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Become Better Humans
Cows with Bangs: A Stylish Tale of Acceptance follows an artistic cow with a passion for hairstyling who is mocked by her peers, and eventually earns their respect when the famous Highland Queen comes to see her for a makeover. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story surfaced during a public event I attended at a local farm. This farm, Highland Hills Farm in Emmetsburg, Iowa, raises miniature Highland cows to sell as pets. I thought to myself, Oh look, cows with bangs. I knew, in that moment, I had to create a children’s book with that title. I rarely come up with a title first, but in this case, it was too cute not to. My next thoughts were bangs, hair, styles, and cosmetology. I filed the idea away for several months until I was ready to work on the story during Christmas break 2024.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My stories contain a lesson or two to help young children become better humans. As a teacher, I am with children each day and observe their struggles. Kids are constantly learning how to master the skills they need to navigate life. In doing so, they frequently suffer from hurt feelings. Sometimes kids are misunderstood or mocked by their peers for just being themselves. This was the core situation I decided to present in the character of Claire.
Another concept I hope adults pick up on is how important it is to support kids. Taking the time and giving 100% of your attention, even if only for a minute or two, and speaking kind words can deeply affect a child. This concept was shown through the character of the queen.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed the last scene when Claire becomes the herd’s cow-moo-tologist. That play on words always makes people laugh or smile.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently finishing up a chapter book for ages 8-12. That is Book Three in my series The Crustacean Chronicles. It completes the series, which follows Charlie’s Crabby Day and The Sand Sculpture Competition.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Claire is an artist with a talent for styling hair, but her passions are not welcomed and her peers shun her. That is until the famous Highland Queen comes to her rescue.
The Queen praises Claire’s skills and requests a hair appointment, causing the others to reconsider their judgment and line up for their own fabulous makeovers.
This charming tale of embracing individuality and gaining acceptance will remind us of the value of being supportive and kind.
New Hopes and Dreams
Little Melvin… The Pig That Could Eat the World follows a young pig living on a farm whose hunger gets out of control, sending him on an out-of-this-world adventure. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Anyone (even a cute little pig) can break free from his/her confines in search of new hopes and dreams and adventure!
Also, not everyone has visited a farm, particularly younger children, and this book may give them an early view of how a farm can look.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
To successfully create an enjoyable picture book that could be enjoyed between parents and young children during reading times together.
I was also hopeful that the book could attract the interest of a traditional publisher or literary agent.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
There may be another Little Melvin coming to market. If so, I envision him returning to Earth to share his adventures from outer space where he learned important ways, on other planets, to improve our planet (instead of devouring it)!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
But Melvin’s simple, everyday world is about to change forever.
Melvin’s deep love for his farmers delicious food takes over, and his need for more food leads him to a place he could never have imagined!
You might say that Melvin’s new adventure is truly, “out of this world”!
Attitude is Everything
In The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac, young readers will explore farm life with two grandparents who lovingly tend their animals and demonstrate the importance of hard work. What inspired you to write this story?
The answer to that question is simple, my parents. The characters in the series The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac are based on my mom and dad and the values, integrity, and importance of a job well done that they instilled in me and my brother. Mr. Mac, my father, Mr. McClure, is a retired veteran with the nickname Mac. My mother’s name is Jean Kingsberry and my father refers to her as Granny Jay Kay. When I was younger and growing up in the country we always had a large garden, animals, and chores that needed tending to. Looking back there were times the chores seemed never-ending yet my parents in no way swayed from the responsibility and taught us to do the same. They demonstrated the satisfaction of what hard work can bring. This is something I’ve carried with me throughout my life and feel the need to share and pass along as well. Although the other stories in the series move away from the farm, taking them on a variety of adventures, you will find underlying lessons in all the books. This first story, however, pays tribute to the love and respect I have for my parents and the deep values they taught me growing up. My hope is others will journey through their adventures and be encouraged to find their path and sense of belonging.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the main ideas I want to capture in my books and in life is that attitude is everything. If we keep an open mind and a positive attitude, all is better. From completing a simple task to the most difficult, we can determine how we react, positive or negative. In life there will always be a “chore” needing to be completed and venturing in with a negative attitude just makes things that much more unbearable vs. completing something with a positive mindset, giving it your all, and then allowing yourself to feel a sense of accomplishment when it is achieved can and will be so much more rewarding. I also wanted to share the importance of slowing down, resting, and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us like standing on a porch watching fireflies with your mom.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. What was it like to collaborate with illustrator Jenna Jordan?
Jenna Jordan is a kind, beautiful soul. I so enjoyed how she took the words from my head and portrayed them on paper. With her simple but impactful illustration style, she completely brought the characters and stories to life. She is a pleasure to work with, goes above and beyond, and I will always be grateful to her for bringing Mr. Mac and Granny Jay Kay into reality!
Can we look forward to seeing more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
As I shared, The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac is a series. As of now there are five adventures that either Mr. Mac, or Mr. Mac and Granny venture on. Each story stands on its own, yet also works together as they progress through the tales. For the most part everything is written and illustrated. Currently though, Jenna and I are fine tuning some of the illustrations for book two, The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac, The Magic Trap with The Poke-A-Dot Cap, and I hope to begin working with my publisher, Yorkshire Publishing, for its release soon. We are both excited and looking forward to seeing Mr. Mac and Granny continue their journey.
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The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac
Living with grandparents can profoundly impact children, fostering empathy, gratitude, and stronger family bonds while offering rich learning experiences. Vickilynn O’Donnell’s charming book, The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac, encapsulates these values through a delightful narrative centered around two loving grandparents and their serene farm life. Mr. Mac resides in a picturesque, bright yellow farmhouse surrounded by lush green grass, perfect for playing and exploring. The farm is home to a variety of endearing animals, including cows, pigs, and Mr. Mac’s faithful dog, Digs. While Mr. Mac enjoys the tranquility of farm life, it is Granny Jay Kay who diligently manages the daily chores. Together, they tend to the animals and meticulously maintain their tools, emphasizing the importance of care and organization.
O’Donnell’s storytelling is a celebration of simplicity and the joys of rural life. Her writing, characterized by melodious and succinct sentences, is ideal for young readers just beginning to read independently. The vocabulary is accessible, making the narrative both engaging and easy to follow.
The illustrations are vibrant and joyful, with characters constantly smiling and the animals depicted adorably. A notable feature is the inclusion of real photographs of the characters and animals at the end of the book, enhancing the connection between the reader and the story. Despite the book’s serene atmosphere and lack of conflict, it brilliantly underscores the value of hard work and the deep satisfaction that comes from completing tasks.
The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac is an excellent read for fostering a love of nature and a deep appreciation for the elderly. Vickilynn O’Donnell presents a heartwarming tale that highlights the rewards of a simple, well-organized life, making it a perfect tool for teaching children the significance of daily responsibilities and the pleasures of rest and accomplishment.
Pages: 24 | ISBN : 978-1960810632
The Little Regenerative Farmer
One day a little girl and her parents went to visit a farm. Her name is Lina, and she loves animals of all kinds. She realizes that she too wants a farm, but her parents are not so sure, they tell her how much work it is, but Lina is not discouraged. Instead, she reads books to find out the best way to care for chickens and convinces her parents to let her have some. From there, she starts a garden and grows all kinds of vegetables, so many that she shares with the neighbors. Soon she is teaching her family and neighbors all about the value of regenerative farming.
The Little Regenerative Farmer by Lauren Lovejoy is an educational and heartwarming story about one girl’s desire to make the world a better place. This children’s book teaches kids about what regenerative agriculture is and how it can be done even with a small backyard garden. You do not need a farm to make the world a better place.
Yana Gorbatiyk illustrates this story in a way that draws the readers into Lina’s world. Her backyard farm is filled with cute animals that will make you smile and laugh and keep younger readers’ attention as they investigate all that the images offer. The illustrations alone tell this magical story so younger children that can not read yet can still understand what is happening in the story.
The Little Regenerative Farmer is an enlightening picture book about farm life and animals. It teaches children and adults about how regenerative farming works. Another meaningful message of this story is to not give up on your dreams; Lina wanted a small farm and, through hard work and research, was able to achieve her dream. This is a beautiful book for families and schools to teach about farming and dedication.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B09VWTZKWV
Fixing Nick
Nick, the barn is looking run down and old. His doors are broken, his fence is falling down, his stalls are dirty, and his paint is faded and chipped. So the farmer decides that it is time to build a new barn to replace Nick. However, the animals want to save their friend. They work together to fix Nick and make him like new again. It is a big job. Will they be able to save Nick, or will the farmer still replace him with a new barn?
Fixing Nick, written by Howie Groff, tells the story of friendship and working together. This beautifully written picture book shows an unlikely group of animals that band together under the guidance of Goose to make all the repairs to Nick the barn before the next day when the farmer has someone coming to build a new barn. Old Goat doesn’t think they can do it, and that Nick is not able to be saved. However, the rest of the animals refuse to give up and will not let their friend down. This children’s book powerfully portrays the message of sticking together and helping those in need. Even when the tasks seem too big for the animals, they find a way to make them happen.
The colorful and cheerful illustrations done by Olya Bond bring the story to life. They have managed to capture the animals’ emotions on each page, the determination, the concern, and the joy as they make a difference in the life of their friend.
I enjoyed the rhymes in the story, it makes reading it a joy, and you can’t help but smile as you follow along with all the animals. This is a story children will want read aloud to them as they follow along with the playful illustrations.
Fixing Nick is a heartwarming picture book about friendship and working together to save another friend. This children’s book is perfect for teaching kids about the value of working hard and fixing things rather than just throwing something away or replacing it. It teaches the importance of friendships and teamwork.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B09S7MX4YG
A Hickory Doc’s Tale
The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow: A Hickory Doc’s Tale, follows the unusual friendship of a puppy and a crow that causes concern with the other dogs in the pack. What was the inspiration for your story?
A friend told his true story to my husband and myself of a crow that befriend his family.
Thirty years of having hunting dogs always proved to be a challenge between dogs when another one entered our family.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
To present teachable tales to elementary school children on the lives of hunting dogs, other animals in nature, their habitats, and life lessons involving—family, friendships, bravery, diversity, and problem solving.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The pool scene. We had a wonderful German Shorthaired pointer named Rush that was the only one that would get in our pool—but he would not touch the water—only jumping in on one of our pool rafts. We would take him around the pool while he sat with his chest out as if saying “Look at me! I’m swimming.” The other dogs totally ignored him when Rush was in the pool.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Desert Friends: Travels with the Pack (Archway Publishing)
It will be available in the Spring of 2022.
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One day, when Doc and Patch are napping on the porch, a young black crow swoops down and lands on Patch’s head. This is how the dogs meet Willie, a crow with bad eyesight who becomes the particular friend of Patch. Although the other dogs don’t like Willie very much, Doc knows Patch can learn a lot about birds by playing with the crow. Then one day, Patch accidentally falls into the swimming pool and isn’t able to get out. Doc and Zeke can’t swim, so Willie is sent to find Newt to rescue Patch. Will he make it in time?
Featuring fun color illustrations, this children’s story shares how a pack of hunting dogs and an extraordinary crow become friends and learn from one another.
LITERARY TITAN 