Speaking of Books

Oh, weren't we? But I'm always talking about books. Way too often about my own, but sometimes ... sometimes I spread the news about other authors. It's especially fun to do this when they are either local or locally connected. This week, I'm talking about children's books.

Gloria Dance

Gloria Beecher Dance graduated from North Miami. She's had an interesting life that included a long career in elementary education. However, it was her twin grandchildren who planted the story in her mind for her first book, Counting Alphabet Sheep. "It took nine months, and my book baby is a real thing. It feels like my child and includes my grandchildren’s names and personalities. I used diverse names from regions of the globe so all children might see themselves in the characters. My only regret is that I am retired from teaching and won’t be using the book to teach children to write. But I have hope that current educators will use it to spark interest in writing."

The blurb states that This book is a unique and educational bedtime story about twins who just can't fall asleep. The sheep in the pasture behind their house come to life as charming characters, each with its own personality and adventurous tale, leading to a delightful surprise ending.

Perfect for home or school, the story can help children learn letter sounds and recognition, while also introducing them to the fun of alliteration. On the second and last pages, kids can hunt for hidden Alphabet Sheep, an entertaining way to spark curiosity and stimulate cognitive skills.

Counting Alphabet Sheep is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Next in line of my I know her! list is Megan Hoover, whose series of Buddy the Sheep books are so much fun even for grandparents. (Ask me how I know.) Megan is a dedicated elementary school teacher with 26 years of experience inspiring young learners.

Her love for animals is especially close to her heart, as she is the proud caretaker of three sheep who have become the stars and inspiration for her children’s stories. Through her teaching and writing, Megan hopes to spark joy in young readers and remind children that friendship, kindness, and curiosity can lead to wonderful adventures.

From Buddy the Sheep Goes to School: This heartwarming story follows a young sheep on

his very first day of school, filled with excitement, curiosity, and a few nervous moments. As he rides the school bus and walks into the classroom, he meets new animal friends who quickly become part of his day. Together they read books in the library, paint pictures in art class, play at recess, and share lunch while laughing and learning side by side. Through each new experience, the sheep discovers that school is a place of friendship, creativity, and fun. By the end of the day, he returns home proud and happy, eager to tell his family all about his wonderful first day and already looking forward to the next one.

The Buddy the Sheep Series can be found on Amazon.

It's Raining Cats! It's Raining Dogs! It's Raining Bats! And Pollywogs! was written by Sherry West and illustrated by Larkin Stephens-Deaton.

One very unusual day, it rains, but not the kind that's expected . . .

"The heavens opened and down they sent one quite noisy elephant!"

And so, begins a very hilarious downpour of confused, amused, bemused, grumpy, frumpy, mumpy, lumpy, highly annoyed, and patiently suffering zoo full of animals onto an unseen town down below!

"We have to duck and run for cover while chickens cluck and near us hover! They're raining fast all over town! I wonder what else is coming down???"

Parents and educators alike enjoy reading this hilarious, highly-engaging and appealing book with its lyrical text and giggly-wiggly pictures to children, who quickly and easily acquire important language and reading skills along their merry way.

It's Raining Cats! It's Raining Dogs! It's Raining Bats! And Pollywogs! can be found at Amazon.

I hope you enjoyed "meeting" these authors. Have a great week. Be nice to somebody.