Book Nook - Elroy's Remarkable Day Fishing

 

Elroy's Remarkable Day Fishing by Emily Hanson Collis Elroy is thrilled to spend the day with his dad and grandpa. He will be fishing for the first time! He had no idea there would be so much to learn. Through playful repetition and fun-to-read-aloud rhyming text, we enjoy watching Elroy’s curiosity create charming, wonder-filled circumstances where he is reminded to use patience and perseverance during a remarkable day’s fishing adventure. Buy from belleislebooks.com

About the Author

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Emily Hanson Collis fondly remembers spending time outdoors and fishing with her family at their weekend home in Galveston. Emily and her late husband raised two sons in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She now lives in Carlsbad, California, after retiring from a thirty-year career as a school fundraiser.

About the Illustrator

Jeanne Conway is an artist, illustrator, children’s book author, and art educator from St. Louis, Missouri. She has illustrated children’s picture books, children’s early readers, and middle grade children’s books in addition to writing and illustrating her own books. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators. View more of her art, illustrations, and books on her website: www.jeanniespaintings.com.

Music Minute - Moving With

 

Cleo Childs releases her debut spoken word project, "Moving With," available today via all major streaming platforms.The project is a collection of 14 spoken word poems set to music that chronicle the loss of her mother to Alzheimer's, one of the cruelest medical issues a family could endure. Cleo Childs' "Moving With" is a heartfelt narrative that resonates with anyone touched by the profound impact of Alzheimer's disease. First time author, Childs shares her personal story so that others understand they are not alone in their struggle to care for a parent who is slowly slipping away.   "My mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's when I was 21," shares Cleo Childs. "Writing became my solace as I grappled with her decline and eventual passing. 'Moving With' is an ode to her memory, a tribute to the journey we shared, and a testament to finding acceptance amidst grief." Her soul-stirring words are complimented by music produced by esteemed producer Jim Reilley and edited by Grammy-nominated folk singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier. The music bed reflects the emotional journey of -shock, denial, acceptance, resolve and grief through the eyes of a daughter as she watches her mother succumb. "First-time author Cleo Childs has penned 14 poems, with award-winning wordsmith Mary Gauthier serving as one of the editors to refine the text. With this team working alongside producer Jim Reilley, they created savory, complimentary musical beds," says PLA Media Founder and CEO, Pamela Lewis. "This spoken word homage chronicles her personal journey with her young mom through memory loss, healing and hope. PLA is so moved to partner with Cleo to get the word out about this timely affliction so many are struggling with worldwide." Since the loss of her mother, Childs has become a speaker and expert on the subject of losing someone with Alzheimer's. In an effort to shed light on the pervasive impact of Alzheimer's disease, Cleo Childs partners with PLA Media, a renowned public relations agency known for its commitment to promoting meaningful narratives.  "I am thrilled to be working with PLA Media and honored to be part of the amazing artists they represent," says Cleo Childs. "In a world of hard decisions, going with PLA Media is one of the easiest decisions I've made due to their professionalism, care, expertise, and integrity. I'm incredibly impressed with the caliber of talent and experience the PLA Media team has and the leader Pam Lewis is." For more information about Cleo Childs and "Moving With", please visit cleochilds.com.

About Cleo Childs: Cleo Childs released her spoken word poetry album "Moving With" on May 15th. This album is the culmination of two and a half years of writing about the journey of grief she experienced after losing her mom to Alzheimer's when she was 28 years old. Her mother was an English major in college and her grandmother, who is also one of her editors, was an English teacher for 30 years so she came by her grief processing tool of writing poetry naturally. With this spoken word poetry album, she hopes to show the path her grief took from having her mother, losing her mother, and the peace and acceptance she feels now. She also hopes to give an authentic and honest look at what her grief felt like so other people going through grief don't feel alone and feel community in their grief. You can learn more about her and the project on her website. Website:https://cleochilds.com

About the Collaborators: Mary Gauthier is a Grammy-nominated American folk singer-songwriter and author whos evocative songs have been covered by esteemed performers worldwide including performers including Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Kathy Mattea, Boy George, Jimmy Buffett, Bettye Lavette, Candi Staton, and Amy Helm.  Sheree Spoltore is a music industry professional, career coach, and mentor, Sheree’ Spoltore’ is dedicated to empowering songwriters and artists to reach their fullest potential. Jim Reilley, Co-founder of The New Dylans,  is an accomplished producer known for his contributions to the music industry.

Going Green - Fuels Ox Infinity Lube Super Spray

 The newest, safest, most efficient, eco-friendly, and mind-blowing lubricant on the market is adding “cool, fun, Father’s Day gift” to its seemingly endless lists of ‘Check This Out’s… and- as an added perk- Fuel Ox® Infinity Lube™ Super Spray is under $25.     

A plant-based super spray that can knock out all of the house, car and work to-dos faster than any other product AND is safe to use around food surfaces? Sign Dad Up. Rusted nuts and bolts? Not anymore. Squeaky hinges?  Quiet as a (Napping) Mouse. Adhesive and tars? Gone. Safe on any surface- including Dad’s coveted grill? Yep. In fact, its NSF- and USDA-certified.

From car to garage and house to work-  Dad will have more time for Dad jokes while Infinity Lube™ Super Spray takes the elbow grease out of the job.

 “This first-of-its-kind product packs the most power and the least harm to the planet,” said Industrial Sustainability Group CEO Rand Taylor. “Customers love putting Fuel Ox® Infinity Lube™ Super Spray to the test; the stuff is amazing and both Dad and ‘Mother Earth’ will thank you.”

AVAILABLE AT FUEL OX and AMAZON.

 Industrial Sustainability Group (ISG) dba The Fuel Ox® (www.fuelox.com), is an international corporation dedicated to providing fuel consumers with the most technologically advanced fuel treatments and lubricants on the market while helping them reduce their footprint on the environment with bio-based, eco-friendly and almost completely toxin-free products.

Fuel Ox® Infinity Lube™ Super Spray’s unique anti-friction and anti- corrosion formula makes it one of the strongest, high performance advanced spray lubricants on the market. It cleans, conditions and provides a lubricating film to improve and protect metal surfaces; it is also suited for all external mechanical systems and metal surfaces that need a lubricant, cleaner, degreaser, cutting fluid, or surface protectants. Fuel Ox® Infinity Lube™ Super Spray contains a mixture of bio-based elements and plant based essential oils and is infused with our exclusive HDI-2500 concentrate technology- fortifying Fuel Ox® Infinity Lube™ Super Spray to the highest level of superior lubrication and corrosion resistant performance.

 Fuel Ox:  https://www.fuelox.com/about/

Rand Taylor, CEO of The Fuel Ox, an international corporation dedicated to providing fuel consumers with the most technologically advanced fuel treatments and lubricants on the market and helping them reduce their footprint on the environment with bio-based, eco-friendly and almost completely toxin-free products. For over 10 years, Rand has led daily operations at Fuel Ox, and his company is currently leading the charge on creating revolutionary sustainable products for consumers. The company’s Infinity Lube™ Super Spray is one such example, and it has been NSF-certified. The company’s products have also been USDA-certified, which include: 

Fuel Ox® Infinity Lubes™ : Super Grease Plant Based Grease infused with Metal Conditioning Technology; Liquid Friction Eliminator crankcase/hydraulic unit concentrate; Super Spray All Purpose Metal Spray; Cool-Ox Performance Optimizing A/C & Refrigeration Treatment and Tar-Minator Super Asphalt and Adhesive Eradication System.

Rand has shared his expertise with various media including One World Initiative, Environmental Directions with Nancy Pearlman, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council, and Waterway Journal to name a few.  His company has been classified as a major player in the fuel industry and is destined for market dominance. 

Previously, Taylor played an integral role in taking a top New York area financial services company from concept to $1 billion in revenue in less than 6 years. His proven expertise extends to securities, asset management, equity trading systems, large organization management and business-to-business (B2B).

Fun Freetime - Souther Sitters: Camp Westhaven

 Southern Sitters is thrilled to announce the eagerly anticipated dates for this year's Southern Sitters: Camp Westhaven! As the premier camp destination in Westhaven neighborhood of Franklin, Tennessee, Southern Sitters is committed to providing an unparalleled experience filled with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories.

 

The week-long camp promises to be an extravaganza of engaging activities, games, and non-stop fun, all under the guidance of the Southern Sitters exceptional childcare providers, who double as Camp Counselors. With years of experience in childcare, they serve as exemplary role models, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
 

At Southern Sitters: Camp Westhaven, the importance of fostering friendships is emphasized, guaranteeing your child will form lasting bonds with peers from the local community. With limited spots available, parents are encouraged to secure their child's place early to avoid disappointment.
 

Located at 401 Cheltenham Avenue, Franklin, TN, Camp Westhaven 2024 will run for two week-long sessions, with each week packed with excitement from June 10th-14th and July 15th-19th. Camp sessions will take place daily from 9:00am to 1:00pm.


Each week of camp is $300/camper, with a $50 sibling discount for each additonal sibling. Camp Westhaven accepts all children aged 5-12 years old and each camper will recieve a t-shirt on their first day of camp.
 

Camp Week Themes:

Week One - June 10th-14th

• Monday: Slime Day
• Tuesday: Disney Day
• Wednesday: STEM Day
• Thursday: Pool Day
• Friday: Game Day

Week Two - July 15th-19th

• Monday: Craft Day
• Tuesday: Pool Day
• Wednesday: Science Day
• Thursday: Christmas in July Day
• Friday: Tie Dye Day

 

"We can hardly contain our excitement as we eagerly await the arrival of this year's campers at Southern Sitters: Camp Westhaven! Get ready for an electrifying summer adventure," exclaimed Savannah Maddison, CEO of Southern Sitters. "Our team is fueled with passion to deliver an experience that's not just memorable but transformative for every child. Get set to learn, grow, and craft memories that will sparkle for a lifetime!"
 

 

For more information, visit www.southernsitter.com and follow Southern Sitters on Facebook and Instagram.
 

Music Minute - Don McLean: American Boys

 Don McLean, GRAMMY winner, Songwriter Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, and Music City Walk of Fame honoree, is proud to celebrate the release of his latest album ‘American Boys’ (Friday, 5/17) an ode to the originators of modern rock ‘n roll.

McLean arrived in New York Sunday, May 19th, to make rounds with media to discuss his latest album effort, plus his invitation to join Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House for a State Dinner Thursday, May 23rd in Washington.

Don McLean is not one to shy away from controversial topics – and has been known to speak his mind on frequent occasions. McLean was recently quoted as saying Prince Harry should ‘shut his mouth’ in response to the UK royal’s disdain of the popular Graceland mansion, home to Elvis Presley, aka ‘The King of Rock ‘N Roll’ as discussed by Daily Mail UK.

Stateside, McLean talked with PEOPLE about the new album:

"I'm not interested necessarily in big numbers. That's not romantic," the "American Pie" singer tells PEOPLE over the phone from his home in Palm Springs, Calif. "In fact, when I got successful, I think it took a lot of the romance out of my career. I want to be thrilled. I don't want to be in a stodgy, taken for granted, dead relationship either with my music or with another person."

In his new album, ‘American Boys,’ McLean sings tributes to his heroes, including Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, and many more, while also drawing inspiration from former King of England Henry VIII and the late George Floyd.

McLean will release a lyric video, ‘The Ballad of George Floyd,’ in which he recalls the unfortunate incident that took the life of a Minneapolis man in the summer of 2020, provoking widespread rioting across the U.S. and abroad. The video will be released across McLean’s social channels on the anniversary of Floyd’s passing, Friday, May 25th.

"When I heard about George Floyd calling for his mother, I said, 'A man calling for his mother is not going to be that dangerous,'" he says. "That spoke to my heart and allowed me to write 'The Ballad of George Floyd.' When you're up against it, you call for your mother."

"When I was young, I had to fight asthma and pneumonia, and I nearly died a few times," he says. "I learned to be a fighter. My mother, God bless her, I would be so sick that she gave me a baseball bat when I was 8 or 6 or 7, and she said, 'If you can't breathe, just pound this on the floor, and I'll wake up and come and help you.' I would call for my mother in the middle of the night, and I would be crying, and I couldn't breathe, and she'd change the bed, and I'm sweating, and it's awful. Awful. I've had an uphill fight my whole life for everything."

For more of McLean’s exclusive PEOPLE interview, read HERE.

Across the pond, Daily Mail UK elicited this response from the author of one of the ‘Top 5 Songs of the 20th Century’ (RIAA/NEA; CBS, CNN) regarding Prince Harry’s dislike of the Graceland mansion:

"He doesn’t understand that Elvis is like the poor man’s king. He came from nowhere, and his recordings are among the greatest ever made. His family were as poor as they could be, and Harry criticized Elvis’s home as if he’s comparing it to Buckingham Palace, and that misses the point completely. Here’s a fellow who has been brought up to be mannerly, but you don’t criticize America when you’re living here as our guest."

Don adds of the prince, who recently listed the US as his primary residence, ‘He just doesn’t get America.’

Read McLean’s Daily Mail UK interview in its entirety HERE.

It’s worth noting that Prince Harry and his bride, Meghan Markle, had McLean’s song “And I Love You So” performed at their royal wedding reception six years ago today (May 19, 2018). The song was popularized by Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll.

To listen to the ‘American Boys’ album, visit orcd.co/DonMcLeanAmericanBoys. A limited number of signed vinyl albums is also available for purchase from donmclean.com.

As part of a new distribution deal with BFD/Audium Nashville, sixteen of Don McLean’s albums, which have been newly remastered, will be re-released, including ‘Prime Time,’ ‘Chain Lightning,’ ‘Believers,’ ‘Greatest Hits Live!,’ ‘Don McLean Sings Marty Robbins,’ ‘The Western Album,’ and more.

Don McLean continues to tour, bringing his music to venues worldwide! McLean recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic songs in history, “American Pie,” proving that “Bye-bye, Miss American Pie” will forever remain a classic staple in music. In March, he recently performed the record-breaking hit along with “American Boys” for an ecstatic audience at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry - his debut performance at the legendary venue.

The Long Road Festival, the UK’s premiere country, Americana & roots experience, recently announced McLean as the Saturday headliner, highlighting his only UK appearance for 2024. The news was featured in Holler., Maverick Magazine, Metro, Daily Express, Americana UK, and more! For more information, visit thelongroad.com.

Upcoming Tour Dates include:
JUN 09 - Tower Theatre / Bend, Ore.
JUN 14 - Boot Barn Hall of Bourbon Brothers / Colorado Springs, Colo.
JUN 29 - Vienna Freedom Festival / Vienna, W.Va.
JUL 13 - American Bank Center Selena Auditorium / Corpus Christi, Texas
JUL 20 - Boot Barn Hall / Gainesville, Ga.
JUL 28 - Belly Up / Solana Beach, Calif.
AUG 09 - The Canyon / Montclair, Calif.
AUG 10 - Libbey Bowl / Ojai, Calif.
AUG 24 - The Long Road Festival / Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
(UK)
SEP 04 - Wachholz College Center / Kalispell, Mont.
NOV 01 - Grand Theater / Wausau, Wisc.
NOV 09 - Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino / New
Buffalo, Mich.
NOV 30 - The Parker / Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
DEC 06 - Tarrytown Music Hall / Tarrytown, N.Y.
DEC 07 - Landsdowne Theater / Lansdowne, Pa.
DEC 13 - The Birchmere / Alexandria, Va.
DEC 20 - Hawaii Theatre / Honolulu, Hawaii

Over the years, music icons like Madonna and Garth Brooks have repeatedly covered the song. Rapper Drake often sampled McLean's tunes, and hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur cited him as an essential influence.

The legendary and still active singer/songwriter has had a significant career, selling over 50 million albums worldwide. Among other things, Don McLean has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2021), was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame (2022), received a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame (2019) and the Nashville Walk of Fame (2023), and was recently the focus of a Paramount+ documentary The Day The Music Died. There's no slowing down for this troubadour!

# # #
 

About Don McLean:
Don McLean is a GRAMMY Award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a Top 5 Song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late 1960s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. His catalog of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, McLean’s handwritten manuscript of “American Pie” lyrics was auctioned by Christie's, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars, and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. Don landed a new recording contract with Time Life in 2020, with whom he released a catalog of recordings and a new album Still Playin’ Favorites. In 2021, Don’s “American Pie” was featured in the Avengers’ Black Widow and the Tom Hanks movie Finch. McLean received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of “American Pie,” and recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free. In 2022, McLean received six Telly Awards for his collaboration with international heavyweight Tyson Fury, released American Pie: A Fable children’s book, and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. In 2023, the Telly award-winning documentary The Day The Music Died was released on DVD and Blu-Ray. In unexpected news, President Yoon of South Korea sang “American Pie” for a delighted audience of White House guests in Washington, D.C. McLean was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame during a public ceremony along with Darius Rucker, Joe Galante, and Duane Eddy in Nashville, Tennessee. His latest album, ‘American Boys,’ was released on May 17, 2024.

For more information, visit donmclean.com.

Book Nook - Spring 2024 Zondervan Kidz Releases

 

Girls of the World: Doing More Than Ever Before by Linsey Davis and Michael Tyler ( Encourage children to use their voices, talents, and intelligence to help the world and raise awareness of girls and all the amazing things they do! An inspiration for readers of all ages, New York Times bestseller Girls of the World: Doing More Than Ever Before calls attention to the truth that it’s never too soon to become aware of and speak up about things that are important to you. Now is the perfect time for girls to show the world just who they are and what they’re capable of!

Operation: Happy: A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond by Jenni L. Walsh As World War II enters her backyard, a young girl tries to cope with the war and keep her family together by completing a bucket list with her best friend: her dog Happy. Featuring a dog’s POV and inspired by real-life experiences of a young Pearl Harbor survivor, this historical middle-grade novel will inspire readers 8 -12 to find courage in any situation. Kit and the Missing Notebook: A Book About Calming Anxiety by Chris and Lindsey Wheeler  Join Kit as she learns a lesson about overcoming anxiety and makes some new friends—and some delicious soup!—along the way. As kids get to know this little kangaroo with big feelings, they will discover how they can manage their own stress and new experiences in a healthy, positive manner.

I'm So Glad You Were Born: Celebrating Who You Are by Ainsley Earhardt #1 NYT Bestseller now available in board book! Parents and children both have big dreams—about their life and the wonders the future holds. I’m So Glad You Were Born celebrates those dreams as well as the wonder of everyday experiences like sweet and special snuggles and cuddles, fun times and learning times too! Race to Kindness by Orion Jean This inspiring picture book, written by TIME 2021 Kid of the Year Orion Jean, invites readers to join in the kindness movement, because when we dream big and work together, we can change the world.

The Beginner's Bible Craft and Activity Book: 30 Fun Projects Based on Bible Stories Unleash your creativity and make your favorite Bible stories come to life! Featuring 30 fun and engaging activities, including crafts and recipes, with easy-to-follow instructions, The Beginner’s Bible Craft and Activity Book turns any time into playtime. Kids will love transforming everyday objects into artful masterpieces, and each craft is inspired by a beloved Bible story right from The Beginner’s Bible! The Berenstain Bears Let's Go Play Collection: by Jan & Mike Berenstain Get outside and play with the Berenstain Bears! This high-value, six-book collection encourages young readers to get out and explore God’s wonderful world, with inspiring stories filled with adventure, laughter, and fun. The Berenstain Bears Let’s Go Play Collection—part of the bestselling Zonderkidz Living Lights™ series—also features helpful instructions and tips for ten timeless games and activities, including hopscotch, camping, capture the flag, and more!

Music Minute - Anthony Bonnette: Do You One Better

 Country artist Anthony Bonnette has announced the availability to pre-save his upcoming release of "Do You One Better,” a self-penned tune that brings sunny beach vibes to Country music, a new dance anthem and a love song, and the story unfolds on the beach. The lyrics take you there, the smells and the sounds of Galveston, the deep-breathed anticipation of new romance. Pre-save the new tune available on all digital music platforms on May 31, 2024, HERE.

Bonnette states, “As a songwriter, phrases like, “Do You One Better,” stick out to me. I like to find the song lyrics and music to go with it. This song came together quickly as the verses and chorus fell into place to create magic.”

"Do yourself a favor and check out Anthony Bonnette's great new single, Do You One Better. I love songs that take you back to the days of young love. And the Galveston references are super fun,” shared Producer Chad Mauldin.

The "Do You One Better" line came first to Anthony, and once he'd sung, "Girl, I can do you one better, stay with you forever, never leave you lonely again," he knew he had something special. The chorus came to him in less than a minute, and the verses followed later that evening


Catch up with Anthony Bonnette on the road to join him on tour and experience the music live.

2024 Tour Dates
06-15-24 - Brisket Love Barbecue & Icehouse Lindale, TX
06-21-24 - Swingin Doors Terrell, TX
07-20-24 - Moore's Store Ben Wheeler, TX 
08-03-24 - Leon’s Steakhouse and Saloon - Longview, TX
08-17-24 - Neon Moon Restaurant and Social Club - Yantis, TX
08-24-24 - Whiskey Bent Steakhouse & Saloon - Malakoff, TX
08-31-24 - Country Music Festival at Salmon Lake Park 2024 Grapeland, TX
09-14-24 - Five D Cattle Company Steak House & Meat Market Avinger, TX
More dates coming soon…

In the coming months of 2024, expect the release of more singles that epitomize the genuine, heartfelt essence of country music.

Stay current with everything Anthony Bonnette on the website anthonybonnette.com. Follow on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram and subscribe to the official Artist YouTube Channel for the latest videos.

Music is available on all digital platforms Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music and Amazon Music.

About Anthony Bonnette:
Country artist and songwriter Anthony Bonnette released his single, “Lion Tamer,” on March 22, 2024 and is best known for his song "Funny Man," published by Bluewater Music, produced by Merle Haggard and Toby Keith, and covered by Rodney Carrington for Capitol Records Nashville.
Anthony's single, "Lone Star Steel," captured audiences and was added to over 34 Spotify playlists, reaching over 2.1 million listeners, and has over 120K streams. According to Chartmetric, Anthony gained over 50,000 Monthly Spotify listeners with the single's release. He ranks among the top 200 Americana  Artists worldwide. He is also among the top 10,000 Country Artists and 20,000 Singer/Songwriter Artists. “Lone Star Steel” is a historical fiction tribute to his Lone Star, TX roots. Recorded at iconic KSIJ studios (Elvis was here!) with talents like Milo Deering of The Eagles and produced by Mauldin Productions.
Anthony Bonnette was born in Lone Star, Texas. He grew up in the piney woods of East Texas near Lake O’ the Pines, and is the oldest of four boys. After high school, Anthony got a guitar and started writing his own songs. Anthony met a music producer in Dallas, TX who invited him to Nashville, where Anthony recorded his first two singles: "Every Time It Rains" and "It's All Coming Back To Me Now."
 Anthony’s recent singles include “Upshur County” (2022) and “Just A Heartache Ago” (2023), the latter reaching the #24 spot on the SoundCloud Ireland Pop Chart.