Dixie Phillips Visits Topsy Turvy Land
Dixie Phillips began writing seasonal plays for children in 1987. These ministry resources have been published by Abingdon Press, Standard Publishing, Eldridge Publishing, Evangelizing Today's Child and Gospel Publishing House.
One of Dixie's children's books, Stubby's Destiny, was awarded the 2008 Best Children's Animal Story by Books and Authors. Guardian Angel Publishing has released Dixie's children's books; "Angel Eyes," "Stubby's Destiny," "One Noble Journey," "Baby Jesus is Missing," "Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother," and "Stilts the Stork."
Dixie contributed to an award-winning devotional book and has ghostwritten books on marriage, health, poetry and personal testimonies. She is currently a topical curriculum writer for Randall House.
Giveaway! My Favorite Bible by Rondi DeBoer and Christine Tangvald
Would you like to opportunity to own this Bible? Leave a comment below telling me why this Bible would make a good addition to your home or church library. That's it! I'll put all the names in a virtual hat and post a winner on December 15. Please remember to 'follow' the blog for updates. - Donna
Giveaway courtesy of Revell Publishing, I have one copy of My Favorite Bible to give away.
With the vibrant illustrations and engaging text in this Bible storybook, you can enjoy sharing the best-loved stories of the Bible with the children in your life and encourage a life-long love for the Word of God. My Favorite Bible is a book of exciting Bible stories and activity pages that guide children through the foundational truths of Scripture.
Each story is fully illustrated and includes a simple narrative full of things kids love: repetition, rhythm, and energy, along with a key biblical theme, a key Bible verse, and discussion questions to help adults introduce children to the Bible.
The colorful illustrations will capture the imaginations of children ages 4–8, and the stories will help adults to pass along the most important truth in life—the Gospel. Families will cherish this time as they read, listen, learn, and love, growing closer to one another even as they grow closer to God.
This is not a children’s Bible. It is a Bible story book that includes key verses and parent pages called “Family Talk” and “Family Fun” to assist adults in discussing the stories with children.
Giveaway courtesy of Revell Publishing, I have one copy of My Favorite Bible to give away.
Enter to Win a Copy of Baby Jesus Is Missing
Phillips and Phillips Music is giving away a free copy of Dixie's book "Baby Jesus is Missing." To enter the drawing, visit this link - http://www.phillipsandphillipsmusic.com/free-christmas-book.html, click on CONTACT US and write your name, email, and tell us in 50 words or less how you plan to keep JESUS in Christmas this year. One lucky winner will be announced December 14th. They will cover the shipping too! Merry Christmas!
Kit Grady Visits Topsy Turvy Land
Kit Grady is a wonderful illustrator with whimsical and joyful art. She illustrated my book, Bradybug, (Guardian Angel Publishing) with beautiful and sweet illustrations.
Visit Kit's blog for more information about Kit and to enjoy more of her talent.
Christmas Hidden Picture Puzzle/Coloring Page
A special treat! A hidden picture puzzle by Liz Ball. To order books with her hidden picture puzzles or Topsy Turvy Land, click HERE. Enjoy!
*Click on picture to print out full size ready to be colored, or right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
Mayra Calvani Visits Topsy Turvy Land
Recently I had the pleasure of recording the voiceover for "The Doll Violinist" by Mayra Calvani, a sweet book about an orphan named Emma. Five days before Christmas, Emma is captivated by a doll in a shop window. Each day, she sneaks out of the orphanage to check if it’s been sold, but the shop owner, Madame Dubois, sends her away, but Emma keeps her hopes up that one day that doll will be hers. The illustrations by Amy Moreno are lovely.
Author: Mayra Calvani: http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/
Illustrations: Amy Cullings Moreno
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-61633-185-6; 1616331852
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61633-186-3; 1616331860
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-187-0; 1616331879
ABC's Children's Picture Book Finalist
Honorable Mention Award in the 75th Annual Writers Digest Writing Competition
Violin books by Mayra:
Picture Book Month
Did you know November is Picture Book Month? Here's a great blog to help you celebrate!
Thanksgiving Coloring Page and Hidden Picture Puzzle
Liz Ball shares a Hidden Picture Puzzle for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!
*Click on the picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
Fiction Friday on Active Christian Media
Stacy Harp interviewed me for her Fiction Friday show on Active Christian Media. Click below to listen.
Listen to internet radio with acmedia on Blog Talk Radio
Internet Book Fair Blogfest
Ready to discover some wonderful books? We're having an online book fair! Click the link above to find other authors and their books, too!
My books are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or any place books are sold. They can also be ordered individually or wholesale through the publishers' websites. Hope you find some great books!
Guardian Angel Publishing
Hidden Pictures Publishing
The Golden Pathway - Finalist
The Global eBook Awards Winners were announced Saturday, August 20th. I posted below that Sully's Topsy Tale won in its category. I want to also recognize Donna McDine. While The Golden Pathway did not win the Children's Picture Book Fiction category, it was a finalist. Congratulations to Donna McDine!
A big thanks goes to Dan Poynter, Joseph Dowdy, and the judges for their time and effort coordinating and executing the awards.
Sully's Topsy Tale Won Award
Sully's Topsy Tale
won the Children's Picture Book - Fiction division of the Global eBook Awards. Woohoo!
won the Children's Picture Book - Fiction division of the Global eBook Awards. Woohoo! 
Sully's Topsy Tale - Finalist in eBook Competition
Just got this note: "Congratulations! Your ebook has been declared a finalist in Dan Poynter's Global eBook Awards." This is my favorite of the Topsy Tales. I'm so glad Sully's Topsy Tale
received this recognition!
Printable Coloring Pages
Did you know that our flag was 225 years old on June 14, 2002? It has 50 stars (one for every state) and 13 stripes (one for each of the original 13 colonies).
Color the Statue of Liberty, the American eagle, the American flag and more.
Coloring Pages for July 4
Download all the pages and create your own coloring book! To download free coloring pages, click on the July 4th picture you'd like to color.
OUCH! Sunburn! - NookBook
As temperatures rise, it's timely for OUCH! Sunburn! to be released on Barnes & Noble as a NookBook!
Here's a link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/OUCH-Sunburn/Donna-J-Shepherd/e/2940043327086/?itm=2&USRI=ouch+sunburn
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Here's a link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/OUCH-Sunburn/Donna-J-Shepherd/e/2940043327086/?itm=2&USRI=ouch+sunburn
I'm a Tiny Turtle!
Check out this video of "Whispering Wally" called "The Trouble with Treasure." I play Torrie, a tiny sea turtle. Based on characters developed by Kevin S. Collier and Kristen Collier. Isn't Torrie cute?
TORRIE THE SEA TURTLE learns many lessons from her guide and mentor Wally the whale in their story time adventures. Torrie represents the curiosity of youth in all of us as well as the drive to explore and discover new things in a unknown environment. So, it's good to know that the young at heart with a huge guardian like Wally the whale can experience wonderful discoveries in the oceans with safety and security.
For more coloring pages and fun adventures, check out Wally's Blog! http://whisperingwally.blogspot.com
Connie Arnold Highlights "Where is Salami?"
Today Connie Arnold is featuring "Where is Salami?" 
illustrated by Jack Foster (Guardian Angel Publishing). Connie Arnold , Children's Author: Where is Salami?: "My friend, Donna Shepherd, is the author of many delightful picture books. A new one has recently been published by Guardian Angel Publishin..."
Vote for the Sibilant Snake! Pleas-S-S-S-e?
Sully's Topsy Tale
eBook is up for an award! Go to this link to vote for him. At the top of the page are some e's. Hover your mouse over those and hopefully, you will give it five e's which will say "you've gotta read it." Thanks!I'm interviewed!
I'd love for you to visit Kai's fun blog called "Strands of Thought" and leave a comment after my interview. It was a different and fun way to be interviewed.
I'm interviewed on "Write What Inspires You."
Today, I'm interviewed on Donna McDine's blog "Write What Inspires You!" Stop by and leave a comment if you get a minute.
Thanks, Donna, for the boost!
Mother's Day Hidden Picture Puzzle/Coloring Page
A special treat! A hidden picture puzzle and coloring page for Mother's Day by Liz Ball. To order books with her hidden picture puzzles or other books (like Topsy Turvy Land) from Hidden Pictures Publishing, click HERE. Enjoy!
*Click on the picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
"Where is Salami?" Coloring Page
*Click on picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on picture, and then 'save picture as...', then print it out using your photo program.
Where Is Salami? - Availaible Now!
Beth's little brother has so many pets, he's lost track of a few! Children will delight in finding the animals in the vibrant illustrations and discovering hidden pictures on every page. Humorous rhymes entertain and inform with fun facts about the creatures. Of course, the animals all show up in the end - or do they?
To Purchase from Publisher:
Copyright © 2011 Donna J. Shepherd
Illustrations © 2011 Jack Foster
Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-147-4; 161633147X
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-148-1; 1616331488
March 2011
Published in the United States of America
Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
12430 Tesson Ferry Road #186
Saint Louis, Missouri 63128 USA
"Where is Salami?" ..is a cute rhyming story for children ages 2-5 years old that shows the importance of keeping your pets in their cages and teaches kids more about the animals. The bright and colorful pictures add to the enjoyment of the book. The readers are sure to have fun finding the hidden objects in every picture. Parents and kids should both enjoy the book and I suspect they will find themselves reading it over and over. -- Nancy A. Cavanaugh, Once Upon a Book Review; Click HERE to read the full review.
Coloring Page - Dotty from Dotty's Topsy Tale
*Click on the picture, then print. It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
Topsy Turvy Word Search
A Word Search using words found in the picture book Topsy Turvy Land. Have fun!
Click to enlarge and print out.
Topsy Turvy Moment with Ellie Braun-Haley
Today my guest is Ellie Braun-Haley. Let's read about her life-changing and touching moment she shared when I asked, "Have you had a time in your life, career, or writing journey where everything turned ‘topsy turvy’?"
The day my world turned upside down was a day when everything felt "off" and I could not understand why it felt that way. I was away in another city for a day and when I returned home, my 17-year-old son was not home. He had been away for the day competing but he should have been back. The "off" feeling grew stronger and I felt like the world was ending. Everything was weird and my feeling of panic increased.
When the police came to my door, I could not accept the news they handed me. "Please don't tell me my son is dead. Just take me to him. He's really in the hospital and he's going to be all right."
But they would not take me to him and he was not all right. He had been killed on his way to compete. All that day when I was feeling out of sorts, it was because my world, as I knew it, no longer existed. Jason was gone!
I was very close to my son and when he died in a vehicle accident at the tender age of 17, I thought I would never see him again nor hear his voice, but I was wrong in my assumption. Life often holds more for us than we could ever imagine, and God in His wisdom, gives us opportunities we need to heal us and to move forward.
It was God who helped put my world back together again. My Heavenly Father led me, comforted me, and sent others to help me find my way back to harmony. God used this new time in my life to introduce me to things I had never even dreamed of. He walked with me and helped me to "see" again, but with a new perspective. And God introduced me to hundreds of people who talked to me and shared wondrous stories, stories that I recorded and eventually published in a book.
Five years after Jason's death God gave me something else I desperately ached for. Jason, of course was never far from my thoughts and one day, the pain of missing my son returned so abruptly I broke down, sobbing. Between huge gulps, I spoke to God in prayer, begging Him to give me a dream where I could once more see my tall, beautiful, blond-haired son. I pleaded. I begged. I cried. “It is very easy for you, God. This is so simple. Please, please give me this dream. I miss him so much. All I ask for is a hug. That’s easy for you, just one hug in a dream.” I cried on and begged as if my life depended upon this one thing. In those five years since his death, I had dreams every night, but not once had Jason been in any dream. I ached with a mother’s heart, yearning to see my son, to hold him, if only in a dream.
God answered my prayers and I indeed got my dream. Strangely though in my dream, Jason was not the tall 17-year-old son. He was much younger – he might have been seven years old. In the dream, I was chastising him for something he had done. I said, “Jason, don't do that. Do you want to get killed?"
And this little blue-eyed boy, my son, looked at me and spoke the most compelling words he ever uttered, “But Mom, death isn't forever."
I awoke and immediately felt upset. I thought, “Five years without a dream and now I don't even get a hug!”
Then as I became more fully awake, it dawned on me I had just been given something far better. Jason had returned to me as a child to comfort me. My son had given me words that have filled me with hope again and again ever since that night. Any time I ache for reassurance and comfort, I need only recall that one sentence from Jason, “But mom, death isn’t forever.”
My topsy turvy world had righted itself, with help from God!
Thank you, Ellie, for sharing your Topsy Turvy Moment. Be sure to check out her web site for more stories.
St. Patrick's Day Hidden Picture Puzzle/Coloring Page
A special treat! A hidden picture puzzle for St. Patrick's Day by Liz Ball. To order books with her hidden picture puzzles or other books (like Topsy Turvy Land!) from Hidden Pictures Publishing, click HERE. Enjoy!
*Click on the picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
Would you like to know more about St. Patrick? Click HERE to visit History.com to read all about him.
*Click on the picture, then print! It will print out full size ready to be colored. If that doesn't work with your printer, right click on the picture, and then 'save picture as...' and then you can print it out using your photo program.
Would you like to know more about St. Patrick? Click HERE to visit History.com to read all about him.
Topsy Turvy Moment with Lisa Simmons
We've all had moments when our life, career, or writing journey turned topsy turvy. Things change - many times for the better, although it might not seem so at the time. 
We've all had moments when our life, career, or writing journey turned topsy turvy. Things change - many times for the better, although it might not seem so at the time. Today my guest is Lisa Simmons. Let's read about her life-changing moment she shared when I asked, "Have you had a time in your life, career, or writing journey where everything turned ‘topsy turvy’?"
My topsy turvy moment was a gradual one. I realize about 5 years ago when my youngest child (my only daughter) started high school that I was soon going to be out of a job... "MOM." I had been a stay-at-home mom for about 25 years and loved it, but knew that some day it would end. That time was bearing down on me like a freight train. So I began doing what I had always wanted to do, slowly at first and gradually picking up steam - writing, singing, and mentoring young moms.
Now that my daughter is a freshman in college, I'm so glad that I started early in preparing myself for "empty nest". I have enjoyed every stage of motherhood and am enjoying this one as well. You can listen to some of my "mom songs" at www.reverbnation.com/greasingtheskids.
Thanks, Lisa, for sharing your Topsy Turvy Moment. Be sure to check out her fun songs!
sent Mama Donna a coloring page featuring 
the book by the same name. A Real Life Hidden Picture
Almost all of my children's books have hidden pictures in them. When I saw this picture, I laughed. Tell me - how many pups are in this picture?
4 Coloring Books Giveaway
Just go to her blog at "Little Deb's Doodlings" and leave a comment to have your name put in the hat. She'll draw a winner on February 14.
CLICK HERE!
Topsy Turvy Moment with Donna McDine
We've all had moments when our life, career, or writing journey turned topsy turvy. Things change - many times for the better, although it might not seem so at the time.
Today my guest is Donna McDine. Let's read about her life-changing moment when I asked, "Have you had a time in your life, career, or writing journey where everything turned ‘topsy turvy’?"
My goodness, I don’t know a person who could say 'no' to this question. As for me, the Fall/Winter of 2009 went all ‘topsy turvy.’ What began as a cold turned into a sinus infection, then bronchitis. The doctor immediately put me on antibiotics which I had an allergic reaction to and had to come off pronto. With my immune system not up to par, I then came down with the dread swine flu. I thought was sick before. Boy, was I wrong! My energy level was zapped. My body was telling to me to rest, but my head was swirling with what I wanted to accomplish to keep my writing momentum going. I foolishly struggled to partake in social networking and answering emails and then exhaustion would set in.
My husband and children stepped up to the plate and took over the household duties (which I won’t bore you with, since you all basically do the same mundane tasks), and friends helped out with the driving the girls to their extracurricular activities. Once my husband was aware of me sneaking computer time when he wasn’t home he had the girls lock the computer with a password. I know this sounds terrible, but he saved me from being my own worst enemy. It forced me to take the well needed break to focus on my health. Besides, what good would I be to anyone if I relapsed and got worse?
What I was forced to realize was my world would not stop if I didn’t work, write, etc., and that everything would be waiting for me upon my return. It took about four weeks to feel myself and another few weeks after that to get back into the groove of my life.
Even though life was ‘topsy turvy’ for awhile it all settled back into place after I got my health back in check. Three cheers for supportive family and friends!
I'm so thankful that Donna is back to normal. She is such a wonderful part of the children's writing community and since I made the trip to St. Louis, a friend. - Donna S.
All about Donna McDine:
The Golden PathwayWritten by: Donna M. McDine
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
PUBLISHER: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
PUBLICATION DATE: August 2010
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-081-1
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-082-8
SYNOPSIS: Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa.
Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.
---------------------
NWFCC Publicist and Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids
Member of SCBWI and Musing Our Children
Donna’s Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com
Write What Inspires You Blog: http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/
The Golden Pathway Blog: http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com
Write What Inspires You! FREE Newsletter: opt-in @ http://www.donnamcdine.com and receive FREE e-book “Write What Inspires You Author Interviews”
Don't have time to write and post your media releases? Contact: Dynamic Media Release Services: http://www.donnamcdine.com/dynamicmediareleases.html
Today my guest is Donna McDine. Let's read about her life-changing moment when I asked, "Have you had a time in your life, career, or writing journey where everything turned ‘topsy turvy’?"
My goodness, I don’t know a person who could say 'no' to this question. As for me, the Fall/Winter of 2009 went all ‘topsy turvy.’ What began as a cold turned into a sinus infection, then bronchitis. The doctor immediately put me on antibiotics which I had an allergic reaction to and had to come off pronto. With my immune system not up to par, I then came down with the dread swine flu. I thought was sick before. Boy, was I wrong! My energy level was zapped. My body was telling to me to rest, but my head was swirling with what I wanted to accomplish to keep my writing momentum going. I foolishly struggled to partake in social networking and answering emails and then exhaustion would set in.
My husband and children stepped up to the plate and took over the household duties (which I won’t bore you with, since you all basically do the same mundane tasks), and friends helped out with the driving the girls to their extracurricular activities. Once my husband was aware of me sneaking computer time when he wasn’t home he had the girls lock the computer with a password. I know this sounds terrible, but he saved me from being my own worst enemy. It forced me to take the well needed break to focus on my health. Besides, what good would I be to anyone if I relapsed and got worse?
What I was forced to realize was my world would not stop if I didn’t work, write, etc., and that everything would be waiting for me upon my return. It took about four weeks to feel myself and another few weeks after that to get back into the groove of my life.
Even though life was ‘topsy turvy’ for awhile it all settled back into place after I got my health back in check. Three cheers for supportive family and friends!
I'm so thankful that Donna is back to normal. She is such a wonderful part of the children's writing community and since I made the trip to St. Louis, a friend. - Donna S.
All about Donna McDine:
The Golden PathwayWritten by: Donna M. McDine
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
PUBLISHER: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
PUBLICATION DATE: August 2010
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-081-1
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-082-8
SYNOPSIS: Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa.
Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.
---------------------
NWFCC Publicist and Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids
Member of SCBWI and Musing Our Children
Donna’s Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com
Write What Inspires You Blog: http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/
The Golden Pathway Blog: http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com
Write What Inspires You! FREE Newsletter: opt-in @ http://www.donnamcdine.com and receive FREE e-book “Write What Inspires You Author Interviews”
Don't have time to write and post your media releases? Contact: Dynamic Media Release Services: http://www.donnamcdine.com/dynamicmediareleases.html
Guardian Angel Kids (GAK) eZine - February
The February issue of GAK is online with stories, a poem, and activities for kids.
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