwork, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others.
BUTTERFLY KISSES FOR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA, illustrated by Joini Stringfield, received the Mom’s Choice Awards gold medal and an IPPY Awards silver medal.
Emily loves to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Like most grandchildren, she is showered with affection and enjoys the freedom to eat sweets, stay up late, and help Grandma in the garden. When Emily’s visit with her grandparents ends, she’s saddened by thoughts of missing them. To comfort her, Grandma gives Emily a book that teaches her to use her imagination, memory, and natural surroundings to help her feel close when they are apart. In a surprising role reversal, Emily comforts Grandma by sharing her own secrets for staying close.
VIDEOS
Video of Alayne introducing the next video where Elle demonstrates interactive sounds and motions younger children can do with Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa as it is read.
This video offers demonstrations for parents and teachers. How to engage younger children in the picture book Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa. Alayne and Elle show you how.
Video of Alayne talking about how Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa can be used to help children cope with missing long-distance loved ones or those who have died.
ACTIVITIES AND ART PROJECTS
MAKING PEACE WITH BEING A LONG-DISTANCE GRANDPARENT
Alayne’s story: Making Peace with Being a Long-Distance Grandparent (how the book was inspired)
Alayne Kay Christian 
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